RED FUNNEL WEB SPIDER POISON
-1 Finesse / 15 minutes / 90 minutes

This colorful spider (shown above) is most likely to be found near rocky caves in a tropical climate. Like its cousin, the desert funnel web spider, its venom gland is large and easily accessible to an apothecary or assassin (if he is willing to risk exposure to the venom). The red color of its venom sac is vibrant, differentiating it from other red-legged spiders that are not deadly, but found in the same climate and habitat.

The red funnel web spider is one of the deadliest known to man. It is most effectively placed in boots or under bed linens, rather than trying to extract the poison, as one bite (or stray drop in a cut or scrape) is all it takes to kill.

After the first interval has passed and the victim suffers his first lost Rank of Finesse, symptoms begin to manifest: extreme fever, sweating, and nausea. When the second Rank of Finesse is lost, the victim will experience chest pain and a blinding headache. The third lost Rank triggers violent convulsions, and the fourth lost Rank triggers total paralysis. Once the victim is paralyzed, no further effects (aside from the lost Ranks of Finesse) will be suffered; however, should a victim be reduced to a Rank of -1 in Finesse at any time, death will follow in a matter of minutes.

Due to the nature of the method of delivery, there should never be less than one chamber maid or servant in the Royal chambers at any time. Servant staff should be well-screened and only trusted individuals placed in His Majesty’s employ. The Royal Guard may also wish to inspect all elements arriving on cart through the galley door before allowing it to be shelved. Storage room inspections are also suggested.