The Unofficial Poison FAQEDIT: PLEASE NOTE - this FAQ is being updated to be consistent with the new PoP poisoning system. Generally speaking if you are strictly interested in new poisons, you should consult the FAQ and information at Corinari's Guide to Advanced Poisons
A lot of people come to the Safehouse Laboratory looking for answers to poison questions. Some of them come up a lot. Unfortunately the information in the Rogue FAQ in the library is somewhat lean on poisoning information, and the unofficial tome of mastery, while the definitive source for effect and recipie information, is not good for answering questions.
So I'll take a shot at answering common questions in this thread and we'll see if it turns out to be useful. Feel free to chime in with questions and answers to be added.
Note: For almost every question there are two answers - one applies to the old poison system, and one to the new poison system introduced with the Planes of Power expansion.
Is poison worth it?
A very common question. Probably the first question any rogue asks. Before the Planes of Power expansion, poison was of very limited use. However with the introduction of a new poisoning system in PoP, it takes on a whole new life.
The new system is still too new for any concensus to be reached on how useful the new poisons are. Some will say it's too much effort, while others will say it is fun and useful. You will probably have to be your own judge.
Also much of the information we have was discovered by high level rogues who were highly skilled in the art of toxicology. We don't really now how practical poison is yet for the mid level rogues.
How do poisons work?
A brief explanation:
Old poisons: you would create then apply a poison. The first time you attacked, the poison would go off on the target, and be used up. It would also be used up if you zoned.
New poisons: You "apply" the poison much as you would use a shaman potion - by right clicking on it. This puts a buff on your character (complete with spell icon, and yes it can be dispelled). The buff causes you to have a proc on all your weapons with the effect determined by the poison. One poisons might cause you to proc a snare, while another a DoT, and another a STR debuff.
How do I make such-and-such poison?
Go here: Tome of Mastery: Poisons This is the thread that is pinned to the top of this forum - it contains information on every recipie, every ingredient and every effect of poisons. A lot of rogues worked hard to pull that info together and it's extremely useful to the aspiring toxicologist. This contains all information on the OLD poisons.
The information on the new poisons is still being collected. The best source by far is currently
Is there a way to make poisons stack? or Can poisons be made to stack like shaman potions for multiple charges? or Is there an item like the bearskin bag that will let you stack poisons?
Two answers for this:
For old poisons: No there is not. It can't be done.
For new poisons: By completing the quest given by Renux in West Karanas, you can create a Grand Master Assassin's Seal. This will let you summon special bottles in whick you can create multi-charge poisons, much the same as shamans create multi-charge potions with bear skin bags. However the quest is not simple, and is not even possible until after level 46. At lower levels, rogues must use single charge doses, or have a higher level rogue combine them for you. (Or you could purchase them.) Corinari's site has the full details on this quest.
Does a lower resist posion stack with malosi? or Does a slow poison stack with slow spells? etc.
Old poisons: It depends. Some effects will stack, while others won't. The malosi line will overwrite our lower resist poisons. Most slow spells overwrite our slow poisons. For other effects it will vary depending on the poison and the spell. Unfortunately there's no simple answer here.
New Poisons: Erm....well... We're not sure yet.
Is Make Poison capped by level?
Yes. The exact formula is not quite clear. But the cap is 200 at level 50 and goes up 5/level to stop at 250 at level 60. Prior to level 50 I'm not quite sure of the formula.
Is Make Poison a trade skill? Will it be my single above-200 trade skill if I raise it that high?
No. Make Poison is a class skill, not a trade skill. It will not prevent you from raising another trade skill over 200.
The next few come right from the Rogue FAQ and only apply to the OLD poison system.
2.11 How do I apply poison?
By right clicking on a poison vial, you will automatically sit and apply the poison to your primary weapon slot. Applying poison takes roughly 7 seconds. You cannot poison any weapon type other than piercing.
2.12 How do I make poison?
First you'll need to buy the supplies. A poison recipe book can be helpful, but is not necessary. There are several vendors in Norrath.
[the list in the FAQ is out of date - consult the Unofficial Tome of Mastery for vendor locations]
You will need to have a mortar and pestle to combine the components in. For EACH vial of poison you will need: A suspension fluid , Various poison components from creatures around Norrath, and a vial made by potters or purchased from one of the above mentioned vendors. The poison book will have the recipes, but be sure to check the Safehouse Library forum for all the information.
2.12.1 How long does the poison last?
Each application is for one use only. If you zone without the poison effect going off, you also will lose it. Upon the first hit with your piercing weapon, the poison effect will go off. There is a chance the mob will resist the poison. Backstab will not activate poison. Note also that you must use a piercing weapon for poison.
Can I keep the poison from going off until a tank has secured agro?
There's an answer hidden in the last sentence of the answer above. You have to have a piercing weapon equipped when you poison, but it won't go off unless you have one equipped when you attack. You can therefore apply poison, and switch to a 1hb or 1hs weapon, and then attack. The poison will not go off. Then switch in a piercing weapon and the poison will go off.
