Note: The rules for Guns and Gunpowder are cadged in part from the Gunpowder Codex and GURPS High Tech, with modifications to fit the Arcydean world. Where differences between the Gunpowder Codex and this wiki arise, this wiki is considered authoritative.
Proficiency: Firearms are defined as Simple, Martial, or Advanced. Simple Firearms can be used by anyone, regardless of class, who has general familiarity with firearms; Martial Firearms require martial weapons proficiency; and Advanced Firearms require either the Advanced Gunner feat, a firearms class archetype, or special requirements defined by the DM.
Familiarity: Those not proficient in firearms for whatever reason can develop familiarity with a specific model of weapon through practice (time spent at the rifle range). This requires 10 days of downtime training (20 days if not being taught by a proficient teacher), and gives them a flat +1 to use a particular weapon instead of a proficiency bonus. For more information on improving proficiency during downtime, see the Downtime section.
For the purpose of rules text, firearms count as both ranged weapons and firearms, and are eligible for most abilities that include ranged weapon attacks. For the full list of properties, review Guns and Beams.
Weapons from Standard age can be made and sold at 50% of the price due to advancing technology. In addition, some weapons can be developed much less expensively due to Earth parallels (sources noted in brackets).
| Name | Value | Damage | Weight | Properties | Ammunition | Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Melee Weapons | ||||||
| Bayonet | 5 gp | 1d6 piercing | 1 lb | Versatile (1d8), special | – | Common |
| Gun Butt | – | 1d4 bludgeoning | – | Improvised (club); for striking with the firearm as a blunt instrument. | – | Common |
| Martial Firearms | ||||||
| Dueling Pistol | 300 gp | 1d10 piercing | 3 lb | Range (30/90/270), Pierce 1, Reload 1, Misfire 1, light, loading | Musketball | Common |
| Boarding Pistol | 250 gp | 1d8 piercing | 3 lb | Range (30/90/270), Pierce 1, Reload 1, Misfire 1, light, loading | Musketball | Common |
| Dragoon Pistol | 250 gp | 1d10 piercing | 3 lb | Range (30/80/240), Pierce 2, Reload 1, Misfire 1, light, loading | Musketball | Common |
| Traveling Pistol | 300 gp | 1d8 piercing | 3 lb | Range (30/80/240), Pierce 2, Reload 1, Misfire 1, light, loading | Musketball | Common |
| Cutlass Pistol | 250 gp | 1d8 piercing | 3 lb | Range (30/80/240), Pierce 1, Reload 1, Misfire 1, light, loading | Cartridge | Uncommon |
| Derringer | 130 gp | 1d10 piercing | 0.5 lb | Range (20/60/180), Pierce 1, Reload 1, Misfire 1, light, loading | Cartridge | Uncommon |
| Air Rifle | 1,000 gp | 2d8 piercing | 10 lb | Range (150/300/900), Pierce 0, Reload 22, Misfire 1, two-handed, loading | Musketball | Rare |
| Advanced Firearms | ||||||
| Cane Rifle | 180 gp | 2d6 piercing | 1.5 lb | Range (110/220/660), Reload 1, Pierce 1, Misfire 1, two-handed | Cartridge | Rare |
| Pocketknife Pistol | 40 gp | 1d6 piercing | 1 lb | Range 70/140/420, Pierce 0. Misfire 1, Reload 1, compact, light, loading | Cartridge | Rare |
| Flintlock Revolver | 500 gp | 1d10 damage | 2 lb | Range 70/210/630, Pierce 1, Misfire 4, Reload 5, light, loading | Musketball | Rare |
| Flintlock Pepperbox | 150 gp | 1d8 damage | 2 lb | Range 30/90/270, Pierce 1, Misfire 2, Reload 6, light, loading | Musketball | Rare |
