Druid's Venom Immunity

[Niccodaemus]

ven·om (v

n

m)
n. 1. A poisonous secretion of an animal, such as a snake, spider, or scorpion, usually transmitted by a bite or sting.
2. A poison.

"In the context of biology, poisons are substances that can cause disturbances to organisms,[1] usually by chemical reaction or other activity on the molecular scale, when a sufficient quantity is absorbed by an organism. In medicine (particularly veterinary) and in zoology, a poison is often distinguished from a toxin and a venom. Toxins are poisons produced via some biological function in nature, and venoms are usually defined as toxins that are injected by a bite or sting to cause their effect, while other poisons are generally defined as substances which are absorbed through epithelial linings such as the skin or gut."

Wikipedia

 

[LiL KiNG]

In the context of D&D there is no distinction - the entry for the Scorpion for example states: "A monstrous scorpion has a poisonous sting. The details vary by the scorpions size."
Spider and Vipers read the same; the creature has a 'poison' attack.

I see what you mean with the venom/toxic/poison assessment you've pointed out, and I agree with it. Sometimes D&D doesn't take things like that into account and they have been known to be wrong. The entry under Lycanthrope that talks about a cure calls belladonna 'wolfsbane', when belladonna is actually derived from a nightshade and wolfsbane was an entirely different plant...

Oh, and Arrowhawk, I thought in my last post I explained myself and my position rather well. You still insist however on nitpicking my wording and haven't addressed any of the points I made with valid counterpoints... o'well lol.

 

[kitcik]

"In the context of biology, poisons are substances that can cause disturbances to organisms,[1] usually by chemical reaction or other activity on the molecular scale, when a sufficient quantity is absorbed by an organism. In medicine (particularly veterinary) and in zoology, a poison is often distinguished from a toxin and a venom. Toxins are poisons produced via some biological function in nature, and venoms are usually defined as toxins that are injected by a bite or sting to cause their effect, while other poisons are generally defined as substances which are absorbed through epithelial linings such as the skin or gut."

Wikipedia

Never base your argument on Wikipedia.

That said, in re-reading your original post, I think I agree with you. Venoms are a subset of poisons so while poison immunity includes venom immunity, venom immunity does not include immunity to all poisons.

 

[Niccodaemus]

Never base your argument on Wikipedia.

Sometimes Wikipedia says it most succinctly.

in any case, my own ruling would be that the immunity applies to all naturally occurring toxins. Now, if you used those toxins to brew your own poison, that might be another matter. That is, if a Druid were poisoned, particularly by another Druid, I'm thinking that the poisoning Druid would be able to figure out a toxic combo that would knock his victim to his knees at the very least.

"I realize you have built up an immunity to every naturally occurring toxin in the Kingdom of Nalin. However, there is a rather curious lizard that makes its home in the deserts of Thrumblin..."

In the end, it is all about fun, not rules.

 

[Arrowhawk]

Oh, and Arrowhawk, I thought in my last post I explained myself and my position rather well. You still insist however on nitpicking my wording and haven't addressed any of the points I made with valid counterpoints... o'well lol.

What is the question you are asking me? It's hard to decipher amidst the insinuation and epeening.

 

[LiL KiNG]

What is the question you are asking me? It's hard to decipher amidst the insinuation and epeening.

LOL! That was good, nearly had pepsi come out my nose! Way to be a sly prick with your hip wordplay!

lol epeening lol

 

[kitcik]

What is the question you are asking me? It's hard to decipher amidst the insinuation and epeening.

Decryption activated:
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Mod Edit: insult removed ~Umbran

 

[Arrowhawk]

LOL! That was good, nearly had pepsi come out my nose! Way to be a sly prick with your hip wordplay!

lol epeening lol

I see, so you don't like attitude when it's thrown back in your face? If there's someone who's a prick here..it's you. You come at me with some asinine post and then try and pretend you're trying to be civil.

If you want a civil conversation, then be be civil. If you're going to be an asshat, then at least have the integrity to own up to it.

 

[Jackinthegreen]

"In the context of biology, poisons are substances that can cause disturbances to organisms,[1] usually by chemical reaction or other activity on the molecular scale, when a sufficient quantity is absorbed by an organism. In medicine (particularly veterinary) and in zoology, a poison is often distinguished from a toxin and a venom. Toxins are poisons produced via some biological function in nature, and venoms are usually defined as toxins that are injected by a bite or sting to cause their effect, while other poisons are generally defined as substances which are absorbed through epithelial linings such as the skin or gut."

Wikipedia

The name of the ability is "Venom Immunity." The description is "At 9th level, a druid gains immunity to all poisons." Which one are you going to go with?

I'll admit, it's possible they knew of the distinction back in the days when Venom Immunity only applied to natural poisons. In 3.5's case, they either know of it and are ignoring it or they don't know of it. They're a game-making company after all, not a group of biologists. This is reinforced by them listing various things as poisons when they're technically toxins or venom.

The intent of the ability seems pretty darn clear: immunity to all poisons. If anyone really wants to find out the solid truth though, perhaps a message to WotC itself is in order?

 

[Arrowhawk]

The intent of the ability seems pretty darn clear: immunity to all poisons. If anyone really wants to find out the solid truth though, perhaps a message to WotC itself is in order?

Last I checked, WotC won't answer any questions on 3.5. If you have a problem with 3.5, they have a solution: buy 4e.