Invented by Forbus on an unspecified world, pylene-50 was intended to be used homeopathically as a muscle relaxant. When administered at 100 times normal dosage, it induced total docility and obedience (by blocking the production of adrenalin, according to Leitz). Leitz also observed that the work ethic was often reinforced by those "adapted" by it and that the effects of pylene-50 were immediate with no side-effects.
Commissioner Sleer used pylene-50 in her Pacification Programme on Helotrix and other worlds. On Helotrix at least it was injected by chemical laser, but by Warlord it was being pumped into air and water supplies. The enzyme bonds in the drug broke up within a few days of production and so it had to be manufactured where it was needed. The secret of manufacture appeared to be held by Forbus, forced to work for Sleer, but his death did not hinder the Pacification Programme or use of the drug, at least in the long term. Forbus also developed an antidote, which could not cure those already "adapted" by pylene-50, but could offer immunity to those who later came into contact with it. Avon needed Zukan to produce this antidote from a plant ostensibly growing in abundance on Betafarl.
Forbus" description of his condition to Dayna and Tarrant, referring to Sleer's use of tincture of pyrhennic to ensure his obedience to her. The effects were kept at bay by a drug Forbus had to take regularly: Sleer threatened to cut off his supply for three days, explaining "that means you'll die another ten per cent".
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The name the inhabitants of Obsidian called themselves. First Citizen Hower,
was not native to the planet and it is a matter of conjecture as to how many
Pyroans were born there. Taught "peace from the cradle", their aggressive
urges were curbed by tiny electric shocks and daily psychological propaganda.
The result, said Hower, was "no wars, no lawlessness, no crime... our people
devote themselves to creation and not destruction". They were all wiped out
when Hower detonated the nuclear device in the volcano rather than see his
planet annexed by the Federation. This was in accordance with their Vow, to
destroy themselves rather than be colonised. They were all dying anyway,
through fallout from the nuclear device.
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 Milus and Natin | One Pyroan who did not conform to the general ideal was Bershar, Hower's son, and he was executed with a lethal dose of anaesthetic for his nonconformity. Other Pyroans mentioned by name were Milus and Natin. No female Pyroans were named, although some were seen. |
| Supposedly passed by the Space Princess on its journey from Zerok to Earth. Keiller's recorded commentary described it as "the twelfth wonder of the..." (of the galaxy, presumably). Described only as a "ferocious power", with no indication as to whether it was a planet or a star, but the latter seems more likely. |  |