Lovers' Lace

Many soldiers rely upon their armor to protect them in battle. They keep it clean and polished, spending extra on it when it is first bought to ensure high quality and durability. The extra money spent on good, solid armor could be the difference between success and failure. Such is the case with Lovers’ Lace.

While the oldest profession may not be as dangerous or as glamorous as the job of a soldier, the right uniform can make all the difference. One such fabric is known as Lover’s Lace. It is named after the flower from which it is made. The flower is off-white, and its petals always look like they are dirty. Floriculturists have tried many different ways and spent many years trying to crossbreed Lovers’ Lace with other plants to improve its appearance. But it is the stem and thorns that most tailors are more interested in.

The stems are harvested in large bundles called rods. Rods can be anywhere from 2 feet to a whooping 8 feet long. The rods are taken to a shop where they are split open carefully and rolled out until they are flat. The rods are made with concentric walls so one rod can measure 8 feet by up to 3 feet. The stems of individual Lovers’ Lace are thick and round, with several thorns per stem. The thorns are often referred to as Johns. A joke common among floriculturists has to do with getting pricked by a John.

Once the rods are flat, they are left to dry. The drying process turns the stems translucent, with an iridescent shimmer to them. They are almost see-through, but not quite. They are also strengthened, to produce a somewhat stiff fabric, akin to soft leather, but not as thick. Skilled tailors are able to work this fabric into a smooth, soft silk-like cloth. This fabric is often turned into near-sheer robes, undergarments (male and female) and other items of intimate apparel. It is also used to accentuate fancy dress with its sheer, translucence and its mother of pearl sheen.

But the real ‘magic’ is in the thorns. The tailors are very careful when they work with dried johns. The rods may be dried out, but the Johns still contain a potent sap that has unusual effects on whoever is pricked by them. Ladies (or lads) of the night or courtesans who wear Lovers’ Lace well understand its properties and are careful to apply it sparingly. When someone is pricked by a John, or poked with a thorn from Lovers’ Lace, they slowly have a calm, happy demeanor overcome them. They are not inebriated, but they can be overcome by sexual desire or lust if poked long enough or with several Johns. Johns cannot be replaced, though they hold their sap for quite a long time, even after their rod is dried out.

Courtesans will utilize Johns to help ‘persuade’ a certain dignitary, while street workers will use them to enhance a night of pleasure (or at least an hour). Use of Johns had become so rampant that a courtesan will often be checked for Johns if they are seen to be wearing Lovers’ Lace. Lovers’ Lace has been banned in the Fae Court unless all of the Johns have been removed. When Johns are removed from the fabric, they instantly lose their potency.

Aside from the use of Johns, Lovers’ Lace is much sought after, due to its beauty and it durability, while remaining a wondrously beautiful cloth. It is expensive due to the time and difficulty making it, and the danger of an accidental prick from a John. But many swear by its fabric and will wear nothing less, with or without the Johns. Brothel employees in Roselake are required to use Lovers’ Lace when in service.

Properties

Material Characteristics

Lovers' Lace most closely resemble sunflowers in their build and structure. The stems are thicker and have thirns referred to as Johns. The flowers are dull white with dirty looking petals that open similar to a large rose.

Geology & Geography

Lovers' Lace can be found all over the Fae Realm. They are often found in large hedges up to 10 feet in diameter.

Origin & Source

No one really knows when Lovers' Lace was first developed or even why. It is unknown who thought of turning the ugliest flower in the realm into a beautiful garment prized by ladies of the night and royalty alike when seduction or love is on the mind. But made it they did. Many believe it was made by a powerful half-elf mage tailor who was cast out of his home for ideas the elves could not fathom regarding love and all its splendid forms.
He felt lonely and decided to end his suffering. He threw himself into a patch of the thorny, ugly flowers and thrashed about, hoping to cut himself to ribbons and die among the flowers he felt were as ugly and lonely as he thought himself. However, instead of dying, a sudden euphoria overcame him. His sadness and disappointment disappeared and was replaced with a love, a lust for an elven woman back in his village. He snuck back into the village later that night to profess hia undying love for her. He took her hand to kiss it and she was poked by a John on his sleeve. She was quickly smitten with the mage once the John's sap worked into her veins. It was the next morning, after a night of mad passion that the two looked at each other and realized they were in love. And this time it was not the sap of the Johns at work.
With her help and an explanation, he told her what had happened. together, they explored the plant and what it could do, creating the Lovers' Lace fabric in a crude form that evolved into the beautiful fabric it is known as today.

Odor

The flowers of Lovers' Lace have a dull, muted smell, similar to bleach. The sap of the Johns is odorless.

Color

White to near sheer in color with possible adornments sewn on, mainly strategically placed to hide the Johns.

Common State

Thorny bush with harsh, unpleasant smelling flowers