Vices

“They all say the same thing;  just this once, a little something to get the problem off my mind for the meanwhile, but they all come back for more eventually…” 

—Bogh the Botanical, Underground Apothecary

In the wake of those with impetuous desire to ease their troubles, awaits the hooded apothecary and their many “solutions”, the result of which has produced an illicit industry that has cemented itself into the machinations of Tykonia’s criminal underground, thriving in gold and influence through the production and distribution of substances myriad in nature, formula and effect. Whether created in good will or not, many of these substances or “Vices” as they are commonly addressed, have come into a grievous, unending circulation throughout Tykonia for years upon years. 

Whether compelled by the burdens of physical affliction, deformity, temptation of mind-numbing bliss and even the extreme worship of the divine, many have found fleeting salvation and comfort through the debauchery manifested by these Intoxications of Tykonia, and many less have been able to break free of their unyielding grasp of addictions and side effects.  

Over the vast history of its evolution whether through experimentation, accumulation of formulas and the study of minerals and flora in Tykonia, its underworld makers have produced itself a vast array of vices to circulate across the many seeking its blissful effects, the question lies; What is it thou lackest to ease thine troubles?

Glintshroom Ink

Glintshroom Ink (Commonly referred to as “Glint”) is a highly addictive substance constructed with an extracted ingredient in Brusol Mushrooms. When a Brusol Mushroom grows on a specific strand of Kikori Root, it will release a compound that is then boiled and treated through multiple alchemical processes. The compound after being boiled remains as a pink liquid that is typically stored in vials and then aged. Once sufficient time has passed, the pink compound solidifies into a dark ink like substance, with a signature glint glowing from it. 

The most common form of Glint’s application is applying the ink to one's skin. This leaves black streaks similar to any tattoo, with dark glinting streaks plastered all over the skin. This creates a hallucinatory state for the individual, which can worsen based on the amount of ink. Washing it off of one's skin or allowing it to fully seep into the body through the skin are the easiest ways of removing Glint from one's body. 

Glint is responsible for multiple bursts of skin irritation all throughout the body, though only worsens depending on the location and amount used. Hallucinations dampen the mind, and the amount of Glint that was diluted can play a major role in the level of hallucinations. The individual pupils dilate under the effects of glint, and a swift loss of appetite follows afterwards. The heart quickens and a sense of paranoia follows in their head. The visions and hallucinations that are induced can only be compared to a fever dream, with the person's mind misinterpreting the reality around them. This can cause figures to be seen in the distance or blending the world around them like paint. While Glint is a powerful vice, it’s relatively hard to overdose on due to its ease of removal and its slow acting effects. Addiction, however, becomes a much more severe reality for those who take the vice, with severe damage to the brain that deteriorates the person's mind over time. Hallucinations become a secondary worry for the addict, as severe lapses in memory and cognition can make their mind unable to distinguish reality from hallucination. Flashbacks to these awful nightmarish episodes are not uncommon for a long-term addict, only relieved by consistent doses of Glint. 

Glint has been around for as long as any other popular vice in the city of Larova, but its growth and popularity has been primarily recorded within Jernyrow and the middle of the city. Producers of Glint prioritize the large buildings and discreet locations to produce the vice, as the laborious alchemical processes for Glint make it difficult to produce without a large and unnoticeable lab. This ultimately fostered an area of production and sale, one that was originally being crunched down on during the Forster ruling. 

However, as chaos in the city began to erupt from the Undead Army, and the ruling house changed, Glint began to spike in production as enforcement of the law became seldom. Preoccupied with undead invaders, Glint has skyrocketed in popular districts ever since. Though its manufacturing process and large-scale labs make it difficult to process en masse.

Aramak'videri

Of the more divine creations, Aramak’videri, “Ichor” is one of the more openly accepted vices amongst the common populace and the higher echelons of society for its origins in relation to the divine. Ichor is produced when traces of Mana Oil is mixed with glintglass that has been crushed to a powder, where it is then processed through several alchemical sequences all while three or more divinators chant in constant unified blessing. 

The production is an extremely delicate process, as the slightest mistake or an instance of faltering from a divinator’s focus could affect the potency of the solution. Although once this sequence is finished it results in a pearlescent liquid that shimmers in the day and radiates in the dark. Displaying an incredible ability to refract arcs of light and sprout roots of darkness. Its mesmerising form has compelled many to spread word of its saintly and holy appearance, only further pushing the revered image of its connection to the gods. Those who would partake in its effects commonly do so through inhalation and solitude, with the likes of the Sanctum burning its liquids as incense. 

