Setting the scene: smell and taste

[Chris]

I'm running along at full descriptive tilt and come to the realization that I have no idea how to describe spent explosives. I improvised it as a sharp burnt odor hanging in the air and they fell for it!

Still, what do spent explosives smell like; C4, Semtec, dynamite. Do they have a distinct odor when you pull them from the wrapper for that matter? Is it so strong you'll taste it as well?

Thanks,
chris

[dragoon500ly]

tank ammo is ammonia based.

[pmulcahy11b]

To me, C4 smells like clay or Play-Doh -- but not quite. And I've never been able to put that "not quite" into words.

As far as putting better descriptions of the area and items -- that's an old D&D DM's trick, and useful in any RPG.

[leonpoi]

Not sure about C4 etc but at least some explosives are ammonia based. I've been in an underground mine following blasting and the air is think and choking with ammonia.

[Haztech5]

We detonated some C4, the smell to me had a tinge of chlorine smell and there was a blue haze in the air.

[Legbreaker]

It's been nearly 20 years since I played with that stuff and I haven't a clue what it smelt like after all this time.
However I do remember the nasty headache PETN inflicts upon you when you get it near your face - even just transfer on your hands is enough.