Flora gives all the available Cortex Entries available on known plant life of Coda.
Collection Details
A total of 58 cortex entries make reference to the various types of hostile and non-hostile flora found across Bastion and Coda.
The following excerpts from the Cortex give insights on various Flora and how they affect all living and non-living things of the planet.
Amplifiers (2)
See Cortex Entry: Amplifiers (2) for More Details
Lord Brall: Milord, the visitors from Antium are missing. As is Brexis.
Cadmius: Missing? What say you?
Lord Brall: He has stolen blueprints to our grand secret, oh great one.
Cadmius: Our precious amplification! Stolen from under our nose. Find him. At once! As for the so-called diplomats from Antium… let them sit in the bellies of the mantikars.
Lord Brall: As you say, my lord.
Lady Cadmius: Dearest sir. Your flesh has turned ripe, and your body is about to fall from the tree.
Cadmius: Tree? What tree? Do not spin metaphors while I’m in the throes of anger!
— From Corvus in Fortuo, a performance play by Braceweld
Coolant (Ice Flower Sap)
See Cortex Entry: Coolant (Ice Flower Sap) for More Details
Coolant is a valuable resource drawn from sap of the rare Ice flower, which only grows in areas of extreme cold.
Ice flower sap is highly volatile in its natural form, making it very dangerous to harvest. In addition to possibly exploding when exposed to air, the sap is also likely to quickly freeze harvesters in their tracks.
Only relatively recently were Engineers and Arcanists able to develop a method to safely stabilize the sap. The resulting coolant has many uses, from preserving food to curing heat stroke; while it's not strictly vital for survival, it does make life in Bastion a little easier.
Arcanists (2)
See Cortex Entry: Arcanists (2) for More Details
The very ground upon which we build our homes has betrayed us, but we cannot blame the world for our troubles. The world is what it is. We shape what we can, and adapt to the rest. We must be prepared, and we must have eyes that can see what's coming. My dear hope is that my devices, like seeds planted in the deep stone, will grow and bear fruit. My hope is that they will keep my home safe.
— Neth Stelus, speaking to the Council of Mentors in Antium on the establishment of underground beacons beneath Fort Tarsis. Transcript.
Sentinel Archives (2)
See Cortex Entry: Sentinel Archives (2) for More Details
Tracking number: 3476.
Name of Complainant: Pirndel Blatch.
Address: #18, North Wall. Fort Tarsis
Complaint: I think my neighbor is a Regulator
Comments: I've noticed strange comings and goings at my neighbor's place over the past few weeks. No activity during the day, but then LOTS of activity with shady characters a few nights a week. There's a strange smell coming from their apartment (#19 North Wall) that I think is stinkhand. As you know, stinkhand is banned from Fort Tarsis because of its awful smell, and who would have access to that except Regulators? Thank you for your haste in this matter.
The Search for the Lost Tomb (3)
See Cortex Entry: The Search for the Lost Tomb (3) for More Details
Dear Mother,
Today, I found some interesting markings carved into a tree that I thought could be Arcanist runes. However, my compatriots only seem to find amusement in my discovery. It seems to me that "Ea T poO" could indeed be an important message, but the others assured me that such missives are common, and that we are looking for hidden messages, not obvious ones. But, I think it's genius. Hiding in plain sight isn't a bad idea is it?
Love to Dad
Blais
Mail: Impenetrable Mystery. Vule and the Lemons.
See Cortex Entry: Mail: Impenetrable Mystery. Vule and the Lemons. for More Details
Okay, you can't tell anyone, but I was following that Commander Vule guy around the fort to see what he does with his time.
Is that strange? Maybe that's strange.
Anyway, he pops down to the market and orders about a hundred of those really sour lemon fruits.
Ever had one of those? What the heck does someone do with that many? They are sour enough that I guarantee eating that many would cause blindness.
I don't know about this Vule guy.
Seems shady.
I'll keep you posted.
— Rythe
Mail: Secrets Revealed! Vule and the Lemons Solved!
See Cortex Entry: Mail: Secrets Revealed! Vule and the Lemons Solved! for More Details
Lemon fruit case solved!
Remember all the lemons Vule bought the other day? I figured out what he's doing with them.
Just don't ask me how I found out.
Sometimes I'm not proud of what must be done in the pursuit of truth.
I will say I'm glad our job involves fighting crime, because I am excellent at this stuff.
Okay, so what does a guy do with a giant sack of lemons? Turns out he was trying to make some kind of pie or pudding and kept messing it up.
