Shadow Sleep Condition in Elder Gate | World Anvil
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Shadow Sleep

During the refinement process of Arcanite, a byproduct known as "Arc Resin" is released. This byproduct is extremely hallucinogenic, and if smoked in high enough doses will result in a condition known as Shadow Sleep. This is caused by the hypnotic state induced by the resin that keeps the afflicted trapped in a mental prison of paranoia, unbridled fear, and an inability to react to outside stimulus. The victims body suffers immense stress while the hallucinations occur, and sometimes can leave side effects for days at a time. 
      Nearly immediately after smoking the arc resin, the muscles of the user will slightly relax, followed shortly thereafter by an almost seizure-like lock up. The users eyes will often either twitch uncontrollably, or roll backwards into their head. This is followed by intense muscle spasms, elevated heart rate, sweating, and moaning or screaming. During all of this, the mind of the user is trapped in a realm of limbo. They will report visions of shadowy figures stalking them while they try to escape capture from an unseen presence. During this mental journey, the user will often times also discuss hearing whispers that guide them in a certain direction. This will usually not last longer than ten to fifteen minutes. Continued use after the first experience will lead to darker, and harsher hypnotic states, and even dreams of writhing black entities crushing and suffocating not just the user, but the space around them.
      For days, or even weeks afterward, the user will show signs of paranoia, speak of disembodied voices and whispers, and will not be able to calm down, or feel a sense of security. Because of how harshly this drug leads to addiction, it is often laced into less effective, and sometimes even perfectly legal substances by gang leaders, or criminal organizations, to hook unsuspecting people into working for the organizations, so that they can feed their need for a fix. Doctors and drug therapists who work with addicts to help cure the addiction, often times will speak with the user to understand what they've experienced, and how it effects their mental state in the long run. It is often noted that users will describe creatures in these trips similar to abominations that are seen coming through portals during conflux storms.
Type
Mental

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