Solarion Solar Flare + Operative Pistol Whip

[Ventnor]

So, here's kind of an odd question. One of the new Solarian solar manifestations released in the Character Operations Manual, the Solar Flare, "functions as a one-handed uncategorized small arm." Does that functionality allow it to be used to make Pistol Whip melee attacks, as per the Pistol Whip Operative exploit released in the Armory?

[Pantshandshake]

Maybe?

I would allow it if you described it in an exceptionally cool way, other GMs may or may not. I'd expect table variation in home games, and probably a no from a Society GM.

[Gary Bush]

I would say that the Solar Flare functions like, but is not, a small arms. Therefore, it could not be used with the Pistol Whip exploit.

But Panshandshake is correct, it is a GM's call so talk with your GM.

[BigNorseWolf]

I don't think so.

"Flavor" text matters. it gives you the big picture of what the ability is an how it works, in no small part of how its supposed to interact with things they didn't plan on it interacting with.

With pistol whip you take the gun and beat someone on the head with it. Its a staple of every western to 1930s flick where you need the hero to lose but not die.

With solar flare you don't actually have a pistol. you're just shooting light beams. It's like a pistol but not... and in this case I think the not matters.