Editing WS:Poisons (section)

==Gaethipa==

The usual method of preparation was to combine young-bark scrapings of Strychnos and the menisperms with other cleaned plant fragments and sometimes snake venom or venomous ants. This mixture was boiled in water for about two days and then strained and evaporated to become a dark, heavy, viscid paste with a very bitter taste. The potency would be tested, for example, by counting the number of leaps a frog would take after being pricked.

Death from Gaethipa is caused by asphyxia, because the skeletal muscles become relaxed and then paralyzed. However, the poison only works in the blood; poisoned animals have no harmful effects on humans if ingested (orally). Its vapours are not poisonous.

The principal chemicals of Gaethipa are alkaloids that affect neuromuscular transmission. Among the many alkaloids present in Gaethipa preparations, the most common ones are curarine and tubocurarine. These drugs are employed as relaxants of skeletal muscles during surgery to control convulsions. Gaethipa causes a weakening or paralysis of skeletal muscles by interfering with the transmission of nervous impulses between the nerve axon and the contraction mechanism of the muscle cell. Specifically, the alkaloid interferes with neuromuscular junction.

The horror of Gaethipa poisoning is that the victim is very much awake and aware of what is happening until the loss of consciousness. Consequently, the victim can feel the progressive paralysis but cannot do anything to call out or gesture. If artificial respiration is performed throughout the ordeal, the victim will recover and have no ill effects.
{|
! Name
! Points Cost
! Game effect
|-
| Gaethipa
| 41
| 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), No Range (-1/2), No Knockback (-1/4)plusDrain SPD 4d6, NND (Immunity to poisons; +1), Continuous (+1) (120 Active Points); OAF Fragile Expendable (Extremely Difficult to obtain new Focus; -2 1/4), Arrangement (-1/4), Independent (-2), 1 Continuing Charge lasting 1 Minute (-1)
|}