In the world of Caves of Qud, there are countless items to explore, ranging from basic food and drinks to intricate chemicals with various effects. Among these, you might encounter a rare substance known as Neutron Flux, which boasts an intriguing color palette of blue, white, and black.
So, what exactly is Neutron Flux? In this guide, we will provide an overview of this unique item and how to obtain it. While it has fascinating uses, Neutron Flux can be extremely hazardous. If mishandled and leads to your demise, you will earn the achievement titled Starry Demise, which can also be acquired by suffering damage from a large explosion.
What Is Neutron Flux?
Neutron Flux is a potent liquid that offers benefits as well as severe risks. One of its primary uses is in cooking, where there’s a chance you might permanently increase your Ability Value (AV) by one. However, there’s also a 10% chance of instant death stemming from its consumption.
While using Neutron Flux, it can easily explode under certain conditions. Here are some scenarios that can lead to an explosion:
- Drinking Neutron Flux
- Pouring Neutron Flux onto the ground, a creature, or into another liquid (including more Neutron Flux)
- Pouring Neutron Flux that is not in a Magnetic Bottle into something that is not a Magnetic Bottle
- Pouring Neutron Flux that is in a Magnetic Bottle into anything besides a Phial
- Holding Neutron Flux in a Magnetic Bottle that loses its charge
If Neutron Flux does explode, it will inflict substantial damage, though not resulting in instant death. The explosion can certainly cause enough harm to defeat you or your enemies, but it doesn’t guarantee immediate death.
Pouring from any container into a Magnetic Bottle will not trigger an explosion.
With some caution, you can leverage the explosion to your advantage. For instance, if you keep Neutron Flux in a Phial, you can throw it, causing it to explode upon impact with the ground.
How To Get Neutron Flux
If the warnings about Neutron Flux haven’t deterred you, there are a few ways to acquire it. First, the Alchemist in Bethesda Susa definitely has it for sale. This NPC offers a wide array of phials, including basic items like salt and wine. You can also purchase empty phials from this vendor.
To find this merchant, make your way to the Ruined Ward in Bethesda Susa, starting at the sixth stratum. The Alchemist’s workshop is located on the eighth stratum. If you speak to this NPC for the first time, you’ll unlock the achievement called Quiet This Metal.
In addition to the Alchemist, you might find Neutron Flux available from other merchants, such as dromad traders, chefs, ichor merchants, and kippers. Always check in with these vendors to see what they have for sale.
Keep in mind that vendor stock refreshes periodically. If a merchant doesn’t have Neutron Flux when you check, try returning later. You might see a message indicating that their shop has been replenished.
Lastly, you can obtain a Phial of Neutron Flux by completing a questline in Bey Lah. During this quest, you will need to resolve a dispute, and if you choose to accuse Askhind on the grounds of illness, you will be rewarded with a Phial of Neutron Flux.
