Firearms V1.11

[eriktheguy]

Firearms, V1.11 View attachment Firearms.pdf
This is an updated version of my previous rules. I fixed some balance issues involving rogues, added the hidden pistol (hand crossbow firearm) and did a lot of general cleaning. I removed the fighter's alternate build uption because it simply didn't fit with all the powers. Maybe when someone makes a bow build for fighters...

Fixed some feat issues
Changed feats to make pistols easier to reload
Fixed an issue with rogue class feature

Shotguns coming in V 1.2.

 

[RangerWickett]

I might have to steal some of these ideas. Thanks.

 

[Grimgrin]

Very Nice But why no pictures?

I spotted a typo. I assume you intend the Small Greatshot Rifle to be useable by small creatures; it needs the "small' trait.

 

[Keenberg]

In our previous session, I gave out one of these. I think now is a good time to stat it up. This thread seemed to fall in to my lap!

I'll have this bracer-gun act as a revolver with 1 more shot/load, I think making it a 1d10 weapon should balance that out. Loading it is a standard action.

However, the gnome wizard of the party, of all people, picked it up. I thought the ranger would take a little more interest, since steampunk is right up her alley... anyways, I'm going to have a little fun with this developement. The gnome must to roll a fortitude check when firing it to avoid being knocked prone, due to the kick from a high-powered, standard-size weapon being used by a small sized character.

This is one thing I noticed about your pdf, it doesn't deal with using over-sized firearms. How do you think using oversized firearms should be treated?

 

[TerraDave]

Attacking vs. reflex always seemed the obvious way to capture the reality that firearms made armor obsolete. And to make them different from all those other weapons. (Yes, other weapons can pierce armor, yes some heavy armor might slow a bullet...but this is a simple alternative).

But people, not just erik, don't seem to agree.

 

[Grimgrin]

Attacking vs. reflex always seemed the obvious way to capture the reality that firearms made armor obsolete. And to make them different from all those other weapons. (Yes, other weapons can pierce armor, yes some heavy armor might slow a bullet...but this is a simple alternative).

But people, not just erik, don't seem to agree.

If you want firearms to be ranged weapons you can use with class powers then you want all basic ranged attacks to be DEX vs. AC. The only advantage of some class powers is that they have a better chance of hitting than a DEX vs. AC attack. Many magical enhancements are only balanced for weapons with DEX vs. AC basic ranged attacks.


If you want firearms to be more like wondrous items or alchemical weapons (possess item powers) then you don't have to worry about weapon proficiencies, class powers, or basic attacks. I have seen both versions.

 

[TerraDave]

I guess I would want the latter. Or powers specifically to use with firearms (or alchemical items for that matter, do those exist?). Again, these would help firearms feel more different.