Magic Potion

Biodata

Nature and Effects

• Magic Potions primarily affect Spirituality, unlike ordinary medicines, which act directly on flesh and organs. Because Spirituality is bound to the body, a potion can produce physical changes too 96.
• A potion’s effect draws on both its Monster ingredient and a trace of Bestiality. The ingredient supplies power; Bestiality loosens Spirituality’s protective restraint on the body so it can withstand a sudden boost 96.
• Effects may be temporary or permanent. An incomplete Night Demon Potion permanently raises Constitution, while a Shark Potion temporarily enhances Demon Hunter Sight 2 70.
• A suitable Beyonder Characteristic can be refined into a potion. Armitage says one such potion could start an ordinary person on the Monk path or give a member of another Profession roughly 30% of a Monk’s innate Characteristics 80.

Brewing

• The brewer’s focused intention gives a potion a general direction, but Freem estimates that it accounts for only about five percent of the process 96.
• Brewing also depends on ingredient order, heat, timing, stirring, and the brewer’s familiarity with their crucible; recipes cannot specify every practical judgment 99 106 107.
• Formulas are valuable, closely guarded knowledge. Freem says developing one can cost substantial resources, time, and lives 107.

Risks and Limitations

• Magic Potions consume Spirituality—effectively drawing on the user’s life—and Monster Bestiality can attack the user’s own Spirituality. Demon Hunters’ Black Blood provides additional protection and helps them metabolize some toxins 96.
• Side effects range from lasting losses of eyesight or strength to severe weakness, mental harm, and loss of control. A failed batch may become poisonous or animate into an attacking Monster 70 106 168 234.
• Potions can interact dangerously: Evan’s Blood and Night Demon Potions trigger a chain reaction, as do his Eclipse and Anti-Moon Potions 8 178.
• Finished potions can release a detectable Beyonder aura. Diluted potion smeared on rats causes people nearby to experience hallucinations, terror, or violence 210.
• Evan finds that repeated, uninterrupted use of the same potion can eventually cause permanent drug resistance 247.

Notable Varieties

Living Magic Potions

• Burrowing Worm is a living Magic Potion developed by the Excellence Institute. Built around a Characteristic from the Giant Devouring Worm’s shed skin, it has a slime-like body and can carry large quantities of potion 211 212.
• Its clones can enter targets. When a clone’s Spirituality runs out, it dissolves into a concentrated, Bestiality-laden potion whose tailored side effects can damage the victim’s body and mind 211 212.
• Evan later examines Burrowing Worm’s memories and sees it absorbing and fusing with Magic Potion residue, as well as undergoing potion injections in a research container 216.