Codex Venenorum

What Is a Hard
Boiled I dea?
What Is Poisoncraft?
Some years past, I penned an ode to the craft of poison.
It should come as no surprise to the readeras indeed it
offered me nonethat my words evoked a strong reaction.
There were some who decried my efforts as dangerous or
reckless. Others took an ... unhealthy interest in the lore.
Some solicitations for assistance I receivedregarding
specific implementationsgave me pause, and I declined
to answer. But there is one thing that convinces me my
effort was worthwhile: No one called into question the
thoroughness of my work or the accuracy of my results. I
am proud of my work.
Knowledge is a path, not a destination. Rules change.
In the intervening years, I have developed new theories
and original applications. I have undertaken more
extensive contemplation and obtained new insights into
the process. Thus, without hesitation, I offer you the state of
the art in poisoncraft. Use it in good judgment.
Nylson Veld
Nylson Veld
Chemist of Crimson Delve
Poisoncraft: The Dark Art was one of the best-reviewed third-party

products of Third Edition. We hope you find this new edition of equal stature.
Whats a Hard Boiled Idea?

Thats what happens when One Bad
Egg gets its hands on one particular
concept and cooks it up, hot, fresh, and
kicking ass. Well crack it open, scoop
it out, and serve it to you with a side of
maximized potential.
We break it down, fiddle with the
pieces, examine with a focused eye,
and rebuild it better, stronger, and
faster. The result is a set of rules you
can add immediately and with confidence to your campaign, bringing it to
a whole new level. In keeping with our
design principles, these rules come
with guidelines to help you make them
your own and built-in story ideas to
rev up your campaign engine.
Where can I learn more?

You can learn more about the Shroud,
Worldseeds, and more at our
website:
www.onebadegg.com
Poisoncraft:
Codex Venenorum
Writing Justin Jacobson
Editing Cam Banks
Layout Fred Hicks
Art Tyler Walpole Kev Crossley Jennifer Rodgers
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Poisoncraft: Codex Venenorum

2009 One Bad Egg, LLC
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, the DUNGEONS &
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DUNGEONS & DRAGONS 4th Edition PLAYERS

HANDBOOK, written by Rob Heinsoo, Andy Collins, and
James Wyatt; DUNGEON MASTERS GUIDE, written by
James Wyatt; and MONSTER MANUAL, written by Mike
Mearls, Stephen Schubert and James Wyatt 2008
Wizards of the Coast, Inc. All rights reserved.
The Craft of Poison

This chapter presents new rules for poison that utilize
the foundation and design aesthetic of Dungeons &
Dragons Fourth Edition. The primary piece is an
open-ended poison creation system. Various new rules
for the handling of poisons, crafting of antidotes, and a
host of other topics follow.
The Role of Poison
Tyler Walpole
The latest edition of Dungeons and Dragons offers a

whole new take on poisonsjust as it does for nearly
every part of the game. Notably, Fourth Edition
did away with mundane crafting altogether, which
was the basis of the poison creation system in the
original edition of Poisoncraft: The Dark Art.
More generally, Fourth Edition employs a new design
aesthetic, a new approach to the game altogether. It is
more streamlined, more systematic, and focuses more
on the mechanical impact on the game than on the
verisimilitude of the game world. In the new edition,
poison serves a fundamentally different role.
In writing this new edition of Poisoncraft, I am
mindful of that new view. It will come as no surprise,
then, that many of the rules are significantly altered
from their original incarnation or, in some cases,
dropped altogether. I approached this new edition
with an open mind, essentially rebuilding the
mechanics from the ground up. I took the fundamental concepts and applied the Fourth Edition
design methodology to create each rule.
In Fourth Edition, poison serves four fundamental

functions:
** Power Keyword: Poison is a keyword for many PC
and monster powers. Keywords serve a thematic
purpose, expressing generally the nature of the
power; they also serve a mechanical purpose,
interacting with other rules such as feats and other
powers.
** Damage Type: Poison is a damage type, indicating
the nature of damage caused. Notably, the damage
type indicates the relevance of any resistances or
vulnerabilities.
** Alchemical Item: Poison is an item that can be
used by PCs and NPCs alike, usually in conjunction
with a weapon attack. Alchemical items lie somewhere between mundane adventuring gear and
magic items in their properties, creation, treatment,
and effects.
** Dungeon Hazard: Conceptually, poison is another
tool the DM can use to test the PCs. It can be
added to traps, combats, skill challenges, and other
encounters to increase the difficulty and variety of
the challenge.
In recasting the Poisoncraft rules, the new version of
each rule must serve at least one of these functions.
Poisoncraft Codex Venenorum
The Language of Poison

Though much has changed since the prior edition of
this book, one thing has not: a fundamental understanding of poisoncraft rests on a firm grasp of the
language with which it is discussed. What follows is a
lexicography of poison-related terms.
Aftereffect: See the D&D 4E Dungeon Masters
Guide. A secondary aftereffect is an effect that occurs
after the target succeeds at a saving throw against the
aftereffect.
Antidote: A non-magical substanceas opposed to,
for example, a potion of neutralize poisonthat counters the effects of a poison entirely. Antidotes may
be tailored to specific poison families or poisons of
a particular strength. An antidote differs from antivenom, which merely grants a bonus to saving throws
against poison.
Antivenom: A non-magical substance that grants a
bonus to saving throws against poison generally. Occasionally referred to as antitoxin or antivenin. See the
Adventurers Vault.
Contact: A poison vector resulting in exposure when
the target touches or is touched by the poison. A creature is exposed to contact poison if a poisoned item
strikes the creature, which may be accomplished by
an attack against the targets Reflex defense. A contact
poison can take any form. You might rule that heavily
armored creatures and creatures without permeable
skin are not susceptible to contact poisons.
Dose: A single, functional unit of poison. The size of
a dose depends on the type and nature of the poison.
It may be one tablet, dram, ounce, nugget, pinch, etc.
A power or similar mechanic with the poison keyword
always produces a single dose of poison unless otherwise noted by that power. Each single dose of poison
is itself a consumable, i.e., it may only be used once
before it is consumed. Generally, a dose of poison is a
rather small amount.
Effect: Any group of elements in a single phase. For
example, in a poison that has Attack: +5 vs. Fortitude; ongoing 5 poison damage and target is dazed
(save ends both), the ongoing 5 poison damage and
the dazed condition are a single effect. There are five
types of effects, indicating when they occur relative
to exposure: primary effect, secondary effect, tertiary
effect, aftereffect, and secondary aftereffect.
Element: Each discrete component of a poisons

effect is an element. For example, in a poison that has
Attack: +5 vs. Fortitude; ongoing 5 poison damage
and target is dazed (save ends both), the ongoing 5
poison damage and the dazed condition are two separate elements.
Exposure: Coming into contact with a poison in
such a manner as to trigger the poisons attack. Generally, this is determined by the method of delivery.
However, exposure can also occur during poison
creation or the harvesting of raw materials.
Family: A group of poisons of varying strengths and
qualities originating from a particular class of source
material. For example, araneida, draconic, and hedge
root are all poison families. Poisons of the same family
generally have similar effects with varying degrees
of strength. Often, the attack bonus, the amount of
damage, the significance of the conditions imposed,
and the number of elements a poison has increase as
the size and level of the source increases. For example,
poison from 20th-level spider has the same effect
as poison from a 10th-level spider but has a higher
attack bonus and deals more ongoing poison damage.
Some poisons are so unique that they do not belong to
any poison family.
Ingestion: A poison vector resulting in exposure
when the poison is metabolized by the targets digestion process. Typically, a poison can only be delivered
by ingestion if it can be swallowed. Ingestion poisons
are usually solids or liquids. Creatures that do not
have digestive systems are not susceptive to ingestiondelivered poisons.
Inhalation: A poison vector resulting in exposure
when the target inhales the poison. Accordingly,
inhalation-delivered poisons must be gaseous, delivered by aeration, or give off toxic fumes. Some gaseous
poisons are contact poisons rather than (or in addition
to being) inhalation poisons. A creature that holds
its breath can avoid exposure to inhalation-delivered
poisons, and inhalation-delivered poisons cannot
affect creatures that do not breathe.
Injury: A method of delivery resulting in exposure

when the poison is introduced into the targets bloodstream or related anatomical system. Generally this is
accomplished by attacking the target with a poisoned
weapon or a power with the poison keyword. Any
attack that deals poison damage exposes the defender
to the poison. Creatures without discernible anatomies are not susceptible to injury-delivered poisons.
Natural State: Each poison has a natural state of
solid, liquid, or gas. Some poisons may take different
states during different stages of their use. For
example, a lump of toxic mineral (solid) might give
off poisonous fumes (gas) when dropped in water. A
poisons natural state has an effect on how the poison
is stored, applied, and delivered. The poisons natural
state also has some bearing on the method of delivery.
Permanent: A permanent effect is one that cant
be removed by a saving throw. Generally, permanent
effects can only be removed by certain magic items
and the Remove Affliction ritual (see the D&D 4E
Players Handbook).
Persistent: A persistent poison remains potent
longer than a transient one. A persistent poison
retains its potency for 5 minutes or until the end of
the encounter, whichever occurs first.
Phase: A period of time during which the target is
susceptible to the poisons effects. The five phases are:
primary, secondary, tertiary, after, and extended. Most
poisons have effects in only one or two phases.
Poison on Hand: A specific dose of poison that has
already been created.
Potency: The power and impact of a poisons
effect. Thus, if a feat, power, or item affects a poisons
potency, it affects the amount of damage dealt and
types of conditions caused by the poison.
Primary Effect: An effect that begins immediately
when exposure occurs. For example, in a poison
that has Attack: +5 vs. Fortitude; ongoing 5 poison
damage and dazed (save ends both), the ongoing
5 poison damage and the dazed condition are the
primary effect.
Protocol: The formula by which a poisoncrafter

creates a poison, including specifications on the materials required and the process for creating it. Protocols
are similar to magical rituals, although they are nonmagical in nature.
Remedy: The event that ends an effect. For example,
in a poison that has Attack: +5 vs. Fortitude; ongoing
5 poison damage and dazed (save ends both), a
saving throw is the remedy. Saving throws are the most
common type of remedy, but there can be others, such
as short rests, extended rests, and so on.
Secondary Effect: An effect that begins immediately
upon failing a saving throw against a poisons primary
effect. For example, in a poison that has First Failed
Save: The target is also weakened (save ends), the
weakened condition is a secondary effect.
Tertiary Effect: An effect that begins immediately upon failing a saving throw against a poisons
secondary effect. For example, in a poison that has
Second Failed Save: The target falls unconscious for
1d4 hours, the unconscious condition is a tertiary
effect.
Toxicity: The ability of the poison to affect the target
as measured by the attack bonus and penalty to its
saving throw required to end its effect. Thus, if a feat,
power, or item affects a poisons toxicity, it affects the
attack bonus or saving throw of the poison.
Transient: A transient poison loses its potency more
quickly than a persistent one. A transient poison loses
its potency after attacking the first target exposed to it.
Vector: One of the four delivery methods by which
the target is exposed to a poison: contact, ingestion,
inhalation, or injury. See the Dungeon Masters Guide.
Venom: Poison produced naturally by a plant or
animal and used by that organism. Many poisons can
be crafted from the organs of animals, but that does
not make them venoms. For example, the poison a
wyvern delivers with its stinger is venom, but poison
that can be crafted from a wyverns liver is not. A
venomous creature is one that has a power or other
component with the poison keyword.
Poison Protocols
As with any alchemical substance, creating a poison
requires perfect knowledge of and strict adherence
to the specified formula. When dealing with poisons
specifically, these formulae are called protocols.
Learning a Protocol
A poison protocol is similar to a magical ritual (see
Players Handbook), with a few notable exceptions.
As with rituals, you can learn poison protocols by
purchasing them or finding them through adventuring. Other Poisoncraft products will identify additional means of acquiring protocols, such as alternate
class features.
You can learn a poison protocol if your level equals
or exceeds the protocols level. Additionally, poisoncrafting requires its own feat:
Poisoncrafter (Heroic Tier)

Benefit: You can create poisons of your level or
lower. You must have the correct protocol and an
appropriate skill. You do not risk accidental exposure
when handling poison in an ordinary manner. You
gain a +2 feat bonus to skill checks related to poisoncraft, such as harvesting raw materials.
Special: If you receive the Ritual Caster feat as
a class feature, you may take the Poisoncrafter feat
instead.
If you meet these requirements and spend 8 hours
studying the protocol, you learn the protocol.
Using a Protocol
To craft a poison, the character needs a level working
surface, some containers (beakers, test tubes, mixing
bowls, etc.), poisoncraft implements (precise knives,
tweezers, a glass rod, mortar and pestle, etc.), and
a heat source. Not all of these elements are necessary to craft every type of poison. However, they are
used in the craft generally, and no self-respecting
poisoncrafter would undertake the dark art without
them. Given the nature of the item being made,
most poisoncraft laboratories are housed in secluded
areas, away from prying eyes. The poisoncrafter
must have the necessary ingredients on hand for the

particular poison he is trying to create. In addition to
the primary ingredients specific to the type of poison
being crafted, some universal elements are used
frequently in the process: binding agents, thickeners,
desiccant, powders, etc. The cost of these items is
factored into the protocol.
Unlike rituals, protocols are non-magical and do not
possess all of the trappings of magical rituals. Protocols need not be recorded in special books and do not
require significant time to transcribe. Protocols are
generally cheaper and quicker to complete than their
magical counterparts and cannot be performed from
scrolls.
Upon completion of the protocol, you have a single
dose of the poison.
Creating New
Protocols
The Codex Venenorum contains dozens and dozens
of new protocols. However, creating new protocols,
particularly suited to your character or campaign,
is a relatively simple matter. As a Dungeon Master,
you might desire to create new protocols in secret to
surprise the players or embellish part of the campaign
world, or you might collaborate with one of the
players to design a new protocol with that players
character in mind.
To create a new protocol:
1. Select the poisons level;
2. Select the poison family;
3. Select the attack bonus;
4. Select the elements;
5. Add any special qualities;
6. Determine the cost and price;
7. Describe the poison.
These steps are outlined more fully in the following
sections.
The level and family establish basic guidelines for
the protocol. During each subsequent step, you can
vary from the baseline by enhancing or impairing the
protocol. Enhancements and impairments have an
associated scorepositive for the former and nega-
tive for the latter. The scores for enhancements and

impairments appear in parentheses following the
description. As you design the protocol and select
each component, keep a running score of the net total
of all enhancements and impairments. A completed
protocol should have a final score of no greater than
+1 and no less than 1. This reflects variations in the
relative strengths and weaknesses of any given poisons
of the same level. If you find that you are unable to
create the protocol you desire at the level you have
chosen, it is either too strong or too weak for that
level, and you should try again using a higher or lower
starting level accordingly. You might find it helpful to
use the poison protocol worksheet found at the end of
this book when designing new protocols.
Select the Poison s Level
Tyler Walpole
The poisons level, together with the poison family,

determines its base attack bonus, the nature of the
elements you may select for it, and its cost and price.
As with certain magic items, a particular protocol
might ultimately include versions of the poison at
increments of 5 levels. However, when designing
the protocol, do so for the lowest level version of the
poison you want to create.
In selecting the poisons level, you should keep in
mind the level of the party. It would not serve them
well to obtain poison far below their level, as it would
be largely ineffective against the enemies they face.
Conversely, it would not serve you well for them to
obtain poison far above their leveljust as you would
not want the 1st-level paladin to get hold of a holy
avenger. Players creating their own protocols should
keep in mind that they can only learn protocols of
their characters level or lower.
The poison can have a level from 1 to 30.
The Potency Gap
You will note that the poisons in the Codex Venenorum are presented in 5-level increments but
only for two tiers of play. Specifically, there are no
epic-tier versions of heroic-tier poisons. As a general
rule, higher-level versions of a poison only increase
the poisons attack bonusits toxicity. Higher-level
versions of a poison do not increase the potency of
the poison, and consequently become decidedly
sub-optimal. This potency gap always makes it worthwhile to select a poison with a naturally higher level.
Select the Poison s Family

