Explosions, Gunpowder & Dynamite! Oh my!

[Gwazi Magnum]

Basically what is there in d&d 3.5 that is capable of doing good explosion damage?

And this being something that a character can afford to craft and use constantly as a character theme, not be something expensive enough that he can only do it once in a while.

The less magic dependent the better.

Though if we do need to use magic I'd rather also mix some fire spells in there if possible. Maybe some acid and lightning if I can find some really destructive means/uses for them.

[Slipperychicken]

Honestly, you'll probably be best off taking Pathfinder's Alchemist (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/alchemist) class. It's all about throwing bombs and brewing alchemical stuff. You can take discoveries which let you deal additional damage types like acid, force, sonic, cold and electricity. It even lets you craft the bombs for free (limited times per day, of course, but you don't need to worry much about the cost).

If that isn't enough dakka for you, I recommend taking the Gunsmith (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/general-feats/gunsmithing) feat on top of that so you can craft kegs of gunpowder (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/equipment---final/weapons/weapon-descriptions/ammunition/black-powder) for 5d6 points of damage each, and 100 gold a pop, and grenades (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/equipment---final/weapons/alchemical-weapons#TOC-Pellet-Grenade) for 3d6 damage (split between piercing, bludgeoning, and fire), and ~5-15gp a pop.

[Gwazi Magnum]

Honestly, you'll probably be best off taking Pathfinder's Alchemist (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/alchemist) class. It's all about throwing bombs and brewing alchemical stuff. You can take discoveries which let you deal additional damage types like acid, force, sonic, cold and electricity. It even lets you craft the bombs for free (limited times per day, of course, but you don't need to worry much about the cost).

If that isn't enough dakka for you, I recommend taking the Gunsmith (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/general-feats/gunsmithing) feat on top of that so you can craft kegs of gunpowder (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/equipment---final/weapons/weapon-descriptions/ammunition/black-powder) for 5d6 points of damage each, and 100 gold a pop, and grenades (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/equipment---final/weapons/alchemical-weapons#TOC-Pellet-Grenade) for 3d6 damage (split between piercing, bludgeoning, and fire), and ~5-15gp a pop.

Interesting.

Though I'd rather not be limited on my explosive/bomb supply by a daily limit. I'd want my limit to be how much I spend, even though I'm looking for a cost effective method that won't bleed me dry on explosives alone.

[(Un)Inspired]

As usual it tier 1 to the rescue! The Fire Seeds spell can make better bombs then the alchemist could ever hope to make. Way more damage and you can cast the spell several times, put your acorns into a bottle, and huck the whole bottle at someone for a truly nasty explosion. Cast the spell five times, put the five acorns in a bottle and boom! you have a 100d6 bomb with the surrounding area taking 100 splash damage.

I believe that an alchemist's bombs can only be used by the alchemist himself (this always bothered me). The Fire Seeds bombs can be slung around by anyone.

[Vedhin]

For nonmagical, try Explosive Packs, from Secrets of Sarlona. Craft them yourself to make them more affordable.

[Slipperychicken]

Interesting.

Though I'd rather not be limited on my explosive/bomb supply by a daily limit. I'd want my limit to be how much I spend, even though I'm looking for a cost effective method that won't bleed me dry on explosives alone.

The free bombs are basically so that you don't bankrupt yourself on explosives, even when spamming them at level 1. You can just craft more bombs/grenades if you want.

If you want a big boom (or to keep throwing bombs after you exceed that day's supply of freebies), just set up an arseload of grenades/powder-kegs and watch your enemy explode in gore.

[Piggy Knowles]

A combat trapsmith (Complete Scoundrel) can use the Great Scorcher trap to make a nonmagical explosion dealing 5d6 damage all day, every day. It costs 10gp per trap for your first three combat trapsmith levels, and is free once you pick up Improvised Materials at level four.

[Phelix-Mu]

DITHERBOMBS. Kobold mining item from Races of the Dragon. Pretty nice, and a good alternative if other sources are mainly dealing fire, as these are acid, IIRC. Not magical, I believe, and can be made with Craft(alchemy).

[jaydubs]

It's 3.0, but the Ultimate Equipment Guide has Rumblesticks on page 169. Basically dynamite. 6d6 damage for 50 gold.

[Gwazi Magnum]

As usual it tier 1 to the rescue! The Fire Seeds spell can make better bombs then the alchemist could ever hope to make. Way more damage and you can cast the spell several times, put your acorns into a bottle, and huck the whole bottle at someone for a truly nasty explosion. Cast the spell five times, put the five acorns in a bottle and boom! you have a 100d6 bomb with the surrounding area taking 100 splash damage.

I believe that an alchemist's bombs can only be used by the alchemist himself (this always bothered me). The Fire Seeds bombs can be slung around by anyone.

Last game spell, but I can see the power in it.

Thanks for this :)


For nonmagical, try Explosive Packs, from Secrets of Sarlona. Craft them yourself to make them more affordable.

Took a look too little damage for the cost.

I don't want to spend 200gp to make a one time use of 1d6 damage... Greatsword does double that, stays afterwards and is far cheaper.


The free bombs are basically so that you don't bankrupt yourself on explosives, even when spamming them at level 1. You can just craft more bombs/grenades if you want.

