Venomous Blade Coating

From: Whisperbloom

Lore: The Venomous Blade Coating is a recipe that has its origins in the shadowy realms of assassins and poisoners. It is said to have been developed by an elusive guild of assassins who sought to create a lethal weapon that would strike not only with the physical blow but also with a hidden poison. Legends speak of a master assassin who discovered the potent properties of Whisperbloom venom and combined it with alchemical adhesive and the essence of nightshade to create the Venomous Blade Coating. This recipe became a closely guarded secret among the guild, passed down through generations as a deadly technique for those who sought to leave no trace behind. The coating acts as a silent accomplice, ensuring that each successful hit delivers not only immediate damage but also a lingering poison that weakens the target.

Use: The Venomous Blade Coating is primarily used by those skilled in the art of assassination, stealth, or individuals who prefer a more subtle and insidious approach to combat. It allows a weapon, such as a sword, dagger, or arrowhead, to be coated with a toxic venom derived from Whisperbloom. When the weapon strikes a target successfully, the venom is transferred into the wound, causing additional poison damage over time.

Stats and Skills (Level One):

• Level Requirement: Tier 1
• Skill Proficiencies: Alchemy, Weapon Proficiency (related to the coated weapon)
• Ability Bonus: None

Preparation: To prepare the Venomous Blade Coating, the following steps are involved:

• Acquire Whisperbloom venom by carefully extracting it from the plant’s venom sacs using specialized tools and techniques to avoid contamination or accidental poisoning.
• Combine the Whisperbloom venom with alchemical adhesive, a binding agent that allows the venom to adhere to the weapon’s surface.
• Add a few drops of essence of nightshade, a potent ingredient known for enhancing the toxic properties of the venom and ensuring its long-lasting effect.
• Stir the mixture carefully, ensuring the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
• Apply the coating to the blade or surface of the desired weapon, using a brush or cloth to evenly distribute the venomous mixture.
• Allow the coating to dry and adhere to the weapon, ensuring that it does not come into contact with the user’s skin or other surfaces to prevent unintended poisoning.

Cost and Process:

• Cost: 75 gold pieces per vial of Venomous Blade Coating.
• Process: Preparing the Venomous Blade Coating requires proficiency in alchemy, access to Whisperbloom venom, alchemical adhesive, essence of nightshade, and suitable tools for applying the coating.

Tags: Consumable, Poisonous, Alchemical, Stealth, Lethal, Toxic, Covert, Assassin’s Tool, Adhesive, Deadly Precision, Linger Effect, Underground Trade, Forbidden, Subtle Weaponry, Shadowcraft

The Venomous Blade Coating recipe is not openly sold in conventional marketplaces due to its potentially dangerous and illicit nature. It is typically available through clandestine channels and specialized underground networks. This recipe is commonly sought after by assassins, mercenaries, and individuals who operate in the shadows or have a need for covert and lethal weaponry.

The recipe can be obtained by making connections within secretive organizations, such as assassin guilds or black market dealers who deal in rare and forbidden knowledge. Accessing these sources often requires establishing trust, proving one’s skills or loyalty, and potentially undertaking dangerous tasks or missions.

Once the recipe is acquired, individuals with proficiency in alchemy and weapon use can prepare the Venomous Blade Coating themselves. Alternatively, they can seek the services of skilled alchemists who specialize in concocting poisons and crafting lethal applications for weaponry.

When preparing the Venomous Blade Coating, utmost caution must be exercised to handle the Whisperbloom venom safely and avoid accidental exposure. The mixture is carefully prepared, ensuring proper ratios of Whisperbloom venom, alchemical adhesive, and essence of nightshade. The coating is then applied to the blade or surface of the desired weapon, allowing it to dry and adhere before it can be effectively used.

The end result is a weapon that carries a concealed poison within its strikes. When the coated weapon successfully hits a target, the venom is transferred into the wound, causing additional poison damage over time. This effect can weaken opponents, hinder their ability to fight effectively, or even lead to their eventual demise.