Poisons can be categorized by family. A poison family
represents a group of poisons that share a similar
source material. As a result of this shared origin,
poisons from the same family often share similar characteristics.
The poison family helps determine its base attack
bonus, the number and nature of the elements you
may select for it, and its cost and price. Where the
poisons level imposes strict rules on these qualities,
the poison family affords more general guidelines.
These guidelines ensure that poisons of a single family
are thematically and functionally similar. You need
not select a poison family.
In selecting the poison family, you should give
primary consideration to the poisons functional qualities. However, poison families are also a good way of
building interesting elements and themes into the
campaign world. For example, spider cultists almost
certainly use poisons from the araneida family. Players
creating their own protocols should keep in mind any
bonuses they getfrom feats, class features, or other
sourcesrelated to specific families.
For game purposes, poison families can be used in

relation to other mechanics. For example, you might
give purple worms a resistance to or a bonus on saving
throws against poisons from the lumbricida family.
Certain magic items might give immunity only to
poisons from certain families. In short, they provide
another avenue for exploration.
Following is a description of the various poison
families and their defining features. These entries
give the general properties of poisons from that family,
any relevant game mechanics, and a representative
(but not exhaustive) list of poisons. The supplemental
game rules found in the entries below add a layer of
complexity and can be freely ignored if desired.
Aquatic
Favored by water-based poisoncrafters, these poisons
are made from aquatic plants and creatures. They are
generally solids or pastes, and they do not dilute in
water under ordinary conditions.
Representative poisons: Anchor Slime, CoralBlade, and Fog of Madness.
Araneida
This family includes poisons brewed from typical
species of spiders along with those discovered among
the more monstrous versions. Most spider poisons
cause the weakened or exhausted condition.
Representative poisons: Bane of Driders, Corona
Araneae, and Limbweb.
Arboreal
This family is comprised of toxins made from trees,
generally fruit trees or conifers. Such poisons are
characterized by their grassy odors. Additionally, tree
poisons are hardier than other types of poison. Arboreal poisons may have stable as a baseline quality.
Representative poisons: Malyss, Quickbiter, and
Waxfruit Whiskey.
Bestial
Well-known among rangers and other hunters, these
poisons are made from all manner of beastsusually
mammals.
Representative poisons: Blazing Eye, Phantom
Feather, Plunging Spirit, Timber-Bane, and Voidbreath.
Chilopoda
species of centipedes along with those discovered
among the more monstrous versions. Most centipede
poisons cause the prone or exhausted condition.
Representative poisons: Carrion Spear, 100
Hammers, and Lazyfeet.
Draconic
Among the rarest poisons are those crafted from
the remains of dragons and their kin. Imbued with
inherent power, draconic poisons may have an attack
bonus equal to the poisons level + 6 as a baseline
quality.
Representative poisons: Emerald Anguish, Heartstinger, Pseudodeath, and Winghammer.
F ungus
Poisons in this family are brewed from mildews,
molds, mushrooms, and many others. Most fungus
poisons have low potency but high toxicity.
Representative poisons: Kakophage, Striped Toadstool, and Truffle Dirge.
Hedge Root
The family name is something of a misnomer as it
includes roots from non-hedge plants as well; it is
intended to distinguish it from poisons of the arboreal
family. The poisons in this family are not as powerful
as the poisons in other families. However, it is the
largest of the poison families, including more than 20
known toxins.
Representative poisons: Bloodroot, Blue Whinnis,
Close Call, Oil of Snowflower, Oil of Taggit, and
Terror-Root.
Hymenoptera
species of bees, hornets, wasps, and the like, along
with those discovered among the more monstrous
versions. They are noted for the rapidity of their exposure times. Hymenoptera poisons may have quick as a
baseline quality. Most hymenoptera poisons cause the
prone or exhausted condition.
Representative poisons: Quod, Stingfire, and
Yellowbolt.
Lotus
Ooze
This family includes all toxins created from the exotic

lotus blossoms. They can have very disparate effects
but are characterized by high potency. They often
cause hallucinations or otherwise confuse the mind.
Lotus poisons have no natural antidotes.
Representative poisons: Black Death, Blood
Harvest, Blue Deception, and Golden Arrow.
Poisons from this family are brewed from the

remnants of jellies, oozes, and slimes. Harvesting raw
materials from oozes is a relatively easy matter. (See
the Harvesting rules later in the book.)
Representative poisons: Acid-Flare, Dripping
Doom, and Hopemelter.
Lumbricida

species of scorpions along with those discovered
among the more monstrous versions. Most scorpionida poisons cause the weakened or exhausted
condition.
Representative poisons: Brawnpincer, Desert
Remorse, and Wasting Dunes.

species of worms along with those discovered among
the more monstrous versions. Lumbricida poisons
may have robust as a baseline quality. Most lumbricida
poisons cause the weakened condition or impose a
penalty to attacks.
Representative poisons: Devil-May-Care, Frostfire,
and Violet Spinebreaker.
M ineral
Poisons in this family are processed from naturally
occurring rocks and minerals. Their qualities are as
varied as their source material. Due to the relatively
lower amount of refining required to create them,
mineral poisons can have cheap as a baseline quality.
Representative poisons: Buckling Breath, Ungol
Dust, and Wisp of Pallstone.
Moss
Crafted from mosses, which are usually dried and
turned into powder, poisons of this family are marked
by their strong odors. Moss poisons cannot have the
subtle quality.
Representative poisons: Id Moss, Nitharit, and
Ravage Moss.
Non-Ferrous Metal
This family is dominated by ingestion poisons that
frequently affect the digestive system. Most nonferrous metal poisons cause the slowed or nauseated
condition.
Representative poisons: Arsenic, Bromine, and
Hydrogen Selenide.
Scorpionida
Serpente
species of snakes along with those discovered among
the more monstrous versions. Most serpente poisons
cause the slowed or exhausted condition.
Representative poisons: Darkling Tongue,
Flamestrike, and Vipers Kiss.
Donum Mortis
Poisons in this family are crafted from the remains of
undead creatures. Even incorporeal undead creatures
leave a faint residue upon their destruction. Donum
mortis poisons can have piercing (undead) as a baseline quality.
Representative poisons: Dark Reaver, Lich Dust,
and Shadow Essence.
Vine
This family is comprised of poisons brewed from
vines, both mundane and monstrous. Vine poisons
can have safe as a baseline quality.
Representative poisons: Deathblade, Greenblood
Oil, and Lung-Famine.
Select the Attack Bonus

A poisons attack bonus is generally determined by its
level. The attack bonus can range from the poisons
level up to the poisons level + 6. Most commonly, the
attack bonus is equal to the poisons level + 3. Thus, a
5th-level poison would have an attack bonus ranging
from +5 to +11, with a baseline attack bonus of +8.
Some poison families affect the attack bonus of some
poisons as noted in the family description.
Baseline: Attack bonus is equal to the poisons
level+3.
Enhancement: Attack bonus is equal to the
poisons level +6. (+1)
Impairment: Attack bonus is equal to the poisons
level. (1)
Select the Elements

The number, nature, and potency of a poisons
elements are generally determined by its level.
For any given level, there are a variety of options,
including different combinations of damage, conditions, and phases of effect. The options are indicated
in the following section. Some poison families suggest
what elements might be selected as noted in the
family description.
A standard poison causes ongoing poison damage of
an appropriate amount and confers one effect on the
victim. Mixing and matching these various elements
and applying them in different ways results in a
variety of protocols.
Baseline: Select one damage element and one
effect element from the tier indicated by the poisons
level.
Enhancement: Select an additional damage
element in lieu of an effect element; select an additional effect element in lieu of a damage element;
select one element from the tier above the one indicated by the poisons level; apply an element as an
aftereffect. (+1) Select one element from the tier two
above the one indicated by the poisons level; give an
element the remedy short rest ends. (+2) Give an
element the remedy extended rest ends; apply an
element as a permanent effect. (+3)
Impairment: Select only one damage element

and no effect; select only one effect and no damage
element; select one element from the tier below the
one indicated by the poisons level; apply an element
as secondary (primary damage must be an element
from the tier below the secondary element). (1)
Apply an element as tertiary (primary and secondary
damage must be an element from the tier below the
tertiary element). (2)
Poison Elements
Sub-Heroic: Damage: ongoing 1 poison damage,
1d3 poison damage. Effects: lose a minor action.
Heroic: Damage: ongoing 5 poison damage, 2d6
poison damage, lose 1 healing surge. Effects: dazed,
deafened, immobilized, muted, prone, slowed,
weakened; 2 to all defenses, 3 to one defense, 2
to attacks, lose a move action, vulnerability 5 to one
damage type.
Paragon: Damage: ongoing 10 poison damage,
4d6 poison damage, lose 2 healing surges. Effects:
blinded, exhausted, nauseated, restrained, stunned,
surprised; 5 to all defenses, 6 to one defense, 5
to attacks, lose a standard action, lose the use of an
encounter power, lose an action point, vulnerability
10 to one damage type.
Epic: Damage: ongoing 15 poison damage, 6d6
poison damage, lose 3 healing surges. Effects: helpless, petrified, unconscious; 10 to all defenses, 11
to one defense, 10 to attacks, lose all actions, lose
the use of a daily power, vulnerability 15 to one
damage type.
Super-Epic: Damage: ongoing 20 poison damage,
8d6 poison damage. Effects: dying; vulnerability 20
to one damage type.
A dd Special Qualities
Protocols may possess special qualities that make
them unique. These can include alternative methods
of delivery, a delay in the onset of the poisons effects,
bonuses or penalties to the saving throw to avoid
the poisons effects, etc. Generally, any given poison
should have no more than one or two special qualities
and rarely, if ever, more than one diminishing quality.
Tyler Walpole
Baseline: The poison is an injury poison with no

special qualities.
Enhancement: Improve the poison by selecting one
of the following special qualities. (+1)
Cheap: The poison costs 20% less to create.
Contact: The method of delivery is contact.
Fortified: The target takes a 2 penalty to saving
throws against the poison. You may only select this
quality if the poison deals damage or a condition that
provides for a saving throw.
Inhalation: The method of delivery is inhalation.
Multistage: Each element of this poisons damage
requires a separate saving throw. This enhancement is
only useful if the poison has at least two elements that
require a saving throw.
Penetrating: The poison ignores poison resistance of
up to 5 points per tier.
Piercing: The poison ignores the immunity of a
specified creature or creature type, e.g., basilisk,
undead, etc.
Quick: The poison deals ongoing damage immediately. You may only select this quality if the poison
deals ongoing damage.
Reflex: The poison attacks the targets Reflex
defense.
Robust: The poison is unaffected by antivenom or
universal antidote of its level or lower.
Safe: A character does not risk exposure when
handling this poison. (See the rules for Exposure later
in this text.)
Stable: The poison does not decay. (See the rules for
Decay later in this text.)
Subtle: The poison is difficult to detect. A character
must succeed at an appropriate skill check: to determine the power source or damage type if they or
another character are affected by the poison; to detect
poison on a trap, weapon, or similar device; or to identify the poison. The DC of the check is equal to 15 +
one-half the poisons level.
Will: The poison attacks the targets Will defense.
Impairment: Weaken the poison by selecting one of

the following special qualities. (1)
Expensive: The poison costs 20% more to create.
Feeble: The poison is neutralized by antivenom of
any level or type.
Hazardous: The poison requires an exposure check
even for trained characters handling it under ordinary
use. Untrained characters take a 5 penalty to their
exposure checks. (See the rules for Exposure later in
this text.)
Impotent: Targets with resistance to poison are
immune to the poison.
Ingestion: The method of delivery is ingestion.
Inhibited: The poison does not affect a creature type
normally affected by poison, e.g., fey.
Obvious: The poison is easy to detect. A character
enjoys a +5 bonus to any check to detect or identify
this poison.
Restrained: The poisons damage is not enhanced
by the targets vulnerability. You may only select this
quality if the poison deals damage.
Slow: The onset of the poisons initial elements is
delayed until the start of the targets next turn.
Unstable: After being applied to a weapon or otherwise exposed, the poison decays at the end of the first
short rest or 5 minutes, whichever occurs first. (See
the rules for Decay later in this text.)
Weakened: The target gets a bonus of+2 to saving
throws against the poison. You may only select this
quality if the poison deals damage or a condition that
provides for a saving throw.
New Conditions
Dungeons & Dragons 4e eschews the lengthy list
of conditions found in Third Edition. Many of the
existing conditions can readily substitute for the
missing ones. For example, you could approximate
fatigued by using weakened.
However, there are still a few conditions that are
worth adding because they (a) are not easily spoofed,
(b) thematically represent conditions that could come
up routinely in play, (c) are appropriately definable
using Fourth Edition mechanics and design philosophy, and (d) in the case of exhausted and nauseated,
fill the void of physical-themed conditions suitable
for the paragon tier. Ive introduced a few new conditions below. If you are concerned about having new
conditions to reference, you can ignore them freely
or simply rebuild them from their component parts
individually.
Exhausted
** You are slowed.
** You are weakened.
** You cant flank an enemy.
Muted
** You cant speak.
** You take a 5 penalty to skill checks that require
the target to hear you, e.g., Diplomacy, Intimidate, etc.
** You cant use powers that specifically require
the target to hear you or to which deafened
creatures are immune, e.g., the rangers skilled
companion power, the warlords Combat Leader
class feature, the harpys alluring song ability, etc.
N auseated
** You are slowed.
** You cant take standard actions.
** You take a 2 penalty to attack rolls and defenses
10
The Optimization Fixation

