Neuro-Reactive Dust
| Grade | Rarity | Description | Value (in Camp Hope currency) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low-Purity Residue | Common | Common residue scraped from dead Mist zones. Mild effects, inconsistent results. | 150–300 $ |
| Standard Purity | Uncommon | Harvested within 48 hrs of Mist dissipation, properly dried and filtered. | 800–1,200 $ |
| High-Purity / Active | Rare | Freshly condensed, exhibits electro-reactive behavior. Difficult to contain. | 2,000–3,000 $ |
| Cult-Refined (“Anointed”) | Very Rare | Ritual-treated, often blended with organic neuro-anchors like bone dust or fungal enzymes. Used in rites. | 3,500–5,000 $ |
Neuro-reactive dust is a fine particulate byproduct of degraded Thresher Mist, often left behind after the Mist has fully evaporated or destabilized. It is pale gray, sometimes iridescent under UV or bioelectric exposure, and clings to surfaces like static-charged ash. Though inert to most in low concentrations, neuro-reactive dust poses significant risks when inhaled, ingested, or introduced through open wounds—especially in individuals with altered neurology or Sonohoka Syndrome.
Properties
Origin
Formed from decayed or overheated combat medical nanite clusters, the same source as Thresher Mist. As these nanites degrade, they break down into inert husks and neuro-reactive fragments that bind with ambient organic matter.
Appearance
Ultra-fine, dry particles; appears matte gray but may shimmer faintly blue or pink in the dark. Collects in corners, old vents, or dried Mist pools.
Behavior
Electro-sensitive. May move slightly in response to nervous system activity or focused thought—especially around infected or Awakened individuals.
Children in Camp Hope are taught to never touch dust that moves on its own.
Hazards
Neurological Instability: When introduced to the body (even via skin contact in humid conditions), the dust can stimulate dormant or damaged neural pathways. This may cause:
- Memory flashbacks or false memories
- Auditory or visual hallucinations
- Temporary aphasia or language distortion
- Seizures
- Emotional flooding (euphoria, dread, religious ecstasy)
Prolonged Exposure: Can cause "recursive cognition"—a looped state of memory-processing where the brain replays or rewrites past trauma. In worst cases, this results in complete neural burnout or personality fragmentation.
Contamination Risk: It bonds readily to organic oils, neural tissue, and porous surfaces. Items contaminated with the dust (e.g., books, tools, clothing) may carry active traces capable of triggering reactions weeks or months later.
Uses & Handling
Illegal Applications
- Used in small doses by Wake Chemists to induce controlled visions.
- Incorporated into Dreamtide distillations to enhance potency.
- Mixed into ritual inks or powders by Fire Veil zealots, who believe it can anchor divine memory into the flesh.
Scientific Study
The Doctors attempted to use neuro-reactive dust in diagnostic assays for degenerative brain conditions. Trials ceased after several subjects developed implanted memory syndromes—behaving as though they'd lived lives not their own.
Syndicate Black Market
Sells dust-laced trinkets, relics, or “holy ash” to those seeking altered states or spiritual awakenings. These are often unlabeled and dangerous.
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