In the case of an anaesthetic poison, the victim does not actually lose real hit points, but instead suffers temporary hit point loss at the same rate as a toxic poison of the same intensity. All other rules regarding toxic poisons apply to anaesthetic poisons, except that aesthetic poisons cannot kill or permanently harm a victim. The chart below states the levels of degeneration caused by an anaesthetic poison.
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Table: Anaesthetic Poison Reactions |
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Health Level (HP) |
Effect |
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75% or better |
No combat or stat degradation, but victim feels slightly light-headed. |
|
50% to 75% |
Numbness and dizziness manifest. Pain receptors begin to deaden. Penalties: -3 to BAtCh, Dex(-2), Str(-1). A healer could perform local/topical surgery without discomfort to the patient (such as stitching a long laceration, or cauterizing an infected wound.) |
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25% to 49% |
Target begins to feel sleepy. All pain vanishes. Target loses balance (Dex check needed to walk.) Penalties: -6 BAtCh, Dex(-5), Str(-3), Int(-2). A healer could perform local topical surgery in sensitive areas (like performing a root canal.) |
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1% to 24% |
Complete paralysis occurs. Target can converse in a drunken or dreamy sort or way. No combat or other meaningful activities are possible. A healer can perform short duration, invasive, painful procedures without discomfort to the patient (like removing a bullet from a bullet wound). |
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0% or less |
Victim is unconscious. Surgical procedures can be initiated without fear of target awakening. A healer can perform long duration, painful procedures without discomfort to the patient (such as open heart surgery or removal of a tumour.) |
Of course surgical procedures can cause injury, but in a life-threatening situation (such as a bullet lodged close to the spinal column), a certain amount of risk is necessary sometimes to save an injured comrade's life. Temporary hit points lost are subsequently regained at the same rate. In the case of anaesthetic poisons, the victim still cannot feel pain for 1 round per intensity level of the poison after the damage-dealing effects of the poison wear off. For longer surgical procedures, additional amounts of the drug can be administered in order to keep the patient from regaining consciousness.
While intentionally poisoning a sentient being with the intent to kill is always an evil act, using non-lethal poisons to incapacitate a foe is rarely considered evil. If a foe is rendered helpless by an anaesthetic poison, the morality play occurs afterward: does the character harm the helpless foe?