From: MOBTOTRM@vaxc.cc.monash.edu.au
Date: Sat 07 Dec 1996 - 01:35:55 EET
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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