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The twin clay chimneys puff wisps of smoke into the air, and a wicker basket of herbs appears just plucked and left upon the stoop. Looking through the arch, there is indeed a figure laboring within at a high table, garbed in a kirtle of yellow and red. She beckons you onwards with impatient hands, and inwards to her realm.
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| Beef Smoked Jerky | These long, leathery stiff strips of a cured meat are thrust into a basket by the door-step, set alongside hide sheets which could be used to wrap up the travel rations. "Aye, 'tis beef jerky, fine cuts o' meat in that there," the Dame gestures as she pulls out a tempting, spiced morsel for you to savor. "Whats even finer, is that ye eat a strip o' that jerky there, ye can walk a hundred mile or more an' never feel tired, or chop an entire tree into firewood fer th' winter-time. Jest ten hours of sleep after a full twenty-four hours o' hard labor, an' yer good to go! Seven hundred gold scores ye enough jerky fer one person, for a week or so." *note* Consuming the Jerky erases all weariness and negatives due to fatigue and lack of rest - for one full day the consumer may engage in any physical task they desire without growing exhausted; i.e. climbing a cliff, fighting in an arena, constructing a craft, etcetera. Twelve hours of undisturbed sleep must be had by the consumer after twenty-four hours, else triple the fatigue effects occur. |
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| Dame Edna's Kettle O' Plenty | Hanging upon a scrolled wrought-silver rack above the bake-stove is a series of cheerful little kettles, polished and gleaming. Catching your glance, Dame Edna grins widely. "Mostly I sell these to th' gnomes that come up to see th' Lady. But I can see yer one with discriminatin' tastes." Moving herself to the rack, she takes down a pot for your inspection. "Now see, th' Lady magick'd up these fer me so's I could cook fer all the visitors here. All ye have to do is put food t'cook inside th' pot, and three times th' finished prepared meal is available t'eat! Quite a fine thing, and she sells 'em at ony twenty-five hundred gold!" *note* All that is required to make the Kettle function is to add the desired food to be cooked, and to place the Kettle over a heat source for ten minutes; after which three times the quantity is now available for consumption. |
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| Hearty Grain Gruel | A bubbling black cauldron of some thick, though pleasantly aromatic gruel bubbles merrily on the hearth; a long wooden spoon is used to stir and add sweetener and syrup. "Aha, quite the fine way t'break yer fast," Dame Edna smiles, ladling up a bowl for you. "And just th' thing too, t'keep yer strength up," the large woman laughs, hands on her hips. And indeed, as you taste the concoction, you feel added warmth and power flow into your veins ... "Aye, theres th' syrup of Northern maples, and sweetener from Byzantium, and a little extry' that makes me charge one hundred fifty gold fer th' bowl," she winks jovially. "But th' taste is free!" *note* Consuming the Gruel increases the consumer's PS by ten, for three hours at a time. The power cannot be accumulated or 'stacked' with multiple imbibations of the Gruel. |
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| Maelfina's Madjuscant | "Th' gods alone know what th' inventor were considerin' when she named th' title to this mystic alcohol, but many a magus 'er sorcerer care little as to th' name, and more so instead for its properties," Edna explains cautiously. With a clear crystalline color and sparkle to the light, crisp liqueur, men of magic will discover upon imbibing one cup, their ability to draw upon potential psychic energy halves again in its measured limit for two hours after immediate consumption. Thus stated, the pious and principled Maelfina decreed a psychic seal be placed upon the bottle so as to prevent the Madjuscant from ever being used for ill willed incantations. "See this thing here?" she points a plump finger to a crystal atop the wax seal, glowing a dulcet azure. "Thats fer any whose a principl'd or unprincipl'd sort. Those aberrant fools're worse dispositions'll find the seal darkening to a dull black." The flour-speckled woman laughs mirthlessly. "An' they'll find th' merchant selling the drink refusing their money. So 'ware! Still, its worth th' three hundred fifty gold per bottle."
*note* Typically 1D6 doses are in each bottle. |
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These plump little cloven-hoofed mammals are found throughout the foothills through much of the Old Kingdom Mountains and the Eastern Territories, eating a diet of grasses, scrub, and bark. Hardy and sure-footed, the bhaguess ranges in coloring from pale sand to darker russet and even golden hides (which are much sought-after by furriers and trappers); males bear black tips on their long up-swung ears and bushy fetlocks, and are somewhat larger in bulk, with a pair of curling ivory horns at the temples. These creatures make for fine eating once caught, the meat firm and white with a fine grain; tasting slightly smoky, the steaks are often spiced before being grilled, smoked, or dried according to local dictation. Female bhaguess also bear a large, pendulous set of udders to feed their young; the slightly sweet, creamy yellow milk is nutrient rich and may be consumed by humanoids without penalty. Due to the enzymes present in the milk, the liquid may be left unchilled for up to twenty-one days before it sours, making it a boon to travelers who have not too far to go. 20 gold per animal; 2 gold per pound of cut and dressed meat; 4 gold per pound of smoked or jerked meat; 2 gold per gallon of milk.
