A careful forester keeps an eye out for the Orc Rose. The presence of Orc Roses in an area often shows that Orcs have been, or are, in the area. This way they can avoid suprises.
Full Description
This flower looks like a miniature greenish brown rose, even though it is a flower rather than a bush. This small plant has small stinging nettles along its spine instead of thorns. (98% of people are allergic to the nettles to some degree). The leaves are small and jagged. The flower has little to no smell of its own, but since it only grows in decomposing middin (including offal piles, old latrines, decomposing animals or plant matter), few notice that fact.
Since Orcs tend to live in and around large amounts of middin, ofal, and blood pools, the flowers have become associated with them. (Orc tribes actually spread the spoors as they migrate) In fact, the presence of Orc Roses in an area often shows that Orcs have been, or are, in the area.
Additional Information:
Note other Goblinoids tend to have Orc Roses around them as well.
Scrolls
Twists, chapters, and details meant to stream with the submission — not general discussion.
No scrolls yet — leave one if you have a twist worth keeping.
Sign in to plant an idea scroll.
Award XP
Enjoyed this? Sign in to thank MoonHunter with blade clashes — 5 XP each, up to 25.
5 10 15 20 25Sign in to award XP.
Discussion
Reader talk, questions, and feedback — not scrolls.
No comments yet — be the first voice in the hall.
Sign in to join the discussion.
Continue the path
Three more steps through the hall.
- Whimsical Flora by Scrasamax Bound
Other takes
No other takes yet — the best compliment on the Citadel is a Retelling.
Bonds
Curated bonds across the Citadel. Kindred Favors are another thread in the same weave.
Why does everybody bang on the poor Orcs?
If I picture the stereotypical medieval city, which does little to remove its filth, then Orc Roses can be easily found there, too, a few are likely close to any human settlement, near villages, roads, etc. Depending on the the hygienic customs, it may be even a sign of civilization.
But rigthly, the plant may be connected to racism ('Bah, where they live, Orc Roses grow.') so it is a useful plant to have in a game world.
If the pollen is not windborne, it propigate by brush. Thus the spread of the plant will follow what ever animal (or Orc) brushes up against it. There are a number of flowers that have pollen too heavy (or unappealing) to insects.
If the Orcs utilize the plant's allergic properties (since obviously they are not allergic to it) for poisons, or oh heck, as a herb in their cooking, they will be the primary vector for it.
So the bush may thrive in areas 'visited' by the Orcs. The flower might serve as a reminder to the city people that they are 'vunerable to Orc Attack' OR would be erradicated with vinegar and acid when ever it showed itself (as people attempt to wipe out the very memory of the Orc Attack).
Updated: Updating format
solid, unexceptional. Good for filling out a world.
This is mostly a "clue plant", rather than just description/ background.
It allows people who actually take skills to gain information about the area. (While anyone might know about Orc Roses and Orcs, the skill check will show if it is new growth or an "old patch" of renewed Orc Roses.
You can also use it to foreshadow Orc/ Goblin Presence in an area, or show where Orcs/ Goblins have been.
I too see it as connected to racism.
A reminder that even plants found growing wild can be cultural markers - not just race.
The presence in old ruins, for example, of a certain breed of grapes could provide a useful clue that a lost religious order once dwelled within.