Potions (III.A)

Potions are typically found in ceramic, crystal, glass, or metal flasks in enough quantity to provide one person with one complete dose so as to be able to achieve the effects which are given hereafter for each type of potion. Potion containers can be other than as described at your option.

As a general rule, they should bear no identifying marks, so that the players must sample from each container in order to determine the nature of the liquid. However, even a small taste should suffice to identify a potion in some way - even if just a slight urge. As Dungeon Master you should add a few different sorts of potions, both helpful and harmful, of such nature as to cause difficulties in identification. In addition, the same type of potion, when derived from different sources, might smell, taste, and look differently.

While potions can be compounded by magic-user/alchemist teams at a relatively low cost, they must have an actual potion to obtain the formula for each type. Furthermore, the ingredients are always rare and/or hard to come by. This aspect of potions, as well as the formulation of new ones by players, is detailed in the appropriate subsection of the Magical Research rules.

Drinking Potions

It takes but a segment (6 seconds) to open and consume the typical potion.

Thereafter, however, a certain delay will occur while the contents are ingested and the magical properties of the potion take effect. The delay will be from 2-5 segments as a rule. When a potion is imbibed, simply roll d4, add +1 to the result, and in that number of segments the effects of the dose will take full effect. You may establish specific times for various potions if you so desire, but this is a complication which is not generally recommended.

Duration: Unless otherwise stated, the effects of a potion will last for 4 complete turns plus 1-4 additional turns (d4). If half of a potion is quaffed, the effects will last one-half as long in some cases.

Applying Oils

Magic oils, not being consumed, are treated differently. The contents are poured over hands and body and smeared appropriately. This will require normal opening time and decanting, i.e., 1 segment.

Spreading the oil will require 2-5 segments also, just as detailed for potions to take effect.

Potion Miscibility

The magical mixtures and compounds which comprise potions are not always compatible. You must test the miscibility of potions whenever:

two potions are actually intermingled, or
a potion is consumed by a creature while another such liquid already consumed is still in effect.

While it is possible to prepare a matrix which lists each potion type and cross references each to show a certain result when one is intermingled with the other, such a graph has two drawbacks.

First, it does not allow for differences in formulae from alchemist and/or magic-user. Second, it will require continual addition as new potion types are added to the campaign. Therefore, it is suggested that the following table be used - with, perhaps, the decision that a delusion potion will mix with anything, that oil of slipperiness taken with oil of etherealness will always increase the chance for the imbiber to be lost in the Ethereal Plane for 5-30 days to 50%, and treasure finding mixed with any other type of potion will always yield a lethal poison.

Whatever certain results you settle upon for your campaign, the random results from the table apply to all other cases.

Roll for miscibility secretly whenever it occurs. Give no uncalled-for clues until necessary.

Animal Control

This potion enables the imbiber to empathize with and control the emotions of animals of one type, i.e. cats, dogs, horses, etc. The number of animals so controlled depends upon size: 5-20 animals of the size of giant rats, 3-12 animals of about man-size, or 1-4 animals of about ½ ton or more in weight. The sort of animal which can be controlled depends upon the particular potion as indicated by die roll (d20):

Animals with Intelligence of 5 (low intelligence) or better are entitled to a saving throw versus magic. Control is limited to emotions or drives unless some form of communication is possible. Note that many monsters cannot be controlled by the use of this potion, nor can humans, demi-humans, or humanoids. (cf. Ring of Mammal Control.)

Clairaudience

This potion empowers the creature drinking it to hear as the third level magic-user spell of the same name (q.v.). It can be used, however, to clairaudit unknown areas within 3”. Its effects last for 2 turns only.

Clairvoyance

This potion empowers the individual to see as the third level magic-user spell, clairvoyance (q.v.). It differs from the spell in that unknown areas up to 3” distant can be seen. Its effects last for 1 turn only.

