Matt Mercer Adding the Gunslinger to 5E D&D

July 4, 2016

First off a thank you to Matt Mercer of Critical Role fame for giving us this fighter archetype 5th Edition Dungeons and Dragons. A little while back he put together the gunslinger and put it up on the DMs Guild where you can buy it for pay what you want- Here.

Nerdarchy did a review of the gunslinger on YouTube.

Now there are some really cool features that Matt Mercer comes up with for the gunslinger. He makes sure to reintroduce grit from the original Pathfinder class back into it, but I’m not really sure it’s necessary. I do love the fact that he’s got the miss fire chance it there.

How I’d do a Gunslinger

Also as I mentioned the vid there is an alternative to the Matt Mercer fighter archetype. Simply if a player had their heart set on playing a gunslinger and I didn’t want to buy or use the one from Critical Role I’d modify the battle master fighter archetype.

First off replace the artisan tools the battle master gets at third level with tinker tools or gunsmiths tools and make them proficient in firearms. Depends how specific you want to get with things with the tools.

Second I’d make a feat version of crossbow expert for firearms. It would work exactly like crossbow expert, but with firearms instead I know tricky right or even just leave it the same and allow it to apply to firearms.

Thirdly there is no third that is it.

The only thing I’d probably create whole clothe for a gunslinger in my game is the miss fire chance. First off I’d just make it happen on a critical fumble.

Here a sample miss fire table I might use in my game.

1d10 Gunslinger Miss Fire Table

1 Gun Explodes– Critical weapon damage to everyone within 5′ of the gun DC 12 dexterity save for half damage. Weapon is destroyed.

2 Gun Jams– DC 10 gunsmiths/tinkers tools check to unjam. (requires an action)

3 Unexpected Recoil– Gun jumps and hits the wielder unless they make a DC 12 strength saving throw or take 1d6 bludgeoning damage.

4 Misfire– Shot targets random target in range including the wielder. Make a new attack roll on that target.

5 Over Heats– Wielder take 1d6 fire damage or drops weapon.

6 Gun Fly’s From Hand– 1d6x10ft. In a random direction.

7 Minor Jam– DC 10 gunsmith’s/tinker’s tools to unjam. (requires bonus action)

8 Wild Ricochet– The shot hits the target or near doing no damage, but comes back at the wielder. Make attack on yourself.

9 It’s a Smoker– A puff of smoke blows into the wielders face DC 12 Dexterity save or blinded until the end of your next turn.

10 It’s a Close One– Nothing happens the shot doesn’t fire and can cleared as your interaction with an object.

No matter which direction you choose adding a little tech to your fantasy game can be a lot of fun. Feel free to leave your thoughts on the gunslinger in the comments below.