Poison usage

[mcgeedis]

Is using poison always considered evil? I am thinking of taking a feat (Venom's Gift) from complete champion. It is a wild feat that when sacrificing a wild shape, all natural attacks deal poison damage.

I thought that using poison is always considered as an evil act, but my character is good. Is using poison on evil creatures evil? Is using poison from a wildshaped form considered evil? Such as from being a snake or a fungus (shrieker, violet fungus)? I mean, they are nature's creatures and neutral, not evil.

 

[Kat']

Why should it be more evil than planting a sword through a chest? Or tossing fireballs? Or using Sneak Attacks? Or heck, summoning Undead ???

I don't know why using poisons should be considered evil. It's a combat option, nothing more.

 

[Stalker0]

The main reason poison could be considered evil is it causes extra suffering. Basically its the equivalent of a guy hacking of all of your body parts instead of just killing you with a clean thrust through the chest.

That said, its not inherently evil in dnd as far as I know. Paladins can't use it, and it is illegal in many cities, so if your lawful something to consider.

 

[phindar]

I thought that using poison is always considered as an evil act...

This was true in previous editions. It was very quietly edited out of 3+. It went from being evil to being non-evil. (Personally, since it's usually considered dishonorable a better case can be made for it being Chaotic, but thats really neither here nor there.)

 

[Nifft]

Because poison is what villains use. Yes, even Drow sleep poison, which would be perfect for a non-violent Paladin bounty hunter.

Why are sharks Fiendish and dolphins Celestial? Because sharks have bad PR.

Cheers, -- N