Shard

The most prolific drug in Atraeleon is called "Shard", a highly addictive and dangerous substance that is derived from a rare mineral found deep in the mountains.
The effects of Shard are powerful and dangerous. Users experience a rush of euphoria and energy, but it eventually gives way to intense paranoia, hallucinations, and violent behavior. Many users have died from overdoses or violent outbursts while under the influence of Shard.
Despite its dangers, Shard has become a lucrative trade for criminal organizations throughout Atraeleon. They use it as a means of controlling and exploiting addicts, and as a source of income. The Atraelian Empire has made attempts to crack down on the trade of Shard, but its use continues to persist.
Shard is decently rare in the wild, making it quite expensive for commoners to procure, but adventurers, nobility, and other people with some wealth are highly likely to be able to afford it. Almost every major city has a black market provider for shard; Usually more than one in competition with each other.

History

It was first discovered by a group of miners who accidentally ingested small amounts of the mineral while working in the mines. They quickly became addicted to the substance and began to crave its effects.

Significance

While most drugs in Atraeleon are relatively harmless, Shard represents a clear and present danger to anyone who uses it, and anyone near the user. Antagonistic forces could use this to their advantage in many ways, and thus the Emperor of Atraeleon has given The Imperial Inquisitors the task of ridding the empire of the drug.

Item type

Drug / Narcotic / Medicine

Base Price

50 sp/gram