| Common Name | Spice Crystals | |
| Alchemical Name | Palantis | |
| Color | Amber | |
| Transparency | Semi-transparent (25%) | |
| Self-Illuminating | No | |
| Frequency | Very Rare (found only on island of Borakar) | |
| Value | Approximately 150 gp per pound | |
| Tolerance | Yes |
Borakan spice crystal is an amber colored crystalline solid that forms in natural hot water springs found on the island of Borakar. The unique geology of that island has formed a network of natural hot springs suffused with a variety of metals and minerals. Spice Crystals appear as an amber colored jagged edged semi-transparent rocks found at the center of these shallow hot springs.
Borakan spice crystals are prized because of their potent narcotic effects on most living creatures. Spice crystals can be ground up into coarse amber colored granules. If this powder is consumed, it will cause an intense euphoric state. It is highly addictive and very powerful. The powder quickly oxidizes and loses its potency within 24 hours. Therefore, the crystals are always keep intact and only ground up immediately prior to usage.
Spice crystals are a common street drug in many nations and are a valuable commodity circulating through many underworld organizations. As with any valuable commodity, controlling and selling these crystals can be a very profitable business. However, the crystals are very difficult to obtain and, therefore, quiet expensive. Borakan spice crystals are only found in one place in the world... the island of Borakar, hence the name. Borakar is a dangerous island because of the local wild life. More than half of those who venture into the island to obtain spice crystals never return.
A full pound of spice crystals can fetch as much as 150 gold pieces. However, it is usually broken into much smaller pieces (typically the size of a pea) which constitutes a single dose. One dose will fetch about 5 silver pieces on the street. One pound of spice crystal is equivalent to about 300 doses.
Several underworld groups in the south of Ithria, ranging from Drakkel to Ormek, import spice crystals and distribute them to the population. There are also rumors that organizations in Anquar and Padashan also have an appetite for the valuable crystals. Spice crystal addicts can become violent and agitated if they go too long without a dose.
Tolerance: It is possible to build up a tolerance to borakan spice crystals. As one becomes more addicted, larger quantities are required to get the same high. It is possible to overdose on spice crystals.
This page last updated Monday, October 08, 2007. Copyright 1990-2008 David M. Roomes.