Sacred 2:Book 3 - The Poisons of Ancaria: Their Use, Effect, and Attributes

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From Herbs
Book 3

Poisons of Ancaria: Their Use, Effect, and Attributes

  • Shadow Weed – the most well known poisonous plant in all of Ancaria. It grows in caves, under rocks, and in other dark places. Uncooked the plant has a distinctively bitter taste that even strong spices can’t hide. However, when cooked for several hours shadow weed becomes almost tasteless and can be easily added to the victim’s meal. Adding hermit weed makes sure that no trace of the telltale taste remains. Shadow weed acts swiftly. It causes insanity, fever, finally death.
  • Bear Paw – a poisonous plant from the coniferous woodlands of the north. There it grows on treetops and crutches. The fine hairs that cover its leaves are poisonous. They look like brown fur and can be scraped off with a knife. It can be added to a victim’s meal without further preparation. The plant was named not only for its look, but also for the swiftness of its kill which has been compared to being struck down by a bear.
  • Withermilk Weed – a nasty poison. This white, sweet smelling liquid can be found in the roots of withermilk weed. One should take caution not to touch the liquid as it is absorbed through the skin and slowly poisons the inner organs. Withermilk poisoning is subtle and often only becomes apparent after many months. The weed grows in desert regions, mostly on mountain sides or between rocks. It should be applied to the sole of the foot as it causes a slight discoloration of the skin which usually remains unnoticed there.
  • Death Root – a herb that grows on decomposing cadavers. Drinking a brew made from the cooked leaves of this herb causes almost instantaneous insanity. It is said that death root sucks the spirit out of the dead and the living. Uncooked death root leaves can also be put in cupboards to keep away moths.
  • Ghost Mist – skillful administration is needed for this poison as only the fumes that rise when cooking it are poisonous. Great care should therefore be taken in windy regions. Ghost mist causes painful lumps when it comes into contact with the victim’s (or the unlucky poisoner’s) skin. This symptom is often confused with the deadly blain fever which healers tend to exploit for their financial gain. Left untreated the lumps usually disappear after two or three days.
  • Farmer’s Curse – grows on wheat and corn fields. Its blossoms consist of fist sized seed sacks that burst upon touch and cover the victim with poisonous thorns. These thorns cause painful swelling and can be deadly when swallowed. Poisoners avoid the plant because it is so difficult to handle.
  • Stumble Weed – often found near ponds. The cooked roots cause a severe loss of balance making normal movement impossible. They are mainly used in moonshine to demonstrate the alleged strength of the liquor. The dried leaves can be used as a spice and taste like cinnamon.
  • Cramming Moss – a poisonous, but also agricultural plant. It grows in barren mountain regions and is used by farmers to fatten cattle as it strengthens the appetite. The moss is dried, then added to the cattle feed in small amounts. Undiluted it is quite a spectacular poison as it forces victims to eat until death. Often used at royal feasts as a deterrent.
  • Blackfinger - grows in dark places like caves or ruins. In the south it is also known as Two-Step because after consumption death is almost instantaneous. Its black leaves are tasteless and odorless when cooked. They can easily be added to dark sauces. The remaining brew can be used to dye fabrics.



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