Why aren't potions labeled?

[Vahktang]

I know it goes back to 1st and probably links to the ol' potion miscability tables, but why don't the brewers mark their potions?
Yeah, I know, it's one ounce, not much of to put a label on to, but maybe a symbol on the bottom?
Bull for Bull's Strength, Cat, Owl, etc for the appropriate spell.

I can understand secrecy, you don't want people who you don't know getting the correct potion.

But people do label ingredients. Wouldn't they label the end products, too?

Anybody label the potions?
Anybody have a good reason why not?

 

[lukelightning]

I tend to label them. I'd rather not have the game bogged down in stuff like this. It's Dungeons and Dragons, not Dungeons and Spending Half An Hour Figuring Out It's a Potion of Jump.

Though sometimes the labels are in strange languages, to reward the folks who actually know Classical Gnoll.

 

[Len]

I've seen labels on some potions. But we do the spellcraft check anyway, just in case.

 

[Crothian]

I do have labels on potions if I think it is needed. For instance in the alchemy shop where potions can be bought, there are labels identifying the common ones. The more rare and expensive are kept behind the counter and unmarked to guard against theft. I have also had potions PCs have found mislabeled and PCs are not happy when I do that.

Sometimes though in ancient crypts and places like that the label or writing has just worn off. Or perhaps the potions have markings on them but no one can read them and they are not a language. Just a secret cypher from a long dead wizard.

 

[Nail]

The issue in a 3.xe world is usability. You want to be able to select the correct potion right in the middle of a nasty combat. The last thing you want is some silly code or some-such.

Heck, you'd probably want them color coded, for ease-of-use!

 

[pawsplay]

Considering how expensive a potion is in regular people terms, I think most people would own or see few enough of them that they wouldn't need to be labeled. I mean, if you purchase a Versache dress, does it need a label?

 

[GwydapLlew]

It depends on the situation. Most potions in my games are labelled, or have something distinguishing them from other potions. The only time I don't have something like this is if the encounter dictates it - finding a potion cache in an ancient dwarven redoubt will find them labelled, but not a rotten crate underwater.

 

[Wrathamon]

imc most store bought arcane potions are labeled in draconic.
divine potions have a symbol based on the religion. low level potions are easily recognized.

other potions are marked either with a color coding (that the pcs will learn) or in the language of the user.

 

[mvincent]

Anybody label the potions?
Anybody have a good reason why not?

Potions are actually fairly expensive, equivalent to a sword (50 gp) or warhorse (300 gp)... or a laptop or car in modern terms. If possible, you probably wouldn't want to leave your password written on your laptop or keys in the car (especially in a militarized, violent, and/or lawless environment where potions would be used), to discourage theft and looting.

It's reasonable to assume that the owner can easily tell his potions apart (possibly they are indeed color coded), but other armies or manufacturers likely have different coloring schemas. This really shouldn't be a hindrance to characters after awhile. The rules even say:
"PCs can sample from each container they find to attempt to determine the nature of the liquid inside. An experienced character learns to identify potions by memory—for example, the last time she tasted a liquid that reminded her of almonds, it turned out to be a potion of cure moderate wounds."

Also, prior experience isn't even needed if you have a suitably high spellcraft roll (DC 25 to identify a potion).

 

[Infiniti2000]

Anybody have a good reason why not?

NPC's should never label their potions because they know that the main reason those potions exist are as treasure for the conquering heroes. And, they don't want to particularly help the heroes who kill them.