Eye of Aziz

The "Eye of Aziz" is a state of mind the spiritual leader of the Dashani enters once a year by performing the Ritual of Aziz. The state could be reached by anyone, but the required Morcela mushroom is rare and almost no one knows about its effects.

Transmission & Vectors

The effects are induced by inhaling the smoke of burning Morcela mushrooms. The smoke contains a toxin entering the blood via the lungs and finally reaching the nerves. It takes about 20 minutes until enough toxin has entered the blood to show any effect.

Symptoms

After inhaling the smoke for 20 minutes the person's mind drifts away from current reality. The person's spirit enters a different reality of bright light, where she can notice the presence of an entity, but due to the overwhelming brightness not actually see it. The entity is feeding thoughts back into the person's mind. Any attempt to communicate with the entity does not result in a direct reply, but the content of the incoming thoughts may change slightly.

Treatment

There is no known treatment as there is none required. The effect inducing toxin dissolves completely in two hours, as soon as the victim is not exposed to it anymore.

Sequela

When the toxin decomposes it leaves some remnants in the victim's blood, tinting the skin with a yellow tone, dark Dashani skin though seems to glow. This effect lasts for two to three weeks.

History

The trance-inducing effect of the mushrooms has been used way before the Ondar, by seers or shamans, but the knowledge about it got forgotten and has been rediscovered later.

Cultural Reception

The immediate effects of the mushroom's toxin are not being seen by anyone. Only the glow effect of the skin of the Ondar after the Ritual of Aziz is apparent to everyone and interpreted as "being touched by the goddess".

SC2020: Describe a condition in your world caused by a drug or medicine.

Type

Fungal

Origin

Natural

Cycle

Short-term

Rarity

Rare