Table of Contents

Arcydean Technology: Industrial (+2): Guns and Gunpowder

Firearms Rules Terminology

Note: The rules for Guns and Gunpowder are cadged in part from the Gunpowder Codex, 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.

Firearm Properties

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 25% of the price due to advancing technology; weapons from Frontier age can be made and sold at 50% of the price. In addition, some weapons can be developed much less expensively due to Earth parallels (sources noted in brackets).

Industrial Tech Firearms

Name Value Damage Weight Properties Ammunition
Simple Melee Weapons
Bayonet 5 gp 1d6 piercing 1 lb Versatile (1d8), special
Gun Butt 1d4 bludgeoning Improvised (club); for striking with the firearm as a blunt instrument.
Martial Firearms
Double Derringer 140 gp 1d6 damage 0.5 lb Range 50/150/550, Reload 2, Pierce 2, Misfire 1, light, covert, loading Cartridge
Safety Revolver 400 gp 2d6 damage 1.5 lb Range 90/270/1000, Reload 5, Pierce 1, Misfire 1, light, covert, loading Cartridge
Police Special Revolver 500 gp 2d8 damage 2 lb Range 110/330/1200, Reload 6, Pierce 1, Misfire 1, light, loading Cartridge
Kit Gun Revolver 400 gp 1d8 damage 1.5 lb Range 70/210/1400, Reload 6, Pierce 0, Misfire 1, light, loading Cartridge
Holdout Revolver 475 gp 2d6 damage 1.5 lb Range 90/270/1000, Reload 5, Pierce 1, Misfire 1, light, covert, loading Cartridge
Hunting Rifle 750 gp 7d10 damage 8 lb Range 1100/2200/4500, Reload 5, Pierce 1, Misfire 1, Accuracy 1, loading, two-handed Cartridge
Lever-Action Rifle 450 gp 6d8 damage 7 lb Range 900/1800/3700, Reload 5+1, Pierce 1, Misfire 1, Accuracy 1, loading, two-handed Cartridge
Semi-Automatic Rifle 510 gp 7d10 damage 10 lb Range 1100/2200/4500, Reload 8, Pierce 1, Misfire 1, Accuracy 1, loading, two-handed Cartridge
Magazine Rifle 800 gp 5d12 damage 8 lb Range 800/1600/3500, Reload 5, Pierce 1, Misfire 1, Accuracy 1, loading, two-handed Cartridge
Carbine Rifle 400 gp 4d10 damage 6 lb Range 300/900/2100, Reload 15+1, Pierce 1, Misfire 1, Accuracy 1, loading, two-handed Cartridge
Military Rifle 900 gp 7d10 damage 9 lb Range 1100/2200/4500, Reload 5, Pierce 1, Misfire 1, Accuracy 1, loading, two-handed Cartridge
Advanced Firearms
Howdah Pistol 200 gp 2d8 damage 3 lb Range 100/300/1200, Reload 4, Pierce 3, light, loading Cartridge
Magnum Revolver 600 gp 3d8 damage 3 lb Range 190/570/2100, Reload 6, Pierce 1, Misfire 1, loading Cartridge
Automatic Revolver 600 gp 2d8 damage 3 lb Range 120/360/1300, Reload 8, Pierce 1, Misfire 2, loading Cartridge
Anti-Tank Rifle 10,000 gp 5d8x2 damage 117 lbs Range 2000/4000/8000, Reload 10, Pierce 6, Misfire 1, Accuracy 2, loading, two-handed Cartridge
Automatic Rifle 2300 gp 7d10 damage 17 lbs Range 1100/2200/4500, Reload 20, Pierce 1, Misfire 1, Accuracy 1, loading, two-handed, burst Cartridge
Elephant Rifle 9500 gp 5d8x2 damage 16.5 lb Range 800/1600/4500, Reload 2, Pierce 4, Misfire 1, Accuracy 1, loading, two-handed Cartridge

Ammunition

Name Value Availability Weight Properties
Gunpowder Horn 10 gp Common 2 lb 100 doses of powder for firing musketballs or crafting ammo.
Gunpowder Keg 65 gp Common 20 lb 1000 doses of powder.
Musketball 1 sp Common 0.1 lb A well-cast round lead ball used in Standard era firearms.
Metal Cartridge 4 sp Uncommon 0.1 lb A metal cartridge that contains both ammunition, propellant, and an explosive primer.

Simple Melee Weapons

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.

Martial Firearms

Double Derringer. This is a tiny break-open over-and-under pistol that is popular amongst gamblers and hustlers who need a discreet weapon that can be concealed in a pocket, boot top, or sleeve holster. 140 gp, 1d6 damage, 0.5 lb, Range 50/150/550, Reload 2, Pierce 2, Misfire 1, light, covert, loading, Cartridge. [Based on Remington Model 95 Double-Derringer, .41 Remington (USA, 1866-1934).]