It is a simple affair to optimizeor, in gamer-speak,
to min-maxa new poison protocol. Not all of the
damage elements and special qualities are equivalent. One could easily select a slew of negative
special qualities that would never impact play and
use the resulting credit to make a true beast of a
bane. It is essentially free to add secondary effects
above the poisons tier. Such efforts miss the point.
Creating a poison protocol is not like creating
a character or a monster, each of which include
strict mechanics for ensuring game balance. Rather,
creating poisons is more akin to creating new magic
items or new rituals: Guidelines suggest appropriate
parameters, but the final product requires a careful
eye to ensure appropriateness. This is not a bug.
One could easily create a strict poison creation
system that eliminated most optimization efforts.
Indeed, the prior version of Poisoncraft did just that.
However, such a system would not be in keeping
with the design aesthetic of Fourth Edition. The final
result is a system that is more elegant and yields
more satisfying results.
Nylsons Notes: Ye Olde Poison Shoppe
Market price, for poison, is a misnomer. In the world in
which I live, one does not simply make a quick stop at
the local apothecary to pick up a few doses of desiccated basilisk eye.
Buying and selling poisons usually requires contact
with underworld figures and a certain element of
danger. It is an unfortunate adjunct to the life Ive
chosen. The price to actually buy or sell poison is often
much higher than the market price and always entails
a certain element of risk.
However, the market price is worthwhile for comparison to other crafts, notably the creation of magical
items. Thus, it becomes a simple matter to relate the
price of Fervor Flight to a potion of healing.
I have often been asked why I have not retired to
some sleepy, coastal city. After all, goes the saw, poison
is liquid gold. There is some truth to the premise, I
acknowledge. After all, the poisoncrafter measures the
result of his craft in gold pieces, where the potter, the
thatcher, and the smith yield theirs in silver. But this
disparity is compensated for by the increased cost of
raw materials and the limited market for the finished
product. I confess, I live a comfortable life, but poisoncraft is principally a labor of love. If you seek riches, I
suggest you look elsewhere.
Determine Cost and Price

As with other items, poison protocols have a component cost and a protocol price. The component cost
is the cost to create the item, which is the same as
the price to purchase a single dose of the poison. The
price of persistent poison is equal to 6.25 times the
price of the transient version of the same poison. The
protocol price is the amount needed to purchase the
protocol itself or to have someone teach it to you. Cost
and price are a function of the protocols level as indicated below.
Protocol Cost (in gp)
Component Cost (in gp)

Level Transient
Persistent(6.25)
Level
Price
15
90
50
20
130
100
30
170
150
200
35
210
40
250
250
70
450
360
100
650
480
130
850
680
160
1,000
840
1,000
10
200
1,250
10
11
360
2,250
11
1,800
12
520
3,250
12
2,600
13
680
4,250
13
3,400
14
840
5,250
14
4,200
15
1,000
6,250
15
5,000
16
1,800
11,250
16
9,000
17
2,600
16,250
17
13,000
18
3,400
21,250
18
17,000
19
4,200
26,250
19
21,000
20
5,000
31,250
20
25,000
21
9,000
56,250
21
45,000
22
13,000
81,250
22
65,000
23
17,000
106,250
23
85,000
24
21,000
131,250
24
105,000
25
25,000
156,250
25
125,000
26
45,000
281,250
26
225,000
27
65,000
406,250
27
325,000
28
85,000
531,250
28
425,000
29
105,000
656,250
29
525,000
30
125,000
781,250
30
625,000
11
Describe the Poison

As with monsters, magic items, and NPCs, a poison
should be more than just a collection of numbers and
mechanical bits. When creating a new poison, be sure
to give some attention to its name, its sensory qualities, and its thematic elements. The following sections
offer advice for creating these characteristics. Some
helpful tables appear in the appendix. You can use the
examples in the tables to spur your own imagination,
or you can break out the polyhedrals for some random
generation on a rainy Saturday afternoon. In any case,
a fully fleshed-out poison can instill more fear than its
ongoing damage alone.
N ames
Like a good book or memorable character, a poison
should have an evocative name. Winghammer just
sounds better than plain old dragon bile. However, it
is also important to identify the poisons components,
and a more scientific name can lend an air of verisimilitude to a campaign. This section addresses both
concerns.
Most poisons have two names: a descriptive name
and a toxicological name. The former is akin to the
poisons brand name and is used by practitioners
of the dark craft and commoners alike. The latter is a
technical name, which describes the relevant components and brewing process. For example, refined
gorgon kidney might also be referred to as Stoneblight.
A poisons descriptive name should evoke fear.
Any appropriate sounding name will do. To generate
a descriptive name, choose a suitable subject and
modifier based on the nature of the poison itself. The
subject should match the nature of damage dealt by
the poison or some other unique characteristic. For
example, use terms such as vigor or brawn for
poisons that cause the weakened or slowed condition
and terms such as mind and psyche for poisons
that cause the dazed or stunned condition. Try using
the subject and modifier elements in each order to
determine which one sounds best. Of course, you may
come up with any other names that sound good: Kiss
of Death, Demons Lament, etc.
12
To generate a toxicological name, add a process and

component of the source material to the name of the
source material. The source material is the common
name of the plant, mineral, creature, or other
substance whose raw materials are used in creating.
Arrange the elements in an appropriate manner.
Generally, toxicological names follow the form:
process + source + component, e.g., condensed
medusa saliva, but other combinations might sound
better.
Sensory Qualities
When narrating, a description of sensory qualities
goes a long way toward building atmosphere. Poisons
are no exception. In defining a poisons sensory qualities, you should give thought to all of the senses
although a description of how the poison tastes might
be reserved solely for the target. In general, defining
more than one or two of the poisons sensory qualities is probably overkill. You should also keep in mind
that a poisons family might suggest some sensory
qualities. For example, poisons of the moss family are
known for their strong, vegetal odors.
Theme
Not every poison has a legendary pastbut some do.
Particularly when described in contrast to mundane
poisons, a famous poison becomes that much more
flavorful and exciting. As with other descriptive qualities, do not give the poison a five-page history. Select a
thematic element that really defines the poison.
Perhaps it was used to assassinate a famous person
or was itself created by a famous poisoncrafter, e.g.,
the magnum opus of Nylson Veld. It might be the
signature poison of an infamous assassin, such that its
very use evokes the name: Note the residue of heartblade around the lips; this must be the work of Meddo
Bax!
A poison might be defined more generally. It might
be associated with a region or, for example, routinely
used by nomadic hunters of a particular jungle. It
might be associated with a particular cult, or god
sometimes obviously so. Spider cults use poisons of
the araneida family; snake cults use poisons of the
serpente family. In fact, a flashy death can be a great
way to kick off an adventure: Snake venom! The Cult
of Hysss has returned. This time, we must wipe them
from the lands forever!
Supplemental Rules
The following sections provide optional rules that
might enhance your game. You may use any or all of
them as you see fit, most likely in proportion to the
role poison will play in your game. If it will only see
occasional use, you shouldnt add more than one or
two of the rules. If, however, poison plays a major role
in the campaign, the additional rules will likewise add
new dimension to the game.
Many class powers and magic item qualities have
the poison keyword. These rules should not be
applied to those featuresonly to poisons created as
alchemical items.
Harvesting
Much of the raw material that forms the basis of a
poison can be harvested in the field. If a poisoncrafter defeats a wyvern, he might be able to drain the
fluid from the creatures glands to brew some essence
of wyvern gland. Doing so carries an element of risk
but rewards the skilled harvester by eliminating the
cost and difficulty of obtaining those materials on the
black market.
You must first determine if harvesting attempt is
even possible. If the target was blown into dust motes
by a wizards disintegrate spell, its kidneys cannot be
harvested to craft a poison. You can generally decide
based on the nature of the attack that killed the creature.
If a harvesting is possible, the character makes an
appropriate skill check, using the same skill associated with knowledge of the subject creature or as
otherwise indicated on the table below.
Target
Skill
Aberrant
Dungeoneering
Elemental
Arcana
Fey
Arcana
Immortal
Religion
Mineral/Metal
Nature
Natural
Nature
Plant
Nature
Shadow
Arcana
Undead
Religion
The following skill description applies to each

appropriate skill based on the creature type.
Harvesting Raw Materials: 5 minutes. You may

attempt to harvest as part of a short rest. If you
do, you may take no other actions during the rest
period, and you must make your skill check at the
end of the rest.
** DC: See the table. You get a +2 bonus to the
check if you use harvesting tools. Additionally,
some creatures have qualities that modify the
DC of the check as indicated in their description.
** Succeed by 5 or More: You harvest raw materials sufficient to cover the component cost for
a number of doses of the poison based on the
targets size: Small or smaller, 2 doses; Medium,
4 doses; Large, 6 doses; Huge or larger, 8 doses.
** Succeed by 4 or Less: You harvest raw materials sufficient to cover the component cost to
create 1 dose of the poison.
** Fail by 4 or Less: You harvest no raw materials,
and they are destroyed in the process. You
cannot try again.
** Fail by 5 or More: You harvest no raw materials
and expose yourself to the toxic substances. You
lose a healing surge. You cannot try again.
Target
Skill DC
Heroic Tier
20
Paragon Tier
30
Epic Tier
35
Ooze
You should note that extensive use of this rule

essentially provides the PC with a monetary reward.
If used rarely, this shouldnt pose much of a problem.
However, if a player uses the rule extensively, you
might consider counting around half the value of a
portion of the harvested materials against the treasure
allotted for that particular adventure. Alternatively,
you might rule that the raw materials harvested only
cover a portion of the component cost. In considering
this rule, bear in mind that the component cost of
poison is slightly higher compared to comparable
magic items. This rewards characters who specialize
in poisoncraft, making it more feasible for them to
bring their character concept to life.
13
Exposure
Generally, a character trained in the art of poisoncraftone with the Poisoncrafter featdoes not
risk accidentally exposing himself to poison when
performing ordinary tasks: applying poison to a
weapon, wielding a poisoned weapon in combat,
constructing a poisoned trap, etc. You may require
an exposure check for a skilled poisoncrafter if the
circumstances require, such as applying poison to a
weapon in the heat of battle. Characters who are not
trained must make an exposure check whenever they
handle poison.
You should determine the appropriate ability
or skill check based on the nature of the activity.
Applying poison to a weapon might be a simple
Dexterity check. Constructing a poisoned trap, a
Thievery check. The DC of the check is based on the
poisons level, using the Difficulty Class and Damage
by Level table in the Dungeon Masters Guide for a
moderate difficulty. A character failing an exposure
check during an encounter suffers the effects of the
poison. A character failing an exposure check during a
rest loses a healing surge.
Decay
A dose of poison sealed in its container will retain its
toxicity for some time, but it wont last forever. Until
it is appliedsmeared on a weapon, placed in someones food, etc.it can retain its toxicity for several
years or more, depending on the nature of the poison.
However, once applied, a dose of poison begins to
decay more rapidly. Once a poison decays, it is inert
and has no effect.
The rate of decay varies from poison to poison.
A standard poison will retain its toxicity until after
the first extended rest after being applied. Unstable
poisons decay at the end of the first short rest after
being applied. Stable poisons do not decay except
after many months or even years.
You may further modify a particular doses rate
of decay based on the specific manner in which it
is maintained. For example, poison smeared on a
longsword will decay rapidly if it is left outside in
a driving rainstorm. Most complex traps involving
poison ensure that the poison remains uncontaminated, thereby avoiding natural decay. However,
hurried snares may not provide for such possibilities,
and decay occurs normally. In any case, a dose of
14
poison is always expended when a target is exposed

to it, whether thats by being struck by the poisoned
weapon, setting off the poisoned trap, or eating the
poisoned food.
A ntidotes
When the use of poison becomes prevalent, the
crafting and sale of antidotes become equally popular.
Whereas antivenom protects the imbiber against
future exposure to poison, an antidote neutralizes
the effects of poison after exposure. An effective antidote negates all of the existing effects caused by the
poison, including ongoing damage and conditions.
While the efficacy of a class power that provides a
free saving throw cannot be denied, such relief is not
always available. Antidotes are valuable because they
permit the victims allies to use their precious actions
to accomplish other tasks and to enable those without
such abilities to protect themselves without relying on
others. There are two types of antidotes: universal and
natural.
Universal
A universal antidote is effective against any poison of
its level or lower. For example, an 18th-level universal
antidote is effective against 17th-level Brawnpincer
and 18th-level Limbweb but not against 19th-level
Brawnpincer.
Universal A ntidote
Level: 5
Category: Curative
Time: 15 minutes
Component Cost: See below
Market Price: 200 gp
Key Skill: Heal or Nature (no check)
Universal antidote often comes in small glass vials
sealed with wax. Imbibing the liquid negates the
effects of poison.
Delivery
Universal Antidote
Level 5+
This small vial of clear odorless liquid neutralizes weaker poisons.
Lvl 5
50 gp Lvl 20
5,000 gp
Lvl 10
200 gp Lvl 25
25,000 gp
Lvl 15
1,000 gp Lvl 30
125,000 gp
Alchemical Item
Power (Consumable * Healing): Minor Action. Ongoing
damage and conditions caused by poison of 4th level or
lower are ended, just as if you had made a saving throw.
Level 10: Poisons of 9th level or lower.
Tyler Walpole
N atural
As its name implies, a natural antidote is a naturally
occurring substance that acts as an antidote against
one or more types of poison. In creating a campaign
world, you should give some thought as to which
existing poisons have natural antidotes and what those
antidotes are. For example, the leaves of the ironblossom bush may counteract the effects of Devil-MayCare (processed hellwurm flesh).
By definition, natural antidotes are not created,
they are collected. A successful Heal or Nature check
means the character knows the natural antidote for
a given poison. The DC of the check is based on the
poisons level, using the Difficulty Class and Damage
by Level table in the Dungeon Masters Guide for
a moderate difficulty. Once identified, actually
collecting a natural antidote is usually not a difficult or
involved procedure, but you may make it soperhaps
requiring a Nature checkas you choose.
Crafting poison is only half of the equation. How do

you use that vial of stingfire now that you have it?
Applying poison to a weapon or piece of ammunition is generally a standard action. Depending on the
poisons rate of decay and whether it is persistent or
transient, a character will usually apply the poison to
the weapon immediately prior to an encounter where
it is likely to be useful. It is possible to apply poison to
a weapon in the heat of battle. However, in addition to
wasting a precious action, it might have other implications, e.g., being unable to make opportunity attacks
since you are not wielding the weapon.
Melee combatants almost certainly opt for the
more expensive but longer lasting persistent poison.
Conversely, ranged attackers almost exclusively use
the transient version of a poison, since a poisoned
arrow, once loosed, cannot easily be retrieved to use
again.
Unlike injury poisons, contact and inhalation
poisons are either incorporated into a trap or implemented with a more complex delivery system, such as
a toads tongue or a poison grenade (see Poisoncraft:
Player Options coming soon). These mechanisms
might be more expensive or require more time to set
up, but the balance is in their ease of exposure. Dropping an ingestion poison in someones drink usually
takes only a minor action, though positioning yourself to do the deed without scrutiny might take a bit
longerperhaps an entire evening of misdirection,
perhaps even a skill challenge. Alternatively, cooking
an ingestion poison into a roast turkey takes, say, 30
minutes per pound of the bird, natch.
Applying poison to an existing trap is a relatively
simple matter, assuming you have demonstrated
your knowledge of the mechanism with a successful
Thievery check. Again, this is a standard action.
Building a poison-delivery trap from the ground up is
certainly a more involved procedure.
15
Codex Venenorum, Ed. IV

