Gunblade

The Gunblade Specialist is a unique and deadly subclass that combines the prowess of swords and guns, allowing the character to unleash devastating attacks from both melee and ranged distances. These adventurers have mastered the art of gunblade combat, becoming a force to be reckoned with on any battlefield. They are skilled in channeling magic through their weapons, infusing their strikes with elemental power or mystical energy.

Firearm Proficiency

At 3rd level, the Gunblade Specialist gains proficiency with firearms. They become adept at using pistols, muskets, and other ranged weapons, adding their proficiency bonus to attack rolls made with such weapons.

Gunblade Mastery

Upon choosing this archetype at 3rd level, you gain proficiency with Tinker’s Tools. You may use them to craft ammunition at half the cost, repair damaged firearms, or even draft and create new ones (DM’s discretion). Some extremely experimental and intricate firearms are only available through crafting.

Gunblade Mastery: At 3rd level, the Gunblade Specialist learns how to wield a gunblade, a specialized weapon that combines a melee blade with a built-in firearm. When wielding a gunblade, the character gains the following benefits:

1. Bladed Shot: As a bonus action, the Gunblade Specialist can make a melee attack with their gunblade. If the attack hits, the character can make a ranged firearm attack against the same target without expending additional ammunition.

2. Enhanced Reload: The character can reload their firearm component of the gunblade as part of the same bonus action used for Bladed Shot.

Ammunition

All firearms require ammunition to make an attack, and due to their rare nature, ammunition may be near impossible to find or purchase. However, if materials are gathered, you can craft ammunition yourself using your Tinker’s Tools at half the cost. Each firearm uses its own unique ammunition and is generally sold or crafted in batches listed below next to the price.

Elemental Infusion

Starting at 6th level, the Gunblade Specialist gains the ability to channel elemental magic into their gunblade attacks. As a bonus action, the character can imbue their gunblade with one of the following elements: fire, ice, lightning, or acid. The next attack they make with the gunblade will deal an additional 1d6 damage of the chosen element type.

Storm of Blades and Bullets

At 10th level, the Gunblade Specialist has honed their skills to perform a deadly combination of melee and ranged attacks. Once per turn, when the character makes a melee attack with their gunblade, they can also make a ranged firearm attack against a different target within range. This allows the character to efficiently engage multiple foes in both melee and ranged combat.

Magical Fusion

Upon reaching 15th level, the Gunblade Specialist achieves a profound mastery over their weapon's magical properties. Whenever the character uses Elemental Infusion, they can choose two elements instead of one. The next attack with the gunblade will deal an additional 2d6 damage, one for each chosen element, you can reload any firearm as a bonus action.

Storm of Destruction

At 18th level, the Gunblade Specialist reaches the pinnacle of their combat prowess. Once per short or long rest, the character can unleash the true potential of their gunblade. For one minute, the character gains the following benefits:

1. Blade Torrent: When the character takes the Attack action, they can make an additional melee attack with their gunblade.

2. Bullet Barrage: The character can make a ranged firearm attack as a bonus action, without expending additional ammunition.

3. Elemental Onslaught: All gunblade attacks made during this duration are infused with elemental power, dealing an extra 2d6 damage of the chosen element types.