Venomous Dagger Coating

From: Frostbloom

Lore: The Venomous Dagger Coating recipe is shrouded in dark whispers and clandestine knowledge passed down among secretive guilds of assassins and poison masters. It is said that the recipe’s origins can be traced back to a notorious assassin who sought to enhance the lethality of their daggers. Through forbidden rituals and experimentation, they discovered the perfect combination of the deadly Frostbloom Poison, a potent alchemical binder, and a touch of enchanted oil. The resulting concoction proved to be a formidable venom, capable of inflicting lethal poison damage on unsuspecting victims.

Use: The Venomous Dagger Coating serves as a deadly tool for those seeking to dispatch enemies with swift and silent precision. By applying the mixture to a dagger’s blade, it infuses the weapon with a potent venom that causes additional poison damage upon successful attacks. This coating is favored by assassins, rogue-like characters, or anyone who values stealth and the element of surprise in combat.

Stats:

• Level Requirement: Tier 1
• Skills Required: Poison Crafting (Basic) – The character should possess basic knowledge and skill in crafting and handling poisons.
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes – The process requires careful mixing and application of the ingredients.
• Cost: 50 gold pieces – The cost covers the rare Frostbloom Poison, the alchemical binder, and the enchanted oil needed for the coating.

Process:

• Acquire the Ingredients: Obtain Frostbloom Poison from reputable sources known for dealing in dangerous substances. Acquire an alchemical binder, a specialized substance that ensures the venom adheres to the dagger’s blade. Lastly, obtain a small vial of enchanted oil, imbued with magical properties that enhance the potency of the venom.
• Mix the Ingredients: In a secure and well-ventilated area, combine the Frostbloom Poison, the alchemical binder, and a few drops of the enchanted oil in a small, heat-resistant container. Stir the mixture gently, ensuring the ingredients are thoroughly blended.
• Apply the Coating: Using a specialized brush or cloth, carefully apply the venomous mixture to the blade of the dagger. Take caution not to come into direct contact with the poison, as it can be harmful.
• Allow Drying Time: Set the coated dagger aside in a safe place, away from others’ reach, and allow the coating to dry. This process typically takes a few hours, during which the venomous properties fully integrate into the dagger’s blade.

Tags:

• Consumable: The Venomous Dagger Coating is a consumable item applied to the weapon, gradually depleting with each successful attack.
• Poisonous: The coating infuses the dagger with potent venom, causing additional poison damage upon successful strikes.
• Alchemical: The creation of the coating requires knowledge and skill in poison crafting and alchemy.
• Additional: Frost-Infused, Silent Death, Assassin’s Edge, Enchanted Venom, Clandestine Weaponry, Forbidden Craft, Lethal Precision, Black Market Exclusive, Alchemical Binder, Stealth Enhancement

The Venomous Dagger Coating recipe is not openly sold in regular markets or establishments due to its dangerous nature and association with illicit activities. It is typically obtained through secretive channels, specialized black markets, or underground networks that cater to assassins, thieves, and individuals with nefarious intent. These clandestine sources might include shadowy alchemical guilds, hidden dens of poison masters, or contacts within the criminal underworld.

The availability of the Venomous Dagger Coating recipe can vary depending on the setting and the characters’ connections. Characters may need to delve into the criminal underbelly of cities or seek out specific contacts with knowledge of poisons and forbidden arts. Engaging with these sources may involve secret meetings, hidden exchanges, or the completion of dangerous tasks to prove trustworthiness.

Once the Venomous Dagger Coating recipe is acquired, characters can utilize it to enhance their daggers. Applying the mixture to a dagger’s blade imbues it with potent venom. When the coated dagger strikes a target successfully, it inflicts additional poison damage on top of the regular damage caused by the weapon. This added poison effect can cause debilitating symptoms or weaken enemies over time, making it a formidable asset in combat.

The coated dagger is primarily used by characters who favor stealth, assassination, or subterfuge in their approach to conflicts. Assassins, rogues, or individuals seeking a lethal edge in close-quarters combat may seek out this coating. It allows them to dispatch foes quietly and efficiently, leaving victims weakened or incapacitated due to the venom’s effects.

