Nightsearcher

Nightsearcher
Vine
Common Name	Night Lurker, Nightsearcher
Classification	Vine
Origins	Galudon
Habitat	Damp, dark environments
Common Use	Alchemicals

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History

The Nightsearcher was first documented during the early explorative periods of Galudon's dense forests, and was emblematic of the planet's native flora adapting to the burgeoning human presence. As settlers from Aesox and surrounding lands established their dominance over Galudon's wilderness, the Nightsearcher's rapid growth and parasitic nature made it a topic of both study and superstition among early human colonists. This period, marked by an era of expansion and consolidation led by figures like King Bartleby Caelock saw significant changes in land use and environmental manipulation which impacted the Nightsearcher's habitats​​​​.

Throughout the various phases of Galudon's development, from its feudal beginnings to its current status as a technocratic kingdom, the Nightsearcher has been a constant, albeit deadly presence. Its interactions with the local fauna, including playful and sometimes dangerous engagements with nymphs and human explorers are well-documented in the folklore and scientific records of the kingdom.

Appearance

A multi-tendril green plant with small, pale yellow furred leaves. An adult Nightsearcher’s roots will be two feet into the ground, and its oldest tendrils four to five feet in length, two to three inches in circumference. Fully grown, the Nightsearcher will possess upwards of one hundred tendrils that constantly search for new purchase to spread. These tendrils are strong enough to lift nymphs, humans, and one report has it even lifting an entire carriage.

The Nightsearcher’s cuttings can be grown in terracotta pots, and require a trellis so that it can begin its climb. Once the tendrils reach approximately twelve inches long, the plant is ready to be transferred into the ground. It will take to most environments as long as there isn’t frozen ground for the next two to three months as its root system establishes.

Uses and Capabilities

Many botanists have noted that the Nightsearcher seems to have some form of limited sentience, shying away from things that may damage it, like fire or bright sunlight. In addition, its tendrils remain curious, approaching beings who mean it no harm, and playfully interacting. From taking things from people’s pockets to playing with someone’s hair or limbs, the Nightsearcher is relentless in its search for stimulation.

The Nightsearcher has long been known to nymphs of caves and woods as a fond playmate. The natural curiosity and playful nature of the plant has led to reports of numerous games of ball, and even a few long days and nights spent with a Nightsearcher in erotic experimentation. Coaxing reactions from people seems to excite the plant - and when it is excited, it expels a dewy, gel-like substance that reportedly tastes sweet and fruity, although sticky.

People who attempt to kill Nightsearchers report a violent reaction from the plant. It’s strong tentacles will grapple and disarm people, hence the suggestion that they are sentient to a point. The plant is capable of doing real harm to a person. In the year 1796, Lieutenant George Pollard was reportedly killed by the plant, the tendrils asphyxiating him until death as he tried to free his wife from the clutches of a Nightsearcher that had taken up residence in their gardening shed.

As nourishing as its gel is, attempts to farm it for industrial agricultural uses fail, as it is not reliable nor regular in its output. One intrepid entrepreneur, Delilah Furrow, ran a business selling small phials of the gel at Aerohaven docks in 1802. While she refused to tell exactly how it was gathered, she was never short of volunteers to work at her alchemy greenhouse.

The gel is reported to be an aphrodisiac, although most who have experienced the sensations are guarded in their recollections, seemingly grown a fond attachment to the Nightsearcher in question. Alchemists within Galudon rarely keep the temperamental plant in their greenhouses, as it spreads and kills off other plant life within the region. Preliminary experiments proved that the gel overrode most people’s senses, reporting a feeling of ecstasy and weightlessness while losing sense of time. Experiments for those lucky enough to collect the gel continue on for a viable and efficient use of this product.

Because of the unpredictable nature of the Nightsearcher, Galudon authorities have forbidden the plant within the city limits unless by permit.

Trivia

• Most only see a tentacle approaching in the dark waters before realizing they are already in the Depth Lurker's grasp.]
• Some folk tales from Galudon suggest that the Nightsearcher can sense the presence of living creatures nearby, although this has never been scientifically verified

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Accreditation
Writers Lore Staff Processors Nahinn, Ashurism	Last Editor UmbraNight on 04/20/2024.

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