Silverweed
From The Hub
Silverweed is an exceptionally potent substance with both magical and alchemical properties. It predates the current cycle, as there is evidence it was used routinely in Arendur. The Azrai originally stumbled across it as an active ingredient in Lady's Kiss, a popular street drug. The etymology of the term "Silverweed" remains unknown, but it is likely a reference to its ingredients.
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Appearance and odor
Silverweed appears as
Synthesis
Until recently, the synthesis of Silverweed was unknown to all but a very select few, who guarded their secret jealously. Among those aware of the process for creating Silverweed were Derioch Ysarl, who had done numerous experiments on the substance and may have been responsible for originally bringing the substance to Sigil and Noshteroth who was behind its incorporation into Lady's Kiss. However, the Azrai, with the assistance of Dustmen researcher Pheodora Chakravanti, were able to determine the ingredients:
- Cockle Shells
- Aoskar's Folly Blooms
- God's Blood
Toxicity
The effects of Silverweed depends in great part upon the individual exposed to it. It is recognized as a substance capable of helping an individual achieve his or her potential. Consequently, on someone with a very great potential, it would have commensurately great effects. On an individual incapable of realizing a great potential, its effects could be fatal. This has been likened to fueling the flames that burn within each ensouled being. Those who have the fuel present to burn bright and hot do so, while those who lack such greatness simply flare and are consumed.
Absorption Vectors
Silverweed can be absorbed in nearly any fashion. It can be injected, inhaled, smoked or ingested. Simple exposure to the skin has yet to reveal any effects, either harmful or beneficial.
Mechanism of Toxicity
It is yet unknown precisely how Silverweed interacts with a subject. It is currently hypothesized that the substance itself contains some aspect of a highly advanced sentience and this interaction is what produces the mental, physical and ephemeral side effects.
Clinical Symptoms
It is difficult to exhaustively list the symptoms of exposure to Silverweed due to its unpredictable and highly subjective effects.
Acute Poisoning
Absorbtion of highly concentrated doses of Silverweed can cause severe aura fluctuation, coma, extreme psychosis and usually death.
Chronic Exposure
Diluted doses of Silverweed have been known to cause a variety of reactions including aura fluctuation, memory loss and unconsciousness. Extended exposure can cause dementia, paranoia, hallucination and death. Some subjects have demonstrated developing a resistance to the substance, requiring increased concentrations to bring about the same effects.
Sparkskew
Pheodora identified and named this particular symptom as it was the one that touched closest to her ongoing research. Following exposure to Silverweed, many subjects display an internal distortion of their essence. Initially identified as "soulskew", Pheodora has since determined that the essence affected by this phenomenon is not precisely the soul, although it is not unrelated to the soul. Consequently, in a futile attempt to avoid confusion, she coined this phrase.
Treatment of Poisoning
While it is unclear if it is possible to cure the effects of Silverweed poisoning, Dustmen researcher Pheodora Chakravanti has discovered a possible treatment that involves a similar synthesis as Silverweed, with the exception of replacing the Aoskar's Folly bloom with a blossom from a Razorvine plant. The resulting substance has been called Crimsonweed.
Applications
Poison
Due to its unpredictable effects on an individual of average potential, it can be utilized as an extremely potent poison. Both the Illuminated and the Vile Hunt have employed Silverweed in a weaponized form.
Psychological Treatment
In many cases, individuals of great potential are calmed by exposure to Silverweed and given clarity of thought. Consequently, The Bleak Cabal in conjunction with the Illuminated have used the substance in treatment of some of the more notorious residents of the Asylum. Records show that frequently Silverweed was administered as a sedative or to alleviate negative side-effects of other aberrations in subjects' mental faculties. Reports have indicated that this treatment is effective, however the long-term side effects make it an ill-advised method of treatment. Prior to her death, Derioch Ysarl expressed regret that she had used Silverweed in such a fashion.
Attunement
Recently, there has been a flurry of research surrounding Silverweed's properties based on a hypothesis that exposure to Silverweed may partially attune an individual's essence to certain environmental stimuli. This application is yet unexplored by the Azrai, who were until recently constrained by a lack of subjects.
Lawshredder Energy
It is hypothesized by some that Silverweed is somehow affiliated or related to the energy that supports and power's Lawshredder. This could be a result of the sentience in Silverweed being related to the sentience which powers and directs Lawshredder. This hypothesis is yet untested, but is supported by numerous instances of anecdotal evidence.
People Exposed to Silverweed
Through the course of the ages, many people have been exposed to Silverweed. Pheodora has developed a blood test capable of determining whether a subject was exposed, and approximately to what degree. When accompanied by a complete examination, this test can provide extensive information regarding the presence or progression of the various symptoms.
