Atlantean Trilogy Archive
An alchemist shapes a clay golem beside copper furnaces and a homunculus in a jar, with whales drifting past a sunken city beyond.

Powder of False Death

Alchemy, Toxic powder

Drops victims into a coma that looks like death; healers may notice they still live, others rarely will.

From the book

Made from 7 drs. of skullcap, this powder drops victims into a coma that passes for death. A trained healer may see the victim is alive with a save vs Intelligence; others have only a 5% chance. The coma lasts 48 hours, or until a poison antidote is given.

Like any toxic powder it can go into food or drink, be hurled in a vial, strewn by hand or blown from a blow tube reaching 5 ft. A save vs Constitution avoids it unless noted, except for anyone who ingests it. It takes a day to grind and heat, with a 90% chance of success plus 1% per level, to 99%. The work is so volatile that the maker saves vs Dexterity at +1 per level or rolls on the Alchemical Mishap Table. Outlawed in most areas, it sells through underworld contacts for 200-300 G.P. a dose.

At a glance

Ingredients
7 drs. skullcap
Duration
48 hours or until a poison antidote is given
Detection
Healers save vs Intelligence; others 5% chance
Delivery
Food or drink, thrown vial, by hand, or blow tube (range 5 ft., 2 1/2 ft. radius)
Save
Constitution unless stated; no save if ingested
Equipment
Mortar and pestle, small bowl or pan
Time to complete
1 day per powder
Chance of success
90% +1% per level (max 99%)
Mishap
Maker saves vs Dexterity (+1 per level) or roll on Alchemical Mishap Table
Cost
200-300 G.P. per dose (illegal; underworld only)
Requires
Toxic powders skill (no prerequisite)