narrokan

A widely consumed drink across northern Tarusia is an infusion of the leaves of the Narrok Tree known as narrokan. The tree grows in the Moran Mountains and the leaves are dried by those who tend the trees - they are valued by Taru and Mor as well as the Monkin-ban. Access to and control over the groves where the trees grow has been, and still is, a source of conflict.

Properties

Material Characteristics

The dried leaves are a greenish brown, typically traded as finely broken, or even as a powder. Infusing this in hot water, with a touch of vinegar or other acid such as a sharp fruit results in a pale green liquid with no discernible odour and a slightly bitter taste.
When fresh, the leaves are small and when crushed have a characteristic odour. Their taste when chewed, as those who tend the trees usually take their narrokan, is sharp and bitter. Not pleasant, but (as the saying goes) an acquired taste.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Narrokan, whether from the fresh leaves or the dried, is a stimulant widely prized for its ability to ward off fatigue, both physical and mental. Accordingly it is much used by those working long hours on both physically and mentally intensive activities.

Geology & Geography

The Narrokan trees are found widely across the Moran Mountains but the best narrokan is derived from those growing in the foothills and lower slopes of the east end of the southern side of the range - broadly the lands across the mountains from the The Moran Duchy , though they are cultivated in Overby Tithing.
This area is particularly suitable because of its cool, wet conditions though this can make for challenges in effectively drying the leaves.

Life & Expiration

Once dried the leaves keep well and as long as they are well dried to start with and protected form moisture will last unchanging in their properties for many years. Older leaves have a certain status value and some cuts are highly valued by connosseurs (though most consumers cannot reliably tel the difference).

History & Usage

History

Knowledge of the properties of narrokan is attributed to the Taru in both their own stories and those of the Monkin. It was adopted by the Mor during their campaigns against the Taru in the second and third centuries MD and has been popular with them for the last few centuries, spreading in use to the Little Kingdoms(org).

Everyday use

Narrokan is widely consumed by almost all classes and cultures in the northern parts of Tarusia. For many it is the default drink of daily consumption, whether infused hot as is most normal or just by adding some of the dried leaves to cold water and allowing it to steep for a few hours.

Hazards

The stimulant characteristics of narrokan can result in some unpleasant withdrawal effects - lethargy and headaches are the most frequent and these will persist for some days while the body acclimatises to life without narrokan. Too much can cause tremors in the hands and an excited state verging on mania, but such effects are seldom encountered due to the amount of leaf that would be needed to produce them.