skooma

Skooma is a fictional narcotic in The Elder Scrolls video game series. It is a refined, illegal drug derived from Moon Sugar, produced by various criminal networks across Tamriel.

In most lore, Moon Sugar is a sweet substance associated with Khajiit culture; refining it into skooma yields a potent liquid that is ingested or sometimes inhaled. The drug is described as highly addictive and widely smuggled, with a black market supply.

In-world effects are described as a rapid rush of euphoria, increased vitality and physical performance for a time, followed by a harsh comedown and a strong craving for more. Repeated use leads to addiction that can disrupt a character's health and social standing, and may incur penalties from authorities or factions within the game world. Some game mechanics implement addiction as an in-universe effect that worsens with ongoing use.

Legally, skooma is illegal in most provinces of Tamriel and possession or sale can lead to penalties in-game; it is often associated with crime, thieves, and underground economies.

Cultural notes: Moon Sugar and skooma feature in Khajiit lore and are referenced in multiple games. The substance exists primarily as a plot element to illustrate vice, crime, and the consequences of addiction within the Tamriel setting.