[Ultra-Tech] Weapons and kit for Flat Black

[Agemegos]

I've started another play-by-post game set in my Space/Ultra-Tech/Biotech setting FLAT BLACK, and Icelander has kindly (or perhaps obsessively) pulled the Gauss weapons in Ultra-Tech apart and put them together again in much larger calibres, to produce a smörgåsbord or electromagnetic mayhem. He has also statted out FLAT BLACK's brutal but surprisingly ineffective version of sonic stun weapons.

Here, for your delectation, and to reduce the overload on my game's [OOC] thread, are his results.

This thread is also suitable for other discussions of FLAT BLACK's technology, and especially its stats in GURPS.

Originally Posted by DryaUnda

What particular technology is available?

TL 10, with a little superscience.

There is an FTL drive with speeds about 1,000 c. The Empire is founded on a FTL tansportation monopoly.

There is no instantaneous radio, messages are carried by courier ships.

Antimatter for spaceship drives is a lot cheaper than Spaceships suggests.

Technological progress in 'Flat Black' is limited and slow. I do not project indefinite exponential progress in technology. GURPS suggests that we will have mature tech level 10, with laser smallarms and nanofabricating swarms of microscopic aerostats using atomic epitaxy to manufacture furniture out of thin air, by 2070. In short, GURPS has entire levels of technology emerge, mature, and go obsolete in less time than I reckon it will take to get, say, free-electron lasers working in the lab, miniaturised and ruggedised for use in the field, manufactured in quantity, and bought.

Further: there is a lot of enthusiastic fluff getting about concerning nanoscale robots using atomic epitaxy to manufacture things. I am intensely skeptical. Thermodynamic considerations, problems with fuel supply, waste disposal, raw material supply, and co-ordination, together with the vulnerability of nanoscopic components to Brownian motion, UV light, static discharges, electrical and magnetic fields, and intrinsic difficulties with scale laws (viscosity is a bitch for small machines) combine to mean that nano-robots face a fundamental limit on their performance not much higher than that of
micro-organisms, and that *self-assembling* ones will probably never be significantly better than [genetically engineered] micro-organisms. In Flat Black NANOTECHNOLOGY IS BIOTECHNOLOGY.

In terms of the guidelines on 'Ultra Tech' p.8 ff.:

* Flat Black has a 'slow' technological progression, partly as a result of the setback with the destruction of Earth, partly as a result of economic fragmentation, and partly because a lot of tech is just a lot more difficult and a lot less practical than usually assumed.

* Flat Black is somewhere between the 'Conservative Hard SF' and the 'Radical hard SF' development paths. 'Superscience' is limited to warp encapsulator, the Eichberger Drive, and the catalytic thermonuclear bomb. There are no reactionless drives, and no antigravity. I admit some TL 10 and TL11 junk, consider other bits to be superscience (eg, rainbow lasers as described, grasers, 'blasters')

* I am even more skeptical about 'dry' nanotech than the authors of 'Ultra Tech', which makes 'Flat Black' combine an element of the 'high biotech' technology path into its conservative/radical hard SF mix.

* I am skeptical that a lot of transformative ('transhuman') technology would be economic even though it seems possible. That is, I think that so few people would want it that it could not be put into mass production, and therefore would be available only as fantastically expensive 'bespoke' one-off products full of custom chips, custom ontogenic engineering, etc. This leads to a result that looks like 'Safe-Tech', but without needing any legal or social restrictions to maintain it.

Laser weapons (with the 'pulsed laser' option) are practicable but not available because they are too delicate for field service (besides have other problems from a military point of view), and therefore no-one manufactures them on a large scale.

[Icelander]

Gauss Weapons

For a full description of Gauss weapons, their effects and the options of low-velocity and high-velocity settings, see GURPS Ultra-Tech p. 141. The weapon given here are over-engineered to the extent that their power cells support firing at high-velocity exclusively without running out of energy before they can expend the given number of shots.

