Elixir of Life
The Elixir of Life, also known as Ius Vitae or Elixir Vitae, is a legendary potion, reputed throughout various mythologies and alchemical traditions to grant prolonged life and to restore the vitality of youth. Its allure has captivated the imagination of seekers of eternal life across centuries. The potion is associated with the Philosopher's Stone, or Lapis Philosophorum, which is believed to be its primary and most crucial ingredient.
Effects
Individuals who partake of the Elixir of Life report experiencing a profound sense of rejuvenation, a return to the vigor and clarity of their younger years. This sensation, however, is ephemeral and rooted not in any true physiological renewal but in the psychoactive effects of the potion's herbal constituents. The narcotic and hallucinogenic qualities of these ingredients can significantly alter perception, leading consumers to believe in the restoration of their youth.
Psychological Dependency
A less understood and potentially perilous aspect of the Elixir of Life is its capacity to foster psychological dependency among its users. The compelling experience of renewed youth, though illusory, can become addictive, with individuals increasingly relying on the potion to recapture the fleeting vitality it simulates. This dependency is not rooted in any physical addiction to the potion's components but in the psychological hold of the experience it provides.
Warning
Elixir of Life is classified as a narcotic substance in multiple jurisdictions due to its addictive effects, stemming not from the mythical Philosopher's Stone but from potent narcotic and hallucinogenic ingredients. The temporary euphoria and perceived youthfulness it induces lead to psychological dependency, with significant legal and health risks associated with its use. As such, the creation, distribution, and consumption of the Elixir are strongly discouraged, underscoring the importance of understanding its true nature and potential dangers.
Recipe
The most common recipe for Elixir of Life is as follows.
Ingredients:
- Magic-infused Silver Birch syrup: Extracted from a Silver Birch (Betula pendula) that has grown in an area rich with ley energy. The syrup is created by tapping the tree during early spring when the sap is most potent and reducing it over a gentle flame until it thickens into a rich, golden syrup.
- White Spirit: Clear alcohol, at least 80% purity.
- Dreamthistle leaves: A rare herb found in the shaded undergrowth of forests, known for its vision-inducing properties.
- Starbloom caps: The caps of star-shaped, luminescent mushrooms, which are imbued with mild hallucinogenic properties that heighten the senses and create a sense of euphoria.
- Embergrass: A magic grass known for its catalytic properties, capable of amplifying magical reactions.
- Lapis Philosophorum: While supposedly the most important ingredient of the Elixir of Life, this actually does not add anything to the potion and could just be left out.
Preparation:
- Slowly heat syrup to 120°C.
- Finely chop Dreamthistle leaves, Starbloom and Embergrass and add to the mixture while stirring slowly.
- Cook for 10 minutes while stirring continuously.
- Reduce temperature to 75°C and begin to add White Spirit until volume has doubled.
- Cook for 10 more minutes at 75°C and continue adding White Spirit to make up for any lost volume.
- Strain through sieve into a container and close it. Let the liquid cool to room temperature.
- Ground Lapis Philosophorum to a very fine powder and add it to the potion.