I have no idea why he was so bent on making this pie.
Maybe he has someone special to make it for.
Scandal! Love it.
Case closed.
I'm awesome.
— Rythe
Mail: Secret Icetide Plans
See Cortex Entry: Mail: Secret Icetide Plans for More Details
We can't discuss this where we can be overheard, but would you be interested in getting a joint Icetide gift for Haluk? He's extremely difficult to buy anything for, and I'm struggling to think of something...
Items I have already considered and rejected as possible presents:
Strider seat covers.
Icetide sweaters.
"Best of Crimson Lancer" compilation (I just... can't. I can't do it.).
fruit basket.
Wrench of the Month Club subscription.
Socks (apparently, I have bought these for him for the past five years straight.).
Please help.
— Faye
Grabbit Training!
See Cortex Entry: Grabbit Training! for More Details
By Venwick Crok
Taming a grabbit requires a great deal of patience and understanding, but once you’ve earned their trust (and cleared possession with your settlement), they make a wonderful pet! Here's some handy tips to get you started.
—Careful not to scare them! Grabbits are extremely jumpy (no pun intended) and unless you tempt them with shiny objects, they are more likely to flee than make friends. Offering them some chimeric compound or even polished ammunition is a great way to introduce yourself or lure them into a cage.
—Wear protective gear! Grabbits have sharp beaks and claws, and even an affectionate pat from your grabbit can tear your skin to shreds or cost you an eye. Full body padding is optimal.
—Lock up your treasures! As mentioned, grabbits love shiny objects, and will steal what they can to add to their hoard. Once you find their stash of goodies, they will fight you for it, unleashing a remarkable fury that wouldn’t expect from such an adorable creature.
—Careful about the poo! Grabbit poo is not only extremely toxic, but leaves a nasty purple stain that can only be removed by the equally nasty stinkhand plant. So make sure you have lots of leaves and grass for them to deposit their droppings on.
—Grabbits follow the leader! This little cutie is usually part of a flock, and will automatically follow anyone who has earned their trust in almost every movement they do. Want to make your grabbit jig? Dance in front of them! But be careful what you show them, for they will mimic your bad habits.
—Grabbits like other grabbits better than you! While you might be tempted to socialize your grabbit, don’t do it! Once grabbits smell another of their kind, they will want to flock, and a flock of grabbits can cause real damage to settlements.
Good luck!
Venwick
Korox (1)
See Cortex Entry: Korox (1) for More Details
Speaking of grazing, don’t let this beautifully colored herbivore fool you! While they’d like nothing better than to spend their day eating three times their weight in plants, they spook easily. And when they spook, they charge! Nothing knocks the wind out of you like a head butt from a wild korox, let me tell you!
— From "Bastion's Amazing Animals!" by Venwick Crok
Saurian (1)
See Cortex Entry: Saurian (1) for More Details
Saurians are sweet little creatures. Literally! The skin of an adult saurian is sweet to the taste and are a special treat for ursix and brutes, who gobble them whenever they can. While saurian flesh is poisonous to humans, physicians sometime recommend licking a saurian to induce the vomiting necessary to counter exposure to toxic spores, but I can say from experience that licking a saurian isn’t as fun as it sounds. These pack animals also have a tremendous bite, so if you’re going to keep an adorable baby saurian as a pet, wear your gloves! Nothing's sweeter to a saurian than your fingers!
—From “Bastion's Amazing Animals!” by Venwick Crok
Blirpbit
See Cortex Entry: Blirpbit for More Details
Unknown Creature Bst189567307, recently observed in a Fort Tarsis shop, has finally been identified as a Blirpbit. Regardless of his keeper's outrageous claims, this beast (yes, beast!) is ancient, revered, and very rare.
Old texts also describe it as "venomous and deadly". When the Blirpbit feels threatened, it is able to unhinge its jaw and envelop its assailant's face; unable to breathe, the attacker slowly suffocates under noxious fumes that were noted as "smelling like a sickly-sweet, feces-encrusted, Stinkhand pie" (if such a thing existed)
In recent history, Birpbits were hunted almost to extinction. While their ability to annoy and enrage would be reason enough to see them gone, their venom was thought to cure the painful rash brought on by javelin chafing.
