R - Powdersong Aspirant

  "Nearly half of the humans who ingest blackpowder die. I've seen what happens, and I promise you there are very few deaths I would not choose instead of that fate. But of those those who survive, they are now bound to the blackpowder, and with that devotion they are on a path to becoming far deadlier than any human has any right to be."

  Perhaps one of the most curious biological discoveries in recent centuries has been the observation that a small percentage of the human species has the ability to ingest small amounts of blackpowder without suffering from the toxic poisoning that nearly all other species suffer. What's even more astonishing, is the effect blackpowder has on the human anatomy when ingested in this manner - elevating the human's physical attributes to a preternatural level.

  While further study on the phenomena known as "powdersong" is required to separate fact from rumour, there have been numerous stories of humans displaying astonishing feats of agility and strength when allegedly under the effects of blackpowder. As blackpowder is a controlled substance in most of the empire, those addicted to it are quick to fall into a life of crime in order to feed their habit, which in turn forces them to rely on the substance to empower them further - therefore feeding their destructive circle even more.







Adversary 1: Upgrade the difficulty of all Combat and Social checks targeting this adversary once.

Longshot : Once per encounter, before making a combat check using the Gunnery skill, a Powdersong Aspirant may increase their weapon's range by one range band until the end of that combat check.

        Powdersense: Once per encounter, a Powdersong Aspirant can make an Average (dd) Discipline check to determine the exact location and quantity of any substantial amounts of blackpowder within medium range, uncancelled aa or t can be used to detonate this blackpowder as if it was a successful attack made with the Improvised Explosive weapon)

Honor & Grit : Once per encounter, when this adversary exceeds their wound threshold, they can immediately attempt a Hard (ddd) Discipline check as an out-of-turn incidental, healing 1 wound per s; if this reduces this adversary's wounds below their threshold it does become incapacitated and continues fighting.

 
Weapons
Short Sword : Melee - Light; Damage 5 (Slashing Critical 3; Range [Engaged]; Accurate 1
Slug Rifle : Gunnery: Damage 5 (Piercing Critical 4; Range [Medium]; Inaccurate 2, Loud, Powerful
Standard Pistol : Gunnery: Damage 4 (Piercing Critical 4; Range [Medium]; Inaccurate 1, Loud, Powerful
  Armour & Gear
Heavy Clothing : Medium Armor: Soak +1; Defense +0;   Potential Sundries
10 Silver Standards
Rations X 4
Ammunition - Pistol X2
Ammunition - Rifle X1


 

Roleplaying Suggestions

General Behaviors

Powdersong Aspirants are typically newly exposed to blackpowder and still struggling to control their newfound abilities. Most are found either working with organized military or mercenary groups, while others may have instead joined up with criminal elements in order to both capitalize on their new abilities and ensure steady access to the substance that now dominates their lives.  

Combat Behaviors

A powdersong's connection to blackpowder is most obvious in their marked proficiency with blackpowder-based firearms. Most carry long rifles and a sidearm pistol, however, it is not unheard of for some to choose to wield two pistols at the same time in lieu of the rifle. A Powdersong Aspirant will tend to choose a covered position thank provides a clean firing line against their enemies - hopefully, so they can take them by surprise with their unexpected precision. A Powdersong Aspirant will attempt to keep this distance whenever they can, but will not hesitate to engage in melee combat with their blackpowder enhanced strength and speed.

  Lastly, a Powdersong Aspirant's connection to blackpowder allows them to reach out with their sense and feel for any blackpowder within medium range. This can be useful for them to hunt down or avoid adversaries who carry blackpowder on their person and can even be used through most walls and floors. If they roll particularly well on the Discipline check required for this ability, they can also detonate the blackpowder as if it were an explosive device - potentially causing massive amounts of damage with a single action. Be careful when using this ability against the players themselves however, especially if they are not familiar with the concept of Powdersinging in this setting. Unless they have another Powdersong in their party who can shape a detonation they will feel there was nothing they could have done to prevent the damage - and a well timed explosion of blackpowder can be enough to wipe a party.

Social Behaviors

Most consider the use of blackpowder in this manner to be either dangerous and disgusting, and as such most powdersongs tend to to do their best to hide both their addiction and subsequent abilities until they are certain there is a defined advantage in revealing them.

  As the reputation for these rare abilities grows however, many are turning their gaze and influence onto this practice to better understand it. While the practice is still far too uncommon to pose a significant threat to the political landscape of Alwaus, any power gained by humanity as a species should be met with suspicion and a measured hand - lest they once again decide that this world belongs to them and them alone.