Black Lotus Addiction

A condition caused by the use of Black Lotus, commonly called "Black Eye".

Jack crouched on the roof gable overlooking the courtyard, down there was his target but unfortunately, she was not alone. Dramis stood in the shade of a willow tree, besides her stood two half orc guard both female but that meant little when you were dealing with half orcs. This was going to be harder than he had thought, but The Hand wanted the woman dead so no choice.
"Damn bloody half orcs" he thought to himself as he removed a small packet from his coat, "Oh well nothing for it I guess..." he unfolded the paper in his had removing a single black leaf shaped with three prongs, he rolled it between his fingers releases its pungent liquid and swallowed the leaf.
He felt his heart rate rise almost immediately, muscles tightened, and he could feel the rush of blood through his veins. The world lit up, the shadows of the night vanishing revealing all to his heightened mind.
"Gods this stuff was good" he thought to himself, but he knew he would pay for it in the morning when the side effects hit him.
He leapt from the roof, an impossible arc that landed him with his feet square in the neck of one of the half orcs, she crashed into the floor beneath him, her neck snapping with a loud crack. He spun in one fluid motion palms out stretch grabbing the other startled orc, frantically grabbing for her sword. She cried out in pain as his thumbs crush her eyes pushing deep into the sockets, he lifted her off the floor easily and threw her to one side.
Turning on Dramis her were eyes aghast with fright and he smiled darkly, "The Hand sends his regards Dramis you should not of ignored his warning" he moved suddenly, driving his fingers up under her jaw, ripping though the flesh, she fell to the floor choking up blood, unable to scream as she died slowly before him.
He turn washed his hand in the nearby fountain walked through the gates and out into the crowds of Freeport, he need to find somewhere to rest the effects would wear off soon and this was going to hurt like hell.

Causes

"Black eye" is the effect that occurs when someone ingests the leaves or petals of a Black Lotus plant.

Symptoms

Someone who has recently consumed Black Lotus will exhibit a darkening of the eyes most noticeable is the iris that will turn a very deep purple almost black colour. Also, the users veins will become more pronounced and darken. These effects increase with time if more of the drug is taken on a prolonged basis.
When first ingested the user of the drug will exhibit supernatural strength and speed, and will ignore most physical harm done to them, in this state they are highly focused and extremely dangerous, capable of acts of extreme violence. Thankfully this state subsides within minutes, but this is often enough time for the user to cause devastation to those in their vicinity.
Should someone take to much Lotus the effects will greatly increase to the point of being fatal, the eyes will turn completely black as will the victims veins, at this point the vessels in the eyes will rupture, as will the smaller veins within the body itself. The victim will usually die from internal bleeding, in extreme case the heart will enlarge and rupture, this usually results in the eyes of the victim bursting along with the more swollen veins.

Treatment

There is no known treatment other than divine healing to halt the effects of the symptoms, and in cases where the symptoms have progressed this may not even be possible.

Prognosis

The effects of prolonged usage will result in death, this is a caused mainly as more and more of the drug needs to be consumed to gain the same effects each time, eventually this will cause the person's circulatory system to be permanently damage and results in internal and external bleeding.

Sequela

Repeated use of Black Lotus causes Severe Paronia and Aggression in its users, this fades with time if they are stopped from taking the drug, however it is worth noting that the afflicted persons symptoms become far worse before weakening, usually to the point of violent sucide or other such outcomes.

History

The use of Black Lotus has spread over the last few centuries since it was discovered in the Jungles of Khenaris it is most rampanty used amoungst the Khenari who show some signs of resilience to its side effects, however it is now found through out the world in the various black markets, however the drug carries a very high price tag.

Cultural Reception

Black Eye or Lotus addiction is fear by most for those who are afflicted by it are often violent or known criminals, seldom does the average person have contant with the drug so it is consider a affliction limited to the darker underbelly of the world. Its ties to the Khenari greatly increase the taboo and avoidance of the drug.

Gameplay Effects

While afflicted with Lotus Addiction you make all perception and wisdom based ability checks at disadvantage, while not under the effects of the drug itself. The duration of these effects are decided by your DM based upon how much and how often you consume Black Lotus.

Addition Information

Type

Chemical Compound

Origin

Natural

Rarity

Rare

Who Is Jack?

Jack "Fingers" Samson is a paticularly dangerous enforcer for the Iron Ring in Freeport. He is know for the bloody and violent ways that he deals with enemies of the Thieves guild usually involving inserting his fingers in to peoples eyes sockes of throat. He is a known user of "Black Lotus" and is wanted by the city watch, they are offering a very high reward for his capture either dead or alive.

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