Lukasade

Perfect for all blood-drinkers on the go! No more emergency hunting trips at seedy bars!

— Lukasade advertising

Lukasade is a simple formulation of alchemical blood into a shelf-stable form that can be carried around in a sealed box, similar to the juice boxes or pouches many children would use. It was invented by Lukas Falkenrath (and promptly named by Mery Eventide) as a vegan alternative to blood from the living, and thus serves as a meal substitute for vampires and other blood-drinking species.
Unlike actual blood, the alchemical blood used in lukasade does not coagulate or dry quickly when exposed to oxygen. It stays in liquid form for approximately three days longer than blood, stored in the same manner and quantity, would, and when it dries, may be rehydrated up to six times before losing potency. When sealed into the boxes (or in some cases, pouches) used for lukasade, alchemical blood never reverts to dry form, thus making it perfect for longer travels and visits to places that may have no access to fresh blood.
Lukasade is usually packaged in waxed boxes made of a cardboard-like material, and decorated with little hand-drawn illustrations by Lukas (or his assistants). If demand is high, then waxed leather pouches are used instead, to be refilled from bulk storage glass bottles.

Taste

Eugh. I'm so sorry for you, this is... You must really miss actual food if this is passable as alright. Or maybe your tastebuds are just different now?

— Mery, after tasting the faux blood

Compared to regular blood, lukasade is somewhat less flavourful - resembling blood that has sat in vats for a few days rather than fresh blood - and has an odd, artificial taste that seems entirely too consistent compared to the rich complexities in mortal blood.
It is often described as overly metallic with a subtle chemical undertone, reminding the consumer of the synthetic nature of their drink. Whilst this is offputting, it is nonetheless something that can be gotten used to, especially when relying on the substance for long-distance travel.

Synthesising Tastes by Hanhula (via Midjourney)

Some flavourings can be added to improve the taste, but this must be carefully done to avoid upsetting the alchemical balance. Alcoholic versions have recently begun to be created for those looking for an intriguing time, as well - drunken vampires are certainly not a common sight!
Currently, the most popular flavour - excluding alcoholic 'flavours' - for lukasade is blood orange, which is said to intensify the bloodlike taste of the alchemical blood into something far more normal, whilst also adding an interesting fruity tang to the aftertaste. News of this new vampiric treat has begun to spread through vampiric circles across Valathe, and Lukas has already noticed an increase in demand - something which is slightly concerning for the fledgling vampire on the run from his own family.
Fortunately for Lukas, he has the protection of some of the realm's most powerful adventurers at the moment!

History

Ah, they do not like it when I bite - but I always got permission...

— Lukas

Lukasade was developed by Lukas Falkenrath after his recruitment by the Lost Ones in Iskaldhal. Lukas had always consumed blood ethically (when possible) due to disagreements in how his family, who are more classical vampires, handle their condition. He was turned unwillingly, and sought to always find victims who would consent to allowing him to drink from them.

It must be noted: not drinking blood is not an option for vampires. To do so is to slowly descend into insanity, leading to a mad, uncontrollable feeding frenzy. They must drink every few days at minimum, or risk permanent damage.
When travelling with the adventurers, Lukas found himself unable to feed normally. Alchemical blood had been around for some time, and he frantically figured out ways to create it as he could, supplementing the small nutritional gains with blood from enemies and animals where possible (and in a few rare cases, blood donations from allies of the adventuring group).
It had its issues, though. The nutrition it supplied was not fantastic (often staving off hunger for only a day), the taste was average at best, and it was extremely difficult to craft - especially on the move, with little time to prepare it.
He needed an alternative, and the standard ideas would not work here - he couldn't exactly enthrall a blood-slave, not if he wanted to live (and maintain his own ethics).

Vampire Brain Need Thinky Time by Hanhula (via Midjourney)

When the group finally returned to Ironfalls in the wake of their fight against the Harp of Virtue, Lukas finally had time to experiment with the ideas he'd been toying with as they travelled. Better still, he gained access to the town's regulars, many of whom understood alchemy on a theoretical level far better than he did. Through many iterations and experimentations with different ingredients, lukasade was eventually born.
Nowadays, Lukas keeps at least six months of lukasade in his home nook, and regularly creates more. Unbeknownst to the party, he has a stall in a certain special area of Ironfalls run by Sir Pennyswaggle where he sells small batches of the juiceboxes, each cheerily labelled with whatever little designs he feels like adding.
In recent days, with the rescue of his Theodor Kraus boosting his mood significantly, he has begun to experiment with flavoured and even alcoholic versions, to mortal confusion and undead joy.

Juicebox of Lukasade by Hanhula (via Midjourney)

Item type

Consumable, Food / Drink

Creation Date

Circa 5626

Current Location

Ironfalls

Creator

Lukas Falkenrath

Related Technologies

• Alchemy

Related Condition

Vampirism

Rarity

Uncommon

Great for mind games!
The best thing to do is make your pretty little slaves serve it to you! Then they think they are safe, so it's vay funnier vhen you bite them later.

— Azrael

So refreshing.
After dealing with the taste of 'weak peasant' for the past century, I am more than happy for the Falkenrath lad to be running free if this is the result. Do try the blood orange flavour.

— Lady Ionia of House Marchelle

Avoid use in blood magic.
I was gifted this substance by a colleague to remedy a supply issue. It does not work for my purposes. For necromancy, life must be present in the blood used. It is, however, lovely for aesthetic use, and has potential in the realm of weaponcrafts. I shall seek a meeting with its creator to discuss potential collaborations.

— Ludrissiel Geltharieth

What are you doing?!
Lukas. Your innovation is praised; your disobedience is not. Cease playing with these mortal fools and return to your rightful place, or your father shall be quite cross.

— Ser Arnhold of House Falkenrath