Can I poison throwing weapons?
The simple answer is "no". The more complicated answer is that you can sort of do it, if you poison a weapon that can be both equipped in the primary hand and the range slot, and then throw it. It's complicated and not for casual use.
Can I hand a poisoned weapon to someone else? Can I poison several weapons and keep them in inventory? Can I poison my secondary weapon and my primary weapon for double effecti?
No. It seems like you are poisoning a weapon, but it would be more true to the game engine to say that you are activating a one-time proc on yourself that will go off on the next hit with a piercing weapon. You are not actually doing anything to the weapon. If it helps, think of it like casting a spell on yourself that will go off next time you stab a monster.
How do I raise my pottery skill so I can make my own vials?
There are a number of excellent pottery guides. The best source for info on any tradeskill is probably www.eqtraders.com, which has recipies, guides, vendor data, and so on.
Where can I find skins to make vials with?
Many places. In days gone by, most rogues worked with zombie skins since they were the only kind of skin that would stack. Unrest was the most frequently farmed zone for this. However since pelts of various animals are now stackable, there are many more possibilities. East karanas and Stoneburnt mountains come immediately to mind.
What is the secondary attribute for poison? Dex? Int?
When you find out, let us know. I read something recently that said at a fan faire they were debating making dex the secondary attribute, which implies that at this time there is none. No definitive information exists on this.
Does my apply skill affect how long my poison lasts?
Uncertain. After reading accounts from a number of people, I'm inclined to say no. But no definitive testing has been done on this. Generally the only established information about the apply skill is that once you get over 100, you will very rarely fail to apply a poison.
For new poisons, the apply skill is not used at all and has no effect on anything.
How can I raise my Make Poison skill quickly and cheaply?
You can't. Poison making is not a cheap skill by any means. There are extensive costs both in time and platinum. Generally you will need to spend both, and if you want to spend less money you will need to spend more time, and the reverse applies.
A wonderful suggested advancement path can be found here:
Can I apply multiple poisons or stack two different kinds of poison on my weapon?
No. At least not how you probably mean. You can apply one poison after the other - the second poison will overwrite the first one. This is the case for both old and new poisons.
Can I buy poison from a merchant, or from other rogues?
You cannot buy poison from any merchant at this time. There are quests you can do for poison, but they require farming just like making the poison does. Whether you can buy poison from other rogues depends on your server. It is my understanding that there are not many rogues selling poison on the open market, but some do take comissions.
Will VI be "fixing" poison soon?
It's fixed!
What about those "haste" poisons? Do they haste me?
No, they haste the target. The idea is that while they speed up the target's attacks, it debuffs other stats. There are some limited uses for this type of poison but that's about all. No poison has any effect on anything except the beastie that it hits (i.e. it never does anything to you, just the target).
Can I apply poison from within a bag?
No you have to apply from a main inventory slot. New poisons can be used from the AMMO slot.
I just turned level 18/20 and went to train in Apply/Make but the trainer in Frionia Vie doesn't have the skill. What gives?
For reasons known only to Verant, the rogue trainer in FV only offers the basic skills, and not all the special rogue skills. To get your traning in Apply or Make poison, go to a rogue trainer in a starting city. (i.e. hop on the boat to Kaladim)
I have a Grand Master Assassin's Vial, which gives me +5% to my make poison skill. Can I also use another item that boosts it (such as a decanter of the apothocary or tinkered item) to boost it further?
No. Only the highest skill-modifying item is used. They do not stack.
How high can I get my skill using skill-modifying items?
Sony has given some fairly detailed information on this kind of thing as it relates to trade skills and for this purpose Make Poison would be included in that. The highest effective skill you can have is 252 (that's after all modifiers). So if you have a skill modifying item, your skill caps out effectively around 241 or so. However it's important to note that the Poison Mastery AA skill does not add to your skill - it directly boosts your success rate. Therefore it will have an effect even if your skill is maxed. I highly reccomend that anyone who is really interested in making poison pick up at least Poison Mastery level 1. It's been shown to have a significant impact.
--------------------------------
That's all I can think of for now. Any suggestions?
Edited by: KayleighDrake at: 12/4/03 5:26 am
Can I apply multiple poisons to the same weapon at the same time?
Can I combine different poisons types at the same time?
Technically, yes. However the new poison will over-write the first poison. "Double dipping" may help your Apply skill increase, but you will not get a multi-poisoned strike with that weapon.
-- Lemac Dushae, Redeemed member of the Court of Jesters 43rd Season.. um.. er.. Scout Fennin Ro
Re: The Unofficial Poison FAQ
Is there a way to poison a weapon but not have it go off before the main tank gets enough aggro to hold the mob?
Yes. You can poison a weapon as usual, but not equip a piercing weapon. By using a 1HS or 1HB weapons, you can still Apply Poison, but the poison will not work until you attack with a piercing weapon. Once the main tank has the mob securely, swap in a piercer to attack with poison.
