Poisoned Gauntlet Varnish

From: Whisperbloom

Lore: The Poisoned Gauntlet Varnish is a creation born from the fusion of alchemy and enchantment. It was first developed by an ancient order of warriors known for their deadly hand-to-hand combat techniques. Seeking to enhance their fighting prowess, they sought a way to imbue their gauntlets or gloves with the venomous properties of the Whisperbloom plant. Through a combination of alchemical binders, which facilitate the bonding of substances, and enchanted oil, which harnesses mystical energies, the Poisoned Gauntlet Varnish was created. This varnish allows the wearer’s hand-to-hand attacks to deliver a potent poison upon contact.

Use: The Poisoned Gauntlet Varnish is primarily used by martial artists, brawlers, and individuals skilled in close-quarters combat. By applying the varnish to their gauntlets or gloves, they gain the ability to infuse their hand-to-hand strikes with toxic venom, enhancing their offensive capabilities and adding an element of poison damage to their attacks.

Stats and Skills (Level One):

• Level Requirement: Tier 1
• Skill Proficiencies: Alchemy, Martial Arts, Poison Lore
• Ability Bonus: None

Preparation:

To prepare the Poisoned Gauntlet Varnish, the following steps are involved:

• Obtain Whisperbloom venom, which can be acquired by carefully extracting the venomous substance from the plant’s venom sacs. This requires knowledge of handling toxic substances and the proper equipment for extraction.
• Gather alchemical binders, which act as a base for the varnish and facilitate the bonding of substances. These binders can be obtained from specialized alchemical shops or created through alchemical processes.
• Acquire enchanted oil, a mystical substance imbued with magical properties. The oil can be obtained from magical practitioners or through quests and adventures involving the acquisition of rare and enchanted ingredients.
• Combine the Whisperbloom venom, alchemical binders, and enchanted oil in precise measurements, ensuring a balanced mixture that retains the venom’s potency while allowing for smooth application and adherence to the gauntlets or gloves.
• Apply the varnish to the surface of the gauntlets or gloves, ensuring even coverage and allowing sufficient time for the varnish to dry and set.

Cost and Process:

• Cost: 200 gold pieces for a vial of Poisoned Gauntlet Varnish, including the Whisperbloom venom, alchemical binders, and enchanted oil. The cost reflects the rarity and potency of the ingredients, as well as the specialized knowledge and skill required for its creation.
• Process: Creating the Poisoned Gauntlet Varnish requires proficiency in alchemy, martial arts, and poison lore. The process involves careful handling of toxic substances, precise measurements, and the infusion of magical energies. It is a delicate and time-consuming process that demands both alchemical expertise and martial skill.

Tags: Poisonous, Alchemy, Martial Arts, Hand-to-hand combat, Weapon Enhancement, Toxic Enhancement, Close Combat, Magical Infusion, Stealth Attack, Combat Utility, Debilitating, Rare, Clandestine

Above is an example gauntlet after varnish is applied…

Poisoned Gauntlet Varnish, is used in combat scenarios:

• Enhanced Strikes: The varnish imbues the wearer’s hand-to-hand attacks with poisonous properties. Each successful strike made with the varnished gauntlet or gloves delivers poison damage to the target, in addition to the regular impact. This allows the character to exploit the weaknesses of enemies susceptible to poison or to wear down their opponents over time.
• Strategic Application: The Poisoned Gauntlet Varnish can be strategically applied to the gauntlets or gloves before engaging in combat. This allows the character to choose when to activate the poison-infused attacks, maximizing the element of surprise and ensuring the poison is utilized at critical moments.
• Versatility in Combat: The varnish provides versatility in combat situations. Characters equipped with the Poisoned Gauntlet Varnish can choose between regular strikes and poison-infused attacks, adapting their approach based on the vulnerabilities of their adversaries or the tactical requirements of the situation.

Where: The sale of the Poisoned Gauntlet Varnish is limited to specific locations known for catering to adventurers, warriors, and practitioners of martial arts. Specialized weapon shops, blacksmiths, or guilds that focus on martial training may be the primary sources for acquiring this recipe and its ingredients. These establishments often cater to a clientele seeking unique and powerful enhancements for their combat capabilities.