It is rare indeed to find these spun sugar flowers for sale anywhere beyond the mysterious and little-known island of Lemaria, for its populace has almost no truck with the outside world. Despite these obstacles it seems enterprising merchants have found a way to export these luxurious candies; or perhaps a woman of the island has abandoned her home to make a name for herself and find fame in this decadent repast. Most commonly the Blossoms are in the shape of lotus petals, in honor of the high holy days of Isis; other sparkling creations include creeping trumpet-flowers and roses detailed by a tiny candied bee. Sweet almond paste and honey are often used to fill the crystalline petals and centers, and occasionally a rich reduced dessert wine or liqueur. It is believed these Blossoms originally were made in celebration of certain holidays of the religious doctrines of Lemaria. Chefs of Phi, Lopan, and the West will pay dearly to learn how to make these confections for their decadent noble patrons. 15-35 gold per blossom, depending upon complexity and ingredients used.
A common ancestral baked good produced by Dwarves the world over, incorporating a recipe and dough shaping technique that predates the great wars of millennia past; perhaps to the Time of A Thousand Magicks. Speculated that the method was brought overseas from some forgotten land, it is the Dwarves who proudly serve this bread both as a daily repast, as well as a fancier version during high holidays. The ‘shield bread’ obtains its charming name from its shape, a round central knot with four thick spokes outthrust like compass points. Casual bakers use a dark and flavorful flour from nuts and grains (usually buckwheat and rye); the celebratory preparations incorporate dried fruit of the region, with ribbons of spices gently blended into the dough. Buckler loaf may be found wherever there are Dwarves to bake it.
2 gold per plain loaf; 3 gold per holiday loaf.
Yet another bizarre creation to wander out from the jungles of the Yin-Sloth wilderness, this little confection is all the rage in certain courts of the realm. Cloaked in an admittedly smooth and velvety sweet milk chocolate, the surprise inside each plump drop is a crunchy, crackling Grackle-Bug; a shiny green-carapaced insect perhaps a thumbnail long, with multiple tiny legs.
Some claim the ‘treat’ to be an aphrodisiac; others state the bug possesses the ability to ease pains of the brain and heart. Still others suggest that consuming the chocolates thins the blood and eases pressure. Mostly these tales are the ramblings and speculations of court charlatans, medical quacks, and foolish courtesans who know nothing of such matters.
The fact remains, that the treats are delicious, and bring much pleasure to the refined palate. The sweets are packaged in paper tissue and pressed paper boxes for convenience. They can be found sold throughout the South and West. 15 gold per box of twelve.
These sweet, creamy pale berries burst with nectar and exceptional flavor during the early autumn season when the fruits are ripe for the picking. The flora itself is a creeping vine composed of double tendrils and four-lobed leaves light cream in color. Starting in early spring after the final frosts, the blooming flowers are an icy blue and are edible, good for salads and garnishes. Commonly found in more temperate regions into altitudes of three thousand feet, mostly to the East and North. However palatable the fruits may be, the leaves themselves should not be ingested, as they are a mild irritant to the flesh and mildly poisonous. This detriment is balanced by the nutritionally rich berries, being packed with vitamins and nutrients to help stave off infections and colds.
1 gold per pint.
Growing throughout much of the world within temperate climates and arid to moist soil, these edible fruit-bearing trees are both cultivated domestically and found in the wilderness. Reaching heights of twenty-five feet, the smooth-grained pale hardwood deciduous trees spread a bell-shaped canopy with trailing weeping fronds that nearly brush the ground. Large pale yellow blossoms are borne in late spring, and after eight years of growth and maturity will eventually produce a pale lavender fruit with a thick pendulous shape, darker at the stem and lighter at the tip. These plump, sweet fruits are likened to drops of morning dew, hence the name of the tree; and are often used in making jams and compotes, as filling for pies or cakes, or as a sauce to accompany baked meats. Several smaller kingdoms of the Eastern Territory have begun to create Dewdrop orchards to harvest and sell the fruits for revenue and trade. 12 gold per bushel; 3 gold per pie or cake; ½ gold per jar of compote or jam.
These heavenly delicious treats are a holiday favorite for Gnomes, who originated the recipe supposedly during the Time of a Thousand Magics; an ancient mixture, indeed, consisting on the surface of pure wheat cake flour, fresh clover honey, and crystalized sugar all bound with sweet cream butter. Though many a magus suspects a pinch of something more, as the faintly magical aura the Honey-Breads give off leads to suspicious speculation. Consuming the spongy, melt-in-your-mouth toothsome treat eases aches and pains, refreshes one's constitution, and settles the turbulence of one's thoughts. Some have compared eating the Honey-Breads akin to 'indulging in clouds and the mist of winter'. Poetic, but still not quite true. Traditionally only available during certain Gnomish high holidays three times a year, the Honey-Breads are now becoming more readily available with consumer demand. Sells for ten gold per half-pound loaf.
These hard-tack biscuits are used by the Bizantium Navy to supply its sailors with an enduring, nutritious ration that survives months at sea. Notoriously rock-hard, the common method of consumption requires the sailor to soak the journeycake in a portion of his ration of water. The biscuits’ pleasant taste incorporates several nutritious and refreshing dried herbs, along with dehydrated vegetables for substance. Sold in racks, in increments of six; up to thirty-six may be purchased per rack. 4 gold per half-dozen.
