Vial of Unstable Catalyst

From: Sanctum of Alchemical Wonders

Lore: The Vial of Unstable Catalyst is a creation born from the daring experiments of alchemists who dared to push the boundaries of their craft. It is said that the vial originated during a time of alchemical renaissance, when alchemists sought to harness the destructive potential of volatile mixtures. The vial itself is a testament to their insatiable curiosity and their willingness to explore the limits of alchemical manipulation.

The creation of the Vial of Unstable Catalyst requires a profound understanding of alchemical ingredients, their interactions, and the art of balancing volatile components. Alchemists must carefully select potent reagents and catalysts, combining them in precise quantities to create a highly reactive mixture. The resulting elixir within the vial possesses explosive properties, capable of generating destructive forces when properly utilized.

The Vial of Unstable Catalyst is not without risks. Its creation is shrouded in mystery and cautionary tales of alchemists who lost control of the volatile mixtures. Stories abound of catastrophic accidents and devastating explosions, emphasizing the need for expert handling and responsible usage.

Use: The Vial of Unstable Catalyst serves as a versatile tool for alchemists, offering the potential to create powerful explosive concoctions or to set dangerous traps for enemies. Its primary use lies in the creation of highly potent alchemical explosives, ranging from concussive bombs to incendiary mixtures. These explosives can be employed in combat to inflict significant damage or used strategically to destroy obstacles or breach fortified defenses.

Additionally, the vial’s contents can be used to set traps, harnessing its volatile nature to create dangerous surprises for unsuspecting adversaries. By carefully deploying the unstable catalyst, alchemists can rig areas with explosive traps, turning the environment into a hazardous battlefield. The vial’s explosive properties make it an effective deterrent against intruders and a formidable weapon when used with cunning and precision.

Level One Stats:

• Explosive Potency Level: 1
• Instability Level: 1
• Deployment Range Level: 1

Skills:

• Explosives Expertise: Novice
• Trap Setting: Novice
• Alchemical Mixing: Novice

Cost: The Vial of Unstable Catalyst is a highly sought-after tool for those who dabble in alchemy or seek destructive power. Its creation involves rare and volatile ingredients, meticulous preparation, and a significant level of expertise. Due to its potential for devastation and the inherent risks associated with handling such volatile mixtures, the vial commands a high price in the market. On average, it can be priced around 3,000 gold pieces, although costs may vary depending on availability, demand, and the potential risks involved.

Requirements:

• Explosive Potency Level: Requires an alchemist with advanced knowledge of explosive compounds and the ability to handle volatile mixtures safely.
• Instability Level: Requires an alchemist capable of managing and containing the unstable properties of the catalyst, minimizing the risk of accidental detonation.
• Deployment Range Level: Requires an alchemist skilled in gauging distances and timing, allowing for precise deployment of the vial’s contents.

Tags: Alchemy, Explosives, Trap, Volatile, Destruction, Catalyst, Tactical Advantage

Example of Usage and Combat:

• In the war-torn kingdom of Drakoria, a skilled alchemist named Roderick finds himself faced with a group of enemy soldiers barricaded within a fortified castle. Knowing that direct assault would be futile, Roderick decides to employ the power of the Vial of Unstable Catalyst to gain the upper hand.
• Under the cover of darkness, Roderick infiltrates the castle, moving swiftly and silently. He strategically places vials rigged with the Unstable Catalyst mixture at key locations, such as chokepoints, doorways, and vulnerable areas within the castle. These vials act as deadly traps, waiting to be triggered by unsuspecting enemies.
• As the enemy soldiers patrol the castle, one of them unknowingly sets off a trap. The vial explodes, creating a concussive blast that disorients the soldiers and weakens their defenses. Seizing the opportunity, Roderick moves swiftly, taking advantage of the chaos to strike the disoriented soldiers with precision and efficiency.
• In another instance, Roderick finds himself engaged in a skirmish with enemy forces in an open field. Assessing the situation, he hurls a vial of Unstable Catalyst into the midst of the enemy ranks. The resulting explosion engulfs the area in flames, causing panic and confusion among the enemy forces. Roderick capitalizes on the momentary chaos to launch a coordinated attack, taking advantage of the scattered and disoriented enemy troops.

