Potions
Potions are a concoction of various ingredients that, when imbibed, result in some effect (often magical). Fictional potions may induce transformations, may be a cure to a fictional disease, or may be nothing but useless snake oil. Potions are frequently used in worlds that contain magic or mad science and can often be found in places such as potion shops and the local healers. In game worlds, potions are a commonly a creatable item and may require both a recipe as well as components to do so.
| Synonyms: elixirs, philters, tinctures |
| Example Mythonyms: a Potion of Greater Health, the Polpyps Potion, and Elixir of Midnight Essense |
Designing Fictional Potions
Overview
When designing potions first consider what is possible using a potion. As with all magical items, their existence will alter how the world functions. A widely available love potion would have wide ranging effects on a culture. Worldbuilders adding potions that will drastically impact a society will often use rare ingredients as a means to avoid some of the consequences.
| Example Potions |
|---|
| Health Antidote Mana Stamina Frost Resistance Fire Resistance Elixir of Life Luck Love Poison Invisibility Shrinking Growth Transformation |
Recipes
Potions often require specific components in order to be created and obtaining these components may require an ingredient quest. This may be a chance to introduce a fictional plant or fictional material.
| Recipe Examples | |
|---|---|
| Poppyjuice | 2 poppies, 1 fogcap mushroom |
| Common Cure | 1 pure water, 2 leaves of elderdew |
Consider substituting a salve, balm, pill, or injection for a potion.
Aesthetic
Color is a commonly used means to indicate what type of potion this may be and what effects may befall from drinking it. This is often found in game worlds where reds may be used for health potions, purple or green for poisons, etc.