When: The availability of the Poisoned Gauntlet Varnish recipe and the varnish itself can depend on the game world’s setting and the narrative of the campaign. They may become accessible during quests or story arcs that involve martial arts schools, secretive organizations, or encounters with skilled artisans specializing in weapon enhancements. The Game Master can introduce opportunities for the characters to obtain the recipe or purchase the varnish when such themes are prominent in the ongoing storyline.

How: To acquire the Poisoned Gauntlet Varnish, the characters may need to visit specialized weapon shops or seek out renowned weapon artisans known for their expertise in exotic enhancements. They may have to prove their combat prowess or engage in tasks and quests to gain the trust of these artisans or gain access to the recipe. Additionally, characters with proficiency in alchemy, martial arts, or poison lore may have an advantage in uncovering the recipe or understanding its creation process.

Poisoned Gauntlet Varnish, is used in the following ways:

• Weapon Enhancement: The Poisoned Gauntlet Varnish is applied to gauntlets or gloves, imbuing them with toxic properties. Once the varnish is applied, the character’s hand-to-hand attacks become capable of inflicting poison damage upon contact with an enemy. This allows the character to exploit the vulnerabilities of adversaries weak to poison or to gradually weaken opponents over time.
• Tactical Advantage: The Poisoned Gauntlet Varnish provides a tactical advantage in combat scenarios. The character can choose when to activate the poison-infused attacks, strategically using them to capitalize on enemy weaknesses, create openings for their allies, or to wear down formidable opponents over the course of a battle.
• Role-Playing Opportunities: The Poisoned Gauntlet Varnish can serve as a defining feature for characters who specialize in martial arts or prefer close-quarters combat. It can contribute to their unique playstyle, allowing them to engage enemies in a distinct and potentially lethal manner. The varnish may also have narrative implications, as its presence can pique the interest of certain NPCs or factions, or even draw the attention of enemies who fear its potential threat.

Varnish of Whisperbloom’s Glove

In times of old, when the world was young and magic was as common as breath, there was tale of a varnish, birthed from alchemy and spell. This varnish, they call it the Glove of Whisperbloom Poison, was crafted by warriors of an order, forgotten now to time, who walked the path of the fist and the blade.

These warriors, seeking to make their touch as deadly as their strike, found the venom of Whisperbloom, a plant whose name was whispered in fear. With alchemical arts and enchantments, they mixed this venom with oils blessed by magic, creating a varnish to coat their gauntlets or gloves.

When these warriors fought, their touch was not merely of flesh and steel but carried the sting of death. Each strike could bring not just the pain of battle but the silent creep of poison, weakening foes with each blow, turning warriors into specters of doom.

But the tale speaks of a caution, a warrior of this order, known for his valor, who in his last battle, met his end. For in the heat of combat, he struck upon his own varnished glove, and with that, the poison he so masterfully wielded turned against him, ending his days.

Moral of the Story: Even the mightiest warrior must beware the weapons they wield, for the edge that cuts the enemy can also cut oneself.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

Poisoned Gauntlet Varnish (Whisperbloom)

• Type: Equipment (Weapon Enhancement)
• Sanity Loss: 0/1D2; using or creating this varnish might affect sanity due to its dark nature.
• Potency: 12 (Reflects the poison’s strength in combat)
• Effects:
  • Combat: Adds +1 to damage rolls for unarmed attacks. On a successful hit, the target must succeed on a CON roll (Hard difficulty) or suffer from poison effects (weakness, potential paralysis).
  • Duration: Effects last until treated or for 1D4 rounds.
• Usage:
  • Applying requires a successful Chemistry or Craft (Alchemy) roll.
  • Cost: 200+ Mythos Points (due to the rarity and the magical component)
• Game Mechanics:
  • Each use might require a sanity check if the moral implications weigh on the character.
  • Treatment involves a successful Medicine or First Aid check at a penalty due to the magical nature of the poison.