| Small Caplock Revolver | 300 gp | 1d4 damage | 2 lb | Range 40/120/360, Pierce 0. Misfire 2, Reload 5, light, loading | Cartridge | Rare |
| Caplock Revolver | 400 gp | 2d6 damage | 3 lb | Range 90/270/810, Pierce 1, Misfire 2, Reload 5, light, loading | Cartridge | Rare |
| Large Caplock Revolver | 450 gp | 2d10 damage | 4 lb | Range 100/300/900, Pierce 2, Misfire 2, Reload 5, loading | Cartridge | Rare |
| Small Revolver | 280 gp | 1d4 damage | 1 lb | Range 50/150/450, Pierce 0, Misfire 1, Reload 7, covert, light, loading | Cartridge | Rare |
| Revolver | 550 gp | 2d8 damage | 2.5 lb | Range 120/360/1080, Pierce 2, Misfire 1, Reload 6, light, loading | Cartridge | Rare |
| Large Revolver | 500 gp | 2d12 damage | 3 lb | Range 120/360/1080, Pierce 3, Misfire 1, Reload 6, loading | Cartridge | Rare |
| Blunderbuss | 200 gp | 1d6 damage | 7 lb | Range 30/60/180, Cone 30, Pierce 0, Misfire 2, Reload 1, two-handed, loading | Buckshot | Uncommon |
| Can also fire solid slugs | – | 4d6 damage | – | Range 75/150/450, Pierce 4, Misfire 2, Reload 1, two-handed, loading | Musketball | – |
| Double-Barrelled Flintlock Shotgun | 1000 gp | 1d6 damage | 7 lb | Range 40/80/240, Cone 30, Pierce 0, Misfire 1, Reload 2, two-handed, loading | Buckshot | Uncommon |
| Can also fire solid slugs | – | 4d6 damage | – | Range 100/200/600, Pierce 4, Misfire 1, Reload 1, two-handed, loading | Musketball | – |
| Revolver Caplock Shotgun | 800 gp | 1d6 damage | 11 lb | Range 40/80/240, Cone 30, Pierce 0, Misfire 1, Reload 2, two-handed, loading | Buckshot | Rare |
| Can also fire solid slugs | – | 4d6 damage | – | Range 100/200/600, Pierce 4, Misfire 2, Reload 1, two-handed, loading | Musketball | – |
| 12 Gauge Shotgun | 800 gp | 1d8 damage | 11 lb | Range 40/80/240, Cone 30, Pierce 0, Misfire 1, Reload 2, Accuracy 1, two-handed, loading | Shot Shell | Very Rare |
| Can also fire solid slugs | – | 4d8 damage | – | Range 100/200/600, Pierce 4, Misfire 2, Reload 1, two-handed, loading | Slug Shell | – |
| Light Flintlock Musket | 75 gp | 4d8 damage | 10 lb | Range 100/300/900, Pierce 4, Misfire 1, Reload 1, two-handed, loading | Musketball | Rare |
| Flintlock Musket | 100 gp | 4d12 damage | 10 lb | Range 100/300/900, Pierce 5, Misfire 1, Reload 1, two-handed, loading | Musketball | Rare |
| Military Flintlock Musket | 150 gp | 4d10 damage | 9 lb | Range 110/330/990, Pierce 4, Misfire 1, Reload 1, two-handed, loading | Musketball | Rare |
| Flintlock Rifle | 300 gp | 3d8 damage | 9 lb | Range 80/240/720, Pierce 3, Misfire 1, Reload 1, Accuracy 1, two-handed, loading | Musketball | Rare |
| Breechloader Flintlock Rifle | 330 gp | 3d10 damage | 10 lb | Range 90/270/810, Pierce 3, Misfire 1, Reload 1, Accuracy 1, two-handed, loading | Musketball | Rare |
| Bolt-Action Rifle | 300 gp | 3d8 damage | 11 lb | Range 400/1200/3600, Pierce 3, Misfire 2, Reload 1, Accuracy 1, two-handed, loading | Cartridge | Very Rare |
| Rifled Musket | 285 gp | 3d12 damage | 9 lb | Range 120/360/1080, Pierce 3, Misfire 1, Reload 1, Accuracy 1, two-handed, loading | Cartridge | Very Rare |
| Repeating Rifle | 450 gp | 3d12 damage | 9 lb | Range 180/540/1620, Pierce 3, Misfire 1, Reload 7+1, Accuracy 1, two-handed, loading | Cartridge | Very Rare |
| Lever Action Rifle | 420 gp | 3d10 damage | 9 lb | Range 300/900/2700, Pierce 3, Misfire 1, Reload 15+1, Accuracy 1, two-handed, loading | Cartridge | Very Rare |
| Buffalo Rifle | 1000 gp | 5d8 damage | 11 lb | Range 360/1080/3240, Pierce 5, Misfire 1, Reload 1, Accuracy 1, two-handed, loading | Cartridge | Very Rare |
