Pharmacology (Gendara)

From NSwiki, the NationStates encyclopedia.
Jump to: navigation, search

The following drugs are both common and legal in the Holy Empire of Gendara, though they may be available elsewhere in the Stormlands. In addition, a number of other drugs exist, though these are outlawed in Gendara.

Additional drugs may be added to this list in the future.


Stimulants

Sirocco

Sirocco is a chemically-derived stimulant, often used to increase alertness and concentration. It simulates the heightened reaction time of someone in a state of "fight-or-flight". The drug is also noted as an anti-sleep agent, for those who must stay awake for long periods of time.

Side-effects of the drug include increased emotional stress, which can result in nervousness and irritability. The drug also acts as a diuretic, and may cause dehydration if overused.

Sirocco is noted for its rapid onset and dissipation - its effects begin a few minutes after ingestion, and last for a few hours after.


Hephaestus

A far more powerful stimulant than Sirocco, the main benefits of Hephaestus are increased stamina and greater physical energy. Because of this, it is often used by those who undergo heavy physical labor or athletic activity.

Other advantages of the drug include increased ability to concentrate, increased confidence, decreased feelings of hunger (for those seeking to lose weight), and even increased sexual drive/response.

Drawbacks of the drug include involuntary bodily movements and twitching, increased perspiration, rapid-fire speech, nausea, itch, and headaches.

In cases where an overdose of the drug is taken (or occasionally as a side-effect of prolonged exposure), the user may suffer from irritability, confusion, insomnia, and weakening of the immune system.


Quicksilver

A military-grade stimulant, Quicksilver is illegal for ordinary citizens to possess or use, and even military use is limited to active combat scenarios (though nearly every soldier is administered a dose in training, to gauge their reaction to the drug).

When injected into the bloodstream (most often through pneumatic injection via cartridge), it triggers both greatly increased aggression and a flood of adrenaline and endorphins (leading to temporarily increased physical strength and pain tolerance).

Due to the fact that this drug pushes the body beyond its natual limits, repeated applications can lead to long-term physical damage (cardiac arrest being the most common, though liver, lung, and even neurological damage can result). Moreover, if a number of doses are taken over a short period of time, psychosis and complete psychological breakdown may occur.

Due to the aggressiveness caused by this drug, users are almost always given Morpheus immediately after the cessation of combat, to reduce the risks of "friendly" fighting.


Relaxants

Zephyr

Zephyr is a chemically-derived relaxant, nearly identical in molecular structure to Sirocco. Zephyr's effect is more mild, however - the drug increases general feelings of well-being, and can act as a mild anti-depressant.

Side-effects of the drug include increased emotional stress, which can result in nervousness and irritability. The drug also acts as a mild diuretic, though hardly as strongly as Sirocco.

Zephyr is noted for its slow onset but correspondingly long lasting period of effect - its effects are generally not felt until a few hours after ingestion, but can last for a full day or two.


Morpheus

Hallucinogens

Mist

Mist, like all psychedelic or hallucinogenic substances, is highly illegal in Gendara - though it is available for the use of the Imperator and his guests. It is a pale-bluish liquid, which must be heated in a specially-designed chamber. The warm steam (from which the drug derives its name) is then inhaled through a mask held to the face, and connected to the chamber via a tube.

Inhaling Mist leads to feelings of euphoria and light-headedness, and may lead to particularly vivid hallucinations, akin to dreaming while still awake.