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    Water Lily

    Common · Nymphaea

    Healing · Alchemical · Magical · Defensive

    Terrain Swamp/Marsh

    Description

    Water lilies anchor themselves in the substrate at the bottom of a body of water using rhizomes, which can reach over 13 feet (4 meters) in length. Their leaves are large, round or oval in shape, with characteristic notches at the base. They float on the water's surface and can reach significant sizes depending on the species. The flowers of water lilies are large, bright, and fragrant, rising above the water on long stems. They come in a variety of colors—from white and yellow to pink and red. The flowers open during the day and close at night.

    Location and Habitat

    Water lilies are widespread in temperate and tropical regions around the world. These aquatic plants inhabit freshwater bodies such as ponds, lakes, slow-moving rivers, and canals. They prefer still or slow-moving water, where their rhizomes can securely anchor in soft or silty bottoms. Water lilies require sufficient sunlight for photosynthesis, and are thus are more commonly found in open bodies of water with access to sunlight. Water temperature plays an important role in their growth; most species prefer warm water, though some are adapted to cooler conditions.

    Rarity and Availability

    Water lilies vary in rarity and availability depending on the species and region. Some species are widespread and easily found in the wild, while others may be endemic to certain areas or endangered due to habitat loss.

    Effects and Uses

    In legends, it is mentioned that water lilies were used in white magic for making psychotropic potions, as they attract people not only with their beauty but also because they contain psychotropic substances. A decoction made from water lilies is considered a love potion: it is capable of awakening feelings in the heart of absolutely any person. People would stock up on water lilies before going on a date, before legal disputes, and before childbirth. It was believed that the water lily brings good luck in such matters.

    Harvesting & Preparation

    • Collecting a usable water lily requires a DC 12 Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) check or Wisdom (Survival) check to trim the flower and root without damaging them (and without disturbing potential lake denizens). On a failure: The character either damages the plant (rendering it unusable) or disturbs local creatures (fish, merfolk, or worse).

    Items & Effects

    • Talisman of the Lily.
      • Creation. Requires 1-2 hours, a fresh water lily root, and a DC 12 Wisdom (herbalism kit) check or Intelligence (Arcana) check.
      • Use. Must be worn visibly to function (e.g., as a necklace, hanging from a belt).
      • Effects (continuous while worn).
        • Protective Ward. The wearer gains a +1 bonus on saving throws against being frightened or charmed (PHB, p. 290).
        • Water’s Grace (Optional Flavor). Once per long rest, the wearer may reroll a failed Dexterity (Acrobatics) check or Strength (Athletics) check when swimming or wading through water (they must take the new roll).
    • Water Lily Petal Sachet.
      • Use. When kept under a pillow overnight, it may provide restful sleep and relief from nightmares.
      • Effects.
        • Peaceful Dreams. The creature gains advantage on Wisdom saving throws against sleeprelated magic (like the sleep spell or dream; PHB, pp. 276, 236). This effect lasts until the next long rest is completed.
        • Children’s Protection. If placed under a child’s pillow (NPC or young PC), the child gains advantage on saving throws against effects causing the frightened condition for the next 24 hours (PHB, p. 290).
    • Nymph’s Bloom (“Love Potion”).
      • Creation. Combining water lily petals, fresh herbs, mild sweeteners, and a drop of one’s own blood (for the personal bond) into a brew. Requires 2 hours, specialized ingredients worth 25 gp, and a DC 14 Wisdom (herbalism kit) check or Intelligence (Arcana) check.
      • Use. Consumed in a small cup (action), typically within 1 hour of brewing.
      • Effects (lasts 1 hour).
        • Fledgling Enchantment. A chosen target who fails a DC 13 Wisdom saving throw becomes Charmed. While Charmed in this way, they are inclined to view the charmer favorably, though not slavishly obedient.
        • Euphoria. The drinker gains a +2 bonus on Charisma (Persuasion) checks involving friendly negotiation or romantic endeavors. A more cunning creature might exploit this advantage for other social interactions.

    Lore

    The water lily, also known as Nymphaea, is an aquatic plant from the water lily family (Nymphaeaceae.) It is characterized by large leaves floating on the water's surface and beautiful flowers that can be white, pink, yellow, or blue.

    In old chronicles, one can find interesting mentions of the water lily. It is said that in ancient times, travelers venturing into unknown lands placed a piece of water lily root into a locket or pouch and wore it around their necks. They believed that such a talisman would protect them from misfortune and evil spirits. But most importantly, they needed to recite a special incantation:

    "By lily's strength and water's grace, Protect me now in every place. Keep harmful spirits far from me, As I journey, blessed I'll be."

    From Witch’s Herbs 5E, p. 104 · Fern Flower Press