Some results on the above table indicate that the potion itself has backfired. This means that the potion has gained some additional (typically negative) effect beyond what the alchemist intended. Mark the potion as “backfired” on the character’s sheet and roll 1d10 on the potion backfire table below when it is consumed:
Result
Effect
1–3
Could be Worse! Roll 2d8 on the minor effects table below and apply the result along with the normal ones.
4
Nothing! Nothing happens.
5
Yuck! The potion applies its effects as usual, but it tastes terrible! The character must pass a Willpower test with a -20 penalty or vomit uncontrollably, rendering them helpless for 1 round.
6
Poison! When a character consumes the potion they take 2d10 poison damage to the body (ignores armor) in addition to the usual effects.
7
I can’t See! When a character consumes the potion, they gain the blinded condition for 1d5 hours in addition to the usual effects as their vision goes dark.
8
It Burns! When a character consumes the potion they burst into flames, gaining the burning (1) condition on the body in addition to the usual effects.
9
Paralysis! When a character consumes the potion, they are also instantly paralyzed for 1d5 rounds.
10+
Lethal Poison! When a character consumes the potion, they take 3d8 poison damage to the body (ignoring armor) in addition to the usual effects.
Minor Effects
Result
Effect
2
Character’s eyes turn blue for 1d5 hours.
3
Character’s breath is minty fresh for 1d5 hours.
4
Character gains a strange scar at random.
5
Character is invisible to themself.
6
Character’s hair turns green for 1d5 hours.
7
Character’s skin turns transparent for 1d5 minutes.
8
Character’s breath stinks for 1d5 hours.
9
Character smells smoke for the next 1d5 hours.
10
Character sweats profusely for 1d5 minutes.
11
Character becomes extremely thirsty.
12
Character begins to itch all over for 1d5 minutes.