Elfroot was first used by the elves of Arlathan, hence the name. The root gave their medicines particular efficacy, so when the Imperium conquered the elves, the magisters adopted its use and its popularity spread to all corners of the empire. There are several varieties, but the most useful for herbalists are the Bitter, Gossamer, and Royal Elfroots. —An excerpt from The Botanical Compendium by Ines Arancia, botanist