This clever technique of preparing food hails from the dense jungles of the Yin-Sloth, among the barbaric Tezcat people. Though the traditional method was to use the flesh of one’s enemies, modern cultures generally frown upon eating one another; chicken or roast pork has become a popular substitute. When the leaves of certain jungle plants are not available for the more modest chef, cool lettuce may be used instead, wrapped tightly in a roll about the filling of meat and sliced root vegetables and rice. Historical accuracy calls for a variety of greens, as the Tezcat would gather whatever growing plants they could for their own original version. This reborn concept of ‘Jungle Wraps’ has been shrewdly marketed towards lovers of adventure and exploration, in taverns of the West and South where headhunters, warriors, mercenaries and scholars alike all find novelty in eating something originally attributed to the crude cannibals of the Tezcat. 2 gold for four wraps.
This deep-forest subtropical bird is as renowned for its fine sophisticated taste as well as its impressive plumage. Mating in dual parental pairs for life, the quartet of adult birds cumulatively raise their broods in nests of two to four eggs per season, only mating once every four years. Living in high-perched intricate nests of branches and leaves, the Killikarcau are easily recognized by both their harsh reverberating call (from whence derives their name) and their magnificent double-plumed tails and trailing wing feathers, ranging in color from pale white, to tender spring green, to a rich and brilliant emerald.
It is for these luxurious feathers that the tailors of the wealthy pay respectable and envious sums of gold, and butchers and tavern-keepers for the smooth white meat of the Killikarcau. Were it not for two especial reasons these birds would most likely be hunted to extinction; firstly, their nests are found only in very dense forested regions, and then at least one hundred feet up from the canopy floor. Secondly, their razor-sharp beaks, wicked four-clawed feet, and unerring sense of accuracy make the avians formidable opponents.
25 gold per butchered bird; 250 gold per live adolescent fowl or live egg; 40 gold per tail or wing plume.
This unique shellfish remains but a fingerlength wide through its life-cycle, but grows to nearly two feet long at maturity. Living in shoals and shallow banks along most of the eastern seaboard and southern islands of the continent, the hard pearly black shells are often used for scrimshaw jewelry or simple weapons, and occasionally as a form of currency in simpler cultures. The real appeal of Lanthu is its sweet, creamy flesh found inside, carrying no actual taste of brine. Most commonly the meat is sautéed, baked, or fried much as other shellfish is prepared. A specialty of certain Eastern Territory provinces is a delightful chowder, filled with herbs, cream and tubers; which is then served in plump round crusts of dark bread. 12 gold per bushel basket of shellfish.
Though the city did not invent the recipe for these cucumbers in brine, somehow Llorn has earned the recognition of patronizing these crisp, deliciously sour pickles. Packed in charming wooden barrels stamped with an ‘official’ seal (which was only recently made into law by the governing body of Llorn, to capitalize on the sales), each bin holds approximately three hundred pickles. Most vendors, caravans, and traders are willing to sell pickles individually as well. It is speculated that the recipe was conceived by a retired chef of Phi or Lopan, who escaped the fanciful nobles' play-parks of the islands to more seriously concentrate on his cooking craft. 35 gold per barrel; 1 gold per pickle.
This holiday-time treat hails from Dwarven ancestry, who have enjoyed the rich spices and roasted baked meat which comprises the recipe for thousands of years. The sorrowful origins of Lobbish are shrouded by time and glossed over by nostalgia, for in fact it was created and served on the eve of a massive victory for the Dwarven Empire after it crushed a grand and strategic Elven stronghold. Some historians even claim that the first meats cooked in this now time-honored fashion were from Elven flesh … but this is a rare and unpopular theory at best, neglected by Dwarves who now use the meal and its forgotten purposes as a way to come together as a family, and strengthen their cultural ties. Regardless of its peculiar name, Lobbish is a savory and delicious roast of meat that is marinated for a week in special herbs and spices, pan-fried and then set to slowly roast in ovens fueled by flavorful hardwoods for one full day. Often the Lobbish is stuffed with breading and fruits, or glazed with wine and honey. Northolme was the first city that began preparing Lobbish for marketing and trade among caravans and vendors, and it is not rare to see the dish as far north as the Wolfen empire, or as distant south as Timiro. 18 gold per roast; serves six to ten.
A wild berry found growing in rambling canes in the Old Kingdom mountains, often near ruins of ancient Elven sites of historical importance; scholarly and horticultural myth and speculation is that these fruits were literally for the ruling class, saved especially for those of high rank. Delicate and difficult to cultivate (none thus far have survived in modern gardens), only these wild plants are currently harvested, the secret locations of the Nature's Kiss kept closely guarded and highly coveted among the denizens of the mountains. Ripening at the height of summer, the berries begin pure white, then darken with a blushing tint of color, until the most full and succulent are deep blood red. Tastes much like a passionfruit crossed with delicate sweet tropical juices, the berry is also rarely used in crushed elements for dyes, or added to exotic paints. Rumored to be a beauty enhancer and an aphrodisiac. Standard rate of sale is eighty gold for one half-pound of berries.
