Infusions of Feathers
These mystic infusions grant those who inhale them supernatural insight. They are intended to be poured into hot water and the resulting steam drawn into the lungs, from where it's semi-narcotic effect flows throughout the entire body. Extensive use of these infusions can have a detrimental effect on the peace of mind of the user, and they are best employed sparingly.
These potions are, unsurprisingly, popular with the Kallavesi and with mystics of all nations. The modern recipes used to brew the infusions were refined over centuries in the swamps of Kallavesa, but the Navarr used similar preparations for centuries, and can claim the credit for first developing the Ravenwing infusion at the very least.
Goosewhisper Infusion
This volatile blue oil dissolves quickly in warm water, or can be thrown directly onto hot coals or open flame to create a small cloud of strongly scented steam. Taken deep into the lungs, it allows the drinker to perceive magical auras, or gain an instinctive feel for the qualities of a ritual being performed nearby.
- Effect: Inhaling the steam from this infusion grants the character the ability to use an effect similar to the detect magic incantation once during the next ten minutes without using any training or mana. This allows the drinker to discern the level and realm of an enchantment that a single target close enough to touch is under, or to discern the level and realm of a ritual that is being cast if they are close enough to hear the words of the ritual. A referee is required to gain this information.
- Roleplaying Effect: The steam from the infusion has a numbing effect on the tongue and lips which can result in slurred speech. The drinker often finds themselves blinking rapidly, or suffering from watering eyes. While under the effect of the infusion any spell that the drinker hears being cast causes them to perceive dramatic displays of colourful light that can be quite distracting.
- Recipe: Two drams of Cerulean Mazzarine.
Ravenwing Infusion
This pale red concoction produces a thick, lingering steam that hangs in the air for several moments unless actively inhaled. It causes a momentary dizziness, and then the individual who has partaken of it can perceive auras around living beings. Be closely examining these auras, the imbiber can potentially gain useful insights. The infusion also causes the user to have exceptionally vivid dreams for up to a full day after using it, and many mystics believe that there were hidden messages in those dreams, either hints of the future or insight into the nature of the skein.
Initially this preparation was of most use to mystics who interpreted the information gained from auras in various esoteric ways; several mystics. With the slow spread of the Imperial faith, Ephraim son of Miriam, a Highborn archivist that the preparation also allowed the user to perceive the effects of certain religious ceremonies, without the use of Liao.
- Effect: Inhaling the steam from this infusion grants the character the ability to use the effect of the Insight skill once during the next ten minutes without needing any training or liao. This allows you sense if they are dedicated to one of the seven virtues, read any testimonies that have marked the soul and see any auras that are affecting them.
- Roleplaying Effect: The drinker feels a sudden dizziness, and then loses all perception of colour; everything becomes visible in shades of grey for as long as the effects persist. The exception is that the drinker perceives colourful auras around living creatures, with the colour and intensity reflecting how the drinker feels about that person. The night after taking this infusion a character will have exceptionally vivid dreams.
- Recipe: One dram each of Cerulean Mazzarine, Imperial Roseweald and Marrowort.
Magpie Infusion
This midnight blue liquid hisses and bubbles when exposed to heat, and releases a cloud of shimmering barely visible steam. If it is inhaled deeply, a chill sensation emanates from the chest through the whole body. After a moment, the imbiber gains a rare and sometimes confusing ability to perceive the bonds that exist between people and objects. The character perceives bonds in a highly symbolic, intuitive fashion that can provide a variety of useful information.
- Effect: Inhaling the steam from this infusion causes the character to suffer brief but intense visions regarding the bonds of a single object they are handling, or a single character within arm's reach. The information usually includes how many bonds exist, and may include additional information depending on the item or character.
- Roleplaying Effect: For the next hour or so you feel an urge to touch and handle interesting inanimate objects, especially crafted items, mana crystals and potions, although you may be also be drawn to objects or structures with interestingly textured surfaces. This urge is especially strong if you are of the naga lineage.
- Recipe: One dram of Cerulean Mazzarine and one crystalized mana.