POTIONS AND HERBOLOGY DEPARTMENT
An introduction to some Fundamentals-
Ethical Issues And Magic Potions:
Potions are by their very nature, potent, so there are one or two ethical issues which we must consider when using them. Of course, warnings like this are much the same as Gun Licenses; the Nutter who wants to go on a shooting spree will do so with or without one, and innocent hobbyists everywhere diligently fill in all of the correct paperwork so they can shoot at targets and clay ducks.
That is to say, we appreciate that writing on a page will not control anyone’s actions and is actually pretty patronising, but as we believe in freedom of speech and information, we need to cover our backs- so please don’t go and knock anyone off with any of these potions.
We cannot be held responsible for your accidentally poisoning your entire town or even the smallest, most isolated act of herbal vengeance, so don’t try...
The Rules of Responsible Potion Making, basically, are thus:
1) Unless in exceptional circumstances it would be unfair to administer any potion to anybody else without their consent, or without letting them know what is in the brew. Let’s face it, you’d be pretty ticked off if someone slipped a Newt Eye into your Daiquiri...You get the idea.
Even in the case of healing potions, and even with the very best of intentions, you should discuss the ingredients with your victim, ahem subject first. This is because there is always the risk that the poor creature may be allergic to one of the components of your potion, alternatively they might be pregnant or on medication. There’s no doubt that we live in an overpopulated world, however these methods are rather extreme. You really don’t want that on your conscience.
2) The potions in the “Self Defence” section of this ebook are intended for entertainment purposes or life and death situations only.
You’ll be reassured to know that many of the potions in this section are deadly poisonous and could easily kill someone. This is brilliant news if you’re currently being held hostage by a psychopath; not so great if your baby brother just raided your potions cupboard...
Be careful, and remember there is a lack of accurate information available on the definitive toxicity of most poisonous plants and herbs, so all dosages are provided as a rough guideline only. This lack of information is due of course to a disappointing number of humans willing to ingest Deadly Nightshade under laboratory conditions.
Don’t imagine that you can simply lower the dose to give the Sucker Who Plays His Music All Night Long an explosive stomach condition- everyone is different- and what has proved to be a non lethal dose for one person may well prove fatal for another. Kidnap his music system, even his hamster, but don’t risk your superior existence by ending up in prison for manslaughter.