Arcolano Milk
Overview
Arcolano Milk is a psychotropic substance harvested in Hypogea, the underground ecosystem beneath Caecaster. The substance appears as a sweet, intoxicating liquid with a milky appearance. Alterers use it to enhance their demiurgic abilities, and it has unique properties related to perception and interaction with The Aether.
Harvesting
Specialized workers harvest Arcolano Milk in the perpetual night of Hypogea’s depths. Harvesters like Nesiwe work in underground conditions characterized by subterranean rivers, chilly air contrasting with the arid desert above, and humidity laden with mineral scents.
Properties and Effects
Alteration Enhancement
Alterers use Arcolano Milk to enhance their demiurgic abilities. The psychotropic substance amplifies or facilitates connection with The Aether, making it valuable for magical practitioners.
Eidomantic Vision
The substance can enable a unique form of perception through Eidomancy. Lindiwe, who was born blind, gained the ability to perceive her surroundings after exposure to Arcolano Milk. Yzmir Initiates determined she did not see through her physical senses but by directly welcoming into her mind the ideas that resonated around her—perceiving through the prism of her mind alone.
Risks
The Yzmir warn that abuse of Arcolano Milk can have serious side effects on the psyche if not properly disciplined. The substance requires careful management and training to use safely.
Connection to Lindiwe’s Bond with Maw
Arcolano Milk was present during Lindiwe’s transformative encounter with Maw. When she touched a Chimera worm in Hypogea and lost consciousness, she fell into a puddle of the substance. During this time she experienced her first vision and formed an unprecedented bond with Maw—a connection that occurred without The Musubi ceremony.
Relationships
- Hypogea: Underground ecosystem where Arcolano Milk is harvested
- Caecaster: City above Hypogea
- Caer Arcolano: Province where the substance is found
- Yzmir: Faction that studies and regulates the substance
- Lindiwe: Gained Eidomantic vision through exposure to Arcolano Milk
- Maw: Chimera bonded with Lindiwe during Arcolano Milk exposure
- Nesiwe: Harvester who works in Hypogea
- Eidomancy: Form of perception enabled by the substance
- The Aether: Magical realm connection enhanced by Arcolano Milk