The Tavern

It seems odd that the potions' effects are considered mutations. It's not made clear in the potion's description that they are as such, and it can be disheartening to realize for the first time that in chugging a 'cure mutation' potion, you're losing your potion bonuses as well.

Any specific reason why this is? I assume it's easier to code or keep track of if they're mutations, maybe?

I'm pretty sure the name in the description says, "A potion of beneficial mutation."

As for why, you can actually gain or lose those bonuses any time you are mutated actually. So, rather than thinking of it as gaining a stat by way of mutation, think of it as a potion of mutation with a fixed effect (and it bypasses the resist mutation amulet).

They used to be permanent, actually, but this was changed early in the Stonesoup's development, for precisely the reasons already mentioned. Down with no-brainers, etc.

Instead, now people hold off on using their items just because the mutation curing system penalizes people who have any mutations, even ostensibly "good" ones.