Hailing from Bizantium and the Shadow Coast, this meticulous, minimal and elegant method of preparing ‘saels deu mer’ as the phrase is colloquially rolled in the Northern tongue has become a recent trend among connoisseurs and the wealthy. The technique involves marinating and spicing the finest seafood the Shadow Coast has to offer, from Giant Scuttle Crabs to lobster and sea urchin roe, slicing the raw meat parchment-thin. These are rolled or curled into decorative shapes and garnished with sprigs of fresh herbs. The final touch to the Nischii is the placement of the meat upon a hand-molded firm bed of glutinous rice noodles or grains, sometimes shaped into fanciful forms such as seashells or celestial images. Nischii may be found in establishments for the highborn and low throughout Bizantium and her colonies, as well as the Eastern Territories. When traveling to the Empire of Sin or the southern kingdoms, the ‘saels deu mer’ becomes something of a bourgeois treat for the upper class. Another interesting social effect of introducing foreign foods into the upper crust of society is the sudden renown of skilled chefs able to prepare the Nischii; these trained and/or innately talented people are fought over, bartered, bought and sold by certain high houses like so much cattle or mined gemstones. This does not bother the chefs so much, as the majority send their generous stipends home to the Shadow Coast to support their families. Unfortunately this also leads to the Colonies' loss of their best chefs as rich out-landers sweep down with their gold and their promises to steal them away. 1 silver to 4 gold per piece, depending upon rarity, time of preparation, geographic location, and socioeconomic standing of the establishment.
It is not so much the chocolate itself that is a product of the famed Heath and Homes of the Northern Wilderness, but rather the recipe which received renown; though some enterprising folk have found a way to magically dehydrate the beverage into a powder, selling the fanciful tins as souvenirs throughout the region. Made with cocoa from the south, rich cream, crystallized sweeteners, spices and Bizantium rum, the thick, frothy drink does much to bring back the warmth and vitality to a chilled body. Certain enchanted brews are even claimed to possess a healing restorative, though this is unfounded. Traditionally all those who enter a Hearth and Home are offered a cup of this delicious sweet beverage as a sign of welcoming comfort. 10 gold per tin; enough to make one gallon; 25% likely to possess healing properties, restoring 1D4 S.D.C. and negating organic non-lethal poisons and toxins within 1D6 minutes.
Pronounced ‘oh-SHAL-uh’ in the Northern tongue, this is a graceful herbivore that appears kin to the common white-tail deer, but is in fact an ancestral member of the equine family. With delicate hoofed legs and a sleek two-meter long body, the creamy-pelted Oxchaoh is prized for its flesh as well as its durable, waterproof soft hides; which may be found from dusty coal all the way to snow white, spotted and striped and saddled with certain sub-species. The Oxchaoh is hunted in its native Northern Wilderness territory with some difficulty; bearing a pair of ivory-like spiraling horns atop its head, the rack is often symbolized as a source of strength, wealth, or societal standing for some Northern cultures. Oxchaoh is a rich, robust dark meat that nonetheless is easily digestible, possessing great nutritional value; and is most often marketed as whole roasts smoked or fresh, dried jerky, and in baskets of bite-sized pan-seared nuggets as per the Northern method of cooking. 8 gold per roast; 12 gold per pound of jerky; 3 gold per basket of nuggets (approximately one quarter-pound).
Named by humans who have recently re-discovered these perfumed fruits in long-abandoned underground Dwarven royal orchards of the Old Kingdom; specifically for its pale blush and white peak at the top of the two-lobed fleshy body, as though dusted with snow. Maturing late in the autumn harvest only on trees older than one hundred years, this unusual subterranean flora cannot withstand direct sunlight, or they will wither. Their pale blue leaves are actually mildly phosphorescent, creating an eerie fey glow within their ancient high-domed caverns. Because of this stipulation, no snow apples are cultivated domestically, but must instead be gathered by hand- the oldest seedlings grown in specially prepared greenhouses of Western and Bizantium wealth will not begin to produce fruits for another seventy years. The taste of the snow-apples is worth the wait, as their amazingly explosive ambrosia leaves one uplifted and pleasantly sensual. Some apothecaries claim the snow apples contain aphrodisiac powers, others insisting that a natural chemical high may be obtained by consuming the fruits; they thusly are much sought-after by all manner of folk. 12 gold per induvidually packaged fruit.
Marketed across the continent in most major cities, this well-known trail mix of nutritious nuts, dried fruits, and jerked meats are a boon and a staple to many a woodsman, dungeon-crawler or explorer. Coupling an intense, satisfying flavor with a daily balance of nutrients and a shock of energy, this trail blend is much sought-after in the markets. The mix is sold in half pound waterproof sacks, which once emptied become quite useful. This is a recent development throughout the civilized nations of the world, a newly-coined and almost-unheard of brand name. Rumor suggests that Tallam himself was a grand adventurer, now retired and set to providing hopeful newcomers to his trade with tools and resources that he never had the fortune to possess. Others quip he is a dreaded Changeling and that this is merely a ploy to subjugate the minds and hearts of the populace and thereby gain a step towards world domination. But then again, is that not what capitalism already is? 8 gold per half-pound washleather sack.
This is a firm-fleshed spiraling root that begins pale gold in spring, darkening to a burnished bronze by first frost; Tareis may be harvested at any time during its growth pattern, and used much like other tubers in cooking. With a sweet, robust herbal flavoring, Tareis is popular among humans, Dwarves, Gnomes, and several of the canine races. The double-leafed tender greens are also used in soups, salads, and in healing poultices and salves. 3 gold per pound.
