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{{Item
  
{{Item
 
| image = Smokepowder-5e.jpg
  
| image = Smokepowder-5e.jpg
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| caption = A [[powderkeg|keg]] of ''smokepowder'' with warning labels.
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| caption = A [[powderkeg|keg]] of smokepowder with warning labels in two languages.
 
| name = Smokepowder
  
| name = Smokepowder
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| othernames = Smoke powder<ref name="TM-p1-2">{{Cite book/The Mercenaries|1-2}}</ref><ref name="DMG2e-p179"/><ref name="EMv3-p909"/>
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| othernames =
 
 
| nicknames =
 
| nicknames =
 
| type = Wondrous item
  
| type = Wondrous item
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| location = [[Westgate]], [[Dragon Coast]]<ref name="nwn2m">{{Cite game/Neverwinter Nights 2: Mysteries of Westgate}}</ref><br/>[[Colletro]], [[Sumbria]], [[Blade Kingdoms]]<ref name="TCOB-p30–31,38,44">{{Cite book/The Council of Blades/MMP|30–31,38,44}}</ref>
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| location =
 
 
| value1e =
 
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| weight1e =
 
| weight1e =
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| school2e =
 
| school2e =
 
| level2e =
 
| level2e =
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| value2e = 25 [[gp]]
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| value2e = 25 [[gp]],<ref name="PO.C&T-p126"/> 750 gp for a pouch<ref name="EMv3-p909"/>
 
| weight2e =
 
| weight2e =
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| refs2e = <ref name="PO.C&T-p126">{{Cite book/Player's Option: Combat & Tactics|126}}</ref>
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| refs2e = <ref name="DMG2e-p179">{{Cite book/Dungeon Master's Guide 2nd edition|179-180}}</ref><ref name="EMv3-p909">{{Cite book/Encyclopedia Magica Volume III|909-910}}</ref><ref name="PO.C&T-p126">{{Cite book/Player's Option: Combat & Tactics|126}}</ref>
 
| school3e =
 
| school3e =
 
| casterlevel3e = 9
  
| casterlevel3e = 9
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| alignment =
 
| alignment =
 
}}
  
}}
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'''Smokepowder''' was the ''Realms'' magical alchemical equivalent of [[gunpowder]].<ref name="MoF-p165" />
 +
'''Smokepowder''' was a magical alchemical equivalent of [[gunpowder]].<ref name="DMG2e-p179"/><ref name="EMv3-p909"/><ref name="MoF-p165" /> Though confusing matters, a few on [[Toril]] used the word "gunpowder" as simply another name for smokepowder.<ref name="gunpowder">{{Cite web/theedverse/2019-05-30 - How Gunpowder Works in the Forgotten Realms}}</ref>
−  
−
{{quote|''The night breeze still smelt of burning wood and men, but at least the screams had stopped. As oily smoke bid the last stars from view, the flames dancing amid the rocks below found the precious smoke powder deep in the hold of the [[Kissing Shark]] and flared up in fresh fury, spitting spars and embers high into the air... The sea shook, and a fierce ball of flames rose up into the sky with slow, ponderous fury.''| An excerpt from [[The Mercenaries]]<ref name="TM-p1-2">{{Cite book/The Mercenaries|1-2}}</ref>}}
  
   
 
==Description==
  
==Description==
−
Though bearing a resemblance to gunpowder, being a coarse dark grey powder that exploded when exposed to fire or heat, smokepowder differed by being magical in nature.<ref name="S-p61" /> This rendered the substance vulnerable to anti-magic spells, [[dead-magic zone]]s, and similar enchantments.<ref name="S-p61">{{Cite book/Skullport|61}}</ref><ref name="FRCS-p97">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|97}}</ref> Also like gunpowder, it burned rapidly and was rendered unusable when exposed to water, though it was not explosive.<ref name="MoF-p165">{{Cite book/Magic of Faerûn|165}}</ref>
 +
Bearing a resemblance to gunpowder, it was a coarse dark gray powder that exploded when exposed to fire or heat, producing force, noise, and smoke. However, smokepowder differed by being magical in nature.<ref name="S-p61" /><ref name="DMG2e-p179"/><ref name="EMv3-p909"/> This rendered the substance vulnerable to anti-magic spells, [[dead-magic zone]]s, and similar enchantments.<ref name="S-p61">{{Cite book/Skullport|61}}</ref><ref name="FRCS-p97">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|97}}</ref> Also like gunpowder, it burned rapidly and was rendered unusable when exposed to water, though it was not explosive.<ref name="MoF-p165">{{Cite book/Magic of Faerûn|165}}</ref> The scale of explosion was in accordance with the amount used. Two spoonfuls (one of each component) was sufficient for a large firecracker or a single [[arquebus]] shot. More could create explosions of significant size and force.<ref name="DMG2e-p179"/><ref name="EMv3-p909"/>
  +
  +
Smokepowder was typically sold and carried within either small wooden [[powderkeg]]s or in [[powder horn]]s.<ref name="FRCS-p96">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|96}}</ref> A pouch held enough for eighteen shots of an arquebus.<ref name="DMG2e-p179"/><ref name="EMv3-p909"/>
   
−
Those who used smokepowder on a frequent basis found that their fingers or gloves were left stained by it.<ref name="CotM-p29">{{Cite book/Champions of the Mists|29}}</ref>
 +
Those who used the substance on a frequent basis found that their fingers or gloves were left stained by it.<ref name="CotM-p29">{{Cite book/Champions of the Mists|29}}</ref> And small, magically limited kernels of the substance were known as '''fireseeds'''.<ref name="F&FitR">{{Cite web/theedverse/2019-07-20 - Firecrackers & Fireworks in the Realms}}</ref>
   
