The Hazia plant and its attributes

he Hazia plant grows specifically in the northern part of Ys. Its appearence is much like that of creeping ivy, for it is a flowerless plant that has dark, glossy leaves and grows on long vines, clustered on the forest floor.

The Hazia plant alone is extremely poisonous, and heavy gloves must be worn while handling it, for it will cause the skin to break out in a heavy rash. If ingested in its raw state, it will cause slow, painful death by suffocation. The poison in the plant works on the nervous system, and eventually the victim's heart is no longer able to beat, and they aren't able to breathe. When properly handled, though, the leaves of the Hazia plant can be made into a delicious beverage, Hazia Cider, which is Tintara's personal favorite.

In order to make Hazia Cider, a pound of leaves must be collected for ever liter of drink that you want. The leaves must then be boiled in the according amount of water for two hours. The Dryads use hot springs to boil the leaves. The leaves then must be removed, and discarded of or used in other cooking. The leaves, no longer poisonous after the boiling process, produce a rich, sweet, berry-like taste. A liter of the water used to boil the leaves should be removed and bottled, and a teaspoon of Blaere Kriuel should be added. Blaere Kriuel is a white, powdery substance that will cause the drink to be effervescant. The end result is a non-alchoholic, deep violet beverage that is usually drunk at festivals, celebrations, or perhaps just a goblet after a meal as a dessert.

All the different parts of the Hazia plant can be prepared in different fashions and used. The extract has excellent healing powers, but must be used in extreme illness only. The extract is obtained directly from the deep purple Hazia berries. No boiling takes place, and so it is still poisonous. In order to be used, a single drop must be mixed well in with a goblet of the Hazia cider. The extract works well on reducing fevers, calming nerves, relieving pain and bringing sleep. Again, one must use extreme caution in handling the extract, wearing the thick heavy gloves even while using a dropper to add it into the Cider, and being careful not to inhale any of the vapors.

The boiled leaves can be made to use Hazia ink, a beautiful dark violet. One simply need press the juices out, and add a tiny bit powdered Hazia leaves so that the ink has staying power. The boiled leaves, once dried, can be coated with sugar and eaten like candy, or crumbled up to be served as a sweetener on some foods. Nuts and other berries taste fabulous rolled up in a boiled Hazia leaf.

The Dryads have found little use for the berries other than the extract, and they also boil them, coat them with a sugar glaze, and eat them as candy.

The root of the Hazia plant can be dried and powdered, and act as a reliable poison, though the Dryads have little need. The powder, once inhaled, immediately begins its attack on the nervous system. When ingested, it takes longer for uncooked Hazia to get to work, but if inhaled it will kill within minutes. The Dryads also steam the root, by hanging it over the hotsprings for several hours, and slice it up to use in salads and soups. The result is a crisp, mild-tasting vegetable much like water chestnuts.