Recaf
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This article is about the drink; for the Ciaphas Cain short story, see A Mug of Recaff (Short Story). |
“Get me a mug of recaff and a lasgun, and I’ll take on a Hive Tyrant!”
Recaf, also spelled recaff, is a popular hot beverage in the Imperium that acts as a mild stimulant. Recaff is primarily made from crushed and brewed leaves. Its composition, effects and flavour can vary depending on the planet it is found,[1][6] but most blends contain some form of stimulant such as caffeine or detoxified pharamoxine compounds.[1]
Recaff is considered inferior to real coffee, which is reserved for the highest of Imperial social strata, such as nobles. Men and women of such standing might include high ranking Imperial Navy representatives like Admirals, or other powerful organisational representatives, in a crusade's fleet. Such people never have to drink recaff, which they view as swill.[4]
Some wealthy elites of hive worlds might enjoy their bitter recaff with the addition of yarrow-nut and rekko-spice.[5]
Contents
Preparation
Recaff is a common ration provided to the Astra Militarum by the Adeptus Munitorum.[3]
Methods of recaff production in the Imperial Guard can vary across war zones. Common blends include extracts from local plant leaves as well as Adeptus Mechanicus-approved – and almost entirely hygienic – filtrated regimental waste. Especially skilled quartermasters of the Imperial Guard are able to re-acquire the caffeine additives from waste that has gone through this cycle seven times.[3]
- 1) Prepare your container - A kettle dedicated to recaff is ideal, preferably unwashed. The brown-green sludge at the bottom of the container adds flavour.[3]
- 2) Boil the water - Be aware to take into account your altitude and the planet’s gravity and atmospheric density, as this may affect boiling point and thus the flavour.[3]
- 3) Prepare the recaff additives[3]
- 4) Lower recaff additives into water, inside a suitable filter - Using a Munitorum-approved Perforated Hot Water Submersion Container is ideal. If unavailable, a standard issue Guardsman’s sock will suffice.[3]
- 5) Wait for the percolation - The correct time to wait is exactly as long as it takes to recite the 113th verse of the Mantra of the Emperor Ascendant. Then remove the Munitorum-approved Perforated Hot Water Submersion Container (or sock).[3]
- 6) Enjoy a delicious cup[3]
Types of Recaf
- Folian - Red Recaf that is sweet, sticky and keeps those who drink it awake. Some consider the taste of Folian to be rather nauseating, though.[2]
See also
Sources
- 1: Rogue Trader Rulebook, pg. 142
- 2: Eye of Terror (Novel), Chapter 3
- 3: The Regimental Standard: The Perfect Mug of Recaff (archived 5 February 2023, last accessed 19 July 2025)
- 4: The Silent King (Novel), Chapter 31
- 5: The Wraithbone Phoenix (Novel), Chapter 39
- 6: Black Crusade Core Rulebook, pg. 183
