Snuff

Snuff is a generic term for fine-ground powders or small crystals taken nasally as a stimulant. Originally, the term covered only dry snuff, a fine tan dust popular mainly in the Isles of Adventure. Now, it usually refers to a range of alchemical powders taken by the nobility of the Western Kingdom, Brandenburg, and Eltrandor. It is much more expensive than other drugs of similar potency, and users tend not to experience severe side-effects or cravings, unless they use Snuff excessively. Snuff is highly fashionable in most of the more dissolute or degenerate noble courts, and is even taken as a health tonic by ladies of delicate constitution.

Description

Snuff is usually sold as a powder, where its appearance is similar to fine-ground salt or flour. As a powder, it is usually of a white, pink, light blue, or tan hue. It should not be confused with Krrf, which is usually a much darker powder. It is usually stored in highly ornate snuff boxes. It is supplied either by local alchemists, or from large-scale alchemical operations in MMHS, Sanctuary, or Eltran. Snuff can also be found as a thick paste or liquid, although strictly speaking, it should not be called Snuff in this form.

Effects

Snuff primarily provides a feeling of euphoria, or well being. It increases body temperature and heart rate, assists in sexual arousal and performance, and increases vision in poor lighting. Signs of snuff usage include dilated pupils, powder around the nose, uncharacteristic heartiness and redness of complexion, and excessive lace.

Less desirable effects may occasionally include poor concentration and judgement, feelings of great physical strength and confidence, and unpredictable or violent behaviour. However, this may merely be due to the sort of people who usually indulge in Snuff - it is likely that Snuff itself has no side effects at all.

Snuff increases the pain threshold; users can take an extra 2 to 10 points of damage before being stunned, and gain MR+10 against Agony and similar magics. It also acts as a Rank 0 Resist Cold. It reduces the WP by up to 5.

Variants

Sknuff

This tan powder has Krrf as a primary ingredient. The other alchemicals soften and lengthen the hit from the Krrf, and add euphonic elements, preventing much of the dulling of emotions. Krrf snuff is an expensive but socially acceptable and relatively safe way of taking Krrf; it is said to be barely addictive at all.

Special K

This white powder is more powerful and specific is effect than most snuff. It dissociates the soul from the physical body. In large doses, the soul may fall into the "K-hole" and experience ineffable dimensions, while being completely unaware of their individual identities or the external world. Some people do not remember this part of the experience after regaining consciousness, their memories fading as if it were a dream. Special K takes effect almost immediately, and its effects usually fade after 15 or 20 minutes.

McChrystal's Original and Genuine

This cream powder and paste is available exclusively from McChrystal's alchemical emporium in MMHS. It is perhaps the finest of the Snuffs; it is subtle and complex in aroma, and morally and spiritually uplifting in effect, while also dampening the desire to sneeze. It creates a steady humming buzz in one's blood, lifts the cerebral content of any conversation, and makes young men wise and good men great.

My Fair Lady

This pink powder provides a pleasant euphoric high for those of the female persuasion. Effects include giggling fits, a rosy complexion, occasional fainting spells, and scatter-brained and disjointed conversation. This type of snuff may be used much more widely than previously suspected, and works particularly well in conjunction with whalebone corsets.

Baby Blue

This pale blue powder is a lighter snuff for children, or more accurately boys. It is of reduced efficacy, but boys hardly need encouragement to be exuberant and foolhardy. Baby blue is mild enough to avoid triggering sneezing, and helps young men to grow up strong and bold. While it may initially appear counter-intuitive, repeated dosing tends to quieten the excessively boisterous boys.

Application

Powdered Snuff is usually snorted (ladies insufflate, gentlemen inhale), or sprinkled over beverages. It is also possible to smoke snuff in a pipe, mixed with some form of pipeweed, which is an effective alternative for those with colds or hayfever; however this is not usually considered as 'taking Snuff', in the same way that having an Irish coffee is not considered as drinking spirits. Snuff paste and liquid snuff are usually added to beverages for a slow burn. In its paste form, it is also sometimes rubbed directly against one's gums. It is considered both uncouth and ill-advised to add any form of Snuff to strong liquor.

Recommendations

If you have to associate with degenerate and foppish young nobles, then taking Snuff will make your lot in life much more bearable. Otherwise, it is bound to eventually turn you into a brainless and morally dissolute nob, and you may wish to avoid it.