— From A Guide To Living Things That Will Kill You by Timon Batrok
Ice Flower
See Cortex Entry: Ice Flower for More Details
Highly valued for its gooey insides, the Ice Flower's yearly appearance always creates excitement, as its sap can be used as a coolant all year long! In our region, this bulbous beauty only grows in the hostile, extreme low-temperature areas that occur inside rare Shaper ice globes. But don't even think of trying to harvest an Ice Flower yourself! The precious sap that runs through its veins can freeze you on the spot—if it doesn't blow you up first
— From “A Guide To Living Things That Will Kill You” by Timon Batrok
Night Vine
See Cortex Entry: Night Vine for More Details
This plant looks like everything you want to find in the wild. Beautiful, graceful, swaying before you, offering a gentle, comforting light in the darkness. Do not be fooled. Do not go closer. Do not stand below it. It's hiding a razor-like tongue that will cut you shreds, leaving you in ribbons on the ground to be absorbed later. Like my mother on holidays, it will not hesitate to give you a lashing.
— From “A Guide To Living Things That Will Kill You” by Timon Batrok
Shockbriar
See Cortex Entry: Shockbriar for More Details
A remarkable plant that seems to have a unique reaction to chimeric alloys. Instead of collecting the chimeric energy in one place, it builds up chimeric tension that results in a mild electric shock. Various Arcanists have attempted to harness shockbriar energy, but the result, even if woven into technology, is a nasty rash for all who come into contact with it. There is a large and beautiful display of shockbriar in Antium's royal conservatory.
— From Joy of Botany by Tansy Hull
Icetide, Festival of
See Cortex Entry: Icetide, Festival of for More Details
When the people of Mirrus begin to see their breath, they know that the chill is coming. This seasonal arrival of cold weather means that Icetide has finally returned and, as the oppressive heat lifts, so do people's spirits.
Whether by accident or intelligent design, frosty Shaper ice globes suddenly appear throughout Bastion, chilling the air from sea to mountains. The drop in the temperature dresses the world in sparkly white and brings many welcome changes--most notably, the emergence of the rare Ice Flower plant. The sap of the Ice Flower is very valuable and its harvest becomes a frenzy.
Along-side the serious and dangerous work of harvest, there is fun to be had. The accompanying festival is cheerful and sometimes wild. Pilots take breaks to zip through the frosty air on challenging race courses. People give gifts and attend ice-bath parties. Snowball fights are common but always in good fun.
Although never predictable in its timing, Icetide is welcome whenever it arrives.
Tessi the Tesilar (1)
See Cortex Entry: Tessi the Tesilar (1) for More Details
Tessi the Tesilar is the beloved children's tale about a tesilar who has a hard time controlling her electric-zaps. The story also includes her friends who live around Moonpod Lagoon.
Tessi was so surprised to see Kori the Korox in the lagoon that she had to calm her zaps before she and Grabbit ran up to him.
"Hi, Kori," Tessi said. "You're watering my moonpods."
"Yes," Kori said. "I was thinking about you, Tessi. You're my friend and I wanted to do something nice for you. So, I'm watering your moonpods."
Grabbit frowned. "But they are already in water. This is a lagoon."
"It's the thought that counts, Grabbit," Tessi said. "And I like Kori's thoughts."
— From Tessi the Tesilar
Stinkhand
See Cortex Entry: Stinkhand for More Details
Otherwise known as “quickmaw,” stinkhand has become the more popular term for this hazardous plant. As prey draws close to the stinkhand, it will emit a pungent cloud of acidic mist, causing the prey to writhe in pain. Especially susceptible are airborne creatures, which the stinkhand will snatch right out of the air. The acid causes modest damage to javelin armor, but will prove quite destructive through repeated exposure. Though stinkhand has been harvested as an ingredient in perfumes such as “Fervent” and “Black Ember,” the plant is not allowed in most settlements.
— From Joy of Botany by Tansy Hull
Chimeric Alloy
See Cortex Entry: Chimeric Alloy for More Details
When chimeric compound is compressed with existing minerals over a long period of time, the result is a chimeric alloy. Though not as strong or as volatile as ember, it will give you a small charge when first handled. The alloy is commonly used in the crafting of household appliances, strider consoles, oculates, light bulbs, and of course, decorative paint. Lancers who come across this alloy can harvest it for the crafting of weapons or equipment.
Chimeric Compound
See Cortex Entry: Chimeric Compound for More Details
When cataclysmic residue is absorbed by plants through the soil, they collect in the plant as a chimeric compound. The harvesting of chimeric compound is an ancient tradition, going back to pre-Legion times, and the compound itself can be traded or used to make items such as gold thread, doorknob polish, soles of shoes, and is notably flavorful in grabbit stew.
