(U6O)-Reagents

The preparation of a spell's reagents is performed at the moment of spellcasting, thus allowing the chemical reactions to reach their peak even as the appropriate mantra is uttered. Some reagents are relatively common herbs and minerals, available at any magic shop. Others must be sought after diligently, often requiring the mage to travel to distant and inhospitable places in search of an obscure fungus or root.

These are the reagents necessary to the casting of magic:

Black Pearl One oyster in ten thousand will yield a black pearl suitable for spellcasting purposes. It is usually crushed to a fine, iridescent powder before being combined with other reagents. The black pearl is used as a kinetic propellant. Cheaply sold by Horance of Skara Brae for 3gp each.

Blood Moss "Moss," is may be called, but blood moss is, in reality, a fungus gathered in the enchanted forest of Spiritwood. There it is found growing under the loose, dead bark of fallen trees. Blood moss is used to enhance mobility and movement. Cheaply sold by Nicodemus north of Brit for 2gp each.

Garlic This common household spice is effective in warding off evil spirits and negating black magic. Preparations for use generally involve grinding the washed cloves of garlic between two flatirons until they are reduced to a pungent paste. Cheaply sold by Nicodemus north of Brit and Rudy of Cove for 1gp each.

Ginseng The wizened physicians of ancient Sosaria wrote often of the curative powers of this bitter root. Prepare a syrupy, pure extract by reboiling forty times with clear mountain water, letting the mixture develop a strong, acrid odor. Cheaply sold by Nicodemus north of Brit and Zoltan the Gypsy for 1gp each.

Mandrake Root The most sought after herb of the spellcaster, mandrake root grows along the loamy banks of stagnant swamps. Once found, mandrake must be dug up carefully so as not to damage the tap root, for it is in the root that the greatest concentration of active ingredients is found. Carefully remove the tough, outer skin, again giving special attention to the sensitive tap root. Using a fine-toothed silver fork, comb out the cottonlike fibers that make up the root's heart. The combed matting is boiled in pure water for no more than one hour, after which is it dried thoroughly and stored in a tightly sealed jar. When used in a spell, mandrake root increases the power of the desired enchantment. Cheaply sold by Horance of Skara Brae for 5gp each.

Nightshade This hallucinogenic mushroom is often the critical ingredient in spells that create illusions or poisonous effects. Sprouting in swamps, and only in the dark of night, this mushroom is easily distinguished from the others by the way its stalk bruises when crushed. Retain only the fungal cap and discard the tough stalk. The spores housed in the underside of the cap provide the active ingredient and can be chopped into a fine mincemeat or boiled into a bitter tea. Cheaply sold by Zoltan the Gypsy for 1gp each.

Spider's Silk It takes many spider webs to make a full ounce of spider's silk, but the binding power it adds to spells makes the effort well worthwhile. Though the web of any spider will do, one can reduce collecting time by scraping off the fine silken hairs that cover the webs of giant spiders. Rumors have been heard of a cave where spider silk can be found in abundance. Cheaply sold by Nicodemus north of Brit and Horance of Skara Brae for 1gp each.

Sulfurous Ash This product of violent volcanic eruptions, sulfurous ash adds high levels of energy to the spells which require it. It is recommended that freshly collected ash be sifted through a fine mesh sieve, ensuring consistency and easy mixing. Cheaply sold by Rudy of Cove for 1gp each.