Ingestive Poisons

Ingestive poisons are substances introduced into the body through food or drink, requiring the victim to consume the elixir for its effect to take hold. This distinguishes them from insinuative poisons, which must enter the bloodstream through the mouth or a wound. The strength, subtlety and outcome of an ingestive poison depend upon the intent and skill of the poisoner. All such poisons are designed to harm, though that harm may take the form of weakness, incapacity or death rather than immediate destruction. The deliberate act of placing poison within food or drink is known as "dosing."

Ingestive poisons are valued for their indirect application. They rely upon trust, habit or inattention, and are most often employed where open violence is impractical. Because they must be consumed, their success depends as much on circumstance as on preparation.

Examples

The four most common ingestive poisons are:

• biliosus: derived from common herbs, this produces severe nausea, weakening the victim until incapacity results.

• ictus: prepared from fruit-seed extracts, this induces partial paralysis.

• somnikus: distilled from narcotic plants, this causes the victim to become helpless through sleep.

• vexation: brewed from toxic fungi, this acts to kill outright.

Each poison produces its own sequence of effects, which are detailed in the linked entries. They may be prepared by amateurs possessing the proper ability, though even the simplest requires a laboratory and four to six days to compound into a stable and concealable form.

Detection

The base chance to detect an ingestive poison before consumption is 60%, reduced by the knowledge of the poison's creator. Those with knowledge in the study of poison add their own points to this chance. Detection occurs through irregularities in scent, taste, surface sheen or slight discolouration, though these signs are often subtle and easily missed.

For example, a poison prepared by an individual with 11 knowledge reduces the detection chance to 49%. If the intended victim possesses 3 knowledge in poisoning, the chance increases to 52%. Should the victim's knowledge equal or exceed the preparer's by sufficient margin, detection becomes certain.

A detected poison is not consumed. Suspicion immediately falls upon those with access to the food or drink, and inquiry is directed toward anyone present or recently admitted. Confinement and questioning are common until responsibility is established.

Consumption

Once consumed or taken through a wound, an ingestive poison does not act at once but announces itself within 2-8 rounds through a recognisable "first effect." This is not yet the full consequence, but an unmistakable indication that the substance has taken hold. In the case of somnikus, this manifests as a sudden and overpowering onset of sleep; in other poisons, the initial effect varies according to the substance.

At this point, the victim makes a saving throw. The outcome determines the progression and severity of the poison's effects. Each poison follows its own rules, and these must be consulted individually to resolve the result.

See also,
Assassin Sage Abilities
Harvest Poisonous Herb (sage ability)