Lancers of all factions harvest chimeric compound for the crafting of weapons and other equipment.
Echoes
See Cortex Entry: Echoes for More Details
Pieces of the Anthem of Creation that often exist as semi-animate globes of energy. Echoes tend to hover around the Shaper relics they escaped from, and can be used to silence Cataclysms, though how and why this is possible is purely theoretical.
Raban Maur's Theory of Amplifonic Force proposes that when an echo is put into an active Shaper relic, it provides the relic with enough power to countermeasure the Anthem, effectively using the Anthem to silence itself. Arcanist Boyan Hull believes that the Anthem cannot stand coming into competition with other creative forces and retreats back into the relic. Neither theory has been effectively proven.
While echoes are not as volatile as the Anthem, attempts to use them in human technology have had catastrophic effects and is generally avoided. Over time, echoes deteriorate and aid the formation of chimeric compounds and alloys in soil and groundwater.
Echo Mirages
See Cortex Entry: Echo Mirages for More Details
The first precept of Raban Maur's Theory of Amplifonic Force states that the creative force of the Anthem cannot be stopped or contained. An important rule to examine because it is not simply true in the grand sense, it's true at every scale.
In the case of echoes, for example: although they can often seem inert to the unaided eye, they inevitably transform the minerals and microorganisms surrounding them over time, and even eventually create new material. And it is a well-documented phenomenon that stronger echoes, possessing greater resonance, will take on temporary forms.
These echoes mimic flora and fauna to such an extraordinary degree that more than one unsuspecting traveler has mistaken one for a fellow human, and only learned their mistake at the end of a lengthy, if confusing, conversation, when the mirage abruptly vanished
— From Cataclysms and their Effects, 1st Edition
Mail: Quiz: Which Legion member are you?
See Cortex Entry: Mail: Quiz: Which Legion member are you? for More Details
Which Legion of Dawn member are you? Answer these questions to find out!
1. How do you like your tea?
A) Hot
B) Cold
C) In a mug plated in ember and hope.
D) With chimeric compound. Like mother used to make.
2. You find an open wallet on the ground. What do you do?
A) Put its voice into a weapon.
B) Pick it up, count how much money is inside, and plan how to spend it.
C) Connect to it through a gateway and spend the money on kebabs for your friends.
D) Close it, just in case something nasty lurches out of it.
3. If you could have special powers, what would they be?
A) The ability to visit places after my death.
B) Endless stamina, to chase my enemies to the ends of the earth.
C) I don't need special powers. I know how to manipulate ember.
D) To consult with loved ones after they have died.
If you picked mostly As... you are GENERAL HELENA TARSIS! You are a visionary leader who isn't afraid to kick butt and take names. You work well with others, know how to settle a conflict, and leave a lasting impression.
If you picked mostly Bs... you are MAGNA STRAL! You are driven, determined, and are not afraid to disagree. You have no qualms about using dangerous situations to your advantage, and will not stop until you finish the job.
If you picked mostly Cs... you are ARDEN VASSA! You are a mastermind who sees the possibilities in everything. You have a nurturing personality. You enjoy architecture and long hikes.
If you picked mostly Ds... you are MIDDERON! Nothing makes you happier than family traditions and a good time with your best friends. You enjoy physical exercise and life in the great outdoors.
Mail: Issue 394: Features
See Cortex Entry: Mail: Issue 394: Features for More Details
In this issue of Arcanist Monthly:
Goeman's Chronoscopic Hypothesis: What the Research Really Says
Consuming Chimeric Compounds: Would You? Should You?
A Temporal Anomaly Destroyed My Marriage
Shaper Shivers: Why You Should Develop your Arcanist Intuition
Plus reader letters, top ten research trends, and more!
Mail: Shockbriar to be Planted Around Antium.
See Cortex Entry: Mail: Shockbriar to be Planted Around Antium. for More Details
Emperor Dell would like to introduce shockbriar as a new tactic to keep threats away from Antium. Imperator Marjan provided clarification to the Times. "Electrifying the area around Vassa's Lock will hopefully keep curious wildlife away from our walls and provide natural light for those approaching the city at night. The shockbriar's beauty also provides a pleasing sight "
The move has divided public opinion. Landscape engineers are not thrilled, according to Grandar Meek. "Well, it's just dumb. Who is going to trim the shockbriar once it starts growing up our walls? And it's not going to keep the tesilars out."
