[Overtaxed]

I always thought the Fire of Orthanc was gunpowder. But if it were a metal like phosphorus, it would work in water.

[HairOfTheDog]

I can build a fire in the rain. I camp in the Northwest. I am sure there is an orc that was a scout or something in their youth.

[Lucius Cornelius Sulla]

I always thought the Fire of Orthanc was gunpowder. But if it were a metal like phosphorus, it would work in water

I always thought that the Fire of Orthanc was like Greek (Byzantine) fire, exact composition still a successfully guarded military secret. Thought to include both sulfur and charcoal, it could float on water and keep burning, very nasty in a battle with wooden ships. Probably gave the Empire an extra few centuries at least.