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This flower looks like a miniature greenish brown rose, even though it is a flower rather than a bush. This small plant has small stinging nettles along its spine instead of thorns. (98% of people are allergic to the nettles to some degree). The leaves are small and jagged. The flower has little to no smell of its own, but since it only grows in decomposing middin (including offal piles, old latrines, decomposing animals or plant matter), few notice that fact.
Since Orcs tend to live in and around large amounts of middin, ofal, and blood pools, the flowers have become associated with them. (Orc tribes actually spread the spoors as they migrate) In fact, the presence of Orc Roses in an area often shows that Orcs have been, or are, in the area.
Additional Information:
Note other Goblinoids tend to have Orc Roses around them as well.
November 9, 2005, 9:34
If I picture the stereotypical medieval city, which does little to remove its filth, then Orc Roses can be easily found there, too, a few are likely close to any human settlement, near villages, roads, etc. Depending on the the hygienic customs, it may be even a sign of civilization.
But rigthly, the plant may be connected to racism ("Bah, where they live, Orc Roses grow.") so it is a useful plant to have in a game world.
December 6, 2005, 23:13
If the Orcs utilize the plant's allergic properties (since obviously they are not allergic to it) for poisons, or oh heck, as a herb in their cooking, they will be the primary vector for it.
So the bush may thrive in areas "visited" by the Orcs. The flower might serve as a reminder to the city people that they are "vunerable to Orc Attack" OR would be erradicated with vinegar and acid when ever it showed itself (as people attempt to wipe out the very memory of the Orc Attack).
November 13, 2005, 17:03
November 20, 2005, 16:55
October 26, 2007, 14:30
It allows people who actually take skills to gain information about the area. (While anyone might know about Orc Roses and Orcs, the skill check will show if it is new growth or an "old patch" of renewed Orc Roses.
You can also use it to foreshadow Orc/ Goblin Presence in an area, or show where Orcs/ Goblins have been.
September 1, 2011, 15:12
September 1, 2011, 18:50
I too see it as connected to racism.
March 19, 2013, 12:10
The presence in old ruins, for example, of a certain breed of grapes could provide a useful clue that a lost religious order once dwelled within.