Toxic Trap Runestone

From: Frostbloom

Lore: The Toxic Trap Runestone recipe has its origins in ancient civilizations that sought to protect their territories from intruders. These civilizations faced threats from various enemies, and their ingenious trap mechanisms were key to their defense strategies. The lore surrounding the Toxic Trap Runestone speaks of a master trapmaker who discovered the unique properties of combining Frostbloom Poison, enchanted runestones, and triggering mechanisms. Through careful experimentation and craftsmanship, they created a runestone that, when placed in a trap, imbued it with a deadly cloud of toxic spores, incapacitating and poisoning any unfortunate victims caught in its vicinity.

Use: The Toxic Trap Runestone serves as a potent enhancement for trap mechanisms, enabling adventurers to set up deadly traps that release toxic spores upon activation. When placed in a trap, the runestone infuses it with the power of Frostbloom Poison, enhancing the trap’s effects and adding a poisonous element to the trap’s mechanism. When triggered, the trap releases a cloud of toxic spores, causing harm and poisoning any creatures caught within its range.

Stats:

• Level Requirement: Tier 1
• Skills Required: Trapping (Novice) – Characters with basic knowledge and skill in trapping can prepare and set up the Toxic Trap Runestone.
• Preparation Time: 1 hour – Crafting the runestone involves carefully combining Frostbloom Poison, an enchanted runestone, and a triggering mechanism to create the enhanced trap component.
• Cost: 30 gold pieces – The cost covers the acquisition of Frostbloom Poison, enchanted runestones, and the triggering mechanism required to create the Toxic Trap Runestone.

Process:

• Obtain Frostbloom Poison: Acquire Frostbloom Poison, a toxic substance derived from the potent properties of the Frostbloom plant. This poison is carefully harvested, ensuring its potency and concentration.
• Enchant the Runestone: Infuse an ordinary runestone with magical energies that resonate with toxic properties. The enchantment imbues the runestone with the ability to channel the toxic spores when triggered.
• Combine with Triggering Mechanism: Attach the enchanted runestone to a triggering mechanism, which can be a pressure plate, tripwire, or any other mechanism that activates the trap. The mechanism is carefully crafted to ensure reliable and effective trap activation.

Tags:

• Poison: The Toxic Trap Runestone adds a poisonous element to the trap, causing harm and poisoning those caught in its range.
• Trap Enhancement: The runestone enhances the effects of the trap, making it more potent and dangerous.
• Area Denial: The toxic spores released by the trap create an area of denial, preventing enemies from advancing or forcing them to take evasive actions.
• Additional: Enchanted, Triggered, Defensive, Lethal, Ambush, Precision, Hazardous, Tactical, Incapacitating, Area Control

The availability of the Toxic Trap Runestone may vary depending on the region and the demand for trap-related items. It can be sold in specialized stores that cater to adventurers, trap enthusiasts, or individuals focused on security and defense. Trapping guilds or organizations that specialize in the construction of traps may also offer the runestone to their members or trusted clients. The rarity of Frostbloom Poison and enchanted runestones may influence the cost and accessibility of the runestone, with limited availability in regions where the ingredients are scarce or in high demand.

The Toxic Trap Runestone recipe is typically sold in specialized stores that cater to adventurers, trap enthusiasts, and individuals focused on security and defense. These establishments are often found in bustling cities or towns known for their thriving adventure communities. The shopkeepers are knowledgeable about trap mechanisms and offer a wide range of trap-related items, including the Toxic Trap Runestone. They may also provide advice on trap placement and strategies for maximizing the runestone’s effectiveness.

In addition to specialized stores, the recipe may be found in trapper guilds or organizations that specialize in the construction of traps. These guilds serve as gathering places for experienced trappers and individuals who value the art of trapping. Aspiring trappers may need to gain recognition or demonstrate their skills before gaining access to the recipe. Trapper guilds may offer the recipe as a reward for completing trap-related quests or as part of their training curriculum.

