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I'm writing up an adventure for my group and I'm going to try for a post-apocolyptic feel (I'm thinking deadlands: hell on earth). I want to have access to firearms, but not so much that they're the ONLY weapon anyone takes. My first thought is to have firearms function like repeating crossbows. Rifles would be heavy repeating crossbows, pistols would be light repeating crossbows, and the hand crossbow would be the derringer (low damage backup weapon). They would have the same damage and crit stats, but proficiency would be martial and cost would be for a standard crossbow (since all firearms would be repeating). Additionally, pistols could be used either at range or in "melee" combat (much like a dagger).
Now here's what I would be doing to limit their use. Ammunition would essentially become the new money for this world. Rifle cartridges would be GP, pistol cartridges would be SP, and brass casings would be CP. I believe that this would still allow people to use them, but would limit their use in such a way that traditional hand-to-hand weapons would still be required.
A new skill, craft(gunsmith), would allow for shells to be reloaded (provided there is access to gunpowder and lead) and for firearms to be repaired.
Thoughts?
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Interesting idea on the cartridges as cash. Fits the setting really nicely. Might be too restricting if they're unable to use normal crossbows, bows, or other ranged weapons. ... In fact, at low levels, that's nearly crippling if they're going to use firearms at all, which would make me say to increase the damage, except that later on it would be negligible and too easy on them.
Kobold Quarterly 13, Tome of Secrets by Adamant Entertainment, and From Stone to Steel by Monkeygod Enterprises all have firearms rules. I think the Tome of Secrets one is available as a free supplement, potentially, too. They're varying levels of harsh, ToS is probably nicest to the players, From Steel to Stone you're gonna die if you have anything but a flintlock. You may want to check some of those out.
My thought was that, at higher levels they would have access to more powerful weapons. Maybe rocket launchers that cost a PP per round to fire or high rate of fire weapons that come with reduced accuracy, essentially forcing them to choose between increased firepower at an increased cost or being more conservative with their money. They will also have other things to spend money on as the game progresses such as vehicles and armor.
As a free supplement, it wouldn't hurt to at least check this out.
And, you know, I have to say, don't forget about the actual firearms rules in the Pathfinder Campaign Setting. Nothing unbalancing there at all -just nice, simple and easy.
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And, you know, I have to say, don't forget about the actual firearms rules in the Pathfinder Campaign Setting. Nothing unbalancing there at all -just nice, simple and easy.
I haven't seen it. The impression I got was that they were muzzle-loaders, which gives them increased damage since they can only be fired once a round. With the post-apoc feel I am going for, I would want more "modern" firearms combined with the sword and sorcery feel. Sounds kinda weird, I know, but I think it can be done.
I haven't seen it. The impression I got was that they were muzzle-loaders, which gives them increased damage since they can only be fired once a round. With the post-apoc feel I am going for, I would want more "modern" firearms combined with the sword and sorcery feel. Sounds kinda weird, I know, but I think it can be done.
If you don't mind spending the money (cheaply!) on a used item, I strongly suggest checking this out. I ordered it a month ago myself and really like what I can use out of it. I'm thinking this is the niche you're going for?
d20 Apocalypse is the way to go if you don't mind a bit of converting.
That supplement introduces a barter system, where everything is based on 1 gallon of gas. 1 gallon of gas is one Trade Unit, 1 round of basic ammo is 1 TU, while more powerful ammo can cost as much as 4 TU.
d20 Apocalypse is the way to go if you don't mind a bit of converting.
That supplement introduces a barter system, where everything is based on 1 gallon of gas. 1 gallon of gas is one Trade Unit, 1 round of basic ammo is 1 TU, while more powerful ammo can cost as much as 4 TU.
Linkified pricings
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Interesting idea on the cartridges as cash. Fits the setting really nicely. Might be too restricting if they're unable to use normal crossbows, bows, or other ranged weapons. ... In fact, at low levels, that's nearly crippling if they're going to use firearms at all, which would make me say to increase the damage, except that later on it would be negligible and too easy on them.
Kobold Quarterly 13, Tome of Secrets by Adamant Entertainment, and From Stone to Steel by Monkeygod Enterprises all have firearms rules. I think the Tome of Secrets one is available as a free supplement, potentially, too. They're varying levels of harsh, ToS is probably nicest to the players, From Steel to Stone you're gonna die if you have anything but a flintlock. You may want to check some of those out.
Also, the way I envisioned the world, there would have been no need for crossbows (since they have the other hardware at their disposal) so they have simply fallen into disuse and are more of a curiosity than anything. There would be one group that refuses to use firearms (on GP), but they would stick to bows for range as crossbows remind them too much of the firearms they loathe.
Since you're going for a Deadlands theme why not pick up a copy of the d20 version of Deadlands to convert?
http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?cPath=167&products_id=11 35&it=1
