Crimson Cinders

The powder is created by Serpentfolk on Viper's Isle. The manufacturing process is a well kept secret, and nobody knows what it is made of exactly. Most people just assume it's probably made of some plant growing on the island.

The people of the Golden Coast knew about the existence of Viper's Isle for a long time, but the Serpentfolk living on that Island, did not react well to outsiders. So for hundreds of years, the merchants of the Golden Coast stayed clear of that island. At some point, the Serpentfolk Half-Bloods on the island contacted sailors coming by. Soon they traded this exotic spice for weapons and luxury goods.

Crimson Cinders is often used as a spice, and is really popular around the Golden Coast, but only available to the upper class, because of its price. Just a bit added to a dish, already gives it a smokey and hot flavour and extends the shelf life quite extensively. For people who are not used to this spice, it quickly gets to hot for their taste.

The transportation of Crimson Cinder is not without its risks. This fine powder is easily ignitable. Just a little spark is enough to set it ablaze, so right after acquisition the powder is often mixed with water, to get a thick paste, which is easier to handle and less risky. Some people think that this process destroys parts of the flavour, so from time to time, merchants will transport the raw powder to cater to these people, who pay way higher prices than the average consumer.   Once the paste arrives in Protreni it is dried and then dissolved in oil or water, to get a red liquid which can be easily be used as a spicy, without the risks the raw powder carries.