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Antitoxin

Antitoxin

Category: Consumables & Thrown Items
Weight: — (negligible)
Cost: 50 GP
Special Properties: Advantage vs. poison for 1 hour

Description​

Antitoxin is a carefully prepared alchemical mixture designed to neutralize toxins and provide resistance to poisoning. This valuable substance is typically stored in small vials and consumed when poison exposure is anticipated or has already occurred.

Mechanical Effects​

Primary Benefit:

  • Provides advantage on saving throws against poison for 1 hour
  • Single-use consumable item
  • Takes an action to consume
  • Effects begin immediately upon consumption

Duration and Stacking:

  • Lasts exactly 1 hour from consumption
  • Multiple doses do not stack or extend duration
  • Taking a second dose while first is active wastes the second dose
  • Timer resets if consumed again after first dose expires

Tactical Applications​

Preventive Use:

  • Consume before entering areas known to contain poisonous creatures
  • Take prior to handling potentially toxic substances
  • Use when exploring ancient ruins with poison traps
  • Prepare before confronting venomous monsters

Emergency Response:

  • Consume immediately after suspected poison exposure
  • Use when poison symptoms begin to manifest
  • Take when party member has been poisoned and similar exposure is likely
  • Emergency treatment for accidental ingestion of toxic substances

Common Poison Threats​

Natural Hazards:

  • Venomous snake, spider, and scorpion bites
  • Poisonous plants and fungi consumption
  • Contaminated water sources
  • Toxic gas exposure in caves or swamps

Combat Encounters:

  • Poison-coated weapons used by enemies
  • Breath weapons containing toxic elements
  • Spell effects that cause poisoning
  • Environmental hazards in dungeons

Strategic Considerations​

Cost-Benefit Analysis:

  • Expensive at 50 GP per dose
  • Potentially life-saving in poison-heavy environments
  • More economical than resurrection after death by poison
  • Consider party composition and available magical healing

Timing Decisions:

  • Prophylactic use vs. reactive treatment
  • Coordinate with party members to avoid waste
  • Consider duration when planning extended activities
  • Balance with other protective measures available

Alternative Uses​

Non-Standard Applications:

  • May provide some protection against disease (DM discretion)
  • Could neutralize ingested poisons in food or drink
  • Might offer minor benefits against certain magical effects
  • Potential component in crafting more complex antidotes

Utility Beyond Combat:

  • Allows safe handling of poisonous materials
  • Enables consumption of questionable food/water
  • Provides confidence when exploring dangerous areas
  • May be required for certain alchemical processes

Limitations and Considerations​

What It Doesn't Do:

  • Does not cure existing poison effects
  • Provides no benefit against diseases
  • Cannot prevent damage from already-failed saves
  • Does not protect against non-poison harmful substances

Practical Limitations:

  • High cost limits frequent use
  • Single-use nature requires careful planning
  • No protection against instant-death poisons
  • Advantage doesn't guarantee success on saves

Acquisition and Availability​

Where to Find:

  • Alchemist shops in major cities
  • Herbalist vendors in frontier towns
  • Temple healers and clerics
  • Specialized poison dealers (legal or otherwise)

Regional Variations:

  • More expensive in areas with few alchemists
  • Cheaper in regions with abundant poisonous creatures
  • May be restricted or controlled in some jurisdictions
  • Quality and effectiveness may vary by source

Crafting and Preparation​

Alchemical Requirements:

  • Requires proficiency with alchemist's supplies
  • DC 15 Intelligence check for successful creation
  • Costs 25 GP in raw materials per dose
  • Takes 1 day of work to create a single dose

Natural Alternatives:

  • Some plants may provide similar but weaker effects
  • Certain creature parts can be processed into antitoxins
  • Regional folk remedies may offer partial protection
  • Divine magic provides superior but temporary alternatives

Storage and Preservation​

Proper Handling:

  • Store in cool, dry places away from direct sunlight
  • Keep vials sealed to prevent contamination
  • Check expiration dates if using extended storage rules
  • Protect from temperature extremes that might denature compounds

Shelf Life:

  • Typically stable for years if properly stored
  • May lose potency in extreme conditions
  • Contaminated doses could be ineffective or harmful
  • Regular inspection recommended for long-term storage