The effects of Ichor are as anomalous in form as they are elegant in appearance, often seen and regarded as more so a mark of one’s heightened devotion to their respective god rather than a sign of their physical degradation. Wholly is the holy vice responsible for an intense influence of the mind as though indeed gracing its practitioners with a heightened connection to the divine*, like the other edge of a sword it also slowly ruins one’s grasp of reality, causing one’s perception of the realm to be indifferent to visions and dreams within occasional “occurrences”, though such cases only befall to those most deep in its use, with the “severity” of the side-effect intensifying with prolonged use, only further fermenting the popular belief it has inadvertently made. In the more minor cases, the vice leaves only a manifestation of glowing, iridescent veins appearing upon the eyes of its users, causing their tears to shimmer and glow, leaving an evident mark in their wake, though upon frequent and intensified uses of the vice, these manifestations cause a noticeable irritation and slight impairment in vision. These strange effects have been known to synchronize with the respective faith of those deep in its use, through additional side-effects. The known forms of these include; A formation of cracks around the eyes that expel a vaporous radiance on Pyrilites, an abstract perpetually reshaping iris that never ceases on Spectralites and a reflective glimmer of moonlight over a field of scattering darkness in the eyes of Sevaites. 

Celeste's Kiss

There are some cases of a vice coming from righteous beginnings but there is no greater example of such than that of Celeste’s Kiss or Celeste for short. Produced in the form of an elegant elixir, Celeste’s kiss shines an iridescent pale liquid, illuminating faintly in even the darkest of environments for hours on end. The recipe to make such a reliever was first developed by the physician Celeste Felstead, who was compelled into its creation as she wished to cultivate a solution for the unbearable pain afflicted upon her patients by plague, war, and worse. She found long ago that by harvesting the nectar of a Aódhan Willow tree upon the first exposure of sunlight, slowly filtering it and stirring the residue with low mineralized liquid rendered at a boiling point, concludes with an elixir capable of greatly reducing the sensation of pain when administered via inoculation or ingestion. Individuals often describe the feeling akin to a gentle embrace overwhelming the main areas of pain, with the experience itself invoking a long state of serenity. For years it was used in clinical settings, being easily accessible due to its cheap market price and high distribution. Many have known or experienced its benevolent effects and purpose, many more have come to call it by its known name in honor of its creator, Though, as all substances, Celeste’s Kiss would find its way into abuse against its intended purpose.

Celeste's Kiss is synonymous with its euphoric effects, it leaves the individual with a massive relief and pain and other aches that previously affected their body. After this mild euphoric effect passes over, the person is left with lightheadedness and blurred vision, Though if Celeste is used more than once, an addiction can easily form and result in more severe symptoms like drowsiness and and an upset stomach, which won’t be numbed by the vice.

Originally, Celeste was used responsibly within the world of Tykonia, its abuse wasn't seen on a wide scale until the Ingelds came into power, as stability in the city was shaken up and turmoil was seen within the different districts. Its price fluctuated and began to become a cheap alternative to relieving the pain. Through this cheapening of Celeste, the previously established medical use of Celeste was ripped down as it spread throughout the streets and was publicly denounced as a formal medical tool. It’s currently seen as a powerful pain relief within the world of Tykonia.

Vigil's Bolus

Whether it be for the pursuit of knowledge, coin, or prayer, many within Tykonia seek to forgo the mortal burden of rest. Vigil’s Bolus is in the form of a soft pellet; the rind and fruit of the Aplogretta Tree are first distilled through mineral water, then kept at a steady simmer until the liquid both thickens and the coloration darkens, resulting in a dark blue hue with a slightly bitter aroma. Once reduced, the solution is strained through a sieve to separate the remaining chaff from the process. After this, additives are combined with the syrup and then mixed in a mortar and pestle with a starch, such as crushed Adicorn, to form a dough that can then be rolled into pellets using a wooden mold. The stimulant is slow to dissolve in the mouth, though the effects take hold rather swiftly. Upon consumption, the user relinquishes their need for rest or slumber, allowing them to remain awake for extended periods of time without weariness taking hold.