 
==Creation==
  
==Creation==
−
The exact formula for creating smokepowder was a secret closely guarded by the [[Church of Gond]],<ref name="F&A-p63">{{Cite book/Faiths & Avatars|63}}</ref><ref name="making">{{Cite web/theedverse/Making Smokepowder}}</ref> what they referred to as a "temple secret." They would never make the substance in front of outsiders or discuss its making with them. That being said, quite a few people outside of the clergy had figured out the ingredients.<ref name="making" /> Including a handful of [[alchemist]]s, [[priest]]s, and [[wizard]]s.<ref name="S-p61" />
 +
The exact formula for creating smokepowder was a secret closely guarded by the [[Church of Gond]],<ref name="F&A-p63">{{Cite book/Faiths & Avatars|63}}</ref><ref name="making">{{Cite web/theedverse/2021-07-10 - Making Smokepowder}}</ref> what they referred to as a "temple secret." They would never make the substance in front of outsiders or discuss its making with them. That being said, quite a few people outside of the clergy had figured out the ingredients,<ref name="making" /> including a handful of [[alchemist]]s, [[priest]]s, and [[wizard]]s.<ref name="S-p61" />
   
−
Some believed the formula involved the mixture of two inert substances.<ref name="S-p45" /> Some claimed the ashes left behind by a killed [[tome guardian]] could be used in the process.<ref name="MftM-p65">{{Cite book/Pages from the Mages|65}}</ref> And the [[alchemist]] [[Surero]] claimed to use a combination of 75% [[sulfur]], 10% [[saltpeter]] and 15% [[charcoal]] mixed together in sacks to create the substance.<ref>{{Cite book/Lies of Light||30}}</ref><ref group="note" name="ingredients">It should be noted though that Ed Greenwood stated in one [https://web.archive.org/web/20210517004301/https://twitter.com/jvcparry/status/867391458827005953 tweet] that smokepowder had completely different ingredients from gunpowder.</ref>
+
Some believed the formula involved the mixture of two inert substances:<ref name="S-p45" /><ref name="DMG2e-p179"/><ref name="EMv3-p909"/> a steely blue granular material and a fine white powder, both harmless and unreactive when separate. It was only when mixed in a 1:1 ratio that they became explosive.<ref name="DMG2e-p179"/><ref name="EMv3-p909"/> Some claimed the ashes left behind by a killed [[tome guardian]] could be used in the process.<ref name="MftM-p65">{{Cite book/Pages from the Mages|65}}</ref> It was reported that [[crystalmist]]s could be used to make a high-quality smokepowder.<ref name="MCGAA">{{Cite book/Monstrous Compendium Greyhawk Adventures Appendix}}</ref> The alchemist [[Surero]] claimed to use a combination of 75% [[sulfur]], 10% [[saltpeter]], and 15% [[charcoal]] mixed together in sacks to create the substance.<ref>{{Cite book/Lies of Light||30}}</ref><ref group="note" name="ingredients">It should be noted though that Ed Greenwood stated in one [https://web.archive.org/web/20210517004301/https://twitter.com/jvcparry/status/867391458827005953 tweet] that smokepowder had completely different ingredients from gunpowder.</ref> At least one of the formula's known ingredients was magical in nature and circumvented Gond's prohibition on explosives.<ref name="gunpowder" />
   
  +
[[File:Smoke powder blast.jpg|thumb|right|''Experimenting with smokepowder had a tendency to blow up in one's face.'']]
−
Beyond the formula itself, the process of making smokepowder was difficult and fraught with danger, often ending in an unplanned explosion.<ref name="S-p61" /> This was because only those in the Church of Gond knew the precise proportions for the ingredients and how to mix them. For those outside the clergy, determining this was a matter of (often dangerous) experimentation.<ref name="making" />
 +
Beyond the formula itself, the process of making smokepowder was difficult and fraught with danger, often ending in an unplanned explosion.<ref name="S-p61" /><ref name="DMG2e-p179"/><ref name="EMv3-p909"/> This was because only those in the Church of Gond knew the precise proportions for the ingredients and how to mix them in order to make functional smokepowder.<ref name="gunpowder" /><ref name="making" /> For those outside the clergy, determining these measurements and mixtures was a matter of (often dangerous) experimentation.<ref name="making" />
  +
  +
Gondsmen had their own special tricks for making the powder, which they often expedited with spells. The first was a way of getting three dry ingredients to bond and another was ensuring the final mixture stayed bonded.<ref name="making" />
   
 
==Availability==
  
==Availability==
  +
Smokepowder was generally quite rare and difficult to obtain.<ref name="DMG2e-p179"/><ref name="EMv3-p909"/>
  +
  +
In the land of [[Shou Lung]], one could find smokepowder for sale in the city of [[Chunming]].<ref>{{Cite book/Realmspace|22}}</ref>
  +
 
===Beyond Toril===
  
===Beyond Toril===
 
* The prevalence of smokepowder was far greater in [[Wildspace]] than it was on planets, being a particularly good seller for the merchants known as [[the Arcane]].<ref name="S-p45">{{Cite book/Spelljammer: AD&D Adventures in Space/Concordance of Arcane Space|45}}</ref>
  
