Red sand
From Mass Effect Wiki
Red sand is a stimulant with biotic-enhancing properties. Its abuse is disproportionately high among non-biotic friends and relatives of biotics, often out of a misguided desire to understand what their loved ones are experiencing. Red sand was originally created by criminal triads on Mars from refined element zero, and may take its name from the planet. As eezo is also used to create medicines, red sand's creation may have been a 'fortunate' lab mistake.
When taken nasally, red sand creates a brief but intense euphoria, and gives the user very short-term telekinetic biotic abilities. Side effects include red-tinting of the user's vision, discolouration of the teeth and longer-term withdrawal symptoms. Red sand is normally sold in small bags. The slang expression for using it is "dusting up" or being "sand-blasted".
The batarians are known to buy addicts as slaves, when the addicts can no longer afford to support their habit. Helena Blake's 'business partners' were also involved in red sand dealing, until she put a stop to it with Commander Shepard's assistance. The self-styled Lord Darius also demands the Alliance provide him with equipment to produce red sand during his negotiations.
Paul Grayson is a known red sand addict.
[edit] Trivia
- A cut plot from Therum (from when it was still called "Caleston") involved a pair of salarian brothers who skimmed element zero mined on the world to manufacture red sand.
- Red sand appears to be a nod to the spice Melange in Frank Herbert's book, "Dune".
- It may also be a reference to the 90s TV show Babylon 5. In Season 3, it is revealed that the Psi Corps created a drug called 'Dust', which enhanced psychic abilities, or even allowed a non-telepath to temporary gain psychic ability.
