#spellpower

[herbalcompendium]

Mana Thistle

Colloquial names: Minn da’arkhana, shortened to Min’arhka  (mother magic, Thalassian), Holy Thistle

Physical Description: Mana thistle grows on the Isle of Quel’danas, as well as the forests of Terokkar. It is thought to have been brought to Azeroth by the Blood Elves of Outland that followed Kael’thas. It has a woody, bulbous stem, splitting off into two tapered stems. The stems are encircled by spear-shaped, olive green leaves, with purple freckles and coarse hair covering their surface. On the top of the two stems are magnificent thistle blooms, their serrated, toothy petals growing in tiered layers. The flowers are a dusky blue, tinged by yellow on the interior bordering purple veins. The blooms themselves glow with a brilliant royal blue, making them easily spottable among the golden-green foliage of the Isle.

Described Usage: The whole of Mana Thistle blooms can be blanched or eaten raw to restore magical energies. Its seeds, crushed and steeped in alcohol and honey, remove toxins from the body- especially the liver. My alchemists have adopted this as a hangover cure, but the true medicinal use is detoxification and the restoration of damage. Still, this is probably prudent, I must admit. It is thought to have some sort of tie to elements, as a finely-crushed  powder of Manathistle seed combined with various primal elements provide a corresponding resistance to various magicks. The addition of primal shadow will provide protection against shadow magicks, for primal mana, protection against arcane, primal water, protection against frost, and primal fire, protection against fire. Curiously, primal life will produce either protection against nature or holy magicks, depending on the temperature of boil. Low temperature will yield the former, high, the latter. These potions are often made en masse via their combined reagents boiled in cauldrons of water. Before a battle, Blood Elves take a small philtre of whatever is needed to gain an advantage on the enemy.

[herbalcompendium]

Icecap

Colloquial Names: Saber’s Mane, Winterspring dandelion, Snow Hood

Physical Description: Icecap is endemic to the glittering white snowplains of Winterspring, where it grows well against all odds in the frozen tundra. It is an interesting looking herb, with pale blue leaves bordered by indigo edges. It is easily recognizable by its distinguished cluster of spherical flowers, which resemble fluffy dandelions standing tall on indigo stems. The dandelions emit moisture that freezes during the very lowest temperatures of Winterspring. The result is a spherical sheet of ice coating the flowers, hence the name “Icecap”. It resembles a species of ancient, pre-sundering dandelion, and tales of spectral elven spirits lingering around the herb are whispered in the frigid air of Winterspring. It may be an old wives’ tale, but the herb does indeed grow abundantly within the Highborne ruins of the area. The nesting creatures of Winterspring, such as the owlkin and snowy owl, seem to favor the flowers of Icecap for nesting material. The plant is often encased in a layer of permafrost- a simple chip with an ice pick at its base will often be sufficient to gather it. This process also allows for a new plant to grow from the intact roots, which I always find rather favorable.

Described Usage: Icecap should be placed directly into glass jar upon gathering, so that its aforementioned permafrost can fade. The underlying plant is rather delicate, surprisingly, and should be no more than lightly crushed. The jar should then be filled with a clear alcohol and left to sit for a few days. This tincture is ready for use when it is tinted lightly indigo and the jar is cold to the touch. A paste of thawed Icecap leaves should also be kept, as it assists in healing burns, and soothing aches and pains. Tinctures made with or of Icecap remain permanently cool to the touch. Icecap tincture by itself is used in treating fevers, nervous complaints, and heat exhaustion. One of the beauties of tinctures (reagents dissolved within alcohol, that is), is that any other reactive herb can be simply placed within them and left to sit to create different effects. It is a very low-maintenance herb, alchemically, requiring only this method to create some beautiful potions. The generally accepted dilution period is three days, with a change in color marking the brew complete. The clustered flowers of Dreamfoil can be placed within it to produce a deep blue potion which restores magicks. Ghost mushroom and Silversage oil added produce a fuschia-tinged flask of alchemical restoration, which a single sip of provides what the alchemist needs most at the time: wisdom, strength, or courage. Icecap can also be used by enchanters to imbue a weapon with frost magic, and by Gnomish engineers to deflect frost magicks. Whether these two have any relation is unknown.

[herbalcompendium]

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.

[herbalcompendium]

Mageroyal

A beautiful rose-like flower that grows in areas of high magical activity.

Colloquial names: Manablossom, Wizard’s Friend, Sweetrose

Physical Description: Mageroyal grows most prevalently in areas of magical activity, most notably along the leylines of Azeroth. It is a beautiful shrub-like herb with waxy, compound oval leaves that seem to glimmer in any source of light, and large dewy pink or red rose-like blooms. Many blooms can be found on each plant year-round, growing in fractaled clusters. The petals, when touched, leave a shimmering pink dust on the fingers. The whole shrub has been described as “glistening” in appearance in Azerothian literature, and this description rings true. It is most prominently found in the Barrens, Westfall, and Silverpine forest.