Low-velocity mode is more effective at reducing the noise signature of the weapon than indicated in Ultra-Tech. Instead of the -3 given there, apply a -7 and note that this will make subsonic Gauss weapons almost as stealthy as bows and crossbows. Weapons chambered for less than 8mm rounds firing low-velocity have their damage type reduced to pi- if it is not already at that point. Note also that on many colonies, low-velocity mode will be LC2 and civilian weapons (assuming that civilians can buy weapons at all) will be sold without access to it.

High velocity mode adds about 33% to the normal velocity of the gun. Based on simple physics, high-velocity should increase felt recoil. This is best represented by an increase in MinST. By comparing the velocity and range gain (+1/die damage and 1.3xrange) to Extra-Powerful loads in High-Tech, this should probably multiply ST by 1.2 (round to nearest whole number).

Note that unless the text for an individual weapon says otherwise, a Gauss weapon is assumed to have DR 4, HT 10 and HPs according to the Damage to Objects table p. B558. Military weapons, such as automatic rifles, are assumed to have DR 6 and HT 11 unless specifically noted.

All Gauss weapons from Ultra-Tech are assumed to exist in the setting unless otherwise noted by the Wearer of the Viking Hat. Most of these are older designs for which the patent has long since expired, meaning that copies can be found nearly anywhere where the local technology is at least early TL10 as regards manufacturing infrastructure. The 4mm round that the Gauss Pistol, PDW and Rifle all use is a fin-stabilised fletchette which achieves anti-armour results comparable with APEP rounds at a much lower cost. Other Gauss weapons may or may not use similar fletchettes, with some still using round-nosed or ogive bullets that give better after-armour effects. Since such weapons are optimised for projectiles with a lower sectional density than the Gauss rounds given in Ultra-Tech, making APEP rounds for them will generally be very expensive. Therefore, the Gauss weapons from Ultra-Tech still see heavy use as inexpensive anti-armour weapons.

Ultra-Tech was written before the guidelines for cutting down shotguns and using machine pistols in one hand appeared in High-Tech. On the theory that later mechanics trump older ones (and that Newton trumps rubber science), I therefore assume that using a weapon firing a round normally used for two-handed weapons in one hand does increase its MinST requirments. A pistol version of a shotgun or a SMG used in one hand will multiple ST by 1.2 (round to nearest whole number) in addition to the +1 Rcl that Ultra-Tech assumed. Noted below, where applies.

The Ultra-Tech Weapon Tables are fraught with errata. Some of them have been reported, some haven't. Here's a post from the designer about it (albeit an early one and some of those have been refined) and then a list of the most important errata for Gauss weapons, both those that have made it to the errata page and others:

Originally Posted by David L Pulver

Errors:

Machine Pistol, 10mmCLP: RoF should be 10.
Storm Rifle: Acc should be 5.
Urban Assault Weapon: shotgun barrel should be 4d damage
Underbarrel Grenade Launcher: Acc 3 (not bonus).
Splat Gun should ideally use very rapid fire rules and Mortar Boxes should also use very rapid fire rules, or whatever ends up being used for precision burst.
Sniper Railgun, Gauss Rifle pi-
Portable Railgun Acc 8
Underbarrel EMGL 4

Incidentally, the Gauss Rifle is more or less consistent with a weapon firing a 0.006 lb. APEP projectile at just over 4,200 feet per second, except it should be Acc 5 and do 6d(3) pi-.

Since the Weapon Design Rules, while functional, remain vaporware, some weapons in UT were not modified if deviated too much from Basic Set.

(On Accuracy: You lose one point from Acc if the projectile L/D ratio is under 4:1 or the caliber is below 7mm.)

Ultra-Tech Errata for Gauss Weapons


Gauss Pistol, 4mm: Should be noted as powered by 2B cells instead of a C cell.

Gauss Machine Pistol, 4mm: Add a line about it being ST 11 and Rcl 3 if used with one hand.

Gauss PDW, 4mm: Acc 5, not 6.

Sniper Railgun, 7mm: Should do pi- damage (APEP rounds).

Gauss Rifle, 4mm: Acc 5+2; Dmg: 6d(3) pi-, not pi.

Portable Railgun, 10mm: Ammo type is 10mm, not 10mmG. Dmg type should be pi, not pi+ (APEP rounds). Acc 7, not 4.