The Toxic Trap Runestone is used to enhance existing traps or create new ones. Adventurers can acquire or craft traps with triggering mechanisms, such as pressure plates or tripwires, and then insert the Toxic Trap Runestone into the mechanism. Once the trap is set, it becomes armed and ready to be deployed strategically.

In gameplay, characters can strategically place traps in their surroundings, such as narrow passages, doorways, or ambush points, to catch enemies off guard. When triggered, the trap releases a cloud of toxic spores, inflicting damage and poisoning any creatures caught within its range. The toxic spores can incapacitate foes, giving the characters a tactical advantage in combat or providing an opportunity for a surprise attack.

Using the Toxic Trap Runestone is the creation of a dangerous and effective trap that combines physical mechanisms with the poisonous properties of the Frostbloom Poison. It adds an element of surprise and danger to encounters, allowing characters to control the battlefield and hinder the progress of enemies. The runestone’s effect can be an asset in situations where characters need to defend a position, secure an area, or set up an ambush.

Due to the specialized nature of the Toxic Trap Runestone and the potentially lethal consequences of its use, it may come at a moderate cost. The availability of the runestone depends on the demand for trap-related items in the area and the availability of the required ingredients. In regions with a high concentration of adventurers or a strong emphasis on security, the runestone may be readily available in well-stocked trap stores. However, in less populated or remote areas, acquiring the runestone may require characters to seek out renowned trappers, complete quests, or delve into dangerous environments where the ingredients for the runestone can be found.

Stones That Breathed Death

In the forgotten age when walls spoke of their builders and forests whispered of their guardians, there was forged a stone unlike any other. It was the work of a nameless trapmaker, whose eyes had seen the creeping shadows of invaders and whose heart burned with the fire of a protector. From the frost of the mountains and the poison of the deadly Frostbloom, the trapmaker shaped a stone that could choke the air itself.

The tale tells of a mighty kingdom, bound not by the strength of its walls, but by the cunning of its defenses. At the heart of these defenses lay the Toxic Trap Runestones, dark stones etched with glowing symbols, pulsing with a sickly green light. When the enemy’s foot pressed upon the trapmaker’s cunning trigger, the stones awakened, and the air grew heavy with a toxic breath. Soldiers fell where they stood, their cries silenced by the invisible hand of death.

In one telling, the trapmaker, though praised as a savior, grew proud and sought to protect not just kingdoms but the secrets of the stones themselves. They wove traps upon traps, hiding the stones behind layers of death, until even the trapmaker themselves could no longer pass. Legends say the trapmaker perished in their labyrinth, consumed by the very poison they sought to control.

Another account whispers of a betrayed queen who, fearing the trapmaker’s power, sought to turn the stones against their creator. She triggered a single stone in the heart of her court, filling the palace with a fog so thick and deadly that none escaped, queen and court alike lost to the poisoned haze. The runestone was left behind, pulsing faintly as a warning to those who would tread the path of treachery.

The Toxic Trap Runestone, though feared and revered, became a symbol of both defense and hubris. Its glow haunts the ruins of the past, a reminder of the dangers of wielding power that none can fully control.

Moral of the Story: To shield with poison is to risk breathing it; the defender must beware that their weapon does not turn upon them.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

Toxic Trap Runestone

• Type: Alchemical/Mystical Trap Component
• Cost: 75 USD (black market only)
• Effect: When placed in a trap and triggered, the runestone releases a 10-foot radius cloud of toxic spores, lasting for 1d6+2 rounds.
• Creatures in the cloud must roll CON (Hard):
  • Regular Success: 1d4 damage and mild disorientation (-10% to all rolls for 1 round).
  • Failure: 1d8 damage, temporary choking, and -20% to all rolls for the duration.
  • Extreme Success: Avoids all effects.
• Use: Requires Trapmaking or Craft (Alchemy) to integrate into a trap.
• Crafting: Requires access to Frostbloom Poison, enchanted runestones, and triggering mechanisms. Craft (Runes) skill roll needed for enchantment.