Blades in the Dark

Poisoned Gauntlet Varnish (Whisperbloom)

• Item Type: Fine Weapon Enhancement
• Quality: 2 (Reflects its effectiveness in combat)
• Cost: 3 Coin (due to the alchemy and magical ingredients involved)
• Effects:
  • Combat: Grants +1d to unarmed Harm rolls. Upon a successful hit, the target takes an additional 2 Harm (Lethal) from poison.
• Usage:
  • Application requires a Tinker or Finesse action for precise coating.
  • Stress: Using or crafting can cause 1 Stress due to the potential for self-poisoning or ethical considerations.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Provides a tactical advantage by adding poison to melee attacks, potentially causing ongoing effects.
  • Crafting involves an Alchemy/Poisoncraft roll during downtime, potentially generating Entanglements if mishandled.

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

Poisoned Gauntlet Varnish (Whisperbloom)

• Type: Magical Item (Weapon Enhancement)
• Rarity: Uncommon
• Cost: 200-300 gp per application
• Effects:
  • Unarmed Strikes: Deal an additional 1d4 poison damage on a hit.
  • Poison: Target must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or be poisoned for 1 minute, taking 1d4 poison damage at the start of each of its turns.
  • Save: Can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Application requires a DC 15 Intelligence (Arcana or Alchemy) check.
  • The varnish lasts for 10 successful hits or 24 hours before needing reapplication.

Knave (2nd Edition)

Poisoned Gauntlet Varnish (Whisperbloom)

• Item Type: Magical Varnish
• Cost: 100-200 copper pieces per application
• Attributes:
  • Damage: Adds +1 to unarmed strike damage. On hit, deals 1d4 poison damage.
  • Save DC: 15 (CON to resist poison)
• Effects:
  • Poison: On a failed save, the target is poisoned for 1d4 rounds, taking 1 poison damage at the start of each turn.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Applying the varnish requires a successful INT check for mixing the magical and alchemical components.
  • Each application lasts until 5 successful hits or for one day, whichever comes first.
  • Detecting or counteracting the poison involves an INT or CON check, reflecting knowledge or resistance.

Fate (Fate Core)

Poisoned Gauntlet Varnish (Whisperbloom)

• Type: Aspect, Stunt
• Aspect: Venomous Touch – Represents the toxic enhancement of the gauntlets.
• Stunt:
  • Whisperbloom’s Strike: When you hit with an unarmed attack using these varnished gauntlets, you can invoke this aspect to compel an aspect like “Poisoned by Whisperbloom” on the target, causing them to suffer additional stress or consequences due to poison.
• Game Mechanics:
• Applying the varnish involves a Crafts or Lore roll to blend the alchemical and magical aspects properly.
• The effects might be mitigated by a Physique or Will check to resist the poison.

Numenera & Cypher System

Poisoned Gauntlet Varnish (Whisperbloom)

• Type: Artifact (Weapon Enhancement)
• Level: 4 (reflects the balance of alchemy and magic)
• Form: A dark, shimmering varnish applied to gloves or gauntlets.
• Effect:
  • Enhances unarmed attacks to deal an additional 4 points of Intellect damage (ignores Armor) on a hit.
  • Poison: On a hit, the target must make a Might defense roll or be poisoned for 1 round, taking 2 points of Speed damage each round until the effect ends.
  • Depletion: 1 in d6 (chance of the varnish wearing off after several uses)
• Game Mechanics:
  • Applying or crafting requires an Intellect-based task with a difficulty of 4.
  • Neutralizing the poison effects might involve another Intellect-based task, difficulty 5, or specific knowledge of antidotes.

Pathfinder 2e

• Poisoned Gauntlet Varnish (Whisperbloom)
• Item Level: 5
• Price: 150 gp per application
• Type: Magical Item (Weapon Enhancement)
• Usage: Applied to gloves or gauntlets
• Activation: Constant, while worn
• Effects:
  • Unarmed Strike: Add 1d4 poison damage on a hit.
  • Poison: Fortitude DC 18 or become poisoned for 1 minute, taking 1d4 poison damage at the start of each turn.
  • Cure: 2 consecutive saves to end the poison effect.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Applying the varnish involves a Crafting or Arcana check, DC 15.
  • The varnish lasts for 10 successful hits or 24 hours, requiring reapplication afterward.