Gauss Shotgun Pistol, 18.5mm: ST 12, not 10.

Underbarrel EMGL, 25mm: Acc should be 4, not 4+2. Uses the optics of whatever weapon it's built into.

Gauss LSW, 4mm: Acc 5+2, not 7+2.

Railgun, 40mm: Damage type is pi++, not pi. Should be noted as Very Reliable (won’t malfunction unless lack of maintenance lowers Malf.).

Gauss HMG, 7mm: Should be noted as Very Reliable (won’t malfunction unless lack of maintenance lowers Malf.).

Gauss Minigun, 4mm: Should be noted as Very Reliable (won’t malfunction unless lack of maintenance lowers Malf.).

[Icelander]

Light Eletromagnetic Pistols

GUNS (PISTOL) (DX-4 or most other Guns at -2)

HKS-22 Orloff; 5mmLV Gauss Pistol;
TL: 10;
Dmg: 2d pi-;
Acc: 3;
Range: 105/2,100;
Weight: 2.5/0.4;
RoF: 3;
Shots: 30(3);
ST: 9;
Bulk: -2;
Rcl: 2;
LC: 3;
Notes: Very Reliable (won’t malfunction unless lack of maintenance lowers Malf.), powered by a B cell in the magazine.
Cost: $1800/$29;

The Orloff-22 along with its close cousins (the design dates back to Earth and is extremely widespread) is probably one of the most common weapons in human space. It is easy to use, reliable and low-maintenance. It does not use a lot of power and the ammunition is available nearly anywhere. The round it fires is a little too small for serious tactical use, but weapons like this (often Fine (Accurate)) are sometimes used as silent weapons by covert operatives.

SM-15 Kalends; 5mmLV Gauss Pistol;
TL: 10;
Dmg: 2d pi-;
Acc: 2;
Range: 105/2,000;
Weight: 1.5/0.2;
RoF: 3;
Shots: 15(3);
ST: 7;
Bulk: -1;
Rcl: 2;
LC: 3;
Notes: Powered by a B cell in the magazine.
Cost: $1700/$27;
The Kalends is a small pistol that is usually reserved for concealed carry. Lack of stopping power inhibits its acceptance by security services, but some colonies issue local version of them to their officer corps, as they look very fine and are small enough not to crease a uniform.

Kulekav Vabn T-9; 6mmLP Gauss Pistol;
TL: 10;
Dmg: 1d+2 pi-;
Acc: 1;
Range: 135/1,350;
Weight: 1/0.3;
RoF: 3;
Shots: 9(3);
ST: 6;
Bulk: -1;
Rcl: 2;
LC: 3;
Notes: Unreliable (Malfunctions on a 16+), powered by a B cell in the magazine.
Cost: $320/$26;

The T-9 enjoys the dubious distinction of being the weapon most often reported in connection to criminal behaviour on several colonies. Weapons that do not differ from it in any important particulars often serve the same purpose on other colonies. The weapon is small, cheap and widely available. There is no access lock on it and many of those used in criminal activity are stolen. The tools needed to create such a gun are not expensive and many in circulation are illegal copies made in underworld factories.

Hazakura Arms S-6 Electron; 6mmLP Gauss Pistol;
TL: 10;
Dmg: 1d+2 pi-;
Acc: 1;
Range: 135/1,300;
Weight: 0.65/0.2;
RoF: 3;
Shots: 9(3);
ST: 8;
Bulk: -1;
Rcl: 2;
LC: 3;
Notes: Powered by a B cell in the magazine.
Cost: $650/$26;
The Electron is a miniature hold-out pistol, considered the smallest pistol commercially available. It is a reduced version of the well-regarded Hazakura Arms S-6 Atom (same stats, but Weight: 0.85 lbs.).

