Black Seagull

“*Dammit, you're on Black Gull again aren't you? I can see it in your eyes. The shine, the way they glaze over. It's like you're addicted to that witcher hallucinogenic. It's not healthy, you know that. It's destroying you, and yet you can't stop. But what's even more tragic, is that no matter how much you hallucinate, it's not going to bring back your deceased wife and adopted child. It's just going to make you lose yourself more and more.*”
―Jolanta Dinmarb to Putnam Pitch during their winter together in Novigrad

## Information

### Ingredients

Amell Honey ( Northen Kingdoms only )
 White Gull

### Contraeffect (s)

Hallucinations (although in most cases, positive, only if you drink too much, you can have negative hallucinations), a huge hangover, vomiting ( if it is not combined with the proper food) and some contraeffects that normal alcohol causes in people, but amplified.

### Duration

Long ( approximately 8 to 10 hours )

**Black Seagull** is a hallucinogenic witcher potion, unlike the similarly named, but gentler White Seagull. Crafted primarily for recreational purposes, it finds favor among witchers seeking solace within the walls of their fortresses. The potion's key ingredient is the renowned Amell honey, derived from the very bees that dwell exclusively in the eponymous mountain range—a species known for producing a honey imbued with potent hallucinogenic properties.

While Black Seagull predominantly serves as an indulgence, its applications extend beyond mere pleasure. Troubled witchers burdened with heavy sleep disorders also turn to this potent elixir for its sedative effects. In rare cases, however, overindulgence can provoke symptoms akin to alcoholism among witchers, though it is crucial to note that, given their unique mutant physiology, such manifestations are generally rooted in psychological dependencies rather than physiological repercussions.

Witchers bearing additional mutations typically display a heightened resilience to the potion's potency. Exemplars, such as the legendary Geralt of Rivia and the founder of the School of the Viper Ivar Evil - Eye, embody this exceptional adaptability. For these type of witchers, the effects of Black Seagull manifest in a more tempered manner, evoking a slightly more intense experience compared to its white counterpart.

## Effects / Contraeffects

When consumed, the Black Seagull potion ushers witchers into a realm of heightened perception and altered consciousness. The primary effect of this hallucinogenic elixir is the induction of vivid and immersive hallucinations. In most instances, these hallucinations are positively enchanting, enveloping the imbiber in a captivating tapestry of sights, sounds, and sensations. However, excessive consumption can tip the delicate balance, leading to negative hallucinations that instill feelings of dread and unease.

While the journey through this altered state is alluring, the aftermath can be rather formidable. Witchers often find themselves confronted with a prodigious hangover upon awakening from the potion's trance-like embrace. This hangover can be accompanied by throbbing headaches, fatigue, and a general sense of malaise. The intensity of the hangover can vary depending on the dosage consumed and the individual's tolerance.

Another potential consequence of imbibing the Black Seagull potion is the propensity for vomiting. This adverse effect can be mitigated by ensuring the potion is consumed alongside the appropriate food, as it helps to stabilize the witcher's stomach. Neglecting this precaution can lead to bouts of nausea and the expulsion of stomach contents.

In addition to these immediate effects, the contraeffects of Black Seagull mirror those of traditional alcoholic beverages, albeit amplified. Witchers may experience increased impairment of motor skills, reduced coordination, and diminished reaction times.

## Ingredients

Although there are many versions of the Black Seagull, such as the Manticore Black Seagull, a version of the potion made from plants found in Zerrikania by the School of the Manticore Witchers, here is the recipe used by Witchers in the Northern Kingdoms / Nilfgaard.

* Amell Honey **(exclusive to the Northern Kingdoms)**: The key component that forms the foundation of the potion. This unique honey, harvested from bees inhabiting the Amell mountain range, possesses hallucinogenic properties.
* White Gull: A crucial ingredient in the creation of Black Seagull. White Gull itself is a potion commonly used by witchers and serves as the base for many elixirs.

## Preparation

* Begin by preparing White Gull. Combine the Redanian herbal, Cherry cordial, Mandrake cordial, and Arenaria in a suitable container or mortar.
* Grind and mix the ingredients thoroughly until a homogeneous mixture is achieved. The resulting blend should possess a vibrant and aromatic character, indicating a successful combination of the components.
* Once the White Gull is prepared, the next step involves incorporating the Amell Honey. Measure an appropriate quantity of Amell Honey and add it to the mixture of White Gull.
* Stir the mixture gently, ensuring the honey is thoroughly blended with the White Gull potion. This step is crucial to achieving a harmonious fusion of flavors and properties.
* As the final touch, it is essential to allow the potion to rest and age for a certain period. This aging process allows the flavors to meld and the potency to reach its peak. The duration of aging can vary, but it is generally recommended to let the mixture rest for at least a fortnight.
* After the required aging period, strain the potion to remove any sediment or impurities that may have accumulated during the aging process. This ensures a smooth and refined final product.
* Store the Black Seagull potion in an airtight container, preferably one that provides protection from sunlight and other external elements. Proper storage will help preserve its potency and longevity.

