Mechanik’s Union

Overpriced powder and far to many shoddy firearms has led a number of inventive gunsmiths to turn their minds towards less resource intensive ballistics. The most, or to some minds least, common of these devices has been the gearbow. But a natural progression of crossbow dynamics, coupled with a few interesting advances in dredging suits and pressure valves has resulted in the production of pneumatic bows. This is one of the many designs now circulating amongst the Union and freelance mechaniks.

This device holds the same basic stock as a crossbow, but bares a distinct resemblance to an elongated pistol due to its compact design.  A striped down metal stock holds a solid black pressure canister, whose sealed hose runs past the trigger to a hand pump underneath the barrel. The pump is mounted on a solid fixed slide which allows the user to grip it with a free hand and force it back to compress air into the canister. A circular steam gauge running from green to red increments sprouts of the side of the stock above the trigger to show the overall pressure remaining in the canister.

The barrel itself is actually 8 individual metal tubes mounted on a rotating clockcoil ratchet similar to the Cygnaran Long Rifle. Each barrel rotates clockwise to place a single barrel in line with the ingenious valve mechanism above the trigger. When the trigger is pulled a burst of compressed gas ejects the steel bolt within the tube towards the intended target. Compared to the distinctive thrum of a bowstring or the staccato crack of a pistol retort, this gas release system makes next to no sound, endearing it to the less reputable purveyor of ranged perforation. Releasing the trigger once pulled simultaneously unlocks the rotating ratchet so the next barrel can slot into place. This means the wielder of this weapon can use their full number of attacks (up to 8 of course).

The 8 barrel wheel can be removed when a small latch-lever is released on the side of the weapon, allowing the wheel to be slid off its central pin and replaced with a loaded one as a full round action involving a skill check to rewind the coil. The bolts themselves are typically solid steel rods with squared-off piercing tips to increase the air integrity of the barrel. This is unfortunately one of the reasons the device performs admirably over short to mid ranges, but poorly over longer distances. This weapon is light when compared to repeating crossbows or heavier variants, and its cut down stock and barrels lets it be easily slung from a belt or under a greatcoat. It cannot be fired one handed without the exotic weapon proficiency, it can be used two handed as a martial weapon.

Exotic Weapon Pneumatic Crossbow:-

• Damage: 1d8
• Range: 50ft
• Critical: 19-20 x2
• Ammo: 8 bolts per wheel [2gp.]
• Reload: 1 full round action [Craft: Clockwork DC 6]
• Pressure: The compression chamber must be pumped for one full round (6 seconds) per shot, the steel canister can hold up to 8 shots worth of pressure at any one time. Shots taken with half the necessary pressure reduce range and damage done by half.
• Weight: 4lb.
• Cost: 475gp
• Special: Power Shot [1d8+3 | 18-20 x3 | 80ft ] by over-pressurizing the compression canister with a Strength check (DC 18) as a full round action, the first shot from the bow has added penetrating power. However the safety valves built into the chamber slowly release the pressure back to normal levels to avoid a rupture. After 1d6 rounds the bow must be over-pressurized again to perform the Power Shot.
• Available Upgrades –  Embellishment [10-200gp], Large Canister (18 shots) [200gp]