Noctic-Rabrev
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| Scientific name | Rabrev noctica |
| Origin | Wetlands of Lake Morovia and the Strait of Haifa |
| Primary regions | Somniumpolis, Odiferia, Erythros, Acheron, Norsolyra |
| Spiritual energy source | Tarsica and the Host Stars |
| Active compounds | Nocticines (A, B, Δ) |
| Uses | Ritual, culinary, medicinal |
| Known effects | Hallucinations, ancestral visions, trance states, Noctic Vampirism |
| Cultivated by | Noctic Fleet |
| Primary export hub | General Port of Lake Morovia |
| Legal status | Legal in Bassaridia Vaeringheim (regulated) Banned in former HPI regions |
| Common preparations | Flower extract, tinctures, incense, ritual leaf, fermented ales |
| First discovered by | Alpazkigz mystics near Erythros |
Noctic-Rabrev is a rare, highly toxic entheogenic thistle native to the wetlands surrounding Lake Morovia and the Strait of Haifa, particularly in the territory of Bassaridia Vaeringheim. Known for its psychoactive properties and deep cultural, religious, and culinary significance, the plant has played a central role in the spiritual practices of the Alperkin, and increasingly in the daily lives of Bassaridian citizens across the nation. The leaves of Noctic-Rabrev, when consumed raw, are associated with the onset of a hereditary blood disorder known as Noctic Vampirism. However, when properly prepared, the plant's flowers and oils are used safely in both ritual contexts and modern cuisine.
Botanical Description
Noctic-Rabrev grows in humid, marshy lowlands. Unlike most photosynthetic organisms, Noctic-Rabrev does not draw its energy from the sun in a conventional manner. Instead, the plant is believed—particularly within Alperkin and Reformed Stripping Path theology—to derive its life-force and psychoactive potency from the radiance of Tarsica, Lady Divine of illumination and wisdom, and from the celestial influence of the Host Stars. This spiritual photosynthesis is said to imbue the plant with its unique metaphysical qualities, aligning its growth with lunar phases and periods of enhanced divine resonance. It has tall, spiny stalks, jagged dark green leaves, and vibrant purple flowers that bloom year-round in the semi-autumnal climates of central Keltia. The leaves exude a sticky, resinous substance which contains a high concentration of psychoactive alkaloids collectively referred to as Nocticines. These alkaloids, while extremely potent, degrade significantly when the plant is dried, fermented, or distilled.
Cultural and Religious Significance
Among the Alperkin, Noctic-Rabrev is considered sacred. It is central to the practices of nomadic groups such as those in the Alpazkigz, who have historically used the raw leaves in rituals designed to induce visions and contact vampiric ancestral spirits. In Somniumpolis, the plant is revered as a divine gift and is cultivated widely for religious ceremonies. In Acheron, it is incorporated into transformation rites by the Mystery of the Stygian Veil, a cult devoted to Styx, Lady Divine of transformation and rebirth.
The Haifo-Pallisican Imperial Trade Union once classified Noctic-Rabrev and its alkaloid derivatives as forbidden substances, strictly banning their cultivation and ritual use. However, following the collapse of the HPI and the dissolution of the Council of Courts, Bassaridia Vaeringheim emerged as one of the leading successor states to the old trade union. Under the guidance of the Council of Kings, previous restrictions were lifted, and the cultural rehabilitation of Noctic-Rabrev began. Today, the plant is fully reintegrated into Bassaridian ritual life and is commonly used in pilgrimage rites, community ceremonies, and the everyday religious practices of Alperkin and Reformed Bassarid communities alike.
Medicinal and Psychological Use
During Operation Somniant, a major containment and military campaign launched in 51 PSSC, evidence emerged suggesting that highly refined Noctic-Rabrev concentrates may offer partial therapeutic relief to individuals suffering from psychological trauma caused by exposure to the Somniant Eidolan. Survivors of such encounters, who often experience irreversible cognitive fragmentation and recursive thought collapse, have shown limited but measurable recovery when administered Noctic-derived tinctures. While not curative, this treatment is now part of standard post-Eidolan recovery protocols under the supervision of Temple Alabaster.
Earlier, in the 41.50s PSSC, the New Zimian Secular Court reported that routine consumption of Noctic-Rabrev might enhance resistance to certain infectious diseases. The New Zimian War League subsequently issued Noctic-Rabrev rations to soldiers in tropical regions, though the practice was later suspended due to rising cases of Noctic Vampirism.
Modern research has focused more closely on the plant's active chemical agents, collectively known as Nocticines. These include nocticine-A, nocticine-B, and the rare nocticine-Δ, each with varying properties ranging from visionary enhancement and emotional introspection to retrocausal temporal disruption. These compounds form the basis of several new ritual and therapeutic protocols and are now produced, distributed, and exported under strict guidelines by the Noctic Fleet.
