Sun orchid elixir

Sun orchid elixir

(Alchemical item)

Rare

Alchemical

Consumable

Elixir

Necromancy

Item Level

20

Type

Alchemical elixir

Usage

Held in 1 hand

Images of sun orchid elixir

Source: World Guide, pg(s). 55

Sun orchid elixir

(Magic item)

Aura (1E)

Strong necromancy

Caster Level (1E)

17th

Type

Minor artifact

Slot (1E)

Slotless

Origin

Thuvia

Affiliation

Emir Guldis of Pashow

Images of sun orchid elixir

Source: The Inner Sea World Guide, pg(s). 301

The fabled sun orchid elixir is much sought after for its ability to temporarily halt the aging process, restoring the drinker to the prime of their youth. The secret of its creation was discovered by the Thuvian alchemist Artokus Kirran in 1140 AR and has never been revealed by him.

Manufacture

Sun orchid elixir is difficult and dangerous to make, with each vial taking at least a month to manufacture. The only known key ingredient is the nectar of the rare sun orchid flower. The flower can be found only in Thuvia's desert interior, regions infested by the corrupted genies known as divs. Orchid hunters must also contend with the local tribal leaders, known as Water Lords; many of these lords are little better than bandits.

Effect

The symbol of Thuvia denotes the sun orchid.

Anyone who drinks a vial of sun orchid elixir immediately physically transforms to a youthful age of their own choosing. The new body begins in perfect health, regardless of the drinker's state of health when they originally were that age. Any physical or mental imperfections the drinker possesses at the time they consume the elixir (including scars, lost limbs, curses, diseases, or poisons) are immediately erased. From that moment on, the imbiber begins to age naturally and all memories are retained.

History

By 1141 AR, a number of foreign nations were threatening to lay siege to Artokus's home city of Merab in order to control the scarce supply of the elixir. Merab turned to Thuvia's four other city-states for aid, promising to share the proceeds of the elixir equally among them. The alliance was established in 1142 AR, and the Citadel of the Alchemist was constructed on the edge of the Barrier Wall in order to protect Artokus and his laboratories. Heeding the urgings of a priestess of Pharasma called Taladere, the rulers of the city-states agreed to forego the benefits of the elixir for themselves and their people. Instead, they decreed that the only Thuvian allowed to take the elixir would be Artokus himself. The rest would be sold to foreigners.

Distribution

The supply of the elixir is rigorously controlled. Every year, a blind, mute servant emerges from the mysterious and heavily fortified Citadel of the Alchemist with six vials. The vials are then transported to one of the five Thuvian city-states for auction, the order of which was set thousands of years ago. Selected foreign emissaries are invited to the host city to bid on a vial. The six highest bidders each get a vial; the losers get nothing but still forfeit the amounts bid. All proceeds from the auction go to the Thuvian government. However, the last two shipments have been lost due to apparent teleportation "accidents". This damaged the young Emir of Pashow's standing, and he was replaced by Ziralia, daughter of the ambitious Prince Zinlo of Aspenthar.

Effect on Thuvian society

The elixir is at the core of Thuvia's global influence, shaping Thuvian society itself. Each of the five major cities is meticulously designed to welcome a significant influx of visitors twice a decade. During these times, merchants and entertainers arrive to accommodate foreign bidders and their retinues. This has compelled the cities to fortify their defenses, relying on both magical and military strength to deter external powers from attempting to annex them or seize control of the elixir by force.

Foreign investments from the sale of the elixir have led to the construction of grand palaces, expansive irrigation projects, universities, theaters, and more. Nevertheless, despite the wealth brought in by the elixir trade, the majority of Thuvians are not directly involved in it. Instead, they adhere to their traditional ways, which include herding flocks in a nomadic fashion, mining valuable ores and salt, engaging in trade with merchant caravans, or cultivating fertile lands out of the desert.

Past consumers

• Osirian merchant Khalfani Zuberi, in 4307 AR
• Countess Carmilla Caliphvaso
• Staunton Vhane, the Forever Man
• Queen Galfrey of Mendev, on two occasions

References

For additional as-yet unincorporated sources about this subject, see the Meta page.