A homey commoner’s dish found in the isles of Phi and Lopan, most often prepared by the gentlefolk and peasantry native to the kingdoms. Visiting nobles and the wealthy elite who populate the fabulous resorts and exclusive venues of these places tend to turn up their collective noses at the simple Tarrith; which is a shame because the recipe, which calls for a delicious plethora of spices in a baked crock of grains, brown sugar, cream and sweetened pork. Eateries and inns with a flair for the foreign also feature Tarrith on their menus, found sprinkled throughout the Eastern Territories, the Empire of Sin, Timiro and Bizantium. 3 gold per crock; serves four.
A peculiar variety of crustacean found only in temperate inland waters, and never the open oceans bordering the continent itself. Multiple eye-stalks and a set of chitinous mandibles make this six inch long creature appear formidable, though in truth the thessel contents itself to graze on seaweed beds and suck up tiny floating organisms with a tube-like tongue. With an exoskeleton containing its flesh, and a thick double tail for propulsion, this crustacean brings to the ocean table a bounty of rich, tender delectable meat. Thessel can be prepared in bisque soups, marinated and grilled or baked. In one unique recipe of Timiro, the thessels are left whole and shelled, breaded and then deep-fried until crisp and golden. The shells take on a brittle translucency and added flavor as the moist flesh within cooks in its own savory juices. 35 gold per thirty pound crate.
What makes this field-and-prairie growing grain unusual is that it may be eaten straight from its feathered seed clusters, raw and unprocessed. The taste is nutty and rich at this state, though thwill may be cut, chaffed, stored, and prepared much like wheat. Often the grains are used as hearty cereals, cooked or dry, in ‘trail blends’ and as animal fodder for its high vitamin and fiber content. When used in the kitchen, all manner of goods are produced such as a creamy gruel, breads and cakes, as a coating for roasted, baked and fried meats, and as a thickener in soups and stews. For adventurers, Thwill is traditionally used to feed the pack ponies and mounts, with the less uptight eating the grains as a morning repast. 2 gold per pound of grain.
From the ruins of the Old Kingdom to the trade-routes of the Western Empire, among the ocean ports of the East to the venerable kingdom of Timiro, these ancient trees have long been sought after by weary travelers for respite and comfort. Able to survive any climate excepting sub-arctic and arid desert environments, the Traveler’s Friend stands tall as a guiding signal above most other flora of the countryside, reaching heights of two hundred feet. Maturing at a rapid pace with growth of ten feet a year, the trees have long been thought to be the work or creation of a benevolent pantheon or supernatural sorcerer, for they seem to appear at regular intervals among many of the world’s known roads and places of travel. Year-round these trees produce tiny white flowers in their lower branches, a broad ring of which fans out fifteen feet from the ground to create a thick latticework canopy that shields from nearly any inclement weather and moderates the interior temperature by fifteen degrees; these blossoms mature into a gentle, mild fruit which may be eaten raw, their juices also creating a mild antiseptic and anti-inflammatory salve when boiled. The mature seed pods are leathery and long, bursting with great tufts of downy white material that makes excellent bedding, and indeed many colonists and country-folk use the stuff for their mattresses and pillows. The leaves of the Traveler’s Friend may also be plucked and used as weatherproof coverings, as their breadth and length often exceeds three feet. Lastly the trees exude a delicate chemical in its pollen and sap which deters insects, vermin and other pests. Many a god is attributed to the creation of the Traveler’s Friend, both of the light and dark, and everything in between. Lictalon himself is said to have alchemically tinkered with the life-force of these wondrous great plants, and several of the ancient kingdoms and civilizations are also accredited with planting the first seeds of the trees to mark the great roads of their own growing realms; many of these trees are still standing among the mountains of the shattered Old Kingdom. Regardless of origin, they are a welcome sight for any weary wanderer of the world.
This rich, effervescent ale of a beautiful amber cream color is the first in a line of brews served in specialty alehouses of the Western Empire; casks of the alcohol (and the other members of the line) may also be purchased by licenced trader caravans. Bearing a delectable ginger tang and a thick head of flavorful foam, the trademark of this ale has gained fame enough to become part of the Western iconoclast. To cut the foam low when serving to guests reveals the host’s disfavor, and is a sign of disrespect. On the other hand, topping a mug of the ale with a float of foam indicates generosity, and an inclusion of acceptance. Amongst the lower classes, Caer Kurgas Premium is rumored to possess the powers of a healing tonic, to cleanse and close wounds and remove poisons from the body – this however is all street myth and urban legend for the poor.
60 gold per barrel; 3 gold per mug.
The second tier of the famed Kurgas line of ales, this particular brew is a dark and sweet molasses-thick beverage of renown. Dwarves especially appear to enjoy the inebriating effects of imbibing this delectable drink, and have devised an interesting game about the consumption of the Select; one that also is mildly insulting and on occasion the source of a brawl. Each time the Elven race is mentioned, whether by name, occupation, or associated trait, the infracting Dwarf must take a deep swig of not only his mug of Select, but of each of his drinking partners’. He then buys the next round if he is the unfortunate to finish off the last of the mugs’ contents, and receives a hard bonk upon the head by each of the partners with their empty vessels before the next round continues. Examples of Elven ‘insults’ include calling a body ‘perfumed’, ‘lilly-waisted’, making mention of shaving one’s beard or pate, and generally referring to any fey or delicate manner. Needless to say, the end result of this drinking game is quite a mess.