Savage Worlds (Adventure Edition)

• Poisoned Gauntlet Varnish (Whisperbloom)
• Type: Magical Enhancement
• Cost: $200 per application (reflecting the rarity and complexity)
• Effects:
  • Combat: Adds +1 to Fighting rolls for unarmed attacks and inflicts an extra d6 poison damage on a hit.
  • Poison: Target must make a Vigor roll at -2 or be poisoned, taking 1d4 damage each turn until a successful Vigor roll to shake off the effect.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Applying the varnish requires a Knowledge (Alchemy) or Spellcasting roll.
  • The varnish lasts until 5 successful hits or one game session, whichever comes first.
  • Characters with Alchemy or Arcane Background might gain bonuses when crafting or using this varnish.

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

Poisoned Gauntlet Varnish (Whisperbloom)

• Type: Magical Item (Weapon Enhancement)
• Magic: 3 (Reflects the magical component of the varnish)
• Cost: 1,200¥ per application (reflecting rarity and complexity)
• Effects:
  • Combat: Adds +2 to unarmed combat damage. On a successful hit, the target must resist poison (Power 8, Speed: Immediate).
  • Poison Effects: On a failed Body + Willpower test, the target suffers 4S (Stun) damage and is staggered for 1 Combat Turn.
  • Duration: Lasts for 5 successful hits or until the end of the session, whichever comes first.
  • Activation: Constant when applied.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Application involves an Alchemy + Logic test, with potential for additional tests for precision or magical integration.
  • The varnish can cause the user to take 1 point of Drain if mishandled during application due to its magical properties.

Starfinder

Poisoned Gauntlet Varnish (Whisperbloom)

• Item Level: 6
• Type: Magical Enhancement
• Price: 1,000 credits per application
• Activation: Constant, while worn
• Effects:
  • Unarmed Attack: Adds 1d6 poison damage to unarmed attacks.
  • Poison: Fortitude DC 16 or become poisoned, taking 1d4 poison damage at the start of each of their turns for 1 minute.
  • Cure: 2 consecutive saves to end the poison effect.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Applying involves an Engineering or Mysticism check to blend the magical and alchemical components.
  • The varnish lasts for 10 successful hits or 24 hours, after which it needs reapplication.

Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition)

Poisoned Gauntlet Varnish (Whisperbloom)

• Type: Magical Enhancement
• TL: 10 (reflecting the blend of technology and magic)
• Cost: Cr 500 per application (due to the specialized ingredients)
• Effects:
  • Combat: Adds +1 to damage rolls for unarmed attacks. On a hit, the target must make an Endurance (Difficult -2) check or suffer 1D poison damage per round until treated.
  • Duration: Effective for 5 successful hits or one game session.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Application requires an Education (Alchemy or Magic) test with -2 DM for complexity.
  • Each use requires careful consideration due to the potential for self-harm if not handled correctly.

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 4th Edition (WFRP4e)

Poisoned Gauntlet Varnish (Whisperbloom)

• Type: Magical Poison
• Rarity: Rare
• Cost: 120 Gold Crowns per application
• Effects:
  • Unarmed Combat: Adds +1 to damage, and the target must pass a Toughness (Hard -30) test or suffer from poison:
  • Poison: Immediate 1 Wound + SB (Strength Bonus of the user) and paralysis for 1D10 rounds, taking 1 Wound per round until treated or the effect wears off.
  • Duration: Lasts for 5 successful hits or one session.
• Game Mechanics:
  • Applying the varnish involves a Trade (Apothecary) or Lore (Magic) test at -20 difficulty.
  • Detecting or neutralizing the poison effect might require a Heal test at -30 difficulty, reflecting the magical nature of the poison.
  • Characters might need to make a Willpower test to use this varnish without moral or psychological repercussions.