Bass Nut
The bass nut is a nickname given to the nuts produced by the Tama tree. Although they have the appearance of blackened chestnuts, they are inedible to most humanoids and are even highly toxic to certain races when consumed.
Nickname
The tama nut gets its nickname from the intense, low sound it makes as it hits the ground. Although small and lightweight, the nuts of the Tama tree--upon striking a surface with sufficient force--produce a deep bass note that can be heard nearly half a mile away under ideal conditions.
Although the term "Tama nut" is technically correct, it is rarely used--even among alchemists.
Popular Culture
While bass nuts have been traditionally prized for their alchemical properties, they are also sold as novelties and gifts.
The phrase "doesn't know his chestnuts from his bass nuts" was recently popularized by Castian on his Farcast program, Not Far Off. The phrase was originally used in reference to Taslyn Cordaer, alluding to the bass nut's toxicity to elves. It has since been used in the mainstream of certain regions as a lighthearted insult.
Average Intelligence
About that a of a chestnut.
Alchemical Properties
The Tama nut can be ground into a fine powder which, when correctly prepared and added to certain potions, can act as a dispersant--scattering the liquid over an area.
Although stable at rest, the tama powder becomes activated by momentum. The result is propulsive: Where a vessel containing an ordinary potion might leave a puddle when shattered, the same vessel containing a tama-infused potion acts more like a liquid grenade. The contents can be scattered as wide 15 feet around with proper alchemical preparation.
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