do bases not do damage? (1st rule book, page 74)

Bleach and lye are both bases, and can do very severe damage!

Bleach doesn't really burn you unless you get it in your eyes or on your open wound. It can give you a rash, but that's more of an allergic reaction. For purposes of combat, it's not much of a weapon. Admittedly, it can blind you pretty good though and I suppose some of the more industrial bases could burn you or do other damage. Suggestions?

-Mr. D.

Hubby (ex-pre-med) sez:

a) Bases should do the same damage as acids of the same type.
b) Acids and bases of the same type neutralize each other, but a weaker counter-agent can be used if the amount is increased by ? per type. If you try to use a stronger counter-agent, decrease the amount to 1/?th. (Hubby and I can't decide -- ? should be more than 10, which is the ratio for 1 PH difference.) However!!!!
c) Acid/base reactions are hypothermic. Expect burns from the neutralization process. Not to mention the result of the reaction is a salt, and quite likely toxic.
d) Best treatment for either is flush with lots of water!
e) How about use a Critical Hit (20 on d20) to see if it hit eyes or mucous membranes?
f) Nitric acid is funky -- it makes a white spot and attacks the nerve endings under the skin, leaving a dead spot. Not sure if you want to get this detailed.

Hubby also suggests treating a hit on skin as a 1st/2nd/3rd degree burn. Hits on clothing give you time to get the clothing off before the full effects happen (time depends on type of acid vs type of clothing). Hits on mucous membrane would be more severe.

That sounds reasonable. Man, your hitmen must really like a challenge.

Mr. D