Narcotics & Addiction

Narcotics play a dual role in the Kagoma System: they are a means of escape for those living under the harsh conditions of the Eternal Empire, particularly Indents, and a tool of control and profit for the Empire and black market factions. Many substances are derived from magical plants, minerals, or other arcane sources, and their effects often include both physiological and magical enhancements, accompanied by dangerous side effects.

In this setting, addiction is rampant among lower-class citizens and Indents, who use these substances to dull the pain of their labor or as a fleeting source of empowerment. However, the Empire heavily regulates narcotics, with many being outright illegal. Those caught possessing or using banned substances face severe penalties, including increased debt, imprisonment, or even death.

Addiction Mechanics

When a character uses a narcotic item, they must make a Constitution saving throw (DC varies by substance). On a failed save:
They gain the effects of the substance, but also gain 1 level of addiction. After gaining 3 levels of addiction, they suffer from Withdrawal if they do not consume the substance daily.
Withdrawal Effects (Choose or roll for each day without the narcotic):

• Disadvantage on attack rolls and saving throws.

• Reduced movement speed by 10 feet.

• 1 level of exhaustion (cumulative each day without use).

Addiction can be cured through magical means like Lesser Restoration or by going through a detoxification period (10 days of successful saving throws without use, DC 15).

Substances & Effects

Nethervine Extract

Description: Made from the sap of the Nethervine, a magical plant found in the Wildlands of Orpheus. This viscous, glowing liquid is highly addictive and valued for its magical amplifications.
Effect: When consumed, you gain advantage on all Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma-based ability checks and saving throws for 1 hour.
Addiction Save: Constitution saving throw DC 14.
Side Effects: After the effects wear off, roll a d6. On a 1, you gain 1 level of exhaustion.

Emberdust

Description: A fiery orange powder refined from volcanic minerals infused with latent magic. Typically inhaled, Emberdust grants heightened physical capabilities at great personal cost.
Effect: When consumed, you gain the effects of the Haste spell for 1 minute (no concentration required).
Addiction Save: Constitution saving throw DC 16.
Side Effects: After the effect ends, take 2d6 psychic damage and lose the ability to take reactions until the end of your next turn.

Dreamshade

Description: A black, smoke-like liquid distilled from enchanted flowers. When ingested, it induces euphoria and vivid hallucinations.
Effect: You gain the benefits of the Divination spell (ask one question) and temporary hit points equal to 1d10 + your Constitution modifier.
Addiction Save: Constitution saving throw DC 15.
Side Effects: Roll a d20. On a 1-5, you experience debilitating hallucinations for 1 hour, imposing disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks.

Void Crystal Dust

Description: A fine powder made from grinding unstable arcane crystals found on Orpheus. Its use is dangerous but grants powerful bursts of magic.
Effect: As a bonus action, you can immediately cast one spell of 3rd level or lower without expending a spell slot or material components.
Addiction Save: Constitution saving throw DC 18.
Side Effects: After use, roll a d20. On a 1-5, you take 3d8 force damage as your body rejects the crystal energy.

Fae Nectar

Description: A glowing, golden liquid harvested from fey-touched flowers, often traded by smugglers in the Wildlands.
Effect: You gain the effects of the Bless spell for 1 hour.
Addiction Save: Constitution saving throw DC 12.
Side Effects: After the effect ends, you feel sluggish and distracted, taking a -2 penalty to Initiative rolls for the next 8 hours.

Elysian Root

Description: A fibrous, knotty root resembling a human spinal cord. The outer bark secretes a vivid blue sap that evaporates into a luminous blue vapor when ignited.
Usage: Smoked or vaporized, it induces euphoria, heightened awareness, and vivid hallucinations. Grants +2 to Perception and Insight checks for 10 minutes, then imposes 1 level of exhaustion. Addictive.
Notes: Banned in all Empire-controlled systems. Salda Mourn uses this regularly — her blue exhalations confirm the link.