Balsean

## Balsean Crystal

**Item Level:** 8

**Price:** 400 gp per dose

**Usage:** Consumable

**Bulk:** L

**Activation:** [Action]

The Balsean Crystal is a dangerous and illegal alchemical substance that has gained notoriety for its highly addictive and mind-altering effects. Produced in clandestine labs and often sold on the black market, this crystal-like substance is a source of concern for authorities and a temptation for those seeking intense experiences.

### Effects:

1. **Euphoric Rush (1 hour):** When the user activates a Balsean Crystal as an action, they experience an intense euphoric rush. During this time, they gain the following effects:
	* **Heightened Senses:** The user's senses become remarkably acute. They gain a +4 circumstance bonus to Perception checks involving sight, sound, and smell.
	* **Euphoria:** The user experiences a state of blissful euphoria, granting them a +2 circumstance bonus to Will saves against fear effects and a +2 circumstance bonus to Charisma-based checks for social interactions.
	* **Heightened Reflexes:** The user's reflexes become sharper, granting them a +2 circumstance bonus to Reflex saves.
2. **Accelerated Thought:** While under the influence of the Balsean Crystal, the user gains the benefits of the haste spell for the duration. This grants them an extra action each turn, which can be used for a variety of purposes, including attacks, movement, or other actions.

### Drawbacks:

1. **Addiction:** The use of Balsean Crystals can lead to a rapid and severe addiction. After the effects wear off, the user must succeed at a DC 18 Fortitude save or become addicted to the substance. Addiction brings cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and the risk of suffering penalties if the user does not obtain and consume more Balsean Crystals.
2. **Diminished Awareness:** The intense euphoria can lead to a diminished sense of danger and a lack of awareness of one's surroundings. The user suffers a -2 circumstance penalty to Perception checks against hidden dangers or ambushes.
3. **Exhaustion:** After the effects of the Balsean Crystal wear off, the user experiences extreme fatigue and exhaustion. They become fatigued for a period equal to the duration of the crystal's effects. During this time, they suffer penalties to physical ability checks and combat rolls.

### Crafting:

Creating Balsean Crystals is a complex and illegal alchemical process that requires rare and dangerous ingredients. It is typically produced in hidden labs by skilled and morally compromised alchemists.

### Adventure Hooks:

1. The PCs uncover a hidden Balsean lab in a major city and must decide how to deal with the operation. They can report it to the authorities, confront the criminals involved, or attempt to infiltrate the organization behind it.
2. A prominent NPC in the party becomes addicted to Balsean and starts spiraling out of control. The group must confront their friend's addiction and find a way to help them break free from the drug's grip.
3. A criminal syndicate is using Balsean to create an army of enhanced enforcers. The party is hired to infiltrate the organization, disrupt their operations, and prevent the drug from spreading further.