Rockbud

Rockbud
by Ben McSweeney
World of Origin	Roshar
Universe	Cosmere

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Rockbuds are plants with rock-like shells native to Roshar. The term refers to all plants that have shells as well as to the "true" or "common" rockbud. The shell protects the more sensitive organism within from highstorms. After storms, tendrils reach out of the bud to lap up the water on the ground. Rockbuds have also been seen to ingest Chasmfiend blood.

Domestic Cultivation

The vines of domestic rockbuds have slower reactions than that of wild buds. The listeners are known to accelerate growth of rockbuds using Stormlight from gemstones, though this method eventually breaks the gemstone. Colder climates will stunt the growth of rockbuds. In warmer areas buds can grow nearly to the size of a barrel with vines as thick as a human wrist; however, in the Frostlands they grow no bigger than a fist and move slowly, as if numbed by the cold.

Uses

Rockbuds provide a variety of uses. They contain watergourds which can be used for medicinal purposes, provide food for both chull and human consumption, and dried rockbud pulp is used in paper making. Though they do not burn as well as wood, the shells may be used as fuel for fire as the exterior creates a barrier between the interior and moisture. The inside of certain rockbud shells can also be shredded to create textiles. Many archers on Roshar, both human and Parshendi use certain types of rockbud leaves to fletch their arrows.

Rockbud Family

Besides referring to the True Rockbud, also known as the Common Rockbud, the term "rockbud" can signify a variety of other plants on Roshar. The following plants are categorized as rockbuds:

• Lavis Polyp
• Prickletac
• Vinebud
• Curnip

Trivia

• When found upon stone buildings rockbuds must be scraped away as they can eat away the stone in the walls, creating pockmarks and cracks.

Notes

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