Colpathi

Colpathi is a psychoactive hallucinogen that can be found on Skylessia. It is one of the most commonly abused drugs on the continent.

History
Colpathi was originally harvested on the island of Xun Alartia and used to induce a drug trance on Shamans, believed to allow them to temporarily attain a higher consciousness and communicate with their deities. The drug itself was considered sacred to the inhabitants due to its religious usages, but exports soon found themselves on the Skylessian mainland. Colpathi was often used for religious practices as well, although ecologists also studied the plant for its medical properties. The spread of the drug across the mainland, however, increased instances of drug abuse and poisonings.

The destruction of Xun Alartia during the Demon Wars initially endangered the Colpathi supply, but merchants found techniques that allowed them to grow the plant on the mainland, thus ensuring the survival of the Colpathi market. The plant is now grown wherever geographical and climate conditions are favorable.

Usage
The chemical properties of Colpathi as a plant allow it to have a poisonous defense mechanism, and can be fatal if consumed. The root of the Colpathi plant is the most desirable, as it achieves a wide range of effects. Its hallucinogenic properties are considered to bring magic users to higher levels of consciousness through an euphoric drug trance, and also has religious significance. Colpathi is occasionally used as an anesthetic, and medical research suggests it being a possible ingredient for treatment of medical conditions. At the same time, Colpathi abuse is very common, and illegal in many countries.

Legal Status
Colpathi has different legal statuses across Skylessia. Although discouraged, Colpathi, like many other drugs, enjoy legal status in Alimond. The drug is also legal in Azgarth, where it is grown and often seen as a source of inspiration, and frequently used in the study of magic. It is allowed in Marcellus for medical, religious, and scientific purposes, but illegal otherwise. However, Marcellus has a very significant smuggling and trafficking issue due to the high domestic demand of Colpathi. Araducia has a blanket ban on the drug, and the possession, distribution, or smuggling of the substance can be a capital offense.