A catalog of poisons follows, the latest and most
comprehensive edition of the Codex to date. It
includes a host of new poisons using the new
approach found in this text. Additionally, all of the
poisons from the prior edition of Poisoncraft (and, by
extension, the prior edition of Dungeons & Dragons)
appear here, using these new rules.
The entries appear in the following extended
format, which incorporates information about the
poisons protocol for use as both an item and hazard.
For component costs, the first amount in each pair
listed is for the transient version; the second is for the
persistent version.
[descriptive name]
([toxicological name] [poison family] Family)
Level: [poison level]
Category: Poison
Time: [time to complete the protocol]
Market Price: XX gp
Key Skill: [skill use associated with the protocol,
usually Nature or Thievery (no check)]
[general description]
[descriptive name]
Level X+
[descriptive text as item].

Lvl X XX/XX gp Lvl X XX/XX gp
Lvl X XX/XX gp Lvl X XX/XX gp
Alchemical Item
Property: [special properties including alternate methods of
delivery].
Remedies: The Bitter End

Most poisons cause the target to suffer ongoing
damage or some type of condition: dazed, slowed,
weakened, and so forth. The poison description
indicates when and how the particular effect ends.
The event that ends the effect is called the remedy.
This might be one of five possibilities:
** Save Ends: This is the most common remedy.
If the target makes a successful saving throw
(usually at the end of their turn), the effect
ends.
** Short Rest Ends: The effect persists until the
end of the next short rest the target takes.
** Extended Rest Ends: The effect persists until
the end of the next extended rest the target
takes.
** No Save: Conditions with this notation are
essentially permanent. The target does not get
a saving throw to end it, and it does not end on
its own after a specified period of time. These
conditions can only be removed by powers or
items that can remove conditions or by the
Remove Affliction ritual (see Players Handbook).
** Other: Rarely, a poison might indicate some
other specified trigger that ends the condition.
For example, a poison might have the following
element: deafened (any thunder damage
ends) or nauseated (potion of healing ends).
In any case, the notation identifies the remedy.
As with no save poisons, the Remove Affliction ritual can also eliminate the condition.
Power (Consumable * Poison): [effect].

Level X: [alternate parameters for higher level versions of
the poison]
Tyler Walpole
16
Acid-Flare
Anchor Slime
(Aged Gravespore Filaments Ooze Family)

Level: 16
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
Market Price: 9,000 gp
Key Skill: Nature or Thievery (no check)
Lvl 17
2,600/16,250 gp Lvl 27 65,000/406,250 gp
Lvl 22 13,000/81,250 gp
Alchemical Item
Power (Consumable * Poison): +20 vs. Fortitude; the
target suffers a 5 to all attacks and 5 to all checks to
escape a grab (save ends both).
This yellow liquid has the scent of brandy. It is favored

by archers of the Northwoods, who alternate arrows
coated with this poison and regular acid. Or so Ive
heard. Candidly, Ive never actually met an archer of
the Northwoods.
Acid-Flare
Level 17+
This rare toxin is an ideal choice when the primary objective is to

subdue the target.
Level 16+
This potent toxin deals little damage on its own but enhances
subsequent damage caused by acid.
Lvl 16
1,800/11,250 gp Lvl 26 45,000/281,250 gp
Lvl 21
9,000/56,250 gp
Alchemical Item
Property: Contact; Unstable
target takes ongoing 5 poison damage (save ends) and
gains vulnerable 10 acid (save ends). First Failed Save:
Vulnerable 10 acid (short rest ends)
Level 21: +24 vs. Fortitude.

Aria of A nguish
(Rotted Harpy Vocal Cord No Family)
Level: 15
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
This otherwise inert light-blue powder releases toxic
fumes when heated. The thermal reaction required to
activate the poison makes it rare among adventurers.
However, it is commonly used by giants (particularly
fire giants) to enhance snares they set in their lairs.
Aria of Anguish
Level 15+
A nchor Slime
This otherwise inert light-blue powder releases toxic fumes when

heated.
(Fermented Stenchpadder Mucus Aquatic Family)

Level: 17
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
Lvl 15
1,000/6,250 gp Lvl 25 25,000/156,250 gp
Lvl 20
5,000/31, 250 gp Lvl 30 125,000/781,250 gp
Alchemical Item
Property: Inhalation
Though processed from the surface-swimming stenchpadders, this slimy, gray gel is redolent with the scent
of the briny deep. Personally, I dont like working with
such foul-smelling toxins (Jesters Leggings is another
particularly odious example), and I generally charge a
premium for the effort.

target is dazed (save ends). First Failed Save: the target is
dazed (extended rest ends).
17
Arsenic
Bane of Driders
(Diluted Arsenic Powder Non-Ferrous Metal Family)

Level: 1
Category: Poison
Time: 30 minutes
Market Price: 50 gp
Level 9+
This viscous, purple toxin is a slight variation on the traditional

poison used by the drow. It is favored by melee combatants.
Lvl 9
160/1,000 gp Lvl 19
Lvl 14
840/5,250 gp
Alchemical Item
4,200/26,250 gp

target takes ongoing 5 poison damage, and the target is
weakened (save ends both).
This brittle metallic toxin is dangerous in its naturally occurring state but becomes truly deadly with
minimal refining. It does have a slightly bitter aftertaste and does not work well in mildly flavored food
or drink. Simple to refine, this poison is not favored by
assassins, but by scorned women and ratcatchers.
Arsenic
Level 1+
This brittle metallic toxin is dangerous in its naturally occurring

state but becomes truly deadly with minimal refining.
Lvl 1
15/90 gp Lvl 11
Lvl 6
70/430 gp Lvl 16
Alchemical Item
Property: Ingestion
360/2,250 gp
1,800/11,250
Power (Consumable * Poison): +4 vs. Fortitude; the target

takes ongoing 5 poison damage (save ends). First Failed
Save: the target takes ongoing 10 poison damage (save
ends).
Bane of Driders
(Blended Drider Poison Sacs Araneida Family)
Level: 9
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
When the drow matrons tire of their drider underlings, they send them for refining, including this
viscous, purple poison that carries the faint scent of
vinegar. This toxin is a slight variation on the traditional poison used by the drow, owing to the alternate,
rarer source material. It is favored by melee combatants and can be found on the snares protecting their
subterranean cities. Consequently, it is most often
found in its persistent form.
18
Black Death
(Solublized Black Lotus Extract Lotus Family)
Level: 27
Category: Poison
Time: 6 hours
This thick black liquid results form an alternate treatment of the black lotus blossom, yielding a contact
poison as opposed to an ingestion one. It smells of
vanilla. Among the most feared of all poisons, it is
employed by singular assassins when price is no
obstacle or, more accurately, when the mark fetches
a kingly sum. Ironically, it is often deployed by the
richest nobles to ward their tombs when they pass.
Black Death
Level 27
This thick black liquid smells of vanilla and results form an alternate treatment of the black lotus blossom.
Lvl 27 65,000/406,250 gp
Alchemical Item
Property: Contact; Hazardous
target is reduced to 0 hit points and is dying.
Blazing Eye
Blink
(Ossified Hell Hound Eye Bestial Family)

Level: 13
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
Lvl 2
24/156 gp Lvl 12
Lvl 7
120/780 gp Lvl 17
Alchemical Item
Property: Expensive
This brilliant red paste gives off a spicy, almost acrid

odor and palpable heat. The victim feels as though
his blood has caught fire. Not surprisingly, it is favored
by efreet assassins and warriors alike. Coincidence
Im sure, but I have a bad streak of luck with regard to
payment for services when it comes to this poison.
Blazing Eye
Level 2+
This thick, brown paste smells like chocolate and blurs the victims
vision.
Level 13+
This brilliant red paste gives off a spicy, almost acrid odor and
palpable heat.
Lvl 13
680/4,250 gp Lvl 23 17,000/106,250 gp
Lvl 18
3,400/21,250 gp Lvl 28 85,000/531,250 gp
Alchemical Item
Property: Creatures with resistance to only fire or poison
take full damage from this poison.
Power (Consumable * Fire, Poison): +16 vs. Fortitude;
the target takes ongoing 10 fire and poison damage, and
gains vulnerability 10 fire (save ends both).
Blink
(Aged Manticore Ovaries Bestial Family)
Level: 2
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
This thick, brown paste smells like chocolate and
blurs the victims vision. This poison is rare, crafted
principally by rangers to be used against rangers.
Because the source material can be harvested only
from the female of the manticore species, the poison is
more expensive than would be typical.
624/4,000 gp
3,120/20,000 gp

takes 2d6 poison damage, cannot score a critical hit, and
deals no extra damage for his hunters quarry ability (save
ends). First Failed Save: The target takes a 2 penalty to
attack rolls (save ends).
Blood Harvest
(Saturated Red Lotus Stamen Lotus Family)
Level: 28
Category: Poison
Time: 12 hours
Key Skill: Arcana, Nature, or Thievery (no check)
This deep-red powder smells almost exactly like the
blossom and can be easily mistaken for common,
herbal tea. (Not that Ive ever done that myself!) It is
legend among spellcasters and a treasured advantage in any spell duel. Ive also heard that the wizard
Ymaris placed a dose of this powder pressurized in
his vacuum-sealed sarcophagus (along with a host of
magical wards no doubt).
Blood Harvest
Level 28
This deep-red powder smells almost exactly like the blossom.

Lvl 28 85,000/531,250 gp
Alchemical Item
target takes 10 to all defenses and 5 to all saving
throws against attacks and effects with the arcane power
source (save ends both).
19
Bloodroot
Blue Deception
(Brewed Gore-Hedge Rood Hedge Root Family)

Level: 3
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
Lvl 30 125,000/781,250 gp
Alchemical Item
Property: Contact; Fortified; Will
This odorless, burgundy, syrupy liquid is employed by

druids, hedge wizards, and rangers deeply lost in the
wilderness, who wish to subdue rather than kill their
quarry. When preparing this poison, one must take
care to wear gloves (preferably lined with wax), as the
source material can stain them, such that only a weeklong bath can get the red out.
Bloodroot
Level 3+
This odorless, burgundy, syrupy liquid is not lethal of its own

right, but it can soften of the target nicely.
Lvl 3
30/170 gp Lvl 13
Lvl 8
130/800 gp Lvl 18
Alchemical Item
680/4,250 gp
3,400/21,250 gp

takes a 2 penalty to all defenses (save ends) and falls
prone.
Blue Deception
(Blue Lotus Extract Lotus Family)
Level: 30
Category: Poison
Time: 12 hours
This cerulean liquid smells of fresh berries and
renders its victims sluggish for an extended period.
Victims of the poison say the experience is like swimming in deepwater clad in a full suit of plate. I have
heard tale of one noblewoman who rather enjoyed the
sensation and developed an expensive habit of selfexposure.
20
Level 30
This cerulean liquid smells of fresh berries and renders its victims
sluggish for an extended period.
Power (Consumable * Poison): +33 vs. Will; the target is

slowed and loses a standard action each turn (save ends).
First Failed Save: The target is slowed and loses a standard action each turn (extended rest ends). Aftereffect:
The target is slowed and loses a standard action each turn
(save ends).
Blue Whinnis
(Concentrated Whinnis Root Extract Hedge Root Family)
Level: 12
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
This odorless, light-blue liquid is mockingly referred
to as dandys poison as it is favored by unscrupulous
duelists wielding light blades (and often dressed in
foppishly bright silks).
Blue Whinnis
Level 12+
This odorless, light-blue liquid causes little in the way of initial

effects but knocks out its victims in due course.
Lvl 12
520/3,250 gp Lvl 22 13,000/81,250 gp
Lvl 17
2,600/16,250 gp Lvl 27 65,000/406,250 gp
Alchemical Item
target takes ongoing 5 poison damage (save ends). First
Failed Save: The target falls unconscious (save ends).
Brawnpincer
Bromine
(Large Scorpion Venom Scorpionida Family)

Level: 5
Category: Poison
Time: 30 minutes
Level 19+
This thick, pungent, red liquid is nauseating to work with but

effective at driving the victim to his knees.
Lvl 19
4,200/26,250 gp Lvl 29 105,000/656,250 gp
Lvl 24 21,000/131,250 gp
Alchemical Item
Property: Ingestion; Robust
Most poisons of the scorpion family attack the musculature, flooding the victims tissue with inhibitors
that drain strength. This black, oily liquid is the most
straightforward of the familyclassic scorpion poison.

target takes ongoing 10 poison damage, and is weakened
(save ends). First Failed Save: The target takes ongoing
15 poison damage and is nauseated instead (save ends).
Second Failed Save: The target is nauseated (short rest
ends).
Brawnpincer
Level 5+
The most basic of all the scorpion-based poisons, this black, oily
liquid is simple and effective, weakening the victim.
Lvl 5
40/250 gp Lvl 15
Lvl 10
200/1,250 gp Lvl 20
Alchemical Item
1,000/6,250 gp
5,000/31,250 gp

takes ongoing 5 poison damage and is weakened (save
ends). Aftereffect: The target is weakened (save ends).
Buckling Breath
(Burnt Othur Fumes Mineral Family)
Level: 17
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour

