Alcohol, Drugs & Etc. of Mileria (Und. Constr.)
Jun 26, 2014 13:30:21 GMT
Post by ArnoldY on Jun 26, 2014 13:30:21 GMT
Alcohol, Drugs & Other Luxuries of Mileria
Note: This is not a comprehensive list of every feasible beverage, drug, etc.--the setting's far too big for that. What it is, however, is a bridge to greater immersion in the setting of Tel Vinrae when roleplaying. As the chat grows, more will be added. (After all, who knows? Perhaps a player may invent their own beverage through the usage of Profession: Brewer, or a new drug will be derived from yet-unknown flora)
Feel free to critique what's here. But if there's an element you wish to add, change or remove, however, let me know, so that I can keep the entries organized.
Drugs will be added at a future date. They are sure to have peculiar effects on the player, as well as run a chance of addiction. Those effects, and pertinent rules will need to be hammered out. If anyone has suggestions about such mechanics, I'm all ears.
1. Alcohol (A-Z):
Astabari Maidenskiss/Ladskiss
Cocktail mixture of citric champagne, Augusto's Elixir, and a naughy slip of Wormwood Seal. Though especially popular amongst anyone with a sweet tooth, it is customarily ordered with a name that reflects the gender of a desired person. In the past, it was considered an invitation for any eavesdropping bachelor or bachelorette to flirt with the imbiber, but this practice has since receded in most circles.
A variant known as the Astabari Deathkiss adds a freshly cut jellyfish stinger to the mix. When an Astabari Deathkiss is ordered, it usually means the imbiber has something to prove, and patronage will indubitably fall silent as they anticipate the consequences of bravado. According to folklore, once ordered, it must be consumed in the same sitting as if it were a death sentence, with the only discrepancy being that a kiss from an unrequited love can change their fate. The Wormwood Seal neutralizes the poison, but there are instances of freak accidents on a long night…
Augusto's Elixir
A premium liqeur prized for its pleasant aroma, and originally from Derbinshyre. Augusto's is an almond-flavoured liqueur derived from apricot pits and almonds, first produced by Indello Augusto, and brought to fame by his grandson, the renown actor and poet, Michealo Augusto, who'd credit the Elixir with inspiring his greatest works (second to the beautiful women of his life, of course).
In the past, some have treated Augusto's Elixir with more value than treasure. During the Battle of Bryndal, a treacherous group of Derbinshyre nobility sent spies to negotiate secret terms for surrender. General Tacitus of the Imperial Fourth Army was a connoiseur and saw a rare opportunity. Amongst his demands was the relinquishment of Ian Augusto, the family's firstborn son, intent on interrogating him for his forebearer's delicious invention. The would-be kidnappers botched their abduction, however, and once he torched the brewery and the fields, Ian Augusto left Derbinshyre behind to start anew in Tel Vinrae. Since then, Augusto's Elixir has been produced exclusively in that great city on the sea.
Buldihir Bridespew
A strong whiskey aged in smoked oak, with pronounced licorice, ground elkhorn, and wolfsbane aftertaste. Excellent when consumed with pickled foods before reluctant life-changing decisions.
Since its acclaimed introduction in the summer of <YEAR>, the secret of the Buldihir Bridesbrew has passed from generation to generation, and is in limited production throughout the <RELEVANT AREA>. Were it not for an absent-minded clerk, . When the intended addresses for two shipments were misspelt by a shipping firm, the greater bulk of a medicinal order meant for an apothecary ended up at Glezreign's Brewery in Buldihir. Facing shortfalls in liquour stock on a special order for a marital feast in two months' time, Glezreign dared the unthinkable in the Dwarven tradition: improvise a recipe. Incidentally, the poor bride had never before met her intended groom, and was said to have indulged in Gelzreign's experimental beverage until the pug-nosed Dwarf turned into Prince Charming... and she painted the banquet table with her ingested food and drink. Thus came about its present moniker.
Champagne Darcasti
A bubbly, light-gold beverage with remarkable versatility, and high-brow patronage. Its name is at once at a cheeky parody of Darcastiel's portfolio as a liberator, and a pun on alcohol's pleasant effect on stiff social gatherings. Carstivek Farms & Vintage, based in the bountiful Gavelstowne hinterlands, has an exclusive contract on the production of Champagne Darcasti.