Regular citizens like Wallis Borg are generally in favor of the move. "Why not plant shockbriar? It's pretty. And I trust the emperor. Royalty knows best, right?"
An Account of My Time with Saln Govran (8)
See Cortex Entry: An Account of My Time with Saln Govran (8) for More Details
The seconds stretched out, slow and sinewy. My skin chilled. The air blurred and pulsed. An undulating shape appeared in midair no more than a few steps away from the machine. It oozed a dark red glow
Mesmerized, I watched a figure emerge from the eerie swaying energy like a predator from tall grass: Govran. Pale, but unharmed, he turned his gaze upon me. I found no glint of awareness nor shared familiarity in those eyes. A second pulse, and the red light was gone. A gray silence followed. Govran blinked, uncertain of his surroundings, and collapsed to the floor.
Crimson Lancer Rewrite (8)
See Cortex Entry: Crimson Lancer Rewrite (8) for More Details
Crimson Lancer Rewrite: Season Eleven, Episode Eleven
Kista pulled herself out of a pile of branches and debris. Another fireball like the one that grounded her slammed into a nearby tree, scorching the bark and turning leaves to ash. She couldn't get the wyvern in her sights through the canopy.
"Ada, can you detect the Shaper ruin? How far away is it now?" Kista asked, her mind always on the mission at hand.
"I've lost the sense of it, Kista." Ada said. Her voice was unusually frustrated. "It interferes with my abilities somehow. I know you've flown about fifteen klicks from your last position, but I detect nothing at all Shaper-related."
Another fireball struck near Kista's feet. "We have to keep looking. I'm continuing on foot."
"Kista," Ada said, suddenly worried, "Dallus found an entrance on the eastern side of the mountain. He's gone in, despite my warnings. I've lost contact."
"Damn them!" Kista swore. "Have they forgotten the Freelancer motto? Help me find the eastern entrance, Ada. We don't have much time."
Honor Valley Dam
See Cortex Entry: Honor Valley Dam for More Details
In 380, Arcanist Phredies Par came to Fort Tarsis with the daring idea of creating farmland in Honor Valley by diverting some of the water system. With approval from Antium, Par and a team of engineers and architects set forth to build the dam, completing it in 384. Farmers, Arcanists and Sentinels joined forces to plant and maintain the farmland, yielding more crop than most city terraces.
The Great Eddian
See Cortex Entry: The Great Eddian for More Details
Long ago, the graceful and majestic beast named the Eddian roamed our world. Possessing deadly horns and hooves, none dare challenge the Eddian, none save the greedy Ezurite Anzu, who found it most delicious. It hunted the Eddian until only one remained. Freelancers decided to protect the Eddian and battled the Anzu at the watering hole. The Anzu was driven off, but the Eddian was mortally wounded. As it died, plants welcomed it back to the earth, and a great tree sprung from where it lay. Freelancers still consider the Great Eddian to be in their protection, keeping their vow from long ago.
Eddian Grove (District)
See Cortex Entry: Eddian Grove (District) for More Details
The Eddian Grove in a must-see for day trips. These are the only plants of this species in existence, and while they have a tree-like structure, Arcanists are divided over whether or not it is a tree. As Tansy Hull wrote in her book The Joy of Botany, “It has a trunk, yet its top is soil and grass. Without foliage, I can hardly consider it a tree.” Regardless, if you happen to make it there, you can rest on its grassy tops and watch the clouds roll by or stars twinkling in the sky.
— From Quest Advisor pamphlet
Moonpod Lagoon (District)
See Cortex Entry: Moonpod Lagoon (District) for More Details
Setting of the beloved “Tessi the Tesilar” series of children's books.
“Who goes there?” asked Tessi the Tesilar. She was feeling a bit scared and thought about putting out her best zaps, when she heard a sad voice.
“Hullo, Tessi,” said the voice.
“Do I know you?”
“Yes. It's me. Koko."
“Oh. Hullo, Koko. You don’t look like yourself.”
“I seem to have lost my armor.” Koko sat in the cool water and batted at the glowing plant with her foot. “I wonder… if I don’t look like myself, am I someone else now?”
“Yes,” said Tessi. “I wonder who?”
— From Tessi the Tesilar by P.K. Ornwerth
Exile's Arch (District)
See Cortex Entry: Exile's Arch (District) for More Details
This pass leading to the Fortress of Dawn has a long history, not just as one of the Legion's defensive posts, but being the place they exiled one of their own. The Legionnaire Verithan had murdered his friend Felux out of jealously and Tarsis decided he should be banished rather than have Legionnaires spill human blood. Today, Exiles Arch is still a key location for the banished as the primary location for outlaw hostage exchange. When the authorities fail to arrive for a hostage exchange, captives are left alone at “The Hanging tree.” where they are more than likely to be eaten by wildlife.
