Leechbane Salve

One of the most unique and culturally-relevent products in Greymantle Marsh is leechbane salve, which began as an item vital to life in the swamp, but has since grown into the realms of luxury and novelty as well.
The most basic and inexpensive versions are made with leaves from the white or red leechbalm plants, and a water-resistant vehicle such as tallow/tallowplant, wax, or oil. More expensive versions incorporate more leechbane species (including creeping leechbane), are more rendered/refined, more waterproof, and smell better. Some leechbane salves also include ingredients that provide additional cosmetic, healthful, or repellent benefits.
The highest quality salves are focused more on their aromatic and moisturizing qualities, and though there is usually enough leechbane essence to impart some of the distinctive scent, the wealthy individuals who purchase it may rarely if ever have to contend with leeches themselves. Therefor, those salves are often more focused on repelling common airborne insects instead. Finally, luxury leechbane salves often contain ingredients with no beneficial qualities at all, such as gold flakes and dyes that dissolve when applied.
While the scent of leechbane is thought of as striking to outsiders, it is rarely described as unpleasant, and the high-quality fragrances have come to be thought of as exotic, distinctive, and appealing.
The export of the plants needed to make leechbalm is illegal, but products such as leechbalm salve are legal.

Manufacturing process

The most basic ingredients needed for a leechbalm salve are leaves from one of the Leechbane plant species, and a water-reistant vehicle such as tallow, tallowplant, and/or wax.
More expensive variations are carefully rendered, are more waterproof, and contain extra ingredients with repellant, perfuming, and cosmetic qualities. Varying amounts of oils and waxes allow leechbane salve to have several application options, including solids, creams, and liquids.
Because of the very bitter taste that can be left behind on the skin, some mixtures call for sweeteners. Honey is a popular option because of its preservative qualities, though it can affect how waterproof the final mixture is. Plant-based solutions such as candyroot have less of a sweetening effect but do not make the salve more water soluble. Sugars and syrups are both the least expensive and most problematic options.

History

Before the founding of Lockhinge city, the native communities of Greymantle had their own answers to pest problems, many involving leechbalm plants. The most widespread and "refined" versions, now produced in Lockhinge city, is primarily a combination of Lizardfolk knowledge of creeping leechbane, (though, because they are resistent to the toxins, they consume the plants to incorportate the substances into their blood,) Hobgoblin use of red and white leechbane, and the skill of crafting waterproof salves developed by Riverine Halflings.

Significance

vital in greymantle

has become signifier for lockhinge in particular. different greymantle communities have their own varitions on the leechbane recipe or their own unique pest solutions. all of lockhinge city has a lingering herbal scent, and its people are recognizable by outsiders for it. natives to the city can't even smell it anymore, but recognize differences in other cities or the return of it when they go home.

some fragrances or incense/potpourri has leechbane as a choice instead of necessity, as it is now a cultural hallmark.

Item type

Trade/Manufactured good

Current Location

Greymantle Marsh

Rarity

In Greymantle: Very common
Outside of Greymantle: Extremely rare

Raw materials & Components

Basic ingredients: At least one of the Leechbane plant species, water-reistant vehicle such as tallow, tallowplant, wax, and/or oil.
May include: other repellents, purfumes, softeners, waxes, and sweeteners.