Overview

Scented oils (non'zynta in Zozun) are long-lasting scented liquids created through any of a number of magical or non-magical means. Typically non-magical means might involve steam distillation or cold-press, depending on the materials. Magical methods can involve personally created or used void-manipulation or magical items enchanted to make extraction easier or more consistent.

Magical methods can also be used to create "abstract" scents that attempt to convey the essential "feel" of an object, person, or even a concept. These "conceptual" oils are more complex and thus more expensive than simpler or more common scents.

Common Use

Scented oils can be used in any number of ways! Most commonly, they are used directly on the skin (either in a pure form or in a formulated mix), heated to release their scent into a room, or incorporated into items such as soaps, bath salts, etc. They are often used to scent incense sticks for burning, as well.

Notable Perfumers

Adriel Laculs
A well known Aurali perfumer with offerings for every price point! Known for light and subtle scents incorporating things like rain or mild florals.
Teodas Gantar
The personal perfumer of the Asther family. Known for rich, sensual high complexity scents and elaborate bottles.
Amre
A famed perfumer from Marsi and the personal companion of Catlili Iz'zilith; they favor earthy scents featuring florals or fruit.

A variety of basic scents can be commonly found in any personal goods shop and many clothing stores as well. This can take the form of basic liquid oils, but one can also purchase pre-scented products of various kinds. The complexity and of scents varies with the clientele serviced by a specific shop.

Because everyone loves a room (or a person!) to smell nice, scented oils are a staple of many Empirican households, as well as part of the getting-ready routine for wealthy types - particularly in Incaendium or Gaean.

Scented oils can also be used in magical rituals either to put a person in a specific mindset or as a direct component of ritual magic spells.

  Scent Mixology

While it is common to use a single-scented oil alone, it is also common to mix them to create unique scents -- often quite unique. This is most common in Incaendium, where wealthy courtiers are almost expected to have a unique signature scent commissioned for their exclusive use.

Career perfumers can be found at various levels of society. Many are employed by shops, creating exclusive scents for that specific store. However, there are also independent perfumers who set up shops with their creations for sale, take bespoke orders or both.

Many of the best perfumers are directly employed as the exclusive mixologist for specific high status families, tasked with creating exclusive signature scents.

Effects

Though sometimes created through magical means and often used as part of magical ritual, Scented Oils are not actually magical in themselves. Which is to say their sole ability is making things or places smell yummy.