Hesh

Hesh is a drug that is favored amongst the pirates of the Amrid Ocean.  It is created from the leaves of the Drudane Plant, which is found growing on the Shoal Islands.  The leaves are dried and cured using a special technique known only to a few.  They can then be turns into Hesh, which comes in three forms.

The first form is a moist leafy structure, where the dried leaf is stepped in a strong alcoholic solution, like spirits, then it is sealed into leather pouches that keep it moist.  in this form it is designed to be chewed, like chewing tobacco.  Chewing the Hesh produces  a weak but constant boost of energy as long as the leaf is chewed.  This is the most common use of Hesh as it can keep the chewer alert and focused on tasks.  It can also be used to keep the user from falling asleep.  It is also to least dangerous uses of the drug.  

The second form is when the leaves are dried and used in a pipe of rolled into a cigar.  in this form the user gets an instant feeling of euphoria and a burst of energy that boosts their heart beat and stimulated them.  The euphoria fades rather quickly, but subsequent inhalation of the smoke can continue the effect.  The energy boost seems to last a bit longer, almost as much as an hour after smoking the leaf.  This is the second most popular form of the drug, and it is even used in hookah pipes common on Sinia and water pipes found all over Aranthar.  This carries the same dangers as any smoking would, and has the addition danger of smoking too much to fast, which can make the user feel extremely anxious and jittery.  It can even cause Hallucinations and paranoia.  

The third form is the most dangerous.  The leaves are ground into a fine powder which is sniffed like Snuff.  This causes an instant euphoria boost and burst of energy which can last for several hours depending on the amount taken.  This is always accompanied by a feeling of Powerfulness, like the user can do anything.  It also lower inhibitions which can lead to a dangerous combination.  When the effects starts to wear off the user still feel energetic for some time, but also stat to get strong feeling or anxiety and paranoia. There is also a strong restlessness.  Finally that ill wear off and the user will crash, suddenly feeling exhausted and depressed.   When the user take a hit, his heart rate climbs and depending on the amount can go up to dangerous levels, possible causing a heart attack.  The same can happen on the crash as the user's heartbeat will slow dramatically and rapidly.  The extreme depression after the high can also cause suicidal thoughts.  There are stories of people under the effect of Hesh trying to perform things that they could never do and hurting or even killing themselves.  


All forms of Hesh are highly addictive and can cause deep depression and suicidal thought when suffering withdrawal.  Hesh is also one of the few drugs that can be used in the magical  Pipe of Inspiration that are found in Sinia.  These pipes have the ability to greatly amplify the effects of the drug, and mitigate some of the unwanted side affects.  Pipes using Hesh as a source can convey incredible speed, dexterity and focus to users for a short time, making them capable of incredible feats.