Nightcap
From Changeling Venue
Contents |
Physical Description
Nightcap is a heavily branched short shrub that grows to a height of roughly 60 centimeters. Its broad rootstock bears woody branches with erect, rod-like, leafy, green shoots. A silvery down covers the gray-green narrow leaves, which are oblong and tapered, attached directly at the base, and curled spirally.
The oil in Nightcap's small, blue-violet flowers gives the herb its fragrant scent. The flowers are arranged in spirals of 6 - 10 blossoms, forming interrupted spikes above the foliage.
Cultivation and Propagation
Nightcap plants will tolerate many growing conditions, but it thrives in warm, well drained soil and full sun. It can handle periods of semi-drought once fully established, making it a nice herb choice for a "water-wise" garden or in arid areas. Nightcap tolerates sandy soil conditions as long as the drainage is good.
Properties of the Plant
Chalk it up to the chaotic nature of Faerie, but the blossom of the Nightcap and Buglewort plant look almost exactly alike, though their functions couldn’t be any more different. The two fruits are so similar that it takes an Intelligence + Survival or Occult roll to distinguish one from the other.
Physical and Medical Properties
An infusion of Nightcap is claimed to soothe and heal insect bites. Bunches of Nightcap are also said to ward off insects. If applied to the temples, Nightcap oil is said to soothe headaches. Nightcap is frequently used as an aid to sleep and relaxation. Seeds and flowers of the plant are added to pillows, and an infusion of three flowerheads added to a cup of boiling water is recommended as a soothing and relaxing bedtime drink.
Studies I have conducted on Changelings have reported that Nightcap’s essential oil may be beneficial in a variety of conditions, including insomnia, alopecia (hair loss), anxiety, stress, postoperative pain, and as an antibacterial and antiviral agent. I have also heard of others using Nightcap oil together with other forms of integrative medicine, such as massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic manipulation.
There is scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of these remedies, especially the anti-inflammatory effects, but they should be used with caution since Nightcap oil can also be a powerful allergen. Ingesting Nightcap should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Mystical Properties
When ingested, Nightcap makes one woefully lethargic – effectively cutting the Changeling’s Speed in half until that Changeling achieves four successes on an extended Stamina + Resolve roll, which may be attempted every hour. Additional doses do not stack effects, though a person can be under the influence of both Nightcap and Buglewort simultaneously.
Rumors About Nightcap
Nightcap acts on the Changeling’s body like a narcotic and is highly addictive.
OOC Information
Nightcap is a Goblin Fruit that is explained in White Wolf's Changeling: The Lost book on page 224. I compared the properties of Changeling’s Nightcap to our real world Lavender and the flavored text above I included based on the information we have about the real plant.
