Goblins in the world of Godstep were the first to cultivate and use a plant containing caffeine. Being an insectlike species, it actually has an intoxicating effect on them, and is treated culturally similarly to alcohol in our world. Goblins will gather in groups during their down time and sip small cups of spiceroot, as it's known, in order to relax and loosen up. They are slightly puzzled and usually very amused by the fact that some other species will drink it in large quantities in the morning and throughout the day for the opposite effect.
Spiceroot itself has a pleasantly warming and slightly spicy taste similar to cinnamon or ginger, and has become one of the most widely distributed and cultivated plants in the world. Each culture has developed its own twist on the drink and culture around the practice of consuming it. Depicted above are the tools and dishes used to prepare and consume spiceroot in the traditional goblin fashion.
A transcription of the text in the image, for those who can't read my handwriting:
- Root is dried and stored, then ground just before use.
- Flowers are small, yellow, and 4 or 5 petaled, with ultra violet spots on petal tips. Flowers and leaves often used as art motifs on dishes related to brewing root.
- Simple clay kettle (basically a cooking pot with a pouring spout)
- Stone mortar and pestle
- (Round handles are easiest for goblins to grip)
- Knife for chopping roots into small pieces
- Ground root is placed in tightly tied cloth bags, then brewed in the kettle
- Once brewed, drink is poured into a clay pitcher that nests inside a larger jar, which is filled with water to cool it and keep it cold.
- Served in very small clay tumblers.
- Often sweetened with large amounts of honey.