Items · Ranged Weapons · Heroic
Cowpoke
That there is a big gun, partner... Sure is. Feeling lucky? Uh...no
Cowpoke is an old black powder revolver, with a long barrel, and a heavy packing rod attached underneath it. The weapon fires a substancial .50 calibre bullet capable of knocking a cow off of its feet at close range. The black powder and paper charge is placed in the bottom-most chamber and the packing rob is pumped down, packing the powder in tightly. The bullet is them dropped down inside the chamber, and lightly packed.
This is the main sidearm of Dan the Dastardly Dog, and has an interesting history. The gun has served with distinction and valor in many conflicts, but since it came into Dans paws, the weapon has only fired once. Any other time he pulls the heavy trigger, nothing happens as the gun fouls, or jams, much to the wielders consternation.
The one time it has fired, Dan was escaping from pursuers, and his only hope was that the gun would fire and set off a wagon packed down with powder. The gun fired, and the wagon exploded. Since that day, the weapon has never fired.
Magical Properties:
Game terms: Cowpoke will only fire if pointed at a suitable dramatic target, and only if there is no other way out. The character also has to use the weapon in desperation, knowing it wont fire. Suitable circumstances include shooting a hangmans rope while a friend dangles from it, shooting out the wheel of a speeding wagon, and such. The weapon will NEVER fire if the intended target is another living being.
I know this isnt the general fare, but I couldnt resist. Ride high, LawDawg!
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- Dan the Dastardly Dog by Scrasamax Bound
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Excellent!
Nice power- I love that idea! I suppose you could do it with a crossbow or something...
4/5.
5/5 I *love* it.
Great, absolutely great. The 'dramatic' stipulation is really good. I'll have to think of a way to fit something like that into a fantasy setting.
Two thumbs up (makes me sorta wish I had more thumbs!)
I guess it could work with any weapon capable of wreaking havoc...
Purty good if I do say so mu'self.
5/5
I love it as an item, I really do, but I don't think it is playable.
Think about it: If it never works, who would try to use in extremis? (OK, maybe it is only my players that forget everything in their packs when under duress...) Conversely, if anybody did try it in the appropriate circumstances and thus figured out how it worked and described its unique power, then it would never work for anyone who heard the description - and it's certainly the kind of story that would get around!
oy vey, I feel like I'm kicking a cute puppy...
Never mind, forget what I said - I love it!
I like it a lot, almost enough to bump it up a grade. I'm not into guns in my games, but thats just preference. If I were to use it I reckon it would be an NPC, because as pointed out, most players wouldnt use a nonworking gun in dire conditions.
great write-up.
very amusing, heroic, and nicely nuanced
A nifty item for the right game setting. This idea could be used elsewhere.
short and sweet, nice item