Septine

Heptodes, aside from being a general pest and widely disliked by rural farmers, are a valuable drug in the capital city's walls. In the third age, a farmer (name unknown) discovered his skriekers were becoming incredibly lethargic and lazy. After checking them over for illness, he discovered a species of heptodes that had adapted to a nomadic lifestyle. The typical swarming behavior was waylaid by a stronger narcotic effect. Eventually, this evolved into a breeding industry.
Heptodes secrete a narcotic venom called septine. It's used as an anesthetic medically, but this is akin to using leeches for bloodletting, considered archaic.
The animals themselves are stuck to major veins or arteries. This quickens the dispersion of the venom into the system. It works as something of a depressant in smaller doses, in larger doses, a decent-strength narcotic.
Some well-off individuals have family experts of husbandry who breed specific strains of heptodes for their family. Other non-contracted breeders breed for specific strains, strengths, sizes, and colors.
Generally, wild heptodes are about the size of a pumpkin seed and a rough green-brown color.
In poorer communities, septine use is called "lacing" because the bugs are strapped to the body using cord or something like a leather vambrace. It's seen as something akin to smoking, and not common among mine workers. Many who do use them in poorer areas apply them before going to bed or after work.
Those who are well-off keep them in place with ornate jewelry, and in some extreme cases, piercings near the jugular vein and wrist. This is mostly among rich young people who do not work with their hands at all.
The most common domestic strains are: -Vibriata, a bright purple, very potent breed, most common among those who work long hours or have crippling injuries. -Romato, a dark crimson, mild breed, most common among soldiers or people with physically rigorous work. -Livru, a soft teal, very very light breed, most common in general, calming effect. -Hanji, an iridescent, extremely potent breed, largely used among serious addicts and medical professionals. Requires a license to acquire and illegal to export. Can be lethal if not used to septine.

Item type

Drug / Narcotic / Medicine