Horncoil Essence

Horncoil Essence is a mild yet effective poison derived from the venom of the Coilkin Horned Adder. This toxin, typically contained in a small, sleek vial, is valued for its subtle yet debilitating effects. Upon administration, it induces minor paralysis, causing the victim to experience localized numbness and discomfort. Though its potency is relatively low, making it a less lethal option, Horncoil Essence is favored for its ability to incapacitate targets without causing severe or lasting harm. The venom's properties are enhanced with a careful blend of distilled water, thyme, rosemary, and powdered dragon's claw root, resulting in a balanced toxin ideal for covert operations where discretion and control are paramount.

Skill Checks

Arcana (Intelligence) Check:

Purpose: Understanding the interaction between magical ingredients.
Difficulty Class (DC): 15
Reason: Ensuring the proper combination of magical and natural components.

Nature (Intelligence) Check:

Purpose: Identifying and preparing natural components.
DC: 12
Reason: Properly extracting and handling the venom.

Herbalism Kit (Wisdom) Check:

Purpose: Extracting and preparing plant-based ingredients.
DC: 10
Reason: Ensuring the correct use and mixture of herbs.

Poisoner's Kit (Dexterity) Check:

Purpose: Safely distilling the venom and combining it with other ingredients.
DC: 13
Reason: Precision and safety in handling toxic substances.

Alchemist's Supplies (Intelligence) Check:

Purpose: Performing the final alchemical procedures and ensuring stability and potency.
DC: 14
Reason: Managing the precise heating and mixing needed to incorporate the alchemical binding agents without degrading the venom's effectiveness.

Additional Considerations

Tool Proficiency: Required proficiency with Alchemist's Supplies and Poisoner's Kit.
Assistance: Assistance from another character proficient in these tools can provide advantage on checks.
Resource Availability: Ensure the availability of all necessary materials and components before beginning the process.

Example Process

Arcana Check to understand the interaction between magical ingredients.
Nature Check to identify and prepare natural components.
Herbalism Kit Check to extract and prepare plant-based ingredients.
Poisoner’s Kit Check to safely distill the venom and combine it with other ingredients.
Alchemist’s Supplies Check to perform the final alchemical procedures and ensure stability and potency.

Failure Consequences:

Minor Failure (by 1-4): Slight reduction in potency, but still functional.
Moderate Failure (by 5-9): Reduced effectiveness and potential side effects on the user.
Major Failure (by 10+): Complete failure of the mixture, resulting in a useless product or a dangerous reaction.

Mechanics & Inner Workings

Immediate Effects:

Neurotoxic Impact:

Effect 1: Minor Paralysis: Description: The target must succeed on a DC 10 Constitution saving throw or become paralyzed for 1d4 rounds. Pain: The target takes 1d6 poison damage upon injection, and an additional 1d4 poison damage at the start of each of its turns until the paralysis ends.

Hemotoxic Effects:

Effect 1: Tissue Irritation: Description: The target must make a DC 10 Constitution saving throw at the start of each of its turns. On a failed save, the target takes 1d4 necrotic damage. This effect lasts for 1d4 rounds or until the paralysis ends. Swelling and Bruising: The target has disadvantage on Dexterity-based ability checks and saving throws for the duration of the paralysis.

Short-Term Effects:

Localized Pain and Swelling:

Effect: Description: The bite area becomes moderately painful and swollen, with slight bruising and discoloration.

Long-Term Effects:

Residual Numbness:

Effect: Description: Some victims may experience residual numbness and tingling at the bite site for a few days.

Antidote and Treatment:

Antidote:

Specific Antidote: Description: A herbal mixture including specific antidote herbs known to counteract the venom.

Supportive Care:

Basic Wound Care: Description: Cleaning the bite site and applying antiseptic, over-the-counter pain relievers, and antihistamines can help manage pain and swelling.

Prognosis:

Timely Treatment:

Good Prognosis: With basic first aid and supportive care, full recovery is expected within a few days to a week.

Delayed Treatment:

Poor Prognosis: Even without immediate treatment, the bite is generally not serious and will heal on its own, though discomfort may persist slightly longer. In cases of severe reactions, medical supervision is recommended.

Manufacturing process

Extraction of Venom:

• Safely capture a Coilkin Horned Adder and carefully extract its venom using a sterile needle or extraction tool.

• Perform a Nature Check (DC 12) to ensure proper handling and extraction without damaging the snake or contaminating the venom.

Preparation of Stabilizing Herbs:

• Gather fresh thyme and rosemary, then dry and crush them into a fine powder.

• Mix the crushed herbs with distilled water in precise amounts.

• Perform a Medicine Check (DC 10) to ensure the correct use and mixture of herbs with the distilled water.

Combining Venom with Herbs:

• Carefully mix the extracted venom with the herbal solution, ensuring an even distribution.

• Heat the mixture gently using an alchemical heating apparatus, adding powdered dragon's claw root to stabilize and bind the solution.

• Perform an Alchemy Tools Proficiency Check (DC 14) to manage the precise heating and mixing needed to incorporate the alchemical binding agents without degrading the venom's effectiveness.

Filtering and Bottling:

• Filter the mixture to remove any impurities or solid particles, ensuring a smooth and consistent liquid.

• Carefully measure and transfer the filtered solution into glass vials, sealing them securely with stoppers.

• Perform a Perception Check (DC 10) to accurately transfer the mixture into the vials, preventing contamination and ensuring proper storage.

Overall Process Time:

• Approximately 4 hours to complete the extraction, preparation, mixing, filtering, and bottling processes.

Quality Control:

• Each batch should be tested for potency and consistency before sale or use. This involves a final check to ensure the poison meets the expected standards and effectiveness.

Item type

Compound

Rarity

Uncommon

Weight

0.2 pounds

Dimensions

Vial (2 inches height, 0.5 inches diameter)

Base Price

50 gold pieces

Raw materials & Components

• Venom of the Coilkin Horned Adder

• Distilled water

• Thyme

• Rosemary

• Powdered dragon's claw root

• Glass vials with secure stoppers

• Alchemical heating apparatus

• Measuring tools (spoons, pipettes)

• Mixing bowls and stirring rods

• Filtering cloth or paper

Tools

Alchemist's supplies (including heating apparatus, glassware, measuring tools)
Herbalism kit (for handling and preparing herbs)
Precision scales