Serpent's View (District)
See Cortex Entry: Serpent's View (District) for More Details
Deni discovered a new plant! Yes, under the coils of the serpent, new discoveries abound… beautiful blue and red glowing tendrils that light up the whole area. While we’ve seen the glowing vines before—who hasn’t?—this breed is new to us, and I’m excited to get a sample back to Shadowmark. Of course, it also seems to emit an electrical charge, so I’ll have to be extra careful. Will the charge remain once it's been cut? This is the big question. Fingers crossed!
— Diary, Arcanist archives
The Hureen Slide (District)
See Cortex Entry: The Hureen Slide (District) for More Details
Site of the tragic Hureen Slide. A large caravan of merchant striders from the Hureen company were travelling to Freemark, only to be buried by a landslide that killed most of the crew. Those who survived managed to walk to the Tower Road before wyvern caught them. Freelancers found the lone survivor, hiding in a tree nearby.
The Watchtower of Arath (District)
See Cortex Entry: The Watchtower of Arath (District) for More Details
According to Garred's “The Volume of Tarsis,” Arden Vassa build the citadel of Arath along the High Road as a base of operations for lancers to keep watch over the strider path. While Arcanists place the time of the Citadel's destruction before the shadow fell on Anshar, there has been speculation over what could have demolished such a large structure, and while chimeric compound is present, there is not enough evidence to support the theory of Cataclysm. In recent years, there has been support for the idea of a titan having wreaked havoc, as stated in Dalathie's “The Freelancers Three.”
Monument Watch Overlook
See Cortex Entry: Monument Watch Overlook for More Details
Tracking outlaws. Rumor has it a few have banded together to survive. Might have weapons. My javelin's been acting up since I flew through that night vine. This is not a safe area.
About the Eddian…
See Cortex Entry: About the Eddian… for More Details
While the Eddian trees are indeed "tree-shaped," one cannot possibly categorize them as a tree. They have trunks that hold earth, which in turn, has grass and flowers growing upon it. I speculate that perhaps an Eddian tree could indeed grow another Eddian... one on top of the other, reaching as high as the ripstream will let them.
Announcement: Grain Shortage
See Cortex Entry: Announcement: Grain Shortage for More Details
Citizens of Fort Tarsis,
Though our governor is no longer with us, I'd like you all to know that the administration here in the fort is working hard to ensure that the grain shortage we are currently experiencing comes to an end. In the meantime, we have hired extra lancers to gather fresh meat and greens from the wild.
— Assistant Governor, Jutte Felhain
Flori's Soup
See Cortex Entry: Flori's Soup for More Details
A traditional dish in Northern Bastion
5 shakes of chimeric compound (Chimerica)
1 pinch of dillybart
A smidge of saltberry
1 handful sweetgreens
2 wild onions
3 handfuls of grabbit meat
1 cupping of korox milk
Bring a large bucket of water to a boil. Add all but the milk. Let simmer for a few hours. Add milk and stir. Thicken to taste.
A Very Old Diary
See Cortex Entry: A Very Old Diary for More Details
This is indeed similar to the other monument. The metals react to chimeric compound in the exact manner, but the nearby drill does not react at all. I would classify the monument as a rare metal and will try to gather shavings to take back to Dunar for study. I cannot wait to return. The wyvern have been too keen, and my lancers cannot take much more.
Sweetgreens
See Cortex Entry: Sweetgreens for More Details
One of the most delicious greens you can cultivate, sweetgreens are also one of the fastest growing plants. They do best in highly chimeric soil and highly phosphotius water. In short, they do well downstream from cities, as opposed to upstream.
In a shallow trench, place seeds two footsteps apart. Cover with dirt half a finger deep. If not on the side of a lake, pond, or river, water twice daily. Harvest before flowering.
— From Joy of Botany by Tansy Hull
I am in the Deepest Trouble… (2)
See Cortex Entry: I am in the Deepest Trouble… (2) for More Details
A few hours have passed, though I cannot be sure how many, without the sun and moon as my measure. The deadly night vine that was swallowed with us (and nearly killed Maris) is proving to be a surprising comfort... my only light.