Environment and Storage:

• The Vial of Unstable Catalyst finds its greatest utility in environments that can be transformed into hazardous battlegrounds or where strategic advantages can be gained through explosive force. These environments include castle sieges, war-torn cities, and battlegrounds marked by fortifications or chokepoints.
• Due to its volatile nature, the Vial of Unstable Catalyst is kept in a secure container made of reinforced glass or metal, capable of containing the explosive force within. The container is typically stored within an alchemical kit or a specially designed compartment within an alchemist’s satchel. It is crucial to handle the vial with caution, ensuring its safety and preventing accidental detonation.
• During combat or when preparing to deploy the vial, the alchemist carefully extracts the vial from its secure storage, ensuring its stability and integrity. The vial is usually held in the alchemist’s hand, ready to be thrown or used as a component to create larger explosive devices. The alchemist wears protective gear, such as gloves and goggles, to minimize the risks associated with handling volatile mixtures.

A Vial of Unstable Catalyst serves as a potent tool for alchemists, allowing them to turn the tide of battle by utilizing explosive force and setting deadly traps. Its usage demands tactical foresight, skillful placement, and an understanding of battlefield dynamics. In the right hands, this alchemical weapon can wreak havoc on enemies and create opportunities for victory.

Activation Perception of the Vial of Unstable Catalyst

• Sight
  • Perceived:
    • The liquid inside the vial glows with vibrant, ever-shifting colors.
    • Occasional sparks and flashes of light within the liquid.
  • Description:
    • When activated, the contents of the vial emit a radiant, unstable glow. The colors swirl and change, creating a mesmerizing yet dangerous visual effect. Small sparks and flashes of light occasionally burst from the liquid, indicating its volatile nature.
  • Positives:
    • The visual cues provide an indication of the vial’s potency and readiness for use.
    • The glowing liquid can be used as a signal or distraction in low-light environments.
  • Negatives:
    • The bright glow can attract unwanted attention or give away the alchemist’s position.
    • Prolonged visual exposure can cause eye strain or temporary visual distortion.
• Hearing
  • Perceived:
    • A low, ominous hum emanates from the vial.
    • Occasional crackling and popping sounds from within the liquid.
  • Description:
    • When activated, the vial produces a continuous hum, akin to the sound of electrical energy. Intermittent crackling and popping noises accompany the hum, suggesting the instability of the mixture inside.
  • Positives:
    • The hum provides an audible warning of the vial’s volatile state.
    • Crackling sounds can help in timing the deployment of the vial for maximum effect.
  • Negatives:
    • The constant noise can be distracting or unsettling.
    • Loud crackling may alert enemies to the alchemist’s presence.
• Touch
  • Perceived:
    • A warm, almost vibrating sensation when holding the vial.
    • Slight tingling or static shock upon contact.
  • Description:
    • The vial feels warm to the touch and vibrates slightly, indicating the active reaction within. Occasionally, a mild tingling or static shock can be felt, emphasizing the unstable nature of the contents.
  • Positives:
    • Tactile feedback provides assurance of the vial’s active state.
    • The warmth can be used to gauge the intensity of the reaction inside.
  • Negatives:
    • The vibrations may make it difficult to hold the vial steadily.
    • Static shocks can be uncomfortable or distracting.
• Smell
  • Perceived:
    • A sharp, acrid odor mixed with hints of sulfur and ozone.
    • Occasional whiffs of burning or chemical fumes.
  • Description:
    • When activated, the vial emits a pungent odor, reminiscent of burning chemicals and sulfur. The smell is strong and sharp, with occasional hints of ozone, indicating the presence of reactive elements.
  • Positives:
    • The distinct smell serves as a warning of the vial’s activation.
    • Can help in identifying the vial’s contents and potential effects.
  • Negatives:
    • The strong odor can be overwhelming or cause nausea.
    • Prolonged exposure may lead to headaches or respiratory discomfort.
• Taste
  • Perceived:
    • A metallic, bitter taste in the air when the vial is nearby.
    • Faint hints of sulfur or burning on the tongue.
  • Description:
    • When activated, the vial releases particles into the air that create a metallic, bitter taste. There are also subtle hints of sulfur or burning that can be detected, even without direct contact.
  • Positives:
    • The taste can alert the alchemist to the vial’s activation even without visual or auditory cues.
    • Provides additional sensory feedback to assess the vial’s status.
  • Negatives:
    • The taste can be unpleasant or distracting.
    • Prolonged exposure may affect the alchemist’s sense of taste or cause discomfort.
• Extra-Sensory Perceptions
  • Magical Aura Perception
    • Perceived:
      • A fluctuating aura of unstable magical energy.
      • Intense surges of power emanating from the vial.
    • Description:
      • The vial radiates a chaotic magical aura that shifts and fluctuates unpredictably. Alchemists with magical sensitivity can feel intense surges of power, indicating the vial’s potent and unstable nature.
    • Positives:
      • The aura provides an additional layer of awareness regarding the vial’s activation and potency.
      • Can be used to detect the vial’s presence even through barriers.
    • Negatives:
      • The unstable aura can be disorienting or mentally exhausting.
      • Intense surges of power may interfere with other magical activities.
  • Alchemical Resonance
    • Perceived:
      • A sense of the alchemical reaction’s progression and potential outcomes.
      • Mental images of the reaction’s effects and consequences.
    • Description:
      • When activated, the vial creates an alchemical resonance that can be perceived mentally by trained alchemists. This resonance provides an intuitive understanding of the reaction’s progression and potential outcomes, including the effects of an explosion.
    • Positives:
      • Allows for precise timing and deployment of the vial’s contents.
      • Enhances the alchemist’s strategic planning and situational awareness.
    • Negatives:
      • The mental images can be overwhelming or frightening.
      • Misinterpreting the resonance may lead to incorrect usage or accidents.
  • Temporal Awareness
    • Perceived:
      • A heightened sense of time related to the vial’s activation and reaction speed.
      • Awareness of the countdown to detonation or peak instability.
    • Description:
      • The vial’s activation grants the alchemist a heightened sense of temporal awareness, allowing them to perceive the passage of time in relation to the reaction within the vial. This includes a countdown to detonation or peak instability.
    • Positives:
      • Enables precise timing for deploying the vial or setting traps.
      • Reduces the risk of premature detonation or miscalculation.
    • Negatives:
      • The heightened sense of time can be mentally taxing.
      • Misjudging the countdown may lead to catastrophic consequences.

