Crimson Jelly

Those who venture deep within the aquatic trenches of the Anderan Sea may have the luck of finding the Crimson Jellyfish. This species isn't very remarkable. It glows with weak, red light while feeding on the microscopic beings in the deep dark. But those divers who managed to find the jelly have just struck gold. The chemicals that give the crimson jelly its remarkable glow are the most addictive substance known to the races of the Ilses.
The substance is more commonly referred to as Crimson Heu dew to its origins with the jelly and the end product being a dark red powder. About 30 minutes after initial consumption the user starts to enter a state of hyper awareness which continues for the remainder of the high. The drug also possess minor leyokinetik abilities and is sometimes used in mana potions. The blend used in potions is carefully refined unlike the heu that can be found sold by criminals. The drug is notorious within criminal circles where shipping and selling the drug can lead to immense wealth. Those who have managed to amass such wealth selling heu are often referred to as Crimson Barons because of their immense wealth and power. Heu is sold to all classes in society, commoners have lost their lifesavings to afford it and nobels have given crime lords powerful titles to secure their grip on the drug. The substance is highly illegal in most of the established kingdoms and is only allowed in the making of magical supplements.
The only kingdom where the drug is allowed recreationally is Anderas, the country in which the drug comes from. Heu is a major part of the Anderan economy and the reason why it is legal there. Large parts of the population are addicted to the substance and it has created massive suffering for the Anderan people. Naturally, the country is home to most of the heu smuggling cartels who are almost always in a state of perpetual conflict.

Manufacturing process

The manufacture of heu is highly illegal within most of the established kingdoms without explicit permission from local leaders. The manufacturing process varies depending on the producer but all involve extraction of the Crimson Jelly's bioluminescence inducing chemicals. Different manufacturers usually spike the blend with their own ingredients.

Significance

Heu is an incredibly influential drug. Nobels, traders, politicians and monarchs have gone to great lengths to ensure they have access to the drug. Many Crimson Barons are given immense wealth, power or influence.
The effect of the drug within political circles can not be overstated. Heu has managed to start wars and toppel dynasties. This is the main reason for the drugs illegality within most of the kingdoms. Yet this has still not managed to stop the flow of the drug, as it can often be found sold in secret markets and pirate friendly ports.

Item type

Drug / Narcotic / Medicine

Rarity

Uncommon commodity

Base Price

Usually 20 - 30gp

Raw materials & Components

A dried Crimson Jelly, Tree Sap or other Thick Substance, Water