I assume that when it says Tier 3 or 4 poison that one can not make those poison until they are at that tier just like every other item that is tiered? Will there ever be Tier 2 poisons? For that matter will there ever bee anymore poisons besides the couple mentioned?

When having the Apprentice of the Masters Background and taking Artisan (Alchemy / Specialty Prepare Material Medica) what kind of Heirlooms would be available? Do I just get to pick any ol'heirloom because it's not like I am simple Blacksmith who is wielding an awesome fighting ax that some caravan guard never picked up. (WoT fans, did you see what I did there? ) The items that I would make are all consumables so it is kind hard to make exceptional quality aloe. I I have an idea I get to start out with some Tier four poisons already secretly tucked away in my Medica kit.

Edit: Also would it be considered heretical to appear publicly completely devoted to one deity, say for instance Anshar, but secretly devoted Cadic? One would not be going against the tenants of ones church just making it look like they are following a different path in the church compared to what they are actually following.

I don't think any of these talents give you the ability to make poison in the game right now. Currently, taking those talents and associated skills gives you the ability to make poisons if you have the right raw materials, but where do you get the materials? I don't believe there is a mechanic right now for being able to get the materials you need to make poisons, even if your character has all the equipment and knowledge to make and use poison.

As for the heirloom, I think you are tier limited. I don't believe a tier 1 character can get/use tier IV poisons, and even if you could it would only get you a single dose. I think a much more reasonable use of the heirloom talent would be to inherit a high quality poison lab, which would give you the exceptional item bonus on your attempts to make poison... whenever you found in game access to the appropriate materials.

All the rules for gathering and making poisons are in the CoH. Unfortunately you have to do as much flipping back and forth to find it as you do when creating your character from the PGtA.

As far as me getting poisons to start with my sense of humor does not always translate well over the forums. Those that have played with me usually get it but I tried to leave a clue with the twisted smiley

The rules are there, but assume some information on herb gathering possibilities. I believe that has been discussed on this forum, and since people don't know what herbs can be harvested where right now, you can't herb gather. Since you can't herb gather, you can't make poisons from the herbs either.

Yes you can gather herbs, as detailed in the CoH. There are restrictions based on season and location, but otherwise it is open season (as far as I'm aware). There are some GMs that might not want herbs to be used (mostly because they aren't familiar with the rules), but I'm not aware of anything official stating that you aren't allowed. My wife's character is an herbalist.

In regards to the original post I submitted several pages of additional herbs a few months ago, and there were a couple T2 poisons in there. I know they've been looked at, but I don't know when/if they'll be used by PCI.

I was of the position that herb gathering and poions were allowable, but henry corrected me at one point in this thread http://forums.paradigmconcepts.com/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=587

so the text for heirloom says:

(the bestiary added options for animals)

So I would pick one and make it work for story reasons. and your other question i wouldnt even touch, that's a whole topic on its own

Oh that is not the problem. The problem is there are special limitations for the background that restrict it to an item related to your chosen artisan skill. However my skill makes consumables instead of weapons and armor.

OH i understand the question now.. in a home game i would just allow you to start with X amount of alchemical items

however in the live campaign, thats not acceptable, I would email pedro about it and ask for some specific guidance, and in the mean time just pick something and go with it as long as it matches in flavor, ie this apron is the protective device that i sue to protect from acid splases and counts as leather armor... etc