| Elephant Rifle | 3000 gp | 6d12 damage | 12 lb | Range 180/540/1620, Pierce 8, Misfire 1, Reload 2, Accuracy 1, two-handed, loading | Cartridge | Very Rare |
| Name | Value | Availability | Weight | Properties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buckshot | 4 sp | Uncommon | 0.1 lb | A waxed paper cartridge full of lead shot. |
| Gunpowder Horn | 20 gp | Uncommon | 2 lb | 100 doses of powder for firing musketballs or crafting ammo. |
| Gunpowder Keg | 125 gp | Uncommon | 20 lb | 1000 doses of powder. |
| Musketball | 1 sp | Uncommon | 0.1 lb | A well-cast round lead ball used in Standard era firearms. |
| Paper Cartridge | 2 sp | Rare | 0.1 lb | A waxed paper cartridge that contains both ammunition, propellant, and an explosive cap. |
| Explosive Cap | 1 sp | Very Rare | 0.01 lb | An explosive cap that detonates when struck with sufficient force. |
| Metal Cartridge | 4 sp | Very Rare | 0.1 lb | A metal cartridge that contains both ammunition, propellant, and an explosive primer. |
Bayonet. A bayonet is a knife, spike, or similar piece of metal designed to fit on the muzzle of a firearm. Its purpose is to serve as a last resort melee weapon in instances where taking the time to switch weapons is impractical or impossible. Usage of a bayonet is important in determining its damage - if attached to a one-handed weapon, it may only use the listed one-handed damage. If attached to a two-handed firearm, it can be used as a versatile weapon. If used on its own, unattached to a firearm, a bayonet uses the statistics of a dagger.
Duelling Pistol. An example of the pinnacle of smoothbore flintlock technology, this weapon was typically sold in sets of two along with a set of accessories (loading ramrod, bullet mold, powder flask, cleaning kit, etc) in an expensive wooden case, and used for dueling and target shooting. 1d+2, Range 150/300/900, weight 3 lb, 1 shot, 300 gp. [Based on Wogdon Dueller, .45 Flintlock (U.K., 1760-1797).]
Boarding Pistol. This flintlock pistol has a 12“ smoothbore barrel, and is popularly known for appearing in the hands of navies (and privateers) of the Age of Sail. It features a hook to hang from one's belt, and in action, it is typically fired once upon boarding, turned around to grip by the long barrel, and then used to bash heads in (1d6 bludgeoning damage if used in this manner.) [Based on Tower Sea Service P/1796, .56 Flintlock (U.K., 1796-1840).]
Dragoon Pistol. A pistol with an 8.25” smoothbore barrel, commonly used by cavalry and dragoons. Troops typically carried a brace of pistols in holsters slung across the pommel of the saddle. The weapon is also heavy enough to bash foes when empty (1d6 bludgeoning damage if used in this manner.) [Based on MAS Pistolet AN IX, 17.1mm Flintlock (France 1801-1807).]
Travelling Pistol. A weapon used by gentlemen of wealth and means who might have reason to fear bandits, the 'traveling' or 'overcoat' pistol is small enough to be easily concealed, yet large enough to make a bandit regret their decision to accost the wealthy patron. [Based on Rigby Traveling Pistol, .75 Flintlock (U.K., 1820-1851).]
Cutlass Pistol. This pistol combines the blade of a shortsword (1d6 slashing damage) with the power of a cartridge firearm, and is equally popular among soldiers and mercenaries, as well as being available in limited numbers for commercial sale. [Based on Elgin Cutlass Pistol, .54 Caplock (USA, 1838).]