Bromine
(Concentrated Bromine Syrup Non-Ferrous Metal Family)
Level: 19
Category: Poison
Time: 6 hours
On occasion, this thick, pungent, red liquid is ironically referred to as wizards folly on the idea that
only a scholarly wizard could perform the intricate
chemical processes necessary to refine the volatile
base material. In truth, wizards never touch the stuff.
Its nauseating to work with but effective at driving the
victim to his knees
These pale, yellow stones emit pungent, colorless

fumes that sap the targets strength. The poison is
a good indicator of the crafters attention to detail:
Some press the pellets into uniform tablets, bearing
the crafters mark; less attentive practitioners simply
bundle the irregular stones in a cloth pouch. As with
most goods, when it comes to poison, you get what
you pay for.
Buckling Breath
Level 17+
These pale, yellow stones emit pungent, colorless fumes that sap
the targets strength.
Lvl 17
2,080/13,000 gp Lvl 27 52,000/325,000 gp
Lvl 22 10,400/65,000 gp
Alchemical Item
Property: Cheap; Inhalation
target takes ongoing 10 poison damage and is exhausted
(save ends both).
21
Carrion Spear
(Boiled Carrion Crawler Lung Chilopoda Family)
Level: 16
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
This fine, pale-green powder smells like smoke. It is
disfavored among archers, who believe the powder
can slough off during the arrows flight. The refining
process is different from the one used to craft poison
from the creatures brain, yielding a more powerful
result.
Carrion Spear
Level 16+
This fine, pale-green powder smells like smoke and paralyzes its
target.
Lvl 16
1,800/11,250 gp Lvl 26 45,000/281,250 gp
Lvl 21
9,000/56,250 gp
Alchemical Item
Property: Fortified
target takes ongoing 10 poison damage and is immobilized (save ends both). First Failed Save: The target is
stunned instead of immobilized (save ends).
Close Call
(Steeped Bump-Root Hedge Root Family)
Level: 7
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
This odorless, yellow paste is the bane of cutpurses
and second-story men. When two thieves guilds go
to war, vats of this poison get cracked open on each
side. Demand shoots through the roof. Surprisingly, or
perhaps not, the price still stays the same.
Close Call
Level 7+
This odorless, yellow paste ties the rogues hands behind his back.
Lvl 7
100/625 gp Lvl 17
Lvl 12
520/3,250 gp Lvl 22
Alchemical Item
2,600/16,250 gp
13,000/81,250 gp

target cannot gain combat advantage against an opponent and cannot use the Sneak Attack class ability (save
ends both). Aftereffect: The target cannot use the Sneak
Attack class ability (save ends).
Tyler Walpole
22
Corona Araneae
Coral-Blade
(Aged Aranea Arteries Araneida Family)

Level: 8
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
Lvl 14
840/5,250 gp Lvl 24 21,000/131,250 gp
Lvl 19
4,200/56,250 gp Lvl 29 105,000/656,250 gp
Alchemical Item
target takes ongoing 10 poison damage, is immobilized,
and takes a 5 penalty to Reflex (save ends all).
This lemon-colored syrup bears a floral scent and

attacks the muscles. As with many poisons with
a similar brewing process, I prefer to buy the raw
arteries fresh and age them myself. I recognize that
not all poisoncrafters enjoy the luxury of doing so,
but its the only way to ensure quality control in the
finished product.
Corona Araneae
Level 14+
This luminescent, pink liquid smells of melon and makes the

muscles hard as chitin.
Level 8+
This lemon-colored syrup bears a floral scent and attacks the

muscles.
Lvl 8
130/800 gp Lvl 18
3,400/21,250 gp
Lvl 13
680/4,250 gp Lvl 23 17,000/106,250 gp
Alchemical Item
target takes ongoing 5 poison damage and is weakened
(save ends both). Aftereffect: The target is slowed (save
ends).
Coral-Blade
(Liquefied Chuul Cartilage Aquatic Family)
Level: 14
Category: Poison
Time: 2 hours
Common among whale-hunters and pirates, this
luminescent, pink liquid smells of melon. It dumps
lactic acid into the musculature and neutralizes potassium causing extreme cramping. Indeed, the muscles
become as hard as chitin, giving the victim a statuesque appearance.

Darkling Tongue
(Concentrated Black Adder Venom Serpente Family)
Level: 3
Category: Poison
Time: 30 minutes
This black, watery liquid smells like strongly brewed
coffee. The poison takes a moment to affect the target,
but when it kicks in, the airway constricts so rapidly
the mouth and neck turn a dark shade of blue. It is
favored by tribal huntsmen to bring down big game.
Darkling Tongue
Level 3+
This black, watery liquid smells like strongly brewed coffee and
constricts the airway.
Lvl 3
30/170 gp Lvl 13
Lvl 8
130/800 gp Lvl 18
Alchemical Item
Property: Slow
680/4,250 gp
3,400/21,250 gp

takes ongoing 5 poison damage, is muted, and falls prone
and cannot stand up (save ends all).
23
Dark R eaver
Deathblade
(Pulverized Reaver Bone Donum Mortis Family)

Level: 12
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
Key Skill: Nature, Religion, or Thievery (no check)
Adding this gray, musty powder to food or drink
imbues it with a smoky note. Thus, it is best served
by slow-roasted game meat or a hearty stew. It is used
by priests of Hazran to procure fresh acolytes. Make
willing the flesh.
Dark Reaver
Level 12+
This gray, musty powder adds a smoky note to the food or drink
it is dropped in.
Lvl 12
520/3,250 gp Lvl 22 13,000/81,250 gp
Lvl 17
2,600/16,250 gp Lvl 27 65,000/406,250 gp
Alchemical Item
Property: Ingestion
target takes ongoing 10 poison damage and is weakened
(save ends both). First Failed Save: The target falls prone
and cannot stand up (save ends). Second Failed Save: The
target is helpless (save ends).
Deathblade
(Filtered Assassin Vine Cinder Vine Family)
Level: 13
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
Pitch black ash, this poison sends a surge of wracking
pain through the victim, leaving him exhausted. Ive
always thought this poison was an odd duck. The
initial assault is often sufficient to kill most targets,
making its secondary effect superfluous. Alternatively,
if the aim is to render the target fatigued, the initial
damaging effect makes it too risky.
24
Level 13+
Pitch black ash, this poison sends a surge of wracking pain

through the victim, leaving him exhausted.
Lvl 13
680/4,250 gp Lvl 23 17,000/106,250 gp
Lvl 18
3,400/21,250 gp Lvl 28 85,000/531,250 gp
Alchemical Item
Property: Safe
target takes 4d6 poison damage and is exhausted (save
ends).
Desert R emorse
(Ground Dire Scorpion Chitin Scorpionida Family)
Level: 6
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
This odorless, light-brown powder has low toxicity,
but it can be devastating when it takes hold. The
simplest of all the scorpion poisons to actually craft, I
often work on it in large batches on a lazy summers
evening.
Desert Remorse
Level 6+
This odorless, light-brown powder has low toxicity, but it can be

devastating when it takes hold.
Lvl 6
70/430 gp Lvl 16
Lvl 11
360/2,250 gp
Alchemical Item
1,800/11,250 gp

is weakened (save ends). First Failed Save: The target is
exhausted instead (save ends). Second Failed Save: The
target is exhausted (short rest ends).
Devil-M ay-Care
Dripping Doom
(Processed Hellwurm Flesh Lumbricida Family)

Level: 24
Category: Poison
Time: 6 hours
Used by elite assassins of a nefarious cult of the
Worm, these rust-colored crystals smell of brimstone.
I find the adherents creepy and try not to deal with
them directly if at all possible. Accordingly, I often
pass the poison off to a middleman to broker the deal.
This poison has sometimes been referred to as a fireball in a vial.
Devil-May-Care
Level 24+
These rust-colored crystals smell of brimstone and burn the

victim from the inside.
Lvl 24 21,000/131,250 gp Lvl 29 105,000/656,250 gp
Alchemical Item
target takes 8d6 fire and poison damage.
Dripping Doom
(Fermented Black Pudding Residue Ooze Family)
Level: 15
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
This black, foul-smelling syrup weakens the targets
inhibitions and willpower, making him a pliable
subject for more nefarious uses. I once dropped a pot
of the aging bane as I was rearranging my storestook
me the better part of a month to fully air out the lab.
Level 15+
This black, foul-smelling syrup weakens the targets inhibitions

and willpower.
Lvl 15
1,000/6,250 gp Lvl 25 25,000/131,250 gp
Lvl 20
5,000/31,250 gp Lvl 30 125,000/781,250 gp
Alchemical Item
target takes a 6 penalty to its Will defense (save ends).
Emerald A nguish
(Oxygenated Green Dragon Cranial Fluid Draconic Family)
Level: 19
Category: Poison
Time: 3 hours
This thin, clear, mint-scented fluid contains small
bubbles. A single dose scrambles the brainsometimes beyond repair. I once had occasion to observe
someone rendered nearly catatonic by the stuff; I
havent made this poison since. (And, yes, I do still
routinely make lethal poisons.)
Emerald Anguish
Level 19+
This thin, clear, mint-scented fluid contains small bubbles. A

single dose scrambles the brainsometimes beyond repair.
Lvl 19
4,200/26,250 gp Lvl 29 105,000/656,250 gp
Lvl 24 21,000/131,250 gp
Alchemical Item
Property: Impotent
target is dazed (save ends). First Failed Save: The target
is stunned instead (save ends). Second Failed Save: The
target loses all actions (no save).
25
First Strike
Flamestrike
(Charred Naga Brain Serpente Family)

Level: 22
Category: Poison
Time: 2 hours
(Extracted Flamestrike Rattler Venom Serpente Family)

Level: 26
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
Component Cost: 54,000 gp
Key Skill: Nature
This bright-purple liquid smells of vinegar and sends

a shock like a lightning bolt through the system. It is
potent, but only as an initial volley. The armies of the
Southern Holdings coat their archers first arrows
in the stuff, often cutting the opposing force in half
before they have even nocked their second.
This clear, odorless venom renders the victim utterly

paralyzed so it might be eaten alive. It cannot be
brewed from raw materials harvested from a dead
snake. It can only be milked from a live snake,
ensuring its rarity. Truth be told, if I wanted to milk
30-foot rattlesnakes for a living Id set up a tent and
charge admission.
To extract this venom, you target a living flamestrike
rattler. The snake may be caged, paralyzed, or otherwise subdued. You must remain within 1 square of the
snake for the duration of the protocol. Upon completion of the protocol, make a Nature check to determine your success. You may only attempt this protocol
once on any given snake.
First Strike
Level 22+
This bright-purple liquid smells of vinegar and sends a shock like

a lightning bolt through the system.
Lvl 22 13,000/81,250 gp Lvl 27 65,000/406,250 gp
Alchemical Item
Property: This poison has no effect on a bloodied target.
target takes ongoing 15 poison damage and is stunned
(ends when first bloodied).
Nature Check
Protocol Result
10 or lower
You die
11-19
Damage equal to half your hit

points
20-29
Failure
30-39
1 dose of poison
40 or higher
2 doses of poison with the

fortified quality
Flamestrike
Level 26
This clear, odorless venom renders the victim utterly paralyzed so

it might be eaten alive.
Lvl 26
54,000
Alchemical Item
Property: This poison may only be made in transient form
and may not be made in persistent form. Expensive.
target takes ongoing 15 poison damage and is helpless
(save ends both).
Tyler Walpole
26
Fog of M adness
Frostfire
(Vaporized Aboleth Mucus Aquatic Family)

Level: 11
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
Lvl 20
5,000/31,250 gp Lvl 30 125,000/781,250 gp
Lvl 25 25,000/156,250 gp
Alchemical Item
Property: Robust
This cold, dark blue mist can only be deposed at

extremely low temperatures. In most victims, it elicits
the sensation of drowning. If youve seen anyone experience the sensation, you know that the psychological
impact of drowning is its most potent component.
Fog of Madness
Level 20+
This light blue, milky, odorless fluid radiates cold and turns its
victims into ice.
Level 11+
This cold, dark blue mist causes its victims to think they are
drowning.
Lvl 11
360/2,250 gp Lvl 21
9,000/56,250 gp
Lvl 16
1,800/11,250 gp Lvl 26 45,000/281,250 gp
Alchemical Item
Property: Inhalation.
target takes ongoing 10 poison damage and is stunned
(save ends both).
Frostfire
(Aged Frost Worm Brain Lumbricida Family)
Level: 20
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
This light blue, milky, odorless fluid radiates colda
hint of the danger it harbors. It is favored by assassins
from the Northern Tribes, who rely on their barbarian
brethren to secure the raw materials.

target is petrified (save ends). First Failed Save: The target
is petrified (no save). A target petrified by this poison is
turned into solid ice.
G entle Dust
(Polarized Wraith Residue Donum Mortis Family)
Level: 4
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
This fine, silver powder impedes brain function
causing an unnatural calm to overcome the target. It
is often made into a liquid suspension reminiscent of
mercury. The barbarians of the Northern Hordes have
another name for it: Fucksilver. They kill, on sight,
anyone they even think is carrying the stuff.
Gentle Dust
Level 4+
This fine, silver powder impedes brain function causing an

unnatural calm to overcome the target.
Lvl 4
35/210 gp Lvl 14
Lvl 9
160/1,000 gp Lvl 19
Alchemical Item
Property: Will
840/5,250 gp
4,200/26,250 gp
Power (Consumable * Poison): +7 vs. Will; the target takes

ongoing 5 poison damage and cannot use powers with
the rage keyword (save ends both).
Level 9: +12 vs. Will.
27
G olden Arrow
The Gray Quiet
(Yellow Lotus Extract Lotus Family)

Level: 29
Category: Poison
Time: 6 hours
This golden-yellow liquid smells of honey. It sends
the victim into a catatonic state, unresponsive to his
surroundings. Ive never made this poison. The yellow
lotus only grows in the Mairyu Valley, the domain of a
secretive band of monks and ninjas. In fact, I dont like
letting slip the fact that I even know how to make this
poison.
Golden Arrow
Lvl 6
70/450 gp Lvl 16
Lvl 11
360/2,250 gp Lvl 21
Alchemical Item
Property: Inhibited (aberration)
Level 29
This golden-yellow liquid smells of honey. It sends the victim into

a catatonic state, unresponsive to his surroundings.
Lvl 29 105,000/656,250 gp
Alchemical Item
Property: Contact
target takes ongoing 15 poison damage and loses all
actions (save ends both).
The Gray Quiet

