Is smokepowder a magic item or solely alchemical? I’m under a 3e ruling where alchemical items are not subject to antimagic/dead magic etc. did that change in 5e? Or is it a magic item, meaning only spellcasters can Craft it? Seems odd for non-caster inventors, if so.
— Luis Oyola (@Razzelmire) July 10, 2021
1)
Smokepowder is solely alchemical. Meaning: a secret formula (secret to the priests of Gond, a “temple secret”). Which means quite a few people outside the clergy have figured out most of the ingredients, but the precise proportions and how to mix them is a matter.. 2)
…of DANGEROUS experimentation (explosions are very common).
There are two "tricks" involved (processes that Gondites use spells to expedite, but the magic isn't truly necessary). One is a way of getting three dry ingredients to mix (bond), and another is how…#Realmslore— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) July 10, 2021
3)
…the final mix is kept mixed (to keep it from separating, which renders it scorching if ignited, but not explosive).
If you're not a priest of Gond, his clergy won't make smokepowder in front of you or discuss its making with you.#Realmslore— Ed Greenwood (@TheEdVerse) July 10, 2021
