Elfbark is a hypnotic tea made from the bark of an elf tree. The smugglers in Chalced use it to make their slaves feel weaker so they don’t kill them during the enslavement process. It could be used by the Piebald Prince’s family too. Chade’s mental health probably declined significantly when he was forced to suppress his skill with elf bark for so long.
What is Elfbark?
Elfbark, also called delventree bark, is a strong stimulant that can dampen the mood of those who drink it. It can be made into a tea or brewed by steeping the bark in water, but it has to be dried thoroughly before use.
The herb is grown from new branch tips of ancient trees, and it’s best obtained when the twigs are still fresh. Cut along a twig carefully to loosen it, and store it in a pouch until dry enough to make the herb into powder.
Interestingly, elfbark can deaden Skill-hunger and help dull the pain that comes with Skill headaches. It’s been reported that it can even prevent young children from using their Skill, although it doesn’t seem to be very effective against older ones. It’s possible that this is because it’s an addictive substance. Or it could be that the belief in its powers creates a block on those who drink it.
How does Elfbark work?
Elfbark is a substance made of scaly bark from the delventree tree. It is a potent stimulant, and also has the unfortunate side effect of dulling a man’s spirit. For this reason it is often used to drug slaves in Chalced – increasing their stamina, while at the same time dampening their spirits so they don’t try to escape.
In the real world it can also be useful in a number of other ways, including providing a means to dispel fog and enhancing the effectiveness of spells. Several Skilled-Ones have used it to power their own magic, including Galen, who had an intricate coterie of them working in his name.
Elfbark is a complex herb that requires patience and care to extract from its branches. It can take months to extract its full potential, but once it is done, it can be grated into a powder that can be infused as a tea. In the simplest form, elfbark is a black and bitter liquid.
Where can I buy Elfbark?
Elfbark, also known as delventree bark, is a potent stimulant. Despite its strong effects, it is also addictive, and those who take it for a long period of time can suffer a variety of negative side effects. It dulls a person’s sense of self-worth, makes them suspicious and defensive even with their closest companions, and can even make them suicidal.
In Chalced, elfbarking.com is used by slave-owners to drug their slaves, increasing their stamina but dulling their mind so that they are less likely to try to escape. It also has the unfortunate effect of making the user prey to feelings of despondency and fearfulness, so it is often prescribed in the 6D for this purpose as well.
Fitz has used elfbark before, but he never dosed himself much and he only used it when his skill headaches hit hard. It was one of the reasons he became so addicted to Skilling. Eventually he was able to dull his craving for Skilling with a cup of elfbark tea, but it did not kill the ability to Skill.
How can I make Elfbark?
Elfbark is a tree bark made of multiple layers of fiber and can be easily sourced from nearby trees. It takes a fair amount of patience and forethought to get it right, but it is well worth the effort. Once cured, it can be grated into a fine powder and infused as a tea. It is a good idea to keep the bark in a cool, dry place. This will ensure that it is always ready to use.
A smudge of the powder on the tips of your fingers will give you a smooth, velvety, and easy to apply coating that will last for hours. It also makes a great lip balm or a funky smelling mask for those that might need to conceal their naughty bits!