45 gold per barrel; 1 ½ gold per mug.
Finishing third in the tier of the Kurgas line is this light and crisp applejack ale featured at many drinking halls throughout the West. Praised for both its quality and reasonable price, the delicious fruit flavorings that seep through the pale ale make the Choice a favorite among travelers, merchants, entertainers, and others who wish for a light libation to moisten their throats and leave a pleasant buzz in the back of the head without stripping inhibition and common sense. Dwarves scoff at the ‘weakness’ of Choice, which perhaps perversely encourages the Elves to equate the brew to a higher caliber more akin to their own delicate palates; thus the ale has become yet another source of petty contention between the two races. 35 gold per barrel; 8 silver per mug.
Another drink of the North, this rich and creamy amalgamation of scalded milk and sweet and pungent spices (such as cinnamon and clove) is often served in taverns and inns as a remedy of the chilling bite of winter’s breath. The milk is warming to the hands and hear and bears many nutrients for the body that are needed out in the harsh wilderness. Some enterprising souls of the Hearth and Homes also sell wax-sealed glazed clay jugs of the Cinnamon Cream, whose metal bottoms may be set in a campfire’s coals or atop a stove to be heated and thus served.
2 gold per mug; 5 gold per quart jug.
A respectable fine draft beer produced in one of the newest and most modern brewing facilities in all of Credia, utilizing great steam-cleaned copper vats with steel paddle mechanisms to stir the cooking hops. The essential secrets of Blue Bull Brewery remain secure for the moment, though rumor claims other liquor barons and private microbrew connoisseurs to have riddled the staff with their spies. The owners of the brewery do not seem to mind, continuing to bottle their namesake product in flat blue glass bottles labeled with a unique paper label featuring a husky horned bull. Blue Bull is sold in cases of twelve or by the bottle, appearing throughout larger cities of the continent. 10 gold per case; 1 gold per bottle.
This delicate white wine is the crowning achievement in the repertoire of a young master vintner of Credia, employed under a vineyard and winery related to the Blue Bull Brewery. Light, crisp, cool and refreshing, this crystal-clear soft-tinted wine is the perfect compliment for many of the new styles of Eastern and Southern fine cooking, cleansing the palate while quelling thirst and enhancing the flavors of other foods. One technique that is fairly publicly known is that Silkflower utilizes a method of ice-wine making, which means that the grapes are somehow plucked frozen from the vine, thus more concentrated in sugars and natural flavoring. How this is achieved is anyone’s speculation. 22 gold per bottle; 3 ½ gold per glass.
Cool, clean and refreshing, this translucent pale green libation is calming to the palette and soothing to the soul. Literally distilled from the tender spring leaves of dandelion plants, along with other choice ingredients, this wine is making a name for itself and the handful of tiny fiefdoms of the Eastern Territories that brew it. Unfortunately for connoisseurs this wine is seldom available outside of its geographic origins. Perhaps in coming months the fiefdoms will consider broader trading with the passing merchant caravans. Everyone who tastes this black glass-bottled beverage seems to rave about its quality. 8 gold per bottle.
Like liquid mercury this silver fae wine puddles and pools when poured from its twisting crystal flasks, not dripping or running but clotting upon a flat surface. The Elven merchants who keep stock of this wine claim it to be made by the Faerie folk, and rarely are able to trade for the libation at all. Still, a fair portion of the sweet, icy-cold fae drink is marketed throughout the kingdoms, most commonly found in Timiro and the Western Empire, along with Phi and Lopan. 150 gold per flask.
From the Land of the South-Winds comes this refreshing, effervescent beverage of carbonated water, obtained from secret natural springs known (and ferociously guarded) only to a select few merchants. Blended with sweet tropical juices and bottled in frosted glass decanters, several fruits are often added for color and flavor. Cherries, berries, and wedges of citrus are often fresh-picked or sliced for the beverage. Desperate for national revenue the nobles have set a low wholesale cost and tax for this upcoming popular repast, which can now be found from the Eastern Territories to Phi and Lopan.. 10 gold per quart bottle.
This unpleasant Goblin brew is often found in establishments and communities of the diminutive humanoids; the foul potion is somewhat unavailable most other places. This is due to the fact that the very smell of Goblin Grup is enough to make those with weak constitutions vomit from one whiff. Goblins and hob-goblins, of course, absolutely love their especial brew and often praise it as the drink of the gods. Most Orcs, the occasional Ogre, and the more vile faerie folk also enjoy imbibing the thick, murky, dank and slimy concoction. Kobolds sneer and criticize the slop; humans detest the brew completely, and Elves and Dwarves strangely enough agree together wholeheartedly that Grup is the most disgusting drink ever created. The pungent fumes make faeries weep, and all the canine races twist their muzzles in horror. Indeed, Grup is a goblin specialty, made especially for goblins only. Packed in clay amphoras containing enough for thirty cups. 25 gold per amphora.