Derringer. The original concealable pistol, this lightweight pistol is slim and uses a paper cartridge, allowing it to be stowed in pockets easily. Often purchased in sets of two or even four, as it is far quicker to draw another gun than to reload. Famously used in assassinations. [Based on Deringer, .44 Caplock (USA, 1850-1868).]
Air Rifle. An early model of air-powered rifle, this weapon resembles a flintlock rifle, but the shoulder stock consists of the detachable air reservoir: a leather covered iron flask, filled using a hand pump (requiring 2,000 strokes, or about 30 minutes of work!), and holding enough air for 30 shots. The first 10 shots have the damage and range shown in the table; the next ten, 1d10 damage and 80% range; the last ten, 1d8 damage and 50% range. Bullets are stored in a tube magazine parallel to the barrel, on the gun's right hand side. Pushing the breechblock across and cocking the 'hammer' loads a bullet from the magazine and makes the weapon ready to fire. [Based on: Steyr-Girandoni M.1780, 11.75mm (Austria, 1780-1798).]
Flintlock Revolver. This single-action revolver is a muzzle-loader, and uses a flintlock action with a self-priming pan; the frizzen is primed with enough powder for ten shots, and automatically sprinkles it into the pan when the hammer is cocked. The tight seal between cylinder and barrel reduces misfires and increases weapon power. [Based on Collier Revolver, .50 Flintlock (U.K., 1818-1825).]
Flintlock Pepperbox. Pepperbox pistols are forerunners of true revolvers; instead of a single barrel, they have a barrel for each chamber. They became popular until revolvers of improved patterns quickly replaced them. [Based on Allen Pepperbox, .31 Caplock (USA, 1837-1864).]
Small Caplock Revolver. One of the smallest single-action revolvers available. Commonly used as a weapon of people who need concealed protection without getting too close to their enemies. [Based on Colt Number 1 Pocket Model (USA, 1837-1838).]
Caplock Revolver. A large single-action revolver based on the design of “the gun that made all men equal.” Reloading requires removing the cylinder, reloading rounds, and reinserting the cylinder. [Based on Colt Number 5 Holster Model, .36 Caplock (USA, 1838-1840).]
Large Caplock Revolver. A massive revolver commonly carried in a saddle holster rather than a belt holster due to its size (14“ long with a 7.5” barrel) and weight (over 4 lbs). One of the most powerful black powder handguns, taking a load that rivals some military rifles. [Based on Colt M1848 Dragoon, .44 Caplock (USA, 1848-1861).]
Small Revolver. Based on the first American metallic-cartridge revolver, this weapon is mostly useful at close range as a backup ranged weapon. Cylinder must be removed, unloaded, reloaded, and replaced to fire after running out of ammo. One of the most common handguns in use in Nexus City. [Based on S&W Number 1, .22 Short (USA, 1857-1881).]
Revolver. A big-bore revolver with a quick-reload cylinder, which has been used by bodyguards and soldiers alike. [Based on S&W Number 3 Schofield, .45 S&W (1875-1877).]
Large Revolver. A tremendously powerful revolver with an equally powerful kick, popular as a military and police sidearm, with variants with smaller barrels popular amongst civilians and storeowners. [Based on Colt M1873 SAA, .45 Long Colt (USA, 1873-).]
Blunderbuss. The muzzleloading blunderbuss was a short-barreled, bell-mouthed smoothbore, favored by sailors and civilians for close defense or to repel boarders at sea. The bell-shaped mouth didn’t spread the shot any better, but certainly looked intimidating. It did make loading easier – especially on the seat of a bouncing coach or while perched on swaying crosstrees. Many blunderbusses had an integral bayonet, which folded over the barrel. [Based on Tower Blunderbuss, 11G Flintlock (U.K., 1700-1840).]
Double-Barrelled Flintlock Shotgun. This powerful weapon is based off of a design by a master gunsmith, and usually is made custom for the purchaser. Allows for two shots (typically fired simultaneously) before reloading. [Based on Manton Double, 16G Flintlock (U.K., 1797-1834).]
Revolver Caplock Shotgun. The revolving cylinder is based on a revolver design, allowing five shots rather than the customary two from a double-barrel. Rare, but perfect for the adventurer who needs a unique weapon. [Based on Colt Model 1855, 20G Caplock (USA, 1856-1864).]
