A Strange Spring

In the early spring of 2020, after nearly two years since the giant, alien flowers of 2018 first appeared, new growth springs up along the region's coastal areas. Though much smaller -- and no where near as potentially deadly as the last -- these flowers come as a haunting reminder of events passed.

This event was done in-tandem with Plague Doctors.

With flood waters a month receeded and the last snow and threat of frost passed, flora all over the region see new growth. Buds and blossoms appear on flowering trees, the bushes and brambles in the undergrowth become more vibrant, and the smell of spring begins to permeate the air...

It's a little sweeter than usual though, especially along the coasts.

Mysterious, sunflower-like flowers appear in the rocky crevices of cliffsides and along the chilly, windy shores where the sand meets the grass. Here and there, a few specimen can be found in coastal meadows and lightly forested areas. They bear a striking resemblance to the Strange Flora of two springs ago, but are less dramatic in both size, color, and effect. Perhaps they've hybridised with local species?

Plant Profile

Basics

Effects

  • Duration: Annual
  • Height: 6-8 ft
  • Leaf: Green
  • Flower: Color varies, most commonly red, orange, blue, white
  • Bloom time: April-July
  • Ideal habitat: Open coastal areas with moist, rocky soil
  • Light requirement: Bright sun
  • Water requirement: Medium

The flowers have an extremely pleasant smell and may cause momentary confusion, inexplicable happiness, or unexpected daydreaming to Luperci and other animals nearby, especially if there are a large number of flowers. However, the effect isn't strong enough to cause significant or lasting harm.

  • Wildlife: The flower attracts a variety of insects and birds for pollenation -- perhaps even an excessive amount. Seems resistent to common garden pests and other predation.
  • Toxicity: All parts of the plant are toxic, but would not be fatal to canines if ingested in small or diluted quantities. In large quantities, effects are similar to that of other flowers toxic to canines, such as azalea, daffodils, and oleander. The most potent part of the flower are the ovary, bulb, stem, and leaves. Its petals, anther, and filament are almost harmless once the flower is dead (but if a ton of those parts are ingested, they could still cause problems).
  • Other: Drying and smoking any part of the plant does not replicate the pleasant smell or effect of the flower. It's only potent while alive and blooming. Smoking espescially toxic portions of the plant may cause illness in Luperci.
  • DO NOTE: Luperci would not know any of the above by default and must figure it out by themselves, if they're to figure it out at all!

Luperci gardeners may choose to harvest and grow some of these weird new flowers for their general pleasantness, but those who've encountered their previous, giant counterparts may be wary of bringing these strange flora closer to home...


Category: Plot