Climbing

Imbibing this potion enables the individual to climb up or down vertical surfaces, with only a base 1% chance of falling. (Check at the halfway point, d%, “01” equals a fall.) A climbing potion is effective for 1 turn plus 5 to 20 rounds. For every 1,000 g.p. weight equivalent carried by the character, there is an additional 1% added to chance of slipping. If the climber wears armor, there are the following additions to the slipping/falling chance:

Delusion

This potion affects the mind of the character so that he or she believes the liquid is some other potion (healing, for example, is a good choice - damage is “restored” by drinking it, and only death or rest after an adventure will reveal that the potion only caused the imbiber to believe that he or she was aided). If several individuals taste this potion, it is still 90% probable that they will all agree it is the same potion (or whatever type the DM announces or hints at).

Diminution

When this potion is quaffed, the individual, and all he or she carries and wears, will diminish in size to as small as 5% of normal size. If half of the contents are swallowed, the person shrinks to 50% of normal size. The effects of this potion last for 6 turns plus 2-5 turns (d4+1).

Dragon Control

This potion enables the individual drinking it to cast what is in effect a charm monster spell upon any dragon within 6”. The dragon is entitled to a saving throw versus magic, but it is made at -2 on the die. Control lasts for from 5-20 (5d4) rounds. There are various sorts of dragon control potions, as shown below (d20):

ESP

The ESP potion bestows on ability which is the same as the second level magic-user spell of the same name (q.v.), except that its effects last for 5-40 (5d8) rounds, i.e. 5 to 40 minutes.

Extra-Healing

This potion restores 6-27 (3d8+3) hit points of damage when wholly consumed, or 1-8 hit points of damage for each one-third potion.

Fire Resistance

This potion bestows magical invulnerability to all forms of normal fire (such as bonfires, burning oil, or even huge pyres of flaming wood) upon the person drinking it. It furthermore gives resistance to such fires as generated by molten lava, a wall of fire, a fireball, fiery dragon breath and similar intense flame/heat. All damage from such fires is reduced by -2 from each die of damage, and if a saving throw is applicable, it is made at +4. Note: If but one-half of the potion is consumed it confers invulnerability to normal fires and half the benefits noted above (-1, +2). The potion lasts 1 turn, or 5 rounds for half doses.

Flying

A flying potion enables the individual drinking it to fly in the some manner as the third level magic-user spell, fly (q.v.).

Gaseous Form

By imbibing this magical liquid, the individual causes his or her body, as well as what it carries and wears, to become gaseous in form and able to flow accordingly at a base speed of 3”/round. (A gust of wind spell, or even normal strong air currents, will blow the gaseous form backwards at air speed.) The gaseous form is transparent and insubstantial. It wavers and shifts. It cannot be harmed except by magical fires or lightnings, in which case damage is normal. A whirlwind will inflict double damage upon any creature in gaseous form. When in such condition, the individual is able to enter any space which is not airtight, i.e., a small crack or hole, which allows air to penetrate, also allows entry by a creature in gaseous form. The entire potion must be consumed to achieve this result, and the effects last the entire duration.

Giant Control

A full potion of this draught must be drunk in order to make its effects be felt. It will influence 1 or 2 giants as if a charm monster spell were affecting them. If only 1 giant is so influenced, it is entitled to a saving throw versus magic at -4 on the die roll; if 2 are influenced, the die rolls are at +2. Control lasts for only 5-30 (5d6) rounds. The type of giant subject to a particular potion is randomly determined as follows:

Giant Strength

When a giant strength potion is consumed, the individual gains great strength and bonuses to damage when he or she scores a hit with any hand-held or thrown weapon. It is also possible for the person to hurl rocks as shown on the table below. Note that the type of giant strength gained by drinking the potion is randomly determined on the some table:

Compare these abilities to the character Strength ability and to the girdle of giant strength. The potion can be used only by fighters. Note this does not give the same powers as a girdle.

Growth

This potion causes the person consuming it to enlarge in both height and weight, his or her garments and other worn and carried gear likewise growing in size. Strength is increased sufficiently to allow bearing normal armor and weapons, but does not add to combat. Movement increases to that of a giant of approximately equal size. Each quarter of the potion consumed causes 6 ft. height growth, i.e. a full potion increases height by 24 ft.

Healing

An entire potion must be consumed in a single drinking (round) in order for this liquor to restore 4-10 (2d4+2) hit points of damage. (Cf. extra-healing.)

