Level Up (A5E) The Shotgun: Heralds' and Rogues' best friend

[lichmaster]

While reading the gunslinger from Martial Artistry, I decided to refresh my memory with A5E's rules related to firearms.
I remember time ago when I read the rules for the shotgun for the first time I though "that's interesting", but that was it.

The rules for the shotgun say that in case of an attack with advantage, the result is a crit if both rolls result in a hit. This is a massive increase in crit chance.
The thought of a rogue sneak attacking with a shotgun or a herald smiting with a shotgun are both hilarious, but a Rogue 1/Herald 2 with Orc heritage can deal a whopping 3d10+2d6+2d8 with a shotgun sneak attack+smite crit. Assuming a base hit chance of 50%, that translates into a 25% crit chance if the attack is made with advantage.
And all this without further feats/traits/maneuvers etc.

I feel like I'm late to the party!

 

[Tessarael]

Perfect for a Rogue. With level 2 in Rogue, you can use Cunning Action to hide as a Bonus Action. So potentially this can be repeated each round.

 

[Timespike]

While reading the gunslinger from Martial Artistry, I decided to refresh my memory with A5E's rules related to firearms.
I remember time ago when I read the rules for the shotgun for the first time I though "that's interesting", but that was it.

The rules for the shotgun say that in case of an attack with advantage, the result is a crit if both rolls result in a hit. This is a massive increase in crit chance.
The thought of a rogue sneak attacking with a shotgun or a herald smiting with a shotgun are both hilarious, but a Rogue 1/Herald 2 with Orc heritage can deal a whopping 3d10+2d6+2d8 with a shotgun sneak attack+smite crit. Assuming a base hit chance of 50%, that translates into a 25% crit chance if the attack is made with advantage.
And all this without further feats/traits/maneuvers etc.

I feel like I'm late to the party!

Shotguns are really nasty close-quarters weapons. There's a reason why SWAT teams like them so much!

Also, it's not even that hilarious to me; it feels very on-flavor for both heralds and rogues. I think shotgun + smite starts getting into the same flavor neighborhood as DOOM, and shotgun + sneak attack is just trench warfare or a back-alley assassination.

 

[W'rkncacnter]

Shotguns are really nasty close-quarters weapons. There's a reason why SWAT teams like them so much!

well, swat teams largely like them for breaching doors and the variety of ammo types (especially less-than-lethal) that can be fed into them. their stopping power in close quarters is definitely part of it though.

 

[lichmaster]

I think shotgun + smite starts getting into the same flavor neighborhood as DOOM

That's EXACTLY what I was imagining.

 

[lichmaster]

Perfect for a Rogue. With level 2 in Rogue, you can use Cunning Action to hide as a Bonus Action. So potentially this can be repeated each round.

Exactly. And I'll grant inspiration each time the rogue says "Peekaboo"

 

[Timespike]

well, swat teams largely like them for breaching doors and the variety of ammo types (especially less-than-lethal) that can be fed into them. their stopping power in close quarters is definitely part of it though.

Sure. Lockbuster rounds, taser rounds, beanbag rounds, baton ammo, etc.

But a load of 00 buckshot, especially at close range, will also stop just about anyone in their tracks. That is a lot of kinetic energy delivered all at once.

 

[Selganor]

well, swat teams largely like them for breaching doors and the variety of ammo types (especially less-than-lethal) that can be fed into them. their stopping power in close quarters is definitely part of it though.

And with a range of 30/90 they have a longer range than most thrown weapons.

 

[W'rkncacnter]

Sure. Lockbuster rounds

frangibles, yeah.

But a load of 00 buckshot, especially at close range, will also stop just about anyone in their tracks. That is a lot of kinetic energy delivered all at once.

"Pistols put holes in people. Rifles put holes through people. Shotguns, at the right range, with the right load, will physically remove a chunk of $#!% off your opponent's body and throw that $#!% on the floor!"

 

[Timespike]

frangibles, yeah.

"Pistols put holes in people. Rifles put holes through people. Shotguns, at the right range, with the right load, will physically remove a chunk of $#!% off your opponent's body and throw that $#!% on the floor!"

And if you're using slugs, most body armor won't protect the target. It won't be as messy as buckshot, but that's also "drop a bear" levels of stopping power.