* The prevalence of smokepowder was far greater in [[Wildspace]] than it was on planets, being a particularly good seller for the merchants known as [[the Arcane]].<ref name="S-p45">{{Cite book/Spelljammer: AD&D Adventures in Space/Concordance of Arcane Space|45}}</ref>
−
* On [[Oerth]] smokepowder was an inert substance, not functioning until it was taken off the planet.<ref>{{Cite book/Spelljammer: AD&D Adventures in Space/Lorebook of the Void|13}}</ref> Though [[cleric]]s of the Oerthian god of science, [[Murlynd]], were capable of making smokepowder function by concentrating on it with their [[divine magic]].<ref name="S-p128">{{Cite book/Slavers|128}}</ref>
 +
* On [[Oerth]], smokepowder was an inert substance, not functioning until it was taken off the planet.<ref>{{Cite book/Spelljammer: AD&D Adventures in Space/Lorebook of the Void|13}}</ref> However, [[cleric]]s of the Oerthian god of science, [[Murlynd]], were capable of making smokepowder function by concentrating on it with their [[divine magic]].<ref name="S-p128">{{Cite book/Slavers|128}}</ref>
   
 
==History==
  
==History==
  +
[[File:Smokepowder bomb.png|thumb|''A gnomish-invented smokepowder bomb.'']]
⚫
Smokepowder had existed on Toril for hundreds of years, being used in [[Kara-Tur]] to make rockets and magical [[firecracker]]s, but it never saw extensive research or development into its use.<ref name="FRA-11">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Adventures|11}}</ref> This was until the [[Time of Troubles]], when [[Gond]] in his mortal [[avatar]] form washed up on the shore of [[Lantan]]. In return for the people there sheltering him, in [[1358 DR]]<ref name="F&A-p62">{{Cite book/Faiths & Avatars|62}}</ref><ref name="FRCS-p264">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|264}}</ref> he revealed the secrets of smokepowder to the Lantanese,<ref name="FRCS-p264" /> including how to make reasonably safe and accurate [[firearm]]s that utilized the substance.<ref name="FRA-12-13">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Adventures|12-13}}</ref>
  
  +
Smokepowder was first introduced to Toril hundreds of years prior to [[1358 DR]],<ref name="FRA-11">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Adventures|11}}</ref> when [[spelljammer]]s came to Shou Lung in search of resources and trades. These vessels had failed to properly hide or safeguard it from the [[Shou]], who would take it<ref name="SDoS">{{Cite web/theedverse/2022-03-17 - Shou Discovery of Smokepowder}}</ref> and go on to develop [[fireworks]] and [[firecracker]]s that would be used in much of [[Kara-Tur]] for centuries to come.<ref name="FRA-11" /><ref>{{Cite book/Kara-Tur: The Eastern Realms/Volume I|29}}</ref> However, beyond Kara-Tur the substance never saw extensive research or development into its use.<ref name="FRA-11" />
   
  ⚫
This was until the [[Time of Troubles]] in 1358 DR, when the craftsmen deity [[Gond]] was forced to wander Toril in a mortal [[avatar]] form and one day washed up on the shores of [[Lantan]]. In return for the people there sheltering his avatar,<ref name="F&A-p62">{{Cite book/Faiths & Avatars|62}}</ref><ref name="FRCS-p264">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|264}}</ref> Gond revealed the secrets of smokepowder to the Lantanese,<ref name="FRCS-p264" /> including how to make reasonably safe and accurate [[firearm]]s that utilized the substance.<ref name="FRA-12-13">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Adventures|12-13}}</ref>
−
Around [[1372 DR]], the city of [[Telflamm]] was considered a gateway for smokepowder and other eastern goods into the rest of [[Faerûn]].<ref>{{Cite book/Unapproachable East|184}}</ref>
  
   
  ⚫
In the late 14{{th}} century [[DR]], the city-state of [[Innarlith]] on the [[Lake of Steam]] made use of smokepowder to excavate the trench for a canal that was dug between the Lake of Steam and the [[Nagaflow]].<ref>{{Cite book/Lies of Light||36}}</ref>
  +
  +
At some point during this period, the city of [[Waterdeep]] and the nation of [[Cormyr]] had banned the substance, making it a lucrative item for [[smuggler]]s to bring in.<ref>{{Cite book/Demihumans of the Realms|87}}</ref>
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  +
In [[1369 DR]], a fire broke out in [[Calimport]] that would come to be known as the [[Trades Conflagration]].<ref>{{Cite book/Calimport|24}}</ref> Not knowing what the true cause of the fire was, some blamed it on imported smokepowder that was sitting in the overcrowded [[Calimport/Emerald Ward|Marekh Sabban]].<ref>{{Cite book/Calimport|39}}</ref>
  +
  +
Around [[1372 DR]], the city of [[Telflamm]] was considered a gateway for smokepowder and other eastern goods into the rest of [[Faerûn]].<ref>{{Cite book/Unapproachable East|184}}</ref> Around this time firearms were available throughout [[Faerûn]]<ref name="FRCS-p97" /> and many rulers viewed the Church of Gond with ire for having introduced them to the continent, seeing the weapons as a threat to their authority.<ref>{{Cite book/Faiths and Pantheons|25}}</ref> It wasn't long before rulers began putting stricter regulations in place for the substance.<ref name="EFR-p125-126" />
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  +
Around this time, following the Lantanna pirate [[Gimlet Watersprecht]]'s creation of a ''[[portal]]'' between Lantan and the [[Pirate Isles]], there was a frightening rise in the number of smokepowder weapons among pirates in the [[Inner Sea]]. This posed a great concern to the kingdom of Cormyr's then-princess and regent, [[Alusair Obarskyr]].<ref name="PG-PoL-LtPI">{{Cite web/Perilous Gateways/Portals of Lantan:Lantan to Pirate Isle}}</ref>
  +
  +
===15th century===
 
Following the destruction of Lantan during the [[Spellplague]], many [[artificer]]s considered the secrets behind smokepowder to have been lost.<ref name="GWAotR-p6">{{Cite dragon/403/Gond's Way: Artificers of the Realms|6}}</ref>
  
