Poisoned Shadows - Toxicology

Beloved

Beloved
1 Dramatic Wound / 1 Phase / 15 Phases

Another poison popular among Vodacce courtesans (though used infrequently for fear of the repercussions), Beloved is a thin, oily liquid which can be added to food or drink, or applied to the lips of a courtesan who has taken an antidote and used to deliver a “kiss of death.” The oil has an unmistakable spicy flavor which is almost impossible to disguise—however, once the poison has been tasted, it is usually too late.

Once the poison has entered the victim’s body, it speeds through his veins and strikes at his heart. His muscles began to spasm immediately, with such force that he will likely crash to the ground. A numbing chill spreads rapidly through his body, and his breathing grows slow and shallow. While these symptoms are unnerving, there is relatively little pain involved, and the victim will be able to communicate up until the moment he loses consciousness. Once the victim is Knocked Out, he will continue to suffer Dramatic Wounds at the rate of one per Phase; when he has sustained a number of Dramatic Wounds equal to three times his Resolve, he dies.

Notes: There are literally dozens of antidotes to Beloved, ranging from a large quantity of heavy cream (which dilutes the poison to the point of harmlessness) or the juice of three fresh lemons or limes (which dissolves the toxic elements and renders the poison inert), to elaborate chemical mixtures. While any sizable party or decently-stocked pantry is likely to be home to some of the more mundane antidotes, there is only a small window to find and administer one before the victim expires.

Per the rules in The Apothecary’s Guild, the TN to refine a single dose of Beloved is 60.