Gravy

Properties

Material Characteristics

Gravy is a byproduct of chemistry, mixed with various types of biomatter, resulting in a sludge that takes on its unique qualities.

History & Usage

Discovery

Various chemical processes found in potioncrafting will often result in waste matter. This matter is typically organic, and was traditionally used as a fertilizer in composting. This material was notoriously popular in Tiefling communities, as it was generally easy to gain throughout many villages, and generally easy to transport in caravans. However, Gnomish researches investigating Tiefling communities learned that sometimes the material would expire before its usage. Tieflings would generally then set the material aside, boil it, and mix in various herbal concoctions that resulted in a thick sludge. This foul tasting material was usually fed to children, as it was seen to have nutritional properties. It was especially noted for its calming effects, especially in toddlers and infants who had difficulty calming down or sleeping; it was also popular with Tieflings who took the night watch, as it helped them sleep through the light of day.
Gnomish scientists in Vandal eventually synthesized the chemicals in this sludge, and were able to recreate it in a lab. By combing the material with more specific herbs, they were able to better draw out the calming and euphoric properties of the material, and over several centuries found ideal recipes to craft the material, making what is largely seen as Gravy today. 
Eventually, the true recipes for chemical-grade Gravy began to spread throughout Halfling and Human communities, where the material inherited its name due to the look and consistency being similar to simple gravies. As the recipe and materials were more easily accessible, the production began to spread widely, until production of Gravy became extremely easy, cost-efficient, and prominent throughout most societies.

Everyday use

Gravy has medicinal uses, largely as an impromptu anesthetic. It's especially useful during surgery and amputation, if no other chemicals are available, because the individual who consumed Gravy will be unable to feel wounding or cutting of limbs while in their perceived liquefied state. The substance is also sometimes employed on prisoners of war, as it makes movement nearly impossible, and makes it extremely difficult for someone to resist.

Cultural Significance and Usage

Gravy has medicinal uses, largely as an impromptu anesthetic. It's especially useful during surgery and amputation, if no other chemicals are available, because the individual who consumed Gravy will be unable to feel wounding or cutting of limbs while in their perceived liquefied state. The substance is also sometimes employed on prisoners of war, as it makes movement nearly impossible, and makes it extremely difficult for someone to resist.
More frequently, however, it is seen as a highly addictive recreational drug. As such, Gravy is outlawed by the Elven Empires, for production, distribution, and consumption. Unfortunately, the innocuous material is extremely difficult to control and regulate. Production of the material is very easy, and as the material looks like paste or mortar, it can be difficult to distinguish it beyond its smell at taste. As most inspectors don't wish to accidentally consume Gravy, many potential dealers go unpunished unless their is sufficient evidence.
Gravy production is very common in Human communities. It is a social ail with massive ramifications, as large portions of a population - especially in a city center - can be afflicted by the drug, and become disenchanted with normal living. This is especially true for farmers, who have easiest access to the materials needed, and lots of free time between the sowing and harvesting seasons to make and consume the material. Additionally, Human cultures use Gravy as a form of social warfare. Cascadian militaries produce Gravy on an industrial scale, and attempt to bolster a thriving illegal drug trade in Elven Empires. The goal of this is to inflict financial wounds and social impact toward Elven citizens, with the effort of creating addicts and weakening the Elven social structure and hierarchy.

Hazards

Gravy is a highly addictive material. One use of Gravy contains a high chance to form addictive behavior. Very few experiences simulate the experiences of euphoria and disassociation that come with the chemical, making people desperately seek out Gravy to re-attain that sensation, while also seeking out similar drugs such as Skip that provide similar disassociative effects. Because the material is easy to produce, it can quickly begin circulating in communities, and form large pockets of addicted individuals.
Some races are less affected by Gravy than others, due to their physiology. Orcs receive a reduced affect of euphoria, and most associate the melting sensation with panic and terror, which convinces most Orcs not to imbibe. Dragonborn and Tieflings both experience reduced affects as well, and even if they take a larger dosage, are less likely to become addicted. Gnomes have high rates of addiction to Gravy, but can also take larger doses without overdosing; additionally, Gnomes seem to recover from addiction more readily and more successfully than other races.
Humans and Halflings are severely impacted by addiction to Gravy. Both struggle with recovery greatly. Most severely impacted however are Elves. Although they carry a normal amount of addiction due to their physiology, the sensations of euphoria are enhanced in an Elf's mind, making the experience more pleasurable and thus more tempting. Additionally, due to the casual perceptions of drugs in Elven communities, many tend to imbibe at least once, which can quickly lead many into a spiral of addiction that can carry through decades or even centuries of the Elf's life as they continue to pursue the high. Elves addicted to Gravy are labeled in society as "simmering," a reference to the boiling process of the chemical. Many resources exist for Elves suffering from Gravy addiction, but most addicts do not actively seek out those resources, preferring to drown themselves in chemical instead.
Gravy production is also highly detrimental in Dwarven communities, where addictions are seen as most severe. Although Dwarves intake the material normally, and experience the same effects as other races, Dwarves are at a higher percentage chance to become depressed after using Gravy. This coupled with addiction makes Dwarves experience extremely disasterous, antisocial effects. Dwarves will become detached from their passions and crafts, which are essential for Dwarven society. This means if a Dwarf becomes addicted - which can occur after a single usage - the Dwarf may often very quickly begin to isolate themselves from their community. Additionally, some recipes developed during the Age of Humanity are now known as "Thick Gravy." This involves mixing Gravy with alcohols, which enhances the euphoric effects, and further increases the chance of depressive and addictive tendencies. Direct intervention and strict austerity around drugs and alcohol is required when a Dwarf is found to be addicted, and since these prohibitions are usually offensive to many Dwarves, attempting to enforce these restrictions is extremely difficult.

Type

Composite

Odor

Acrid mud.

Taste

Bitter and rich, similar to soil. Has the mouthfeel of lumpy gravy.

Color

Grey, but sometimes brown.