Tarven Markethi

Eleven Teas, or "Tarven Markethi" is a phrase to describe eleven distinct teas of the Fevarik Regalti. Each one used to have their own purpose and specific religious ceremony. While there are still special occasions for when each is supposed to be consumed, today each one is enjoyed at pretty much any time of the year.

Regalti "tea" is obviously not derived from the same plant that Earth based tea is from (Camellia sinensis). On Collena, the equivelant to tea is still derived from one species of plant, and Regalti drink it primarily for its caffeine content.

Marketh on Collena is derived from the plant of the same name. Like many plants on Collena, there is a large change in color between younger leaves and mature leaves. Young leaves tend to be yellow to green in color, while mature leaves tend to be red to violet. Leaves are harvested at various times before being dried, aged, heated, oxidized, etc. to form various distinct colors. The seeds of the plant are roasted and ground and mixed with the leaves in some varieties.

Red Marketh

Has a brisk flavor, rough texture, and the highest caffeine content. In the past, Red Marketh was consumed by soldiers just before going into battle. It was also regularly given to foreigners (foreigners being anyone not from the Continent of Kenerif) to test their palettes before then giving them less strong tea. These days, it is still consumed, mostly by late night workers and anyone wanting extra energy.

Orange Marketh

Has a light flavor, silky texture, and the lowest caffeine content. Often it is used as a base for adding in flavoring from other sources. While considered the best tasting of the eleven teas, it is surprisingly easy to mess up the brewing process. Because of this, complicated tea making ceremonies arose around Orange Marketh that take years to master, and it is mainly consumed by the rich and powerful.

Yellow Marketh

Has a weak grassy flavor, smooth texture, and a moderate caffeine content. Made from freshly picked young leaves. This is one of the cheapest and easiest teas to make, and in the past was consumed by lower class individuals. Today, it is often made and consumed when guests visit. Despite it's apparent cheapness, this drink is also used for religious ceremony involving Vala, the Goddess of the Sun.

Green Marketh

Has a strong grassy flavor, rough texture, and a moderate caffeine content. Made from young leaves. This tea is very often consumed during Summer festivals. Various flavoring from other sources is often mixed in to this type.

Cyan Marketh

Has a creamy flavor, no texture, and a high caffeine content. Made from leaves just before they mature and peeling off the top layer of skin, then crushing the skin into a paste. The paste is then dried and aged. This drink is often consumed by younger Regalti. it is also used during spring festivals.

Blue Marketh

Has almost no flavor or texture unless chilled, and a high caffeine content. Made from leaves just after they mature and peeling off the top layer of skin, then crushing the skin into a paste. The paste is then dried and aged. This drink is often used for religious ceremony surrounding Sevi, the Goddess of the Moon.

Violet Marketh

Has a very strong flavor and grainy texture. Has a high caffeine content. Made from leaves after they mature. They are frozen before they are dried and aged, bringing out more flavor. This tea is consumed in small amounts due to its flavor and is often used in 'mortal' fevarik ceremony, such as coming of age, marraige ceremonies, funerals, and more.

Ultra-Violet Marketh

Has a very strong flavor and grainy texture. Has no caffeine content. Made from leaves after they mature. They are frozen before they are dried and aged, bringing out more flavor. Then they are fermented and aged for longer. This tea appears almost black to anyone but Regalti, who with their vision can see the deep violet color. This type of Tea is used in religious ceremony that doesn't involve the Goddesses of the Sun and Moon. Fermented Marketh also has a mild aphrodisiac effect and is consumed before sexual activity.

Black Marketh

Has a brisk flavor and smooth texture. Has high caffeine content. Made from leaves after they mature. They are dried, then they are fermented and aged for longer. This tea appears black and devoid of color. For this reason, it is often called Lekon Marketh, or void tea. This type of tea can last an exceptionally long time in storage so is the tea of choice when on long space voyages.

White Marketh

Has a creamy flavor and smooth texture. Has high caffeine content. Made from leaves before they mature. roasted seeds from the plant are also grounded and added in. This marketh is the only variety that is opaque. It holds other flavors well. Where all other Marketh (except blue Marketh) is consumed hot, White Marketh can be consumed hot or cold.