Grasping at straws here... very good FAQ in it's own right.
Registered User
Posts: 542
(11/1/01 1:16 pm) Reply
Re: The Unofficial Poison FAQ
Quote: Can I hand a poisoned weapon to someone else?
Can I poison several weapons and keep them in inventory?
No. It seems like you are poisoning a weapon, but it would be more true to the game engine to say that you are activating a one-time proc on yourself that will go off on the next hit with a piercing weapon.
You might want to include here that, in this context, Backstab does not count as a piercing attack even though it requires a piercing weapon. Likewise, a thrown piercing weapon within a limited range can activate the poison.
Re: The Unofficial Poison FAQ
As for the thrown weapon that's sort of covered. I thought about getting into the whole thrown weapon thing but figured that most people are looking for early-stage answers and so I'd avoid the complexity of that one.
Edited to reflect additions. Lannella - that question is answered in the copy from the Rogue FAQ 2.12.1 where it says that backstab doesn't count. Edited by: KayleighDrake at: 11/2/01 6:35:28 am
xwing7 Registered User
Posts: 4
(11/5/01 8:31 am) Reply
piercers and non-piercers
>You have to have a piercing weapon equipped when you poison, but it
>won't go off unless you have one equipped when you attack.
You neither need to have a piercer in your primary weapon slot when you apply the poison nor do you need one to make it go off. It does depend on the type of poison if it can be used with a slasher, though. BTW: If this does not work in full screen mode, don't blame me. I do use the "old" interface, not the full screen mode. Here I can also apply poison from any bag, not only from a main inventory slot.
Q: Can I apply poison from within a bag?
A: It depends on what inventory screen you are using.
If you are using the pre-SoV inventory screen, yes.
If you are using the SoV (full screen) inventory screen, no you have to apply from a main inventory slot.
Edit: Make the topic sticky to promote it.Edited by: TibisHatter at: 11/14/01 7:48:12 am
Re: piercers and non-piercers
Added it in. And thanks for thinking it was worth making sticky.
Himar Registered User
Posts: 3
(11/27/01 1:02 pm) Reply
Re: piercers and non-piercers
Here's another one to add:
Can I poisen a piercing weapon in my secondary slot and another piercing weapon in my primary slot for a double effect?
The answer, of course, is no. I believe you are actually poisening the primary slot itself, and if it is empty upon apply poisen, you will apply the poisen to your hands.
Himar, 50 Druid;
Skelter, 54 Shammy;
and Skeltier, 52 Rake
Re: The Unofficial Poison FAQ
Suggested additions / changes in the FAQ:
Suggested change of the answer of Will VI be "fixing" poison soon? to "Verant have hinted that there may be a major poison revamp; however, this is low priority and thus has no ETA."
Add question:
There are all sorts of interesting new items on Luclin that look like they could be combined to make a poison! Have any new recipies been found?
At this time, there are no known new recipies using Make Poison introduced with Luclin, with the exception of a componant in a Vah Shir quest (Sonic Wolf Bane poison) which isn't a poison in the conventional sense anyway.
Twiggetts Registered User
Posts: 32
(3/25/02 1:51 am) Reply
Re: The Unofficial Poison FAQ
You describe the effect as being similar to a proc. Is this affected if the weapon you are using already has an effect attached to it - eg. Ragebringer is perm haste, so if you apply poison to it, will they stack with each other or overwrite? Similarly, if you are wielding a weapon with a proc, will they stack?
Just a thought after some initial experiments with a mate's poisons and Sontalak @ the weekend - could not make the poison go off on the target when applied to the RB.
Fidden 57th Blackguard / Twiggetts 53rd Wanderer (Retired to a Warm Fire)
11 More Yellows till Tormack gets ASSASSINATED!
Re: The Unofficial Poison FAQ
I've been using poison with procing weapons fine, including Burning Rapier and Ragebringer.
You may have either failed to apply due to very low apply poison skill, or the poison was interrupted (grrr).
Twiggetts Registered User
Posts: 33
(3/25/02 7:19 am) Reply
Re: The Unofficial Poison FAQ
Apply checks were successful. I think it's more likely that the interrupt was missed in the spam of the fight. I'll be embedding some cash into this class skill shortly (once I finish upgrading armour).
Edit: Sig once per thread, please! - TibisEdited by: TibisHatter at: 3/25/02 9:40:05 am
Re: The Unofficial Poison FAQ
Q. Is there a level cap for Make Poison?
Addendum to previous info:
At level 25 you can raise your Make Poison skill to 130. An additional 20 attempts resulted in no skill raises. This suggests that the formula is level * 5 + 5.
Supporting info:
From skill 98 to 130 it took 110 attempts (average approx 1 skill raise per 3.4 attempts). Longest run without a skill raise was 8 attempts. Thus 20 extra attempts should be sufficient to show that 130 is the cap at level 25.
Etrigan Y'Cronus
Wanderer of Tunare
Mithril Blades
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