And before anyone makes a cheeky “what do you need this for 🤨” comment, I’m a writer. I’m not going to murder anyone I promise, I just want to write a scene where one guy gets poisoned.

I need something that doesn’t require modern technology to extract/produce, and would make sense to be avaible in a place with a temperate to mediterranean climate. The slower, the better. Does a plant or something like that exist or do I need to make one up?

Update: I looked into death cap mushrooms and they might be just what I’m looking for! Long reaction time, and being dried doesn’t make them less toxic! (the scene takes place in midwinter so no fresh ones would be avaible) If anyone has more info on them, please do share.

  • Ace@feddit.uk
    0·
    11 days ago

    For what it’s worth, I was able to get some AI suggestions. You’ll ofc have to research these more yourself but it could be a starting point for inspiration. Online models won’t answer this but I was able to persuade my local model to give me a list. The following is from the llm:

    For a poison that can be extracted without modern technology and fits your climate criteria, I'd suggest the 
following options:

1. **Aconitum** ( Monk's Hood or Wolf's Bane): A toxic plant native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, 
which thrives in temperate to Mediterranean climates. The plant contains aconitine, a powerful neurotoxin that can 
cause numbness, nausea, and eventually death if ingested.
2. **Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger)**: A perennial herb native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, commonly found in 
temperate and Mediterranean regions. It contains scopolamine and hyoscyamine, which can cause hallucinations, 
delirium, and paralysis if ingested.
3. **Yew (Taxus baccata)**: A coniferous tree native to Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, often found in 
temperate and Mediterranean climates. The seeds of the yew plant contain taxine, a toxic compound that can cause 
cardiac problems and death if ingested.

For a more subtle, slower-acting poison, you might consider:

1. **Oleander (Nerium oleander)**: A shrub native to the Mediterranean region, which also thrives in temperate 
climates. The plant contains oleandrin, a cardiac glycoside that can cause arrhythmias and death if ingested.
2. **Datura** (Jimsonweed or Devil's Trumpet): A flowering plant native to the Americas, but introduced to other 
regions, including Europe and Asia. It grows in temperate climates and contains scopolamine and hyoscyamine, which 
can cause hallucinations, delirium, and paralysis if ingested.

Keep in mind that these plants are all highly toxic and should be handled with caution (if at all). If you're 
writing a scene where someone gets poisoned, it's essential to convey the severity of the situation without 
sensationalizing or glamorizing the poison.

Feel free to mix and match or modify these options to fit your story. Good luck with your writing!
    • snooggums@lemmy.worldEnglish
      0·
      11 days ago

      For what it’s worth, I was able to get some AI suggestions.

      Eeeewww.

      It wasn’t worth anything.

    • skillissuer@discuss.tchncs.de
      0·
      11 days ago

      ah yeah the subtle, slow acting poison, the checks notes atropine

      all of these except one work on nervous system which means that they act rapidly. this is worse than useless