Clusterbolt (3.5e Equipment)

The clusterbolt is actually dozens of tiny bolts held in an explosive resin and a paper sleeve holding them together, with a metal cap at the front and back to provided surface to piece and set against the crossbow. When subject to vigorous motion (such as when firing it from a crossbow) the resin rapidly expands into a cloud of sharp pointy death. Due to the heft of the bolt (compared to other bolts) and the un-aerodynamic nature of its explosion, it reduces the range increment to 15 ft (or the range increment of the crossbow, if shorter). Clusterbolts deal damage as a crossbow two sizes larger within 15 ft, one size larger within the next range increment, normal damage within the next range increment, half damage within the next range increment, and only 1 point of base damage in all increments beyond.

Though you make a normal attack roll with it, the attack also counts as an area of effect for interacting with those affected by areas of effects (such as swarms). If you miss the target's AC but would still hit their touch AC, you deal 1 point of base damage to the target as a form of splash damage. You cannot add precision damage to splash damage (nor the damage at 5 range increments and beyond), but you can apply it to a successful attack.

Clusterbolt are expensive, the above price is for a single bolt. However all clusterbolt are considered masterwork, its price also worked in above.