Bliss

Properties

Material Characteristics

Bliss is generally a fine powder, similar to sand, but of shiny gold colored particles.

History & Usage

Discovery

Bliss was originally a chemical byproduct of enchanting, although the creation of it was accidental, and highly reliant on the particular enchanting spells being used. Discovered in ancient times by magical Eladrin, the substance became extremely popular throughout the feywild, and especially in Elvish cultures. The mood enhancing effects especially allowed the free-willed Elves to lose their already loosened inhibitions, to truly enjoy their time in the present.
Much later, human mages who made professions from enchanting came upon the same material, usually selling the byproduct or consuming it themselves. The increase in enchanting by human populations created a large amount of the Bliss byproduct, and through study, Gnomish scientists and mages were able to synthesize the particular chemicals in Bliss. This allowed for the creation of Bliss in a pure form, without the other magical byproducts mixed into the substance as a result of enchanting.
The synthesis of Bliss allowed for it to be created in more pure forms, which strengthened the mind-altering effects. Suddenly what was once seen as a useful byproduct became a commodity all its own. Throughout the Age of Humanity, many humans saw Bliss as distasteful, and highly regulating its use and consumption. After the Second Halcyon, however, Elven empires largely legalized the substance in a controlled manner by cooperatively controlling the market of Bliss.

Everyday use

Bliss is largely a recreational "party drug." It is consumed by individuals before large events, festivals, or engagements to enhance the emotions of the moment.
The general affects of Bliss are comparable to that of multiple drinking of heavy alcohol. It enhances mood to an extreme degree, while also lowering the user's inhibitions and perception of the world around them. Colors become brighter, sounds become clearer, and perception becomes constrained; additionally, one's ability to think critically is reduced. This creates a sensation of deep focus and hyperfixation, while also experiencing the world normally. Users will often find simple things extremely fascinating, such as staring at or smelling flowers, or becoming entirely absorbed in conversation and the pronunciation of words. Feelings of euphoria and jubilation common with having fun are greatly expanded, and negative emotions are generally reduced by great degrees.

Cultural Significance and Usage

Elves, particularly those of nobility, are major proponents of Bliss. Most nobles are expected to have small snuff boxes of Bliss for the occasions they may wish to imbibe. This is also common among human nobles, who seek to emulate the opulence of imperial Elves. Although Bliss circulates through all society, the generally high prices of the substance keep the lowest classes from consuming.
Beyond nobility, the most frequent consumers are those in Bardic communities. The few prominent bard colleges throughout the realms tend to purchase large quantities of Bliss for festivals, or for their most talented artists, who are encouraged to further pursue their passions without inhibition.

Hazards

The primary Hazard from Bliss is the loss of critical judgement and perception, and as a result, many of the effects are social in nature. An individual who consumed Bliss may forget about their marriage and cheat more readily, without having any inclination to do so while sober, simply because the feelings in the moment override their better judgement. Individuals may lose track of where they are because they were so enthused in an activity. Still others may say insensitive things without realizing why it was insensitive until they have attained sobriety. 
Bliss can also cause blocks of time while the individual is high to be lost, similar to blacking out. Core memories are often retained, but almost all details are lost, except for the overriding euphoria of those moments. For instance, an individual may remember going to a tavern and dancing, but will forget who they danced with, what they ate or drank, or the conversations that were had while there. This is particularly dangerous when the individual is prominent in some ways. Bliss has been used to convince the user to make business deals when they are not in an appropriate frame of mind, often to the result of the individual completely forgetting the deal they made. This extends especially to Elven royalty, as many diplomatic fights have arisen due to one party not knowing the other had imbibed Bliss beforehand.
Finally, Bliss can be dangerous as a social ill. As the drug is not illegal, this means that anyone with the funds available can purchase it. Some addicts may go into debt for another high, chasing the euphoria of a past event with Bliss. Bliss in this sense is seen as a gateway drug for many, particularly leading to overindulgence of drugs such as Gravy or Skip. This is generally why addicts are treated forthrightly by their community, to attempt to prevent exacerbation of addicts down a road of drug abuse and recidivism of negative antisocial behaviors.

Distribution

Law & Regulation

Bliss is a legal but restricted material in the Elven Empires. All Elven Empires on Rakuen seek to regulate the pricing of Bliss on the market, generally by using government contracted producers. This strictly limits the supply of Bliss, thus boosting the price to meet with demand. This allows the drug to largely be consumed by nobles, aristocracy, or those who are willing to pay for the privilege of its usage. This also means that average individuals are less likely to consume it. 
Laws are only applied to individuals who are frequently caught by local authorities consistently for either addiction or reckless public behavior. In cities, these individuals, especially addicts or compulsive users, are usually removed by authorities and given medicinal treatment to deal with their addictions directly and educate them about proper use of substances. They also often are prohibited from imbibing in the future, for risks of fines and punishments. Smaller villages tend to know their habitual users, and tend to detox them on a smaller scale with less restrictions.

Odor

Arcane, chemical odors, similar to vinegar. Often scented with aromatic herbs to remove the smell.

Taste

Bittersweet, with hints of iron similar to the taste of blood.

Color

Gold.

Common State

Powder