[WB-FLORAL] Laudanum Lights

Originally discovered in the Labyrinthe Caverns, Laudanum Lights have successfully been cultivated and modified on all layers of the Cascades, for better or worse. Like most life in the Caverns, this plant grows best in constant darkness. But unlike most life in general, the lights grow upside-down by anchoring itself to a cave ceiling and absorbing the nutrients from natural reservoirs above. When harvested at the proper time, the glowing portion of this plant can be turned into a lantern requiring minimal magic to power it. As a result, the product exploded in popularity for travelling, home decor, city lights, and days long festivals. Unfortunately, when harvested or disturbed at the wrong time or when a significant amount of magic is applied, the glowing portion would disperse a shimmering powdery substance, coating the unlucky Tatsu, and causing them to fall asleep indefinitely. After an incident at a deep ground festival involving a magic performace's grand finale, dozens of lanterns, and the resulting fallout, sales dropped. Currently, a safer breed is in development, and they have reduced the maximum sleep time to 13 days.

To the common Tatsu, it would appear that the glowing portion is the flower. In actuality, the whole visible portion is the flower. The stem and roots are hidden, having burrowed downward through the rock from where it had planted. Its petals are dark and lobed, the sticky bitter seeds are left exposed at the center of the flower’s face, leaving the glowing portions to be the stamen, and powder as pollen. In the wild, the first time the stamen is triggered, the pollen is released, coating the Tatsu and putting them to sleep thus setting the lure. The second time it is triggered, usually by a large predator or scavenger, the seeds are dropped. By sticking to a large predator, it ensures that it will travel far enough and encounter a new substantially sized reservoir. Additionally, the pollen would cling to the large unaffected creature and be able to pollinate other Laudanum Lights as it moved through the Caverns.

Able to be purchased in multiple colors, shapes, and sizes, Laudanum Light Lanterns were once a staple commodity for many Tatsukoi. But after its darker side was revealed, sales have never been the same. Although, what else could be expected from something native to the Labyrinthe Caverns.