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Obliviol |
Obliviol is a drug that induces sensory deprivation. The basic
formula
is effective in all Terragen primates.
There are also several variants
that work on non-primates (though most are formulated for
mammals). Variants are prefixed with old-style Greek letters –
the base formula is α-Obliviol, β-Obliviol works on cetaceans, γ-Obliviol is formulated for canids,
and so on. The drug is a depressant that suppresses neurotransmitter
activity in key areas of the brain – particularly the optic and
auditory lobes and the part of the hindbrain that processes olfactory
signals (a side effect of the latter is a general dampening of
emotions). Obliviol is not psychologically addictive due to the lack of
a "high," but it is both tolerance producing and mildly toxic. There
are confirmed cases of death by overdose. A single does remains active
for about an hour in a typical hu metabolism.
Obliviol is a controlled substance in much of the Civilized Galaxy
because of the potential for abuse; its use in crimes such as
kidnapping, rape and murder has been verified on numerous occasions. A
few particularly jaded bionts have been known to use obliviol as a
recreational drug; the lack of sensation often appeals to those who
suffer from a surfeit of it. There are also instances of the drug being
administered as a form of torture or to control violent criminals. The
most common use is as a meditation tool for mystics. Denathi Adepts frequently
take obliviol when learning to control their "psi-nano" abilities, so
the drug can be obtained legally on their worlds. Even so, Denathi
merchants are loathe to sell obliviol to non-Denathi.
