Cyclone Burst Bomb

From: Zephyr Essence

Lore: The Cyclone Burst Bomb is a creation born from the fusion of elemental forces and alchemical ingenuity. Legends speak of a renowned alchemist who delved into the secrets of storm magic and sought to harness the power of cyclones. Drawing inspiration from the ferocious winds and destructive energy of cyclones, the alchemist devised a recipe that combined Zephyr Essence, Thunderstone Shards, Explosive Powder, and the delicate wings of the elusive Cyclone Beetle. These ingredients, when carefully blended and contained within a specially designed bomb, result in the creation of the Cyclone Burst Bomb.

Use: When the Cyclone Burst Bomb is thrown, it detonates upon impact, unleashing a violent explosion that creates a swirling cyclone of wind and chaos. The immediate area is engulfed in a tempestuous storm, knocking enemies off their feet, disrupting formations, and causing localized chaos. The bomb’s effects can be devastating, providing both offensive and defensive advantages.

Stats and Skills (Level One):

  • Area of Effect: 10-foot radius.
  • Knockback: Enemies within the blast radius are knocked prone or pushed 10 feet away (Dexterity saving throw, DC 12 to resist).
  • Chaos Effect: Enemies caught in the cyclone suffer disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks for 1 minute.
  • Damage: 2d6 bludgeoning damage (Dexterity saving throw, DC 12 to halve damage).

Preparation — To create the Cyclone Burst Bomb, the following ingredients are required:

  • Zephyr Essence: 1 vial
  • Thunderstone Shards: 3 shards
  • Explosive Powder: 1 ounce
  • Cyclone Beetle Wings: 2 wings
  • The process of crafting the bomb involves delicate alchemical procedures and the careful handling of volatile ingredients. The Zephyr Essence acts as a catalyst, infusing the bomb with wind energy. Thunderstone Shards provide the explosive component, while the Explosive Powder acts as the stabilizing agent. The fragile and aerodynamic Cyclone Beetle Wings are added to imbue the bomb with the essence of swirling winds and chaotic energies.

Cost and Process:

  • Cost: 500 gold pieces per bomb
  • Crafting Time: 8 hours
  • Skill Check: Alchemy or Explosives (DC 15)
  • Required Proficiency: Alchemist’s Tools or Engineer’s Tools

Tags:

  • Throwable: The Cyclone Burst Bomb is a throwable explosive that requires a ranged attack or a throw action to be activated.
  • Area of Effect: The bomb creates a 10-foot radius cyclone upon detonation.
  • Knockback: The cyclone’s force knocks enemies within the blast radius off their feet or pushes them away.
  • Chaos Effect: Enemies caught in the cyclone suffer a penalty to their attacks and ability checks.
  • Explosive: The bomb causes significant explosive damage and has the potential to cause destruction.
  • Uncommon: The Cyclone Burst Bomb is considered an uncommon explosive due to its specialized ingredients and potent effects.

The Cyclone Burst Bomb is sought after by adventurers, siege engineers, and characters who prefer chaos and disruption on the battlefield. Its creation requires access to rare ingredients and expertise in alchemical arts or engineering. Due to its destructive potential and specialized nature, the bomb may be prohibited or closely regulated in some regions. Acquiring or crafting it may involve interactions with skilled engineers, renowned alchemists, or individuals with connections to the underworld of weaponry and explosives.

The Cyclone Burst Bomb, with its destructive power and chaotic effects, can be found in specific locations and sold through particular channels due to its nature as an explosive device. Here is more information about where and how this recipe is sold, as well as the environments in which the Cyclone Burst Bomb is commonly used:

Black Market and Underground Trades:

  • Underworld Weaponry Dealers: In shady establishments and hidden corners of the black market, there are dealers who specialize in providing illicit weapons and explosives to those with the means and intent to acquire them. These underground vendors may have access to the Cyclone Burst Bomb due to their connections with unscrupulous suppliers or skilled bombmakers.
  • Mercenary Hideouts: Mercenary groups, especially those involved in sieges and high-risk missions, often have connections to suppliers of specialized weapons and explosive devices. These organizations may possess skilled engineers who can craft or acquire the Cyclone Burst Bomb for their members. Accessing these hideouts and establishing trust with the mercenaries may be necessary to obtain such items.
  • Renowned Alchemist’s Guilds: In regions where alchemy is esteemed and regulated, established guilds may have a legitimate interest in creating and selling explosive potions. Skilled alchemists who specialize in crafting destructive concoctions, such as the Cyclone Burst Bomb, may be found within these guilds. However, acquiring the bomb through official channels may require the appropriate credentials or favors owed to gain access.

Usage and Environments:

  • Battlefield and Sieges: The Cyclone Burst Bomb finds its most prominent use on the battlefield, where its explosive power and chaotic effects can turn the tide of a conflict. During sieges, the bomb can be hurled into enemy ranks, causing disarray and knocking opponents off their feet. It disrupts formations, creates openings for allies to advance, and forces enemies to reposition and reassess their strategies.
  • Dungeon Delving and Traps: Adventurers exploring dungeons or other dangerous locations often encounter traps and intricate mechanisms. The Cyclone Burst Bomb can be employed strategically to trigger or disable such traps, clearing a path or creating distractions. Its explosive force can break down barriers, reveal hidden passages, or dislodge obstacles that obstruct progress.
  • Guerrilla Warfare and Ambushes: In environments where stealth and surprise attacks are crucial, individuals or groups engaging in guerrilla warfare or ambush tactics can utilize the Cyclone Burst Bomb to cause chaos among their adversaries. The bomb’s explosion creates confusion, disorienting enemies and making them vulnerable to subsequent strikes.
  • Environmental Hazards and Natural Disasters: In regions prone to natural disasters like tornadoes or hurricanes, the Cyclone Burst Bomb may be used as a last resort to mitigate or redirect the destructive forces of such calamities. The controlled detonation of the bomb can disrupt the natural elements and alter the course of the storm, potentially protecting vulnerable areas or buying time for evacuation.

Acquiring the Cyclone Burst Bomb often involves associating with individuals operating on the fringes of society, such as black-market dealers or mercenary groups. Its use is most prevalent in settings where conflicts, battles, or high-stakes missions take place. However, due to the potentially destructive nature of the bomb, possession or usage may be heavily regulated or illegal in certain regions. Characters seeking to acquire or use the Cyclone Burst Bomb should be prepared to navigate the clandestine networks of weapons trade or establish connections with skilled bombmakers and alchemists who can provide the necessary expertise.