Flowers in Sartar

Malin · November 7

Has there been any official mentions of the types of flowers that might grow in Sartar? I'm planning to make some up, but it's always nice to include as much of what is already published as possible. I'm working on a little something...

David Scott · November 7

Look in the Flora section of the Bestiary.

you may find this useful : https://wellofdaliath.chaosium.com/flora-and-fauna-of-dragon-pass/

and the Flora section in the Dragon Pass book.

Malin · November 7

4 minutes ago, David Scott said:

Look in the Flora section of the Bestiary.

you may find this useful : https://wellofdaliath.chaosium.com/flora-and-fauna-of-dragon-pass/

and the Flora section in the Dragon Pass book.

Sadly there is only one suitable flower mentioned there, Jang, which is also a potent healing drug and not exactly something you pick to decorate things... otherwise they only mention wildflowers.

Techpriest · November 7

Feel free to invent a couple! Look at some minor deities or local spirits and assign names accordingly. Otherwise, just use real world wildflowers from the near east and balkans.

Joerg · November 7

6 hours ago, Malin said:

Sadly there is only one suitable flower mentioned there, Jang, which is also a potent healing drug and not exactly something you pick to decorate things... otherwise they only mention wildflowers.

I wonder whether Glorantha has purpose-bred decorative flowers, like multiploid roses with more rings of petals than the pollinating insects can easily deal with.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_flower_arrangement offers a very Old World account of flower arrangement, but doesn't allow for flowers as cultural code e.g. in Polynesia.

Voria is routinely depicted with severed sexual organs of flowering plants, typically those that would be available for the New Year festival starring her priestess. Flower garlands have been depicted for Orlanthi Earth rites and marriages.

Late Storm Season would have flowers that can tolerate late snow - daffodils, crocus, snowdrop, winter aconite are ones that fulfill that role where I live, but only daffodils last after being cut. Daisies for floral crowns blossoming somewhat later.

Cherries, apples and similar fruit-bearing trees offer branches dripping with flowers, which can be used for decorative purposes as well if watered. Cut in late winter, these blossoms can be called forth prematurely in cut branches, and might be available for the spring solstice.

Fire Season will have poppy, cornflower and other such companions of grain fields. Earth Season starts with sunflowers and ends with aster and other such hardy late bloomers, even into the first weeks of Dark Season, but then you'll be out of luck for flowers in the wild.

Temples might have heated gardens to provide blossoms out of season, but glasshouses or even the concept of orangeries are difficult in the absence of panel glass.

Importing flowers from warmer places during the blossomless time is difficult as the seas stop being navigable. However, we know that the are aldryami-blessed cut flowers which carry on for seasons, since they are part of Biturian's gift at the Bison marriage at Day's Rest. The narl flowers apparently stay fresh long enough that Narmeed's Clan gets know as Flower Bison.

The adventurous florist might visit the Vale of Flowers for especially impressive specimen.

jajagappa · November 8

15 hours ago, Malin said:

Has there been any official mentions of the types of flowers that might grow in Sartar? I'm planning to make some up, but it's always nice to include as much of what is already published as possible. I'm working on a little something...

You'll find 2 pages of flora (including flowers, roots, and trees) in my Edge of Empire work.

For example:

Aidea's Stars: these white flowers with red centers and stamen are popular in marriage bouquets

Bellflower: the buds of this Fireseason flower are a favorite addition to pastries, pies and sausage.

King-face Flower: this tall flower blooms in Fireseason and reveals an amber center surrounded by vivid yellow petals. Some call it the Brightface Flower or Yelm's Mantle. Bouquets of the flowers are popular wedding wreaths. Its seeds are used to make a medicine useful against several diseases including Blotches, Brain Fever, and White-eye.