Described usage: Mageroyal’s blossoms are edible by themselves, having a sweet and dusky taste one would expect of a candied rose petal. It is said to grow most prominently in the Barrens due to feeding off the magical waters of the Wailing Caverns springs via underground aqueducts, and this is by far the best place to find the herb. It is easily distilled; a simple milling of the blooms combined with fresh water will produce a pink-tinged liquid that tastes and smells of sweetened rosewater. Combining this with a paste of Stranglekelp or Silverleaf will restore magical energies, whereas combining it with a tincture of Briarthorn roots produces insight and wisdom for the imbiber. All of the aforementioned seem to be a popular amongst magic users, and in general this herb is one of the more pleasant upon the palate. Mageroyal is also used in a cherished Stormwind cake recipe. A  freshly crushed paste of the blooms is combined with Stormwind Tawny, a weak and pleasantly sweet alcohol. This is added to a standard cake batter of flour, eggs, milk, and spices to create a wonderful chocolate cake. The cake is typically adorned with additional Mageroyal blossoms, dipped in a solution of the blooms themselves and coated with sugar. The cake, when ingested, is said to provide great happiness. It is commonly baked to celebrate good times and cure something known as “the blues”, which I’m told is a human colloquialism for a period of sadness.

Inscription note: When milling Mageroyal, remember to separate the petals from the stem and leaves. Both the petals and the greens can be ground separately into different types of pigment. A few moments of mashing the petals will yield a thick paste that can best be described as resembling the sky during the very final moments of the sunset.

[greenvelvetempress]

[hawkearchive]

❂ [ Heh heh ] ⋆ ❤

⋆ - A ship I have with my character

Anyone who has read any of my threads with Amelia would probably agree what a RIDICULOUSLY CUTE COUPLE they make. I ship the hell out of that but I'm still wary of/waiting for the day Amelia leaves a note for Hawke saying "It's better this way"

❤ - Any tumblr senpais

I answered this here and it pretty much stands.

❂ - Post a picture of myself

BONUS MUN FACT I am incapable of taking serious photos, they're all either candid or with a ridiculous pose, so here, have fabulous hair pic.

[warm-iceheart]

spell-power replied to your post: (I want a new, nice theme for eoal's blog)

//What sort of theme are you looking for, sidebars included, a banner on top ( like mine ) double side bars?

(Side bars would be cool :D)

[hawkearchive]

✿

7: firm kiss

Hawke was sitting on a rock, digging a stone that had embedded itself in her boot on her trek out with a small dagger as the woman approached. She was shorter than the rogue, lean, with a shock of red hair. She wore a pack similar to Hawke’s along with a bow, and walked with purpose. Standing, Hawke waved for her attention. 

"I can’t help but notice you’re walking in the same direction as I am. Perhaps it’d be safer to walk together? My name is Hawke, by the way." 

The woman looked at her almost suspiciously for a moment, searching her eyes for malicious intent, then her body for ability. Hawke stood with one hand on her hip, the other lazily fiddling with the small dagger, back straight as she was appraised, an amused expression on her face. The woman nodded, offering a wary smile before offering her name. 

"Sarah. Perhaps it would, where are you headed?" 

"Searching for embrium. I was told there’s a source somewhere up here." She furrowed her brow. “I have no idea where though, apparently such details are better left unsaid." 

The woman smirked. 

"I was here to hunt but I suppose two of us would scare the prey away, hm?" 

"Oh I don’t know about that," Hawke grinned. “I was once a keen hunter myself, just haven’t had a need for it of late." 

The two walked for a while, conversing in a manner to be expected from people who had just met. Polite questions about each other, sharing humorous anecdotes, before the conversation stilled into a comfortable silence. Hawke took them onto a small, narrow path as she searched for the elusive plant, and they walked single file along the edge of the mountain. To their left was an almost completely vertical wall, as if this path had been carved into the mountain with a lot of digging. If one dared, they could lean to the right and see a sheer drop.  

Hawke stopped as she noticed loose rocks tumbling in front of her. They were small, but they came from above. Her gaze shot upwards  as a massive rock tumbled straight towards them. Swiftly, she turned, sweeping her arm behind her and slamming Sarah’s back into the wall, pressing herself against it as the massive rock flew right over them. The pair shared a look as the ground rumbled beneath them and more small rocks spilled around them. Hawke flinched, dodging the debris as she rapidly surveyed around her. They were too far along the path to turn back, and neither had any clue how much further it went. 

We’re doomed. Hawke’s gaze returned slowly to the rapidly advancing rockfall, almost cringing as she pressed herself to the wall, hoping that just maybe some miracle would save her.

She was thrust from her thoughts as Sarah took her by the collar, shoving her violently backwards. For a moment, she thought Sarah had taken some bizarre violent turn, and had decided to fling her off the mountain. She tripped backwards, her life flashing before her eyes as she fell into the abyss… and landed. Her hip throbbed as her eyes struggled to adjust to the darkness. 

"You’re lucky I knew this cave was here." 

She blinked as her eyes focussed on the figure crouched next to her, and she saw Sarah grinning at her. Her eyes flitted to the opening of the cave she found herself in and widened as she watched rocks fall from above. Her eyes darted back to Sarah as she shifted to her knees. 

"You just saved my life." She grinned, and flung herself at the woman, her hands either side of her face and kissing her hard on the lips in a fit of relief. When she pulled back, she caught the look on Sarah’s face and laughed.

“‘Thank you’ just didn’t seem enough!"