Appearance:   Shadow Vines can grow to look almost identical to local vining flora in the regions within which they root and grow. Once a Shadow Vine reaches maturity and has absorbed enough energy from its host, it begins growing flowers or fruits which are camouflaged to blend in with those of the host species, in order to release and spread its seeds.   While they look almost identical to local flora, a careful observer may be able to spot them for their slightly darker, purple-tinged hues and veins. These differences are much harder to spot in dimly lit areas and during the darker hours of the day.   Especially observant magic users may be able to detect the impure magical energy they release, especially in locations where many of these plants may be growing or establishing.  

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Behaviour:   Shadow Vines are attracted to areas with strong magical sources and energy. As such, they are most often found in areas with a high concentration of magical energy. Given their parasitic tendencies, most try to kill these plants while they are young, before they can root, establish, and become a nuisance.   As a young plant, Shadow Vines are semi-mobile; capable of drifting or 'dragging' themselves in one direction at a time. Should they detect a source of magic, they will move towards it and establish themselves by burrowing their roots into the ground, where they coil and harden into a dense, protected bulb with many reaching limbs over time. Once a Shadow Vine has rooted, it is stationary and no longer able to drift. If the plant is unable to find a source of energy within two weeks of spouting, it will slowly wither and die.   Shadow Vines in particular have been known to coil around trees and other natural sources of magical energy, where they absorb the hosts magical energy. As they absorb the hosts magic, they release an excess as impure magic. With enough of these parasitic plants left unchecked in an area, a region may slowly become a place of corrupted magic.   These plants are relatively easy to kill when they are small, but grow progressively stronger and more problematic the larger they grow. Anyone familiar with these plants know that it is best to destroy them while they are young, before they can fully establish or mature.