Lotus Dreaming
Lotus dreaming is the colloquial name given to the mental state produced by consumption of golden lotus. Lotus dreaming began as a spiritual ritual that was only conducted by the ascetics of Dhenia; however, recreational use of golden lotus grew into fashion as knowledge of the drug spread to other parts of Tel along the Dragon Silk Road. While the lotus dream is a pleasurable experience, bereft of the spiritual rigor of monastic discipline, it is also a dangerous one that often leads the undisciplined to an early death.
Transmission & Vectors
Golden lotus can be administered through the insufflation of golden lotus powder or consumed as a solution, typically dissolving powder into wine or water.
Symptoms
In low doses, golden lotus has a sedative effect on users. The experience is often described as pleasant and calming. In higher doses, the effect becomes intensely hypnotic and soporific. Individuals who enter a 'lotus dream' describe the experience as a waking dream, in which time and space cease to be linear and the user experiences an overwhelming flood of sights, sounds, smells, and other sensory stimuli from what appears to be other places and other-whens.
Sequela
A side effect of continued usage of golden lotus is the distinct lack of motivation to do anything other than experience the lotus dream state. Having experienced a sliver of hyperconciousness Many users of golden lotus eventually die of thirst or exposure as they lie completely catatonic in a state of blissful reverie.
Game Effects
- Save vs. poison at a -6 penalty needed to avoid intoxication
- Effects last 1-4 days for 1 dose, whereas 2 doses last 4 days
- -4 penalty on all combat rolls until the character passes a WIS check
- Magic Users must pass INT check at a -6 penalty to cast a spell
- Clerics must pass WIS check at a -4 penalty to cast a spell