Champagne Darcasti is popular amongst Imperial Nobility to the point of representation, and keen satirists have exploited the juxtaposition. For example, the widespread limerick, Deedes of a Whoremonger, which tells of a wealthy yet violent imbecile addicted to the champagne, is easily interpreted as anti-Imperial slander and its singing is punishable by jail time wthin the Empire.
Gadun Brieg Mead
A Kun Baduri export that has become the favourite drink of taverns and mead halls throughout the city and in the Maidenway. Every year in Kun Badur, thousands of barrels' worth of Gadun Brieg are uncorked during the Stonestar Festival.
Goldthrone Lager
A choice lager in the realm that balances cost and value effortlessly, it was introduced by Imperial brewers to wrest market share from the Helskvenmarrean Redshield. It is the go-to lager amongst the Imperial taverns, though that may be due to the Trade Commission's habit of subtly promoting domestic products by slapping stiff tariffs on rebel-allied wares.
Isleskipper Stout
A dark beer which traces its roots to an immigrant halfling family from the Drowned Marshes. While for the taller races, the marsh roads are a boot-robbing nuisance, to the half-folk, the puddles alone are wide enough to swallow them whole, giving rise to the notion that traversing the marsh is like 'skipping between islands'. Its creamy texture and complementary flavour make it a wonderful candidate for the winter months or damp weather.
Iyoniba'ashi ("Demon Slayer")
Imported from a distant land further away than Huang Cao. The Demon Slayer is a refreshingly neutral spirit, that carries a tinge of sweetness owing to the rice from which it is fermented. It is stocked chiefly in import stores, and is a clever gift for conneiseurs in Mileria, where the climate and geography are inconducive towards growing rice.
Its origins are steeped in legend, a monk was chanced upon by a demon while bathing in a spring. Outnumbered, and without either arms nor armour, his end seemed certain but the wily monk challenged the demon in a duel to the death. Eager for blood, the demon accepted the terms, and only then was the ruse revealed: they would drink until one of them perished. Begrudgingly, the demon accompanied him to a local tavern where the two matched cups for five days and six nights until the demon fell dead. After the monk departed, the innkeeper decided to rename his house brew. To what? The Iyoniba'ashi, of course.
Pauperthrone Lager (a.k.a "The Usual Swill", "Gnollpiss")
(See Goldthrone Lager)
An affordable and ubiquitous lager in the poorer districts of Mileria, sold at half of what a "proper 'Throner" goes for. Enterprising barkeeps take Goldthrone Lager and water it down at a 1:3 proportion, then add a spiced syrup or honey (which varies between establishments…). The result is a surprisingly drinkable slop that does its duty and keeps the coppers in the pocket.
Redshield Ale
The Helksvenmarrean classic, perhaps as old as humanity. All other ales that have come in times since are measured against Redshield Ale. The excellent terrain of Helksvenmarrean produces the continent's premier hops and barley, and the full-bodied flavour of Redshield Ale is a monument to their agricultural tradition.
Shatterfrost Firewater
When Master Brewer Ruskeg Shatterfrost drew from the principles of traditional firewater and adapted it to the scarcer realities of the postbellum, he had no idea what he'd bring about. Left to soak in Blackbright barrels for two years with an unconventional mixture of grains, animal fat, and wildflowers from as far south as the Black Fens, Shatterfrost Firewater is an intensified vodka that will vaporize a rheumatism, tactile sensation to the cold, and possibly your stomach.
It is nick-named the "third weapon of choice" amongst Dwarven mountaineers (after a hardy axe, and a good, thick beard), and a staple of the bitter northlands, where winter lasts for most of a year. Shatterfrost Firewater has gained traction in southern regions, where night-time treks through the misty hills can still be nippy odysseys in their own right.
Singkey ("Qing Kai", "Spritzer", "Hound's Hair Poison")
Though natively pronounced "Qing Kai", word-of-mouth through sailors (of all people) has led to "Singkey" being the official Milerian pronounciation. A rare and wonderful beverage noted for aiding in alleviating hangovers when consumed in minute quanities. Overindulgence, however, inflicts the conventional punishments of alcohol. It is sought for as a nigh-magical ingredient by enterprising bartenders and party-goers, hopeful that a golden ratio will yield a beverage without any consequences; yet Singkee, in actuality, cannot be mixed before consumption. Many have tried and discovered that it sharpens the sting of the end product… or renders it barbless. Singkey is oft consumed with the addition of a dog's hair, in honour of the old adage.
