Swiftthistle
A fast growing, green hued, and spiky aloe that has amazing energy and growth properties.
Colloquial names: Swiftkick, The Green Go, Pick-me-up Plant
Physical Description: Swiftthistle is a peculiar plant that does not grow on its own, but rather in conjunction with Briarthorn and Mageroyal. Not all patches of Briarthorn or Mageroyal contain Swiftthistle, but one can readily identify which contain the aloe, the key mark being the patches are very large and overgrown. Like a vine, Swiftthistle grows quickly, and lends those properties to the plants it accompanies. Its leaves are pointed and succulent-like with with a bright green hue and thorns growing along its edges. Be careful when harvesting Swiftthistle, as it’s thorns are quite sharp. Be extraordinarily careful when harvesting this plant growing in conjunction with a Briarthorn patch, as the large thorns of the briar combined with this vine’s have been known to cause serious wounds if not handled correctly, or if harvesting while wearing improper equipment.
Described usage: Swiftthistle’s unique property to rapidly grow the plants it accompanies is directly translated to its restorative properties. Spreading the juice of this aloe across a burn allows it to heal rapidly, and is soothing to the injury. In alchemy, the aloe is used in speed and agility enhancing potions. Examples of such potions that use swiftthistle heavily are those that lend swiftness to the wielder, both in water and on land, such as potions of agility and swim speed. Swiftthistle, when boiled in water and ingested through teas, gives the consumer an jolt of energy that can last up to five hours before winding down; boiling it is considered its base dilution. It’s taste is described as very bitter, but because of its immediate effect it remains a staple in energy teas and brews. Due to its speed enhancing properties, Swiftthistle made potions and teas are extremely popular with soldiers, miners, and other workers with high endurance jobs. Perhaps none more so that bandits, thieves, brigands, and assassins. Swiftthistle remains one of the most sought after herbs in communities that thrive under the law, or perhaps even above it, and is a common order for alchemists whose dealings are dealt “under the table.”
Inscription note: When milled into paste depending on the health of the Swiftthistle it creates a very cloudy and murky paste called Dusky Pigment. When treated, Dusky Pigment is used to create Midnight Ink. Scribes use Midnight Ink to create glyphs centered around darker magic. Such magic is in the mysterious tarot cards found in the possession of carnies at the Darkmoon Faire. Their dark magic still remains a mystery in practice and application.
Younger Swiftthistle, when milled, produces a substance called Verdant Paste. This paste, when treated, is used to create Hunter’s Ink. The bright green ink betrays its name, as it’s more commonly used by scribes under the guidance of mages to create tomes and spellbooks, which young Mage students use in practice and application for their studies.