Thunder Lotus
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Work in progress!
Slightly NSFW!
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Thunder Lotus is a broad-petalled aquatic plant that grows in slow, warm waters across storm-prone lowlands. Its leaves are wide and dark green, floating just below the surface, while the flower rises above the water on a thick, pale stem. The blossom itself is large and layered, with petals ranging from deep indigo at the base to pale white at the tips. Fine luminous veins run through the petals. During calm weather these veins remain dull. As storms gather, they brighten steadily, pulsing in time with distant thunder.
The plant grows only in bodies of water that experience frequent electrical storms. Floodplains, jungle lakes, river deltas, and monsoon-fed ponds are typical sites. It does not survive in stagnant marshes or fast-flowing rivers. Experienced foragers identify promising locations by watching where lightning strikes water repeatedly over many seasons. Thunder Lotus colonies often form in these places, anchoring their roots deep into silt and clay. The flowers bloom shortly before storms break and wilt within hours once the lightning fades.
Wildlife treats Thunder Lotus with caution. Fish gather beneath the leaves during storms, using the broad pads as shelter from rain and falling debris. Larger river predators avoid active blooms, as the water around them carries a mild electrical charge during heavy weather. Insects rarely land on the petals once the veins begin to glow. Locals believe this charge discourages parasites and rot, which may explain why the surrounding water often appears clearer after storms.
Beyond its primary use as a stimulant and endurance aid, Thunder Lotus has several secondary applications. Dried petals retain trace electrical residue and are ground into powders used in signal flares that ignite even in heavy rain. Alchemists use lotus fibres to stabilise mixtures involving energy, lightning, or rapid reactions. Some cultures stitch pressed petals into ceremonial cloaks worn by storm wardens, river guardians, or travellers tasked with crossing dangerous waters during monsoon season.
Harvesting Thunder Lotus is hazardous. The flower must be cut during or immediately after a lightning storm, while the veins still glow. Harvesting too early produces inert petals. Waiting too long causes the charge to dissipate and the bloom to collapse into useless pulp. Improper handling can cause muscle spasms or burns. Most injuries come not from the plant itself, but from slippery footing, sudden floods, or nearby lightning strikes. Many regions restrict harvesting to trained collectors.
Primary Use: When consumed before or during a storm, Thunder Lotus grants +20 to Endurance Tests against fatigue for one day.
Secondary Use: When used as an alchemical component, grants +10 to one Trade (Alchemy) Test involving lightning, energy, or rapid reactions.
Harvest: Hard (–20) Outdoor Survival Test during a storm. Failure inflicts 1d10 Damage ignoring Armour due to electrical discharge or accidents.
Price: Fresh bloom: 6–9 gc, Dried petals or refined powder: 10–14 gc
Primary Use: Consuming a Thunder Lotus draught restores 1d6 Might and ignores one fatigue effect for 24 hours.
Secondary Use: Single-use crafting component that eases one task involving energy, lightning, or environmental hazards.
Harvest Difficulty: 5 during active storms
Price: Fresh bloom: 200–300 shins, Refined material: 350–500 shins
The plant grows only in bodies of water that experience frequent electrical storms. Floodplains, jungle lakes, river deltas, and monsoon-fed ponds are typical sites. It does not survive in stagnant marshes or fast-flowing rivers. Experienced foragers identify promising locations by watching where lightning strikes water repeatedly over many seasons. Thunder Lotus colonies often form in these places, anchoring their roots deep into silt and clay. The flowers bloom shortly before storms break and wilt within hours once the lightning fades.
Wildlife treats Thunder Lotus with caution. Fish gather beneath the leaves during storms, using the broad pads as shelter from rain and falling debris. Larger river predators avoid active blooms, as the water around them carries a mild electrical charge during heavy weather. Insects rarely land on the petals once the veins begin to glow. Locals believe this charge discourages parasites and rot, which may explain why the surrounding water often appears clearer after storms.
Beyond its primary use as a stimulant and endurance aid, Thunder Lotus has several secondary applications. Dried petals retain trace electrical residue and are ground into powders used in signal flares that ignite even in heavy rain. Alchemists use lotus fibres to stabilise mixtures involving energy, lightning, or rapid reactions. Some cultures stitch pressed petals into ceremonial cloaks worn by storm wardens, river guardians, or travellers tasked with crossing dangerous waters during monsoon season.
Harvesting Thunder Lotus is hazardous. The flower must be cut during or immediately after a lightning storm, while the veins still glow. Harvesting too early produces inert petals. Waiting too long causes the charge to dissipate and the bloom to collapse into useless pulp. Improper handling can cause muscle spasms or burns. Most injuries come not from the plant itself, but from slippery footing, sudden floods, or nearby lightning strikes. Many regions restrict harvesting to trained collectors.
Thunder Lotus
Type: Herb (Rare)Primary Use: When consumed before or during a storm, Thunder Lotus grants +20 to Endurance Tests against fatigue for one day.
Secondary Use: When used as an alchemical component, grants +10 to one Trade (Alchemy) Test involving lightning, energy, or rapid reactions.
Harvest: Hard (–20) Outdoor Survival Test during a storm. Failure inflicts 1d10 Damage ignoring Armour due to electrical discharge or accidents.
Price: Fresh bloom: 6–9 gc, Dried petals or refined powder: 10–14 gc
Thunder Lotus
Type: Rare consumable or crafting materialPrimary Use: Consuming a Thunder Lotus draught restores 1d6 Might and ignores one fatigue effect for 24 hours.
Secondary Use: Single-use crafting component that eases one task involving energy, lightning, or environmental hazards.
Harvest Difficulty: 5 during active storms
Price: Fresh bloom: 200–300 shins, Refined material: 350–500 shins
Thunder Lotus by Tillerz using MJ
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