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    Strophanthus

    Uncommon · Apocynaceae family

    Alchemical · Magical · Poisonous · Catalytic

    Terrain Forest, Grassland, Jungle

    Description

    Strophanthus is a genus of plants in the Apocynaceae family. They are woody vines reaching lengths of about 50 to 65 feet (15– 20 m), though some species are shrubs or small trees. The leaves are opposite, simple, and entire. The flowers feature a funnelshaped corolla, with petals extending up to 10 inches (25 cm) long. The fruit consists of two pod-like follicles, some of which in certain species can reach nearly 20 inches (50 cm) in length.

    Location and Habitat

    These plants typically grow in the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia. Some species of Strophanthus can be found in the wild within forests and savannas.

    Rarity and Availability

    While not exceedingly rare, Strophanthus plants, from which strophanthin is derived, are limited to specific geographical regions.

    Effects and Uses

    The seeds, topped with silky hairs, are poisonous and can be extremely toxic to humans if used improperly. There have been documented cases of cardiac arrest in both animals and humans from exposure to the plant. Historically, this plant was used to produce poison for coating arrow tips before battles or hunts.

    Harvesting & Preparation

    • Once located, safely harvesting usable parts requires a DC 13 Dexterity (Sleight of Hand) check or Wisdom (herbalism kit) check. On a failure, the collector accidentally contacts the toxin and must make a DC 12 Constitution saving throw or gain the poisoned (PHB, p. 292) condition for 1 hour.
    • Creating a refined extract—whether for potions or arrow poison—takes 2 to 4 hours of careful drying, grinding, and steeping in an alchemical solution. Requires a DC 15 Intelligence (Arcana) check or Wisdom (herbalism kit) check. On a success, the character produces 1d4 vials of strophanthus extract.

    Strophanthus Arrow Poison

    • Historically used by some African tribes for hunting and warfare, this powerful toxin can be adapted into your campaign’s arrow poison or coatings.
    • Arrow Coating. One vial of strophanthus extract can treat up to 4 arrows or 2 melee weapon edges. Applying it takes an action or 1 minute outside of combat.
    • Poison Effect (injury). A creature hit by a poisoned arrow or weapon must succeed on a DC 14 Constitution saving throw or suffer the following:
      • Immediate Heart Shock. The target takes 2d6 poison damage plus an additional 2d6 poison damage at the start of its next turn.
      • Racing Pulse & Weakness. On a failed save, the target is also poisoned for 1 minute. While poisoned in this way, the target has disadvantage on Strength and Dexterity ability checks and saving throws as their heart struggles to maintain stability.
    • Save on Success. The target takes half the initial poison damage (2d6 halved), no additional damage next round, and is not poisoned. GM Tip: You can modify how lethal or rare this poison is based on your campaign’s tone. You might increase or decrease damage dice, DCs, or side effects.

    Items & Effects

    • Heart-Boost Tincture.
      • Creation. Requires 8 hours of delicate alchemical work involving strophanthus extract and stabilizing reagents (25 gp worth of materials). A DC 15 Wisdom (herbalism kit) check or Intelligence (Arcana) check produces 1 dose.
      • Use (Ingested). As an action, a creature may drink the tincture, which rapidly increases heart rate.
      • Mechanical Effects (lasts 1 minute).
        • Adrenal Surge. The creature gains advantage on Initiative rolls and Dexterity saving throws for the duration.
        • Burst of Energy. Once during this 1-minute window, the creature may take the Dash action as a bonus action on their turn.
    • Medical Emergency Syringe. Some advanced healers craft single-use syringes that provide immediate strophanthus-based rescue for a downed ally.
      • Use. When injected into a creature at 0 HP, that creature immediately regains 1 HP and can stand up without using movement (if they choose).

    Lore

    A vine with opposite elliptical leaves and intriguing flowers, whose petals are elongated into long, drooping cords with twisted ends. It is from these twisted ribbons that the plant gets its name "strophanthus," derived from the Greek words for "twisted band."

    There is an interesting story about the discovery of the medicinal properties of the Strophanthus plant. In the 19th century, during a scientific expedition of English researchers on the African continent, there was a doctor named Kirk. Dr. Kirk was particularly interested in the poisons used by local tribes to treat their arrows before hunting. Throughout the expedition, he personally conversed with the local people, attempting to learn about the poisons they knew, how they prepared them, and how they were used. He stored all the samples he managed to collect in flasks and test tubes, which he carried in his travel bag. Interestingly, Kirk's bag also contained his personal items, including his toiletries.

    One day, while using his toothbrush, Dr. Kirk noticed a significant change in his pulse: his heart began to race as if he had just sprinted. He immediately suspected that one of the poisons had spilled and contaminated his toothbrush, causing this effect. Subsequent experiments with the poison produced the same results. Kirk was well aware of the plants from which the local tribes prepared this poison—it was specifically made for arrows used in hunting or defense. He was thrilled because he knew he had discovered something special. Since the poison was derived from Strophanthus, he predicted a great future for this plant in medicine.

    From Witch’s Herbs 5E, p. 94 · Fern Flower Press