Apollo's Ichor Trance

Apollo's Ichor Trance is the name associated to the state that Apollo's oracles enter when they are making prophecy or otherwise communing with their god. It is induced by the inhalation of a gas derived from the mysterious substance known as "Apollo's Ichor." Apollo's Ichor is reserved solely for the clergy of Apollo and outsiders are not allowed access to it. It is not known publicly how the substance is produced or obtained by the clergy, but they appear to have an ample stock of it.

Transmission & Vectors

Apollo's Ichor is heated into a gas which is inhaled by the recipient (usually an oracle of Apollo). It affects those who breathe it and do not naturally resists the effects. It is not otherwise contagious or infectious. Apollo's Ichor only has the desired effect when inhaled and is otherwise poisonous.

Causes

The cause of Apollo's Ichor are mysterious as it is not known if it is a natural phenomenon, magical in nature, divine, or some combination of the three.

Symptoms

While under the effect of this "drug", oracles seem to lose control over their body as it flies into a dance of sorts. It is then that they claim to receive visions, fortunes, or prophecies from Apollo. There is debate from those outside of the faith that these are nothing more than vivid hallucinations brought on by this substance. For those of weaker constitutions, Apollo's Ichor has some harsh side effects including blindness, coma, or even death. Those of stronger builds, or those used to the effects, claim that it brings them just a minor exhaustion after the trance.

History

Apollo's oracles have been using the Apollo's Ichor Trance since before recorded history. It was sometimes used as a coming of age ritual of sorts for priestesses or oracles under Apollo, but is now seen as more of common service provided by worthy visitors who make an appropriate offering to Apollo.

Cultural Reception

Those on the Olympian Isles view this state as a holy gift given to them by Apollo. Most others, especially those who reside in Mélemardor, view it as a hoax at best or exploitation at its worst.

Type

Chemical Compound