Maniki Extract

The fragrant jewel, or ma'nik wan gi, refers to a gland located under the tail of males of the species of huge buffaloes roaming the Great Grass Sea of central Eirghar. Prized for the perfumers extract which can be made from it, these glands are collected by the fierce roaming tribesmen of the plains and traded to merchants in Tih To'Ah and Zaratan who have the glands processed into the valuable and less offensive Maniki Extract. Fragrances featuring maniki extract were first popularized in the Principality of Zaratan, but the spicy musk enjoys a strong demand in most major markets. Used primarily in pricy masculine fragrances, maniki extract is also a component for some enchantment and illusion magic.   When the giant buffalo are harvested and division is made of the materials gathered on completion of the hunt, the ma'nik wan gi is excised carefully by the most skilled member present along with other prized portions of the beasts. It is wrapped in a fresh membrane and dried with considerable scrutiny so as not to lose the valuable oily fluid within. In its raw form the desirable spicy musk that will become maniki extract is detectable, but accompanied by other pungent scents. Approximately the size of a pecan nut when dried, the ma'nik wan gi are collected by respected leaders or clever hagglers of the tribes and brought to the fortified settlements of their neighbors to be traded.   In the sprawling bazaars of the island city of Tih To'Ah the ma'nik wan gi are purchased by a variety of merchant bosses who have the raw maniki extract added to their cargoes bound for the Ring Gate, along with spices and other valued trade goods gathered from the surrounding lands. In the trade towns at the foot of the Zaratanni Plateau merchant lords purchase the cured glands in bustling organized markets ready to channel wealth from the surrounding wild lands up to the heights. Most are processed here first by alchemists for the maniki extract, but some of the other compounds from the extraction process are also diverted into streams of materials for the beast lords of the Principality. For this added value the ma'nik wan gi typically command higher prices in Zaratan and a majority of the market for the fragrant jewels can be found here.