Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 agi Jan 18, 2009 22:00:53	Here is a simple piece of fluff I have put together (mostly as an explaination to one of my PC's backgrounds). Take it or leave it; expand on it or just have a good laugh. But remember to just say NO to githweed! [INDENT]Githweed is a broad-leafed plant, with leaves about the size of a man’s outstretched hand, which grows low to the ground. It is a domestic plant in the sense only that it must be planted by hand, as once the plant reaches maturity, or is cut, the root dies and a new plant must be restarted from seed. Githweed seeds are scattered onto the surface of the soil; their germination is activated by light. In some places, seedbeds are fertilized with the waste of beasts (such as inix or erdlu). Once the plants are growing well, they will begin to produce shoots from the joint of each leaf with the stalk. These secondary shoots are undesirable as they divert energy that could be directed into the leaves. They are removed in a process known as "succoring". Generally this is done by hand several times during the season. When githweed reaches maturity, the plant will produce a white cone-flower cluster on its tip. This blossom indicates that the plant is ready to be harvested. In order to divert more energy into the leaves, the plant is "topped" — the top is cut off. Githweed is harvested by either cutting off the stalk at the ground with a curved knife, or by tearing the leaves off at the stalk. Gathering the leaves into small bundles, a "stringer" loops twine around the handfuls of githweed and hangs them on a long wooden pole. Cut plants or pulled leaves are immediately transferred to drying racks where they will be cured. Air-cured githweed is hung in well-ventilated, but shaded tents or outbuildings and allowed to dry over a period of quinths. During this time, the dusty-green leaves fade into a rusty-brown color and develop the texture of thin leather. After the plant is cured, it is ready to be processed. If whole plants were cut, the leaves are removed from the stalks in a process called stripping. For both cut and pulled githweed, the leaves are then sorted into different grades and bundled by weight. “Scrap,” or looseleaf githweed is the most popular form of the plant product. Scrap is used in one of two ways. The first is to chop the leaf into small pieces and boil into a strong tea. The second method of use is to rip a piece off of the scrap and place it between the gums and cheek of the mouth. Either process allows the slow absorbtion of the plants ingredients into the body, creating the narcotic effects similar to being intoxicated. As the reagents move into the blood-stream, the user experiences a tingling sensation in their extremities. As more githweed in absorbed into the body, the sensatition moves up the legs and arms, towards the chest and head. The body becomes very relaxed and a feeling of uphoria swells over the user. Slowly the person slips into a semi-consious state where reality becomes a dream-like experience. The length of the rush felt depends entirely on the person using the githweed and the amount used. On average, however, a person will be dazed for a few hours before slipping into unconsciousness. While the effects of using githweed sound relaxing and beneficial, the sale, possession, and/or use of githweed is typically unlawful in most city-states and larger towns throughout Athas. The reason being that while entertaining to the occasional user, githweed is extremely addictive, and over time, the user becomes more and more dependent upon it. But, more importantly is the fact that while under the influence of githweed, a person’s psionic ability becomes non-existent; essentially they have an empty mind. This makes them psionicly impossible to mind-link with. Being unable to control anyone tends to agitate most Templars. Thus the reason for its prohibition. Eventually, addicts are driven to theft, mugging and even murder in order to obtain the means to get more githweed. In addition, they begin to bear the unmistakable signs of their addiction; brown-stained teeth, raw and sore mouths and throats, a reduced sense of smell and taste, problems with simple memory and learning abilities, as well as coordination. It is not uncommon to find addicts of githweed stumbling throughout the back alleyways and slums the markets, confused, belligerent, and crazed, searching for more githweed to feed their addiction. They become a nuisance, as Templars must enforce the laws prohibiting githweeds’ use, but are reluctant to imprison the addicts because they are unproductive in either the brick pits or labor camps, and as stated early, cannot be controlled psionicly; they only drain already limited resources of food, supervision and money.[/INDENT]
#2 agi Jan 19, 2009 23:30:36	Here is the short version and the game stats: Githweed is a broad-leafed plant which grows low to the ground in cultivated fields. The leaves are collected and hung to dry when the plant reaches maturity. Once dry, the leaves are packaged and sold. Dry githweed is torn into small pieces, known as "scrap," and is placed in between the gums and cheek of the mouth. Here, githweed's natural toxins quickly absorb into the blood and nervous system. Users experience feelings of relaxation and calmness before falling into unconsiousness. Githweed is quite addictive, and over time, the user becomes more and more dependent upon it. This drug causes its users to continue to use it in order to avoid the pain of withdrawl symptoms. More importantly, however, is the fact that while under the influence of githweed, a person's psionic activity slows to such a point that they are able to resist psionics better than normal; essentailly, they have a Closed Mind. This makes mind-linking them with very difficult -- and agitates the Templars. Eventually, githweed addicts are driven to theft, petty crime and even mugging people in order to obtain enough money to purchase more of the githweed. In addition, they begin to bear the unmistakable signs of their addiction; brown-stained teeth, raw and sore mouths and throats, a reduced sense of smell and taste, problems with simple memory and learning abilities, as well as coordination. It is not uncommon to find addicts of githweed stumbling throughout the back alleyways and slums the markets, confused, belligerent, and crazed. They become a nuisance, as Templars must enforce the laws prohibiting githweeds’ use, but are reluctant to imprison the addicts because they are unproductive in either the brick pits or labor camps, and are extremely difficult to control psionicly; they are only a drain on already limited resources of food, supervision and money. Githweed Type: Ingested, Fort DC 10, addictioin DC 20 Side Effects: The user of githweed gains the feat Closed Mind for the duration of the primary effects. Primary Effects: After 1d6 rounds, the user slips into unconsciouness for 1d6 hours. Secondary Effects: The user becomes catatonic for 1d4 hours Overdose: The user slips into a coma for 1d20 hours, reducing their hit points to 1. All lost hit points must be regained. Slaking Period: 1 Day Spiral Damage: 1d4 Dex, 1d2 Int, 1d2 Wis, 1d6 Cha, 1d2 Con Craft: - Price: 2 bits; price may vary