Image Credit: Here
Name: Bessera
Homeworld: Mellaniphe
Development Thread: If Necesarry
Average Measurements:
- Height: 12.192 cm
- Width: 4.826 cm
- Weight: 113.398 g
Cultivation Requirements:
- Nitrogen enriched soil
- Water
- Type I Atmosphere
Strengths:
- Fatigue Suppressant - Rather than aiding the body in fighting or recovering fatigue, the Bessera 'fruit' has a strange chemical marker that masks the effects of fatigue on the body. The enzymes and proteins within the 'fruit' react in various ways with the physiological makeup of an individual and block the receptors that would otherwise tell the brain and thus the individual that their body and muscles are tired. The effects of the Suppressant are in direct proportion to the individuals body size. Those of a 'light weight' generally metabolize the drug at a faster rate, with the effects last from 1-2 standard hours, likewise those with a 'medium weight' feel the effects for 2-4 hours, with those individuals considered 'heavy weight' feeling the effects from 3-6 hours.
- Stimulant - The 'fruit' of the Bessera also contains chemicals that act as a potent stimulant and can keep certain species awake for longer periods of time. While it appears that this stimulant effect is less reactive to the Actaeanis species' biology, it has shown to keep Humans and other Near-Human species alert.
Weaknesses:
- Highly Addictive - Those whom often consume the byproduct of the Bessera 'fruit' often become highly addicted to the stimulant that it produces. Those whom use it for a prolonged period of time often suffer adverse side effects, such as insomnia and sleep deprivation, which can often result in injury, loss of limb and even loss of life in some cases.
- Enhanced Fatigue - While the 'fruit' can serve as a Fatigue Suppressant, prolonging an individual's ability to work without feeling the fatigue, there is a high draw back. Once the drug wears off, the individual's body is immediately wracked with pain, and they often become tired, irritable and suffer from mood swings. This often causes individuals to consume more or increased doses to stave off the downsides of the drug. As mentioned above, the side effects are in direct proportion to an individuals size / weight. Those whom are considered 'light weight' feel the side effects for 2-3 hours, 'medium weight' for 3-6 hours, and 'heavy weight' for 4-7 hours, with the enhanced fatigue usually lasting longer than the suppressant.
Distinctions:
- Mild Poison - Much like a variety of poison ivy vines, the Bessera plant contains a mild poison that reacts upon contact with an individual's skin. This often causes hives, swelling, or the development of a rash at the point of contact. Thus it is meant more as a defensive means for the plant to ensure that it is not eaten or otherwise damaged by herbivores or pests.
- Lavender Scent - During the Bessera 'fruit's' blossoming stage, the plant gives off a sweet aroma that attracts pollinating insects, while also driving away fauna that would otherwise attempt to consume or damage the plant. Some individuals thus keep Bessera in pots in their homes for the scent that it gives off during this time.
Average Growth Cycle:
- Average Plant Growth: 2-3 Months by the Galactic Standard Calendar
- Average 'fruit' Growth: 3-5 Weeks by the Galactic Standard Calendar
Average Life:
- Average Plant Life: 7-8 Months by the Galactic Standard Calendar
- Average 'fruit' shelf life: 2-4 Weeks by the Galactic Standard Calendar
Nutritional Value: No known Nutritional Value
History:
The Bessera plant is a wide spread flora that can be found almost everywhere on the world of Mellaniphe, save for the Polar Ice caps and some old growth forests where there is not enough sunlight for the proper growth of the plant. Its history is nearly as old as the Actaeanis and the other species whom reside on Mellaniphe. Much of the plants history has seen it acting as a stimulant for soldiers during the cataclysmic war, though the side effects of the plant were quickly discovered and a call to ban its use due to its addictive qualities was called for.
While the plant serves no true purpose to the people of Mellaniphe, a few intrepid individuals have begun harvesting and producing its byproducts to sell to other worlds across the Galaxy. While this is often looked down upon and the plant has been classified as a narcotic, it is not cracked down on or made illegal. Rather its production is highly regulated with only so many kilos being permitted to be processed, produced and sold.
Intent:
Further develop the lore and explore the history, background and interactions between the peoples of Mellaniphe and the Galaxy at large. It is likewise intended to provide the site and new characters with a possible weakness and to aid in the creation of new threads and storylines.
