Poisoned Smoke Bomb

From: Grimroot

Lore: Deep within the ancient scrolls of an elusive order of shadowy assassins, a recipe for the Poisoned Smoke Bomb is whispered. Legends tell of an enigmatic alchemist who discovered the dark secrets of Grimroot and its potent properties when exposed to heat and dispersal. Through years of experimentation and forbidden knowledge, the alchemist unlocked the recipe to create a lethal tool of deception and chaos. The Poisoned Smoke Bomb became a favored weapon of the assassins, allowing them to incapacitate or disorient their targets within a cloud of toxic fumes, ensuring a swift and silent elimination.

Use: The Poisoned Smoke Bomb, crafted from dried and powdered Grimroot, serves as a tactical tool to create chaos, confusion, and provide a distraction in various situations. When triggered, the smoke bomb releases a cloud of toxic fumes that can incapacitate or disorient anyone within its radius. This tool finds its utility in ambushes, escapes, or situations where the element of surprise and disarray are advantageous. Assassins, spies, or characters skilled in subterfuge and deception often employ the Poisoned Smoke Bomb to their advantage.

Values (Tier One):

Stats:

• Radius: The Poisoned Smoke Bomb emits toxic smoke within a specific radius, affecting targets within its vicinity.
• Disorientation: Individuals caught within the toxic cloud experience disorientation, reducing their combat effectiveness and perception for a limited time.
• Toxicity: The toxicity of the smoke depends on the concentration and exposure time, causing mild to moderate harm, including coughing, eye irritation, and difficulty breathing.

Skills gained:

• Stealth: Characters with proficiency in stealth can employ the Poisoned Smoke Bomb effectively, ensuring that it is triggered discreetly and without alerting potential targets.
• Throwing: Characters skilled in throwing have an advantage in accurately deploying the Poisoned Smoke Bomb to the desired location.

Preparation: To create the Poisoned Smoke Bomb, Grimroot is dried and ground into a fine powder. The powder is then combined with binding agents and other secret ingredients known only to those who possess the recipe. The mixture is carefully compacted and shaped into a small sphere or cylindrical container, designed to disperse the toxic smoke when triggered. The Poisoned Smoke Bomb is typically wrapped in a protective casing to prevent accidental activation during storage or transportation.

Cost: The cost of the Poisoned Smoke Bomb can vary based on the availability of Grimroot, the complexity of the preparation process, and the risks involved. For a level one character, the price of a single Poisoned Smoke Bomb could range from 20 to 40 gold pieces, reflecting the rarity of Grimroot and the specialized craftsmanship required.

Process:

• Obtain Grimroot: Characters must acquire Grimroot, which is typically found in secluded or dangerous locations such as shadowy forests, abandoned alchemical labs, or through contacts within the black market.
• Drying and Grinding: The harvested Grimroot is carefully dried to remove moisture and maximize its potency. Once dried, it is ground into a fine powder using specialized equipment or alchemical techniques.
• Mixture and Compaction: The powdered Grimroot is mixed with binding agents and other secret ingredients, creating a cohesive substance that can be easily shaped and compacted. This mixture is carefully packed into a container designed to release the toxic smoke when triggered.

Tags:

• Toxic: The Poisoned Smoke Bomb emits a toxic cloud upon activation, causing harm and disorientation to individuals within its radius.
• Disorienting: Those caught within the smoke suffer from disorientation, reducing their combat effectiveness and perception temporarily.
• Specialized: The creation and usage of the Poisoned Smoke Bomb require specialized knowledge and craftsmanship, making it a unique and sought-after tool.
• Additional: Dispersal Mechanism, Area Denial, Obscuring Vision, Tactical Diversion, Inhalation Hazard, Ambush Tool, Alchemical Weapon, Escape Aid, Urban Utility, Guerrilla Warfare

The Poisoned Smoke Bomb, crafted from dried and powdered Grimroot, is typically sold in shadowy markets and illicit establishments that cater to individuals involved in covert operations, criminal activities, or those seeking an advantage in warfare. These markets can be found in the darker corners of bustling cities, hidden within secret underground passages, or even in secluded forest clearings where clandestine meetings take place.

