Can Undead use Potions?

[Umbran]

Potions are not oils, no...

I know a dwarf who once, not knowing quite what he was doing, drank an Oil of Etheralness... So, there's this dwarven esophagus and stomach floating along in the Etheral Plane...

 

[kreynolds]

Well, he expanded the potion AND oil lists. He just lumped them together.

But as far as I can tell, they still use "target self" spells. Actually, I've created exotic potions for my games before, such as a Potion of Fireball, that is used as a thrown weapon. You toss it, and when the vial breaks, KABOOM! Also, drinking the potion has no effect, though vigorously shaking the vial, or dropping a bag full of them, will set it off. It needs to be enough force to break the vial, as we're not talking about nitroglycerin here.

I use the following formula for these potions: spell level x caster level x 100gp. It's the formula you use for "any spell, single use, use-activated".

 

[Westwind]

I`m working from memory here, but unless I'm mistaken the Vampire template example has a potion listed under items. I would take that as canon that intelligent undead can indeed use potions.

 

[Zhure]

from the RD

*A creature must be able to swallow a potion or smear on an oil. Because of this, incorporeal creatures cannot use potions or oils.
*Any corporeal creature can imbibe a potion. The potion must be swallowed. Any corporeal creature can use an oil.

So sounds like a lich could drink one if they are able to swallow a potion. That's where the DM has to decide if they qualify.
Greg

 

[Macbrea]

As a side note:

A spell caster with Iron body spell cannot use potions. Because he does not drink. A skeleton might be argued to have the same problem as drinking would be a bit of a hassle without lips.

 

[kreynolds]

I`m working from memory here, but unless I'm mistaken the Vampire template example has a potion listed under items. I would take that as canon that intelligent undead can indeed use potions.

I only take canons as canon.