Ebon/Extra Notes

Roleplaying Information

Ebon

A simple opioid derived from almost the same ingredients as the common analgesics known as 'dulling potions'. The prepared form is a black crystalline powder, vaguely resembling burnt toffee - hence the name. (Note: this is due to chemical impurities that can't really be addressed with Promise's level of technology.)

Ebon's primary effects are as a relaxant and analgesic, much like other opioids. It rises to use due to the intense rush of euphoria that accompanies those feelings, and is a highly addictive substance.

Short-term effects manifest as dulled senses, euphoria and relaxation.

Long-term use results in partial resistance to the drug and withdrawal symptoms if a being ceases to use it - these are much the same as any opioid. (Tremors, cramps, muscle and bone paid, chills, perspiration, priapism, tachycardia, itch, restless legs syndrome, flu-like symptoms, rhinitis, yawning, sneezing, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness and akathisia for physical, dysphoria, malaise, cravings, anxiety, paranoia, insomnia, dizziness, nausea and depression for psychological.)

Additionally, Ebon has several severe effects that arise from prolonged use:

-Brain damage, leading to paranoia, listlessness, extreme dysphoria.

-Muscular degeneration and/or dystrophy, leading to partial paralysis or heart attacks and arrhythmia

-Kidney damage, leading to haemourea [sp?], low blood sugar and potentially kidney stones.

However, due to the greatly increased painkilling effect of the drug, it is used in minute amounts for some surgical practices (much like real-world morphine.) Overdoses are uncommon, however they can result in, among other things: Coma, heart attacks, temporary paralysis and mania.

Now then, on to regulation.

Ebon isn't hard to make, but it is hard to make properly. High-grade Ebon is heavily restricted and hard to come by, whereas common, street-grade ebon is fairly commonplace in the underground and shanties. Not every being would know who sells it or where it's used, but its high rate of usage means finding a supplier is never too hard. An underworld roll with appropriate modifiers will tell you what you need to know.

Ebon dens are significantly less common, however. This is due to the illicit nature of the drug, the money required to run such an operation and the crab-pot nature of Shanty town. They do exist, often attracting loan sharks, prostitutes and gang violence to the area making them undesirable to live near.

Furthermore, such areas often repel attempts from the guards to investigate simply because of the huge amount of drug-fuelled violence, thieves and so forth that the valuable drug attracts.

Public perception:

Ebon isn't well-regarded by most middle-to-high-class citizens, but like many drugs there's a market for them even in that bracket. Those that use the drug are regarded with disdain or pity by most, though most beings keep the use of it to dark corners or private property where they aren't beholden while using it.

In the slums, it's considered a lot more highly despite its overall detrimental effects -- It provides comfort and relaxation in a place where such sensations are almost unheard of, and it provides a source of revenue for the beings pushing it - one of the few things in Shanty town that could be considered an industry.

Use:

Ebon can be taken in many ways - snorted, smoked in a cigarette, dissolved into a liquid and injected or drunk.

The most common are the former two; drinking Ebon often seems to dilute the effect of the drug, though it produces a longer high. Syringes simply aren't common enough for many beings to inject the drug - often, this means of use is limited only to the journeymen trained in its use as an analgesic.

Snorted is straightforward, producing a short yet potent high, and smoking is the preferred means of use in Ebon dens, where the actual quantity of the drug can be regulated. Of course, it's seldom sold in cigarette form in those places - rather, doses to be inhaled from bongs or hookahs.