Salt Sage Reference
LoreSalt-Sage (Siren’s Breath Herb)
The signature herb of The Hollows, Salt-Sage is a succulent-like plant that grows on the cave walls, particularly near the sunlight blowhole. It acts as a natural biological filter, absorbing ambient Clarion radiation from the environment.
Herb Variants
Finn (the Sage-Picker) identifies three distinct stages of the herb’s growth based on its “saturation” of essence:
| Variant | Appearance | Effect (Mechanical) | Lore / Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green (Relaxer) | Silvery-green leaves. | Burned: Provides a +1 bonus to Wisdom saving throws for 1 hour. | The standard variety used by Pip & Pearl in their “Seaweed Gin” to keep the patrons calm and focused. |
| Light Blue (Glow) | Pulsing turquoise edges. | Crushed: Emits a 20ft radius of soft blue light (Bright) and 20ft (Dim) for 1 hour. | Indicates a moderate level of Clarion residue in the area. Often used by divers as a “living torch.” |
| Deep Blue (Essence) | Vibrant, electric blue. | Consumed: Restore 1 expended Spell Slot (max Level 1). The Catch: Must succeed on a DC 13 CON Save or contract Salt Rot (Level 1). | A dangerous “mana-spike.” It indicates a massive concentration of Clarion nearby. Used by cultists for “ascension.” |
The Role of the Herb
According to local rumors (and Finn), the herb is the “Lungs of the Hollows.” If the herb begins to wither or turn entirely dark blue across the cave, it means the island’s natural defenses are failing against the Shuttering.
Expert Knowledge: Pip (at the Driftwood Inn) is the primary contact for more complex inquiries regarding the herb’s medicinal or defensive properties.