Thermal Lily
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Flora |
| Classification | Land |
| Biome | Delta Island, East Arctic, Shallow Twisty Bridges, West Arctic |
| Location | Outpost Zero |
| Debug ID | thermallily |
The Thermal Lily is a flora species that emits heat and stops the player from freezing. It acts as a heat source for the player and grows within caves above water. If the player gets too close, mild injuries may occur due to the high levels of heat.
Appearance
The main body of the plant consists of an eight-pointed star shaped structure, dark pink in colour with a yellow core that lightens towards the centre. In the middle of the core is a diagonal black cross. The main body of the plant is anchored to cave walls by a thick stem with a tough top side a fleshy dark pink underside.
Three points on each side of the main body bear large transparent "petals", with the uppermost and lower points remaining uncovered. Within the petals, the points extend into long tendrils that extend outwards before looping back and connecting back to the main body. It appears when nearby movement is detected these loops glow and emit heat.
Behaviour
In their resting state the plants face upwards towards the sun in order to gain sunlight. However, they have the ability to react to nearby movement, twisting their long stems around so that the flower faces the source of the movement and emits heat. This may act as a deterrent to potential predators or potentially encourage them to seek shelter in the warmth rather than eating the plant. In the night the Lily will turn upwards and fold its petals upwards into a cup shape, though they will still react to movement in this state.
Databank Entry
The thermal lily is an unusual terrestrial plant typically found on cliff walls. During the day it points its face towards the sun, absorbing thermal radiation and storing it internally.
At night, the thermal lily’s petals close to reduce heat loss and it relies on its heat stores to survive the harsh arctic conditions.
Source: Scan
Design
The tendrils within the petals that glow red appear to be inspired by heating coils used in cooking devices.
The plant's name indicates that the general design of the plant was inspired by the flowers of the genus Lilium, lilies.
Gallery
Thermal Lilies folding their petals during night
Tracking animations
A Thermal Lily emitting visible waves of heat
Concept art - by Cory Strader
