Burst Beads

Burst Beads are a type of small, slightly squishy, berry-shaped, softly luminous item used as decoration on jewellery and clothing. The beads appear decorative at first glance, resembling the luminous Glowberry or a type of gelatinous sweet in appearance, but are in fact defensive objects used to provide distraction and allow escape. When popped, Burst Beads emit a thunderous sonic wave that can knock attackers off their feet and temporarily damage their hearing.

Unsuspecting individuals unaware of the presence of Burst Beads have been known to accidentally attempt to ingest them, believing them to be a form of treat or fruit. Biting the beads has inevitably lead to serious injury requiring extensive healing as the beads burst within the mouth, setting off the sonic alchemical compound within.

The Fey phrase "Biting the Bead", or to have "Bitten the Bead", derives from these unfortunate accidents, meaning "unknowingly doing something stupid" or "dangerous ignorance".

Mechanics & Inner Workings

While burst beads appear to be a form of enchantment, they are in fact a work of alchemy.

The gelatinous substance inside is crafted using relatively common Fey materials to create a compound that effectively explodes on contact with the air. When the outer material of the bead is perforated, usually by putting excessive pressure upon it by stamping or crushing, the gel inside leaks out and explodes, causing a a sonic detonation that is exceptionally loud and forms a shockwave. This shockwave typically pushes back attackers and deafens them temporarily.

History

Burst Beads have a long history in the Fey Realms, though are less common in the Material Plane due to the materials required to make them. They were initially crafted as much larger objects similar to sonic projectiles of the Material Plane, used against encroaching Fiends and Elementals when the boundaries between the Planes became thin. However, they were highly volatile and became obvious targets for enemies, as well as taking quite some time to make even a single Burst Ball, as they were then known.

They found their niche as personal defenses when unknown members of the two Fey Courts got into personal spats and wanted deterrents to prevent assassination attempts, which were significantly more common in the early days of the Courts. Fey alchemists discovered that the Burst gel was more stable in smaller amounts, less likely to accidentally detonate, and that they could make significantly more "beads" from the same amount of gel that it took to make a single "ball". Thus, Burst Beads were born and Burst Balls were retired from service.

In keeping with the natural themes that permeate the Fey Realms, the majority of Burst Beads are crafted in spheres resembling berries. Very few are made in other shapes, even those tend to take on natural forms, such as leaves or stones.

Item type

Miscellaneous

Rarity

Fey Realms: Fairly common

Material Plane: Rare

Dimensions

1/4-3/4 of an inch diameter

Base Price

Material Plane: 20GP each