Poisoning

Poisoning in Ultima Online

Poisoning is traditionally associated with assassins and is often paired with the Ninjitsu skill. Here are the main uses of Poisoning in different contexts:

With Magery

• Enhances the strength of the mage spells "Poison" and "Poison Field".
• Poison spell must be cast within 3 tiles of the victim to attain full potency.
• Formula: (Magery + Poisoning) / 2

With Necromancy

• Necromancers with over 60 Poisoning skill have a 3% to 9% chance to poison their target with the "Poison Strike" spell.

For Warriors

• When using a weapon with applied poison, the skill acts as a percentage chance for the level of the poison dealt by Infectious Strike to increase by one level.
• Warriors should always use the highest poison potion their skill allows.

For Archers

• Acts in place of tactics for the special move "Serpent Arrow", without needing to apply poison to the bow or ammunition.
• Cannot increase poison level with this move.

For Ninjas

• Used to poison shuriken and fukiya darts.

Poisoning skill also grants a natural poison resistance at 20% of the player's Poisoning skill.

Poison Types

There are seven forms of poison:

1. Lesser Poison – Level 1
   • Bought from NPC alchemist shops or made by beginner alchemists (minimum skill 0).
   • Disrupts mage spells or warrior's bandages.
   • Inflicts minimal damage every 2 seconds.
   • Duration: 20-23 seconds.
2. Poison – Level 2
   • Bought from NPC alchemist shops or crafted by alchemists (minimum skill 15).
   • Inflicts damage every 3 seconds.
   • Duration: 40-45 seconds.
3. Greater Poison – Level 3
   • Crafted by alchemists (minimum skill 55).
   • Used by gardeners to kill plant infestations.
   • Inflicts significant damage every 4 seconds.
   • Duration: 45-60 seconds.
4. Deadly Poison – Level 4
   • Crafted by alchemists (minimum skill 90).
   • High damage every 5 seconds.
   • Duration: 70-75 seconds.
5. Lethal Poison – Level 5
   • The most severe poison, applied by high-level poisoners.
   • Very high damage every 5 seconds.
   • Duration: 70-85 seconds (but usually fatal before this).
6. Darkglow Poison – Level 3
   • Crafted from Luminescent Fungi.
   • Deals extra damage at a distance of more than 1 tile.
   • Duration: 45-60 seconds.
7. Parasitic Poison – Level 4
   • Crafted from parasitic plants or found in hidden boxes in Exodus dungeon.
   • Leaches health to the poisoner when within one tile of the victim.
   • Duration: 70-75 seconds.

Training Poisoning

Training Poisoning can be dangerous, as failure causes self-poisoning. Be prepared to cure yourself with potions, spells, or bandages.

1. 0-30: Train at an NPC Thief Guildmaster.
2. 30-39.9: Apply Lesser Poison.
3. 40-64.9: Apply Poison.
4. 65-91.9: Apply Greater Poison.
5. 92-100: Apply Deadly Poison.

Training Tips

• Use a Crystal Ball of Knowledge to determine when to increase potion levels.
• Use skill, Poisoning – target potion – target item to be poisoned (food, shuriken, fukiya, or weapon).

Weapons and Poisoning

Certain weapons can be poisoned:

Fencing

• Assassin Spikes, Daggers, Kryss, Double Bladed Staves, Pikes: These are ideal for delivering poison.

Swordsmanship

• Butcher Knives, Cleavers: One-handed weapons craftable by Tinkers, though seldom used due to lack of Runic Tools.

Archery

• Elven Composite Longbows: Use "Serpent Arrow" move, requires high Dexterity and Poisoning skill.

Ninjas

• Shuriken, Fukiya Darts: Ideal for using poisons like Darkglow and Parasitic Poison.

Summary

Poisoning is a versatile skill in Ultima Online, useful in various playstyles from mage to warrior to assassin. Understanding the different poison types and their applications, along with proper training techniques, can make a character highly effective in both PvP and PvM environments. Always be prepared with the necessary cures and practice safe application methods to master this deadly art.