Artificer's Repeater

With the increasing application of explosive powders via alchemy and steam-driven constructs, the invention of more effective weaponry has led to the invention of the Artificer's Repeater. More efficient than a musket or a Thunder Cannon, the Artificer's Repeater packs less of a punch, but is much quicker to reload and use. After sufficient experience with the Repeater, a skilled craftsman can make adjustments and modifications to their weapon, adding the ability to use elemental-based ammunition, sights, blades, and any kind of contraption that the Artificer can think of.

Base Damage: 1d6+Dex Piercing (scales with level, adding an additional 1d6 every two levels).
Bonus Damage: Upon a critical hit, inflicts 2d4 bleed damage for 3 rounds. This increases to 2d6 at level 5, 2d8 at level 10, 4d6 at level 15, and 4d8 at level 20.

Unique Feature: "Artificer's Best Friend" - Because of the nature of attunement, the Artificer's Repeater can siphon experience from its wielder. The experience scale is 50% of the standard Experience scale in the PHB. Every time the wielder gains experience, 20% is siphoned off into the Artificer's Repeater. As the Repeater levels up, it grants the wielder +1 to all rolls, up to a maximum of +5.

Modifications:

Elemental Ammunition: Elemental ammunition can be crafted by introducing a representation of that element into the ammunition. The bond between the Repeater and its wielder allows for a broad selection. One magazine takes 2 hours to craft. The elements do not play well together, however, and each magazine must be of a single element. The amount crafted scales with the available number of charges.

Sights: While the style may vary, there are two main functions for Sights - Hardened Sights, and Scoped Sights. Only one can be utilized at a time, and while they can be changed the effort requires one hour of uninterrupted tinkering (can be halved with a successful DC 15 Constitution check).

- Hardened Sights: The addition of custom iron sights allow for swifter acquisition of a target. Advantage on targets within 30 feet. Disadvantage at ranges past 60ft. Does not provoke Attacks of Opportunity when in melee combat.

- Scoped Sights: Custom-cut crystals and glass grant a magnification and accuracy that would make the most skilled bowman envious. Advantage when target is 100 feet away or further. Disadvantage on shots made within 60ft. Allows for Attacks of Opportunity when in melee combat.

Blades: Many Artificers designed their weapons for utility, giving options in a myriad of situations. They frequently found that ranged engagements rarely stayed range, and equipped themselves accordingly. With this modification, a simple press of a button can bring a blade to bear. Crafting new blades requires 1d4 days at a blacksmith's forge to create the blade, and another 1d4 days to create the mechanism that houses it. Blades require one hour of uninterrupted tinkering to be removed or attached (can be halved with a successful DC 15 Constitution check). The form of the blade is as unique as the imagination of the wielder, but must conform to one of three sizes:

Small: Deals 1d4 damage. Can be engaged or disengaged as a free action.
Medium: Deals 2d4 damage. Can be engaged as a free action, but takes a movement action to disengage.
Large: Deals 2d6 damage. Can be engaged as a movement action, but takes a full round action to disengage, due to the size of the mechanism needed to support it. Consider the Repeater a 2-Handed weapon while the Large blade is attached.
(Note: The Repeater cannot fire while the blade attachment is activated).

The beauty of an Artificer's Repeater is that they are designed by nature to be modular, upgraded, and tinkered with. Consult your DM in order to design even more attachments and contraptions.

Proficiency with a Hand Crossbow allows you to add your proficiency bonus to the attack roll for any attack you make with it.

Notes: wielder spending 8 hours studying, analyzing, disassembling, and reassembling the Artificer's Repeater before being able to use it effectively., Ammunition, Light, Loading, Range, Vex