Given the nature of the Venomous Dagger Coating, characters must be cautious about its usage. Employing it openly or being discovered with such a weapon could lead to legal repercussions or earn the ire of powerful organizations that oppose such activities. Use and distribution of this item may be seen as a morally gray or even villainous act within the world, influencing character interactions and potential consequences.

Frostbloom’s Betrayal

Long ago, in a world veiled by frost and shadow, there lived an assassin whose name was stolen by time. They were whispered of as a shadow who walked the ice-laden paths, wielding daggers that sang with death’s cold breath. In those frozen days, when the sun lingered low and the wind carried secrets, the assassin sought a power beyond mortal reach—a venom to silence even the mightiest foes.

Legends tell of the Frostbloom, a flower born of winter’s sorrow, hidden deep in a forest frozen long before men dared tread its paths. Its petals glimmered with icy venom, and its stem held the bite of a thousand winters. The assassin, with eyes like the void and a heart colder than the bloom itself, ventured into the frost-laden forest in search of the forbidden plant.

Through whispers of frost spirits and perilous winds, the assassin found the Frostbloom. They knelt before its icy splendor, their breath stolen by its terrible beauty. With hands skilled in the arts of death, they plucked the venomous petals, their fingers blackened by the frost’s kiss. Combining the flower’s poison with an enchanted oil and the alchemical binder of shadows, they crafted a coating that would mark their blade with death itself.

The tale speaks of the assassin’s triumph, their daggers becoming death’s silent heralds. No armor could shield against the frost-touched venom, no prayer could halt its creeping sting. Yet, as the assassin’s fame spread, so too did their fear of their own creation. The venom was not a weapon—it was a curse, and its hunger grew with each life it claimed.

One night, as the assassin stood alone under the pale moon, their blades turned on them. The Frostbloom’s venom, now a creature of its own making, sought the warmth of its master’s blood. The assassin’s screams were swallowed by the frost, their name erased from memory, leaving only the tale of the Frostbloom’s Betrayal.

Moral of the Story: That which is born of poison and shadow turns on its master; the tools of death serve no loyalty but their own.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

Item: Venomous Dagger Coating

• Type: Alchemical Poison
• Uses per Vial: 3 applications
• Mechanics:
  • Application: Applying the coating to a dagger requires 1 round.
  • Effect: When the coated weapon strikes, the victim must succeed on a CON roll or suffer:
    • Failure: 1D6 poison damage for 1D4 rounds.
    • Critical Failure: 2D6 poison damage and paralysis for 1D6 rounds.
    • Countermeasure: Medicine or First Aid roll can slow or stop the effects if applied within 1 round of exposure.
  • Cost: 150 gp/vial (black market only).
• Crafting: Requires a successful Hard Alchemy or Chemistry roll and rare materials, including Frostbloom venom.

Blades in the Dark

Item: Venomous Dagger Coating

• Type: Toxin (Special Item)
• Load: 1 (Small Item)
• Uses: 1 application per vial
• Mechanics:
  • Application: Takes one downtime action or 1 minute during a score to apply.
  • Effect: When a coated weapon causes harm, the target suffers level 2 harm (“Frostbitten Poison”) unless they resist with Prowess.
  • Worsening Harm: At the GM’s discretion, untreated targets may escalate to level 3 harm (“Frozen Paralysis”) after an hour.
  • Crafting: Requires a Tier II crafting project involving Frostbloom venom (4 ticks to complete).
• Acquisition: Available through Factions with Tier III+ influence or specialized alchemical contacts.

