D&D (2024) Firearms in the Forgotten Realms (+)

[GnomeWorks]

Despite the 21 foot rule, infantry units throughout the world use firearms.

It's almost like there's a difference between military contexts -- where you generally have a lot of combatants on either side -- and an adventuring context, in which the 21 foot rule would matter.

unless I'm caught flat footed, if I've got a flintlock in my hands I'm confident I can shoot that goliath before he gets close enough to hit me with his sword.

Your explicit example was blowing someone's head off with a gun. That's considerably different from "I can shoot [the target]." Hitting someone with a gun is significantly easier than completely neutralizing them as a threat in a single shot.

It's easier to shoot someone than it is to stab them.

The same can be said for crossbows.

Odds are the guy with the gun is going to win though.

The point stands that those odds are influenced by a variety of factors. A complete novice with a gun against a trained MMA fighter might not even figure out how to flick the safety off before getting his teeth kicked out.

And that's not even taking into account stuff like levels and whatnot.

 

[MGibster]

Your explicit example was blowing someone's head off with a gun. That's considerably different from "I can shoot [the target]." Hitting someone with a gun is significantly easier than completely neutralizing them as a threat in a single shot.

Oh, come on. I really didn't think you'd take it literally.

The point stands that those odds are influenced by a variety of factors. A complete novice with a gun against a trained MMA fighter might not even figure out how to flick the safety off before getting his teeth kicked out.

This is not a useful discussion and I'm sorry I started it. If you want to contrive silly scenarios to justify why in some limited circumstances firearms aren't as effective as melee weapons, fine. It's no skin off my nose.

 

[Kobold Avenger]

Your explicit example was blowing someone's head off with a gun. That's considerably different from "I can shoot [the target]." Hitting someone with a gun is significantly easier than completely neutralizing them as a threat in a single shot.

I think realistically a lot of people would have a problem trying to shoot a Zombie in the head if it was coming right for them, probably even worse if it was a Ghoul since D&D Ghouls are basically the fast infectious Zombies that exist in certain movies.

 

[GnomeWorks]

Oh, come on. I really didn't think you'd take it literally.

...why would I not? It's a known thing with marksmanship that hitting someone in the head is considerably more difficult than center-of-mass. I'm aware that we don't model that kind of targeting in D&D, and for good reason, but going from a specific example to a general one felt like something that should be addressed.

If you want to contrive silly scenarios to justify why in some limited circumstances firearms aren't as effective as melee weapons, fine.

The point here is to demonstrate that firearms are no more dangerous than typical D&D weapons in the sorts of scenarios that adventurers generally find themselves.

Your argument earlier that modern infantries use firearms speaks to worldbuilding concerns, not combat ones (and said worldbuilding concerns are certainly valid).

I think realistically a lot of people would have a problem trying to shoot a Zombie in the head if it was coming right for them, probably even worse if it was a Ghoul since D&D Ghouls are basically the fast infectious Zombies that exist in certain movies.

You're not wrong. Aiming is a skill, and one that needs to be trained, and then there are things like zeroing out the weapon, environmental factors, etc etc.

 

[Horwath]

1. As @GrimCo mentioned, all firearms are simple, while we are on it all crossbows should be simple and all bows should be martial, but that is another topic.

2. Make them deal more damage.

3. Make loading them a combat problem. Loading at least one Action


so you only need 2 weapons:

1: Hand cannon, simple ranged
1Handed, light, Nick mastery
Loading; Action
1d8 damage, range 30/60
Special; If you have TWF style you can load both weapons with the same action.

2: Musket, simple ranged
2Handed, heavy, Sap mastery
Loading; Action
2d8 damage, range 50/100


Gunner feat:
+1 dex
Loading firearms is now a Bonus action,
Short range equal long range, and long range doubles
Firing in melee does not provoke AoO
Firearms have additional Graze mastery