Heroism

This potion gives the imbiber a temporary increase in life energy levels if he or she has fewer than 10 levels of experience. This is shown below:

When the potion is quaffed, the individual fights as if he or she were at the experience level bestowed by the magic of the elixir. Damage sustained is taken first from magically gained hit dice and bonus points. This potion is restricted to use by men-at-arms and fighters.

Human Control

A potion of human control allows the imbiber to control up to 32 levels/hit dice of humans/humanoids/demi-humans as if a charm person spell had been cast, and the human types to be controlled are entitled to saving throws versus magic. Any pluses on hit dice are rounded down to the lowest whole die, i.e. 1+2 = 1, 2+6 = 2. This potion lasts for from 5-30 rounds. The type of human(s) which con be controlled is randomly determined on the table below:

Invisibility

When this potion is consumed it confers invisibility similar to the spell of the same name (q.v.). As actions involving combat cause termination of the non-visible state, the individual possessing the potion can quaff a single gulp—equal to ⅛ of the contents of the container—to bestow invisibility for 3-6 turns.

Invulnerability

This potion confers immunity to non-magical weapons and attacks from creatures with no magical properties or with fewer than 4 hit dice. Thus, an 8th level character without a magical weapon could not harm the imbiber of an invulnerability potion. It further improves armor class rating by 2 classes and gives a bonus of +2 to the individual on his or her saving throws versus all forms of attack. Its effects are realized only when the entire potion is consumed, and they last for 5-20 rounds. Only fighters can use this potion.

Levitation

A levitation potion enables the consumer to levitate in much the same manner as the second level magic-user spell of the same name (q.v.). The potion allows levitation of the individual only, subject to a maximum weight of 6,000 g.p. equivalent, so it is possible that the individual drinking the potion could carry another person.

Longevity

The longevity potion reduces the character’s game age by from 1-12 years when it is imbibed, but each time one is drunk there is a 1% cumulative chance that it will have the effect of reversing all age removal from previously consumed longevity potions. The potion otherwise restores youth and vigor. It is also useful to counter magical or monster-based aging attacks. The entire potion must be consumed to achieve the results.

Oil of Etherealness

This potion is actually a light oil which is applied externally to the dress and exposed flesh. It then confers etherealness. In the ethereal state, the individual can pass through solid objects - sideways, upwards, downwards - or to different planes. Naturally, the individual cannot touch non-ethereal objects. The oil takes effect 3 rounds after application and it lasts for 4+1-4 turns unless removed with a weak acidic solution prior to the expiration of its normal effective duration. It can be applied to objects as well as creatures; one potion is sufficient to anoint a normal human and such gear as he or she typically carries (two or three weapons, garments, armor, shield, and the usual miscellaneous gear carried). Ethereal individuals are invisible. (Cf. phase door spell, and The Known Planes of Existence.)

Oil of Slipperyness

Similar to the oil of etherealness described above, this liquid is to be applied externally. This application makes it impossible for the individual to be grabbed or grasped/hugged by any opponent or constricted by snakes or tentacles. (Note that a roper could still inflict weakness, but that the monster’s tentacles could not entwine the opponent coated with oil of slipperiness.) In addition, such obstructions as webs, magical or otherwise, will not affect an anointed individual; and bonds such as ropes, manacles, and chains can be slipped free. Magical ropes and the like are not effective against this oil. If poured on a floor or on steps there is a 95% chance/round that creatures standing on the surface will slip and fall. The oil lasts 8 hours to wear off normally, or it can be wiped off with an alcohol solution (such as wine).

Philter of Love

This potion is such as to cause the individual drinking it to become charmed with the first creature seen after consuming the draught, or actually become enamored and charmed if the creature is of similar race and of the opposite sex. Charming effects wear off in 4+1-4 turns, but the enamoring effects last until a dispel magic spell is cast upon the individual.

Philter of Persuasiveness

When this potion is imbibed, the individual becomes more charismatic. Thus, he or she gains a bonus of 25% on reaction dice rolls. The individual is also able to suggest (cf. the magic-user suggestion spell) once per turn to as many creatures as are within a range of 3” of him or her.

