Dragonsteeth
A plant of frost and flame that can deliver a sharp bite without caution.
Colloquial Names: Breaker’s Gift, Icebane, Silvertooth, Wintersbite
Physical Description: This spiky, tenacious herb is endemic to the orange, rocky crags of the Badlands. It only grows in the depths of the Scar of the Worldbreaker, left by the dragon Deathwing during the shattering. It is thought to be an ancient herb thats roots were long buried, and something in the destruction, most likely heat or shifting of rock, awoke it to life once more. The Scar is unmissable in these lands, a dark, ridged canyon running southwest across the plateaus. Dragonsteeth is easily spotted in the Scar, growing inches from the ground and spreading out in a gleaming circular fan. The coloration of the herb is in stark contrast to the ashen red-rock cradle it resides in. Its leaves are sharp, spear shaped, and wickedly toothed, a pale shining silver giving way to brightly glowing red at their tips. It does oddly resemble the fangs of a dragon after a kill, stained with the blood of a slain creature.
Dragonsteeth is considered a “sage” herb, an old-world term meaning it must be asked to be picked. If it has leaves to spare, it will shed them onto the ground for collection. If it does not and they are attempted to be plucked, it will “bite” the offending picker, turning two leaves inward onto each other in a steely, painful grip. The herb is quite scarce and valuable; more than a few leaves given is considered a highly successful gathering. This should only be done at minimum once every three weeks, to afford the plants time for new growths. If this is not done, or a leaf is attempted to be cut forcefully, the plant releases an oil that gives the sensation of burning for approximately the same length of time. That being said, the best time for picking is at night- both to avoid the creatures that prowl the Badlands, and for greater success in leaves dropping. Torches are often unnecessary in the Scar. They draw unwanted attention, and the hollowed, dark canyon is often illuminated by floating, perpetually burning embers which punctuate the blackness of night. These eerie firefly-like lights are often accompanied by the sounds of crickets and the distant howling of coyotes, making the experience both haunting and relaxing.
Described usage: Dragonsteeth is an herb of flame and frost, using temperature and ritualistic burning to coax out its properties of frost magick. Once removed from the plant, the reddish portion of the leaves should become waxy and vaguely translucent in a matter of hours, if not minutes. It is best to use them as quickly as possible to retain potency. If used cleverly and skillfully, one leaf can produce two separate substances- an elixir of frost magick, and a substance known as Frost Oil. For the base of these, acquire an amount of the herb’s second, Khadgar’s Whisker. Prepare one hop of Khadgar’s Whisker, crushed finely and with enough water that it pours, into wide-mouthed glass jar. In a separate jar, prepare four hops of the second with a neutral oil, such as fish or olive oil. Both bases should have a smooth, even consistency.
When both are sufficiently prepared, freeze them until solid. Only remove them when it is ready to add the Dragonsteeth. To do this, light the plant carefully with a match over the red tip. It will melt much as wax from a candle. Hold this over the oil dilution until the “wax” runs from red to silver, then immediately place the silver portion of the leaf over the water dilution. The silver plant will smoke and crumble to ash into the water almost instantaneously. Both will alight for a moment with red flame- do not be alarmed. When the flame dies down, the mixtures should turn dark and light blue. Both of these substances will remain permanently cool, and the glass that holds them frosted over. The dark blue water-based potion is an elixir of frost magick, used by mages to enhance their prowess in this field. The light blue, viscous substance is Frost Oil. When coated on weapons, it applies a frostbite-like wound to anyone struck- in addition to whatever damage the weapon may do initially. The whole of Dragonsteeth leaf can be burned over water-diluted Goldthorn dust to create a potion of frost prevention. In well supplied hospitals, it is often given to victims of frostbite, as its restorative properties have proved remarkable. All of these substances are highly sought-after, and remain permanently chilled in the most arid environments.
