Voidberry

Voidberries are a species of shrub native to the Dream Scape in the Void. The plant is constantly producing fruit despite never flowering and not having any evidence of pollination. The fruits of the plant are edible and have a sedative effect on Voidtouched and non-Voidtouched alike. Eating more than one berry in a twenty-four hour period is considered an overdose, and has the risk of causing insanity, coma, or spontaneous sneezing.

Appearance

This shrub has silver foliage with red veins on the leaves. The bark of the main trunk and the branches is a deep red reminiscent of the color of garnet, and is smooth to the touch. The berries produced year-round are small, round, and a glossy pitch-black.

Taste

Y'know, these'd be good with, like, chocolate or something. Yeah. Chocolate.

— Seneschal Prinx Tempest Kwake, Voider of the Overflow

Voidberries are richly tart and darkly fruity. They taste not unlike elderberries, but their flavor is much deeper and a touch sweeter. Those who eat Voidberries regularly often claim that they go well with dark chocolate and warm spices like cinnamon and clove.

Chemical Composition

I have no idea what makes these berries tick. They keep breaking my equipment.

— Dr. Georgina Mamby-Pamby, Lapin Royal Physician

All attempts at studying the chemical composition of Voidberries with mechanical or electronic equipment have failed to date. Unknown issues arise with every piece of machinery used, although said equipment resumes function after the Voidberry is removed.
The current medical theory behind the berry is that it contains a strong sedative (most likely a combination of several, according to Dr. Georgina Mamby-Pamby) as well as a mild paralytic compound.

Why sneezes? WHY?!

— Princess Sunny, Voider of the Paths

The berry's overdose symptoms of insanity and coma are thought to result from the same compounds that provide the desired effect of sleepiness. The spontaneous sneezing is a mystery to everyone.

This article is a work in progress, and may be subject to changes.

This article is part of a series related to streaming the Game of Tomes. For more information, see Streaming Game of Tomes.

Voidberries by Ralphs_Fotos on Pixabay (edited by moonflower)

Scientific Name

Ribes inanis

Conservation Status

Voidberries are extraordinarily rare even in the Dream Scape, where they grow wild

Geographic Distribution

• The Dream Scape
• The Void

Alright. I need a nap. Myko. Berries. Gib.

— Queen Sable, Voider of the Firmament, after 3 days of insomnia

Uses

Some with chronic insomnia — including the Voidtouched — have turned to Voidberries to induce sleep after bouts of insomnia. They generally wear off after 4 to 8 hours, and have few side effects if taken properly, so are, in fact, preferred by those such as Seneschal Prinx Tempest and Queen Sable of House Lapin.