The Whimfiber Phenomena
Within certain areas of Nexus, a tree known as Whimwood is known to exist. These strange trees grow in massive stalks which resemble gigantic, flowering plants. Resting upon long green stalks are bulbs, from which many farm a substance known as whimwood fiber. Such substance can be found floating in and out of whimwood, wherever it may be found.
A group of Royal Collegiates have set up base in the Biodome 3 of Farside, where one of the earliest species of Whimwood were developed and grown by the ancient Eldan. It is there they study its connections to a primal life phenomena.
Whimwood fiber is a perculiar byproduct of whimwood growth, and is found on floating seed structures that resemble fluffy spheres of fibrous material. In areas where whimwood is farmed or occurs naturally in great numbers, whimwood fiber can be found floating everywhere, and it can be easily harvested by snatching the floating seeds out of the air. The tiny seeds at the heart of the fibers are of great value, as they contain a tiny core of primal energy in concentrated form - a valuable substance that has caused many newcomers to Nexus to take up the practice of whimwood fiber harvesting.
Whimwood trees tend to absorb primal life in particular, theoretically as a means of reproductive energy. A seed infused with primal life is almost guaranteed (See Table 1) to fertilize and grow after surviving seed dispersal. There would also be so many of such seeds produced, that the survival of the species is hardly a concern. However, these seeds are also very weak, and can be broken quite easily. Once struck, if the object striking it is a living being, it has been recorded (Hickerson)that the release of the primal power that follows can cause hallucinations and other temporary physical effects; such as a loss of cognitive ability, and the dulling of pain.
This phenomena seems especially prevalent around the Shade’s Eve season. Leading to the recent development of the legends of “Will-o-Whims”, or spectral lights that are told to lead unsuspecting Lowborn astray as they work the harvest. These tales, seem to have the intent to warn Lowborn against the dangers of idle hands and idle eyes...As it is said to lead lonely travelers into the darkness, never to be seen again; ultimately driving them to madness. Whether these will-o-whims are a byproduct of the hallucinations, or are actual concentrations of primal energy, one cannot say. There are questions of whether or not there is actual sentience involved with this phenomena as well. Regardless of their true nature. It is paramount that we remember the dangers of oversaturated primal life. As well as its benefits.