The Venomous Blade Coating finds its applications in various scenarios:

• Assassinations: Assassins use the coating to enhance their stealthy kills, allowing them to strike with deadly precision and leave their victims incapacitated or dying from the lingering poison.
• Covert Operations: Spies, infiltrators, or individuals operating in the shadows can utilize the coating to gain an advantage when engaged in combat. It enables them to dispatch adversaries quietly and swiftly without raising unnecessary alarm.
• Versatile Weaponry: The coating can be applied to a variety of weapons, including daggers, swords, arrows, or even throwing knives. This versatility allows different characters to adapt to their preferred combat style while incorporating the deadly poison effect.

Due to the nature of the coating, it may be viewed as morally questionable or illegal in some regions or societies. Characters using or selling the Venomous Blade Coating should be mindful of the potential consequences and reactions from authorities or individuals who disapprove of such practices.

Tale of the Shadowed Bloom

Long ago, in times when the skies were yet untamed and shadows danced freely upon the earth, there whispered a tale of the Venomous Blade Coating, born from the hand of a nameless master who dwelled in the murk of forgotten realms. It is said this master, neither fully mortal nor wholly spirit, walked the paths of night with whispers as their only company. Their purpose, unknown. Their craft, unparalleled.

The story begins in a place where light dared not linger—a hidden glen where the Whisperbloom thrived. This flower, with petals blacker than the void and a scent sweeter than unspoken promises, was said to hold venom potent enough to steal the breath of the mighty. The master, shrouded in tattered veils, sought this bloom not for beauty but for purpose unseen.

Legends tell that beneath the starlit canopy, the master plucked the first bloom. Its sap wept like tears of the damned, burning the earth with its touch. With hands steady as the stillest night, the master wove this venom into their craft, binding it with an essence gleaned from moonlit herbs and the dark nectar of the nightshade. Thus, the first blade was coated—a weapon born of silence, shadow, and death’s kiss.

The tale unfolds as the master wandered, carrying the deadly creation into the courts of forgotten kings and the chambers of whispered councils. No name adorned their work, no mark claimed the lives it took. The coating was as untraceable as the night itself, and the master’s fame spread not by word but by fear—fear of a strike unseen and a poison that knew no cure.

But as all things woven by mortal and immortal hands, this gift of death bore a price. One tale speaks of a student, a soul drawn to the master’s art by ambition untempered. They sought the secret of the Whisperbloom, and in their hubris, they harvested the venom without care, without reverence. The bloom, insulted by such crude handling, unleashed its wrath upon the apprentice, their lifeblood turning to venom as they crumbled into nothing but ash.

In time, the master faded, as all shadows must, leaving behind only whispers and the recipe for their deadly craft. It is said the coating, though potent, is not without its curse. Those who wield it are marked by the night, destined to walk unseen but ever alone, for no soul dares embrace the shadow’s hand.

Moral of the Story: Even in mastery, the gifts of shadow demand a price; respect the craft, for arrogance invites ruin.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

Item: Venomous Blade Coating

• Type: Alchemical Poison
• Uses per Vial: 3 applications
• Mechanics:
  • Application: Applying the coating to a blade takes 1 round.
  • Effect: On a successful weapon attack, the victim must succeed on a CON roll or suffer additional damage.
  • Additional Damage: 1D4 damage per round for 1D6 rounds (poison).
  • Countermeasure: A successful Medicine roll or antidote halts the poison’s effects.
  • Cost: 75 gp/vial (black market only).
  • Skill Requirement: Alchemy or Chemistry roll (Hard success) to craft.
• Game Notes: Prolonged exposure to the coating (e.g., improper application or accidental ingestion) may require a CON roll for the applier to avoid poisoning themselves.

Blades in the Dark

Item: Venomous Blade Coating

• Type: Toxin (Special Item)
• Load: 1 (Small Item)
• Uses: 1 application per vial.
• Mechanics:
  • Application: Takes a downtime activity or 1 minute during a score to coat a weapon.
  • Effect: When the coated weapon inflicts harm, the target suffers level 2 harm (“Poisoned”) unless they resist with Prowess or have toxin immunity.
  • Harm may worsen to level 3 (“Severe Poisoning”) over time at the GM’s discretion.
  • Crafting: Tier II alchemists can craft this item during downtime (requires 2 coin for materials).
• Special Notes: Acquiring the Venomous Blade Coating requires a Faction with Tier III+ connections, or crafting expertise in toxicology.

