Viper's Tongue

Viper's tongue is a small perennial plant with a sheath-like leaf and a single stalk that resembles a snake's tongue. It is terrestrially abundant, but is typically seen in tropical and subtropical climates. It has seen a great amount of use as a healing herb, as well as a key ingredient in infatuation spells and potions.
Viper's tongue is considered a sacred plant of Taemess and Allyce, as well as the serpentine archfey Vish'Kanya. It is associated with healing, love, creativity, shadows, the moon, water, jealousy, and spiritual growth.

Properties

Material Characteristics

10-20cm tall plant with a single, ovate, sheath-like leaf. The end of its spore-bearing stalk resembles a snake's tongue.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Level 1 Properties

Fortify craft
Attract snakes

Level 2 Properties

Dreamwalk (incense)
Restore HP (consume)

Level 3 Properties

Fortify seduction
Fortify strength
Restore HP

Level 4 Properties

Fortify constitution
Damage EP
Cure poison
Stem bleeding

Level 5 Properties

Resist disease
Fortify perception (visual only)

Level 8 Properties

Fortify seduction
Restore wound levels
Fortify appearance

Level 9 Properties

Restore HP
Cure burn

Level U Properties

Empower shadow-singing
Fortify wisdom

Level S Properties

Truth
Fortify insight
Restore constitution
Infatuate (1 measure required for Philtre of Love)
Restore HP (4 measures required for Green Oil of Charity)

Reaction Conditions

The alchemical effects of viper's tongue are empowered during a waxing gibbous moon and in total darkness.

Compounds

• Exhaustive detoxifying macerate (level 4)
• Detoxifying macerate (level 4 with sandbath)
• Exhausting poison (level 4 with sandbath)
• Anti-neoplastic poultice of perception (level 5)
• Gentle beauty philtre (level 8)
• Anti-inflammatory ointment (level 9)
• Death Priest's Potion (level U)
• Green Oil of Charity (level S)
• Philtre of Love (level S)

Geology & Geography

Viper's tongue typically grows in temperate to tropical biomes, favouring moist meadows and marshes. It thrives in ancient swamps and moors. It has also been known to spring up on sand dunes. Its native range includes:

• Saccos
• Decas
• Missan
• Praedito, specifically along the Praedito-Litan border
• Litan
• Dilator
• Feloterra
• Athium
• Ombra
• Vulcas
• Ira, specifically on the Pirvelek
• Dratoran Isles, specifically Malum

Further to this, it is occasionally cultivated by residents of regions with appropriate climates in gardens that are located slightly too far from any natural growing spots for harvest to be convenient.

History & Usage

Everyday use

Viper's tongue is used by common folk as a means of empowerment, whether that be physically or regarding their trades. It is seen as a tool for getting things done, and is grown by those that are looking to improve themselves. It can also be eaten, either fresh or blanched.

Cultural Significance and Usage

Among tropical communities, viper's tongue is thought of as a bringer of uplifting emotions and clarity. Members of such communities will often rely on the enhanced power under a waxing gibbous moon to guide them towards new, exciting opportunities.

Manufacturing & Products

• Truth concoctions
• Insight concoctions
• Tonic concoctions
• Soothing medication for bites and stings

Hazards

Excessive consumption of raw viper's tongue can be have an adverse effect on a person, and has left some consumers physically and emotionally exhausted by its effects.

Distribution

Trade & Market

Viper's tongue is an extremely rare exotic ingredient, despite its wide native range, due to over-harvesting and destruction of appropriate habitats. It is typically only sold by a very small number of expert alchemists.

Law & Regulation

Viper's tongue is an ingredient used in the brewing of Philtres of Love, which are widely outlawed.

Vt

Type

Biomaterial

Value

11 silver pennies

Rarity

Ωs-tier ingredient

Odor

Odourless

Taste

Bittersweet

Color

Light green plant with yellow spores.