Following the destruction of Lantan during the [[Spellplague]], many [[artificer]]s considered the secrets behind smokepowder to have been lost.<ref name="GWAotR-p6">{{Cite dragon/403/Gond's Way: Artificers of the Realms|6}}</ref>
   
  ⚫
During this time, [[Scornubel]] and later [[Downshadow]] and [[Mistshore]], were some of the few places in the Realms where one could openly and freely purchase smokepowder.<ref name="EFR-p125-126" />
⚫
For much of the 14{{th}} century [[DR]], the nation of [[Cormyr]] only allowed the importation or creation of smokepowder by those who had a license from the Crown, but these licenses came with a variety of conditions and they came with a 500 [[gold piece]] fee. Most often the importer wasn't permitted to take the substance into [[Arabel]] or further south than [[Waymoot]]. Their licensing fee paid for two [[War Wizard]]s and two members of the [[Purple Dragons]] to watch over the substance.<ref name="EFR-p125-126" />
  
   
  ⚫
Cormyr relaxed its laws on smokepowder during this period, allowing for the importation or creation of the substance so long as one had a license from the Crown. However, these licenses came with a fee of 500 [[gold piece]]s and a variety of conditions. For example, most often the importer wasn't permitted to take the substance into [[Arabel]] or further south than [[Waymoot]]. Their licensing fee paid for two [[War Wizard]]s and two members of the [[Purple Dragons]] to watch over the substance.<ref name="EFR-p125-126" />
⚫
In addition to the license, those importing smokepowder to Cormyr were required to give a detailed report to a War Wizard or their second-in-command that explained their reasons for importing it, where and how it would be stored in the meantime, and when it would be used, among other other things. Approval was generally more lenient for those who cited a desire to conquer the [[Stonelands]]. Furthermore, any attempts to sell, gift, or hide smokepowder would result in a confiscation order that would be carried out by dozens of ruthless War Wizards and Purple Dragons.<ref name="EFR-p125-126" />
  
   
  ⚫
In addition to the license, those importing smokepowder to Cormyr were required to give a detailed report to a War Wizard or their second-in-command that explained their reasons for importing it, where and how it would be stored in the meantime, and when it would be used, among other other things. Approval was generally more lenient for those who cited a desire to conquer the [[Stonelands]]. Furthermore, any attempts to sell, gift, or hide smokepowder would result in a confiscation order that would be carried out by dozens of ruthless War Wizards and Purple Dragons.<ref name="EFR-p125-126" />
⚫
In the [[1480 DR]], smokepowder was largely a banned substance in the city of [[Waterdeep]]. The people who had official access to it were guardsmen. To a limited degree members of the [[Watchful Order of Magists and Protectors|Watchful Order]] also had access for the purposes of experimentation, though such experiments had to be observed and supervised by officials. Around this same time, the substance could be covertly bought in small quantities at the black markets of [[Luskan]] and [[Westgate]], though one was liable to attract the attention of spies.<ref name="EFR-p125-126" />
  
   
  ⚫
By [[1480 DR]], smokepowder was still largely a banned substance in Waterdeep. The people who had official access to it were guardsmen. To a limited degree, members of the [[Watchful Order of Magists and Protectors|Watchful Order]] also had access for the purposes of experimentation, though such experiments had to be observed and supervised by officials. Around this same time, the substance could be covertly bought in small quantities at the black markets of [[Luskan]] and [[Westgate]], though one was liable to attract the attention of spies.<ref name="EFR-p125-126" />
⚫
[[Scornubel]], as well as later on [[Downshadow]] and [[Mistshore]], were some of the few places in the 14{{th}} century where one could openly and freely purchase smokepowder.<ref name="EFR-p125-126" />
  
   
 
==Reputation==
  
==Reputation==
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==Notable Users of Smokepowder==
  
==Notable Users of Smokepowder==
−
* The [[Red Wizards]] of [[Thay]] were known to have developed large siege guns that operated on smokepowder. However, these were largely inaccurate and each shot consumed over a hundred charges.<ref name="FRA-11" />
 +
* The [[Red Wizards]] of [[Thay]] were known to have developed large siege guns, known as [[bombard]]s, that operated on smokepowder. However, these were largely inaccurate and each shot consumed over a hundred charges.<ref name="FRA-11" />
−
* In the land of [[Kara-Tur]], there were known to be small rockets that were fueled by smokepowder.<ref name="FRA-11" />
 +
* In the land of Kara-Tur, there were known to be small rockets that were fueled by smokepowder.<ref name="FRA-11" />
 
* By 1372 DR, the use of smokepowder was known to be quite common among [[rock gnome]]s.<ref name="FRCS-p78, 97">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|78, 97}}</ref>
  
* By 1372 DR, the use of smokepowder was known to be quite common among [[rock gnome]]s.<ref name="FRCS-p78, 97">{{Cite book/Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition|78, 97}}</ref>
  +
* The armed forces of [[Colletro]], [[Sumbria]], and other city-states of the [[Blade Kingdoms]] used smokepowder to arm the highly controversial arquebus and handgun troops by [[1217 DR]].<ref name="TCOB-p30–31,38,44">{{Cite book/The Council of Blades/MMP|30–31,38,44}}</ref> That year, a nest of [[rat]]s found a way into the smokepowder stash in the [[Palace of Sumbria]]. The hungry pests gorged on the substance, which let to an infestation of strangely annoying explosive rats that regularly created commotion in the palace.<ref name="TCOB-p37,40,67">{{Cite book/The Council of Blades/MMP|37,40,67}}</ref>
⚫
* the city-state of [[Innarlith]] on the [[Lake of Steam]] made use of smokepowder in order excavate the trench for the canal that was dug between the Lake of Steam and the [[Nagaflow]] in the mid-14th century DR.<ref>{{Cite book/Lies of Light||36}}</ref>
  
