Akab

The term Akab refers to both the refined narcotic originating from Akabi Free Territories and the cactus plant from which it is derived. While the poorest farmers might own only a few plants, most settlements in Akabi Free Territories allocate entire fields to cultivating the cactus used in producing the substance.

Akab Plant

The Akab plant is a fuzzy cactus that thrives in the hot, humid climates. During the spring, it blooms with distinctive yellow flowers streaked with red. Due to its intensive water and nutrient needs, the cultivation of Akab plants often deprives nearby vegetation of these essential resources.

Properties

Physical & Chemical Properties

Raw Akab

The simplest method of creating Akab involves stripping the cactus leaves and extracting their liquid. This thin, pungent milk is left to curdle in a cool, dry place for three days. Afterward, a bitter salt mined from dry lake beds —is added to the curdled liquid and left for another day. Large, white curds form within the mixture, which are then strained from the whey. In this raw form, Akab can be smoked in water pipes like a hookah or consumed orally in strong doses.

Refined Akab

Refining Akab is a longer process, as farmers must wait for the three months of the year when the cactus flowers bloom. During this period, the seed pods swell, and farmers carefully score the pods to allow the milky sap to ooze out and harden into resin. This process is repeated over weeks until the pods dry out completely. The hardened resin is combined with raw Akab made from the plant’s leaves and pressed into sticky black blocks. These blocks can be eaten, rolled into leaves and smoked, or mixed into drinks. Despite its sour taste, refined Akab is significantly more potent than the raw form and is highly valued by wealthy merchants.

Compounds

Akab Paste

A milder and far less addictive version of Akab, Akab paste, has been traditionally crafted by the triibal villagers in Akabi Free Territories hinterlands.

Alchemical Reagent

Refined Akab is also used as an alchemical reagent in the creation of various drugs. As an alchemical power component, it enhances the effectiveness of enchantment spells.

Phal-Akab

A highly refined version of Akab, Phal-Akab, is a gnomish creation produced exclusively in the underground settlements of Slikmuluss. Its vivid and pleasant hallucinations make it far more desirable than standard Akab, but its price is exorbitant—up to ten times higher.

Wyrm-Akab

Wyrm Akab is created by infusing Akab with dragon’s blood, resulting in a red-tinted drug that is both more potent and less debilitating than standard Akab. However, it is highly addictive and extremely rare, often costing 600 gp per dose.

History & Usage

Industrial Use

Akab users commonly experience hallucinations, euphoria, paranoia, and aggression. About an hour after use, most users feel fatigued. Beyond its narcotic effects, the flower of the Akab plant is also used as a spice in local cuisine. Both raw and refined forms of Akab are highly addictive.

In Magic

Sorcerer who dabble in sleeping maggic, consumes Akab to amplify their magical abilities and cast unique spells. This method is particularly popular among arcane practitioners and divine spellcasters devoted to Onva.