Botulism

From D&D Wiki

Name: Botulism (Ex)
Infection DC: 16 (Ingested, Injury)
Incubation: 1-2 days
Damage: Nauseated or confused, possibly dazzled or paralyzed/ability damage, possible death (2 weeks)

Botulism is technically a illness-causing poison, but it masquerades as a disease (appearing to be a bad version of dysentery) because it is present in contaminated food and water. Botulism can also be transferred through a wound but the Concentration must be large (50% chance of infection with any weapon smeared with poison unless it is coated twice). It can be injected directly into the body or caused by immersing the body in contaminated liquid (provided there are large wounds).

Botulism causes dry mouth, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech and vomiting (as if one is drunk but is not). It can also cause incontinence, diarrhea, Paralysis of muscles and death from respiratory failure. The poison makes it impossible to breathe by affecting the chest muscles.

If the PC fails their check by more than 5 points, s/he is confused instead of nauseated (using regular confusion rules), and becomes dazzled.

If the PC fails their check by more than 10 points, s/he may be paralyzed.

Roll 1d6 to determine extent of Paralysis:

• 1 – Minor, takes 1d2 Dexterity damage;
• 2 – Mild, takes 1d4 Dexterity damage;
• 3 – Average, takes 1d6 Dexterity damage;
• 4 – Great, takes 1d10 Dexterity damage;
• 5 – Greater, takes 1d12 Dexterity damage;
• 6 – Maximum, complete paralysis of upper chest and throat, and arms.

The PC may survive the poison, even at the maximum level, if s/he makes another Fortitude save DC 16 to halve the ability damage. A successful save takes paralysis to Greater instead of Maximum.