EM-66 Xiphos; 6mmL Gauss Pistol;
TL: 10;
Dmg: 6d-1(3) pi-;
Acc: 3;
Range: 510/5,500;
Weight: 1.7/0.4;
RoF: 3;
Shots: 30(3);
ST: 9;
Bulk: -2;
Rcl: 2;
LC: 3;
Notes: Powered by 2 B cells in the magazine.
Cost: $3000/$42;

A hard-hitting handgun firing a very high velocity small round that performs exceptionally well against armour. It has a rugged, military appearance (DR 6, HT 11). A modified version of this weapon (see ‘EM-66 Spartan’ below) was one of the ones that were considered for the service sidearm of ICfJ investigators, but in a series of extensive tests designed for the projected tactical necessities, the ‘KH-4510’ won out. One of the primary factors was the lack of a perceived need to engage targets heavier body armour than polyaramids for most ICfJ agents. The Xiphos is designed as a companion to the ‘EM-6 Sarissa PDW‘ and uses the same APEP ammunition as standard. Loaded with normal ball ammo it has Range: 255/2,750 and Dam: 6d-1 pi-. A modified version of the Xiphos that is nearly as popular as the unchanged gun is made by Prewlett-Kowakura and sold as the ‘EM-66 Spartan’ (Fine (Reliable) and Accessory Rails; Weight 2.3.; Cost $4000). The newly unveiled ‘Spartan II’ adds Acc 4 to those modifications and costs $6,250.

Oberst Militaire 6mm; 6mmL Gauss Pistol;
TL: 10;
Dmg: 7d+2(3) pi-;
Acc: 3;
Range: 660/7,150;
Weight: 3/0.8;
RoF: 3;
Shots: 25(3);
ST: 11;
Bulk: -2;
Rcl: 2;
LC: 3;
Notes: Very Reliable (won’t malfunction unless lack of maintenance lowers Malf.); Fine (Reliable) and powered by 2 B cells in the magazine.
Cost: $7,000/$80;

The Oberst Militaire is not the lightest pistol available, made out a high-tech composite or plastic of some sort. It’s made from non-sparking, non-magnetic durametal alloy. It does not offer the widest selection of after-market accessories, custom options or personalised looks. It comes in gunmetal black only. The design is not optimised to pack as many rounds into a small magazine as the frame will support. The Militaire is not the most accurate or hard-hitting production pistol, even though it can achieve respectable accuracy out of the box. It lacks a diagnostics computer, HUD link, integral laser sight and all other amenities that come standard on most other electromagnetic weapons. It cannot be toggled to vary between fire modes, using exclusively high-velocity mode. Indeed, the only electronics found in the weapon is the action itself and the only accessory is a single accessory rail under the barrel.

So why does it enjoy favour as a privately bought gun with Imperial Marine officers? Simple. Like all Oberst firearms, it is rugged (DR 8, HT 12) and when the trigger is pulled, a loaded Oberst will fire. In game terms, even when Malf. is lowered by lack of maintenance, the number it starts from is one higher (19 instead of 18 as for other Very Reliable guns). The ‘Oberst Militaire Ultra 6mm’ is an even more durable pistol, made out of prohibitively expensive alloys and using only those components which pass one of the most rigorous quality inspection in known space (Very Fine (Reliable), DR 10, HT 13; Cost: $13,000).

Oberst Gendarme 6mm; 6mmL Gauss Pistol;
TL: 10;
Dmg: 7d(3) pi-;
Acc: 3;
Range: 625/6,450;
Weight: 2.2/0.7;
RoF: 3;
Shots: 20(3);
ST: 11;
Bulk: -2;
Rcl: 2;
LC: 3;
Notes: Very Reliable (won’t malfunction unless lack of maintenance lowers Malf.); Fine (Reliable) and powered by 2 B cells in the magazine.
Cost: $6,500/$75;

An Oberst intended for the police market, chambered for the 6mmL round. Made from the same durable metal alloys as the Militaire model (DR 8 and HT 12) and having the same legendary reliability, this weapon also enjoys favour with military officers. The features of the gun, or the lack thereof, match the ‘Militaire’ (above).

Oberst Surête 6mm; 6mmL Gauss Pistol;
TL: 10;
Dmg: 6d+1(3) pi-;
Acc: 2;
Range: 585/6,250;
Weight: 1.9/0.5;
RoF: 3;
Shots: 10(3);
ST: 11;
Bulk: -1;
Rcl: 2;
LC: 3;
Notes: Very Reliable (won’t malfunction unless lack of maintenance lowers Malf.); Fine (Reliable) and powered by a B cell in the magazine.
Cost: $7,000/$60;

A smaller and more concealable Oberst intended for people who need to wear a handgun discreetly or for long periods of time. It has all the same features as the ‘Militaire’ model (above).

