These are the known recipes in Europe of the 1400’s. Others may exist and PC alchemists may create new ones or improve those listed here in some way. Each recipe entry has the following information:
Thrown potions have a range increment of 10 feet and are considered ranged touch attacks. If the attack roll is a critical failure, the potion either breaks as the user throws it or lands in the target area without breaking (thus can be used by the enemy). Applied potions must be poured over the affected equipment or person and take a full round to apply. Consumed potions must be drunk and are considered a move action to consume.
Thrown |
Minor |
Medium |
Major |
Creator |
Al-Razi |
Gerard of Cremona |
Petrus Bonus |
Duration |
1d6+RF rnds |
2d4+RF rnds |
2d6+RF rnds |
Base Cost (gr) |
5+RF |
8+RF |
10+RF |
Special Ingredient |
Brimstone |
Choleric Base |
Sanguine Base |
Area |
203 feet |
403 feet |
603 feet |
Effects
This potion, when thrown, invokes a cloud of billowing, noxious gas that is impenetrable to sight or special visions. Anyone caught within it must make a successful Constitution save every round while within the cloud or become nauseated and helpless for the duration listed. Helpless characters can only move at ½ speed out of the cloud in a random direction. A strong wind disperses the fog in 4 rounds, a greater wind dispersing it in 1 round.
Thrown |
Minor |
Medium |
Major |
Creator |
Solomon |
Galen |
Nicolas Flamel |
Duration |
1d3+RF rnds |
1d6+RF rnds |
1d8+RF rnds |
Base Cost |
5+RF |
8+RF |
10+RF |
Special Ingredient |
Brimstone |
Choleric Base |
Aqua Regia |
Area |
One Target |
One Target |
One Target |
Effects
This potion is particularly nasty – when striking a target, the victim is immobilized with great pain and blinded for the duration of the spell. No actions may be undertaken by the victim, though if the eyes are rinsed with fresh water for a full round, the potions effects are countered in the next round.
Thrown |
Minor |
Medium |
Major |
Creator |
Africa |
Raimundus Lullus |
Brother Elias |
Duration |
1d6+RF |
2d4+RF |
2d6+RF |
Base Cost |
5+RF |
8+RF |
10+RF |
Special Ingredient |
Manganes |
Zincblende |
Aqua Regia |
Area |
203 |
403 |
603 |
Effects
Sunburst is a dangerous potion that can affect friend and foe alike. When thrown, the container breaks with an intense flash of light that blinds all within the area of effect for the directed time. A successful save halves the duration, but the victim is still blinded. Anything that blocks or shades light negates the effects of the potion, and, of course, the target(s) must have light-based vision to be affected. The potion is likewise ineffective against most undead, though vampires and other creatures affected by sunlight take the duration roll in damage and are blinded.
Thrown |
Minor |
Medium |
Major |
Creator |
The Orient |
Rufinus of Genoa |
Michael Scot |
Duration |
1d6+RF rnds |
2d4+RF rnds |
2d6+RF rnds |
Base Cost |
5+RF |
8+RF |
10+RF |
Special Ingredient |
Choleric Base |
Pitchblende |
Zincblende |
Area |
203 |
403 |
603 |
Effects
This potion creates a billowing black cloud of smoke that blocks sight and immobilizes targets into a choking and sneezing fit. Those that save are not immobilized but are blinded until they leave the cloud. The potion, when thrown or opened, takes four rounds to fully form affecting an area ¼ the total Area of Effect. Thus in round 1, a Minor Black Cloud would affect a 5’ cube (one medium victim), round 2 a 10’ cube, round 3 15’ cube, etc. The Black Cloud effect can be dispersed in 4 rounds with a strong wind, while a gale-force wind disperses it in 1 round.
