Poisoned! An Variant Rule Broadsheet (OSR)
POISONED is an alternative to save or die poisons for use in your OSR game of choice. Ultimately it is not much less lethal than by the book OSR poison rules but it adds a bit more spice and drama to the mix. I wanted a bit more mechanically-supported tension and drama to accompany a creature becoming poisoned beyond just save-or-damage/death. This one-page variant rule develops the concept of distinguishing between fast/immediate poisons and slow-moving poisons (using slow poisons is much more fun)¸ adding symptoms and secondary effects¸ and draining Constitution rather than using hit point damage or simple death. It wouldn't be OSR without dice rolling and tables so you'll find that here-- variable lengths of effect for slow-moving poisons¸ a table of symptoms/secondary effects-- as well as a thematic fighter ability and a hardcore option to permanently damage a poisoned creature. I hope you find this as fun and useful as I did. Enjoy!