From: Grimroot
Lore: The Venomous Coating is an ancient technique developed by a secretive guild of assassins known as the Serpent’s Fang. These skilled assassins sought to utilize the deadly properties of Grimroot in a unique way, transforming it into a potent defensive tool. Through careful alchemical experimentation and ritualistic processes, they discovered a method to extract Grimroot essence and create a specialized coating. This coating, when applied to armor or protective gear, imbues it with a venomous touch, causing harm to any enemy who makes physical contact with the coated surface.
Use: The Venomous Coating is primarily utilized by assassins, bodyguards, and individuals seeking to defend themselves against close-quarters combat. When applied to armor, weapons, or protective gear, it infuses a toxic effect that punishes enemies for their physical attacks. The coating acts as a deterrent, causing pain, weakness, or even paralysis upon contact and discouraging adversaries from engaging in direct physical confrontations.
Values (Tier One):
Stats:
- Venomous Effect: Enemies who make physical contact with the coated surface suffer from the venomous effect, which can cause damage, weaken their abilities, or induce temporary paralysis.
- Defensive Bonus: The Venomous Coating provides a defensive bonus against melee attacks, as enemies are deterred by the toxic consequences of physical contact.
Skills gained:
- Alchemy: Characters skilled in alchemy gain benefits in preparing and applying the Venomous Coating, maximizing its potency and ensuring a reliable application to protective gear.
- Close Combat: Characters proficient in close combat can fully capitalize on the Venomous Coating’s defensive capabilities, utilizing it to enhance their offensive and defensive maneuvers.
Preparation: Crafting the Venomous Coating requires expertise in alchemy and careful handling of Grimroot essence. The process involves extracting the concentrated essence from Grimroot and blending it with specific alchemical compounds to enhance its toxicity and adherence properties. The exact recipe and preparation techniques are closely guarded secrets held by the Serpent’s Fang guild or other secretive organizations.
Cost: Due to the rare nature of Grimroot and the specialized knowledge required to prepare the Venomous Coating, it is considered a valuable and sought-after item. For a level one character, the cost of a single application of the Venomous Coating could range from 20 to 50 gold pieces, reflecting the rarity and potency of the coating.
Process:
- Grimroot Extraction: Characters must acquire Grimroot and extract its essence through alchemical processes such as distillation, infusion, or maceration. This extraction process concentrates the toxic properties of Grimroot.
- Alchemical Blending: The concentrated Grimroot essence is blended with other alchemical compounds that enhance its adhesive properties and toxic effects. This blending process requires precise measurements and careful calibration to achieve the desired potency and consistency of the coating.
- Application: The Venomous Coating is carefully applied to selected surfaces of armor, weapons, or protective gear. The application process may involve brushing, dipping, or spraying, ensuring an even and complete coverage of the desired areas.
Tags:
- Venomous Effect: The Venomous Coating inflicts a harmful effect on enemies upon physical contact, causing damage, weakness, or paralysis.
- Defensive Enhancement: The coating enhances the defensive capabilities of armor or protective gear, discouraging enemies from engaging in direct physical confrontations.
- Restricted Knowledge: The recipe and preparation techniques for the Venomous Coating are closely guarded secrets known only to the Serpent’s Fang guild or select individuals within secretive organizations.
- Additional: Alchemical Weaponry, Toxic Defense, Covert Utility, Assassin’s Tool, Secretive Craftsmanship, Melee Deterrent, Enhanced Armor, Rare Compound, Shadow Network, Venom-Infused
The Venomous Coating, being a specialized and potentially dangerous item, is sold discreetly through underground markets and secretive networks. These markets cater to individuals involved in covert operations, assassinations, and personal protection. The sellers are often well-connected individuals with ties to the underworld or members of secretive guilds who possess the knowledge to create and distribute the Venomous Coating.
Where: The Venomous Coating is typically sold in hidden corners of bustling cities, concealed within the shadows of alleys, or within clandestine backrooms of legitimate apothecaries. These locations serve as meeting points for buyers and sellers, allowing them to conduct transactions away from prying eyes.
When: The availability of the Venomous Coating can be sporadic and unpredictable. It depends on the suppliers’ ability to acquire the rare Grimroot and the demand within the covert operative community. Its sale might be influenced by rumors, whispers, or the emergence of notable conflicts or high-profile targets that require enhanced defensive measures.
How: Prospective buyers usually gain access to the Venomous Coating through connections within the underworld, established contacts within covert organizations, or by proving their trustworthiness and expertise to those in possession of the recipe. The buyers must navigate a network of informants, gain the attention of reputable contacts, or earn the recommendation of individuals with access to the secretive markets.