Safety Revolver. This is a small, top-break, simultaneous-extracting, double-action-only revolver with a smooth profile and a safety grip (gun cannot be fired unless weapon is held tightly, giving it the nickname of Lemon Squeezer). 400 gp, 2d6 damage. 1.5 lb, Range 90/270/1000, Reload 5, Pierce 1, Misfire 1, light, covert, loading, Cartridge. [Based on S&W Safety Hammerless, .38 S&W (USA, 1887-1940).]

Police Special Revolver. This is based on 20th century America's most common police and security sidearm; at the height of its popularity, four out of five police officers carried it. 500 gp, 2d8 damage, 2 lb, Range 110/330/1200, Reload 6, Pierce 1, Misfire 1, light, loading, Cartridge. [Based on S&W Model 10 Military & Police, .38 Special (USA, 1902-).]

Kit Gun Revolver. This is basically a small revolver light enough to be part of a fishing kit or easily tucked into a backpack, most commonly for use on snakes, snapping turtles, and other vermin. 400 gp, 1d8 damage, 1.5 lb, Range 70/210/1400, Reload 6, Pierce 0, Misfire 1, light, loading, Cartridge. [Based on S&W Model 34 Kit Gun, .22 Long Rifle (USA, 1936-1991).]

Holdout Revolver. This double action pocket revolver is one of the smallest available, with a snub nose 1.9“ barrel, and was intended for individuals who commonly carried a concealed weapon, such as detectives and police chiefs. Some use it as a backup gun, wearing it in an ankle holster. 475 gp, 2d6 damage, 1.5 lb, Range 90/270/1000, Reload 5, Pierce 1, Misfire 1, light, covert, loading, Cartridge. [Based on S&W Model 36 Chief’s Special, .38 Special (USA, 1950-1999).]

Hunting Rifle: A reliable bolt-action rifle commonly equipped with an aftermarket telescoping sight. 750 gp, 7d10 damage, 8 lb, Range 1100/2200/4500, Reload 5, Pierce 1, Misfire 1, Accuracy 1, loading, two-handed, Cartridge. [Based on Winchester Model 70, .30-06 Springfield (USA, 1937-2006).]

Lever-Action Rifle: A smokeless-powder version of a long-time favorite; popular amongst prison guards, and often found in closets or pickup trucks. 450 gp, 6d8 damage, 7 lb, Range 900/1800/3700, Reload 5+1, Pierce 1, Misfire 1, Accuracy 1, loading, two-handed, Cartridge. [Based on Winchester Model 1894, .30-30 Winchester (USA, 1895-2006).]

Semi-Automatic Rifle: The rifle that helped win World War II, if you believe the marketing department. 510 gp, 7d10 damage, 10 lb, Range 1100/2200/4500, Reload 8, Pierce 1, Misfire 1, Accuracy 1, loading, two-handed, Cartridge. [Based on Springfield M1 Garand, .30-06 Springfield (USA, 1937-1957).]

Magazine Rifle: Common as a hunting weapon or in the hands of law enforcement, this weapon breaks down into two parts for easy stowage, and can take 10, 15, or 20 round magazine extensions. 800 gp, 5d12 damage, 8 lb, Range 800/1600/3500, Reload 5, Pierce 1, Misfire 1, Accuracy 1, loading, two-handed, Cartridge. [Based on Remington Model 8, .35 Remington (USA, 1906-1936).]

Carbine Rifle: Designed for vehicle crews as a firearm with longer range than a pistol but without the bulk of a rifle. 400 gp, 4d10 damage, 6 lb, Range 300/900/2100, Reload 15+1, Pierce 1, Misfire 1, Accuracy 1, loading, two-handed, Cartridge. [Based on Winchester M1, .30 M1 Carbine (USA, 1942-1945).]

Military Rifle: This fine rifle spread worldwide on Earth as both a military weapon and a sporting gun, and was very well designed for its time. 900 gp, 7d10 damage, 9 lb, Range 1100/2200/4500, Reload 5, Pierce 1, Misfire 1, Accuracy 1, loading, two-handed, Cartridge. [Based on Springfield M1903, .30-06 Springfield (USA, 1906-1943).]

Concealed Semi-Automatic: This tiny single-action pistol is small enough for easy concealment in a vest or pants pocket, and is sometimes issued to high-ranking officers because it is small and light enough not to crease a uniform. Commonly, it is the second (or third, or fourth) pistol of people who are much better armed. [Based on FN-Browning Mle 1906, .25 ACP (Belgium, 1906-1959).]