The timing of the sale of Poisoned Smoke Bombs depends on the availability of Grimroot and the demand for such specialized tools. Sellers often operate discreetly, requiring potential buyers to have connections to the underground network or be introduced by trusted contacts. The transactions are conducted with caution, ensuring secrecy and minimizing the risk of attracting unwanted attention from law enforcement or rival factions.

The environment in which the Poisoned Smoke Bombs are used can vary depending on the objectives and circumstances of the characters:

• Urban Settings: Characters may employ the Poisoned Smoke Bombs in densely populated cities, where the chaotic environment and bustling streets provide ample opportunities for distraction and confusion. They can create diversions, escape routes, or execute covert operations amidst the confusion caused by the toxic cloud.
• Wilderness or Rural Areas: In remote regions, such as dense forests or desolate landscapes, the Poisoned Smoke Bomb can be utilized for ambushes, creating a smokescreen to disorient adversaries in open areas or during wilderness encounters. The toxic cloud adds an element of surprise and can be an effective tool for characters relying on stealth and camouflage.
• Strongholds and Enemy Bases: The Poisoned Smoke Bomb finds its utility within enemy strongholds or heavily guarded areas. By deploying the smoke bomb strategically, characters can disrupt defenses, impair visibility, and sow chaos, allowing for infiltration, extraction, or causing confusion among the enemy ranks.

The end results of using the Poisoned Smoke Bomb depend on the specific situation and the character’s objectives:

• Disorientation and Confusion: The toxic cloud released by the smoke bomb disorients and confuses individuals caught within its radius. This can hinder their ability to perceive and react effectively, giving characters an advantage in combat or allowing them to execute their plans without immediate resistance.
• Diversion and Distraction: The Poisoned Smoke Bomb serves as an effective diversionary tool. The toxic cloud draws attention, causing panic and chaos among both allies and enemies. Characters can take advantage of the resulting confusion to carry out other actions, such as infiltrating a secure location or making a swift escape.
• Tactical Advantage: The smoke bomb provides characters with a tactical advantage, especially in situations where stealth and surprise are crucial. By obscuring vision and impairing the enemy’s ability to coordinate, characters can gain the upper hand, launching surprise attacks, or maneuvering undetected.

It is important for characters to consider the potential consequences and ethical implications of using the Poisoned Smoke Bomb. Its deployment may attract attention, escalate conflicts, or cause unintended harm to innocent bystanders. Characters must weigh the benefits against the risks and be prepared to face the repercussions of their actions in the world.

A Shrouded Inferno

In the days of the Silent War, when shadows spoke louder than swords, there existed an assassin named Vaelos, whose name meant both “the fog” and “the dagger.” It is told that Vaelos served the Moonlit Court, a realm where treachery ruled and honor lay buried beneath whispers. His greatest tool, as the stories go, was not his blade but a dark creation known as the Shrouded Inferno, what some now call the Poisoned Smoke Bomb.

The tale begins in a fortress high upon the Mistveil Peaks, where a tyrant king dwelled, guarded by legions of loyal warriors. The king, it was said, had stolen an artifact from the Moonlit Court, a relic of immeasurable value said to hold the wisdom of forgotten gods. Vaelos was summoned to retrieve it, not through strength, but through cunning.

Vaelos, knowing the king’s might, crafted the Shrouded Inferno using Grimroot plucked under the light of a blackened moon. The powder, imbued with deathly fumes, was packed into hollow spheres of onyx. Armed with this dreadful creation, Vaelos climbed the Mistveil Peaks under the cover of a storm.

When he reached the fortress gates, he hurled the Shrouded Inferno into the courtyard. The night erupted with an acrid green mist, blinding and choking the guards. Panic spread like wildfire. Some collapsed, others flailed blindly, their swords falling from their hands. Amid the chaos, Vaelos slipped through the shadows, his silent steps unmarked by even the keenest ear.