Dungeons & Dragons (5e)

Item: Venomous Blade Coating

• (Consumable)
• Type: Poison
• Cost: 75 gp/vial
• Mechanics:
  • Application: Applying the coating to a weapon takes an action. Once applied, it lasts for 1 minute or until the weapon hits a target.
  • Effect: On a successful weapon hit, the target must succeed on a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or take 2d6 poison damage and become poisoned for 1 minute. The target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of its turns to end the poisoned condition.
  • Crafting: Requires proficiency in Alchemist’s Supplies, 1 hour of work, and 50 gp worth of materials to craft 1 vial.
• Game Notes: The coating is volatile; failing a saving throw when handling the venom (e.g., on a natural 1) causes the applier to suffer the poison’s effects.

Knave

Item: Venomous Blade Coating

• Type: Consumable
• Usage Die: d6
• Cost: 75 silver
• Mechanics:
  • Application: Takes one round to coat a blade. The effect lasts until the blade successfully hits a target or after 1 hour.
  • Effect: On a successful hit, the target must succeed on a CON save or take 2d4 damage at the start of their next 3 turns.
  • Crafting: Requires access to alchemical tools and 50 silver worth of materials to craft one vial. Crafting takes one day of downtime.
• Special Notes: Mishandling the coating (e.g., on a failed Dexterity roll when applying) may cause the user to suffer the poison’s effects.

Fate Core

Item: Venomous Blade Coating

• Type: Consumable
• Uses: 1 per vial
• Mechanics:
  • Application: Takes one action to coat a weapon. The effect lasts for one scene or until the weapon strikes a target.
  • Effect: On a successful attack, the coating adds an aspect to the target, such as “Weakened by Poison” or “Lingering Venom.” This aspect can be invoked against the target for a +2 bonus or to create a poisoned condition.
  • Cost: 1 Fate point to acquire or create during a session (if not prepared beforehand).
  • Crafting: Requires a Create an Advantage roll using Alchemy or a similar skill. Success with style provides two doses instead of one.
• Game Notes: The poison’s narrative effects, such as dealing lasting harm, are left to the GM’s discretion, based on the context of the scene.

Numenera & Cypher System

Item: Venomous Blade Coating

• Level: 4
• Type: Consumable
• Cost: 20 shins per vial
• Mechanics:
  • Application: Coating a weapon takes one action. The effect lasts until the weapon hits a target or after 1 hour.
  • Effect: On a successful attack, the target must make a Might defense roll (Difficulty 4). On failure, they take 4 points of poison damage and become impaired for 1d6 rounds.
  • Crafting: Requires an Intellect roll (Difficulty 4) and access to Whisperbloom and alchemical tools. Crafting consumes 10 shins worth of materials.
• GM Notes: Impairment caused by the poison can reduce the effectiveness of NPC actions or give the target a disadvantage in combat.

Pathfinder (2e)

Item: Venomous Blade Coating

• Type: Alchemical Poison (Consumable)
• Price: 75 gp/vial
• Mechanics:
  • Application: Applying the coating takes an Interact action. The coating lasts for 1 minute or until the weapon successfully hits a target.
  • Effect: On a successful attack, the target must attempt a DC 19 Fortitude save.
    • Critical Success: No effect.
    • Success: The target takes 1d6 poison damage.
    • Failure: The target takes 2d6 poison damage and is sickened 1.
    • Critical Failure: The target takes 4d6 poison damage and is sickened 2.
  • Crafting: Requires proficiency in Crafting and access to Whisperbloom venom. Crafting a vial takes 4 hours and costs 50 gp in materials.
• Game Notes: Mishandling the coating can expose the applier to its effects (roll a DC 19 Reflex save to avoid accidental poisoning).