Plant Control

A plant control potion enables the individual who consumed it to influence the behavior of vegetable life forms - including normal plants, fungi, and even molds and shambling mounds - within the parameters of their normal abilities. The imbiber can cause the vegetable forms to remain still/silent, move, entwine, etc. according to their limits. Vegetable monsters with Intelligence of 5 or higher are entitled to a saving throw versus magic. Plants within a 2” x 2” square can be controlled subject to the limitations set forth above, for from 5-20 rounds. Self destructive control is not directly possible if the plants are intelligent. (Cf. charm plants spell.) Control range is 9”.

Poison

A poison potion is simply a highly toxic liquid in a potion flask. Typically, poison potions are odorless and of any color. Ingestion, introduction of the poison through a break in the skin, or possibly just skin contact, will cause death. Poison can be weak (+4 to +1 on saving throw), average, or deadly (-1 to -4 or more on the saving throw). Some poison can be such that a neutralize poison spell will simply lower the toxicity level by 40% - say from a -4 to a +4 on saving throw potion. You might wish to allow characters to hurl poison flasks.

Polymorph (self)

This potion duplicates the effects of the fourth level magic-user spell of the same name (q.v.) in most respects.

Speed

A potion of speed increases the movement and combat capabilities of the imbiber by 100%. Thus, a movement rate of 9” becomes 18”, and a character normally able to attack but once per round would gain double attacks in a round. Note that this does not reduce spell casting time, however (cf. haste spell). Use of a speed potion ages the individual by 1 year. The other effects last for 5-20 rounds, the aging is permanent.

Super-Heroism

This potion gives the individual a temporary increase in life energy levels (cf. heroism potion) if he or she has fewer than 13 levels of experience:

It is otherwise the same as a heroism potion, but its effects last from but 5 to 30 melee rounds.

Sweet Water

This liquid is not actually a potion to be drunk (though if it is drunk it will taste good), but it is to be added to other liquids in order to change them to pure, drinkable water. It will neutralize poison and ruin magic potions (no saving throw). The contents of the container will change up to 100,000 cubic feet of polluted or salt or alkaline water to fresh water. It will turn up to 1,000 cubic feet of acid into pure water. The effects of the potion are permanent, but subject to later contamination or infusion after an initial period of 5-20 rounds.

Treasure Finding

A potion of treasure finding empowers the drinker with a location sense, so that he or she can point to the direction of the nearest mass of treasure. The treasure must be within 24” or less, and its mass must equal metal of at least 10,000 copper pieces or 100 gems or any combination thereof. Note that only valuable metals (copper, silver, electrum, gold, platinum, etc.) and gems (and jewelry, of course) are located; worthless metals or magic without precious metals/gems are not found. The consumer of the potion can “feel” the direction in which the treasure lies, but not its distance. Intervening substances other than special magical wards or lead-lined walls will not withstand the powers which the liquor bestows upon the individual. The effects of the potion last for from 5-20 rounds. (Clever players will attempt triangulation.)

Undead Control

This potion in effect gives the imbiber the ability to charm certain undead (ghosts, ghasts, ghouls, shadows, skeletons, spectres, wights, wraiths, vampires, and zombies). The charming ability is similar to the magic-user spell, charm person (q.v.). It affects a maximum of 16 hit dice of undead, rounding down any hit point additions to hit dice to the lowest die, i.e. 4+1 equals 4 hit dice. The undead are entitled to saving throws versus magic only if they have intelligence. Saving throws are made at -2 due to the power of the potion, but the effects wear off in from 5-20 rounds. To determine type of undead affected by a particular potion, roll d10 and consult the following table:

Water Breathing

It is 75% likely that a water breathing potion will contain two doses, 25% probable that there will be four in the container. The elixir allows the character drinking it to breathe normally in liquids which contain oxygen suspended within them. This ability lasts for one full hour per dose of potion quaffed, with an additional 1-10 rounds (minutes) variable. Thus, a character who has consumed a water breathing potion could enter the depths of a river, lake, or even the ocean and not drown while the magical effects of the potion persisted.