Cosmic Sugar

Cosmic Sugar is the crystalized sap of Neih itself flowing through the veins of continental leaves. While in liquid format, the substance is far too magical and deadly, the hardened substance sometimes gets lodged in nodes around the leaf's veins, which could be mined and refined into powdered sugar or kept in large crystal chunks for a magical energy source. On the Veritian Leaf, the larger crystals are sought out heavily by those in the airship industry, mainly the gith.

Properties

Material Characteristics

In its crystallized form, it looks like a neon green gemstone. There is always a faint glow to it.

Physical & Chemical Properties

The sugar gives a magical aura of life. Things feel more alive near the substance. Those exposed to the substance for long periods of time gain a strange green tinge to their veins becoming more pronounced until they are essentially glowing.

Geology & Geography

It is most easily accessed through continental leaves during the season of Summer, but in other eras cosmic sugar has been mined from Neih's roots and dead continental leaves.

Origin & Source

Can only be found on Neih, as it is a part of the Cosmic Tree.

History & Usage

Discovery

On the Veritian Leaf, the Church of Veritas discovered cosmic sugar via the local fey inhabitants, especially the earth fey. It is not too rare in small portions, so as soon as mineral wealth was being surveyed for, cosmic sugar was found. They did not know it could be used to power airships until the Dragon Blight brought the gith armada to the leaf.

Everyday use

The larger crystals are used to power the engines of the airships on the Veritian Leaf.
The granulated substance is used as a drug both recreationally and medicinally. At times, it is also used for cooking, but only in small quantities. Medical professionals advise not taking it in large quantities, as the effects are both psychedelic and magical, leading to a confusion that has led to much societal disorder.

Cultural Significance and Usage

The gith venerate the larger crystals, but care nothing for the refined sugar. They have mined their native leaf to depletion, which encouraged their support in Meirvyrth's conquest of other leaves. They settled their surviving peoples on the Veritian Leaf in large holes near prominent cosmic sugar veins.

Industrial Use

The larger crystals are used to run the engines of airships. And since no substitute has been found (the notable exception being the paraclete of Tuth Vincent Netheridge's ship of Tuthian design), the crystals have become essential for that whole transport industry.

Hazards

Addictive and dangerous when consumed. Can cause blackouts, manic and psychotic behavior, and at times magical phenomena. Being near it for too long is also hazardous, as the glow of Neih's power had physical and psychological effects. It is a substance of celestial quality, so mortal beings should be careful around it.

Environmental Impact

At times, the mining of this sugar goes too close to the vein of the continental leaf, rupturing it causing a leakage of cosmic sap. A notable case of this was south of Glade in the year 932, where the gith mine ruptured the main vein, leading to the whole colony being flooded and the region being scarred. This environmental disaster has not hindered the industry as of yet, though their are a group of Tuatha elven environmentalists out to destroy the industry.

Distribution

Trade & Market

The largest producer of Cosmic Sugar are the dwarves of the Bludgeon Halls, though many city states and nations near the veins attempt to get a foothold in the industry. The gith also have a large share of this market, but it is mostly in selling their refuse cosmic sugar while they mine for the larger crystals.
It is openly sold, but is often with heavy restrictions and taxation. While criminal organizations do attempt to make a market of it with the poor populations through addiction, the vast majority of the stuff is seen as a middle and upper class luxury.

Storage

Store it dry.

Law & Regulation

Governments tend to monitor quantities being sold, putting a limit on how much an individual or group could buy at one time. This is in place to prevent addiction or stockpiling. The medical and clerical communities also play a large role in the monitoring and restriction of the substance. At times, there have been prohibitions placed on the substance in cases of large societal health concerns. The More branch of the Church of Veritas are strong prohibitionists.

Type

Organic

Rarity

As rare as gold

Taste

It taste like childhood.

Color

Green

Related Locations

• Third