At the peak of the keep, he found the tyrant clutching the stolen artifact. The tyrant, too proud to run, inhaled the poison and fell to his knees. “You may take the relic,” the tyrant rasped, “but you’ll never claim my spirit.”

But Vaelos did not seek to destroy; he only sought balance. The assassin left the relic’s true purpose forever obscured, for in returning it to the Court, its dark truths might enslave another realm.

Moral: In shadows, power blinds the arrogant, but those who wield it with care may restore balance to what is broken.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

Poisoned Smoke Bomb

• Type: Alchemical Weapon.
• Skill Required: Science (Chemistry) (50%) or Art/Craft (Alchemy) (40%).
• Effect: When detonated, it creates a 10-yard radius of toxic smoke lasting for 1d4+1 rounds:
  • Characters in the area must make a CON roll each round:
    • Success: Suffer 1 HP damage and -1 to rolls due to disorientation.
    • Failure: Suffer 1d4 HP damage and the Choking condition (halves physical actions).
• Crafting Requirements: 1 week, 150 USD in materials, and access to Grimroot and laboratory equipment.

Blades in the Dark

Poisoned Smoke Bomb

• Type: Alchemical Item (Single-use).
• Tier: 3.
• Effect: When thrown, the bomb releases a cloud of toxic smoke in a Small area (5 paces) for 3 ticks.
  • Affected characters must resist with Prowess or take level 2 harm (Disoriented).
  • Anyone attempting actions within the cloud suffers reduced effect due to impaired vision and breathing.
• Crafting Clock: 6-segment clock. Requires Grimroot, a workshop, and 2 coin in rare materials.

Dungeons & Dragons (5e)

Poisoned Smoke Bomb

• Wondrous Item, Rare (Consumable)
• Effect: When activated, the bomb creates a 20-foot radius of toxic smoke lasting for 1 minute. Creatures within the smoke must make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw at the start of their turn:
  • Success: Suffer disadvantage on Perception checks and 1d4 poison damage.
  • Failure: Suffer 3d4 poison damage and the Poisoned condition until they leave the cloud.
• Crafting Requirements: Proficiency with Alchemist’s Supplies, 250 gp in materials, and Grimroot essence.

Knave

Poisoned Smoke Bomb

• Type: Alchemical Weapon.
• Effect: When thrown, the bomb creates a 15-foot radius cloud of toxic smoke lasting for 1 exploration turn (10 minutes).
  • Characters within the cloud must make a WIL Save:
    • Success: Take 1 damage and suffer -1 to rolls while in the area.
    • Failure: Take 1d4 damage and become unable to act for 1d4 rounds due to choking.
• Weight: 1 Slot.
• Crafting Requirements: 30 coins, Grimroot, and one downtime action.

Fate Core

Poisoned Smoke Bomb

• Type: Consumable Item.
• Aspects:
• Shroud of Lethal Mist
• Tool of Chaos and Confusion
• Effect: Create a Scene Aspect Choking Cloud with one free invoke upon detonation in a Zone.
  • Characters attempting physical actions in the Zone must overcome the aspect (e.g., Athletics vs. Smoke).
  • Characters caught in the cloud may take Mild Consequences like Disoriented or Poisoned.
• Crafting Difficulty: Requires Crafts (Alchemy) roll at Fair (+2) difficulty.

Numenera & Cypher System

Poisoned Smoke Bomb

• Level: 6.
• Effect: When detonated, it creates a cloud covering an Immediate area for 1 minute.
  • Characters in the cloud must make a Might defense roll (Difficulty 6):
    • Success: Suffer 3 points of damage and Impaired for 1 minute.
    • Failure: Suffer 6 points of damage and Impaired for 10 minutes.
• Crafting Requirements: Requires Grimroot, an Alchemy check (Difficulty 5), and 50 shins’ worth of materials.
• GM Intrusion: The bomb misfires or affects unintended targets.