Thrown |
Minor |
Medium |
Major |
Creator |
Sina |
Albertus Magnus |
Robert de Keten |
Duration |
1d4+RF |
1d6+RF |
2d4+RF |
Base Cost |
6+RF |
10+RF |
16+RF |
Special Ingredient |
Phlegmatic Base |
Brimstone |
Alum |
Area |
203 |
403 |
603 |
Effects
The Stone Tar potion creates a pool of sticky tar that hinders movement. Within the area of effect, movement is at ¼ normal. Those that save either move ½ or are considered outside the area of effect (depending on position). When the duration expires, the stone tar dries to a brittle clay-like substance.
Thrown |
Minor |
Medium |
Major |
Creator |
Al-Razi |
Nicolas Flamel |
Richard Anglicus |
Duration |
1d4+RF rnds |
1d6+RF rnds |
2d4+RF rnds |
Base Cost |
6+RF |
10+RF |
16+RF |
Special Ingredient |
Nikel |
Antimoni |
White Cinnabar |
Area |
1 victim |
1 victim |
1 victim |
Effects
This potion creates an irritating cloud of dust that causes furious itching in those affected. Those affected must make a Constitution save per round or stand immobilized while they scratch. Wearing metal armor only makes it worse, adding a +2 to the Challenge Level for the Constitution save. The dust cloud can be dispersed with a good gust of wind, but the effects on those already affected continue for the duration of the potion.
Thrown |
Minor |
Medium |
Major |
Creator |
al-Tamimi |
Maimonides |
Arnald of Villanova |
Duration |
Instant |
Instant |
Instant |
Base Cost |
6+RF |
10+RF |
16+RF |
Special Ingredient |
Aqua Regia |
Orpiment |
Manganes |
Area |
53 |
103 |
203 |
Effects
This potion, when thrown, detonates with an explosion not unlike a huge clap of thunder. For those in the area of effect, the potion deals 1d6 damage per RF of the potion. There is no save against the damage in the area of effect. Additionally, anyone wearing metal armor must make a Dexterity save or have their armor effectiveness halved. This damage is repairable. For those within a sphere at double the area of effect, a Constitution save is required, otherwise the victim is deafened for 1d6+RF rounds.
Thrown |
Minor |
Medium |
Major |
Creator |
Solomon |
Alfred of Sareshel |
Gerard of Cremona |
Duration |
1d4+RF |
1d4+RF |
1d4+RF |
Base Cost |
6+RF |
10+RF |
16+RF |
Special Ingredient |
Brimstone |
Aqua Regia |
Orpiment |
Area |
1 victim |
1 victim |
1 victim |
Effects
This potion is a very strong acid designed to destroy armor and scar victims. When thrown, the victim must make a Dexterity save or begin taking damage. If the victim is wearing metal armor, the armor takes damage at a rate of ¼ effectiveness per round (armor is destroyed in 4 rounds). Once the armor is destroyed, the victim takes 1d4 damage per round. The acid can be washed off by completely immersing the victim in water.
Thrown |
Minor |
Medium |
Major |
Creator |
Geber |
Zadith |
Hugh |
Duration |
Instant |
Instant |
Instant |
Base Cost |
6+RF |
10+RF |
16+RF |
Special Ingredient |
Pitchblende |
Gum |
Naptha |
Area |
1 victim |
1 victim |
1 victim |
Effects
This potion explodes in a ball of fire when thrown dealing 1d6 per RF in damage. A Dexterity save halves the damage.
Thrown |
Minor |
Medium |
Major |
Creator |
The Smaragdinian Tablet |
Al-Kindi |
Simon Cordo |
Duration |
Instant |
Instant |
Instant |
Base Cost |
7+RF |
11+RF |
19+RF |
Special Ingredient |
Chamomile |
White Cinnabar |
Marsh Vapour |
Area |
53 |
103 |
203 |
Effects
This potion explodes into a quickly dissipating mist that causes damage to the respiratory system of the victims. On a failed Constitution save, the victims in the area of effect suffer 1d6 + 1d6 per RF in damage. A successful save halves the damage.
