Dreamgum

Properties

Material Characteristics

Dreamgum is traditionally formed into small capsules. They're typically small tablets, cylindrical in shape, and easily swallowed. They are usually marked by their creator and distributor.

Compounds

Dreamgum is obtained by collecting and containing many small dung beetles into a small pill.

Life & Expiration

Dreamgum has a shelf-life of about 6 months assuming dry and temperate conditions. The tablets are very susceptible to moisture, which can degrade their natural properties faster. Dreamgum is, however, frequently able to still maintain its mind-altering effects upward of a year despite any degradation or expiration. Expired pills build up toxins due to the amount of dead beetles within them, making consumption of expired material very hazardous.

History & Usage

Discovery

The Xâb beetle is very common in all manner of desert environments throughout Rakuen, but they are most common throughout the dunes of Urduun. Ancient druids, shamans, and soothesayers would collect and breed Xâb beetles, and for rituals or divination practices. The beetles would most often be consumed alive and whole, with salt or calcium from salt pillars, as they were given divine and arcane significance. The beetles would produce violent hallucinations upon consumption, and could provoke cardiac arrest and other deleterious health effects. However, the resulting hallucinations were highly valued by the users.
It wasn't until the rise of larger scale elven settlements throughout Urduun that ancient recipes for Dreamgum were rediscovered. Capturing the beetles and containing them within pills with a small variety of organic waste matter allowed for more concentrated dosage of the beetles to be consumed, allowing individuals to consume an amount that would give the affects of the beetles, without the toxins involved.

Everyday use

Dreamgum is known for its remarkable mind-altering properties. Is warps the users sense of space and time dramatically. Users typically report becoming hyper-aware of their surroundings, hearing even very quiet noises, such as the heartbeat of a nearby animal, or the sound of a worm digging out of the soil. Individuals also experience extra-sensory sensations at times, including colored hallucinations that correspond to the surrounding environment, and sometimes gain a form of blindsight allowing them to visualize vibrations around them.

Cultural Significance and Usage

Dreamgum is most prominent, as it was in ancient times, in druidic, shamanistic, and tribal communities. It is often used ritualistically, or by those who wish to gain visions of different planes, or also those who wish to have hallucinations (often for religious purposes). Although the material is not illegal, imperial elves generally look down on usage of the substance, and advise individuals not to partake.

Hazards

Most important to note of Dreamgum is that it is toxic if consumed in inappropriate amounts. This amount varies on the user, with lightweight and small individuals (such as Gnomes, Halflings, and Goblins in particular) are more susceptible to dangerous effects). Consequently, this means larger races - such as Dragonborn or Orcs - require higher dosage to gain the effects in most situations. If an individual overdoses on Dreamgum, the effects are seen very quickly. The individual begins to experience seizures as they hallucinate out of control, with most individuals frothing at the mouth. Witnesses are advised to turn the overdosing patient to their side to prevent asphyxiation or drowning.
Dreamgum's natural effects also can be quite confusing for the uninitiated. Because of the vision disorientating affects, judging distances and sizes can be extremely difficult. Operating machinery and traveling while imbibing is ill advised. Additionally, motor functions are made more difficult; many will lose balance, finding interacting with basic objects incredibly difficult.
Finally, Dreamgum can sometimes allow users to see into different planes of existence. This is primarily the Ethereal, meaning some individuals may be accosted by undead that may be inhabiting that area of the Ethereal. However, visions into any plane are possible. This can sometimes cause panic for someone not prepared for such visions.

Type

Organic

Odor

No odor.

Taste

Slightly sour and sometimes bitter.

Color

Usually pink or red, but sometimes pale green or brown.