Ushantai Dreamseelip (a.k.a "Kolban")
Exceptionally rare even amongst the Ushantai tribesmen themselves; it is fermented from the blue steepleweed indigenous to the Burning Wastes, and laced with enigmatic properties. Dreamseelip is a contraband product within the Empire, forbidden in <YEAR>, after it was determined by the <BUREAUCRATIC BODY> for having hypnotic effects that far exceeded tolerable regulations. Only the best connected hedonists ever procure a flask of the stuff… and the ethereal experiences it brings about are said to be dangerously addictive. One of the books incinerated by the Empire during <YEAR> was supposedly authored by a Gnomish traveler who experimented with Kolban.
Vandermeri Wine
(Red, White, Rose)
Vandermeri Wine is a catch-all term, for there are many producers of Vandamermeri-style wine throughout the world, even if they've nothing to do with the fabled capital. Their presence in the wine market is as pervasive as Imperial power: whenever a patron orders a glass of 'red wine' to accompany the steak, most servers presume they wish a pour from a Vandermeri brand bottle.
Velithri Brandy
Essentially, Vandermeri Red doubly-fermented with a host of fruits and even nuts. Goes excellently when mixed with honeyed tea and partially iced. Similar to Vandermeri Wine in its adoption by brewers all across the political spectrum.
White Weasel Cider
One of Helksvenmarre's finest creations, White Weasel Cider was diffused into Tel Vinrae through the body-smugglers of Coral Bay, where they come into frequent contact with the terminus of many Rebel trade routes. Among the best bargaining chips for safe passage to the metropolish were White Weasel Cider. Even in the present age of political strife, the cider is shipped across leagues of contested borders to the taverns of Tel Vinrae via these men and women.
Wormwood Seal
An Elven drink, translucent and of a pale, indigo colouration; fine granules of wormwood remain suspended within. In the Elven language, soirees where Wormwood Seal is the primary beverage of consumption are referred to as "prophecies," harkening to its religious roots amongst the mystery cults of <The Southern Nation>. Its production and trade is regulated by the Empire, who still suspect that its consumption somehow germinates pro-Elven sentiments.
Yinalle Jiwanzhe ("Two-Day Amnesia")
Fermented from sweet potatoes. Low-cost alcohol that hits hard, quickly, and imbues its imbiber with both courage and clarity. Popular amongst young, minor bureaucrats of Huang Cao looking to unwind at a bargain, gauging one's tolerance for other alcoholic beverages against standard bottles of Yinalle Jinwanzhe has become an unofficial method of measurement. It asks for a terrible price, unfortunately: a throbbing headache, and a tendency to muddle memories from the day prior at even moderate doses.
2. Drugs (A-Z):
Starspice (a.k.a "Glimmer", "Shine", "Pepper", "Sugar", "Glaze")
In demand, cheaply produced, and highly addictive, Starspice is the quintessential contraband. Derived from the adaptable Euphode root, it is harvested in significant quantities every autumn and summer wherever the soil is fertile and the authorities are lax. Owing to topographical limitations of Tel Vinrae, Starspice is not grown near the city, but is smuggled in by drug-runners or simply users of the substance.
The popularity of Starspice lies in its versatility. Generally speaking, it launches the user into a state of euphoria and perceived self-invulnerability. Individual reactions vary: some opt for a lethargic "waking coma", while others use it to fuel their passions.
Impure variations nicknamed "Chalk" are sold on the black market alongside the premium stock; and because of their deleterious effects have become yet another plague for the lower classes. Because of this, authorities, whether Imperial or Tel Vinraean, wage a thorough war to extinguish the Starspice trade. Their efforts have met frustrations at every turn. Thieves and smugglers are a clever lot, and starspice is easily disguised as conventional shipments such as sugar or white pepper. When dry, it is undetectable by even bloodhounds.
The actual method of determining the quality of Starspice is more sophisticated, and includes a lengthy period of alchemical distillation, but the trained eye and tongue of any spice-hawker can let you know: the purest Starspice numbs the tongue upon contact, and will glimmer brightly when poured under a strong lanternlight.
