Chimera Crystals
Chimera was a powerful and expensive addictive recreational substance that only occurred naturally as an underground mineral. It was magical in nature, and couldn't be synthesized artificially.
It appeared as a clear, colourless crystal that refracted light in bright environments. When held up to a strong enough light source, it would appear to shimmer like a rainbow. Typically, it was administered by shattering the crystal into smaller shards and the piercing their skin. The crystal would dissolve into the body, spreading through muscle and blood vessels to deliver its potent high.
Industrial Versus Recreational Applications #
Chimera crystals were a key component in many magical devices and other arcane machines, and their rarity made them cost a pretty penny. Of course, while most kingdoms preferred to have these crystals put to good use, many narrower-minded individuals desired to just enjoy themselves. Illicit chimera mining operations could be found anywhere on Legere, as the crystals didn’t follow a pattern of formation.
Magical Batteries #
Chimera was a decent magical battery. The crystals often only formed as slivers the size of a pear, physically smaller than other magical battery substances like vis. However, its capacity for arcane energy storage was still very high for its size.
See: Arcanoform
Depressant #
Chimera highs usually involved the user entering a blissful, catatonic state. This could last anywhere from a few minutes to hours, depending on the dosage. Chimera could also induce a raging madness in individuals who overdosed, with the magical power within the drug overloading the user’s mind and raising their blood pressure to levels that could be fatal. This magically induced hypertension led to many a gruesome death.
Chimera addicts could easily be recognized by large gaping holes in their skin where they had stuck the crystal shards. Their veins could be swollen, and their bodily fluids shimmered in the same manner the crystals do. Chimera addicts could also experience hair loss and osteoporosis.
Naga Trades #
The naga used Chimera as key leverage when making deals with surface dwellers--Naga nobles collected them and engaged in trade with capital cities on the surface. Naga rogues would sell Chimera to addicts or criminal organizations.