  +
* [[Lorenzo Utrelli Da Lomarta]], the prince of [[Lomarta]] of the Blade Kingdoms crafted gold pouch decoys, filled with smokepowder. Once a pickpocket grabbed the wallet, its long fuse was lit and eventually reached the smokepowder, causing an explosion.<ref name="TCOB-p115">{{Cite book/The Council of Blades/MMP|115}}</ref>
−  
−
==Trivia==
  
−
The noise that was given off by firearms using smokepowder was comparable to that of gunpowder, though it typically was of a lower-pitch.<ref>{{Cite web/theedverse/Sound of Smokepowder}}</ref>
  
   
 
==Appendix==
  
==Appendix==
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{{Notes}}
  
{{Notes}}
 
===Background===
  
===Background===
−
In 2017, [[Ed Greenwood]] stated in a [https://web.archive.org/web/20210517004301/https://twitter.com/jvcparry/status/867391458827005953 tweet] that the reason gunpowder didn't work on Toril was because executives at [[TSR, Inc.]] didn't want firearms in the setting. He also stated that [[Jeff Grubb]] later conceived of smokepowder, specifically for use with the giff.<ref>{{Cite web/theedverse/Gunpowder Mechanics and Smokepowder Origins}}</ref> In 2020, Ed further elaborated [https://web.archive.org/web/20210524175224/https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1250511639868211200 in a tweet] that the idea of smokepowder was borrowed from jewelers’ rouge, a fictional gunpowder-equivalent in the [[wikipedia:en:The Chronicles of Amber|Chronicles of Amber]] novel series (which like the Forgotten Realms, is a setting where actual gunpowder is inert), with the permission of [[wikipedia:en:Roger Zelazny|Roger Zelazny]].<ref>{{Cite web/theedverse/Out-of-Universe Origin of Smokepowder}}</ref>
 +
In 2017, [[Ed Greenwood]] stated in a [https://web.archive.org/web/20210517004301/https://twitter.com/jvcparry/status/867391458827005953 tweet] that the reason gunpowder didn't work on Toril was because executives at [[TSR, Inc.]] didn't want firearms in the setting. He also stated that [[Jeff Grubb]] later conceived of smokepowder, specifically for use with the giff.<ref>{{Cite web/theedverse/2019-05-24 - Gunpowder Mechanics and Smokepowder Origins}}</ref> In 2020, Ed further elaborated [https://web.archive.org/web/20210524175224/https://twitter.com/TheEdVerse/status/1250511639868211200 in a tweet] that the idea of smokepowder was borrowed from "jewelers' rouge", a fictional gunpowder-equivalent in the [[wikipedia:en:The Chronicles of Amber|Chronicles of Amber]] novel series (which like the ''Forgotten Realms'', is a setting where actual gunpowder is inert), with the permission of [[wikipedia:en:Roger Zelazny|Roger Zelazny]].<ref>{{Cite web/theedverse/2020-04-15 - Out-of-Universe Origin of Smokepowder}}</ref>
  +
 
===Appearances===
  
===Appearances===
  +
{{Appearances
−
:;Adventures:
  
−
::''[[Waterdeep: Dragon Heist]]''
 +
|adventures = {{Duapp|21|Jammin'}};{{Duapp|36|The Sea of Sorrow}};''[[Waterdeep: Dragon Heist]]'';''[[Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus]]''
  +
|novels = ''[[Passage to Dawn]]'';''[[The Council of Blades]]'';''[[The Mercenaries]]'';''[[Uneasy Alliances]]'';''[[Tymora's Luck]]''
−
:;Novels:
  
  +
|comics = ''[[Annual: Waterdhavian Nights]]''
−
::''[[The Council of Blades]]'' • ''[[The Mercenaries]]''
  
  +
|video games = ''[[Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II]]'';''[[Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms]]'';''[[Baldur's Gate III]]''
−
:;Video Games:
  
  +
|video game refs = ''[[Neverwinter Nights 2: Mysteries of Westgate]]''
−
::''[[Baldur's Gate III]]''
  
  +
|organized play = ''[[The Guns of Azzagrat/The Brigadier|The Guns of Azzagrat: The Brigadier]]'';''[[Assault on Myth Nantar (module)|Assault on Myth Nantar]]'';''[[The Trials of Mount Tiamat]]''
  +
|organized play refs = ''[[The Guns of Azzagrat/A Celestial Crown|The Guns of Azzagrat: A Celestial Crown]]'';''[[Chaos in the City of Splendors]]''
  +
}}
  +
 
===References===
  
===References===
 
{{Refs}}
  
{{Refs}}
Line 105: Line 127:
 
[[Category:Powders]]
  
[[Category:Powders]]
 
[[Category:Substances]]
  
[[Category:Substances]]
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[[Category:Items from Lantan]]
  
[[Category:Items from Lantan]]
 
[[Category:Items from Toril]]
  
[[Category:Items from Toril]]
 
[[Category:25-49 gold pieces]]
  
[[Category:25-49 gold pieces]]
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[[Category:Items from the Dragon Coast]]

Latest revision as of 18:25, 19 March 2024

Smokepowder was a magical alchemical equivalent of gunpowder.[2][3][7] Though confusing matters, a few on Toril used the word "gunpowder" as simply another name for smokepowder.[9]

Description[]

Bearing a resemblance to gunpowder, it was a coarse dark gray powder that exploded when exposed to fire or heat, producing force, noise, and smoke. However, smokepowder differed by being magical in nature.[10][2][3] This rendered the substance vulnerable to anti-magic spells, dead-magic zones, and similar enchantments.[10][11] Also like gunpowder, it burned rapidly and was rendered unusable when exposed to water, though it was not explosive.[7] The scale of explosion was in accordance with the amount used. Two spoonfuls (one of each component) was sufficient for a large firecracker or a single arquebus shot. More could create explosions of significant size and force.[2][3]

