Sun orchid elixir
The fabled sun orchid elixir1 is much sought after for its ability to temporarily halt the aging process, restoring the drinker to the age of its race's young adults.2 The secret of its creation was discovered by the Thuvian alchemist Artokus Kirran in 1140 AR.3
It is difficult and dangerous to make. The key ingredient is the nectar of the rare sun orchid flower. The flower can be found only in Thuvia's desert interior, regions infested by the corrupted genies known as divs. Orchid hunters must also contend with the local tribal leaders, known as Water Lords; many of these lords are little better than bandits.4
History
By 1141 AR, a number of foreign nations were threatening to lay siege to Artokus's home city of Merab in order to control the scarce supply of the elixir. Merab turned to Thuvia's four other city states for aid, promising to share the proceeds of the elixir equally among them. The alliance was established in 1142 AR, and the Citadel of the Alchemist was constructed on the edge of the Barrier Wall in order to protect Artokus and his laboratories. Heeding the urgings of a priestess of Pharasma called Taladere, the rulers of the city-states agreed to forego the benefits of the elixir for themselves and their people. Instead, they decreed that the only Thuvian allowed to take the elixir would be Artokus himself. The rest would be sold to foreigners.[citation needed]
Distribution
The supply of the elixir is rigorously controlled. Every year a blind, mute servant emerges from the Citadel with six vials. This is then transported to one of the five city-states for auction.5 Selected foreign emissaries are invited to the host city to bid for a vial. The six highest bidders each get a vial; the losers get nothing but still forfeit the amounts bid.6 However, the last two shipments have been lost due to apparent teleportation "accidents". This has damaged the young Emir of Pashow's standing, and some would like to see him replaced as ruler—perhaps by Ziralia, daughter of the ambitious Prince Zinlo of Aspenthar.7
Past consumers
- Osirian merchant Khalfani Zuberi, in 4307 AR8
- Countess Carmilla Caliphvaso9
- Staunton Vhane, the Forever Man10
- Queen Galfrey of Mendev, on two occasions11
References
For additional resources, see the Meta page.
- ↑ Lost Omens Legends has codified that 'sun orchid elixir' is no longer a minor artefact, as it was in Pathfinder First Edition, but an alchemical elixir in Pathfinder Second Edition. Thus, the item no longer requires italic typeface. The First Edition detail is preserved in the infobox and category structure.
- ↑ James Jacobs et al. (2011). The Inner Sea World Guide, p. 301. Paizo Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-60125-269-2
- ↑ Tanya DePass, James Jacobs, Lyz Liddell, et al. (2019). World Guide, p. 50. Paizo Inc. ISBN 978-1-64078-172-6
- ↑ Tanya DePass, James Jacobs, Lyz Liddell, et al. (2019). World Guide, p. 57. Paizo Inc. ISBN 978-1-64078-172-6
- ↑ James L. Sutter. (2011). Death's Heretic, p. 50. Paizo Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-60125-369-9
- ↑ James Jacobs et al. (2011). The Inner Sea World Guide, p. 186–7. Paizo Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-60125-269-2
- ↑ James Jacobs et al. (2011). The Inner Sea World Guide, p. 189. Paizo Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-60125-269-2
- ↑ Joshua J. Frost. (2009). The Prisoner of Skull Hill, p. 3. Paizo Publishing, LLC.
- ↑ Neil Spicer. (2011). Ashes at Dawn. Ashes at Dawn, p. 42. Paizo Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-60125-312-5
- ↑ Adam Daigle and James Jacobs. (2012). Magnimar, City of Monuments, p. 44–45. Paizo Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-60125-446-7
- ↑ James Jacobs and Greg A. Vaughan. (2013). NPC Gallery. The Midnight Isles, p. 54–55. Paizo Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-60125-585-3