The water keeps rising and I have scrambled up to the highest point, closer to the Shaper Ruin, yet I worry that Maris will not be able to find me. I hope she is safe. There have not been any tremors, but what if she was crushed by falling rock? Velathra is not far, but there are so many dangers in this unfinished world... wolven or ursix... Maris is too young to meet her fate. Indeed... though she is a student, I realize I have come to regard her as my own child. The mentors always warn of such affection, that attachment to students will only lead to heartbreak. But what is life without caring? I do not regret my attachment, mentors be damned.
Arcanist Scribblings
See Cortex Entry: Arcanist Scribblings for More Details
Sector 514 construct (nickname: the Drums)
—Active, not volatile. Spikes in readings suggest destabilization may occur at some point.
—Altered perception of space; temporal confusion (self-reported) within ten feet of construct.
—Produces occasional bursts of ear-splitting noise. RUDE.
—Check collected data against P. Rhea's numbers on the relic from near Antium ~15 years ago. Similar observations?
—Watch for stinkhand plant behind fourth pillar.
Also, mother's birthday in two weeks; get her something!
Found Archive—One Last Chance (7)
See Cortex Entry: Found Archive—One Last Chance (7) for More Details
I've seen many things in this life. Today was a first.
Little Sala told me she likes growing things. "Yes, so does your father," I said. "He's gonna get you all killed." And then she sang a little "Nope, nope, nope" song and showed me a secret way into the hold.
It's a greenhouse. Stuffed with fat, juicy vegetables. And in the middle... a cursed Shaper artifact. Black as volcanic ice, radiating some kinda of energy. No water or sunlight. Then Sala shows me her garden. A flower patch. All the colors of the rainbow.
I cried right there. My boss, Princess Zhim, will stop at nothing to take this artifact from these people. They'll all lie dead before the journey's done. And it'll be my fault.
— Burn Hardigan, 7/12, 466 LV
Found Archive—One Last Chance (12)
See Cortex Entry: Found Archive—One Last Chance (12) for More Details
This is my last note. I've packed up my journals and sent them back to Zhim's court by courier.
To the Princess: This family is now under my protection. No harm will come to them while I live. Whatever rabid dogs you send will be a waste of manpower.
You gave me many chances in life. But in the end, you mostly wanted me to go away. And I've done that now. So just leave us alone.
— Burn Hardigan, 12/12, 468 LV
(A pressed flower has been included with this record. —Sentinel Dinix)
In Remembrance (The Eddian Grove)
See Cortex Entry: In Remembrance (The Eddian Grove) for More Details
Here, the urgoth leader known as the Prophet built a stronghold. A thousand urgoth warriors guarded the stronghold, but were not enough to stop Aamir the Dauntless, who lured the Prophet into the wilds and struck him down. Light the flame against the darkness.
Wanted: Mural Polisher
See Cortex Entry: Wanted: Mural Polisher for More Details
Wanted: Mural polisher
Fort Tarsis is home to some of Bastion's most historic murals, and they deserve to be kept in good condition. The council is looking for dedicated citizens with an interest in maintaining and protecting these important works.
Requirements: Must be tall enough to work without a ladder, perfect eyesight, and have no allergies to gazick hair, fairstone powder, flazial sealant, chimeric compound, or korox dung.
Interested parties should contact Fort Custodian Pirndel Blatch.
Great Falls Canyon
See Cortex Entry: Great Falls Canyon for More Details
An intricate water system of streams and waterfalls that begins from underneath Fort Tarsis and flows down to the legendary Eddian Grove and onwards through Honor Valley. This area is home to all forms of wildlife, from grabbits and saurian to ursix and tesilars. Mantikars and skorpions are also prone to nesting behind waterfalls.
Monument Watch
See Cortex Entry: Monument Watch for More Details
Home to the massive and impressive, active Shaper relic known as the Monument, a constant place of concern for Bastion. If the relic were ever overpowered by the Anthem, the destruction would be unfathomable. Monument Watch is also known for its high density of nocturnal flora, and the Anzu ruin known as "The Vault."
Sentinel Stricklund's Sandwich
See Cortex Entry: Sentinel Stricklund's Sandwich for More Details
Get yourself two slices of crusty bread, made with whole Antium grain, if you can find it. Toast it lightly over an open flame, on a hot pan, or if you dare, in the jets of a fellow Sentinel. Did you know? "Make Toast in the Jets" used to be an initiation ritual for Sentinel trainees.