Smokepowder was typically sold and carried within either small wooden powderkegs or in powder horns.[12] A pouch held enough for eighteen shots of an arquebus.[2][3]

Those who used the substance on a frequent basis found that their fingers or gloves were left stained by it.[13] And small, magically limited kernels of the substance were known as fireseeds.[14]

Creation[]

The exact formula for creating smokepowder was a secret closely guarded by the Church of Gond,[15][16] what they referred to as a "temple secret." They would never make the substance in front of outsiders or discuss its making with them. That being said, quite a few people outside of the clergy had figured out the ingredients,[16] including a handful of alchemists, priests, and wizards.[10]

Some believed the formula involved the mixture of two inert substances:[17][2][3] a steely blue granular material and a fine white powder, both harmless and unreactive when separate. It was only when mixed in a 1:1 ratio that they became explosive.[2][3] Some claimed the ashes left behind by a killed tome guardian could be used in the process.[18] It was reported that crystalmists could be used to make a high-quality smokepowder.[19] The alchemist Surero claimed to use a combination of 75% sulfur, 10% saltpeter, and 15% charcoal mixed together in sacks to create the substance.[20][note 1] At least one of the formula's known ingredients was magical in nature and circumvented Gond's prohibition on explosives.[9]

Smoke powder blast

Experimenting with smokepowder had a tendency to blow up in one's face.

Beyond the formula itself, the process of making smokepowder was difficult and fraught with danger, often ending in an unplanned explosion.[10][2][3] This was because only those in the Church of Gond knew the precise proportions for the ingredients and how to mix them in order to make functional smokepowder.[9][16] For those outside the clergy, determining these measurements and mixtures was a matter of (often dangerous) experimentation.[16]

Gondsmen had their own special tricks for making the powder, which they often expedited with spells. The first was a way of getting three dry ingredients to bond and another was ensuring the final mixture stayed bonded.[16]

Availability[]

Smokepowder was generally quite rare and difficult to obtain.[2][3]

In the land of Shou Lung, one could find smokepowder for sale in the city of Chunming.[21]

Beyond Toril[]

  • The prevalence of smokepowder was far greater in Wildspace than it was on planets, being a particularly good seller for the merchants known as the Arcane.[17]
  • On Oerth, smokepowder was an inert substance, not functioning until it was taken off the planet.[22] However, clerics of the Oerthian god of science, Murlynd, were capable of making smokepowder function by concentrating on it with their divine magic.[23]

History[]

Smokepowder bomb

A gnomish-invented smokepowder bomb.

Smokepowder was first introduced to Toril hundreds of years prior to 1358 DR,[24] when spelljammers came to Shou Lung in search of resources and trades. These vessels had failed to properly hide or safeguard it from the Shou, who would take it[25] and go on to develop fireworks and firecrackers that would be used in much of Kara-Tur for centuries to come.[24][26] However, beyond Kara-Tur the substance never saw extensive research or development into its use.[24]

This was until the Time of Troubles in 1358 DR, when the craftsmen deity Gond was forced to wander Toril in a mortal avatar form and one day washed up on the shores of Lantan. In return for the people there sheltering his avatar,[27][28] Gond revealed the secrets of smokepowder to the Lantanese,[28] including how to make reasonably safe and accurate firearms that utilized the substance.[29]

In the late 14th century DR, the city-state of Innarlith on the Lake of Steam made use of smokepowder to excavate the trench for a canal that was dug between the Lake of Steam and the Nagaflow.[30]

At some point during this period, the city of Waterdeep and the nation of Cormyr had banned the substance, making it a lucrative item for smugglers to bring in.[31]

In 1369 DR, a fire broke out in Calimport that would come to be known as the Trades Conflagration.[32] Not knowing what the true cause of the fire was, some blamed it on imported smokepowder that was sitting in the overcrowded Marekh Sabban.[33]

Around 1372 DR, the city of Telflamm was considered a gateway for smokepowder and other eastern goods into the rest of Faerûn.[34] Around this time firearms were available throughout Faerûn[11] and many rulers viewed the Church of Gond with ire for having introduced them to the continent, seeing the weapons as a threat to their authority.[35] It wasn't long before rulers began putting stricter regulations in place for the substance.[36]

Around this time, following the Lantanna pirate Gimlet Watersprecht's creation of a portal between Lantan and the Pirate Isles, there was a frightening rise in the number of smokepowder weapons among pirates in the Inner Sea. This posed a great concern to the kingdom of Cormyr's then-princess and regent, Alusair Obarskyr.[37]

15th century[]

Following the destruction of Lantan during the Spellplague, many artificers considered the secrets behind smokepowder to have been lost.[38]

During this time, Scornubel and later Downshadow and Mistshore, were some of the few places in the Realms where one could openly and freely purchase smokepowder.[36]

Cormyr relaxed its laws on smokepowder during this period, allowing for the importation or creation of the substance so long as one had a license from the Crown. However, these licenses came with a fee of 500 gold pieces and a variety of conditions. For example, most often the importer wasn't permitted to take the substance into Arabel or further south than Waymoot. Their licensing fee paid for two War Wizards and two members of the Purple Dragons to watch over the substance.[36]

In addition to the license, those importing smokepowder to Cormyr were required to give a detailed report to a War Wizard or their second-in-command that explained their reasons for importing it, where and how it would be stored in the meantime, and when it would be used, among other other things. Approval was generally more lenient for those who cited a desire to conquer the Stonelands. Furthermore, any attempts to sell, gift, or hide smokepowder would result in a confiscation order that would be carried out by dozens of ruthless War Wizards and Purple Dragons.[36]