(Macerated Grell Barb No Family)
Level: 6
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
Key Skill: Arcana, Nature, or Thievery (no check)
This thin gray liquid has a smoky odor and simultaneously attacks the victims airflow and seizes the
muscles of the face and neck. The poisons odor is
overwhelming and foul. A simple additive transforms
it to a slight, pleasant scent of burning bronzewood.
1,800/11,250 gp
9.000/56,250 gp

is muted and dazed (save ends both).
Greenblood Oil
(Pressed Rogue Vine Vine Family)
Level: 3
Category: Poison
Time: 30 minutes
This dark-green oil has a slight pine scent and sends
a shock to the victims cardiovascular system. I know
of one vintner who dabbles in poison craft with this
protocol. He alternates between the rogue vine and
his grapevines in a curious combination of crop rotation. Ive often wondered if hes ever mixed the two up,
which would make for an interesting dinner party.
Greenblood Oil
Level 3+
This dark-green oil has a slight pine scent and sends a shock to
the victims cardiovascular system.
Lvl 3
30/170 gp Lvl 13
Lvl 8
130/800 gp Lvl 18
Alchemical Item
Property: Safe
680/4,250 gp
3,400/21,250 gp

loses 1 healing surge and falls prone.
28
Level 6+
This thin gray liquid has a smoky odor and simultaneously

attacks the victims airflow and seizes the muscles of the face and
neck.
Hags Hood
Heartstinger
(Boiled Hags Heart No Family)

Level: 13
Category: Poison
Time: 2 hours
Lvl 16
1,800/11,250 gp Lvl 26 45,000/281,250 gp
Lvl 21
9,000/56,250 gp
Alchemical Item
loses 1 healing surge. First Failed Save: The target loses 2
healing surges.
This odorless, tasteless lump gives no indication of

its effects, a sudden onset of short-term amnesia. The
poison is traditionally made from the heart of the
howling hag, though it can also be readily crafted from
bog hags heart. There is a more potent version of this
protocol that makes use of the night hags heart. And
as for the death hag I dont know, and I wouldnt
venture a guess.
Hags Hood
Level 16+
This thick brown paste smells of manure and taints the blood.
Level 13+
This odorless, tasteless lump gives no indication of its effects, a

sudden onset of short-term amnesia.
Lvl 13
680/4,250 gp Lvl 23 17,000/106,250 gp
Lvl 18
3,400/21,250 gp Lvl 28 85,000/531,250 gp
Alchemical Item
Property: Ingestion; Subtle
target is dazed and cannot use any encounter powers
(save ends both).

Hilt-Deep
(Ground Bulette Hide Bestial Family)
Level: 17
Category: Poison
Time: 2 hours
This light-blue powder has an earthy smell and
weakens the blood vessels, exacerbating existing
wounds. This poison is often used to coat the back-up
weapon of rangers, who lead with a volley at range
and follow up with a melee attack when they close. It
is a devastating strategy.

Hilt-Deep
This light blue powder has an earthy smell and weakens the
blood vessels, exacerbating existing wounds.
Heartstinger
(Macerated Wyvern Liver Draconic Family)
Level: 16
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
This thick brown paste smells of manure and taints
the blood. It is most famous for being the cause of the
recent death of King Umrich, who keeled over in the
middle of the Bountyfeast just after proclaiming the
queen was with child. The culprit remains at large.
For the record, it was not my handiwork as far as I
know.
Level 17+
Lvl 17
3,120/19,500 gp Lvl 27 78,000/487,500 gp
Lvl 22 15,600/97,500 gp
Alchemical Item
Property: Expensive; this poison has no effect against a
target at maximum hit points.
target takes 4d6 poison damage and makes a saving
throw at the end of his next turn. First Failed Save: The
target takes 4d6 poison damage.
Level 22: +25 vs. Fortitude
29
Hopemelter
Humboldts Bane
Level 18+
(Aged Ochre Jelly Scum Ooze Family)

Level: 12
Category: Poison
Time: 3 hours
This yellowish-green powder emits a hint of spearmint and

affects the targets reaction time.
This dark purple jelly smells of grapes. For obvious

reasons, its use sees a rise during holy wars. Indeed, I
am always suspicious when I get a sudden and large
order for the stuff. It is also a common enhancement
to the lairs and tombs of thoughtful necromancers.
Generally, after finishing the batch, I make arrangements for an extended holiday in warmer climes.
Hopemelter
Level 12+
This dark purple jelly smells of grapes and disrupts the focus
required to channel divinity.
Lvl 12
520/3,250 gp Lvl 22 13,000/81,250 gp
Lvl 17
2,600/16,250 gp Lvl 27 65,000/406,250 gp
Alchemical Item
target loses the ability to channel divinity (save ends).
First Failed Save: The target loses the ability to channel
divinity (no save).
Lvl 18
3,400/21,250 gp Lvl 28 85,000/531,250 gp
Lvl 23 17,000/106,250 gp
Alchemical Item
Property: Contact
target takes a 5 penalty to attack rolls and a -5 penalty
to all defenses (save ends both).
Hundred Hammers
(Distilled Large Centipede Blood Chilopoda Family)
Level: 10
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
This odorless, crimson liquid with green flecks makes
its victims sluggish. Ironically, the most common
of the centipede poisons is derived from the most
common specimen, but it is simultaneously the most
uncharacteristic in its effect. Whereas most centipede
poisons attack the musculature, this poison impedes
the nervous system, slowing reaction times.
Humboldts Bane
(Dried Trietto Moss Seeds Moss Family)
Level: 18
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
Hundred Hammers
Lvl 10
200/1,250 gp Lvl 20
5,000/31,250 gp
Lvl 15
1,000/6,250 gp Lvl 25 25,000/156,250 gp
Alchemical Item
Property: Contact
target takes a 3 penalty to its AC and Reflex (save ends
both).
This yellowish-green powder emits a hint of spearmint

and affects the targets reaction time. This protocol
used to bear the name River of Dust. Im sure you
can guess how it came to be changed. Alas, poor
Humboldt did not live to see his name memorialized.
30
Level 10+
This odorless, crimson liquid with green flecks makes its victims
sluggish.

Hydrogen Selenide
Id Moss
(Powdered Selenium Crystals Non-Ferrous Metal Family)

Level: 18
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
These deep-red crystals dissolve instantly in liquids,
sickening any who imbibe. The crystals normally have
a potent scent of horseradish, but this is easily masked
during the crafting process, and any poisoncrafter
worth his salt will do so.
Hydrogen Selenide
Level 18+
These deep-red, odorless crystals dissolve instantly in liquids,

sickening any who imbibe.
Lvl 18
3,400/21,250 gp Lvl 28 85,000/531,250 gp
Lvl 23 17,000/106,250 gp
Alchemical Item
Property: Ingestion
target is nauseated (save ends). First Failed Save: The
target is unconscious (save ends). Aftereffect: The target
is nauseated (save ends).
I d Moss
(Powdered Sphagnum Moss Moss Family)
Level: 4
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
This fine, deep-green powder has a potent, grassy
scent and causes dizziness. It is favored by some forest
rangers, who dust otherwise edible vegetation with it
to discourage interlopers.
Level 4+
This fine, deep-green powder has a fresh, grassy scent and causes
dizziness.
Lvl 4
35/210 gp Lvl 14
Lvl 9
160/1,000 gp Lvl 19
Alchemical Item
Property: Ingestion
840/5,250 gp
4,200/26,250 gp

is dazed (save ends).
K akophage
(Fermented Shrieker Membrane Fungus Family)
Level: 10
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
This purple paste has an earthy odor and strikes its
victims deaf. I heard tale of one adventuring hero, on
the hunt to rid a town of a coven of vile harpies, who
smeared the stuff all over himself before confronting
his quarry. To my mind, that is as pure an example of
what I have often said: Poison is but a tool.
Kakophage
Level 10+
This purple paste has an earthy odor and strikes its victims deaf.
Lvl 10
200/1,250 gp Lvl 20
5,000/31,250 gp
Lvl 15
1,000/6,250 gp Lvl 25 25,000/156,250 gp
Alchemical Item
Property: Contact
target is deafened (save ends).
31
Lazyfeet
Leadblade
(Small Centipede Poison Chilopoda Family)

Level: 1
Category: Poison
Time: 30 minutes
Market Price: 50 gp
Lvl 4
35/210 gp Lvl 14
Lvl 9
160/1,000 gp Lvl 19
Alchemical Item
Property: Reflex
This blue-green paste has a sweet scent and makes the

muscles feel like lead. Ive heard more than one shady
character refer to it as getaway brew, for reasons that
are obvious. The chief advantage is that it does not
risk any adverse reaction to the victims health and, by
extension, an inadvertent escalation from simple theft
up to murder.
Lazyfeet
Level 1+
This blue-green paste has a sweet scent and makes the muscles
feel like lead.
Lvl 1
15/90 gp Lvl 11
Lvl 6
70/430 gp Lvl 16
Alchemical Item
360/2,250 gp
1,800/11,250 gp

is slowed (save ends). Aftereffect: The target is slowed
(save ends).
Leadblade
(Concentrated Beryllium Shavings Non-Ferrous Metal Family)
Level: 4
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
When rubbed on a weapon these odorless, metallicgray flakes leave a residue that impedes the targets
coordination and reaction time. The poison is favored
by the barbarian hordes, who use it as an equalizer
when confronted by a legion of highly trained sellswords and soldiers. Indeed, the name comes from a
popular refrain: Enjoy yer leadblade, dandy!
32
Level 4+
When rubbed on a weapon these odorless, metallic-gray flakes

leave a residue that impedes the targets coordination and reaction time.
840/5,250 gp
4,200/26,250 gp
Power (Consumable * Poison): +7 vs. Reflex; the target

takes ongoing 5 poison damage, loses all marks, and
cannot mark (save ends all). First Failed Save: The target
cannot mark (short rest ends).
Level 9: +12 vs. Reflex.
L ich Dust
(Acidified Lich Remains Donum Mortis Family)
Level: 15
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
These bone-white, odorless dust granules drain
their victims of all their energy. Poisons crafted from
undead remains arent any more difficult to work with
than other materials. There are some people who just
cant handle dealing with the true organs. I know one
poisoncrafter, otherwise peerless in the art, who gets
an allergic reaction to lotus pollen. For me, its undead
poison. Gives me a case of the skitters.
Lich Dust
Level 15+
These bone-white, odorless dust granules drain their victims of

all their energy.
Lvl 15
1,000/6,250 gp Lvl 25 25,000/156,250 gp
Lvl 20
5,000/31,250 gp Lvl 30 125,000/781,250 gp
Alchemical Item
Property: Ingestion; Piercing (undead)
target is exhausted (save ends). First Failed Save: The
target is exhausted (no save).
L imbweb
Lung-Famine
(Medium Spider Venom Araneida Family)

Level: 5
Category: Poison
Time: 30 minutes
(Evaporated Glenvine Oil Vine Family)

Level: 8
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
This thick, purple liquid has the scent of lilies. Unsurprisingly, it is favored by spider cultists, though its not
as though they come to me swathed in purple silks
emblazoned with large spiders. Indeed, most such
cultists manufacture their own. Still, I can always
tell. Twitchy fingers. A telltale stain of red at the lips.
Theres always something.
This odorless, faint-green mist renders the victim

unable to scream and is often a precursor to a coup de
grace. It also makes for a particularly nasty addition to
traps that might otherwise have the victim screaming
for help. The poison is inert at cool temperatures,
which makes it less useful in cooler climes but otherwise easier to transport and handle.
Limbweb
Level 5+
This thick, purple liquid has the scent of lilies and saps the
victims strength.
Lvl 5
40/250 gp Lvl 15
Lvl 10
200/1,250 gp Lvl 20
Alchemical Item
Property: Fortified.
1,000/6,250 gp
5,000/31,250 gp
Lung-Famine
Level 8+
This odorless, faint-green mist renders the victim mute.

Lvl 8
130/800 gp Lvl 18
3,400/21,250 gp
Lvl 13
680/4,250 gp Lvl 23 17,000/106,250 gp
Alchemical Item
Property: Inhalation; Safe
target takes ongoing 5 poison damage and is muted (save
ends both).
Kev Crossley

is weakened (save ends).
33
M alyss
Nightbringer
(Malyss Root Paste Arboreal Family)

Level: 10
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
This brown paste has a bitter smell and makes movement awkward. It tightens the muscles of the limbs
and jaw, stretching the mouth into a rictus grin. There
was a nasty fellow, down of Helmsport, used the
stuff on sailors in some sort of gruesome spree. They
called him The Salt Jester or some such. Myself, I
suspended production during that time.
Malyss
Lvl 14
840/5,250 gp Lvl 24 21,000/131,250 gp
Lvl 19
4,200/26,250 gp Lvl 29 105,000/656,250 gp
Alchemical Item
Level 10+
This brown paste has a bitter smell and makes movement

awkward.
Lvl 10
200/1,250 gp Lvl 20
5,000/31,250 gp
Lvl 15
1,000/6,250 gp Lvl 25 25,000/156,250 gp
Alchemical Item
Property: Contact; Stable
target takes ongoing 5 poison damage and is slowed (save
ends both).
34
Level 14+
These odorless, gray granules combine with water to form a paste

that renders the victim blind.

target takes ongoing 5 poison damage, is blinded (save
ends both), and loses low-light vision and darkvision (no
save).
N itharit
(Dehydrated Nitharit Moss Moss Family)
Level: 11
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
This fine, reddish-brown powder has a pungent odor
of vinegar. It burns the skin on contact, growing
progressively hotter. The reaction in the victim is not
unlike a splash of acid without disfigurement beyond
a deep flush.
Nitharit
Level 11+
N ightbringer
This fine, reddish-brown powder burns the skin on contact,

growing progressively hotter.
(Macerated Grimlock Spleen No Family)

Level: 14
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
Lvl 11
360/2,250 gp Lvl 21
9,000/56,250 gp
Lvl 16
1,800/11,250 gp Lvl 26 45,000/281,250 gp
Alchemical Item
These odorless, gray granules combine with water to

form a paste that renders the victim blindparticularly in darkened conditions. The grimlocks brew
this poison from their dead as a way to honor them,
protecting the tribe even in death.

