Icecup (Cryofloris sigillum)

Alias: None
Origin: Ukhaalstaag, Kela, Ngorrhal, Northeastern Geba (frozen plains, cliffs, tundras)

The Icecup is a grey-blue, cup-shaped plant native to the frozen plains, cliffs, and tundras of Ukhaalstaag, Kela, Ngorrhal, and Northeastern Geba. Its petals bind tissue in open wounds and accelerate healing. Processed into vapors or teas the petals are generally safe but in large doses cause intense numbness and euphoria and can render users paralyzed for hours. Its presence indicates cold, stable ecosystems.

Terrain

Icecups grow in frozen plains, cliffs, and tundras, favoring icy, nutrient-poor soils. They are absent in warmer or humid biomes.

Lifespan

Icecups live 5–10 years, reaching maturity at 2 years and producing viable seeds during brief thaws.

Height

Mature Icecups reach 0.2–0.4 meters in height, with cup-shaped blooms up to 0.2 meters wide. Younger plants (under 1 year) are typically 0.1–0.2 meters tall.

Uses

• Medicinal: Petals bind open wounds and accelerate healing.
• Psychoactive: Vapors or teas induce numbness and euphoria; large doses cause paralysis.
• Ecological Indicator: Signals cold, stable ecosystems.
• Cultural Use: Used in healing and ceremonial rituals, symbolizing endurance.
• Guidance: Harvest petals during thaws; avoid high doses to prevent paralysis.

Notes

Icecups supported exploration in Kela and Ngorrhal during the Era of Absolute Expansion (~3,000 years before modern Geba). Overharvesting in the Warlord Eras (~500–17 years before modern Geba) reduced populations. Their range is limited to cold biomes of Ukhaalstaag, Kela, Ngorrhal, and Northeastern Geba.