Is poison legal? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Is poison legal? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
CrimsonDeath
03-13-07, 04:12 AM I'm about to start playing a LN Warforged, a member of a LN mercenery guild. Since Warforged are immune to poison, there's nothing mechanically stopping me from slathering whatever poison I want all over my weapon (or even my fists) and swinging away. Now, I know that the use of poison is often considered to be an evil act, but my character wouldn't really care about that. I was wondering, rather, whether (or under what circumstances) the use of poison would be considered a chaotic act.
Sikyanakotik
03-13-07, 04:37 PM Poison is, in itself, neither lawful or chaotic. I wouldn't call it evil either, unless it causes excessive suffering or is used recklessly; the paladin restriction is mostly because it's not "honourable".

The following is all my own judgement, and I don't mind if people disagree with it.

Posessing poison without an appropriate permit (or permission from a superior) is a defiance of reasonable authority and thus a chaotic act. Using poisoned weapon in an otherwise fair duel is definitely chaotic. Using a poisoned weapon in mortal combat is not chaotic, even if the opponent is unaware of it; they usually can't immediately tell your weapon is magical either.
Max the Immortal
03-13-07, 07:00 PM The consensus on these boards is that using poison is not evil; it is, however, usually illegal. Although using poison in defiance of the local laws would usually be considered a chaotic act, members of a mercenary guild in good standing may be allowed to obtain a license to posess and use poison when on guild missions. DM's discretion, of course.
Rasputen_Bel_Kuhr
03-14-07, 05:01 AM yes it would be as it was in modern and medieval societies - or haven't you ever heard of rat poison and yes rat poison and almost all other poisons affect all life not just the species their named after and i should add that some poisons are used medicinally when distilled and some poisons are recognised as such; belladonna an was used in italy as a beauty product to make womens eyes dilate and literally means "beautiful woman" as it made their eyes dilate and it definately wouldn't be illegal for it's uses against shapechangers

In short if your allowed to kill the guy you are generally allowed to use any reasonably means or means neccessary under the circumstances.
Vicki Cadae
03-14-07, 09:19 AM Ask your DM.

Personally, I consider poison itself to be as neutral as a sword or dagger.
SKAMBANKT
03-14-07, 08:54 PM DM decides.
In my world, poison-sellers/users caught with poison on their body, gets thrown in jail, put to trial and sent to the gallows.
CrimsonDeath
03-16-07, 07:36 PM Thanks for the advice. I'll see if there's a procedure for getting a "poisoner's license".

And the idea of a warforged at the gallows is funny.

*chunk*
(roll percentile)
to DM: OK, my fortification got that one. Roll damage.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
CrimsonDeath 03-13-07, 04:12 AM	I'm about to start playing a LN Warforged, a member of a LN mercenery guild. Since Warforged are immune to poison, there's nothing mechanically stopping me from slathering whatever poison I want all over my weapon (or even my fists) and swinging away. Now, I know that the use of poison is often considered to be an evil act, but my character wouldn't really care about that. I was wondering, rather, whether (or under what circumstances) the use of poison would be considered a chaotic act.
Sikyanakotik 03-13-07, 04:37 PM	Poison is, in itself, neither lawful or chaotic. I wouldn't call it evil either, unless it causes excessive suffering or is used recklessly; the paladin restriction is mostly because it's not "honourable". The following is all my own judgement, and I don't mind if people disagree with it. Posessing poison without an appropriate permit (or permission from a superior) is a defiance of reasonable authority and thus a chaotic act. Using poisoned weapon in an otherwise fair duel is definitely chaotic. Using a poisoned weapon in mortal combat is not chaotic, even if the opponent is unaware of it; they usually can't immediately tell your weapon is magical either.
Max the Immortal 03-13-07, 07:00 PM	The consensus on these boards is that using poison is not evil; it is, however, usually illegal. Although using poison in defiance of the local laws would usually be considered a chaotic act, members of a mercenary guild in good standing may be allowed to obtain a license to posess and use poison when on guild missions. DM's discretion, of course.
Rasputen_Bel_Kuhr 03-14-07, 05:01 AM	yes it would be as it was in modern and medieval societies - or haven't you ever heard of rat poison and yes rat poison and almost all other poisons affect all life not just the species their named after and i should add that some poisons are used medicinally when distilled and some poisons are recognised as such; belladonna an was used in italy as a beauty product to make womens eyes dilate and literally means "beautiful woman" as it made their eyes dilate and it definately wouldn't be illegal for it's uses against shapechangers In short if your allowed to kill the guy you are generally allowed to use any reasonably means or means neccessary under the circumstances.
Vicki Cadae 03-14-07, 09:19 AM	Ask your DM. Personally, I consider poison itself to be as neutral as a sword or dagger.
SKAMBANKT 03-14-07, 08:54 PM	DM decides. In my world, poison-sellers/users caught with poison on their body, gets thrown in jail, put to trial and sent to the gallows.
CrimsonDeath 03-16-07, 07:36 PM	Thanks for the advice. I'll see if there's a procedure for getting a "poisoner's license". And the idea of a warforged at the gallows is funny. chunk (roll percentile) to DM: OK, my fortification got that one. Roll damage.