Arcanum Recurve Steam-Shaper - AI-generated fantasy Hazard

Arcanum Recurve Steam-Shaper

A massive, soot-stained industrial press designed to steam-soften and bend rare arcane woods into impossibly curved recurve bows. It is a temperamental blend of heavy iron, bubbling mineral oil, and volatile magical pressure.

Hazard EntryMechanicalLevel4Complex

Arcanum Recurve Steam-Shaper

4LevelUncommonRarityArcane academic shop at the collegeEnvironment
MechanicalMagicalTechnological
Level4
|
HP60
|
AC16
|
TypeMechanical
|
ComplexityComplex
|
RarityUncommon

Defenses

AC16
Hard10
HP60
BT 30
Fort++6
Ref++0
Will+Immune
Immune
Poison, Psychic, Necrotic, Conditions
Resist
Fire, Piercing, Slashing
Weak
Cold (Causes brittle cracking in the pipes)
MechanicalMagicalTechnological

Detection

PerDC 14 (To see the sticking valve-pin through the steam clouds)
StlNot Applicable (The machine is incredibly loud)
Init20

A vertical iron framework housing a massive steam boiler at its base and a hydraulic piston at the top. Vats of thick mineral oil are connected via brass pipes, and a central mold glows with a dull heat. Gauges with spinning copper needles are mounted to the front.

Standard Engagement

Trigger

The hazard begins when a creature attempts to operate the press or if the press is left unattended while 'Arcane Ironwood' is being shaped.

Routine

On initiative count 20 (losing ties), the Shaper increases in pressure. Round 1: Thick steam fills a 20-foot radius. Round 2: The mineral oil begins to boil and spray. Round 3: The valve sticks completely and the internal wood begins to warp magically. Round 4: The machine explodes.

Reset

The machine must be repaired over a long rest and requires 100gp in replacement brass fittings to reset.

Scalding Fog

On Rounds 1 and 2, steam fills the room. Creatures in a 20-foot radius must make a DC 13 Constitution saving throw or take 7 (2d6) fire damage. The area is heavily obscured.

Oil Spray

On Round 2, mineral oil begins to spray. A creature within 5 feet of the press must succeed on a DC 14 Dexterity saving throw or be coated in boiling oil, taking 5 (1d10) fire damage and having disadvantage on checks made to disable the machine until the end of their next turn.

Piston Shrapnel

On Round 4, the boiler explodes. Each creature within 20 feet must make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw, taking 22 (4d10) piercing damage on a failed save, or half as much on a success.

Wood-Stress Surge

If the wood snaps during the explosion (Round 4), a wild magic surge occurs. Roll a d6: 1-2. Creatures within 30 feet are blinded until the end of their next turn; 3-4. Gravity reverses in the room for 1 round; 5-6. The press is transformed into a pile of harmless, tiny wooden recurve bows.

Intense Heat

Creatures starting their turn within 5 feet of the machine take 3 (1d6) fire damage while it is active.

Emergency Venting

Casting a Cold-based spell of 1st level or higher on the boiler delays the explosion (Round 4) by one round.

Description

A massive, soot-stained industrial press designed to steam-soften and bend rare arcane woods into impossibly curved recurve bows. It is a temperamental blend of heavy iron, bubbling mineral oil, and volatile magical pressure.

Discovery

A character can identify the machine is approaching a critical failure with a DC 14 Intelligence (Arcana or Investigation) check. Observing the glowing red pressure needle without proper instruction requires a DC 13 Wisdom (Perception) check.

Archival Lore

Developed by the College of Alchemical Artifice, the Shaper was intended to mass-produce enchanted bows for the city guard. However, the machine requires precise calibration that few apprentices can maintain.

Environment
Arcane academic shop at the college
Theme
Medieval Steampunk
Creator
High Artificer Valerius Malleus
Purpose
To use high-pressure steam and oil-immersion to shape 'Ironwood' into high-performance recurve bows.
Game System
D&D 5E
Art Style
Highly detailed isometric blueprint style with copper-plate etchings and watercolor stains.
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