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Alraune — Description

The hunger and span of civilization has changed the landscape. Ecosystems have either shrunken or been converted for agriculture and harvesting. Nature still exists, but in a tamed form. The forests that many civilized folk are familiar with are indeed bountiful, yet small and young. A place to peacefully collect certain ingredients, or perhaps to take the children out to learn how to hunt. The flora and fauna there still provide, yet they lack the teeth their ancestors once had. They are places where man has conquered and controlled, yet humanity does not rule supreme over all of this continent. There are still the wilds that sit beyond the borders of cities and roads. Man does live out there, in small settlements and communities, but they are not the masters. The beasts and beings that lurk out there remind us of what was and what could still be. And if you were to walk into one of the deep dark forests of the wild, you will remember the fears man once held.
Such forests grow were flesh and bone provided rich substrate, allowing an array of plant and fungi to grow to incredible sizes. Though some may think them simple in comparisons to the fungal jungles of the south, there is still incredible biodiversity found within. Bonewood, Arterial Plumes, Spinolias, Hairy Willows and more can be found, and countless other plants that grow amongst them. At first, entering such a massive far off forest feels familiar, similar to the tamed woods of home. Plenty of ground cover and light, animals and birds darting about. But as you delve deeper, such feelings slowly fade and are replaced with worry. The towering plants begin to choke out the sun, the undergrowth becomes sparse. Soon you are walking amongst living pillars in the dark, lost in a maze that seemingly stretches onward forever. One may think this is a shadowy, lifeless place, yet you are not alone. "Islands" of light born from the fallen titans provide sanctuary, but man is not always welcome here. This is the wilds, and the rules and safety of civilization are far far away.
Tales have arisen of those lost in the deep woods. Stories built from the words of survivors and the imagination of man. Talk of beasts made of wood and leaf, nightmares of Amber and illusion. Terror wears a familiar face, yet some dangers come in an unusual form. It is a problem that is first smelled before it is seen, a delectably sweet scent that tempts the mind. Those struggling to find their way out, or short on supplies, may find some solace in this delicious smell. Thoughts of sweets, but also warmth and safety. Folks who have encountered it describe it as comforting, bringing about memories of childhood when mother made fresh baked treats. At first whiff, their question is where that heavenly scent is coming from, but it is answered immediately. The mind locks on in an instant, directing you right where you want to go. This compass of smell gives you direction, purpose, as there is now sanctuary in this deep dark. And as you follow, woes begin to disappear, replaced by hope and happiness. You forget what you were even scared of out in these woods, as everything is all better now. Follow that scent, plunging deeper into sweet bliss. Everything is so warm and wonderful, that you do not even question it when you see the clearing and the person standing within it. Another human! Food, safety and civilization! They beckon you closer, and you walk forth without question. By that point, they are practically a friend, family or lover, a person you have always wanted to see your entire life. When they reach out for an embrace, everything seems right. Some people wonder to this day if those who accept these arms ever become aware of their demise.
For many, the alluring trap of the Alraune is something from pulpy adventure novels, or horror stories to scare children of the wilds. Unfortunately, they are very real. The image of them is of a humanoid form sitting within a great flower, its petals huge and vibrant. The swaying figure within brings to mind a person, yet they are nothing more than a modified gynoecium. It is all an illusion, the only fluids pumping within it are Amber. It moves, wriggles and reaches out, acting very much like a person, but this is only bait. It is meant to draw in prey that has been overtaken by its scent, as the Alraune's aroma is entrancing and enticing. The smell tempts the mind, offering sweet memories and joy, but those who accept it will quickly be overtaken. It lulls you into a state of mindless bliss, pulling you closer as you follow that wonderful smell. Prey must fight its temptations and get away from its numbing cloud, but it takes a powerful will to ignore such delights. Those who succumb have their own mind and memories turned against them, thinking of good old days and loved ones. Thus, when they see that wriggling figure within the bloom, their mind replaces it with a familiar face, making it even more tempting. It wants you to come closer, to step into the flower. Its "arms" reach out, asking for you to reciprocate. If you do, the "hands" grab hold and secrete globs of Amber, trapping you in its embrace. Yet, prey rarely struggles, as they are lost in bliss. They are not aware of the ground churning beneath them, and the terrible maws that emerge to feast on their flesh.
The rest of the Alraune's body is hidden within the soil, a bulbous mass of root and maw. Tendrils of thorny jaws emerge like serpents, and they serve to devour seduced prey. Victims are ripped apart, the meat swallowed and the juices pooled within the great bloom. When the meal is done, the tendrils retreat and the trap is set again once more. If need be, the Alraune can uproot itself and walk upon gnarled limbs, relocating to better hunting grounds or places with more light. This is also the form it takes when one wishes to battle them, revealing their monstrous side as they try to crush and devour defiant prey. The Alraunes are the reason why it is advised to carry strong smelling substances on you or have wax to plug up your nostrils at the slightest hint of their sweet aroma. Do not be fooled, do not give in. Block out the scent and keep far away from the dancing figure.
To some, the Alraune seems to be nothing but a seductive predator luring people to their deaths, but there is more that they offer than just doom. To the Rhizakardi people of the deep woods, the Alraune is just another creature they live near, one that demands respect to enjoy its bounties and avoid its jaws. Their Amber masks block out the enthralling scent, and their gaze through the glaze lets them see the Alraune in its true form. They hunt and harvest these plants, for their massive buried bulb is eaten and their petals are ground up for medicinal ingredients. The human-figure portion is kept and dried, often used as dummies and decoys. Outsiders who have wandered near their territory return with scary stories of strung up corpses and horrific idols, feeding into the idea of these wild "savages." Yet, these are often dried Alraune bodies, set out specifically to ward away intruders.
The aromatic derived from its body is treasured by both the Rhizakardi and perfumers, as it offers an incredible scent and a bit of a high when properly processed. The Rhizakardi use it as a relaxant, while the folks of the "civilized" world enjoy it for the incredible scent it gives. Those who create and sell perfumes consider "Alraune oil" to be one of the "Heavenly Fragrances," which are ingredients that create some of the greatest scents and experiences around. Good money is made by those who can harvest Alraunes, but such riches are not easily obtained. Pressure for this smell has depleted populations near civilization and upon the fringes of ancient forests. If one wants to find an Alraune, they must delve deeper into these places. Quite a few never come back out, because there are more dangers within than just seductive plants. Other beasts that hunger, other creatures that take advantage of those lost to the smell. And of course a people who hide themselves deep within, who seek to be forgotten. Come no closer, slave of gold, turn back and return to your world. Leave us in the shadows, leave us to our shame. Haven't you taken enough from us already?
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To be honest, just kinda grabbed the name "alraune" because I couldn't think of anything else.