Staring Down a Barrel

Handling Explosions

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Gunpowder Barrels. Fire causes it to explode, dealing 7d6 fire damage within 10 ft. of the barrel. DC 12 Dexterity save for half. When a barrel or mimic explodes, all others within 10 ft. ignite. Each explosion may trigger another.

Gunpowder Plot

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The Copperbottoms were moving the gunpowder barrels into their storage when a mimic attacked. In a panic, one of them opened fire, igniting the barrels. The explosion tore through everything, leaving the bandits scorched and scrambling for survival as more mimics lurk among the remaining barrels.     Encounter. 1x bandit captain, 1x bandit per character, and 3x gunpowder mimics remain. The captain has a shotgun and two bandits carry revolvers. The bandits have each taken 1d6 fire damage and are deafened. While spooked, they are outlaws and will fight anyone nearby. More explosions occur.  

Note: The function of this encounter is to demonstrate the danger and range of both the gunpowder barrels and mimics.

• 2x gunpowder barrels are still intact to begin.
• Bandits carrying guns have 1x ammo refill each.
• Chain reactions may occur. Position accordingly.
• Two Copperbottoms have died among the wreckage.

Loot. See Rewards. The firearms are damaged, requiring repairs. One of the first people dead had a burnt spell scroll.  

DC 10 Arcana. The spell scroll was word of recall.

 

Stop the Outlaws

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Dusty Mulligan. (L/N Male, Orc Ex-Lawmaster)
Dusty is a drunk and the closest thing to authority in the area. He points the characters toward the Copperbottom hideout, but getting in clean is another matter. He offers the coffers.  

• Stealth. Sneak into the hideout before the Copperbottoms regroup. Avoid their alarms, gather evidence, and set traps.
• Deception or Disguise. Impersonate part of the gang. Works best if they’ve looted bandit gear from the wreckage.

  Bring Dusty evidence of where the gunpowder came from or exactly who is funding it. Characters returning with maps or records gain the reward and his reluctant respect.

Copperbottom Hideout

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A repurposed border fort, now a trapped Copperbottom hideout.     Alarms. All doors are covered by the alarm spell. DC 13 Perception reveals there is wire on the door frames. DC 5 Arcana knows silver wire is alarm’s spell component.   Doors. All doors are locked, DC 15 (Thieves Tools). Barricades are behind exterior doors, making them more difficult to force.   Glyphs of Warding. There are 2x explosive runes - acid glyphs. One is on the door to the smoking lounge leading to Clue #1. One is on the coffer containing Clue #2.   Clues

• Clue 1: Maps. Labeled with current Copperbottom operations.
• Clue 2: Grieves Info. Destroyed if glyph triggers. Details on Grieves and his past indicates he is being extorted.

  Encounter. If alarms are triggered the Copperbottoms return to secure their hideout using the spell word of recall, appearing where they wish. 1x wereboar, 1x bandit cleric (Orc Eye of Gruumsh), and 3x bandits. They fight to kill. See rewards.

The Gunpowder Mines

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Grieves. (C/N, Male, Gnome Wizard)
The Copperbottoms trapped him here, using him to make gunpowder. A foreman’s office has been converted into his workshop, cluttered with burnt notes and stacks of powder.   Grieves has decided to blow up the mines.   Encounter. 1x Grieves (mage) & 2x gunpowder mimics. Grieves may be reasoned with if he understands the characters aren’t Copperbottoms, but by the time they arrive, he has hit the self-destruct button. How much time characters have to escape depends on this interaction. Make the danger clear.

Explosion Escape Sequence

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Encounter. Characters must reach the exit before the blast over-takes them. Follow initiative order. Choose when the explosion begins for the most dramatic effect, likely by round 3 or 4. Panic is good.   Run. The escape is tracked by 10 squares, each 30 ft. The exit is 300 ft. away. The explosion starts by moving 1 square per round, accelerating and adding +1 square to its movement each round.   If caught in the blast: 8d6 fire damage, DC 15 Dexterity saving throw. Success takes half damage and avoids being buried in rubble. Failure takes full damage and is buried in the mine. A buried creature is restrained and blinded, requiring a DC 20 Strength check to escape. A trapped creature takes 1d6 bludgeoning damage per minute until freed.   Hazards & Challenges

• Falling Debris. DC 13 Dexterity save or be knocked prone.
• Fire Surge. The fire progresses +1 square.
• Smoke. DC 14 Constitution save or no Dash action next round.
• Splitting Path. One is clear, the other blocked, lose 30 ft.
• Sticky Barrel. A gunpowder mimic tries to grapple a creature.

Rewards

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Copperbottoms. Bandit gear and 3d10 gp each. Bandits in the first encounter have 1x shotgun and 2x revolvers, all damaged.   Town Coffers. Dusty currently has access to 300 gold.   Copperbottom Hideout. 3x acid (vial) and thieves’ Tools   If Copperbottoms Return. Bandit gear, 3d10 gp each, 2x word of recall spell scrolls, and a holy symbol
  Firearms
Shotgun. 2d8 piercing, range 30/90, reload 2 shots, two-handed   Revolver. 2d8 piercing, range 40/120, reload 6 shots

Spells
Alarm (Mental). Until the spell ends, an alarm alerts you whenever a Tiny or larger creature touches or enters the warded area. When you cast the spell, you can designate creatures that won't set off the alarm. The mental alarm alerts you with a ping in your mind if you are within 1 mile of the warded area.   Glyph of Warding: Explosive Runes - Acid. When triggered, the glyph erupts with magical energy in a 20-foot-radius Sphere centered on the glyph. Each creature in the area makes a DC 13 Dexterity saving throw. A creature takes 5d8 Acid damage on a failed save or half as much damage on a successful one.

NPCs

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Grieves
C/N, Male, Gnome Wizard   Seeking a fresh start, Grieves came to the Copper Settlements when Forhold Prison closed. After years of incarceration, he wanted a place where the law wouldn’t reach. Ironically, the Copperbottoms then trapped him in a terrible arrangement, using him to make gunpowder. He hasn’t seen daylight since.   Roleplaying Grieves
Personality Trait. “I’ve been cooped up for so long that my genius has wandered into the absurd.”
Ideal. “Freedom. Being locked away is hell on Dromaria.”
Bond. “Working on the arcane is a Calling I love.”
Flaw. “I’m desperate and have begun to spiral.”

GM Advice

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Characters should quickly learn to identify threats and manage space before situations worsen. As designed, reckless actions will lead to character death. Be cautious.   Barrels on the maps don’t automatically mean they are explosive. Place barrels and mimics as desired for effect.   Bandits using word of recall can surprise characters.

Gunpowder Mimic

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