This unusual libation is produced by crushing and straining the thick, rich lotus-like blossoms of certain rainforest trees found throughout the Southern jungles. Receiving its namesake for the velvety ink-dark pigmentation of the petals, the boiled and reduced fermented results are often garnished with tiny, waxy white edible buds that complement the taste of the Indigo and add a visually striking feature against the blue-plum contents. The recipe for this beverage is thousands of years old, popular legend deeming the Elven kingdoms of the last age as the forefathers of Indigo; hunting parties were supposedly sent deep into the southern jungles to discover and bring back the needed components. Even today it is a mark of status for households to have within their greenhouses or solariums the graceful weeping trees that produce the Indigo blossoms. The taste of this alcohol is said to be reminiscent of nectar and ripe fleshy berries, gaining its greatest popularity in upscale taverns throughout the West and South. Indigo is marketed in fluted glass bottles to better capitalize on the lovely shading of the wine.
16 gold per bottle; 2 ½ gold per glass.
Produced by the East Star Brewery and Tavern in the city of Llorn, this pale ale flavored with pieces of ginger root actually left in the amber bottles has become a popular repast with the many soldiers and mercenaries that populate the streets. Recently East Star has also licenced other alehouses and drinking halls within Llorn to market their best-selling product; rumor has it the East Star family will be franchising themselves in other great cities of the Eastern Territories, so folk are eagerly anticipating seeing the familiar blue and silver star logo appearing on signboards in their own neighborhoods. It is likely the ale would not be nearly as popular if it were known that the tight-knit and private circle that brews the drink and owns the tavern are all changelings. And their plans to open other drinking halls are really a front to provide an underground chain of safe houses for their own species. Each silver coin spent upon their business is profit to help the changelings achieve their goals, and so the staff especially enjoys serving folk who openly despise the changeling race, even on occasion hiring minstrels to sing songs of the evils of the changelings, stirring up the emotions of the patrons and encouraging further drunkenness. Another clever method of the East Star is to serve large soft-baked pretzels with their ale at only two coppers a piece; extremely salty pretzels that not only make the patrons even thirstier, but prove that there can be no changeling activity taking place as everyone knows how changelings cannot tolerate salt. 3 silver per bottle.
Sold in aged oaken barrels, these twenty gallon lots are famous for their smooth, creamy head and robust flavor. Tasting slightly of wheat and mallow, the deep ochre beer packs a serious potency, five times the usual amount as compared to human drafts. 75 gold per barrel.
As the name suggests this foamy beer gains its distinction from its rich red coloring; the Dwarves of Northolme persist in popular myth that their brew gains its peculiar shading from the blood of the monster races that once defiled their ancient mines and homestead. Reality reveals that the cause is in fact a variety of seedpod, used as a spice to flavor the beer which also tints with the signature strong blush. Bottled in red glass smelted and blown right in the mines, the Dwarves are very proud of their achievements, and market their libation with merchants and trade caravans throughout the eastern half of the continent. Many Eastern cities also feature Redbeer in their alehouses and drinking halls, to the enjoyment of the earthier races. Elves and gnomes tend not to like the strong flavors of the foamy beer, though any Dwarf swears it is the finest brew to be had.
7 silver per mug.
Another production of the Dwarves of Northolme, this rich and sweet honeyed mead is a long-time favorite for both the residents of the underground city, and also residents of Llorn and Wisdom. Made with the nectar of bees kept aboveground in the mountainside village in a lush tended garden, the mead is sparkling, creamy and golden in color, with a finely spiced body and a smooth texture. The Dwarves bottle the mead in wax-sealed crocks with the insignia of Northolme etched into the side of the white ceramic; the jugs are then sold only in the mine itself, so merchant caravans and traders must journey to the mountain to purchase the mead for sale in other regions. To break open a jug of the mead and serve it to one’s guests is a sign of generosity and forgiveness of past indiscretions, honor then demanding that the guest partake of the offering willingly, or else face dire insult to the host. 4 silver per mug within Northolme; 1 ½ gold per mug outside of Northolme.
Produced by its sole proprietor Gnush Baaktal, a surprisingly intelligent and adventuresome Ogre, this brand of hard-core raw grain alcohol bears vapors strong enough to melt paint. Not surprisingly it is a smash hit amongst Ogres, Trolls, and the occasional Goblin; any other humanoid race turns pale and green at the very odor of the foul brew, excepting the Dwarves who find the moonshine “too dry” … whatever that may mean. Ogre Moonshine is produced in small batches by Baaktal, bottled in dark amber flasks with a lead seal featuring an Ogre in profile. 3 gold per bottle; humans, elves, gnomes drink at your own risk.
This beer is famous for being boiled and then aged in titanic copper kettles stoked by Dwarven master brewers for a full month before filled in ceramic kegs; the smooth white bottles are imprinted in blue wax with the seal of a supposed Prestida king, long forgotten and turned to dust. Known especially for its sparkling amber texture and consistency, bearing a distinct undertone of cherries and berry flavors. 45 gold per two gallon jug.