3. Teas (A-Z):
(Forthcoming)
Note: This is not a comprehensive list of every feasible beverage, drug, etc.--the setting's far too big for that. What it is, however, is a bridge to greater immersion in the setting of Tel Vinrae when roleplaying. As the chat grows, more will be added. (After all, who knows? Perhaps a player may invent their own beverage through the usage of Profession: Brewer, or a new drug will be derived from yet-unknown flora)
Feel free to critique what's here. But if there's an element you wish to add, change or remove, however, let me know, so that I can keep the entries organized.
Drugs will be added at a future date. They are sure to have peculiar effects on the player, as well as run a chance of addiction. Those effects, and pertinent rules will need to be hammered out. If anyone has suggestions about such mechanics, I'm all ears.
1. Alcohol (A-Z):
Astabari Maidenskiss/Ladskiss
Cocktail mixture of citric champagne, Augusto's Elixir, and a naughy slip of Wormwood Seal. Though especially popular amongst anyone with a sweet tooth, it is customarily ordered with a name that reflects the gender of a desired person. In the past, it was considered an invitation for any eavesdropping bachelor or bachelorette to flirt with the imbiber, but this practice has since receded in most circles.
A variant known as the Astabari Deathkiss adds a freshly cut jellyfish stinger to the mix. When an Astabari Deathkiss is ordered, it usually means the imbiber has something to prove, and patronage will indubitably fall silent as they anticipate the consequences of bravado. According to folklore, once ordered, it must be consumed in the same sitting as if it were a death sentence, with the only discrepancy being that a kiss from an unrequited love can change their fate. The Wormwood Seal neutralizes the poison, but there are instances of freak accidents on a long night…
Augusto's Elixir
A premium liqeur prized for its pleasant aroma, and originally from Derbinshyre. Augusto's is an almond-flavoured liqueur derived from apricot pits and almonds, first produced by Indello Augusto, and brought to fame by his grandson, the renown actor and poet, Michealo Augusto, who'd credit the Elixir with inspiring his greatest works (second to the beautiful women of his life, of course).
In the past, some have treated Augusto's Elixir with more value than treasure. During the Battle of Bryndal, a treacherous group of Derbinshyre nobility sent spies to negotiate secret terms for surrender. General Tacitus of the Imperial Fourth Army was a connoiseur and saw a rare opportunity. Amongst his demands was the relinquishment of Ian Augusto, the family's firstborn son, intent on interrogating him for his forebearer's delicious invention. The would-be kidnappers botched their abduction, however, and once he torched the brewery and the fields, Ian Augusto left Derbinshyre behind to start anew in Tel Vinrae. Since then, Augusto's Elixir has been produced exclusively in that great city on the sea.
Buldihir Bridespew
A strong whiskey aged in smoked oak, with pronounced licorice, ground elkhorn, and wolfsbane aftertaste. Excellent when consumed with pickled foods before reluctant life-changing decisions.
Since its acclaimed introduction in the summer of <YEAR>, the secret of the Buldihir Bridesbrew has passed from generation to generation, and is in limited production throughout the <RELEVANT AREA>. Were it not for an absent-minded clerk, . When the intended addresses for two shipments were misspelt by a shipping firm, the greater bulk of a medicinal order meant for an apothecary ended up at Glezreign's Brewery in Buldihir. Facing shortfalls in liquour stock on a special order for a marital feast in two months' time, Glezreign dared the unthinkable in the Dwarven tradition: improvise a recipe. Incidentally, the poor bride had never before met her intended groom, and was said to have indulged in Gelzreign's experimental beverage until the pug-nosed Dwarf turned into Prince Charming... and she painted the banquet table with her ingested food and drink. Thus came about its present moniker.
Champagne Darcasti
A bubbly, light-gold beverage with remarkable versatility, and high-brow patronage. Its name is at once at a cheeky parody of Darcastiel's portfolio as a liberator, and a pun on alcohol's pleasant effect on stiff social gatherings. Carstivek Farms & Vintage, based in the bountiful Gavelstowne hinterlands, has an exclusive contract on the production of Champagne Darcasti.
