Aquatic Plant Cultivators and Deep Collectors

The Frostfolk’s plant-based diet comes primarily from the sea—mainly algae and mosses that are edible or otherwise useful. These plants rarely grow in the depths around Nyrian, preferring sunlit water layers higher up. Yet the Frostfolk have found ways to harvest the coveted leaves, stems, and roots nonetheless.   Many of these plants—and some animals—did not originate near Nyrian but were brought from the remote Ice Isles. These islands feature shallow shelves and coral reefs densely covered with algae, mussels, seagrass, and other organisms. Since the golems sealed the ice boundary, the supply of seeds has been cut off. As a result, cultivation has become increasingly important.  

The Work of an Algae Cultivator

Algae cultivators are responsible for sowing, tending, and harvesting valuable aquatic plants grown in coastal basins. Large artificial basins have been built along the coast, supplied with fresh seawater via pipelines. Depending on the algae species, the basins vary in depth. Cultivators carefully monitor for invasive animals, foreign plants, or contaminants that could disrupt growth.   Every one to two days, the ice layer forming on the water’s surface must be broken or scraped away—unless the algae in question thrives beneath ice. The basins themselves freeze very slowly due to the salt content (if at all), requiring several months, but the surface ices over quickly.   Harvesting occurs in intervals depending on the species: algae are carefully removed, cleaned, air-dried, and then trimmed. Some varieties are pressed into sheets, others cut into strips or packaged as whole leaves. Processing usually takes place on-site before the goods are delivered to the weekly Green Market in Vintergard or sold to traders.  

Mussel, Fish, and Crustacean Breeders

Many algae cultivators work in tandem with mussel and crustacean breeders. Basins that need to be prepared for new algae sowing are first stocked with mussels, fish, and small crustaceans. These animals consume algae remnants and help purify the water. While the basins are temporarily unsuitable for algae cultivation, they become ideal for animal farming.   This creates a kind of symbiosis: the animals clean the basin, and the largest specimens are later harvested and sold as food. Mussels are especially valuable, as they filter the water and remove residual growth, leaving the basin remarkably clean over time.  

Icebloom Cultivators

Icebloom is a moss with antiseptic properties that is also used as a drug. It grows naturally in only a few places. Föndir developed a special cultivation method: bone boats are filled with a small amount of water so they remain buoyant. In these mobile containers, small moss clumps are carefully grown. The boats drift in sun-rich areas, promoting growth while offering a degree of concealment.   This technique is mainly used for drug production, as it allows efficient harvesting of larger quantities. Today, there are also legal Icebloom cultivators who grow the moss solely for medicinal purposes.  

Seagrass Cultivators in Galdra

During the great expeditions, not only surface plants and animals were brought back, but also marine life—including resilient seagrass. It wouldn’t survive in Nyrian’s ice plains, but in the artificially tempered warm zones around Galdra, it still thrives.   Several small farms are dedicated to maintaining this last surviving aquatic plant. For sufficient production, seagrass requires light, calm waters, and a constant gentle current to enable pollination. The water must also be warm and salty. Nearly all warm zones have been modified to create optimal conditions. The biggest challenge is light—but the mages of Galdra have developed special solutions to overcome this obstacle.  

Deep Collectors and Divers

Even in the depths, there are edible plants and animals—some require no light, others produce their own. Skilled divers venture into these dangerous regions to harvest or catch prized delicacies, including rare mussels, crabs, coral, sponges, and deep fungi.   To withstand the immense pressure, they use ancient rune armor that is flooded with water. Breathing is enabled by a magical mouthpiece crafted by Galdra’s mages, allowing underwater respiration for a limited time. A small glowing staff provides light, illuminating a radius of about five meters.