Savage Worlds (Adventure Edition)

Item: Venomous Blade Coating

• Type: Consumable (Poison)
• Cost: 200 gold
• Mechanics:
  • Application: Applying the coating takes one action. The effect lasts until the coated weapon strikes a target or after 10 minutes.
  • Effect: On a successful weapon attack, the target must succeed on a Vigor roll (TN 8) or suffer an additional 2d6 damage. If the roll is a critical failure, the target is also Fatigued.
  • Crafting: Requires an Alchemy roll (TN 6), access to Whisperbloom, and 150 gold worth of materials. Crafting takes 8 hours of downtime.
• Game Notes: Any critical failure while applying or crafting the poison exposes the applier to its effects, requiring a Vigor roll to avoid poisoning.

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

Item: Venomous Blade Coating

• Type: Toxin (Illegal)
• Availability: 10R
• Cost: 300 nuyen per dose
• Mechanics:
  • Application: Applying the coating takes 1 Complex Action. The coating lasts for 10 minutes or until the weapon successfully strikes a target.
  • Effect: On a successful attack, the target resists the toxin with Body + Willpower against a Toxin Resistance Threshold of 4.
    • On Failure: The target takes 6P damage (unresisted) over 3 Combat Turns and suffers a -2 dice pool modifier due to weakened physical condition.
    • On Glitch or Critical Glitch: The poison spreads more rapidly, applying an immediate -4 dice pool modifier.
  • Crafting: Requires a Biotech (Toxicology) + Logic test (Threshold 5, 8 hours) and access to Whisperbloom venom (illegal on the black market).
• Game Notes: Mishandling during crafting or application may result in accidental exposure, requiring a resistance test.

Starfinder

Item: Venomous Blade Coating

• Type: Alchemical Poison (Consumable)
• Price: 750 credits
• Mechanics:
  • Application: Takes 1 round to apply. The coating lasts for 1 minute or until the weapon successfully hits a target.
  • Effect: On a successful attack, the target must succeed on a Fortitude save (DC 18) or suffer the following effects:
    • Onset Time: 1 round
    • Stage 1: 1d8 poison damage + Weakened condition (1 round)
    • Stage 2: 2d8 poison damage + Staggered condition (1 round)
    • Stage 3: 3d8 poison damage (final stage, ends effect)
  • Crafting: Requires a successful Medicine or Life Science check (DC 20) and access to Whisperbloom and alchemical tools. Crafting a single dose takes 4 hours and 300 credits in materials.
• Game Notes: The poison is illegal in most lawful societies, and carrying it without proper permits may result in significant penalties.

Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition)

Item: Venomous Blade Coating

• Type: Poison (Consumable)
• Tech Level (TL): 8
• Cost: Cr500 per vial (3 applications per vial)
• Mechanics:
  • Application: Coating a weapon takes 1 round. The effect lasts for one successful attack or 1 hour.
  • Effect: On a successful attack, the target must make an Endurance check (DM -2) or take 2D damage per round for 3 rounds. Each failed check worsens the ongoing damage by +1D.
  • Crafting: Requires a Medic or Science (Biology) check (8+), access to Whisperbloom venom, and a Cr200 investment in materials. Crafting takes 1 day.
• Game Notes: Black market restrictions may make this item difficult to acquire. Using it in high-law-level areas is a criminal offense.

Warhammer (Fantasy Roleplay 4th Edition)

Item: Venomous Blade Coating

• Type: Poison (Consumable)
• Encumbrance: 0 (small vial)
• Price: 20 gold crowns
• Mechanics:
  • Application: Takes 1 minute to coat a blade or projectile weapon. The poison lasts until the weapon strikes or for 1 hour.
  • Effect: On a successful hit, the target must succeed on a Toughness Test (Average, +20) or suffer 4 Wounds and gain the Poisoned Condition for 1d10 rounds. If the target critically fails the test, the Poisoned Condition worsens, causing additional -10 penalties to Strength and Agility Tests.
  • Crafting: Requires a successful Trade (Apothecary) Test (Challenging, +0) and access to Whisperbloom venom. Crafting takes 1 day and 10 gold crowns in materials.
• Game Notes: Mishandling the venom during crafting or application requires the applier to pass a Toughness Test or suffer the effects themselves.