What Race is Immune to Poison?
The question of which race is immune to poison is a complex one, with no single definitive answer. Instead, it’s more accurate to say that certain races possess a natural resistance to poison, while true immunity is rare and often tied to specific conditions, or abilities. Many popular fantasy settings, especially in tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons, feature races with inherent resilience against the effects of toxins. While full immunity is not common, some racial traits and feats can grant a high degree of protection against poison.
In the context of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, for example, no race is inherently immune to poison, but several races have resistance. This means that they take half damage from poison damage and have an advantage on saving throws against being poisoned. Races that have this benefit are: Dwarves, Reborn, Warforged, Green Dragonborn, Yuan-ti, and Stout Halflings. It is also worth mentioning that the Monk class gains complete immunity to poison at level 10.
However, it’s vital to understand the distinction between resistance and immunity. Resistance lessens the impact of poison, while immunity completely negates it. This article aims to clarify these differences and delve into how different races and individuals can gain varying levels of protection against poisons.
Races With Resistance to Poison
Several races across different fantasy lore are known for their resistance to poison, reflecting their inherent toughness, resilience, or magical nature. These races are frequently depicted as being physically hardy, having a strong internal constitution, or possessing adaptations that help them handle environmental toxins. Let’s explore a few common examples:
Dwarves
Dwarves are often depicted as having a robust and sturdy constitution, making them naturally more resistant to poison and disease. This is often explained in the lore as a result of their lifestyle, constant exposure to underground environments, or even as a gift from their creators, if applicable in the specific setting. For example, in some settings, it is suggested the Slann genetically engineered them to be skilled builders, metal workers and warriors, making them naturally resistant to toxins. This makes them formidable opponents in environments where poison is a common threat.
Reborn
The Reborn, a race introduced in Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft, are creatures who have come back from death. Their unique nature often grants them resistance to poison. Their undead physiology and connection to the negative energy plane provide them with immunity or resistance to many effects, including the toxic effects of poisons and diseases.
Warforged
Constructed beings, like Warforged, are also known for their resistance to poison. This is often a result of their artificial composition, meaning that they do not suffer the effects of toxins in the same way as biological creatures. The absence of internal organs makes them largely immune to poisons that rely on damaging organic systems.
Green Dragonborn
Dragonborn descended from green dragons often inherit their ancestors’ resistance to poison. Green dragons are notorious for their ability to manipulate and use poison, and this is often reflected in the resilience of their dragonborn offspring. This resistance is both a testament to their heritage and also a useful trait when they are around their draconic kin, or out hunting.
Yuan-ti
Yuan-ti, creatures with serpentine characteristics, are renowned for their natural affinity for poison. This is often attributed to their connection to snakes, or their own ability to produce venom. Their resistance to poison can be seen as an evolutionary adaptation to their environment and their preferred methods of combat. They are naturally resistant to the effects of poison as a result of their physiology.
Stout Halflings
The Stout Halflings, a subrace of Halflings, are known for their exceptional hardiness and resistance to poison. This hardiness makes them more resistant to the debilitating effects of toxins and disease, enhancing their resilience in various situations.
How Else Can You Gain Resistance to Poison?
While certain races are predisposed to poison resistance, there are other avenues through which one can acquire this beneficial trait. It often comes down to training, luck, or a certain supernatural effect. Here are some notable methods:
Class Abilities
Some classes offer ways to gain resistance or even immunity to poison. Monks, for example, attain immunity to poison at level 10, reflecting their mastery over their bodies and their internal energies. Similarly, Paladins have the ability to remove the poisoned condition with their Lay on Hands ability, making them immune for as long as they do not succumb to the poison.
Feats
Feats, which are special abilities that can be acquired through character progression, can also provide poison resistance. The “Infernal Constitution” feat, for example, grants tieflings resistance against poison damage and advantage on saving throws against being poisoned, though it requires you to be a tiefling that does not have bonuses to wisdom.
Magic Items and Spells
Various magic items, such as enchanted armor or amulets, can grant resistance to specific types of damage, including poison. Spells can also offer temporary resistance or immunity, providing a tactical advantage in combat situations.