target takes 1 point of ongoing poison damage (save
ends). First Failed Save: The target takes ongoing 5
poison damage, falls prone, and cannot stand up (save
ends all). Aftereffect: The target takes ongoing 10 poison
damage (save ends).
Oil of Snowflower
Oil of Taggit
(Steeped Snowflower Root Hedge Root Family)

Level: 13
Category: Poison
Time: 2 hours
Lvl 8
100/640 gp Lvl 18
Lvl 13
540/3,300 gp Lvl 23
Alchemical Item
Property: Cheap; Ingestion
This white, oily liquid smells of burnt butter and is

the bane of fire mages. I have a superlative source for
snowflower, but he does not ship. Once a year, before
the pass freezes over, I trek to the Outer Reaches and
procure a years worth. As a bonus, the blossoms,
though not useful in the craft of poison, fetch decent
coin from the bloomshops, effectively doubling my
profit.
Oil of Snowflower
Level 8+
This gray, odorless oil knocks the victim unconscious, but its not
always effective.
Level 13+
This white, oily liquid smells of burnt butter and is the bane of
fire mages.
Lvl 13
680/4,250 gp Lvl 23 17,000/106,250 gp
Lvl 18
3,400/21,250 gp Lvl 28 85,000/531,250 gp
Alchemical Item
Power (Consumable * Cold, Poison): +16 vs. Fortitude; the
target takes 4d6 poison and cold damage and cannot use
powers with the fire keyword (save ends).
Oil of Taggit
(Steeped Taggit Root Hedge Root Family)
Level: 8
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
This gray, odorless oil is often referred to as the
misers poison. Unreliably effective.
2,720/17,000 gp
13,600/85,000 gp

poison has no initial effect, and the target makes a saving
throw. First Failed Save: No effect; the target makes a
saving throw. Second Failed Save: The target is knocked
unconscious (save ends).
Phantom Feather
(Roasted Owlbear Pancreas Bestial Family)
Level: 5
Category: Poison
Time: 30 minutes
This brown, granulated powder has the odor of wet
fur and weakens the victims defenses. A small credit,
to be sure, but the trade name was my own creation.
Generally, I leave the nomenclature to others and
focus on the craft itself, but I happened to say the
name in passing, and it happened to stick.
Phantom Feather
Level 5+
This brown, granulated powder has the odor of wet fur and
weakens the victims defenses.
Lvl 5
40/250 gp Lvl 15
Lvl 10
200/1,250 gp Lvl 20
Alchemical Item
1,000/6,250 gp
5,000/31,250 gp

takes a 3 penalty to its AC (save ends). Aftereffect: The
target takes a 3 penalty to its AC (save ends).
35
Plunging Spirit
Pseudodeath
(Desiccated Hippogriff Feather Bestial Family)

Level: 11
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
Lvl 20
5,000/31,250 gp Lvl 30 125,000/781,250 gp
Lvl 25 25,000/156,250 gp
Alchemical Item
This white, odorless paste weakens the victims fortitude, making him more susceptible to subsequent
attacks. Highly skilled assassins occasionally combine
this poison with another, more potent poison to create
a supremely lethal compound poison. I once saw an
archer who had crafted an arrow specifically for the
trick. It featured a ceramic tip that housed the two
poisons in separate chambers, exposing the target to
both only at the moment of impact.
Plunging Spirit
Level 11+
This white, odorless paste weakens the victims fortitude, making

him more susceptible to subsequent attacks.
Lvl 11
360/2,250 gp Lvl 21
9,000/56,250 gp
Lvl 16
1,800/11,250 gp Lvl 26 45,000/281,250 gp
Alchemical Item
Property: Fortified
target takes ongoing 10 poison damage and a 6 penalty
to his Fortitude defense (save ends both).

target is dazed (save ends). First Failed Save: The target
is unconscious for 1 day or until subject to an attack or
violent motion. Aftereffect: The target is dazed (save
ends).
Quickbiter
(Sassone Leaf Residue Arboreal Family)
Level: 12
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
This yellow powder with flecks of green crystal is
virtually painless but highly lethal. This is one of the
truly elegant poisons. Preparing the base requires as
much skill as refining the core materials, and uses 23
separate ingredients.
Quickbiter
This yellow powder with flecks of green crystal is virtually painless but highly lethal.
Pseudodeath
(Curdled Pseudodragon Blood Draconic Family)
Level: 20
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
This thick, odorless, red fluid has a faint bitter smell
and sends the victim into a deep slumber. Heres a
perfect example of what I referred to earlier. I originally called this Dragon Juice. I know. Needless to
say, the name did not stick.
36
Level 20+
This thick, odorless, red fluid has a faint bitter smell and sends
the victim into a deep slumber.
Level 12+
Lvl 12
520/3,250 gp Lvl 22 13,000/81,250 gp
Lvl 17
2,600/16,250 gp Lvl 27 65,000/406,250 gp
Alchemical Item
Property: Contact; Stable
target takes 2d6 poison damage and loses 2 healing
surges.
Quod
Ravage Moss
(Refined Spider-Eater Stinger Hymenoptera Family)

Level: 18
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
Level 20+
This deep-green paste smells of dung and breaks down the

victims resistances.
Lvl 20
5,000/31,250 gp Lvl 30 125,000/781,250 gp
Lvl 25 25,000/156,250 gp
Alchemical Item
target takes ongoing 10 poison damage (save ends). First
Failed Save: The target loses all resistances (save ends).
This thick, brown paste smells of roasted peanuts

and paralyzes its victim. This protocol is for the base
poison. There is a more advanced version that uses
spider-eater eggs as an additive, which further fortifies
the poison, making it harder to shake off the effects.
Quod
Level 18+
This thick, brown paste smells of roasted peanuts and paralyzes

its victim.
Lvl 18
3,400/21,250 gp Lvl 28 85,000/531,250 gp
Lvl 23 17,000/106,250 gp
Alchemical Item
Property: Quick
target takes ongoing 10 poison damage and is dazed
(save ends both). First Failed Save: The target is stunned
instead of dazed (save ends). Second Failed Save: The
target is helpless (save ends).
R avage Moss
(Ground Rebaggio Moss Moss Family)
Level: 20
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
R edflag
(Processed Tiefling Kidney No Family)
Level: 2
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
This brownish-red paste attacks the victims airway.
While others see no dilemma, I have made a personal
choice not to craft any poisons comprised of source
material from the lifted races. This is one such
poison.
Redflag
Level 2+
This brownish-red paste attacks the victims airway.

Lvl 2
20/130 gp Lvl 12
Lvl 7
100/650 gp Lvl 17
Alchemical Item
Property: Multistage
520/3,250 gp
2,600/16,250 gp

takes ongoing 5 poison damage and is slowed (save ends
each).
This deep-green paste has the intense scent of dung.

It breaks down the victims resistances, making it
susceptible to subsequent attacks. The rebaggio moss
often grows in the presence of silk truffles. So, as you
can imagine, I occasionally deign to gather the raw
materials myself.
37
R etch
Robietto
Level 19+
This pale pink, very fine powder impedes the targets memory.
(Aged Troglodyte Glands No Family)

Level: 7
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
Lvl 19
4,200/26,250 gp Lvl 29
Lvl 24 21,000/131,250 gp
Alchemical Item
Property: Inhalation; Will
105,000/656,250 gp
Power (Consumable * Poison): +22 vs. Will; the target

cannot use encounter or daily powers (save ends). Aftereffect: The target cannot use daily powers (save ends).
This dull-green slime transfers its foul smell to the

victim. Troglodytes add this poison to their traps,
ensuring their ability to sense intruders. I can never
spell this one correctly; Im always adding a W to
the front. Perfectly reasonable, but wrong nonetheless.
Retch
Level 7+
This dull-green slime transfers its foul smell to the victim.

Lvl 7
100/625 gp Lvl 17
Lvl 12
520/3,250 gp Lvl 22
Alchemical Item
Property: Obvious
2,600/16,250 gp
13,000/81,250 gp

target emits a powerful odor and suffers a 5 penalty to
Stealth checks (save ends). First Failed Save: The target is
nauseated (save ends).
Rustleaf
(Brewed Chalissanium Leaves Arboreal Family)
Level: 4
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
This chunky orange paste saps the energy from fey
creatures. This protocol is a recent development,
crafted to deal with a particular infestation of fairies
in the villages abutting Halmsleys Woods. In fact, I
believe it was developed not by any poisoncrafter of
name, but by a simple farmer.
Rustleaf
Robietto
This chunky, orange paste saps the energy from fey creatures.
(Dried Robietto Moss Moss Family)

Level: 19
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour

takes ongoing 5 poison damage and is weakened (save
ends both).
Lvl 4
35/210 gp Lvl 14
840/5,250 gp
Lvl 9
160/1,000 gp Lvl 19
4,200/26,250 gp
Alchemical Item
Property: Fortified; Stable; this poison only affects fey
creatures.
This pale pink, very fine powder impedes the targets

memory. In the modern tongue, robietto translates
loosely to daydream. So you can see why no one has
bothered to come up with a new name. The poison
is favored by the thieves guilds of the coastal regions,
where the moss grows abundantly on and about the
ocean outcroppings.
38
Level 4+

Shadow Essence
(Polarized Shadow Residue Donum Mortis Family)
Level: 12
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
This black, odorless powder saps the strength from
its victims and sends a chill to their core. Gathering
shadow residue is either trivially easy or essentially
impossible depending on whether or not you have
the appropriate tool for the job: a small square of
cloth, sealed with wax on one side and coated in an
alchemical adhesive on the other. Then, the cloth is
burned, the resulting ash mixed with pure alcohol and
burned away, leaving pure residue for the rest of the
application.
Shadow Essence
Level 12+
This black, odorless powder saps the strength from its victim and
sends a chill to their core.
Lvl 12
520/3,250 gp Lvl 22 13,000/81,250 gp
Lvl 17
2,600/6,250 gp Lvl 27 65,000/406,250 gp
Alchemical Item
Property: Piercing (undead)
target is exhausted (save ends). Aftereffect: The target is
weakened (extended rest ends).
Shimmer
(Ground Ethereal Filcher Brain No Family)
Level: 21
Category: Poison
Time: 3 hours
class of poisons, of which this is one, that operate on a

pseudo-magical level. They arent of coursemagical,
that isno more than clearwater solution or lockbust
chalk. It only means we havent yet identified the
alchemical processes at work, though thats not for
lack of hypothesizing.
Shimmer
Level 21+
This fine, light-brown powder smells of bread and turns the

victim into a paralyzed ghost-form.
Lvl 21
9,000/56,250 gp Lvl 26 45,000/281,250 gp
Alchemical Item
target is immobilized, insubstantial, and cannot make
attacks (save ends all).
Stingfire
(Dehydrated Giant Wasp Poison Hymenoptera Family)
Level: 11
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
This sticky orange powder has an overwhelming citrus
smell and bonds the victim to the point where he
stands. Some poisons are clearly suited for use with
weapon-based attacks; others for traps in situ. This is
one of the few poisons equally suited for both applications.
Stingfire
Level 11+
This sticky orange powder has an overwhelming citrus smell and

anchors the victim in place.
Lvl 11
360/2,250 gp Lvl 21
9,000/56,250 gp
Lvl 16
1,800/11,250 gp Lvl 26 45,000/281,250 gp
Alchemical Item
Property: Quick
target takes ongoing 10 poison damage and is restrained
(save ends both).
This fine, light-brown powder has the barest smell of

freshly baked bread. It leaves the victim like some sort
of ephemeral spirit anchored in place. There is a small

39
Striped Toadstool
Terror-Root
Level 14+
This violet poison makes it difficult for the victim to act swiftly.
(Concentrated Toadstool Puree Fungus Family)

Level: 2
Category: Poison
Time: 30 minutes
Lvl 14
840/5,250 gp Lvl 24 21,000/131,250 gp
Lvl 19
4,200/26,250 gp Lvl 29 105,000/656,250 gp
Alchemical Item
Property: Contact; Multistage
target takes ongoing 10 poison damage and loses 1 move
action per turn (save ends each).
This brown paste has an earthy smell and disorients

its victim. Like many poisons in the fungus family,
this one requires little refining beyond achieving the
correct consistency and adding appropriate reagents
to guard against loss of toxicity and potency. Among
the simplest of poisons to craft, this is the protocol I
routinely give to apprentices as a first test of aptitude.
Striped Toadstool
Level 2+
This brown paste has an earthy smell and disorients its victim.
Lvl 2
20/130 gp Lvl 12
Lvl 7
100/625 gp Lvl 17
Alchemical Item
Property: Ingestion
520/3,250 gp
2,600/16,250 gp

loses 1 move action per turn (save ends). First Failed
Save: The target is dazed instead (save ends).

Thumper
(Ground Stirge Pancreas Bestial Family)
Level: 7
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
This scarlet-colored liquid smells of overripe melon
and leaves the target dizzy. The sensation has been
described as a bad hangoverthough certainly much
more lethal.

