Blackpowder

Properties

Material Characteristics

A mixture of dry ingredients left to dry within alchemical resins, blackpowder in its stable state is found as a granular sand-like powder that is typically stored in kegs when not sectioned into ammunition charges. 
Dry and coarse to the touch, the powder pulls moisture from it's environment if not properly stored.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Blackpowder is one of the most flammable and reactive substances in Altwaus. Highly reactive to heat, the powder will violently detonate when exposed to flame. Blackpowder stored in close proximity to each other will almost certainly chain detonate unless properly secured against detonation.

Origin & Source

While the exact alchemical compounds for creating blackpowder have changed over time and regional techniques, the basic recipe includes sulfur, charcoal, and a reactive accelerant such as capsium. Once combined, the ingredients are soaked in the alchemical formula (typically liquid). 
Each guild responsible for the production of blackpowder uses its own unique formula, with great care given to the protection and discovery of new techniques that will offer unique benefits such as stronger detonations or more stability.

History & Usage

Cultural Significance and Usage

Blackpowder's primary usage is for military applications, with blackpowder playing the foundational role in modern naval combat. Artillery and small firearms are also based on blackpowder usage, but not to the extent that archery's role in warfare has been made obsolete.   Blackpowder also plays a critical role in construction demolition and as a reactive agent in various alchemical recipes.

Hazards

Blackpowder is highly toxic, and consumption of even small amounts of the powder causes severe illness and even death. A very small percentage of people display not only immunity to the negative effects of blackpowder, and allegedly experience beneficial symptoms from the continued consumption of the powder.

Reusability & Recycling

Blackpowder is completely consumed when ignited, burning up completely and dissolving into the atmosphere, leaving only trace amounts of physical powder, typically in the form of black stains on more resilient surfaces.

Distribution

Trade & Market

The trade of blackpowder is typically highly regulated and even controlled in some regions, typically done to ensure proper procedures are taken to avoid accidental detonations but also to ensure the volatile and dangerous substance does not fall into the wrong hands.

Storage

Blackpowder is typically stored in large wooden kegs when being transported in bulk, often in reinforced steel containers designed to minimize damage in the event the powder detonates. 
Special care is also taken to ensure the powder is not exposed to moisture, as direct contact with water will strip the powder of its alchemical resin and render the substance useless as an explosive device.

Law & Regulation

Despite being highly toxic, there are those that still consume the substance in small amounts with the belief the powder gives them special abilities. Studies into these claims have been inconclusive, but some credence must be given to the popular myth of powderfiends gaining great strength and speed from routine consumption of the powder. 
In any case, purchasing the powder with the intent to consume it is illegal across most of Altwaus and public consumption of the powder is both a social and legal crime in most settlements.

Type

Composite

Odor

Amonia-laced smoke

Taste

Blackpepper and salty dirt, mixed with urine

Color

Deep blue, almost black

Common State

Dry powder

Related Items

• Pressurized Blackpowder