Pathfinder (2e)

Poisoned Smoke Bomb

• Type: Consumable (Alchemical, Bomb).
• Level: 7.
• Price: 75 gp.
• Effect:
  • Activating the bomb releases a 10-foot radius cloud lasting for 1 minute.
  • Creatures in the cloud must attempt a DC 24 Fortitude save:
    • Success: Suffer Sickened 1.
    • Failure: Suffer Sickened 2 and 1d6 poison damage per round spent in the cloud.
• Critical Failure: Suffer Sickened 3 and 2d6 poison damage per round.
• Crafting Requirements: Proficiency with Crafting (Alchemy), Grimroot, and 40 gp in materials.

Savage Worlds (Adventure Edition – SWADE)

Poisoned Smoke Bomb

• Type: Alchemical Weapon (Single-use).
• Effect: When thrown, the bomb creates a Medium Burst Template of toxic smoke lasting 3 rounds.
  • Characters in the cloud must make a Vigor roll each round:
    • Success: Suffer -1 penalty to actions for 1 round.
    • Failure: Become Shaken and suffer Fatigue.
    • Critical Failure: Suffer 1 Wound in addition to Shaken.
• Crafting Requirements: Alchemy roll and Grimroot.
• Cost: 250 coins or equivalent per bomb.

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

Poisoned Smoke Bomb

• Type: Alchemical Grenade (Illegal).
• Availability: 12R.
• Cost: 2,500¥.
• Effect:
  • When detonated, it releases a toxic cloud covering a 10-meter radius for 3 combat turns.
  • Characters in the cloud must resist with Body + Willpower (3):
    • Success: Suffer -2 to all actions for 1 turn.
    • Failure: Take 6S damage (Inhalation vector) and -3 to actions until they leave the cloud.
  • Visibility within the cloud is reduced to 1 meter.
• Crafting Requirements: Requires an Alchemy (5) test and 1,800¥ in materials, including Grimroot extract.

Starfinder

Poisoned Smoke Bomb

• Item Level: 8.
• Price: 3,500 credits.
• Effect:
  • Upon detonation, creates a 15-foot radius cloud lasting 3 rounds.
  • Creatures within the cloud must make a DC 20 Fortitude save each round:
    • Success: Suffer the Sickened condition for 1 round.
    • Failure: Suffer 3d6 poison damage and the Sickened condition for 3 rounds.
  • The cloud obscures vision, granting concealment to all creatures within.
• Crafting Requirements: Requires Life Science (DC 22) or Engineering (DC 22) and Grimroot extract.

Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition)

Poisoned Smoke Bomb

• Tech Level: 10.
• Cost: Cr2,500.
• Effect:
  • When triggered, it releases a cloud covering a 6-meter radius for 2d6 minutes.
  • Characters exposed must make an Endurance check (Difficulty 10):
    • Success: Suffer -1 DM to actions for 1 minute.
    • Failure: Take 2d6 damage and suffer -2 DM for 10 minutes.
  • The smoke obscures visibility, applying a -2 penalty to ranged attacks through the cloud.
• Special Rules: The bomb has a 10% chance of failing to ignite if improperly handled.

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (4th Edition)

Poisoned Smoke Bomb

• Type: Alchemical Weapon (Single-use).
• Encumbrance: 0.5.
• Price: 80 Silver Shillings.
• Effect:
  • Upon activation, creates a 10-yard radius cloud lasting 1d10 rounds.
  • Targets in the cloud must make a Challenging (+0) Endurance Test each round:
    • Success: Suffer -10 to actions for 1 round.
    • Failure: Suffer Fatigued and -20 to actions for 1d10 rounds.
  • The cloud obscures vision, imposing penalties on ranged and melee attacks.
• Crafting Requirements: Trade (Alchemy) Test at Challenging (+0), requiring Grimroot and rare reagents.