Drugs of Glorantha, Pt.1

From: MOBTOTRM_at_vaxc.cc.monash.edu.au
Date: Sat, 07 Dec 1996 10:35:55 +1100


G'day all,

We've got Eric and his fabulous compendia plants; howzabout some drugs? Here's one from me to kick it off:



Drugs of Glorantha Pt.1

Xcori - Kralorela
from MOB

Xcori is the Kralorelan name for a small shrub which grows in semi-arid soils across eastern Genertela. The juice extracted from the sinuous roots of the Xcori plant is imbibed as a mental stimulant. It is often purchased by aspiring Kralorelan scholars before their examinations, which are lengthy, esoteric and crucial, as they determine the candidate's future advancement and status. The examinations are also very expensive to sit for, and many aspiring mandarins can only afford to take them once in their life.

Xcori aids in mental concentration and negates the need to sleep - in fact, a user high on Xcori juice probably wouldn't be able to sleep even if he tried. Depending on the POT of the juice, takers gain from 1 to 8 points of "false INT" for 1d20 hours. A corresponding number of points are reduced from the taker's STR, CON and DEX - this sometimes plays havoc with the calligraphy component of the examination. Modify all skills accordingly. It is generally added to warm water and sipped.

It is very important that candidates continue taking Xcori throughout their examination cycle, because withdrawal symptoms include total nervous collapse and extreme fatigue for up to a week. This often happens to examinees after the gruelling tests anyway!

Xcori is not particularly addictive, and a slight tolerance is acquired by the few frequent users. Although it is not expressly forbidden, the examining exarchs often penalize those they suspect of trying to pass with the help of Xcori. One tell-tale sign is characteristically shaky calligraphy, which inadvertently discriminates against fair-dealing scholars who are otherwise worthy, but mediocre with the brush.

Xcori grows wild in the northern reaches of Shiyang province and beyond, and has resisted attempts to cultivate it. During examination periods it fetches ludicrously high prices among desperate students (up to 33 silver taels a dose). Students are the main market. Slaves, the menial classes and merchants are prohibited from using it.

Cheers

MOB


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