Tobacco

Tobacco is a short, leafy plant native to the Scavenger Lands.

The leaves of the plant are used as a drug of the same name, consumed in a variety of ways. The most common is the smoking of dried leaves, though this can be painful on the lungs, and so a variety of pipes have been adapted to render it more palatable, including the stemmed multi-pipe 'hookah'. Sometimes leaves are ground up into a fine powder and snorted, mixed with other powdery drugs, as a substance called 'snuff'. Another mode of consumption is simply chewing the fresh leaves, or moistened pucks of dried leaves.

Tobacco's drug effects begin as a stimulant, but transform to sedative effects as more is consumed. Regardless, users also feel a form of mild euphoria, and the drug is highly addictive. It is also known to weaken breathing and render the user more vulnerable to ill-health, though at the same time is thought to contribute to longevity.

The leaves are sometimes mixed with other drugs or spices, such as cloves.

Tobacco consumption is most prevalent along the coast of the Southern Threshold and in the Scavenger Lands, and its use has been occurring for millenia. Even the Thousand Correct Actions of the Upright Soldier mentions it in a passage which warns that pipes and smoking sticks are not to be lit by sentries or wall guards under any circumstances.

On the Blessed Isle, use of tobacco is rare amongst the lower classes, in contrast to places like Lookshy or Chiaroscuro. Smoking pipes or rolls of slightly fermented tobacco leaves was known to be a favourite of Prince Ragara, and the habit remains common in his House, but extensive efforts undertaken by the Benevolent Stewards of Health and Utility to discourage use have prevented it being popularized and vastly reduced use.