These perceptions enhance the alchemist’s interaction with the Vial of Unstable Catalyst, providing a rich, multisensory experience that deepens their understanding of its volatile nature and potential uses.

Recipe: Crafting the Vial of Unstable Catalyst

• Materials Needed
  • Reinforced Glass Vial: 1
    • A vial made of specially treated glass to withstand high pressure and heat.
  • Volatile Reagent: 1 ounce
    • A rare and reactive alchemical substance, such as dragon’s breath essence or distilled mana.
  • Catalyst Compound: 2 grams
    • A compound that promotes rapid chemical reactions, like powdered starstone or essence of quicksilver.
  • Binding Agent: 1 drop
    • A stabilizing substance, such as unicorn horn powder or phoenix ash.
  • Protective Sealant: 1 application
    • A magical or chemical sealant to contain the reaction, like enchanted beeswax or alchemical resin.
• Tools Required
  • Alchemical Workbench
  • Precision Scales
  • Protective Gloves and Goggles
  • Mixing Rod
  • Heating Apparatus
  • Magic Infuser (Optional)
• Skill Requirements
  • Alchemy: Expert level
  • Explosives Expertise: Intermediate level
  • Handling Volatile Substances: Advanced level
• Crafting Steps
  • Preparation of Materials:
    • Ensure all materials are fresh and of the highest quality. Use the precision scales to measure exact quantities of the volatile reagent, catalyst compound, and binding agent.
  • Safety Precautions:
    • Wear protective gloves and goggles to safeguard against accidental splashes or explosions. Ensure the workspace is well-ventilated and free from any potential ignition sources.
  • Mixing the Catalyst:
    • Place the reinforced glass vial on the alchemical workbench. Carefully add the volatile reagent into the vial using the mixing rod. Ensure the reagent is evenly distributed along the bottom of the vial.
  • Adding the Catalyst Compound:
    • Slowly and carefully introduce the catalyst compound into the vial. Use the mixing rod to gently stir the mixture, ensuring even incorporation. The mixture will start to react, so proceed with caution.
  • Incorporating the Binding Agent:
    • Add a single drop of the binding agent to the mixture. This will help stabilize the reaction. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure the binding agent is fully integrated.
  • Heating the Mixture:
    • Use the heating apparatus to apply a controlled amount of heat to the vial. This step accelerates the reaction and enhances the potency of the catalyst. Monitor the temperature closely to avoid overheating.
  • Sealing the Vial:
    • Once the mixture is heated and fully reacted, remove the vial from the heating apparatus. Apply the protective sealant around the neck and stopper of the vial to prevent any leakage or accidental detonation.
  • Infusing with Magic (Optional):
    • For additional potency, use the magic infuser to channel a small amount of magical energy into the vial. This step is optional but can enhance the overall effectiveness of the catalyst.
  • Final Inspection and Storage:
    • Inspect the vial for any cracks or defects. Ensure the seal is secure and the mixture is stable. Store the vial in a padded, reinforced container within an alchemical kit or a specially designed compartment in an alchemist’s satchel.

