A great elixir was a powerful and dangerously unpredictable solution that was just as lethal as it was rewarding.[2][3] The legend of this potion was one of the most famous examples of the magic of Halruaa,[2] where for a time it was used as a punishment for those convicted of capital crimes.[3]
Description[]
The elixir itself was a twinkling and translucent aquamarine liquid that always appeared to be in swirling motion.[1][3] Its taste was said to be like that of fine wine on fire.[3]
Possible effects[]
The effect of drinking the elixir was completely random. It could have one, or a combination of, the following effects on the imbiber:[1][4]
- Instant death;
- Feeblemindedness, as per the spell;
- An infection of mindfire;
- Permanent blindness;
- Permanent darkvision out to 90 ft (27 m);
- Uncontrolled, daily shapechanges, as per the spell;
- Affliction of lycanthropy;
- Gain the uncanny tracking abilities of a ranger;
- Gain an immunity to an entire school of magic;
- Gain or loss of intelligence, charm, heartiness, strength, etc.; and
- Gain of abilities that mimicked the spells mage armor, alter self, change self, detect magic, detect thoughts, dimension door, ESP, ethereal jaunt feather fall, greater spell immunity, hold person, invisibility, pass without trace, spell turning, spider climb, water breathing, or wraithform.
History[]
The first version of a great elixir was most likely concocted in ancient Netheril[2][3] or the Raurin Empire, though its true origins were forgotten to time.[3] The formula of its creation was long lost since that time, although specimens appeared periodically among mighty wizards across Faerûn,[1][3] often being incorrect in some manner and therefore deadlier.[3]
Around the Year of the Gauntlet, 1369 DR,[5] a Red Wizard of Thay was rumored to have obtained three abilities that mimicked spells from drinking a great elixir.[6]
Appendix[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Thomas Reid (October 2004). Shining South. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 58. ISBN 0-7869-3492-1.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Thomas Reid (October 2004). Shining South. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 57. ISBN 0-7869-3492-1.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 Ed Greenwood, Eric L. Boyd (1996). Volo's Guide to All Things Magical. (TSR, Inc), p. 86. ISBN 0-7869-0446-1.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood, Eric L. Boyd (1996). Volo's Guide to All Things Magical. (TSR, Inc), pp. 86–87. ISBN 0-7869-0446-1.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood, Eric L. Boyd (1996). Volo's Guide to All Things Magical. (TSR, Inc), p. 107. ISBN 0-7869-0446-1.
- ↑ Ed Greenwood, Eric L. Boyd (1996). Volo's Guide to All Things Magical. (TSR, Inc), p. 87. ISBN 0-7869-0446-1.