Dungeons & Dragons (5e)

Item: Venomous Dagger Coating

• (Consumable)
• Type: Poison
• Cost: 150 gp/vial
• Mechanics:
  • Application: Applying the coating to a dagger takes 1 action. The coating lasts for 1 minute or until the weapon hits a target.
  • Effect: On a successful attack, the target must succeed on a DC 15 Constitution saving throw or suffer:
    • Initial Damage: 1d8 poison damage.
    • Failed Save: The target is poisoned for 1 minute, taking an additional 1d6 cold damage at the start of their turn. The target can repeat the saving throw at the end of each of their turns to end the effect.
  • Crafting: Requires proficiency in Alchemist’s Supplies, 2 hours of work, and 100 gp worth of materials to craft 1 dose.
• Game Notes: A mishap during crafting or application may require the applier to succeed on a DC 15 Dexterity save or suffer half the coating’s effect.

Knave

Item: Venomous Dagger Coating

• Type: Consumable
• Usage Die: d6
• Cost: 150 silver per vial
• Mechanics:
  • Application: Takes 1 round to coat a dagger. The coating lasts for 1 successful attack or 1 hour.
  • Effect: On a successful strike, the target must make a CON save or suffer:
    • Immediate Effect: 1d6 poison damage.
    • Lingering Effect: 1d4 cold damage at the start of their next 3 turns.
  • Crafting: Requires a Poison Crafting check (DC 15) and access to Frostbloom venom, enchanted oil, and an alchemical binder. Crafting takes 4 hours.
• Game Notes: Mishandling the coating during crafting or application may require the applier to make a CON save to avoid poisoning themselves.

Fate Core

Item: Venomous Dagger Coating

• Type: Consumable
• Uses: Single application per vial
• Mechanics:
  • Application: Takes one action to coat a dagger. The coating lasts for one scene or until the weapon strikes a target.
  • Effect: On a successful attack, create an aspect such as “Paralyzed by Frost Poison” or “Lingering Frostbite.” This aspect can be invoked for a +2 bonus to further actions against the target or compel them to suffer a narrative consequence, like slowed movement or incapacitation.
  • Crafting: Requires a Create an Advantage roll using Poison Crafting or Alchemy. Success provides one dose, while success with style provides two.
• Game Notes: The poison’s effects can be expanded narratively to create complications for the target, such as lingering cold-induced weakness.

Numenera & Cypher System

Item: Venomous Dagger Coating

• Level: 5
• Type: Consumable
• Cost: 100 shins per dose
• Mechanics:
  • Application: Coating a dagger requires one action and lasts for 10 minutes or until the weapon successfully strikes.
  • Effect: On a successful attack, the target must make a Might defense roll (Difficulty 5).
    • Failure: The target takes 5 points of poison damage and 2 points of Speed damage immediately.
    • Lingering Effect: For the next three rounds, the target takes 2 additional points of poison damage unless treated.
  • Crafting: Requires an Intellect roll (Difficulty 5), access to Frostbloom venom, and 50 shins in crafting materials.
• Game Notes: Mishandling during crafting or application may require the applier to make a Might defense roll to avoid poisoning themselves.

Pathfinder (2e)

Item: Venomous Dagger Coating

• Type: Alchemical Poison (Consumable)
• Price: 100 gp/vial
• Mechanics:
  • Application: Coating a dagger requires an Interact action. The effect lasts for 1 minute or until the weapon strikes a target.
  • Effect: On a successful attack, the target must succeed on a DC 19 Fortitude save:
    • Critical Success: No effect.
    • Success: 2d4 poison damage.
    • Failure: 3d6 poison damage and the slowed 1 condition for 1 round.
    • Critical Failure: 4d8 poison damage and the slowed 2 condition for 1 minute.
  • Crafting: Requires Crafting proficiency and access to alchemical tools, along with 50 gp worth of Frostbloom venom and materials. Crafting takes 4 hours.
• Game Notes: Mishandling may expose the applier to the poison, requiring a DC 19 Reflex save to avoid its effects.