By following these steps, an alchemist can successfully recreate the Vial of Unstable Catalyst, a potent and volatile tool that offers significant destructive power and strategic advantages. Handle with care and respect the inherent dangers associated with such a powerful alchemical creation.

Legend of the Daring Alchemist and the Vial of Chaos

Long ago, in days of ancientness, when alchemists were brave and wisdom was sought, there lived an alchemist of great curiosity, known far and wide for pushing the limits of the craft. This alchemist, in time of great renaissance, where many experiments did flourish, sought to harness power most volatile and dangerous.

In those days, the world did know of many mixtures, but none so daring as the one this alchemist created. With hands steady and mind sharp, the alchemist gathered reagents rare and powerful, known to few. Dragon’s breath essence, distilled mana, starstone powder, and essence of quicksilver were brought together in careful measure. All these, combined with a drop of unicorn horn powder and phoenix ash, would form the Vial of Chaos, as it was called in those times.

The alchemist, with much caution and skill, mixed the ingredients in a vial of glass so strong, it could withstand the fury within. As the mixture swirled and shimmered, sparks of light danced within, and a low hum did fill the air. Thus was born the Vial of Chaos, a creation of both wonder and terror.

Stories tell of the alchemist using the vial in many a daring feat. In one such tale, a great fortress was besieged by enemies most fearsome. The alchemist, with cunning and bravery, did sneak into the fortress under cover of night. There, in darkness, the alchemist placed vials of chaos at strategic points, waiting for the moment to unleash their power. When the enemies did approach, the vials were triggered, and with a mighty explosion, the fortress walls did crumble, and the enemies were thrown into disarray.

But the Vial of Chaos was not without peril. Many tales tell of those who sought to recreate its power and met with disaster. Explosions that shook the ground, fires that consumed entire villages, and alchemists who vanished in a cloud of smoke and flame. Such was the risk of dealing with forces so unpredictable.

The legend of the Vial of Chaos, passed down through generations, became a story both of triumph and warning. It spoke of the alchemist’s great deeds and the terrible cost of seeking power without caution.

The Moral of the Story: Even the greatest of discoveries can bring ruin if handled without respect and care. True wisdom lies not just in creation, but in understanding and managing the dangers that come with great power.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

Vial of Unstable Catalyst

• Description: A volatile alchemical creation with explosive potential, originating from ancient, dangerous experiments.
• Stats:
  • Sanity Loss: 0/1d4
  • Skill Bonuses:
  • Chemistry: +5%
  • Explosives: +10%
• Mechanics:
  • Activation: Requires a successful Chemistry or Explosives roll to safely activate.
  • Use: Can be thrown (DEX roll) to create an explosion (2d6 damage, 5-yard radius).
  • Risks: A failed activation roll results in an immediate explosion (2d6 damage to the user and anyone within 5 yards).

Blades in the Dark

Vial of Unstable Catalyst

• Description: An alchemical creation with immense destructive power, used by daring alchemists and saboteurs.
• Stats:
  • Quality: Tier III
  • Usage: One use per vial.
• Mechanics:
  • Activation: Requires a Tinker roll to prepare for use. On a 4/5 result, it is ready but risky; on a 6, it is perfectly prepared.
  • Effect: When thrown, it creates a devastating explosion (3 harm, area effect).
  • Risks: A risky preparation means a 50% chance of premature detonation when thrown, causing 2 harm to the user and those nearby.

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

Vial of Unstable Catalyst

• Wondrous Item, Rare
• Description: A dangerous alchemical vial that contains a highly volatile mixture, capable of causing significant damage.
• Stats:
  • Explosive Potency: 3d6 fire damage (20-foot radius).
  • Instability Level: High.
• Mechanics:
  • Activation: Requires an Intelligence (Alchemist’s Supplies) check (DC 15) to safely prepare.
  • Use: As an action, the vial can be thrown (range 30 feet). On impact, it explodes.
  • Risks: A failed activation check results in immediate detonation (3d6 fire damage to the user and anyone within 10 feet).

Knave

Vial of Unstable Catalyst

• Description: A vial filled with a dangerous, reactive substance, used for powerful explosions.
• Stats:
  • Usage: Single-use item.
  • Effect: Creates an explosion dealing 3d6 damage in a 20-foot radius.
• Mechanics:
  • Activation: Requires a successful Intelligence roll to activate safely.
  • Use: Can be thrown up to 30 feet. On impact, it explodes, dealing damage.
  • Risks: On a failed activation roll, the vial explodes immediately, causing 3d6 damage to the user and those within 10 feet.

