Herbs and Poisons -- River Weed

River Weed is one of the more potent plants that exist on Earthdawn. It is the steady diet of the Blow Quokkas, but is more commonly used in the pipes of sea-faring T'skrang. Though not a true poison, long term effects of ingesting this strange plant all seem to be terminal wether in the form of sudden death or a period of madness.

Effect: The only short term effect this plant has is disorientating and debilitating the victim. Effects vary from species to species, with the T'skrang least affected by the plant (-1 to all tests) and the Windlings are the most affected (-5 to all tests). Obsidimen and Trolls are fairly resistant to its effects (-2 to all tests) and the other races (Orks, Humans, Elves and Dwarves) have a fair resistance (-3 to all tests).

Onset: The effects of River Weed are felt immediately.

Methods of Exposure: River Weed must be ingested in some way so that it will eventually enter the blood stream. This can be by injection (any one know a bad quester of Jaspree?), consumption via food or drink, as well as inhaling the fumes or smoking directly.

Poison Resistance Tests: Resistance tests are made hourly against the plant's spell defence of five.

Notes: The rules in the Earthdawn rulebook (p. 208) describe debilitating poisons, which have been modified above. An average test against the poison produces the above results, whereas a good, excellent and extraordinary will cause a further -1, -2 and -3 penalty respectively. These results are summarised below.

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