Thumper
This scarlet-colored liquid smells of overripe melon and leaves the

target dizzy.
Terror-Root
(Boiled Terinav Root Hedge Root Family)
Level: 14
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
Lvl 7
100/650 gp Lvl 17
2,600/16,250 gp
Lvl 12
520/3,250 gp Lvl 22 13,000/81,250 gp
Alchemical Item
Property: The target takes a 5 penalty to saving throws
against this poison.
target takes ongoing 5 poison damage and is dazed
(healing surge or save ends).
This violet poison comes in small bricks, usually

wrapped in parchment. It disrupts the signals from
the brain to the lower musculature. The poison represents a recent development in the craft: the ability to
target specific muscles or muscle groups. Presently, I
am working on a new protocol that paralyzes only the
muscles of the hands.
40
Level 7+
Timber-Bane
(Pulverized Avaranc Fangs Bestial Family)
Level: 12
Category: Poison
Time: 2 hours
This white paste smells of chlorine, burning the
nose and ravaging the victim over several anatomical
points. Of the poisons that can be crafted from the
avaranc, this is the easier and less feared of the two
though it seems absurd to phrase it thusly.
Timber-Bane
Level 12+
This white paste smells of chlorine and ravages the victims body
on several fronts.
Lvl 12
520/3,250 gp Lvl 22 13,000/81,250 gp
Lvl 17
2,600/16,250 gp Lvl 27 65,000/406,250 gp
Alchemical Item
target loses 2 healing surges (save ends). First Failed
Save: The target loses 3 healing surges instead (save
ends). Second Failed Save: The target also takes ongoing
10 poison damage (save ends both).
Truffle Dirge
(Reduced Blue Truffle Oil Fungus Family)
Level: 9
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
Truffle Dirge
Level 9+
This light blue fluid has the consistency of honey and the scent of
earth. It attacks the victims fortitude.
Lvl 9
160/1,000 gp Lvl 19 4,200/ 26,250 gp
Lvl 14
840/5,250 gp Lvl 24 21,000/131,250 gp
Alchemical Item
Property: Ingestion; racial bonuses and abilities, such as the
dwarf s cast-iron stomach trait, are ineffective against this
poison.
target takes ongoing 5 poison damage and takes a 3
penalty to its Fortitude defense (save ends both).
Tyler Walpole
This light blue fluid has the consistency of honey and

an earthy smell. Ive heard some chemists from the
southern lands refer to it as the blind mans poison
for its ability to affect all races with equal vigor. It
attacks the victims fortitude.
41
Ungol Dust
Violet Spinebreaker
(Alkalized Ungol Crystals Mineral Family)

Level: 9
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
This black crystalline powder induces the victim to
hear loud, angry voices and wailing shrieks. Ungol has
been used for years in various industrial applications
a curative for high-end fabrics, for examplebut this
poison is a relatively new function.
Ungol Dust
Lvl 20
5,000/31,250 gp Lvl 30 125,000/781,250 gp
Lvl 25 25,000/156,250 gp
Alchemical Item
Property: Robust
target takes ongoing 10 poison damage and is exhausted
(save ends both).
Level 9+
This black crystalline powder induces the victim to hear loud,

angry voices and wailing shrieks.
Lvl 9
128/800 gp Lvl 19
3,360/21,000 gp
Lvl 14
672/4,200 gp Lvl 24 16,800/105,000 gp
Alchemical Item
Property: Cheap
target is dazed (save ends).
Violet Spinebreaker
(Pressed Purple Worm Glands Lumbricida Family)
Level: 20
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
This violet-colored liquid smells like orchids and
renders the limbs heavy and lifeless. Despite the
poisons extreme lethality, the victim feels little
discomfort, just a slight tightening of the chest and
some labored breathing.
42
Level 20+
This violet-colored liquid smells like orchids and renders the limbs
heavy and lifeless.
Vipers K iss
(Kippered Gray Viper Muscle Serpente Family)
Level: 8
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
These pink threads smell gamey. They cramp the legs
and toes of the victim. The poison gets its name from
the long-term side effect: it turns the victims lips pale
green. Interestingly, though effective, this poison is
known as something of a ladys poisonprincipally
due to the name I expect.
Vipers Kiss
Level 8+
These pink threads have a gamey smell and slow the victim.
Lvl 8
130/800 gp Lvl 18
3,400/21,250 gp
Lvl 13
680/4,250 gp Lvl 23 17,000/106,250 gp
Alchemical Item
Property: Ingestion
target is slowed (save ends). First Failed Save: The target
is slowed (no save).
Voidbreath
Wasting Dunes
Level 23+
This thin red liquid has the faint odor of cinnamon; it weakens
the victim.
(Ossified Avaranc Glands Bestial Family)

Level: 30
Category: Poison
Time: 6 hours
Lvl 23 17,000/106,250 gp Lvl 28 85,000/531,250 gp

Alchemical Item
Property: Contact
target takes ongoing 15 poison damage (save ends) and is
weakened (no save).
When placed in water, these green pellets release

odorless, light green vapors which shut down the
victims senses entirely. The poison derives its name
from the forced exhalation that results from exposure,
akin to a heaving sigh. Ive only ever attempted to craft
this poison once. Never again.
Voidbreath
Level 30
When placed in water, these green pellets release odorless, lightgreen vapors, which shut down the victims senses entirely.
Lvl 30 125,000/781,250 gp
Alchemical Item
is blinded, deafened, and muted (no save). Aftereffect:
The target takes ongoing 10 poison damage (save ends).
Second Aftereffect: The target takes ongoing 5 poison
damage (save ends).
Wasting Dunes
(Filtered Jester Scorpion Ichor Scorpionida Family)
Level: 23
Category: Poison
Time: 2 hours
This thin red liquid has the faint odor of cinnamon;
it weakens the victim. Ive only encountered this
poison oncea crafter from among desert nomads of
the south came to procure raw materials. I bumped
into him as we were reaching for the same vial of talc
suspension, and we ended up sharing trade secrets
all night over a bottle of brandy. Having drinks with a
known poisoncrafter is the very definition of ambivalence.
Waxfruit Whiskey
(Steeped Waxfruit Seeds Arboreal Family)
Level: 9
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
This light brown juice has black sediment and renders
victims weak from shortened breath. There is an old
wives tale that the seeds of the waxfruit are poisonous.
They are, of course, but not without substantial refinement. Watching someone hurriedly spit out a seed as
they enjoy the fruit is always worth a chuckle.
Waxfruit Whiskey
Level 9+
This light brown juice has black sediment and renders victim
weak from shortened breath.
Lvl 9
160/1,000 gp Lvl 19
4,200/26,250 gp
Lvl 14
840/5,250 gp Lvl 24 21,000/131,250 gp
Alchemical Item
Property: Ingestion; Stable
target is slowed (save ends). First Failed Save: The target
is exhausted instead (save ends).
43
Winghammer
Wisp of Pallstone
(Concentrated Black Dragon Bile Draconic Family)

Level: 25
Category: Poison
Time: 3 hours
This oily black liquid smells of tar and attacks the
victims mind, rendering them unable to make decisions or take action. I confess, this is one poison whose
mechanism Ive never fully grasped. It is a highly
surprising intersection of source material and effect.
Winghammer
Level 25+
This oily black liquid smells of tar and attacks the victims mind,
rendering them unable to make decisions or take action.
Lvl 25 25,000/156,250 gp
Alchemical Item
Property: Contact
target takes ongoing 15 poison damage and can take no
actions (save ends both).
Wisp of Pallstone
(Refined Pallstone Crystals Mineral Family)
Level: 6
Category: Poison
Time: 2 hours
These silver, crystalline flakes emit odorless fumes
and prevent druids from taking wild shapes. Why
anyone would want to specifically target a druid is
beyond me. But, then, Ive always lived in the city.
Lvl 6
70/450 gp Lvl 16
Lvl 11
360/2,250 gp Lvl 22
Alchemical Item
Property: Robust
1,800/11,250 gp
13,000/81,250 gp

is unable to use the wild shape power (save ends). A target
affected by this poison while in beast form immediately
reverts to their humanoid form.
Woodcutter
(Brewed Treant Bark Arboreal Family)
Level: 17
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
This thick brown paste disrupts brain function,
rendering the target blind and giving him a debilitating headache. Ironically, the poison is used most
often by the barbarian hordes and the dwarven
legions, both of whom apply it liberally to their
weapons made of stone, not wood.
Woodcutter
Level 17+
This thick brown paste disrupts brain function, rendering the

target blind and giving him a debilitating headache.
Lvl 17
2,600/16,250 gp Lvl 24 21,000/131,250 gp
Alchemical Item
Property: Stable; this poison is inert when applied to a
metal weapon.
target takes ongoing 10 poison damage and is blinded
(save ends both).
44
Level 6+
These silver, crystalline flakes emit odorless fumes and prevent

druids from taking wild shapes.
Yellowbolt
(Liquefied Dire Yellowjacket Eggs Hymenoptera Family)
Level: 9
Category: Poison
Time: 1 hour
This thin, golden-colored, black-flecked liquid elicits
intense muscle spasms in the victim. This is the
poison I make most frequently. Good demand, nice
price, readily available source material (at least where
I am). I even had a custom tool crafted to further
streamline the process and increase my profit.
Yellowbolt
Level 9+
This thin, golden-colored, black-flecked liquid elicits intense

muscle spasms in the victim.
Lvl 9
160/1,000 gp Lvl 19
4,200/26,250 gp
Lvl 14
840/5,250 gp Lvl 24 21,000/131,250 gp
Alchemical Item
Property: Quick
target takes ongoing 5 poison damage and a 3 penalty to
its Reflex defense (save ends both). First Failed Save: The
target falls prone and cannot stand up (save ends).
Tyler Walpole
45
Poison Description Tables

Toxicological Process
Descriptive Names
46
d%
Subject
1-3
Agility
4-6
7-9
Modifier
Animal Components
d%
Process
d%
Component
Ache
1-3
Aged
1-3
Artery
Balance
Axe
4-6
Alkalized
4-6
Bile
Brawn
Bane
7-9
Blended
7-9
Bladder
10-12
Charm
Blade
10-12
Boiled
10-12
Blood
13-15
Courage
Blight
13-15
Brewed
13-15
Bone
16-18
Ego
Clash
16-18
Brined
16-18
Brain
19-21
Energy
Club
19-21
Burnt
19-21
Cartilage
22-24
Focus
Curse
22-24
Calcified
22-24
Diaphragm
25-27
Force
Death
25-27
Charred
25-27
Dung
28-30
Grip
Demise
28-30
Concentrated
28-30
Eye
31-33
Heart
Doom
31-33
Condensed
31-33
Flesh
34-36
Insight
Fiend
34-36
Curdled
34-36
Gizzard
37-39
Intellect
Filth
37-39
Dehydrated
37-39
Gland
40-42
Judgment
Foe
40-42
Desiccated
40-42
Hair
43-45
Logic
Gloom
43-45
Distilled
43-45
Heart
46-48
Lust
Grief
46-48
Dried
46-48
Hormone
49-51
Mind
Grime
49-51
Evaporated
49-51
Horn
52-54
Muscle
Hammer
52-54
Fermented
52-54
Intestine
55-57
Nerve
Havoc
55-57
Filtered
55-57
Kidney
58-60
Nimble
Jolt
58-60
Ground
58-60
Larynx
61-63
Perception
Mace
61-63
Liquefied
61-63
Liver
64-66
Persona
Misery
64-66
Ossified
64-66
Lung
67-69
Psyche
Night
67-69
Oxygenated
67-69
Mucus
70-72
Pulse
Pang
70-72
Polarized
70-72
Oil
73-75
Rhythm
Ravager
73-75
Powdered
73-75
Saliva
76-78
Self
Shade
76-78
Processed
76-78
Spleen
79-81
Sense
Shadow
79-81
Reduced
79-81
Talon
82-84
Sight
Sorrow
82-84
Refined
82-84
Tendon
85-87
Sinew
Sting
85-87
Roasted
85-87
Thorax
88-90
Talent
Strike
88-90
Solidified
88-90
Tongue
91-93
Thought
Whip
91-93
Solublized
91-93
Tooth
94-96
Touch
Wither
94-96
Steeped
94-96
Urine
97-00
Vigor
Wound
97-00
Sublimated
97-00
Wax
Plant Components
2d8
Component
Color
d10
Quality
d4
Aroma
Red
burgundy, cherry, crimson, scarlet
Berry
Orange
amber, coral, pumpkin, tangerine
Blossom
Yellow
blond, lemon, mustard, ochre
Extract
Green
chartreuse, emerald, jade, viridian
Fibers
Blue
azure, cobalt, cerulean, indigo
Juice
Purple
amethyst, heliotrope, lavender, violet
Leaf
White
cream, eggshell, ivory, pure
Nut
Black
ash, charcoal, obsidian, onyx
10
Oil
Metallic
bronze, copper, gold, silver
11
Pistil
10
Other
mottled, pale, speckled, translucent
12
Root
13
Scum
14
Seed
15
Stamen
16
Thorn
Mineral Components
2d8
Component
Odor
d4
Quality
d4
Sweet
ambrosial, flowery, fruity, cloying
Bitter
acrid, fetid, musty, pungent
Evocative
brandy, citrus, mint, vanilla
Odorless
N/A
Form
Alloy
Ash
Crystals
Dust
Filaments
Fumes
Structure
crystals, filaments, flakes, lumps
Grains
Container
colored glass, leather pouch,

metal flask, parchment wrapping
Ocher
Particles
11
Paste
12
Precipitate
13
Residue
14
Salts
15
Silicate
16
Solvent
Quality
d4
Solid
brittle, creamy, hard, powdery
Liquid
oily, slimy, syrupy, thin
Gas
fumes, mist, smoke, vapors
Temperature
chilled, gelid, scalding, warm
Theme
d4
Quality
d4
Famous
assassination, creator, namesake, practitioner
Use
evil, good, hunting, regional
Cult
druidic, snake, spider, worm
God
alchemy, assassins, death, nature
Jennifer Rodgers
9
10
d6
47

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What are some of the components and processes mentioned for creating poisons?

What are some of the components and processes mentioned for creating poisons?

What Is a Hard

Poisoncraft: The Dark Art was one of the best-reviewed third-party

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Poisoncraft: Codex Venenorum

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS 4th Edition PLAYERS

The Craft of Poison

The Role of Poison

The latest edition of Dungeons and Dragons offers a

In Fourth Edition, poison serves four fundamental

Poisoncraft Codex Venenorum

The Language of Poison

Poisoncraft Codex Venenorum

Element: Each discrete component of a poisons

Injury: A method of delivery resulting in exposure

Protocol: The formula by which a poisoncrafter

Poisoncraft Codex Venenorum

Poisoncrafter (Heroic Tier)

Poisoncraft Codex Venenorum

must have the necessary ingredients on hand for the

tive for the latter. The scores for enhancements and

Select the Poison s Level

The poisons level, together with the poison family,

Select the Poison s Family

Poisoncraft Codex Venenorum

For game purposes, poison families can be used in

Poisoncraft Codex Venenorum

This family includes all toxins created from the exotic

Poisons from this family are brewed from the

This family includes poisons brewed from typical

This family includes poisons brewed from typical

Poisoncraft Codex Venenorum

Select the Attack Bonus

Select the Elements

Poisoncraft Codex Venenorum

Impairment: Select only one damage element

Baseline: The poison is an injury poison with no

Impairment: Weaken the poison by selecting one of

Poisoncraft Codex Venenorum

Poisoncraft Codex Venenorum

The Optimization Fixation

Determine Cost and Price

Protocol Cost (in gp)

Component Cost (in gp)

Poisoncraft Codex Venenorum

Describe the Poison

Poisoncraft Codex Venenorum

To generate a toxicological name, add a process and

The following skill description applies to each

Harvesting Raw Materials: 5 minutes. You may

You should note that extensive use of this rule

Poisoncraft Codex Venenorum

Poisoncraft Codex Venenorum

poison is always expended when a target is exposed

Crafting poison is only half of the equation. How do

Poisoncraft Codex Venenorum