By Elira Montorne, Freelance Correspondent – 21st 0f Deepmarch
A curious discovery by one of our returning heroes has set the crafting guilds abuzz with excitement. Baxley, a nimble halfling rogue and a member of our valiant Delvers, recently reported a most peculiar observation during his fierce encounter with a black dragon. While the water within the dragon’s nest was putrid and acidic—a danger to any who dared approach—Baxley noted that just a few feet away, the water flowed purified and clean.
Intrigued, Baxley sought the expertise of our esteemed crafting guilds. In response, Marisella Greenbloom, a brilliant alchemist known for her unorthodox experiments, joined forces with Thren Mosswatch, a seasoned glow farmer whose intimate knowledge of our bioluminescent crops is unrivaled. Together, they set out to uncover the mystery behind this unexpected phenomenon.
For years, our glow farmers believed that the ubiquitous glow lichen absorbed moisture solely from the ambient air and nutrients from the surrounding stone, gradually building up in thick, dry layers over generations. These dried portions have long been harvested to craft heating bricks for our cook houses. Conventional wisdom held that lichen would not flourish in water. However, recent research has revealed a startling twist.
It turns out that the very same dry, nutrient-laden sections are the lichen’s primary method of seizing moisture and minerals. When allowed to skim the surface of flowing water, the lichen greedily absorbs free-floating nutrients—effectively purifying the water. In turn, this nutrient-rich, purified water promotes a faster, more vigorous growth of the glow lichen, creating a self-sustaining cycle of light and nourishment.
The implications of this discovery are profound. The crafting guilds are already mobilizing, determined to harness this natural quirk to boost both water purification and lichen cultivation. With these new insights, there is a growing belief that expanding our glow farming practices could not only enhance our cooking supplies but also provide innovative methods to secure vital resources in our subterranean world.
For those with a taste for innovation, it might be an excellent time to consider a career as a glow farmer. As Vordenth continues its struggle for survival, breakthroughs such as these promise to transform even the most humble aspects of our daily lives.
Stay tuned to The Vordenth Voice for further updates on this breakthrough. The future of our water supply—and perhaps Vordenth itself—may very well depend on the humble glow lichen.