Champagne Darcasti is popular amongst Imperial Nobility to the point of representation, and keen satirists have exploited the juxtaposition. For example, the widespread limerick, Deedes of a Whoremonger, which tells of a wealthy yet violent imbecile addicted to the champagne, is easily interpreted as anti-Imperial slander and its singing is punishable by jail time wthin the Empire.
Gadun Brieg Mead
A Kun Baduri export that has become the favourite drink of taverns and mead halls throughout the city and in the Maidenway. Every year in Kun Badur, thousands of barrels' worth of Gadun Brieg are uncorked during the Stonestar Festival.
Goldthrone Lager
A choice lager in the realm that balances cost and value effortlessly, it was introduced by Imperial brewers to wrest market share from the Helskvenmarrean Redshield. It is the go-to lager amongst the Imperial taverns, though that may be due to the Trade Commission's habit of subtly promoting domestic products by slapping stiff tariffs on rebel-allied wares.
Isleskipper Stout
A dark beer which traces its roots to an immigrant halfling family from the Drowned Marshes. While for the taller races, the marsh roads are a boot-robbing nuisance, to the half-folk, the puddles alone are wide enough to swallow them whole, giving rise to the notion that traversing the marsh is like 'skipping between islands'. Its creamy texture and complementary flavour make it a wonderful candidate for the winter months or damp weather.
Iyoniba'ashi ("Demon Slayer")
Imported from a distant land further away than Huang Cao. The Demon Slayer is a refreshingly neutral spirit, that carries a tinge of sweetness owing to the rice from which it is fermented. It is stocked chiefly in import stores, and is a clever gift for conneiseurs in Mileria, where the climate and geography are inconducive towards growing rice.
Its origins are steeped in legend, a monk was chanced upon by a demon while bathing in a spring. Outnumbered, and without either arms nor armour, his end seemed certain but the wily monk challenged the demon in a duel to the death. Eager for blood, the demon accepted the terms, and only then was the ruse revealed: they would drink until one of them perished. Begrudgingly, the demon accompanied him to a local tavern where the two matched cups for five days and six nights until the demon fell dead. After the monk departed, the innkeeper decided to rename his house brew. To what? The Iyoniba'ashi, of course.
Pauperthrone Lager (a.k.a "The Usual Swill", "Gnollpiss")
(See Goldthrone Lager)
An affordable and ubiquitous lager in the poorer districts of Mileria, sold at half of what a "proper 'Throner" goes for. Enterprising barkeeps take Goldthrone Lager and water it down at a 1:3 proportion, then add a spiced syrup or honey (which varies between establishments…). The result is a surprisingly drinkable slop that does its duty and keeps the coppers in the pocket.
Redshield Ale
The Helksvenmarrean classic, perhaps as old as humanity. All other ales that have come in times since are measured against Redshield Ale. The excellent terrain of Helksvenmarrean produces the continent's premier hops and barley, and the full-bodied flavour of Redshield Ale is a monument to their agricultural tradition.
Shatterfrost Firewater
When Master Brewer Ruskeg Shatterfrost drew from the principles of traditional firewater and adapted it to the scarcer realities of the postbellum, he had no idea what he'd bring about. Left to soak in Blackbright barrels for two years with an unconventional mixture of grains, animal fat, and wildflowers from as far south as the Black Fens, Shatterfrost Firewater is an intensified vodka that will vaporize a rheumatism, tactile sensation to the cold, and possibly your stomach.
It is nick-named the "third weapon of choice" amongst Dwarven mountaineers (after a hardy axe, and a good, thick beard), and a staple of the bitter northlands, where winter lasts for most of a year. Shatterfrost Firewater has gained traction in southern regions, where night-time treks through the misty hills can still be nippy odysseys in their own right.
Singkey ("Qing Kai", "Spritzer", "Hound's Hair Poison")
Though natively pronounced "Qing Kai", word-of-mouth through sailors (of all people) has led to "Singkey" being the official Milerian pronounciation. A rare and wonderful beverage noted for aiding in alleviating hangovers when consumed in minute quanities. Overindulgence, however, inflicts the conventional punishments of alcohol. It is sought for as a nigh-magical ingredient by enterprising bartenders and party-goers, hopeful that a golden ratio will yield a beverage without any consequences; yet Singkee, in actuality, cannot be mixed before consumption. Many have tried and discovered that it sharpens the sting of the end product… or renders it barbless. Singkey is oft consumed with the addition of a dog's hair, in honour of the old adage.
