Post by Professor Bryane on Jun 15, 2012 20:00:56 GMT -5
The Sleeping Draught Potion
While some find it all too easily to drift off in class, others require assistance. For this many seek out or brew a flask of Sleeping Draught. Due to the lengthy brewing time, and that it is usually required at short notice, those who wish to use it will had to have acquired it much in advance.
The Ingredients themselves are not difficult to obtain, but may require some searching. Flobberworms can be found in the greenhouses and leave trails of mucus in their path, but their mucus must be obtained before it dries. Poking or prodding the worms is discouraged, as they are easily upset and prone to death. Mucus extracted from a deceased flobberworm may have undesirable effects, such as nightmares to the unfortunate being who took the sleeping draught.
Lavender is known for it's calming capabilities. In too small doses it merely creates effects similar to a calming draught, and in high doses will create lethargy in the potion drinker long after they've woken up. If the Potions cabinet is understocked, you may retrieve some from the wild lavender patches around the lake or from a potions shop in town.
Valerian may be slightly more difficult to find as it puts down roots in rockier areas. While the roots may be taken over a long period as a muggle remedy for Insomnia, the sprigs, once used in the potion, provide the drinker with a dreamless, restful sleep.
Assignment
First through Third years are to acquire flobberworm mucus, by scraping up fresh mucus and collecting it in a vial. However, several of the flobberworms are decoys, and their mucus will provide the opposite effect wished in a Sleeping Draught. Using any means you can, distinguish the decoys from the real thing and collect the mucus from the worms in the Greenhouse. Watch out for more dangerous plants, and points will be taken if a real flobberworm is killed.
Decoys emit a strong, unpleasant smell when poked, and are also fairly ticklish. Be sure not to upset the real thing.
Fourth through Seventh years are to collect Valerian root. There is a known patch in Fenrir's forest, but it is highly warned against venturing there. If you choose to, enter the forest only with a partner and preferably with the permission of a forest occupant. There are also patches of Valerian root around the castle, but due to a high magical concentration they are prone to small explosions or other magical effects if upset. Don't take more than you need - a few sprigs should do the trick, and I don't advise taking it all from the same plant.
Bonus assignment for any year: Successfully collect all ingredients and brew a potion. Extra points assigned if the draught is successful when used upon yourself or someone/thing else.
Potion brewing instructions may be found here.
Counted late after July 12th.
While some find it all too easily to drift off in class, others require assistance. For this many seek out or brew a flask of Sleeping Draught. Due to the lengthy brewing time, and that it is usually required at short notice, those who wish to use it will had to have acquired it much in advance.
The Ingredients themselves are not difficult to obtain, but may require some searching. Flobberworms can be found in the greenhouses and leave trails of mucus in their path, but their mucus must be obtained before it dries. Poking or prodding the worms is discouraged, as they are easily upset and prone to death. Mucus extracted from a deceased flobberworm may have undesirable effects, such as nightmares to the unfortunate being who took the sleeping draught.
Lavender is known for it's calming capabilities. In too small doses it merely creates effects similar to a calming draught, and in high doses will create lethargy in the potion drinker long after they've woken up. If the Potions cabinet is understocked, you may retrieve some from the wild lavender patches around the lake or from a potions shop in town.
Valerian may be slightly more difficult to find as it puts down roots in rockier areas. While the roots may be taken over a long period as a muggle remedy for Insomnia, the sprigs, once used in the potion, provide the drinker with a dreamless, restful sleep.
Assignment
First through Third years are to acquire flobberworm mucus, by scraping up fresh mucus and collecting it in a vial. However, several of the flobberworms are decoys, and their mucus will provide the opposite effect wished in a Sleeping Draught. Using any means you can, distinguish the decoys from the real thing and collect the mucus from the worms in the Greenhouse. Watch out for more dangerous plants, and points will be taken if a real flobberworm is killed.
Decoys emit a strong, unpleasant smell when poked, and are also fairly ticklish. Be sure not to upset the real thing.
Fourth through Seventh years are to collect Valerian root. There is a known patch in Fenrir's forest, but it is highly warned against venturing there. If you choose to, enter the forest only with a partner and preferably with the permission of a forest occupant. There are also patches of Valerian root around the castle, but due to a high magical concentration they are prone to small explosions or other magical effects if upset. Don't take more than you need - a few sprigs should do the trick, and I don't advise taking it all from the same plant.
Bonus assignment for any year: Successfully collect all ingredients and brew a potion. Extra points assigned if the draught is successful when used upon yourself or someone/thing else.
Potion brewing instructions may be found here.
Counted late after July 12th.