Upon regular consumption, symptoms of insomnia and tremors begin to appear rapidly. Though these easily wear off if the right measures are taken to avoid active use of Vigil's Bolus. If an individual continues to take Bolus and becomes addicted to it, they start suffering from more mental symptoms, such as depression, shortened temper, and delusional apophenia. What might be worse than the symptoms however, is the withdrawal many experience after a dose of Bolus. With many reporting fatigue, dizziness and a strong emotional response of anxiety and anger.

As the name suggests, the usage of bolus is tied closely to those who burn the midnight oil. Originally, the vice was prepared for priests and other holy men who required means of prolonging their waking hours without the loss of soundness of mind and health. In time, local apothecaries came under the employ of these religious institutions, who required a regular supply. As is often the case, the greed of kynd could not be restrained. It did not take long for these local apothecaries to forgo the backing of the clergy, now selling the vice for a premium to whoever was willing to fork over the coin. Soon, its usage spread and began to be utilized by scholars at renowned academies who needed an edge, merchants who braved the lands under the cover of darkness, and watchmen stationed on high city walls, afraid to be reprimanded for dozing off on patrol. 

Aplogretta Stormwine

Aplogretta Juice is a cultural staple of Westharbor, a cerulean-tinged energizing drink popular among the dockworkers of House Dasmant, so ubiquitous that even the House itself has been known to offer it in place of alcohol during the few breaks laborers are offered. Some dockworkers, however, have been known to supply themselves with their own aplogretta at home, but not to drink and press by themselves.

For many years, workers of Westharbor have used their carpentry skills to construct their own fermenting barrels in their own homes, When squeezed and pulped, and left to age in Basin Juniper barrels, it produces Aplogretta Stormwine, a high-proof alcohol that miraculously retains the invigorating properties of the base juice. 

Stormwine is described as an energizing yet electric brew that keeps a worker busy and in a pleasant state. Warmth spreads throughout the body and widens the blood vessels. Most evidently among its effects is the loss of social inhibitions, with many simply enjoying the effects until the energy crash they suffer after a few hours. Imbibers even at times report a tingle of lightning throughout the body; likely an inebriated exaggeration, but some cases of alcohol poisoning linked to Aplogretta Stormwine have notably led to cardiac arrest. For this reason, it is ill-advised to consume in large volumes. The resulting brew has caused more than one incident of high-energy drunken hooliganism in Westharbor. Though House Dasmant has long discouraged drunkenness in the worksite due to a long history of accidents, they still quietly permit the fermentation of Aplogretta Stormwine as a matter of morale. A happy worker needs their drink. Its demand has slowly grown over the years, with several enterprising dockworkers choosing to sell the concoction outside of their homes, quickly making it one of the most popular vices within the docks of Larova.

Violet Requell

Violet’s Requell (Or simply just “Violet”) is a vice which originates from the compounds and waxy leaves of a Mandrake Root. Originally being used for alchemical sleep droughts, alchemists undertook a particularly shady and nefarious approach to the process, instead deliberately enhancing its narcotic properties through the use of heavy alchemical processes. The process is long, and often requires a skilled chemist to prepare. In which a single batch is usually contained within a single stick of wax and oil, taking on a violet appearance.

A visible sign if a person may be under the influence of Violet is if their tongue or lips are stained with a hint of purple. This is usually caused by common usage but is not permanent but takes a long duration for coloration to go away. Violet Requell is used through the application of the wax sticks on the body through skin contact. Usually abusing the substance as an alternative to lipstick, though the fashion does not outweigh the consequences of the vice. Starting with the most obvious of symptoms, Violet causes a delay in motor functions within an individual's body. This causes multiple other effects like slow reaction time and low blood pressure. As these effects linger within the body, a strong sense of nausea develops within those experiencing withdrawal from the vice. These feelings of nausea can cause vomiting as well as severe confusion.

Violet is in no way a cheap or obtainable vice within the world of Tykonia. Larova has seen its abuse only through a few wealthy figures, who originally believed the vice to be a sign of luxury and status. This, however, readily led to the downfall of those who abused it. This led to a decline in its market, almost killing it outright. However, times are tough. Through the arrival of the Skull King, a massive resurgence has happened within the vice market, and Violet Requell has begun to climb back up the market, not the same status symbol it used to be, but rather a vice for those who wish to forget.