Pbartender
First Post
Cartridges? No way.. Bullets and powder for these muskets and flintlocks. Cartridges are way too modern.
Allow me to re-iterate...
Realistic Shmealistic. This is D&D.
If the game can have repeating crossbows and glo-sticks... *AHEM!* ...I mean, sunrods as mundane items on the basic equipment list, there's no reason pre-made paper cartridges can't be the standard for flintlock muzzle-loaders.
Paper cartridges, as in a lead ball and a measured amount of gunpowder rolled up in a slip of paper like short, fat cigarette.
Heck, forget flintlocks and wheellocks... This is D&D! We've got magic! Make them magiclock firearms! Prestidigitation, an at-will cantrip, can light small fires. This exceptionally minor enchantment can be what sets off the gunpowder charge when you pull the trigger. All you have to do is shove the paper cartridge full of powder and lead down the barrel, aim and pull the trigger. That's no worse than reloading a hand-cranked or lever-action crossbow, I'd say.
Let's be honest... If you're going to jerk around with ball and powder and multiple rounds to reload the stupid things, who's going to bother using them in the game?