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Altitude Algae

Altialga aeris - Magical aspect: Enhancement

Visual Description
Altitude Algae is a filament-thin, sky-colored growth that spreads in delicate, web-like lattices across exposed rock surfaces. Its tendrils shimmer with a soft, electric-blue sheen when struck by direct sunlight, often giving the stone beneath it a surreal, mirror-like glow. At night, the algae does not darken—instead, it emits a faint bioluminescent pulse under moonlight, like strands of spun starlight clinging to the cliffside. A healthy patch can span several square feet, appearing almost ethereal to those unfamiliar with its presence.  
Habitat and Growth
This algae is uniquely adapted to the thin air and strong sunlight of high-altitude environments. It thrives on bare, wind-scoured stone in mountainous regions, especially those with an unobstructed view of both sky and moon. Patches tend to form in the crevices of cliff faces, windbreak shelves, or the tops of rocky spires—anywhere that water from passing clouds or early-morning dew can briefly gather.   Reproduction occurs through airborne spores, released in the liminal glow of dawn. These spores drift on high currents and settle only where conditions are pristine. Attempts to cultivate Altitude Algae below 4,000 feet above sea level have met with consistent failure.  
Alchemical Use and Preparation
Aligned with the Enhancement aspect, Altitude Algae is known for its ability to heighten perception, mental clarity, and focus. When brewed gently into a pale, lightly salted tea, it sharpens the senses and improves cognitive efficiency for a short time. Users often report a feeling of clearheaded intensity—colors seem brighter, thoughts more ordered, and distractions fade into the background.   Monastic orders, scholars, and some precision-based professions (such as artificers and engravers) have long sought out the algae for this purpose. The effects last for approximately one hour and leave no lasting fatigue—unless consumed in excess, in which case insomnia and restlessness may occur.   The algae is best gathered during a full moon, when its internal luminescence is at peak strength. It must be dried slowly in a shaded environment and stored in sealed glass jars to retain potency.  
Warnings and Curiosities
Overuse of Altitude Algae may result in overstimulation, anxiety, or sleeplessness, particularly in those unused to Enhancement-aligned substances. In rare cases, prolonged reliance may cause a form of “clarity addiction,” where individuals become restless or dull-witted when not under its influence.   It is often confused with Lunar Moss, a paler species that glows more brightly but lacks the algae’s distinctive shimmer in daylight. Lunar Moss has no known alchemical value and may even dilute the algae’s effects when mixed accidentally.  
Historical Notes and Folklore
For centuries, skybound monasteries in the Stoneheart Mountain range have cultivated reverence for Altitude Algae. Monks brew it during moonrise ceremonies, claiming it opens the “upper gate of thought.” Some believe that the algae only grows where the air is pure enough to carry truth.
“The mind doesn’t climb with the body—it must be lifted, strand by strand. Algae tea simply shows it the ledge.”
— Caldra Wren, The Emberleaf Journals
The Fog-Tongue Scandal
In the highland town of Hollowhold, a well-regarded tea vendor named Serrith Fog-Tongue built his reputation on offering "cliff-cut clarity blends" of Altitude Algae. Pilgrims and thinkers alike swore by the gentle sharpness of his brews.   But over time, murmurs spread—customers reported fuzziness at the edges of thought, or “a clarity with soft corners.” A local scribe, frustrated by days of mental drift, took a sample to a monastery distiller. There, under moonlight and glass, it was confirmed: Serrith had been blending in Lunar Moss, which mimicked the glow but dulled the effect.   The reaction was swift and sharp. The monks withdrew their patronage. Artists painted over his shop sign. Worst of all, no one challenged him to duel or trial—people simply stopped speaking his name.   To this day, dishonest mixtures of algae are derisively called “Fog-Tongue tea”—clear to look at, but hollow in the head.
Field Notes from Caldra Wren
Excerpt from The Emberleaf Journals, Vol. V   Brewed a half-handful of algae over stones still warm from midday sun. The tea turned silver at the surface. Drank slowly. Ten minutes in, I could see the pattern in the eagle’s flight like written lines—perfect arcs. Jotted down three improvements to the clarity blend.   Note: effects fade gently. No crash. Will recommend as part of focused spellcasting regimens.


Cover image: by This image was created with the assistance of DALL·E 2

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