Chocolate Cherry Bombs
Chocolate Cherry Bombs are a beloved dessert native to Hillderan, now found throughout Stendaaris. Each bite-sized delicacy features a candied cherry encased in rich, dark chocolate, infused with a light fizzle of Pavian Black Powder — just enough to cause a surprising (but harmless) pop when bitten into. These treats are both a culinary marvel and a mischievous delight, equally popular at children’s festivals and noble feasts.
“A single bite, a sweet surprise — if it doesn’t fizzle, it’s not the real deal.”~ Hillderani confectioner proverb~
While delicious and thrilling, Chocolate Cherry Bombs come with a known culinary risk. Improper preparation or overeating may result in Cracklechew Disorder, a short-term illness marked by oral pain, sensory confusion, and an audible “phantom pop” sensation. Guild-certified versions are safe for consumption, but unlicensed or black-market variants have been known to ignite more than just taste buds.
~Dr. Bribella Tinktooth~
Mechanics & Inner Workings
Each Chocolate Cherry Bomb is delicately engineered. Here’s how they function:
Explosive Core
- A pinhead-sized pellet of culinary-treated Pavian Black Powder is inserted at the center of the cherry.
- The powder is inert until exposed to bite pressure, heat from the mouth, or magical activation (common in Court games).
- The chemical spark causes a non-lethal flash pop and releases cherry liqueur vapors, enhancing the flavor sensation.
- Outer chocolate shells are often treated with minor Abjuration sigils to prevent early detonation and preserve freshness.
- Some variants contain Illusion spells that create sparkling visual effects upon detonation.
| Usage | Effect |
|---|---|
| Standard Bomb | When bitten, causes a tiny pop audible within 10 feet. All creatures within 5 feet must make a DC 10 Wisdom save or be momentarily startled (disadvantage on Perception for 1 round). |
| Rare Variant | On a failed save, causes 1 point of force damage and knocks a Tiny object 5 feet away. |
| Tinker’s Use | Can be repurposed for distraction or sleight-of-hand, granting advantage on Deception or Performance once per short rest. |
Manufacturing process
- Core & Infuse: Hillderani cherries are pitted and soaked in elderflower liqueur or cherry brandy.
- Shell Coat: Each cherry is coated in a creamy truffle mixture and encased in rich chocolate.
- Add the Bang: A tiny grain of culinary-safe Pavian Black Powder is inserted inside the truffle shell.
- Cool & Crackle: The bombs are chilled and sealed with a shimmer glaze, then lightly dusted for presentation.
While the culinary version of Pavian Black Powder is non-lethal, improper preparation can cause minor burns or explosive messes. Only certified cooks are legally allowed to sell the real “popping” version in most cities. ~Vintessa Thryne~
History
The dessert first appeared in The Court of Disorder, where the eccentric noble elite delighted in chaos-themed cuisine. Inspired by their fascination with shock, drama, and magical oddities, a culinary mage named Vintessa Thryne experimented with the explosive Pavian Black Powder in culinary form. The result was a confection that mimicked the unpredictability of the Court itself.
Hillderan quickly adopted the treat, adding local variations such as elder cherry cores, enchanted sugardust, and subtle elemental infusions. The dessert’s popularity exploded — quite literally — during the Festival of the First Harvest, where baskets of Chocolate Cherry Bombs are shared with neighbors.
Significance
Hillderani Heritage:
A staple of Hillderani cuisine, representing joy, controlled chaos, and culinary innovation.
Court of Disorder Symbol:
A metaphor for embracing the unexpected. Often served at events as both dessert and entertainment.
Noble Courts & Common Homes:
Found on both royal banquet tables and in children's festival baskets — a culinary unifier across class lines.
Item type
Consumable, Food / Drink
Current Location
Creator
Rarity
Common Versions in Hillderan and The Court of Disorder
Uncommon Versions elsewhere in Stendaaris due to difficulty in safely sourcing culinary-grade Pavian Black Powder
Rare Variant The Queen’s Flame Bomb, made with gold-leaf, moon cherries, and dual-trigger powder. Only ten exist at a time under guild control.
Weight
~45 grams (1.6 oz)
Dimensions
Roughly the size of a plum (3.5 cm / 1.4 in diameter)
Base Price
5 sp
Raw materials & Components
- Candied Hillderani elder cherries
- Dark chocolate (60-80% cocoa)
- Sweet cream truffle mix
- A pinch of magically-treated Pavian Black Powder
- Dusting of powdered sugar or faerie glitter (optional)
- Frostfire Bombs - Chill-infused variant served in northern territories. Explodes in a cold puff of mist.
- Rosefire Cherry Bombs - Common in The Court of Disorder, with a floral note and a glittery spark upon bite.
- Children’s Version - Sold without black powder, replaced with popping sugar and enchanted fizzfruit essence.
- The Queen’s Flame Bomb - Made with gold-leaf, moon cherries, and dual-trigger powder. Only ten exist at a time under guild control.
Must be kept in a cool, dry place. Exposure to heat or high humidity may trigger early detonation (mostly messy, rarely dangerous).
The best kind of cherry bomb. I lovethe concept of litteraly harmlessly blow up in a mouth (for a food)
it was fun to finally update this article from 2020 stub to a fleshed out piece of lore in 2025.