If you want a big boom (or to keep throwing bombs after you exceed that day's supply of freebies), just set up an arseload of grenades/powder-kegs and watch your enemy explode in gore.

*Looks at prices again*

Around 100gp for one time use, still bloody expensive :/


A combat trapsmith (Complete Scoundrel) can use the Great Scorcher trap to make a nonmagical explosion dealing 5d6 damage all day, every day. It costs 10gp per trap for your first three combat trapsmith levels, and is free once you pick up Improvised Materials at level four.

True, but those are traps. I'm talking those you don't need to lure someone towards and can simply throw at them or plant somewhere instead.


DITHERBOMBS. Kobold mining item from Races of the Dragon. Pretty nice, and a good alternative if other sources are mainly dealing fire, as these are acid, IIRC. Not magical, I believe, and can be made with Craft(alchemy).

Looked at them, same issue as the others with too much gold for too little return.


It's 3.0, but the Ultimate Equipment Guide has Rumblesticks on page 169. Basically dynamite. 6d6 damage for 50 gold.

That sound's a bit more affordable and with good returns. :)

Though with it being 3rd edition I'd have to ask for approval unless if it never got a 3.5 replacement.

[Piggy Knowles]

Lycus Blackbeak in my sig (under awards) sets traps at the feet of his enemies like bombs. He even triggers them himself, being more or less immune to most traps. He can't throw them, though.

[Slipperychicken]

Around 100gp for one time use, still bloody expensive :/


That's the powderkegs. You could craft an iron pellet grenade for 5 gold to deal 3d6 damage.

[Gwazi Magnum]

That's the powderkegs. You could craft an iron pellet grenade for 5 gold to deal 3d6 damage.

That sounds better and something I'd do :P

Though when I look here (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/equipment---final/weapons/alchemical-weapons#TOC-Pellet-Grenade) it costs 50gp. What's lowering it to 5?

[Slipperychicken]

That sounds better and something I'd do :P

Though when I look here (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/equipment---final/weapons/alchemical-weapons#TOC-Pellet-Grenade) it costs 50gp. What's lowering it to 5?

It's the Gunsmithing (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/general-feats/gunsmithing) feat. It cuts crafting costs for such items to 10% of market price.

I don't mean any offense, but I did already put this information in the first reply.

[Big Fau]

That sound's a bit more affordable and with good returns. :)

Though with it being 3rd edition I'd have to ask for approval unless if it never got a 3.5 replacement.

If your DM allows PF, there's very little excuse for not allowing 3.0 (outside of certain items).

[ArqArturo]

Honestly, you'll probably be best off taking Pathfinder's Alchemist (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/alchemist) class. It's all about throwing bombs and brewing alchemical stuff. You can take discoveries which let you deal additional damage types like acid, force, sonic, cold and electricity. It even lets you craft the bombs for free (limited times per day, of course, but you don't need to worry much about the cost).

If that isn't enough dakka for you, I recommend taking the Gunsmith (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/general-feats/gunsmithing) feat on top of that so you can craft kegs of gunpowder (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/equipment---final/weapons/weapon-descriptions/ammunition/black-powder) for 5d6 points of damage each, and 100 gold a pop, and grenades (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/equipment---final/weapons/alchemical-weapons#TOC-Pellet-Grenade) for 3d6 damage (split between piercing, bludgeoning, and fire), and ~5-15gp a pop.

Also, goblins in PF have an archtype for alchemists that love Fire.

How much they love fire? Let me put it in image form:

http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m2pem7tS3V1qevoy1.gif

[Gwazi Magnum]

It's the Gunsmithing (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/general-feats/gunsmithing) feat. It cuts crafting costs for such items to 10% of market price.

I don't mean any offense, but I did already put this information in the first reply.

I know you detailed the price above, but I was confused as to how.
Probably cause I didn't see grenades as ammunition.

Though would this stack with the 1/3 cost of d&d 3.5's craft skill?


If your DM allows PF, there's very little excuse for not allowing 3.0 (outside of certain items).

True.


Also, goblins in PF have an archtype for alchemists that love Fire.

How much they love fire? Let me put it in image form:

http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m2pem7tS3V1qevoy1.gif

... I'm looking at this. :smallbiggrin:

[Twilightwyrm]

As usual it tier 1 to the rescue! The Fire Seeds spell can make better bombs then the alchemist could ever hope to make. Way more damage and you can cast the spell several times, put your acorns into a bottle, and huck the whole bottle at someone for a truly nasty explosion. Cast the spell five times, put the five acorns in a bottle and boom! you have a 100d6 bomb with the surrounding area taking 100 splash damage.

I believe that an alchemist's bombs can only be used by the alchemist himself (this always bothered me). The Fire Seeds bombs can be slung around by anyone.

This is all fine if you are alright with waiting until 11th level, at minimum, to start your character concept. Otherwise, probably best to go with the Gunsmithing Alchemist.

[Slipperychicken]

I know you detailed the price above, but I was confused as to how.
Probably cause I didn't see grenades as ammunition.

Though would this stack with the 1/3 cost of d&d 3.5's craft skill?


I don't know if it's RAW, but I think the intent is for it not to stack. Crafting at 3.33% of market price would just be ludicrous.

Grenades are techically alchemical weapons, but their description is basically "clay jar with gunpowder and metal inside", so they really should be covered by Gunsmithing.