Fate Core

Vial of Unstable Catalyst

• Description: A volatile alchemical creation with explosive potential, used by alchemists and daring operatives.
• Aspects:
  • High Concept: Dangerous Alchemical Explosive
  • Trouble: Unpredictable and Highly Volatile
• Skills:
  • Activation: Requires a Craft (Alchemy) roll (Difficulty: Fair +2) to prepare for use.
• Stunts:
  • Explosive Impact: Once per session, the vial can be thrown to create a powerful explosion (4 shifts of damage in a zone).
• Mechanics:
  • Risks: On a failed activation roll, the vial detonates prematurely, causing 2 shifts of damage to the user and anyone in the same zone.

Numenera & Cypher System

Vial of Unstable Catalyst

• Description: A vial containing a highly reactive substance, used for creating powerful explosions.
• Level: 1d6 + 3
• Stats:
  • Effect: Creates an explosion dealing 10 points of damage in immediate range.
• Mechanics:
  • Activation: Requires a successful Alchemy or Crafting roll to activate safely.
  • Use: The vial can be thrown (short range). On impact, it explodes.
  • Risks: On a failed activation roll, the vial explodes in the user’s immediate area, causing 10 points of damage to the user and anyone nearby.

Pathfinder (2nd Edition)

Vial of Unstable Catalyst

• Wondrous Item, Rare
• Description: A volatile alchemical vial capable of causing significant damage.
• Stats:
  • Explosive Potency: 6d6 fire damage (20-foot radius).
  • Instability Level: High.
• Mechanics:
  • Activation: Requires a Craft (Alchemy) check (DC 18) to prepare.
  • Use: As an action, the vial can be thrown (range 30 feet). On impact, it explodes.
  • Risks: A failed activation check results in immediate detonation (6d6 fire damage to the user and anyone within 10 feet).

Savage Worlds

Vial of Unstable Catalyst

• Description: A vial filled with a dangerous, reactive substance, used for powerful explosions.
• Stats:
  • Type: Alchemical Item
  • Damage: 3d6 (Medium Burst Template)
• Mechanics:
  • Activation: Requires a successful Alchemy roll to activate safely.
  • Use: Can be thrown (range 5/10/20). On impact, it explodes using a Medium Burst Template.
  • Risks: On a failed activation roll, the vial explodes immediately, causing 3d6 damage to the user and those within a Small Burst Template.

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

Vial of Unstable Catalyst

• Description: A highly volatile alchemical creation with explosive potential, originating from ancient experiments.
• Stats:
  • Type: Chemical Explosive
  • Rating: 6
• Mechanics:
  • Activation: Requires a Chemistry or Demolitions roll (Threshold: 3) to prepare safely.
  • Effect: When thrown, it creates an explosion dealing 10P damage (10-meter radius).
  • Risks: On a failed activation roll, the vial detonates prematurely, dealing 10P damage to the user and anyone within 5 meters.

Starfinder

Vial of Unstable Catalyst

• Description: A dangerous alchemical vial that contains a highly reactive substance capable of causing significant damage.
• Stats:
  • Item Level: 8
  • Price: 5,000 credits
• Mechanics:
  • Activation: Requires a successful Physical Science (Alchemy) check (DC 18) to prepare safely.
  • Effect: As a standard action, the vial can be thrown (range 20 feet). On impact, it explodes, dealing 5d6 fire damage in a 20-foot radius.
  • Risks: A failed activation check results in immediate detonation (5d6 fire damage to the user and anyone within 10 feet).

Traveller (Mongoose, 2nd Edition)

Vial of Unstable Catalyst

• Description: A vial containing a highly volatile alchemical substance, used for powerful explosions.
• Stats:
  • Tech Level: 12
  • Cost: 50,000 credits
• Mechanics:
  • Activation: Requires a successful Science (Chemistry) roll (DM+1) to prepare.
  • Effect: The vial can be thrown up to 10 meters. On impact, it explodes, dealing 6d6 damage in a 6-meter radius.
  • Risks: On a failed activation roll, the vial explodes prematurely, dealing 6d6 damage to the user and those within 3 meters.

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (4th Edition)

Vial of Unstable Catalyst

• Description: A volatile alchemical vial with explosive properties, created by daring alchemists.
• Stats:
  • Encumbrance: 0
  • Value: 100 Gold Crowns
• Mechanics:
  • Activation: Requires a successful Trade (Apothecary) test (Difficulty: Hard -20) to prepare safely.
  • Effect: The vial can be thrown (range 10 yards). On impact, it explodes, dealing 3d10 damage in a 10-yard radius.
  • Risks: A failed activation test results in immediate detonation, dealing 3d10 damage to the user and those within 5 yards.