Applied |
Minor |
Medium |
Major |
Creator |
Hayyan |
Vicent of Beauvis |
Roger of Hereford |
Duration |
1 day |
1 day |
1 day |
Base Cost |
10+RF |
19+RF |
25+RF |
Special Ingredient |
Mondragora |
Antimoni |
White Cinnabar |
Area |
1 weapon |
1 weapon |
1 weapon |
Effects
This potion, when applied to a slashing weapon, adds its RF in bonus to all damage inflicted by the weapon for 1 full day. The potion does not enhance damage for bludgeoning or piercing weapons. Creatures affected only by magical weapons take damage normally from a weapon so treated with this potion.
Applied |
Minor |
Medium |
Major |
Creator |
Al-Majriti |
John of Repescissa |
Petrus Bonus |
Duration |
1 day |
1 day |
1 day |
Base Cost |
10 + RF |
19+RF |
25+RF |
Special Ingredient |
Nikel |
Gum |
Aqua Regia |
Area |
1 weapon |
1 weapon |
1 weapon |
Effects
This potion, when applied to a piercing weapon, adds its RF in bonus to all damage inflicted by the weapon for 1 full day. When used on a missile weapon, the potion must be applied to the missiles and affects up to 5 such items (arrows, bolts, bullets, throwing daggers, etc). The potion does not enhance damage for bludgeoning or slashing weapons. Creatures affected only by magical weapons take damage normally from a weapon so treated with this potion.
Applied |
Minor |
Medium |
Major |
Creator |
ibn Rushd |
Jildaki |
Albertus Magnus |
Duration |
1 day |
1 day |
1 day |
Base Cost |
10+RF |
19+RF |
25+RF |
Special Ingredient |
Choleric Base |
Pitchblende |
Zinken |
Area |
1 weapon |
1 weapon |
1 weapon |
Effects
This potion, when applied to a bludgeoning weapon, adds its RF in bonus to all damage inflicted by the weapon for 1 full day. The potion does not enhance damage for piercing or slashing weapons. Creatures affected only by magical weapons take damage normally from a weapon treated with this potion.
Applied |
Minor |
Medium |
Major |
Creator |
Ibn Umail |
Al-Bitruji |
John Dausten |
Duration |
1 day |
1 day |
1 day |
Base Cost |
10+RF |
19+RF |
25+RF |
Special Ingredient |
Solanceae |
Alum
|
Antimoni |
Area |
5 missiles |
5 missiles |
5 missiles |
Effects
This potion, when applied to missiles, adds its RF in bonus to all attack rolls using these missiles for 1 full day. One potion is enough to treat 5 missiles. Creatures affected only by magical weapons take damage normally from a weapon treated with this potion.
Applied |
Minor |
Medium |
Major |
Creator |
Ibn Yazid |
Brother Elias |
Leonard of Maurperg |
Duration |
1 day |
1 day |
1 day |
Base Cost |
10+RF |
19+RF |
25+RF |
Special Ingredient |
Solanceae |
Nikel |
Aqua Regia |
Area |
1 suit of armor |
1 suit of armor |
1 suit of armor |
Effects
This potion, when applied to armor, adds its RF in bonus to Armor Class for 1 full day. One potion is enough to treat 1 suit of armor.
Consumed |
Minor |
Medium |
Major |
Creator |
Arfa Ras |
Rufinus of Genoa |
Leonard Maurperg |
Duration |
1 day |
1 day |
1 day |
Base Cost |
10+RF |
19+RF |
25+RF |
Special Ingredient |
Solanceae |
Melanc Base |
Mondragora |
Area |
1 person |
1 person |
1 person |
Effects
This potion, when consumed, adds its RF to all Intelligence checks for 1 day. In addition, the imbiber gains +2 to Listen, Spot, and Search checks. For 1d3 days after this potion wears off, the imbiber is at risk of potion immiscibility.
Consumed |
Minor |
Medium |
Major |
Creator |
Sina |
Michael Scot |
John of Rupescissa |
Duration |
1 day |
1 day |
1 day |
Base Cost |
10+RF |
19+RF |
25+RF |
Special Ingredient |
Solanceae |
Chamomile |
East Black Bean |
Area |
1 person |
1 person |
1 person |
Effects
This potion, when consumed, adds its RF to all Constitution checks for 1 day. In addition, the imbiber gains +2 hit points. For 1d3 days after this potion wears off, the imbiber is at risk of potion immiscibility.
