Shock Maul

Overview

A compact, one-handed maul with a crowned striking head and embedded discharge rails. In standard mode it delivers concussive force with a crackling aftershock; when tethered to a power source it becomes a true crowd-breaker.

Description

• Form: Short haft, knurled grip, vented steel head with copper/steel electrodes.
• Coupler: Locking power jack at the pommel for cable or pack cell.
• Indicators: Small lumen stripe shows idle → armed → live.

Properties (rules)

• Weapon type: One-handed melee (treat as a mace/club equivalent for proficiency).
• Damage (unpowered): 1d6 bludgeoning + 1d4 lightning.
• Powered Mode (tethered): Lightning damage becomes 1d6. On a critical hit, the target is stunned until the start of its next turn.
• Connect / Disconnect: Requires 30 seconds of uninterrupted work (~5 rounds) to attach or remove the power line or pack.
• Notes: The maul functions normally if the cable is severed—simply reverts to unpowered damage.

(No charges to track; either tethered or not.)

Use & Tactics

• Riot control / shock troops: Open with powered strikes to fish for crits; once engaged, you can drop the cable to regain full mobility.
• Duelists: Pair with a shield or off-hand tool; the maul’s lightning helps punch through hardy targets.