By 1480 DR, smokepowder was still largely a banned substance in Waterdeep. The people who had official access to it were guardsmen. To a limited degree, members of the Watchful Order also had access for the purposes of experimentation, though such experiments had to be observed and supervised by officials. Around this same time, the substance could be covertly bought in small quantities at the black markets of Luskan and Westgate, though one was liable to attract the attention of spies.[36]

Reputation[]

Across the Realms, many had misconceptions regarding the safety and effectiveness of this substance. It was most often viewed as being unreliable and some form of dangerous or corruptive magic.[36] Smokepowder had a similar reputation among inhabitants of the Demiplane of Dread, especially the Vistani.[39]

Notable Users of Smokepowder[]

  • The Red Wizards of Thay were known to have developed large siege guns, known as bombards, that operated on smokepowder. However, these were largely inaccurate and each shot consumed over a hundred charges.[24]
  • In the land of Kara-Tur, there were known to be small rockets that were fueled by smokepowder.[24]
  • By 1372 DR, the use of smokepowder was known to be quite common among rock gnomes.[40]
  • The armed forces of Colletro, Sumbria, and other city-states of the Blade Kingdoms used smokepowder to arm the highly controversial arquebus and handgun troops by 1217 DR.[5] That year, a nest of rats found a way into the smokepowder stash in the Palace of Sumbria. The hungry pests gorged on the substance, which let to an infestation of strangely annoying explosive rats that regularly created commotion in the palace.[41]
  • Lorenzo Utrelli Da Lomarta, the prince of Lomarta of the Blade Kingdoms crafted gold pouch decoys, filled with smokepowder. Once a pickpocket grabbed the wallet, its long fuse was lit and eventually reached the smokepowder, causing an explosion.[42]

Appendix[]

This article is incomplete. You can help the Forgotten Realms Wiki by providing more information.

Notes[]

  1. ↑ It should be noted though that Ed Greenwood stated in one tweet that smokepowder had completely different ingredients from gunpowder.

Background[]

In 2017, Ed Greenwood stated in a tweet that the reason gunpowder didn't work on Toril was because executives at TSR, Inc. didn't want firearms in the setting. He also stated that Jeff Grubb later conceived of smokepowder, specifically for use with the giff.[43] In 2020, Ed further elaborated in a tweet that the idea of smokepowder was borrowed from "jewelers' rouge", a fictional gunpowder-equivalent in the Chronicles of Amber novel series (which like the Forgotten Realms, is a setting where actual gunpowder is inert), with the permission of Roger Zelazny.[44]

Appearances[]

Adventures

Dungeon #21, "Jammin'" • Dungeon #36, "The Sea of Sorrow" • Waterdeep: Dragon Heist • Baldur's Gate: Descent into Avernus

Novels & Short Stories

Passage to Dawn • The Council of Blades • The Mercenaries • Uneasy Alliances • Tymora's Luck

Comics

Annual: Waterdhavian Nights

Video Games

Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II • Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms • Baldur's Gate III
Referenced only
Neverwinter Nights 2: Mysteries of Westgate

Organized Play & Licensed Adventures

The Guns of Azzagrat: The Brigadier • Assault on Myth Nantar • The Trials of Mount Tiamat
Referenced only
The Guns of Azzagrat: A Celestial Crown • Chaos in the City of Splendors

References[]