Ushantai Dreamseelip (a.k.a "Kolban")
Exceptionally rare even amongst the Ushantai tribesmen themselves; it is fermented from the blue steepleweed indigenous to the Burning Wastes, and laced with enigmatic properties. Dreamseelip is a contraband product within the Empire, forbidden in <YEAR>, after it was determined by the <BUREAUCRATIC BODY> for having hypnotic effects that far exceeded tolerable regulations. Only the best connected hedonists ever procure a flask of the stuff… and the ethereal experiences it brings about are said to be dangerously addictive. One of the books incinerated by the Empire during <YEAR> was supposedly authored by a Gnomish traveler who experimented with Kolban.
Vandermeri Wine
(Red, White, Rose)
Vandermeri Wine is a catch-all term, for there are many producers of Vandamermeri-style wine throughout the world, even if they've nothing to do with the fabled capital. Their presence in the wine market is as pervasive as Imperial power: whenever a patron orders a glass of 'red wine' to accompany the steak, most servers presume they wish a pour from a Vandermeri brand bottle.
Velithri Brandy
Essentially, Vandermeri Red doubly-fermented with a host of fruits and even nuts. Goes excellently when mixed with honeyed tea and partially iced. Similar to Vandermeri Wine in its adoption by brewers all across the political spectrum.
White Weasel Cider
One of Helksvenmarre's finest creations, White Weasel Cider was diffused into Tel Vinrae through the body-smugglers of Coral Bay, where they come into frequent contact with the terminus of many Rebel trade routes. Among the best bargaining chips for safe passage to the metropolish were White Weasel Cider. Even in the present age of political strife, the cider is shipped across leagues of contested borders to the taverns of Tel Vinrae via these men and women.
Wormwood Seal
An Elven drink, translucent and of a pale, indigo colouration; fine granules of wormwood remain suspended within. In the Elven language, soirees where Wormwood Seal is the primary beverage of consumption are referred to as "prophecies," harkening to its religious roots amongst the mystery cults of <The Southern Nation>. Its production and trade is regulated by the Empire, who still suspect that its consumption somehow germinates pro-Elven sentiments.
Yinalle Jiwanzhe ("Two-Day Amnesia")
Fermented from sweet potatoes. Low-cost alcohol that hits hard, quickly, and imbues its imbiber with both courage and clarity. Popular amongst young, minor bureaucrats of Huang Cao looking to unwind at a bargain, gauging one's tolerance for other alcoholic beverages against standard bottles of Yinalle Jinwanzhe has become an unofficial method of measurement. It asks for a terrible price, unfortunately: a throbbing headache, and a tendency to muddle memories from the day prior at even moderate doses.
2. Drugs (A-Z):
Starspice (a.k.a "Glimmer", "Shine", "Pepper", "Sugar", "Glaze")
In demand, cheaply produced, and highly addictive, Starspice is the quintessential contraband. Derived from the adaptable Euphode root, it is harvested in significant quantities every autumn and summer wherever the soil is fertile and the authorities are lax. Owing to topographical limitations of Tel Vinrae, Starspice is not grown near the city, but is smuggled in by drug-runners or simply users of the substance.
The popularity of Starspice lies in its versatility. Generally speaking, it launches the user into a state of euphoria and perceived self-invulnerability. Individual reactions vary: some opt for a lethargic "waking coma", while others use it to fuel their passions.
Impure variations nicknamed "Chalk" are sold on the black market alongside the premium stock; and because of their deleterious effects have become yet another plague for the lower classes. Because of this, authorities, whether Imperial or Tel Vinraean, wage a thorough war to extinguish the Starspice trade. Their efforts have met frustrations at every turn. Thieves and smugglers are a clever lot, and starspice is easily disguised as conventional shipments such as sugar or white pepper. When dry, it is undetectable by even bloodhounds.
The actual method of determining the quality of Starspice is more sophisticated, and includes a lengthy period of alchemical distillation, but the trained eye and tongue of any spice-hawker can let you know: the purest Starspice numbs the tongue upon contact, and will glimmer brightly when poured under a strong lanternlight.
3. Teas (A-Z):
(Forthcoming)