Arcane Cartridges are specialized rounds designed for use in magical firearms like the Eclipse Longrifle and other ranged weapons infused with magical properties. These custom-crafted bullets are created by fusing rare materials, arcane crystals, and mechanical components, allowing the rounds to channel elemental forces or magical energy upon firing. These cartridges are not simply mundane projectiles; they are carefully crafted pieces of arcane engineering that unlock the full potential of magical firearms.
Arcane Cartridges come in several types, each imbued with a specific elemental or magical effect. They are highly sought after by artificers, gunslingers, and adventurers who seek to enhance their ranged combat capabilities. These cartridges require specialized crafting techniques and can only be produced by those with deep knowledge of both magical enchantments and firearm technology.
Types of Arcane Cartridges:
- Standard Arcane Cartridge
- Damage: 2d6 piercing damage
- Effect: This is a basic, magical round designed for general use. It enhances the power of the firearm, adding +1 to the attack and damage rolls when used with magical firearms. It is the default ammunition type, providing a reliable and steady stream of damage.
- Explosive Arcane Cartridge
- Damage: 2d6 piercing + 1d6 thunder damage
- Effect: Upon impact, the explosive round detonates in a burst of concussive force. The target and creatures within 5 feet must make a Dexterity saving throw (DC 14) or take full thunder damage. On a successful save, they take half damage. This cartridge is ideal for dealing with multiple enemies or targets that are grouped together.
- Frost Arcane Cartridge
- Damage: 2d6 piercing damage + 1d6 cold damage
- Effect: The cold-infused round deals additional frost damage, and the target must make a Constitution saving throw (DC 14) or have their movement speed reduced by 10 feet until the end of their next turn. This cartridge is perfect for slowing down enemies or dealing extra damage to fire-based creatures or those vulnerable to cold.
- Lightning Arcane Cartridge
- Damage: 2d6 piercing damage + 1d6 lightning damage
- Effect: Upon impact, the round unleashes a surge of electrical energy. The target must make a Dexterity saving throw (DC 15) or be stunned until the end of their next turn. On a successful save, the target takes half the lightning damage and is not stunned. This cartridge is highly effective against mechanical creatures, constructs, or foes with an affinity for electricity.
- Incendiary Arcane Cartridge
- Damage: 2d6 piercing damage + 1d6 fire damage
- Effect: This cartridge is imbued with fire magic. Upon hitting a target, the round causes an explosion of fire, dealing additional fire damage. The target must make a Dexterity saving throw (DC 14) or catch fire, taking 1d6 fire damage at the start of their turn for 1 minute. This effect can be extinguished by spending an action to douse the flames. The Incendiary Arcane Cartridge is excellent for enemies with low resistance to fire.
- Poison Arcane Cartridge
- Damage: 2d6 piercing damage + 1d6 poison damage
- Effect: The poison-laced round injects a toxic substance upon impact. The target must make a Constitution saving throw (DC 15) or become poisoned for 1 minute. While poisoned in this way, the target takes an additional 1d6 poison damage at the start of each of their turns. The poison can be neutralized with the Lesser Restoration spell or similar magic. This cartridge is effective for weakening powerful enemies over time.
- Arcane Barrage Cartridge (Rare)
- Damage: 3d6 piercing damage (spread over multiple targets)
- Effect: This special multi-shot cartridge fires a burst of magic at multiple targets. The round explodes on impact, allowing the wielder to target up to 3 creatures within 15 feet of each other. Each target must make a Dexterity saving throw (DC 16) or take full damage. On a successful save, they take half damage. This cartridge is perfect for dealing with groups of enemies or spreading damage across multiple foes.
- Void Arcane Cartridge (Legendary)
- Damage: 3d12 piercing damage + 2d6 necrotic damage
- Effect: This high-powered round is infused with the energy of the void, dealing massive damage to both the body and soul of the target. Upon impact, the target must make a Constitution saving throw (DC 17) or take an additional 2d6 necrotic damage and be affected by the Horrified condition (disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks) for 1 minute. On a successful save, they take only the piercing damage. The Void Arcane Cartridge is devastating against creatures with high resistance or immunity to elemental damage, as it bypasses certain resistances.
Crafting Arcane Cartridges:
Crafting Arcane Cartridges requires a special workshop equipped for both magical and mechanical crafting, as well as access to rare materials like elemental essences, arcane crystals, and enchanted metals. Artificers are typically the only individuals capable of crafting these cartridges, as it requires knowledge of both magic and weaponry.
The cost of crafting an Arcane Cartridge depends on the rarity and complexity of the round. Standard cartridges cost approximately 5-10 gold pieces to craft, while explosive, frost, or lightning rounds can cost 25-50 gold pieces per round. Rare and legendary cartridges require additional rare ingredients, such as poison sacs from deadly creatures, lightning-infused ores, or void energy crystals, making them far more expensive.
General Use of Arcane Cartridges:
Arcane Cartridges are compatible with firearms that have been designed to accept magical ammunition, such as the Bad News Rifle or other custom-made magical firearms. Each cartridge is single-use, and the wielder must load a new round after each shot, requiring an action to reload in the heat of combat.
Because of their potent magical nature, Arcane Cartridges are often in high demand among spellcasters, gunslingers, and adventurers who wish to exploit their versatile effects. They provide a unique advantage in battle, combining the raw power of firearms with the strategic versatility of magic.
Summary of Cartridge Types:
- Standard Arcane Cartridge: +1 to attack and damage rolls.
- Explosive Arcane Cartridge: 2d6 piercing + 1d6 thunder damage.
- Frost Arcane Cartridge: 2d6 piercing + 1d6 cold damage.
- Lightning Arcane Cartridge: 2d6 piercing + 1d6 lightning damage, stun effect.
- Incendiary Arcane Cartridge: 2d6 piercing + 1d6 fire damage, ignite target.
- Poison Arcane Cartridge: 2d6 piercing + 1d6 poison damage, poison effect.
- Arcane Barrage Cartridge: 3d6 piercing, affects up to 3 targets.
- Void Arcane Cartridge: 3d12 piercing + 2d6 necrotic damage, Horrified
Arcane Cartridges provide a powerful and flexible ammunition system for magical firearms, allowing their wielders to harness the elemental forces of the world and deal with enemies in highly effective ways.
Notes: Damage, Combat
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