Now butter the toast to your liking. I generally go with the technical measurement known as the "wab," which is more than dollop and less than an ass-ton. Then apply a gentle scraping of a zesty mustard to your toast.
Get yourself some slow-roasted grabbit, sliced thin, and layer that on one piece of prepared bread. If there are drippings from the pan, make sure you drizzle that on too.
Pickles. Always the sour, briny kind. Sweet, if you want to be judged. Or you can leave them off entirely, if you're uncivilized.
Now slap that sandwich together and put it in your face. You can thank me later.
Your Student is a Thief
See Cortex Entry: Your Student is a Thief for More Details
I'm writing to express my concern over your disciple, Hrenna Vale, who I saw stealing fruit from a vendor the other day. I did not go to the authorities (no need to make another outlaw), but I did pay for the wares with the understanding that I would school the child appropriately. As my mentor Negan Dell used to say, children are the responsibility of the entire community. But I am extremely kind, and realize that children are just deeply ignorant creatures who need schooling. And since she is an Arcanist, I will pass that schooling to you.
You're welcome
Zahra Tol, Chronicler
Fort Tarsis
The Foundry (3)
See Cortex Entry: The Foundry (3) for More Details
Depending on the chemical makeup of the creatures in the area, local growths respond by taking on different attractive colors, hoping to be eaten. Once consumed, they will grow inside the unfortunate creature's stomach and burst forth to create a new cycle of growth and life.
—From "Joy of Botany" by Tansy Hull
Grabbit (2)
See Cortex Entry: Grabbit (2) for More Details
"Retger's skill with a rifle proved no match for the animal's uncanny speed, as he fired three shots that landed well wide of the target. Cursing his luck, the threw his firearm down in disgust. At that moment, two of the creatures leapt from the bush and knocked him down. Only with repeated gunshots into the air did we scare the beasts off. Retger—indeed, all of us—would never underestimate these long-eared creatures again."
—From "Signs of Life" by Garrington Wells
Wyvern (2)
See Cortex Entry: Wyvern (2) for More Details
"It is not enough to watch the tall grass and dense vines for the flash of a predator's teeth—we too must gaze upward to search for silhouette of long wings and cruel talons."
—From "The Grindstone of Fate" by Mentor Kurcer Attjax
Brute (2)
See Cortex Entry: Brute (2) for More Details
"The fog was so thick, I smelled the creature before I saw it—swamp water and old blood. I felt the soft jungle earth drum with each step: Boom. Boom. Boom. It swayed as it walked, each step shifting its head crest like tall grass in an easy wind, ponderous and slow until it spotted me. The eyes sharpened, and before another heartbeat, it sprang with shocking speed and grace. That smell and a deep scar from shoulder to stomach marked that day forever."
—From "The Green Hunters" by Garrington Wells
Saurian (2)
See Cortex Entry: Saurian (2) for More Details
"The cursed thing snapped at my hand and left a long scratch across the metal. I blasted the horn, hoping to scare it away. That just got it mad. It hissed and jumped at me, snapping against the thick glass of the windshield. Two more bit into some of my hydraulic lines. Things were getting bad. I was losing mobility and could see more of them crawling out of the trees. I dropped the scrap metal I was carrying and made for home."
—From Sentinel incident report FT/302, Tarsis Steppe Farm
Mail: I Wasn't Crying
See Cortex Entry: Mail: I Wasn't Crying for More Details
Hey,
I was thinking maybe when you left the shop last time you might have thought I was crying, but I wasn't crying. I got something caught in my sinuses and I was trying to work it out. I know you're super busy with your lancing and all that stuff, so who's got time for animal stories, right? So don't worry about any of that stuff. Our shop is open for business and that's what you'll get here at Uncle Vonnie's. Good professional service and quality products. So just drop in when you're not on an adventure. Remember, our compounds and alloys really do make your javelin better.
Sayrna.
Manager, Uncle Vonnie's
Mail: Return of Vule and the Pudding
See Cortex Entry: Mail: Return of Vule and the Pudding for More Details
So who did I see yesterday signing for the delivery of an entire crate of those weird green spiky fruits from the Mirelands? You guessed it. Because I put his name in the title of this message
Anyway, Vule was about a thousand times more sketchy about this than the lemon fruit. He met the strider driver in the middle of the night and made sure to clear out all the Sentinels from the strider bay first. Like... what's so embarrassing about gross Mirelands fruit that the other Sentinels couldn't know he bought all that stuff? And what's he possibly going to do with an entire crate of fruit no Sentinel can see? Will keep you posted as this develops.