  1. ↑ Ed Greenwood (February 1998). The Mercenaries. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 1–2. ISBN 0-7869-0866-1.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 David "Zeb" Cook (1989). Dungeon Master's Guide 2nd edition. (TSR, Inc.), pp. 179–180. ISBN 0-88038-729-7.
  3. ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.10 slade et al (June 1995). Encyclopedia Magica Volume III. (TSR, Inc.), pp. 909–910. ISBN 0-7869-0187-X.
  4. ↑ Ossian Studios (April 2009). Designed by Luke Scull. Neverwinter Nights 2: Mysteries of Westgate. Atari.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Pauli Kidd (November 1996). The Council of Blades. (TSR, Inc.), pp. 30–31, 38, 44. ISBN 978-0786905317.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Richard Baker, Skip Williams (1995). Player's Option: Combat & Tactics. (TSR, Inc), p. 126. ISBN 0-7869-0096-2.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Sean K. Reynolds, Duane Maxwell, Angel McCoy (August 2001). Magic of Faerûn. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 165. ISBN 0-7869-1964-7.
  8. ↑ Christopher Perkins, James Haeck, James Introcaso, Adam Lee, Matthew Sernett (September 2018). Waterdeep: Dragon Heist. Edited by Jeremy Crawford. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 192. ISBN 978-0-7869-6625-7.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Ed Greenwood (2019-05-30). How Gunpowder Works in the Forgotten Realms (Tweet). theedverse. Twitter. Archived from the original on 2021-05-11. Retrieved on 2021-05-11.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 Joseph C. Wolf (1999). Skullport. (TSR, Inc), p. 61. ISBN 0-7869-1348-7.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Ed Greenwood, Sean K. Reynolds, Skip Williams, Rob Heinsoo (June 2001). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 97. ISBN 0-7869-1836-5.
  12. ↑ Ed Greenwood, Sean K. Reynolds, Skip Williams, Rob Heinsoo (June 2001). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 96. ISBN 0-7869-1836-5.
  13. ↑ William W. Connors, Steve Miller, Cindi Rice, David Wise (1998). Champions of the Mists. Edited by Cindi Rice. (TSR, Inc.), p. 29. ISBN 0-7869-0765-7.
  14. ↑ Ed Greenwood (2019-07-20). Firecrackers & Fireworks in the Realms (Tweet). theedverse. Twitter. Archived from the original on 2022-03-15. Retrieved on 2022-03-15.
  15. ↑ Julia Martin, Eric L. Boyd (March 1996). Faiths & Avatars. (TSR, Inc.), p. 63. ISBN 978-0786903849.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 Ed Greenwood (2021-07-10). Making Smokepowder (Tweet). theedverse. Twitter. Archived from the original on 2021-07-10. Retrieved on 2021-07-25.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Jeff Grubb (August 1989). “Concordance of Arcane Space”. Spelljammer: AD&D Adventures in Space (TSR, Inc.), p. 45. ISBN 0-88038-762-9.
  18. ↑ Ed Greenwood, Tim Beach (November 1995). Pages from the Mages. Edited by Jon Pickens. (TSR, Inc.), p. 65. ISBN 0-7869-0183-7.
  19. ↑ Grant Boucher, William W. Connors, Steve Gilbert, Bruce Nesmith, Christopher Mortika, Skip Williams (April 1990). Monstrous Compendium Greyhawk Adventures Appendix. Edited by Mike Breault. (TSR, Inc.). ISBN 0-88038-836-6.
  20. ↑ Philip Athans (September 2006). Lies of Light. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 30. ISBN 0-7869-3237-6.
  21. ↑ Dale "slade" Henson (April 1991). Realmspace. Edited by Gary L. Thomas, Karen S. Boomgarden. (TSR, Inc), p. 22. ISBN 1-56076-052-4.
  22. ↑ Jeff Grubb (August 1989). “Lorebook of the Void”. Spelljammer: AD&D Adventures in Space (TSR, Inc.), p. 13. ISBN 0-88038-762-9.
  23. ↑ Sean K. Reynolds and Chris Pramas (2000). Slavers. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 128. ISBN 9780786916214.
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 24.3 24.4 Jeff Grubb and Ed Greenwood (1990). Forgotten Realms Adventures. (TSR, Inc), p. 11. ISBN 0-8803-8828-5.
  25. ↑ Ed Greenwood (2022-03-17). Shou Discovery of Smokepowder (Tweet). theedverse. Twitter. Archived from the original on 2022-03-17. Retrieved on 2022-03-17.
  26. ↑ Mike Pondsmith, Jay Batista, Rick Swan, John Nephew, Deborah Christian (1988). Kara-Tur: The Eastern Realms (Volume I). (TSR, Inc), p. 29. ISBN 0-88038-608-8.
  27. ↑ Julia Martin, Eric L. Boyd (March 1996). Faiths & Avatars. (TSR, Inc.), p. 62. ISBN 978-0786903849.
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 Ed Greenwood, Sean K. Reynolds, Skip Williams, Rob Heinsoo (June 2001). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 264. ISBN 0-7869-1836-5.
  29. ↑ Jeff Grubb and Ed Greenwood (1990). Forgotten Realms Adventures. (TSR, Inc), pp. 12–13. ISBN 0-8803-8828-5.
  30. ↑ Philip Athans (September 2006). Lies of Light. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 36. ISBN 0-7869-3237-6.
  31. ↑ Roger E. Moore (January 1999). Demihumans of the Realms. (TSR, Inc.), p. 87. ISBN 0-7869-1316-9.
  32. ↑ Steven E. Schend (October 1998). Calimport. (TSR, Inc), p. 24. ISBN 0-7869-1238-3.
  33. ↑ Steven E. Schend (October 1998). Calimport. (TSR, Inc), p. 39. ISBN 0-7869-1238-3.
  34. ↑ Richard Baker, Matt Forbeck, Sean K. Reynolds (May 2003). Unapproachable East. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 184. ISBN 0-7869-2881-6.
  35. ↑ Eric L. Boyd, Erik Mona (May 2002). Faiths and Pantheons. Edited by Gwendolyn F.M. Kestrel, et al. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 25. ISBN 0-7869-2759-3.
  36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 36.2 36.3 36.4 36.5 Ed Greenwood (October 2012). Ed Greenwood Presents Elminster's Forgotten Realms. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 125–126. ISBN 0786960345.
  37. ↑ Jeff Quick (2001-10-10). “Portals of Lantan:Lantan to Pirate Isle”. Perilous Gateways. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on 2008-05-19. Retrieved on 2018-12-09.
  38. ↑ Doug Hyatt (September 2011). “Gond's Way: Artificers of the Realms”. In Steve Winter ed. Dragon #403 (Wizards of the Coast), p. 6.
  39. ↑ William W. Connors, Steve Miller, Cindi Rice, David Wise (1998). Champions of the Mists. Edited by Cindi Rice. (TSR, Inc.), pp. 29–30. ISBN 0-7869-0765-7.
  40. ↑ Ed Greenwood, Sean K. Reynolds, Skip Williams, Rob Heinsoo (June 2001). Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting 3rd edition. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 78, 97. ISBN 0-7869-1836-5.
  41. ↑ Pauli Kidd (November 1996). The Council of Blades. (TSR, Inc.), pp. 37, 40, 67. ISBN 978-0786905317.
  42. ↑ Pauli Kidd (November 1996). The Council of Blades. (TSR, Inc.), p. 115. ISBN 978-0786905317.
  43. ↑ Ed Greenwood (2019-05-24). Gunpowder Mechanics and Smokepowder Origins (Tweet). theedverse. Twitter. Archived from the original on 2021-05-16. Retrieved on 2021-05-16.
  44. ↑ Ed Greenwood (2020-04-15). Out-of-Universe Origin of Smokepowder (Tweet). theedverse. Twitter. Archived from the original on 2021-04-20. Retrieved on 2021-05-24.
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