Natural Adaptation
In rare cases, individuals may develop a tolerance or resistance to specific poisons through gradual exposure. This is a very risky process, as most poisons are usually fatal with low doses. Such an adaptation often occurs on a metabolic level, where the body learns to break down toxins more effectively.
The Power of Mithridatism
The concept of mithridatism, named after Mithridates VI of Pontus, refers to the practice of developing immunity to a poison by regularly ingesting sub-lethal doses. Although this method is dangerous, and often reserved for historical records, it highlights how the human body can develop a tolerance through repeated exposure.
What is the Difference Between Resistance and Immunity?
It is very important to clarify what the difference is between having resistance, and complete immunity.
Resistance
Resistance to poison is when an individual has a decreased chance of being affected by poison. In systems like Dungeons & Dragons, resistance to poison damage usually means taking half damage from the poison, and having advantage on any saving throws against it. This is a great asset to have, as being poisoned can come with other penalties such as having disadvantage on attack rolls, and ability checks.
Immunity
Immunity to poison, on the other hand, means that an individual is completely unaffected by poison. This means they take zero damage, are not affected by any status effects or penalties, and automatically succeed on any saves against poison effects. They are completely protected against all poison related effects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are giants resistant to poison?
Giants possess a slight resistance to poison, not full immunity. They also tend to be immune to most diseases, suggesting they have a strong natural constitution.
Why are tieflings often considered evil?
Tieflings are often perceived as evil due to their infernal heritage and the prejudice they face from other races. This often leads them to act out and adopt a chaotic lifestyle.
What creature in D&D is immune to poison?
In D&D, a total of 96 creatures in the Monster Manual have immunity to poison, making it the most common type of damage immunity.
What is the rarest resistance type in D&D?
The rarest resistance and vulnerability type in D&D is force damage, making it the most reliable type of damage to inflict upon an enemy.
What animals are known for poison resistance?
Animals such as mongooses, honey badgers, hedgehogs, pigs, and certain snakes are well known for their resistance to venomous bites and stings.
Is it possible to become immune to arsenic?
Yes, there is evidence that humans and animals can develop a tolerance to arsenic through long term exposure. The most well known example of this is found in the stories of arsenic eaters.
Why is force damage so powerful in D&D?
Force damage is very powerful because few creatures are resistant to it, making it a reliable source of damage in combat.
Do venomous animals have immunity to their own venom?
Yes, venomous animals have evolved so their own venom doesn’t affect them. This is a result of special anti-venom proteins, or their own bodies simply not having the proper “locks” for their venom “keys”.
What is the difference between a poison and a venom?
Poisons are typically ingested, inhaled, or absorbed, while venoms are injected through bites or stings.
Can rats become resistant to poison?
Yes, rats can develop resistance to rodenticides through genetic mutations.
What is the strongest immune system in the animal kingdom?
It is said that ostriches have the strongest immune system in the animal kingdom, which is why they are considered promising for healthcare research.
How can one develop immunity to poison through mithridatism?
Mithridatism is the practice of regularly ingesting sub-lethal doses of poison to build up tolerance. It is a dangerous practice, and not advised.
Why do giants in some fantasy settings fear water?
Giants in some settings fear water because it’s something they can’t control and it can be used against them, or wash away their homes.
What is a poisoned condition?
The poisoned condition in D&D gives the affected creature disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks.
Why does Thor hate giants?
Thor’s hatred for giants is said to have begun after a giant, Hrungnir, was invited to Asgard. He made many antics for the court’s amusement and later antagonized the Aesir, and this sparked Thor’s hatred of the giant race.
Conclusion
While no race in D&D possesses inherent immunity to all poisons, several races and classes have a strong resistance to them. The concept of immunity in fantasy is nuanced, varying depending on the specific setting and rulesets. However, by understanding the differences between resistance and immunity, individuals can better prepare themselves for situations involving toxins, whether in a tabletop game or fictional lore. It is useful to know, as both resistance and immunity are an extremely valuable tool to have at your disposal.