## Duration of the effects

The Black Seagull potion is known for its medium toxicity and its enduring effects, which can last for an extended period of time, typically ranging from 8 to 10 hours. However, it's important to note that the exact duration may vary depending on factors such as the potency of the potion, the individual witcher's tolerance, and the dosage consumed.

The potion's effects unfold in distinct stages, each characterized by a unique experience and sensation:

* **Awakening Stage**: Shortly after consuming the Black Seagull potion, witchers begin to experience a gradual awakening of their senses. Colors become more vibrant, sounds become more pronounced, and the world takes on a heightened level of clarity. This stage serves as an initial indication that the potion is taking effect.
* **Euphoric Stage**: As the potion fully takes hold, witchers enter a state of euphoria. A profound sense of joy, contentment, and heightened well-being envelops them. The world appears more enchanting and captivating, with a profound appreciation for the beauty and intricacies of their surroundings.
* **Hallucinatory Stage**: The hallmark stage of the Black Seagull potion is the onset of vivid hallucinations. Witchers experience a blending of reality and fantasy as their senses become flooded with mesmerizing imagery and sensations. They may encounter fantastical creatures, witness surreal landscapes, or even delve into their own subconscious minds. These hallucinations are typically positive, although excessive consumption or adverse reactions can induce negative and unsettling experiences.
* **Tranquil Stage**: Following the peak of the hallucinatory stage, witchers gradually transition into a state of tranquility. While the intensity of the hallucinations subsides, a serene and peaceful ambiance persists. Witchers often report a profound sense of inner calm, clarity of thought, and an enhanced connection to their surroundings.
* **Descending Stage**: As the effects of the Black Seagull potion begin to wane, witchers enter the descending stage. The heightened sensory perception gradually diminishes, and they start to return to a more grounded state of being. While the afterglow of the potion lingers, the intensity of the experience recedes, leaving behind a sense of awe and introspection.

It is important to note that the stages of the Black Seagull potion may not occur in a linear fashion for every witcher. The duration and intensity of each stage can vary depending on individual factors and the specific potion's composition.

Excessive consumption of the Black Seagull potion can lead to intensified effects and potential risks beyond the normal experience. Here are the effects associated with excessive intake:

* **Intensified Hallucinations:** Excessive consumption of the Black Seagull potion can lead to a dramatic intensification of hallucinations. What was once a mesmerizing and enchanting experience can quickly turn into a bewildering and disorienting one. Witchers may find themselves immersed in a chaotic and overwhelming realm of distorted perceptions, vivid nightmares, and unsettling visions.
* **Distorted Perceptions**: Excessive consumption can result in distorted perceptions of time, space, and self-awareness. Witchers may lose track of time or have difficulty distinguishing between the hallucinatory world and reality. This distortion can lead to a sense of detachment and disconnection from their surroundings and a temporary loss of rational judgment.
* **Heightened Toxicity:** The medium toxicity of the potion can become more pronounced with excessive consumption. Witchers may experience increased physical and mental strain as their bodies struggle to metabolize and cope with the elevated levels of toxicity. This can manifest as heightened fatigue, dizziness, and a general sense of unease.
* **Heightened Sensitivity:** Excessive consumption may result in an extreme heightening of sensory perception. Sounds may become unbearably loud, lights may appear blindingly bright, and even the slightest touch or gust of wind may provoke an overwhelming response. This heightened sensitivity can be disorienting and overwhelming, making it challenging for the witcher to navigate their environment.
* **Increased Duration:** Excessive consumption prolongs the duration of the potion's effects. Instead of the usual 8 to 10 hours, the heightened state can persist for an extended period, sometimes surpassing 12 hours or more. This prolonged duration can lead to fatigue, mental exhaustion, and difficulty reorienting to normal functioning afterward.
* **Physical Discomfort:** Excessive intake of Black Seagull can give rise to physical discomfort. Witchers may experience increased heart rate, elevated body temperature, and excessive sweating. These physical symptoms can be accompanied by a sense of restlessness, tremors, and even muscle spasms.
* **Emotional Turmoil:** Intensified effects can also bring about emotional turmoil. Witchers may experience heightened emotional sensitivity, swinging between extreme joy and deep sadness. Intense feelings of anxiety, paranoia, or even outright panic can arise, making the experience overwhelming and potentially distressing.
* **Severe Hangover:** The hangover effects associated with Black Seagull can be intensified with excessive consumption. Witchers may wake up to an incapacitating headache, severe nausea, and an overall feeling of physical and mental exhaustion. The duration and intensity of the hangover can be prolonged, making it challenging for the witcher to resume their normal activities.

## Trivia

* While it is mentioned in the novels, this potion does not appear in the games.
* At the School of the Scorpion, one of the ingredients for the Black Seagull was gigascorpion venom.