Culinary Applications
Noctic-Rabrev is now a staple in Bassaridian cuisine. The processed flower is used to flavor drinks such as Ale of the Night, a hallucinogenic beer brewed in Jogi. It also appears in a wide range of dishes, including Morovian Water Buffalo Steak with Noctic-Rabrev Reduction, Sea Cow Beef Malabi with Noctic-Rabrev Reduction, and Noctic-Rabrev Flower Lokum. When prepared properly, the plant loses its toxicity and contributes a bitter, slightly floral flavor that is prized by chefs and street vendors alike.
Cultivation and Regulation
The plant is cultivated on a wide scale by the Noctic Fleet, a chartered company operating through the General Port of Lake Morovia. Flower-based products are widely available in Bassaridian markets, while the raw leaf is regulated and restricted to religious or licensed medical usage. Cultivation is monitored by Temple inspectors and agricultural auditors who ensure adherence to dosage and preparation standards. The Noctic Fleet also oversees the production of various Nocticine-derived products, including therapeutic tinctures, culinary additives, incense, ritual balms, and psychoactive vapour essences.
Cities of Significance
The plant has particular cultural or economic significance in the following cities. In Somniumpolis, Noctic-Rabrev serves as a central element of spiritual life and is grown widely. In Odiferia, it is at the heart of the Blood Orchards and was a focal point during the events of Operation Somniant. In Acheron, it is used in brewing ritual ales by the Mystery of the Stygian Veil. In Norsolyra, it is grown near the Veinscour Marsh and used in conjunction with local wisp-worship. In Vaeringheim, Noctic-Rabrev appears on the menus of high-end restaurants. In Jogi, it is used in brewing Ale of the Night and other infused beverages. In Aurelia, it is associated with ritual experimentation and sacred philosophy. In Erythros, the plant holds foundational significance; the city is regarded by the Alpazkigz as the place where mortals first discovered the powers of Noctic-Rabrev. Even today, Erythros is venerated as one of the most holy cities in Bassaridia Vaeringheim and serves as a pilgrimage site for those seeking deeper spiritual connection with the plant.
Nocticines
Nocticines are the class of psychoactive alkaloids responsible for the spiritual and pharmacological effects of Noctic-Rabrev. These compounds are found in high concentration in the leaves and flowers of the plant and are believed to derive their potency from exposure to divine radiance emanating from Tarsica and the Host Stars. Among them, nocticine-A, nocticine-B, and the rare nocticine-Δ are the most studied. Nocticine-A is associated with vivid dream states and visionary trances, nocticine-B promotes introspective focus and meditative awareness, and nocticine-Δ, which appears only during rare celestial alignments, is thought to possess retrocausal properties that affect memory and temporal perception.
These compounds play a central role in Alperkin religious ceremonies and have been ritualized in temple settings across Bassaridia Vaeringheim. In the aftermath of Operation Somniant, nocticines were shown to offer limited relief from the psychological damage caused by exposure to the Somniant Eidolan, furthering their use in controlled therapeutic settings. The Temple Bank of the Reformed Stripping Path and Temple Alabaster now oversee distribution of refined nocticine tinctures and concentrates used in post-traumatic care, especially for soldiers, spiritual pilgrims, and cult survivors.
Nocticines are also commercially distributed by the Noctic Fleet in various ritual, culinary, and medicinal forms. These include Temple-Pressed Resin, therapeutic Noctic Tinctures, culinary extracts used in Ale of the Night, and sanctified leaves prepared for ceremonial consumption. All of these products are handled under spiritual and pharmacological licensing through the General Port of Lake Morovia.
Noctic Vampirism
Noctic Vampirism is a hereditary and ritual-induced condition closely associated with the chronic consumption of raw Noctic-Rabrev leaves. It is characterized by a complex set of physical, psychological, and metaphysical symptoms, including photophobia, blood cravings, heightened nocturnal sensitivity, and profound dream entanglement. Traditionally regarded by Alperkin mystics as a sacred state of ancestral transformation, Noctic Vampirism is induced intentionally in various rites of passage among the Alpazkigz and ritual orders in Somniumpolis and Erythros.
Biologically, the condition is believed to be triggered by prolonged exposure to high concentrations of unrefined Nocticines, especially nocticine-A and nocticine-Δ, which disrupt hematological homeostasis and induce recursive cellular memory. Symptoms can be managed, though not cured, through structured intake of milk, blood, and spiritual grounding. In Bassaridian medical circles, the condition is viewed as a spectrum ranging from manageable chronic affliction to complete psychic transformation.
In cities like Acheron and Norsolyra, practitioners of Noctic Vampirism often serve as spiritual guides, battlefield dreamwalkers, or ceremonial guardians. Within Bassaridia Vaeringheim, the practice is legally recognized under the Council of Kings and is protected as a form of culturally sanctioned identity. However, voluntary induction requires formal registration through the Temple Bank of the Reformed Stripping Path and periodic evaluation by cult health authorities.
Legal Status
Under the Council of Kings, Noctic-Rabrev is legal for cultivation, distribution, and use across Bassaridia Vaeringheim, subject to regulation. Raw leaf consumption remains limited to religious and licensed medical use. Products derived from the plant’s active alkaloids, known collectively as Nocticines, are classified and handled under religious and pharmacological licensing overseen by the Temple Bank and the General Port of Lake Morovia.
