Burin

Burin is a product of the national flower of Niploma, síolta dubh. Burin is infamous for its long preparation but enjoyed for its mental and physical effects and for its lack of harmful side effects.

History

Although it is likely Burin was used for thousand of years the first recorded use was in 1710 whilst Niploma was still run by an Oligarchy. After decades of legal usage the then King, James III, banned its usage due to its phsyical effects. James III began the 'anti-Burin' movement in Niploma which still carries on today. After liberation and the creation of the Republic the new Democratic House passed a bill under PM Healey legalising the use of home-grown Burin. The legislation stands to today. Today, Burin is used by many people for many reasons. It has effects not too disimiliar to tobbaco or marijuana.

Preperation

Picking and Roasting

Once ripe the seeds from a síolta dubh will begin to burst from the plant. As most of the seeds are infected or already eaten only a dozen or so from a hundred may be usable. Pick the uninfected, dark brown or black and rounded seeds and wash them.

Once washed one should roast the seeds. This should be done at a low heat (typically of 80 degrees) for an hour with frequent turning. Once throughly dried and roasted - but not burnt - leave to cool overnight in a sealed box (to ensure no further infections begin).

Grinding

Once rested ground the seeds. Traditionally a mortar and pestle was used but today grinders are used, or, if you wish for extra fine Burin, a blender will complete the grinding. Once ground the product will resemble coffee or black volcanic sand. Differant variations can produce a light brown variation or dark brown but black is still typically the most common. Once ground the seeds become powder.

Brewing

Traditional

Until the percolator was invented in the 1800's brewing was a laborious part of preperation. The powder would be poured evenly into a large pan or pot and boiling hot water would be poured over the top. This would usually be left inside a house (away from animals) near to a window where the water could be skimmed or evaporated off. This did not work very well at all. Alternative methods included continually passing water through the grounded seeds in a siv.

Today

Today the grounded seeds are used in a percolator where boiling water is steamed through the seeds and passed into the top compartment. Here, the water can be easily poured away.

Why?

It is important that brewing happens. The boiling hot water (more so using the modern technique) removes 'impurities' from the powder.

Drying and Burning

Assuming one has used the modern technique for brewing one will be left with wet Burin. This can be placed on a dish or in a cup and allowed to dry overnight. The water is simply evaporated off the powder. Some people eat wet Burin although it is an acquired taste (leaving many small parts lodged between the teeth too).

Once dry and all moisture has left the powder is almost ready. Using either a tablespoon or teaspoon pick up the powder. Using a lighter burn the underneath of the powder with a lighter until a smoke appears of the powder. imediately stop the lighter and allow the powder to cool. Once cool Burin is produced.

Smoking

Much like 'roll-up cigarette' burin is rolled and consumed in the same way. A teaspoon of burin (less then a gram) is sprinkled across a rolling paper and an 'end' or filter is added. This is then rolled, lit and smoked.

Effects

Positive

Like alcohol burin is a depressant. It removes stress and anxiety and 'relaxes' the user. A gram or so is more than enough to make the user more comfortable and sociable. It effectively blocks negative responses within the brain and produces a chain reaction that ends with ADH being produced, the colluqially known 'happy hormone'.

Negative

Excessive usage (several grams) can cause parts of the brain to shut off (much like with excessive alcohol usage) and can cuase parts of the body to shut off. Ten to twenty grams of burin can cause the most users to die. However, the likely hood of twenty grams being consumed in one night is unlikely. Users have to accept their limits as with each gram they inhale the more likely they are to consume more. This 'addiction' is mental rather than physical. the body craves the relaxation and will crave for more. However, one burin has completely left your system (one gram = seventy-two hours) all cravings end. It is important users do not give in and take in more burin due to the dangers that follow.

Modern Cocktails

LSD users have been known to smoke several grams of burin before consumption of LSD. This ensures they are relaxed and therefore more likely to have a 'good trip' on LSD. Marijuana users can mix their marijuana with burin for similiar reasons - it ensures a better experiance.

Long-Term Problems

If smoked alone, with nothing else, burin is typically as safe as second-hand smoking. Diseases such as enphzema and lung cancer occur with burin users although up to 80% less then tobacco smokers. Excessive usage can damage muscles - for unknown reasons. Wet burin has been found to cause no problems as it is digested in the stomach, not absorbed within the lungs.