Blades in the Dark

Toxic Trap Runestone

• Item Load: 1
• Effect: Enhances traps with a toxic gas effect that activates on triggering.
• Characters affected by the trap must resist using Prowess:
  • On failure, they suffer Level 2 Harm (“Poisoned Lungs”) and are disoriented for 2 rounds.
  • The trap creates a dense toxic cloud in a small area (room-sized) for 4-6 rounds, increasing action difficulties for anyone within by 1 Tier.
• Crafting: Requires a Tinker Roll (6-segment clock) with access to Frostbloom Poison, a runestone, and a trigger mechanism.
• Special Notes: Traps using this runestone are silent and discreet, generating minimal noise upon activation.

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

Toxic Trap Runestone

• Wondrous Item, Uncommon
• Cost: 50 gp
• Weight: 1 lb
• Use: Trap Component
• Effect: When placed in a trap and triggered, the runestone releases a 10-foot radius cloud of toxic spores, lasting for 1 minute.
  • Creatures in the area must make a DC 14 Constitution Saving Throw:
    • Failure: Take 2d6 poison damage and are poisoned for 1 minute.
    • Success: Take half damage with no additional effects.
  • The cloud heavily obscures the area for the duration.
• Crafting: Requires Alchemy Supplies and a successful DC 14 Intelligence (Arcana or Nature) check with Frostbloom Poison and an enchanted runestone.
• Special Notes: A strong wind disperses the spores early.

Knave

Toxic Trap Runestone

• Category: Magical Trap Component
• Weight: 1 Slot
• Effect: Enhances traps to release a 20-foot radius toxic cloud, lasting 1d4 rounds when triggered.
  • Creatures caught in the cloud must make a CON Save (DC 13):
    • Failure: Take 1d8 poison damage and suffer disadvantage on all rolls for 1 round.
    • Success: Take half damage with no additional effects.
  • Crafting: Requires Alchemist Tools, Frostbloom Poison, and an enchanted runestone, taking 1 hour to prepare.
• Special Rule: If improperly handled, there’s a 1-in-6 chance of the runestone activating prematurely during crafting.
• Notes: Rarely available outside specialized alchemical or magical circles.

Fate Core

Toxic Trap Runestone

• Type: Mystical Trap Component
• Cost: 1 Refresh or gained as part of a Stunt.
• Use: Create an Advantage or Overcome Obstacles.
• Mechanics:
  • Create an Advantage: Integrate the runestone into a trap, creating aspects such as “Choking Fog” or “Venomous Field.” Use Crafts or Lore vs. the highest Athletics or Physique among targets.
  • Overcome: Use Crafts to prepare or disarm traps infused with toxic properties.
  • Damage: Runestones imbue traps with stress-inflicting poison (2 stress per zone, with appropriate resist rolls).
  • Area: A single zone. The toxic cloud persists for 2 exchanges unless neutralized.
• Crafting: Requires a downtime action and access to Frostbloom Poison, enchanted materials, and triggering mechanisms.

Numenera & Cypher System

Toxic Trap Runestone

• Level: 4
• Cost: 50 shins
• Effect: Enhances traps to release a Short Range toxic cloud, lasting 1d6 rounds when triggered.
  • Targets in the cloud must make a Might Defense Roll against Difficulty 4:
    • Failure: Take 6 points of damage and gain the Hindered condition for 1 minute.
    • Success: Take 3 points of damage with no condition.
  • Special: The cloud imposes a 1-step penalty to sight-based tasks within its radius.
• Crafting: Requires an Intellect Task (Difficulty 4) and access to Frostbloom Poison and enchanted runes.

Pathfinder (2nd Edition)

Toxic Trap Runestone

• Type: Consumable, Magical Trap Component
• Level: 3
• Price: 15 gp
• Bulk: L
• Activate: Passive (triggered by a trap mechanism)
• Effect: Enhances a trap to release a 10-foot radius cloud of toxic spores, lasting 1 minute.
  • Creatures in the area must make a DC 15 Fortitude Save:
    • Critical Success: No effect.
    • Success: 1d6 poison damage.
    • Failure: 2d6 poison damage and sickened 1.
    • Critical Failure: 3d6 poison damage and sickened 2.
• Crafting: Requires Crafting (Trained) and access to Frostbloom Poison and magical runestones.
• Traits: Consumable, Magical, Poison, Trap Component.