Environment and Usage:
- The Venomous Coating finds its most significant application in environments that require stealth, close-quarter combat, or personal protection against physical threats. Here are a few scenarios where the Venomous Coating might be used:
- Assassin’s Creed: Assassins or covert operatives might coat their weapons, such as daggers, with the Venomous Coating. It allows them to inflict harm upon adversaries in close-quarters combat without relying solely on lethal strikes. The toxic effect discourages enemies from engaging in prolonged physical confrontations, favoring quick and precise takedowns.
- Bodyguard Duties: Bodyguards and personal protection specialists might apply the Venomous Coating to their clients’ armor or protective gear. This acts as a deterrent against physical attacks, ensuring that adversaries are hesitant to make direct contact. The toxic consequences of touching the coated surfaces provide an added layer of defense.
- Close-Quarters Confrontations: The Venomous Coating is valuable in environments where stealth and close-quarters combat are crucial, such as infiltrating enemy hideouts, navigating treacherous dungeons, or engaging in skirmishes within confined spaces. The toxic effect surprises enemies who attempt physical attacks, giving the coated individual an advantage.
It is important to note that the usage of the Venomous Coating must be approached with caution. Its possession and application may be deemed illegal in certain jurisdictions, and the ethical implications of using such a dangerous tool should be carefully considered by characters. The secretive nature of its sale and limited availability add an air of intrigue and exclusivity to the Venomous Coating, making it a coveted item among those operating in the shadows.
A Serpent’s Bite
Long ago, in the veiled shadows of a forgotten realm, there arose an order known as the Serpent’s Fang. These assassins, cloaked in whispers and feared by kings, sought the means to render their adversaries helpless without the swing of a blade. Their grandmaster, a figure shrouded in venomous legends, ventured deep into the cursed forests of Ashenar. There, the Grimroot grew, its sap rumored to bear the wrath of the gods and the poison of the void.
The grandmaster, driven by ambition and whispers of dark knowledge, learned to distill Grimroot’s essence into a potent toxin. This venom, mixed with the oils of shadow-bloom petals and tears of the moonlit basilisk, became a substance so treacherous that even the boldest warriors dared not test its touch. He called it the Venomous Coating, a shield and sword alike for those willing to wield it.
In one account, the grandmaster coated the edges of his armor with this vile substance and faced a rival assassin who sought to claim his title. The challenger, known as Black Talon, was a force of unmatched agility and brutality. But as Black Talon’s blows landed, he faltered. The venom seeped through his cuts and gloved hands, paralyzing his strength and silencing his breath. The grandmaster’s whispered words as Black Talon fell have echoed through time: “The serpent’s bite is swift, but its poison lingers.”
The Venomous Coating became a weapon of fear and whispers, its use spreading through shadowy guilds. Yet, as the years passed, tales warned of its price. Those who wore it for too long found their own flesh stained by its malice. Their hands trembled, their hearts slowed, and their dreams were haunted by the serpents they wielded.
Moral of the Story: Beware the tools of shadow, for they may protect you from your enemies, but their venom may one day strike you as well.
Suggested conversions to other systems:
Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)
Venomous Coating
- Effect: When applied to armor or weapons, any creature making physical contact with the coated surface must make a CON roll. Failure results in mild paralysis (-20% penalty to physical skills and movement for 1d6 rounds).
- Preparation: Requires an Art/Craft (Alchemy) roll (Hard difficulty).
- Duration: Coating lasts 1d6 hours or until washed off.
- Cost: 40 credits per dose.
Blades in the Dark
Venomous Coating
- Item Load: 0 (Subtle gear).
- Effect: When an enemy strikes armor coated with venom, they take “Harm: Weakened (Level 2)” unless they resist with Prowess.
- Crafting: Tier II alchemical recipe, requires a successful Tinker roll with specialized tools.
- Usage: Single-use per application; lasts for one engagement.
- Coin Cost: 1 Coin per dose (higher in restricted areas).
Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)
Venomous Coating
- Wondrous Item, uncommon (requires proficiency with alchemist’s supplies to craft)
- Effect: When applied to armor or a weapon, creatures who make physical contact with the coated surface must succeed on a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or take 1d6 poison damage and have disadvantage on Strength-based ability checks for 1 minute.
- Application: Takes 1 minute to apply and lasts for 1 hour or until removed.
- Crafting: Requires alchemist’s supplies and a successful DC 15 Intelligence (Alchemy) check.
- Market Value: 75 gp per application.
