Sniffledust

The dust is made up from the finest particles, which appear purple when light is shone at them. Their color is supposed to be in the invisible spectrum of creatures that can see in the dark, making them even more dangerous. The dust doesn't clump and is very light, so it can hover in the air for prolonged periods of time

The mushrooms that release this dust are located in deep caves and mines, in completely dark and damp environments. There have been no specimens located in other areas.

Observations of Sniffleshroom caps have shown that the spores are created in a similar fashion to other fungi, and then stored in specialized sacks. The mechanism that triggers their release is not yet fully understood.

The substance has been observed to stay on the skin and clothes for more than a week without losing its toxic potency. Its ability to produce new fungi is considered to last a lot longer than that.

Rolfgari legend holds that, after the fall of the kingdom, dwarves risked their lives to smuggle Sliffleshrooms in spore form, preserving this material considered sacred by their ancestors.

Many adventurers and miners have unwittingly come across this substance over the years. Healers trying to cure them of their condition discovered the existence of the tiny spores, which where then brought to the attention of scholars for further study.

Some have tried to weaponize Sniffledust — using it to subdue urban riots or defend against monsters — but it is notoriously difficult to handle or contain. The grains are so fine they escape almost any container.

Most scholars have since abandoned attempts to study it, judging the risks to far outweigh any gain.

What few know is that Sniffledust contains a superior wild yeast.
The dwarves of Rolfgar are the only ones who understand this secret and guard it fiercely. To them, ale is sacred — a gift from Svargan himself. Its recipe must never be desecrated by non-believers.

Dwarven brewers use special airtight glass flasks to harvest the mushrooms whole, sealing them instantly upon cutting. These flasks are then submerged in water, which traps the spores as the containers are carefully opened. The water is filtered through incredibly fine mesh, producing a thick paste that is dried into yeast.

Dwarves brew all types of ale using this unique ingredient. The yeast is only added to the brew after the boiled grains and herbs have cooled, to avoid killing it. Fermentation length depends on the ale type.

Connoisseurs and commoners agree: dwarven ale is more carbonated, with a fuller body and a pleasant, signature bitterness. Its shelf life is unmatched — a single batch can be enjoyed by generations.

The spores are toxic to most species. For smaller creatures they may be lethal; for intelligent beings, the effect is debilitating, causing intense tearing, sneezing, and temporary disorientation. The spores cling to clothes and skin, often traveling unknowingly with the victim to new locations — helping the mushroom spread.

Those affected are expected to keep their distance from others until the symptoms fade. Washing with copious amounts of water is the only known way to fully remove the dust.

There is no market for Sniffledust itself, since its value is a closely guarded secret. Dwarven ale, on the other hand, is considered a commodity and is highly sought after. Dwarves trade almost all of their ales, expect for the ones that are only used in rituals and ceremonies of their culture.

In an appropriate container, the spores can last a very long time. However, they are a substance so volatile, that they are able to escape from the smallest pore, tear or gap.

There are provisions in Dorian common law to prevent use and spread of dangerous substances. Sniffledust has not been explicitly prohibited, but it has been investigated and deemed dangerous. Since there is no wide-spread method of weaponizing or even harvesting it, the risk factor is considered to be low.

As for the dwarven community, the secret is guarded more closely than any royal vault.
Not even the Crow’s Eye has managed to get its claws on it.