Savage Worlds (Adventure Edition)

Toxic Trap Runestone

• Type: Magical Trap Component
• Cost: $50
• Weight: 1 lb
• Effect: When integrated into a trap and triggered, the runestone creates a Medium Blast Template of toxic spores lasting 1d6 rounds.
  • Creatures in the area must make a Vigor Roll at -2:
    • Success: No effect.
    • Failure: Take 2d6 damage and gain the Distracted condition for 1 round.
    • Critical Failure: Take 3d6 damage and gain both Distracted and Vulnerable conditions for 1 round.
  • Crafting: Requires Weird Science or Alchemy skill, Frostbloom Poison, and an enchanted rune. Crafting takes 2 hours.
• Special Notes: The cloud obscures vision, imposing a -2 penalty on ranged attacks and sight-based Perception rolls targeting or made by those inside.

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

Toxic Trap Runestone

• Category: Magical Trap Component
• Cost: 400¥ (black market only)
• Availability: 8R
• Effect: When integrated into a trap, the runestone releases a 10-meter radius toxic cloud, lasting for 5 Combat Rounds upon activation.
  • Affected characters must make a Body + Willpower (3) test:
  • Failure: Take 2 Stun damage and suffer a -2 dice pool penalty for as long as they remain in the cloud.
  • Glitch/Critical Glitch: Gain the Paralyzed condition for 1 Combat Round.
  • The cloud heavily obscures vision, imposing a -3 dice pool penalty on Perception and ranged attacks.
• Crafting: Requires Enchanting 3, Chemistry 3, Frostbloom Poison, and a runestone. Crafting time: 8 hours.
• Special Notes: Protective gear, such as gas masks or chemical suits, negates the effects entirely.

Starfinder

Toxic Trap Runestone

• Level: 4
• Cost: 400 credits
• Bulk: L
• Type: Magical Trap Component
• Effect: Enhances a trap to release a 10-foot radius cloud of toxic spores, lasting 1d4 rounds when triggered.
• Creatures in the cloud must make a DC 15 Fortitude Save:
  • Success: Take half damage.
  • Failure: Take 2d6 poison damage and become sickened for 1 minute.
• The cloud heavily obscures vision, granting concealment (20% miss chance) for those inside.
• Crafting: Requires Mysticism (DC 18) or Engineering (DC 18) and access to Frostbloom Poison and magical runestones.

Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition)

Toxic Trap Runestone

• Tech Level: 10
• Cost: Cr 300
• Mass: 1 kg
• Effect: Enhances a trap to release a 5-meter radius cloud of toxic spores, lasting 1D6 minutes when triggered.
  • Characters in the area must succeed on an Endurance Check (8+):
    • Failure: Take 1D6 damage per round and suffer a -1 DM penalty for as long as they remain in the area.
    • Success: Take half damage and no penalties.
• Crafting: Requires Science (Chemistry) or Engineer (Explosives) (Difficulty 8+) and access to Frostbloom Poison and an enchanted runestone.

Warhammer (4th Edition)

Toxic Trap Runestone

• Encumbrance: 1
• Price: 1 Gold Crown (rare, black market only)
• Availability: Very Rare
• Effect: Enhances traps to release a 10-yard radius cloud of toxic spores lasting 1d10 rounds.
  • Creatures in the area must make a Toughness Test (Average, +20%):
    • Failure: Take 4 Wounds, ignoring armor, and gain the Fatigued condition for 1 round.
    • Critical Failure: Take 8 Wounds and gain 2 levels of Fatigue.
  • The toxic cloud heavily obscures the area, imposing a -20% penalty to Perception and ranged attacks.
• Crafting: Requires Trade (Alchemy) (Challenging, +0%) or Language (Magick) and access to Frostbloom Poison and enchanted runestones.
• Special Notes: Use may incur Corruption Points for employing such lethal and forbidden means.