Consumed |
Minor |
Medium |
Major |
Creator |
Jabir |
Robert de Ketene |
Hugh |
Duration |
1 day |
1 day |
1 day |
Base Cost |
10+RF |
19+RF |
25+RF |
Special Ingredient |
Nikel |
Alum |
East Black Bean |
Area |
1 person |
1 person |
1 person |
Effects
This potion, when consumed, adds its RF to all Strength checks for 1 day. In addition, the imbiber gains +2 damage on all melee attacks. For 1d3 days after this potion wears off, the imbiber is at risk of potion immiscibility.
Consumed |
Minor |
Medium |
Major |
Creator |
Hayyan |
John Dausten |
Richard Anglicus |
Duration |
1 day |
1 day |
1 day |
Base Cost |
10+RF |
19+RF |
25+RF |
Special Ingredient |
Chamomile |
Mondragora |
East Black Bean |
Area |
1 person |
1 person |
1 person |
Effects
This potion, when consumed, adds its RF to all Dexterity checks for 1 day. In addition, the imbiber gains +2 to all ranged attack rolls and 10 additional feet of movement per round. For 1d3 days after this potion wears off, the imbiber is at risk of potion miscibility.
Consumed |
Minor |
Medium |
Major |
Creator |
Galen |
Michael Scot |
Avicenna |
Duration |
Permanent |
Permanent |
Permanent |
Base Cost |
10+RF |
19+RF |
25+RF |
Special Ingredient |
Phlegmatic Base |
Camomile |
Zincblende |
Area |
1 person |
1 person |
1 person |
Effects
This potion, when consumed, restores 1d6+RF hit points and eliminates any fatigue suffered by the character. In addition, the potion has a 10%xRF chance of dispelling any magical effects reducing one of the subject’s ability scores or cures 1d4 points of temporary ability drain damage to one ability score. It does not restore permanent ability drain.
Applied |
Minor |
Medium |
Major |
Creator |
Jabir |
Maimonides |
Raimundus Lullus |
Duration |
1 day |
1 day |
1 day |
Base Cost |
10+RF |
19+RF |
25+RF |
Special Ingredient |
Brimstone |
Naptha |
Orpiment |
Area |
1 person |
1 person |
1 person |
Effects
This potion, when applied to a person’s body, protects that person from fire damage at a rate of 1d6+RF damage. Firewall does not affect clothing, armor or other equipment. For 1d3 days after this potion wears off, the imbiber is at risk of potion immiscibility.
Applied |
Minor |
Medium |
Major |
Creator |
Morienus |
Avicenna |
Nicolaus of Autrecourt |
Duration |
Permanent |
Permanent |
Permanent |
Base Cost |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Special Ingredient |
Pure Gold |
Pure Gold |
Pure Gold |
Area |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Effects
This potion is used to purify areas tainted by evil. It is also said to create gold from worthless materials. Creation, use and effects of this potion are currently lost to the ages.
When a potion is consumed (or applied in some cases) while another is in effect, there can be unintended consequences. The recipe descriptions above describe when to roll on the miscibility table.
Roll |
Effects |
01 |
EXPLOSION! Internal damage 6d10 |
02-03 |
Lethal Poison; Death; No save |
04-10 |
Mild Poison; lose 1 STR, CON, DEX for 5d4 rounds; No save |
09-15 |
Immiscible; Potions cancel each other out |
16-25 |
Immiscible; One Potion cancelled |
26-35 |
Immiscible; Both potions function at half effects |
36-90 |
Miscible; Both potions work normally |
91-99 |
Compatible; One potion functions at twice the effects |
00 |
DISCOVERY! One potion causes permanent effects |
Alchemist Class |
Special Ingredients |
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A PDF of the full document: Alchemists and Potions |