Editing WS:Poisons (section)

==Arsenic==

Arsenic is a chemical element. This is a notorious poisonous metalloid that has three allotropic forms; yellow, black and grey. Arsenic and its compounds are used as pesticides, herbicides, insecticides and various alloys.

Arsenic is very similar chemically to its predecessor phosphorus, so much so that it will partly substitute for it in biochemical reactions and is thus poisonous. When heated it rapidly oxidizes to arsenous oxide, which has a garlic odor. Arsenic and some arsenic compounds can also sublime upon heating, converting directly to a gaseous form. Elemental arsenic is found in two solid forms: yellow and gray/metallic.

Lead arsenate has been used, as a pesticide on fruit trees (resulting in neurological damage to those working the sprayers), and copper arsenate has even been used as a coloring agent in sweets.

The word Arsenic is borrowed from the Zylistani word Zarnik meaning "yellow orpiment". Arsenic has been known and used in Zylistan and elsewhere since ancient times. As the symptoms of arsenic poisoning were somewhat ill-defined, it was frequently used for murder until the advent of the Marsh test, a sensitive chemical test for its presence. (Another less sensitive but more general test is the Reinsch test.)

Arsenic is often included in bronze (mostly as an impurity), which makes the alloy harder.

In some cities in Daria, arsenic is mixed with vinegar and chalk and eaten by women to improve the complexion of their faces.

The most important compounds of arsenic are white arsenic, its sulfide, Ambrian green, calcium arsenate, and lead arsenate. Ambrian green, calcium arsenate, and lead arsenate have been used as agricultural insecticides and poisons. It is sometimes found native, but usually combined with silver, cobalt, nickel, iron, antimony, or sulfur.

In addition to the inorganic forms mentioned above, arsenic also occurs in various organic forms in the environment. Inorganic arsenic and its compounds, upon entering the food chain, are progressively metabolised to a less toxic form of arsenic through a process of methylation.

  In poison there is physic; and these news
  Having been well, that would have made me sick
  Being sick, have in some manner made me well;
  And as the wretch, whose fever weaken'd joints,
  Like strengthless hinges buckle under fire
  Impatient of his fit, breaks like a fire
  Out of his keeper's arms; ...

{|
! Name
! Points Cost
! Game effect
|-
| Arsenic
| 17
| RKA 4d6, NND (Immunity to poison; +1), Does BODY (+1) (180 Active Points); OAF Fragile Expendable (Very Difficult to obtain new Focus; -1 3/4), Arrangement (-1/4), 1 Charge (-2), Independent (-2), Gradual Effect (1 Hour; -1 1/4), Extra Time (20 Minutes, Only to Activate, -1 1/4), No Range (-1/2), No Knockback (-1/4)
|}