This is another unusual creation of the Wolfen of the Northern Wilderness actually made from pressed apples after the fruits have frozen on the branches. Picking the iced apples brings a decidedly sweeter and clearer palate to the Rithane, and creates a delicate roseate blush to the golden body of the wine, making this particular vintage more valuable and desired. Rithane is exclusively made among the populace of the newborn Wolfen Empire, and some say, a sign of culture and grace previously not allotted to the canine race. Other clans of the Wolfen look down upon these creatures that strive to mold themselves into the shapes of men, and refuse to drink the stuff as a matter of honor. In recent years this wine has become controversial to possess, as the Wolfen fall further into disfavor and fear from the settlers of the Eastern Territories. It has not been uncommon for a man of the Disputed Territory to be hung for nothing more than being the owner of a bottle of Rithane, and therefore a Wolfen sympathizer. Those Wolfen outside the Empire also look down upon anyone carrying a bottle, and tend to be rather harsh and heavy-handed towards these people. Further south, the wine is recognized (as it deserves to be) for its craftsmanship and fine flavor.
4 gold per bottle inside the Wolfen Empire; 8 gold per bottle outside the Wolfen Empire .
Hailing from the colonies of the Shadow Coast, these varieties of teas are harvested, dried, and occasionally brewed for trade and revenue to the Crown of Bizantium. Packed in decorative tins, the round metal containers are often painted by local artisans, depicting scenes of daily life, and landscapes, of the colonies which produced that particular tea.. Seabright Green
This smooth, pale green tea is grown only one month out of the entire year, the tender shoots crushed raw and moist and then dried in kilns. The result is a soothing, stomach-calming herbal refreshment that clouds in unusual patterns in steaming hot water. Local grannies make a pasttime out of divining the future from the pattern of the clouds.
Oceali Berry This colony blends dried berries into their tea leaf essentials, which are picked wild and untamed in the surrounding lands. Sometimes deep purple or pale blue in tint, the grounding, mellow flavor of the brisk tea is sweetened by the rich fruit flavors. Seven Sisters Select A sophisticated, complex blend of spices and flavors lend this dark and pungent tea its savory delectability. No less than eight seasonings and flowering herbs are crushed or pulped to be added to the sought-after blend. All teas sell for twelve gold per tin; each tin makes three gallons of beverage.
A rich and pungent rum originating in the Wolfen realms of the Northern Territories, used to warm and ease the strains of traveling through harsh winter climes. With a spicy, aromatic odor and a clean, smooth buttery aftertaste, many kingdoms of the East are willing to barter for this pleasant liqueur. Sold and traded in maple casks bound in steel, the wood grain giving the alcohol an added sweetness and depth; each cask holds approximately ten gallons. Lore states the name ‘Sle’thareth’ means ‘snow’s mellow melting’. 45 gold per maple cask; each cask holds one hundred sixty pints, one pint making the traditional serving.
One of the few lucrative business ventures of this beleaguered kingdom is this rich velvety amber rum spiced with several unusual flavorings unique to the south; informed imbibers insist upon the presence of cinnamon, clove, and almonds along with the ‘secret spices’, but the recipe has never been released outside of the few licensed distilleries sponsored by the crown. Sold in jungle-wood barrels bound with a unique tempered copper, the rum has become a favorite of mariners, pirates, and naval ships throughout much of the seas of Palladium. Many taverns also sell the rum on tap. 35 gold per 40 gallon barrel; 2 gold per cup.
A rather peculiar name for this fine Elven wine produced and until recently, only sold in upscale wine shops of the Western Empire. Recently, small batches of the wine have been released for sale across the continent, testing potential sales to other clientele. Thus far the beautifully bottled beverage is well-received, generous two pint portions corked with silver dragon stoppers in crystal cobalt tied in silks. The taste is complex, composed of exotic tropical fruits and redolent with shimmering rare spices. 80 gold per bottle.
A blend of mints, anise, and just a touch of white lightning make this alcohol-laced black tea quite popular in both upscale taverns and houses of ill repute throughout the south and west. Tarramore tea is also sold in punched-tin canisters containing two dozen cotton bags of the dried tea, with a glass bottle of the liquor to add to the brewer’s taste. Certain rumors claim the tea to be an aphrodisiac and a heal-all for a woman’s monthly courses, but much of this is speculation.
½ gold per brewed pot; 3 gold per tin.
‘Whiskey’ is used in rather a loose sense of the term, as this rich and acidic alcohol is made in a similar fashion, though with a far different flavor than traditional whiskey. Only those with high constitutions are able to imbibe the drink without severe side effects, including alcohol poisoning; unless a Dwarf or one of the ‘monster’ races, a single four ounce shot will knock a body unconscious. It has been said of Whitewater Whiskey that the taste is like ‘being struck by lightning’; probably because this is the most raw grain alcohol known in existence. Sold in lots of six two-pint amber bottles; 35 gold per six-bottle lot.
This thick, sweet and delectable drink is the exclusive trademark of a family of Gnomes residing in the mead’s namesake grand city of Wisdom. Marketed throughout the east and south, the mead is rich in honey, spices, and alcohol, and is quickly becoming a favorite repast of the neighboring Dwarven communities. Taverns and drinking halls commonly serve the drink by the mug, or in ample and generous ceramic crocks holding about three pints.
2 gold per mug; 6 gold per crock.
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