#goldthorn

[korsithkoris]

Goldthorn!

[herbalcompendium]

Goldthorn

A clawed, gilded briar responsible for one of humankind’s first alchemical revolutions. 

Colloquial Names: Rockbiter, Genesis plant, Ignaeus’ Tooth

Physical Description: Goldthorn is native to the Arathi Highlands, growing out of mineral veins in cliffs and hillsides. It’s not a particularly striking herb, having a fallow, dry base that produces many spindly, sharp vines. The near only way to spot it from normal bramble is by its gleaming gold thorns, resembling the talons of an eagle. The thorns are as hard as rock, and it must be harvested with extreme care as such. The plant will also “weep” when it is cut, seeping what looks like molten ore, but is simply the liquid contained within the plant.  It is attributed to one of humankind’s first alchemical revolutions, as it enhances and transfigures the properties of many known herbs and even some stones.

Described Usage: Goldthorn is effectively as a catalytic. The first of the human kingdoms discovered a myriad of uses for this herb, grinding it in vast quantities through metal and running it through massive sieves with ale or dark alcohol. As trade routes opened to more and more herbs, an interesting property was discovered. The herb, in its refined form, seems to catalyze the natural properties of whatever its combined with: an oil of immolation with Firebloom stems, an elixir of agility with Sungrass or Stranglekelp leaves, a potion of sharp-sightedness with Fadeleaf, an elixir of arcane enhancement with Blindweed.

Since most modern alchemists don’t have an entire smithery at their disposal, I advise crushing this herb with a hammer of steel or stronger- otherwise it is not the thorns that break, but the hammer. When crushed, this reagent itself is called “Goldthorn dust”, and many a young alchemist has asked for this herb from an apothecary and been surprised when they received a veritable pile of rock. One should always crush the bramble themselves if at all possible. After doing so, scrape all the residue from the surface, and instead of straining, allow the crushed plant to sit in a dark alcohol for a few days. The alcohol will take on a golden, shimmering hue when the tincture is ready. Adding any of the aforementioned herbs to this dilution and allowing it to sit until it again changes color will create the correct potion. Colors vary depending on what is added. The herb itself, when combined with boiling water instead of spirits, produces a tea of magical restoration known as Goldthorn Tea. It wasn’t until elves made contact that the human kingdoms discovered this particular property, and it wasn’t until a happy accident in the smithery revealed that this plant was not limited to catalyzing herbs alone.

The most popular story of this occurrence is that a chip of hot mithril landed in a Blacksmith’s scalding mug of Goldthorn tea. This somehow escaped the smith’s notice until after taking a sip, when his hammer landed on his own hand. Instead of the hammer breaking his hand, his hand broke the hammer. Thus the concoction, aptly named Stoneshield, was created. It is now synthesized by crushing both Goldthorn and Mithril and adding boiling water to the mixture. I’ve heard of some soldiers keeping a small measure of this in place of a tooth, and biting down to spare themselves a fatal blow in battle- the concoction only works for a matter of seconds. Further experimentation has found that using an identical process with Elemental Earth will create a potion of restoration, which is moderately successful at purifying afflictions both natural and magical- such as poisons, diseases, and curses. This is less of a tea and more of an ingestible clay. It is rather unpleasant to consume, but I can guarantee it is less unpleasant than death itself.  

[golden-routes]

Arathi Highlands Goldthorn, Bruiseweed, Wild Steelbloom, Fadeleaf, Kingsblood, and Grave Moss Route

Arathi Highlands Goldthorn, Bruiseweed, Wild Steelbloom, Fadeleaf, Kingsblood, and Grave Moss Route

[farsidejr]

two attacks for papipizzajohn !! Bingo is so silly goofy little guy funny guy....

[azerothianfloriography]

Goldthorn

One would not think rocks and hills the ideal growing spot for anything, but Goldthorn prefers this environment - especially in the Arathi Highlands. Goldthorn is, as the name suggests, a golden brown plant with many thorns and no flowering season. It does not produce leaves and the roots are inedible.

However, it is an extremely profitable plant to grow or harvest. Many studying alchemy will find they require Goldthorn to continue their research. Scribes employ Goldthorn for their trade as well as it produces a rich pigment when milled. So, despite its lack of aesthetic appeal, this practical plant can lead fledgling adventurers to easy riches.

Because of this Goldthorn has come to represent success in business, profits, expansion, and the wishing of that on to others. It is an excellent gift for entrepreneurs, merchants, and apprentices in the fields of inscription or alchemy. Just don’t be surprised if the recipient turns around and sells this gift for the temptation of gold is a great one!