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The Alchemy of Spellcasting
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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 mineral, 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:
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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 kinetic propellant.
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Blood Moss
"Moss" it 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.
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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.
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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.
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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 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
it is dried thoroughly and stored in a tightly sealed jar. When used in a spell, mandrake root increases the power
of the desired enchantment.
Note: Mandrake is concidered to be a powerful regant for love spell. It is common believe that if man and
women eat from same mandrake they fall in love with eachother, such is the power of Mandrake.
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Nightshade
The deadly nightshade, another denizen of the swamps, was christened for its
strange, waxen flowers, which only bloom at night. It should be carefully
handled and prepared, for it is poisonous to the touch. For magical preparations,
it is either crushed or brewed into a tea. As a reagent, nightshade focuses the
powers of death, damage, poison and illusion.
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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.
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Sulfurous Ash
The 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.
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-Collected by the Lycaeum of Moonglow
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