Savage Worlds (Adventure Edition)

Item: Venomous Dagger Coating

• Type: Consumable (Poison)
• Cost: 200 gold
• Mechanics:
  • Application: Applying the coating takes one action. The coating lasts until the weapon strikes a target or for 10 minutes.
  • Effect: On a successful attack, the target must make a Vigor roll (TN 8):
    • Success: No effect.
    • Failure: Target takes 2d8 poison damage and suffers the Fatigue condition.
    • Critical Failure: The target takes 3d8 poison damage, gains 2 levels of Fatigue, and becomes incapacitated for 1d4 rounds.
  • Crafting: Requires an Alchemy roll (TN 6) and 100 gold worth of materials, including Frostbloom venom. Crafting takes 8 hours.
• Game Notes: Any failure during crafting or application may require the applier to resist poisoning with a Vigor roll.

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

Item: Venomous Dagger Coating

• Type: Toxin (Illegal)
• Availability: 14F
• Cost: 1,000 nuyen per dose
• Mechanics:
  • Application: Applying the coating takes 1 Complex Action. The effect lasts for 10 minutes or until the dagger strikes a target.
  • Effect: On a successful attack, the target resists the toxin with Body + Willpower against a Toxin Resistance Threshold of 6:
    • Failure: Target suffers 8P Damage (unresisted) and the Nauseated status for 1d6 minutes.
    • Critical Failure: Target takes 10P Damage and is paralyzed for 1d6 Combat Turns.
  • Crafting: Requires a Biotech (Toxicology) + Logic test (Threshold 6, 12 hours) and Frostbloom venom, which is rare and highly regulated.
• Game Notes: Mishandling the coating during application or crafting may expose the applier to its effects, requiring the same resistance roll.

Starfinder

Item: Venomous Dagger Coating

• Type: Alchemical Poison (Consumable)
• Price: 1,500 credits
• Mechanics:
  • Application: Coating a dagger takes a standard action. The effect lasts for 1 minute or until the weapon strikes a target.
  • Effect: On a successful attack, the target must make a Fortitude save (DC 20) or suffer the following effects:
    • Stage 1: 2d6 poison damage + Weakened Condition (1 round).
    • Stage 2: 3d6 poison damage + Slowed Condition (1 round).
    • Stage 3: 4d6 poison damage and paralysis for 1 round.
  • Crafting: Requires a Medicine or Life Science check (DC 22) and access to Frostbloom venom. Crafting takes 8 hours and 750 credits worth of materials.
• Game Notes: Illegal in most systems without proper authorization. Mishandling the coating may result in accidental poisoning.

Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition)

Item: Venomous Dagger Coating

• Type: Poison (Consumable)
• Tech Level (TL): 9
• Cost: Cr1,500 per dose (3 applications per vial)
• Mechanics:
  • Application: Coating a weapon takes 1 round. The coating remains effective until a single strike lands or for 1 hour.
  • Effect: On a successful attack, the target must make an Endurance check (DM -3):
    • Failure: Target suffers 2D poison damage and a -2 penalty to all physical checks for 1d6 minutes.
    • Critical Failure: Target takes 3D poison damage, a -4 penalty to physical checks, and is paralyzed for 2d6 rounds.
  • Crafting: Requires Medic (Toxicology) or Science (Biology) check (10+), access to Frostbloom venom, and Cr750 worth of materials. Crafting takes 12 hours.
• Game Notes: Mishandling during crafting or application may require the applier to make the same Endurance check to avoid poisoning.

Warhammer (Fantasy Roleplay 4th Edition)

Item: Venomous Dagger Coating

• Type: Poison (Consumable)
• Encumbrance: 0 (small vial)
• Price: 75 gold crowns
• Mechanics:
  • Application: Takes 1 minute to coat a dagger. The oil lasts until the weapon strikes or for 1 hour.
  • Effect: On a successful hit, the target must make a Toughness Test (Challenging, +0):
    • Success: No effect.
    • Failure: Target suffers 3 Wounds and gains the Poisoned Condition for 1d10 rounds.
    • Critical Failure: Target suffers 5 Wounds, the Poisoned Condition, and the Stunned Condition for 1 round.
  • Crafting: Requires a Trade (Apothecary) Test (Hard, -10) and Frostbloom venom. Crafting takes 1 day and costs 50 gold crowns in materials.
• Game Notes: Mishandling the venom may expose the applier to its effects, requiring a Toughness Test to resist poisoning.