MarkB
Legend
Now I've got an idea for an NPC merchant. He's encountered just at the edge of the dragon's territory, and sells a selection of useful items, including three different types of fire-protection ointment.You had it right the first time. I only care if the dragon has fun. If he's lucky he brings some ketchup because adventurers go well with the proper condiments.
The cheapest one, as the merchant describes it, is an off-white cream made from abyssal-chicken egg-whites, and provides fire resistance for one hour upon application.
The moderately expensive one, a brown ointment produced from a combination of fire lily petals and fire giant beard-trimmings, provides full fire immunity for an hour.
Finally, the very expensive red ointment is distilled from the igneous glands of a salamander. It lasts only for ten minutes, but doesn't just provide immunity to fire - the subject will actually regenerate health when taking fire damage.
Examination of the bottles using Detect Magic confirms that each has a strong aura of abjuration magic, specifically relating to protection from fire.
The merchant is, of course, allied to the dragon (or possibly the dragon himself in disguise). The magical effects detectable on the potions are actually applied to their containers, and serve the dual purpose of making them look genuine and also keeping their contents ice-cold, which keeps them fresh and also makes it feel like they're working when an adventurer starts slathering them on his skin.
The contents of the bottles are entirely non-magical, and are, respectively, mayonnaise, barbecue sauce and ketchup.
