Gunslinger

In the land of Gristhaia, gunpowder is uncommon in certain areas, but the age of black powder is definitely arriving, and with it, a whole new method of combat. Pioneering these methods of combat are the gunslingers, daring and cunning triggermen who perform unbelievable acts. Whether they be soldiers of fortune, noble and just lawmen, or dastardly desperados is up to the individual at hand.

The chemical components of gunpowder are fairly simple, and it was one of the first alchemical compounds discovered. The recipe usually consists of a fuel, usually charcoal and sulfur, mixed with an oxidizer of saltpeter. More powerful and exotic recipes exist, but the materials can be costly, the most popular alternative being plasticized nitrated cellulose. The practical uses of gunpowder in man portable firearms is somewhat new, as the machining technology and materials sciences involved are relatively young. The rifled musket and pistol have only existed for 50 years, and revolvers, brass cartridges, and repeating firearms have just arrived on the scene. When alchemists are able to procure materials that can withstand higher chamber pressures of combustion like arcane forged steel, adamantine or obdurium, they are able to create much more powerful alchemical compounds to propel their projectiles, without fear of chamber explosions. The ballistic **** of a bullet can easily blast its way through hide or armor, to damage the target within it.

With the advent of the arcane blast furnace, as well as the use of magical or alchemical alteration of compounds and compositions, steelmaking has improved drastically, as has the procurement and refinement of other more exotic metals. This is the sole reason for the advent of personal firearms. Cannons naturally have thick walls that can withstand the pressures of black powder, but to miniaturize it, you must be able to create a monolithic piece of steel that can be machined to precise dimensions and remain strong under **** stress. Now each nation-state within Gristhaia fields a small to medium sized **** of gunmen.

While other classes may use firearms, notably fighters, alchemists, and artificers, a gunslinger is a true natural. They can perform deeds that confound the eye and boggle the mind. Their ability to switch between high stakes close combat gunslinging, to calm long-distance sniping is remarkable, and makes them a **** to be reckoned with. Some gunslingers also have a penchant for siege equipment. Their ability to find the weakness in a fortified structure is uncanny, and is a bane to those who would entrench themselves in a walled castle or entrenchment. Gunslingers are capable of great versatility, for an individual gunslinger may have multiple talents.

Gunslingers are often motivated by individual glory, wealth, and fame, though they could also be motivated by other reasons. They can often be found employed as soldiers of fortune, assassins, elite soldiers, and adventurers. They seem to have a universal wanderlust that is hard to sate, with many rambling gunslingers moving from place to place. Many own their own horses for this purpose, as traveling by foot is exhausting, and those carriages and chariots are regarded as too fancy and high falutin for most gunslingers.

Gunslingers lend themselves well to adventuring, as they can provide valuable fire support to any party. Their ability to pierce armor at close range is invaluable, as is their proclivity towards actions that defy the odds. Their grit and determination make them advantageous for questing and the like, and they can often serve as the charismatic face of the party, being equally dashing and daring smooth talkers. Their unpredictability serves them well in the tumultuous land that is Gristhaia.