12 Gauge Shotgun. This classic cartridge-using, double-barreled, break-open, breechloading shotgun has exposed hammers and no ejectors. [Based on Remington-Whitmore Hammer Lifter, 12G 2.5” (USA, 1873-1878).]
Cane Rifle. This hollow cane contains a barrel and a trigger mechanism. It is intended as a gentleman's protection against stray dogs and ruffians. It has a cork muzzle plug that could be blown out with the bullet. [Based on Remington Number 2 Rifle Cane, .32 LR (1878-1886).]
Pocketknife Pistol. This 3 to 4“ long pocketknife has folding blades (d3 damage), as well as a built-in gun with one round of small caliber ammunition. [Based on American Novelty Co. Defender, .22 LR (1919-1929).]
Small Flintlock Musket. This is a smaller, cheaper version of the standard flintlock musket often traded to others who have a hankering for gunplay but don't quite have the tools to machine their own. [Based on North West Gun, .50 Flintlock (U.K., 1770-1870).]
Flintlock Musket. This smoothbore flintlock was first introduced as a dragoon “carbine”, and variants of this musket remain popular amongst those who otherwise avoid high-tech contrivances. [Based on Brown Bess, .75 Flintlock (U.K., 1744-1797).]
Military Flintlock Musket. This musket is mass-produced for military use until such time as metallic cartridges are finally safe to use, as a reliable, easy to use weapon that can be supplied for troops at reasonable expense for its quality. [Based on Charleville Fusil Mle 1777, 17.5mm Flintlock (France, 1777-1839).]
Flintlock Rifle. This elite firearm is at the apex of flintlock technology, with a rifled barrel and a 2 lb. sword bayonet that extends the weapon's close combat reach to 10 feet, includes brass knuckle guard for close combat, and inflicts 1d10 slashing or piercing damage. [Based on Baker Rifle, .625 Flintlock (USA, 1800-1823).]
Breachloader Flintlock Rifle. This weapon has two unique characteristics; it loads through the breach rather than the muzzle, unlike most other flintlock firearms, and the entire breach mechanism including trigger and hammer could be removed as a unit and fired as a pistol (1d10 damage, Range 40/120/360, 1 lb, Reload 1, Misfire 1, Pierce 1, covert.) [Based on Hall M1819, .54 Flintlock (USA, 1819-1842).]
Bolt-Action Rifle. The first percussion cap rifle to fire wax paper cartridges reliably using a needle-shaped pin, the forerunner to modern firing pins and a requirement for metallic cartridges. The pin is prone to breakage; on any Misfire, treat this as the pin breaking, disabling the weapon until replaced. [Based on Dreyse M.1841, 15.43x54mm Dreyse (Prussia, 1841-1870).]
Rifled Musket. A more utilitarian version of the flintlock rifle, used until metallic cartridges and breechloaders become more common. [Based on Enfield P/1853, .577 Caplock (U.K., 1853-1866).]
Repeating Rifle. With a detachable tube magazine, a trigger-guard ammo feed lever, and a cocking external hammer, this weapon is devastating on the battlefield compared to a crossbow or longbow. [Based on Spencer M1860, .56-56 Spencer (USA, 1863-1865).]
Lever Action Rifle. Using a metallic rimfire cartridge for reliability and an underbarrel magazine to hold a great number of bullets, the lever-action rifle is indeed the weapon you can “load on Sunday and shoot all week.” [Based on Winchester Model 1873, .44-40 Winchester (USA, 1873-1919).]
Buffalo Rifle. A breechloading single-shot target rifle with a heavy 30” barrel, double set triggers, and an included telescopic sight (1 lb telescopic scope, 6x), designed to punch right through a target. [Based on Sharps Model 1874, .50-90 Sharps (USA, 1875-1881).]
Elephant Rifle. A double-barreled rifle with exposed hammers and relatively short barrels, intended for hunting elephant and other massive game. Its huge, old-fashioned cartridge fires a short-ranged ball projectile, and is considered ideal for hunting dragons. [Based on Greener Elephant Rifle, 8-bore (U.K., 1881-1914).]