Stock Semi-Automatic: This semi-automatic pistol has a detachable 1.3 pound wooden shoulder stock, which is hollow to allow the gun to be stored inside, and can serve as a belt holster. Removing the pistol from the stock is a Use Item action, as is attaching the stock to the pistol (or both can be done with a Full Round Action.) [Based on Mauser C96, 7.63x25mm Mauser (Germany, 1897-1943).]

Classic Semi-Automatic: This semi-automatic pistol has an unusual optional 32-round “snail-drum” magazine that dramatically extends the firearm's ammo count at the expense of reliability (304 gp, Misfire 3, Reload 32+1 if used.) [Based on Luger P08 Parabellum, 9x19mm Parabellum (Germany, 1908-1946).]

Government Semi-Automatic: This big, single-action semi-automatic is probably the most extensively customized and modified weapon in history, made popular by the United States military and world-famous. [Based on Colt Government, .45 ACP (USA, 1912-).]

Investigator's Semi-Automatic: This compact weapon is world-famous as the trademark weapon of international secret agents as well as concealed-carry weapon for criminal investigators. [Based on Walther PPK, .32 ACP (Germany, 1931-1999).]

Automatic Hammerless Shotgun: A heavy, double-barreled break-open breech-loader used by hunters, express messengers, prison guards, and Mafia assassins. Both barrels can be fired simultaneously without penalty. The barrels on some older weapons are unsafe for use with modern smokeless propellant; a Misfire roll of 1 means the gun explodes, causing 1d6 explosive damage to the firer. [Based on LeFever Automatic Hammerless, 10G 2.875” (USA, 1885-1919).]

Lever Action Shotgun: This riot shotgun has a four shot tube magazine plus room for one in the chamber, allowing more fumble-free firepower than a double-barreled weapon, and with a familiar lever-action operation. [Based on Winchester Model 1887, 10G 2.875” (USA, 1887-1899).]

Pump Action Shotgun: This shotgun lacks a disconnector - it can be fired by keeping the trigger pressed and pumping the action. It has been produced in every grade from military plain to elaborately engraved and mounted, with many options available. [Based on Winchester Model 1897, 12G 2.75” (USA, 1898-1957).]

Sawed Off Shotgun: This factory-made sawed-off shotgun is a hammerless double-barreled 'whippet' gun with short barrels, no stock, and a pistol grip. It can be worn in a holster or carried under a coat, and while aimed at the police market, was also popular for home protection. [Based on Ithaca Auto & Burglar, 20G 2.5” (USA, 1922-1934).]

Featherlight Shotgun: This lightweight pump-action shotgun is unique in that it ejects spent shells downwards rather than to the side. It is popular amongst 20th century American law enforcement. [Based on Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight, 12G 2.75” (USA, 1937-).]

Advanced Firearms

Howdah Pistol. Originally designed for tiger hunters riding on elephant howdahs, this hammerless handgun has four barrels bored into a single rectangular block. Its unique and fast double-action-only trigger allows for rapid fire but not significant accuracy. The four-shot limit can be awkward, but the multi-barrel rotating lock system was practically malfunction-proof. [Based on Lancaster Howdah, .476 Enfield, (U.K., 1885-1900).]

Magnum Revolver. “The most powerful handgun in the world” when it was introduced, this weapon is a large-frame double action revolver with a 6” barrel. [Based on S&W Model 27, .357 Magnum (USA, 1935-1994).]

Automatic Revolver. While usually a fictional misconception, there actually was an automatic revolver in production at one point; the entire upper part – including barrel and cylinder – recoiled back in grooves on the frame, recocking the hammer and rotating the cylinder. This lowered recoil but reduced reliability. It is reloaded with a full moon eight round clip. Based on Webley-Fosbery Automatic Mk I, .38 ACP (U.K., 1901-1924).]

Anti-Tank Rifle: This powerful rifle is perfect for use against armored vehicles – or gargantuan monsters! Five feet long, it is fired from an integral bipod while prone. It is so powerful that it is capable of inflicting damage on the shooter; the recoil may inflict damage to the shooter's shoulder! [Based on Mauser Tank-Gewehr 18, 13x92mmSR Mauser (Germany, 1918).]

Automatic Rifle: This heavy full-automatic rifle is designed to be fired from the hip or shoulder, and is perfectly capable of tearing apart people and vehicles with horrifying ease. [Based on Browning M1918 BAR, .30-06 Springfield (USA, 1918-1924).]

Elephant Rifle: The world's most powerful hunting rifle of its time, and extremely expensive, this uses a round that is over half an inch thick, capable of bringing down even the most fearsome of beasts. [Based on H&H Royal Double-Express, .600 Nitro Express (U.K., 1903-1974).]

Machine Pistol: The first true SMG, this weapon makes use of the same 32-round snail drum magazine used by the Classic Semi-Automatic, but fires them much more quickly. [Based on Bergmann MP18/I, 9¥19mm Parabellum (Germany, 1918).]