Macai

What is your world's equivalent to tea or coffee?

Macai is a popular drink all over Octiria. Many people drink it in the morning to wake up. It contains a stimulent that has reviving properties. The taste is strong, nutty, somewhat bitter, and has tones of chocolate and cinnamon. There are several different flavors of the drink made by combining the Macai beans with other substances to alter the flavor. The beans are harvested by tribes in the South Sacala Rainforest and then exported to other parts of Octiria by means of the caravans which travel the @Fire. The availability of the product is depending on the yield of the harvest and frequency of the caravans. This availability drives the prices, but unless there is a particularly poor harvest, the price is generally stable. In years of lean harvest, macai drinkers may have to resort to other herbal substitutes.

Examples of Macai Flavors

• Regular - no other flavors added
• Chocolate
• Chocolate Peppermint
• Cinnamon
• Vanilla
• Caramel
• Raspberry
• Blackberry
• Pumpkin
• Ginger [/li[
• Black Walnut
• Pecan
• Bangnut

Manufacturing process

Macai beans are ground and boiled in water or whole beans can be soaked in cold water for one to two days. Either process will produce a flavorful beverage. Some proponents of the cold brew method say it has a stronger taste and is less acidic. Those who like the faster boiling method argue that it has a smoother tast and is less bitter.

Significance

Macai is a traditional beverage all over Octiria. It is drunk primarily in the morning, but can be consumed any time of the day. Some people are addicted to a stimulent in the beans and drink it all day long.

Rarity

The beans only grow in the South Sacala Rainforest region and must be transported to the other parts of Octiria. This makes the beans moderately rare because the supply is dependent on the caravans.

Weight

less than 1/2 oz.

Dimensions

approx. 1/4 x 1/2 in.

Base Price

1 lb. = 1 silver

Raw materials & Components

The oval-shaped beans come from the Macai bush found in the South Sacala Rainforest. The beans are hard and usually less than a half an inch long.