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Ball Bearings

Ball Bearings

Category: Consumables & Thrown Items
Weight: 2 lb.
Cost: 1 GP
Special Properties: Cover 10-ft square, DC 10 Dex save

Description​

Ball bearings are small, perfectly round metal spheres typically made of steel or iron. When scattered across a surface, they create an extremely slippery and unstable footing that can cause creatures to lose their balance and fall. A single bag contains approximately 1,000 individual bearings.

Mechanical Effects​

Area Coverage:

  • Covers one 10-foot square area
  • Remains effective until collected or dispersed
  • Requires an action to deploy the full bag
  • Can be deployed in smaller portions for multiple uses

Dexterity Save:

  • DC 10 Dexterity saving throw required to move through area
  • Failed save results in falling prone
  • Moving at half speed grants advantage on the save
  • Flying creatures are unaffected

Tactical Applications​

Battlefield Control:

  • Block narrow passages or doorways
  • Create hazardous terrain to slow enemy advancement
  • Force enemies to move around obstacles
  • Protect flanks or retreat routes

Defensive Strategies:

  • Scatter behind party during retreat to slow pursuit
  • Create safe zones that enemies cannot easily enter
  • Force enemies into predictable movement patterns
  • Buy time for spellcasters to prepare or escape

Combat Techniques​

Offensive Use:

  • Deploy in front of charging enemies
  • Combine with other area denial effects
  • Use to separate enemy groups
  • Create opportunities for ranged attacks while enemies navigate

Positioning Advantages:

  • Force enemies to waste movement navigating around
  • Create choke points in otherwise open areas
  • Limit enemy tactical options
  • Enhance effectiveness of other battlefield control spells

Environmental Considerations​

Surface Types:

  • Most effective on hard, smooth surfaces (stone, wood, metal)
  • Less effective on soft surfaces (sand, mud, grass)
  • May sink into very soft ground and become ineffective
  • Slopes increase difficulty and effectiveness

Weather Effects:

  • Rain or water can wash bearings away
  • Strong winds may scatter bearings unpredictably
  • Ice or snow may reduce effectiveness
  • Extreme temperatures generally don't affect function

Alternative Uses​

Mechanical Applications:

  • Reduce friction for moving heavy objects
  • Create simple mechanical devices or traps
  • Use as components in improvised machinery
  • Enable easier sliding of doors or panels

Distraction and Noise:

  • Create noise when stepped on to alert of intruders
  • Scatter to create audible warning system
  • Use sound to mask other activities
  • Drop down stairs or slopes to create distraction

Recovery and Reuse​

Collection Methods:

  • Requires significant time to collect all bearings
  • Magnet can speed recovery of iron/steel bearings
  • Some bearings may be lost or damaged during use
  • Expect to lose 10-20% of bearings per deployment

Maintenance:

  • Clean bearings to maintain smooth surface
  • Check for damage or deformation
  • Replace damaged bearings to maintain effectiveness
  • Store in dry conditions to prevent rust

Economic Considerations​

Cost Effectiveness:

  • Very affordable at 1 GP per 1,000 bearings
  • Reusable if carefully collected after use
  • Significantly cheaper than most magical alternatives
  • Good return on investment for battlefield control

Availability:

  • Common item available in most settlements
  • Can be crafted by metalworkers
  • Sometimes found as industrial waste or byproducts
  • May be improvised from other small, round objects

Creative Applications​

Improvised Tools:

  • Use as sling ammunition in emergencies
  • Create noise makers or alarm systems
  • Employ in crafting or mechanical projects
  • Use for games or entertainment during downtime

Puzzle Solutions:

  • May be required for certain mechanical puzzles
  • Can trigger pressure plates or switches
  • Useful for testing trap mechanisms safely
  • Enable creative problem-solving approaches

Limitations and Counters​

Ineffective Against:

  • Flying creatures that don't need to walk
  • Very large creatures that may not be affected
  • Creatures with specialized movement (spiders, etc.)
  • Areas where bearings cannot maintain position

Countermeasures:

  • Careful, slow movement reduces effectiveness
  • Sweeping or clearing bearings before advancing
  • Using tools or weapons to scatter bearings
  • Alternative movement methods (jumping, climbing)

Storage and Transport​

Practical Considerations:

  • Store in secure container to prevent accidental spills
  • Bag or pouch should have reliable closure
  • Consider noise when moving with bearings
  • Protect from moisture to prevent rust

Weight Distribution:

  • 2 pounds is manageable but noticeable
  • Consider who in party carries the bearings
  • May affect stealth due to potential noise
  • Balance against other equipment priorities