Knave
Venomous Coating
- Effect: When applied to armor or weapons, any creature that touches or strikes the coated item must make a Save or suffer 1d4 damage and lose 1 point of Strength for 1d4 turns.
- Application: Coating lasts for 1 hour or until it contacts water.
- Preparation: Requires a successful Crafting roll and the necessary ingredients.
- Cost: 50 silver coins per dose.
Fate
Venomous Coating
- Aspect: “Toxic Defense”
- Effect: When an opponent strikes armor or a weapon coated with venom, spend a Fate point to invoke the aspect. The attacker gains the “Weakened” aspect with a free invoke, representing slowed movement and reduced effectiveness.
- Preparation: Requires an Overcome action using Alchemy (Good [+3] difficulty) to create the coating.
- Usage: Single-use per coating, lasting for one scene.
- Cost: Rare, requiring access to Grimroot and alchemical tools.
Numenera & Cypher System
Venomous Coating
- Level: 3
- Effect: When applied to armor or a weapon, creatures that make physical contact must succeed on a Level 3 Might defense roll or take 4 points of Speed damage and lose their next action due to disorientation.
- Duration: Coating remains active for 1 hour or until it is washed off or degraded by heavy use.
- Crafting: Requires an Intellect-based task (Difficulty 4) using alchemical tools and Grimroot essence.
- Cost: 3 Shin per dose in secret markets.
Pathfinder (2nd Edition)
Venomous Coating
- Consumable Item, Level 3
- Category: Alchemical Item (Poison).
- Application: 1 minute to apply to armor or a weapon.
- Effect: A creature that touches or strikes the coated surface must attempt a DC 16 Fortitude save. On failure:
- Stage 1 (1 round): 1d6 poison damage and flat-footed.
- Stage 2 (2 rounds): 1d8 poison damage and slowed 1.
- Stage 3 (1 round): 2d8 poison damage and immobilized.
- Crafting Requirements: Alchemical Crafting feat and Grimroot extract.
- Cost: 12 gp per dose.
Savage Worlds
Venomous Coating
- Type: Consumable (Gear).
- Effect: When applied to armor or weapons, attackers making physical contact must roll Vigor at -2 or suffer Fatigue due to poison. A second failed roll results in Incapacitation.
- Duration: Coating lasts for 3 rounds of combat or until it is removed by water or intense heat.
- Preparation: Requires a successful Alchemy roll (Target Number 6) and Grimroot essence.
- Cost: 100 credits or equivalent.
Shadowrun
Venomous Coating
- Category: Chemical Weapon Enhancement
- Effect: When applied to melee weapons or armor, attackers who make physical contact must resist with Body + Willpower (4) or suffer 3S (stun) damage and a -1 dice pool penalty for the next turn due to toxicity.
- Duration: Coating lasts for 1 hour or until the weapon/armor is exposed to water or excessive friction.
- Application: Takes 1 Combat Turn to apply.
- Cost: 250 nuyen per dose.
Starfinder
Venomous Coating
- Item Level: 3
- Type: Consumable, Hybrid Item (Poison).
- Effect: When applied to armor or melee weapons, attackers making contact must succeed on a Fortitude save (DC 14) or take 1d4 poison damage and become sickened for 1 round.
- Duration: 10 minutes or until degraded by environmental factors.
- Usage: One dose per application; covers one medium-sized item.
- Price: 125 credits.
- Crafting: Requires Life Science or Mysticism skill and access to Grimroot extract.
Traveller
Venomous Coating
- Type: Special Equipment, Consumable.
- Effect: Melee weapons or armor treated with Venomous Coating cause attackers who strike or touch the treated surface to make an Endurance check (8+) or suffer 1D damage and a -1 DM penalty to all actions for 1 minute due to venomous irritation.
- Duration: Coating lasts for 6 hours in typical conditions or until worn away by combat.
- Application: Takes 1D6 minutes to apply thoroughly.
- Cost: Cr150 per dose, available only through black markets or illicit traders.
Warhammer (Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay)
Venomous Coating
- Category: Exotic Toxin, Consumable.
- Effect: Applied to armor or melee weapons, enemies making contact must test Toughness (Difficulty 3) or suffer 2 Wounds and become Staggered for 1 round. On a critical failure, they take an additional 1 Wound.
- Duration: Coating remains effective for 1d10 rounds or until the surface is heavily damaged or cleaned.
- Rarity: Very Rare. Requires a successful Trade (Poisoner) Test at -20 to craft or acquire.
- Cost: 15 gold crowns per dose.