Poisoned
In LAIRE, Poisoned is an alchemical delivery system rather than a single static penalty. A poison takes effect only if a blow penetrates to a character's Body Points (strikes hitting only Armor Points do not trigger poison).
When taking Body Point damage from a poisoned strike, say out-of-game: “I’m poisoned.” The attacker (or marshal/tag) will then disclose the specific poison effect.
1. Direct Body Damage Poisons
2. Status & Debilitating Poisons (10-Minute Duration)
Total physical paralysis for 10 minutes. Character cannot move or speak (can only blink or call latent spells).
Puts target into a deep 10-minute slumber.
Vocal suppression for 10 minutes. Prevents all speech, damage calls, and verbal spell chanting.
Mental collapse for 10 minutes. Reduces target to an idiot unable to use skills, call latent spells, or defend themselves.
Caps martial attack damage to 1 base point and removes all Strength Bonuses for 10 minutes.
3. Lethal & Special Poisons
Instantly brings the target character to the Brink of Death stage (5-minute life count).
Target suffers progressive illness (fever, headache, stomach pains) for 1 hour before dropping to the Brink of Death.
Causes target to forget events (10 min to 6 hours prior) or implants false memories for up to 3 months.
Target falls into catatonic sleep without aging or needing air. Awakens only via Rank 7 Antidote or a Plot-approved awakening condition (e.g. a noble's kiss).
Key Rules & Mechanics
- Poison requires a strike to deal Body Point damage (Armor Point loss does not trigger poison).
- Player calls 'I'm poisoned' out-of-game; attacker reveals the specific poison effect.
- Sleep Poison does NOT break upon taking damage (requires Purify Blood or Antidote).
- Under Playtest 3.2, melee contact poison stopped by physical defenses (Dodge, Sidestep) is NOT expended and may be swung again.