SM-12 Nones; 7mmP Gauss Pistol;
TL: 10;
Dmg: 3d-1 pi-;
Acc: 2;
Range: 180/1,950;
Weight: 1.7/0.2;
RoF: 3;
Shots: 12(3);
ST: 8;
Bulk: -1;
Rcl: 2;
LC: 3;
Notes: Powered by a B cell in the magazine.
Cost: $1800/$29;

The Nones is a very similar to the SM-15 Kalends, but chambered for a larger round. Like its smaller cousin, it mainly sees use in concealed carry.

SM-9 Ides; 8mmULP Gauss Pistol;
TL: 10;
Dmg: 3d-1 pi;
Acc: 2;
Range: 180/2,000;
Weight: 1.75/0.25;
RoF: 3;
Shots: 9(3);
ST: 8;
Bulk: -1;
Rcl: 2;
LC: 3;
Notes: Powered by a B cell in the magazine.
Cost: $1900/$29;

The Ides is simply a version of the SM pistols chambered for a slightly larger and slower round. A copy built by Belgrade Technical and sold under the same name (a Fine (Reliable) weapon costing $2300) was seriously considered as a sidearm for ICfJ investigators, but criticism from Imperial Marine Provosts resulted in a series of trials in which the pistol lost out to larger service weapons.

Akatec T-88; 8mmULP Gauss Pistol;
TL: 10;
Dmg: 3d-1 pi;
Acc: 2;
Range: 165/1,800;
Weight: 1.4/0.3;
RoF: 3;
Shots: 8(3);
ST: 8;
Bulk: -1;
Rcl: 2;
LC: 3;
Notes: Powered by a B cell in the magazine.
Cost: $1400/$29;

A very compact and very popular hold-out pistol, firing a relatively slow-moving (for Gauss weapons) 8mm round. This weapon is small enough to be completely concealed under the hand of an average man. The ammunition is not interchangeable with the 8mmLP rounds.

P-8 Jason; 8mmLP Gauss Pistol;
TL: 10;
Dmg: 3d pi;
Acc: 3;
Range: 165/1,800;
Weight: 1.8/0.3;
RoF: 3;
Shots: 12(3);
ST: 8;
Bulk: -2;
Rcl: 2;
LC: 3;
Notes: Powered by a B cell in the magazine.
Cost: $1000/$29;

The Jason is an old pistol design from New Eden, now mostly phased out of active service. Plenty of similar weapons exist throughout the colonies, those that have reached TL10, and many normal citizens carry something in this size category on those colonies where weapons are permitted to private citizens. A Very Fine (Decorated) Jason pistol is presented to graduates of the New Eden South Oceania Military Academy.

[Icelander]

Medium Electromagnetic Pistols

GUNS (PISTOL) (DX-4 or most other Guns at -2)

KH-4008; 8mmP Gauss Pistol;
TL: 10;
Dmg: 4d pi;
Acc: 3;
Range: 240/2,700;
Weight: 1.9/0.63;
RoF: 3;
Shots: 25(3);
ST: 8;
Bulk: -2;
Rcl: 2;
LC: 3;
Notes: Very Reliable (won‘t malfunction unless lack of maintenance lowers Malf.) and powered by 3 B cells in the magazine.
Cost: $2000/$41;

The venerable ‘four-O-eight’ is one of the most popular handguns in the world. It‘s a medium-frame service handgun constructed partly from light-weight composites, designed in 540 PDT on Seeonee, by Utgard Industries, Security Branch. The weapon has been licensed to 17 corporations with production plants on 29 different colonies. In addition to that, countless imitations and similar models exist, with magazine size ranging from 15-25 and cost from $1500-$3000. The action of the four-O-eight is unusually reliable and the cheaper imitators are often Malf. 17. Genuine four-O-eights also have HT 11. This weapon offers smart grip as an optional extra, at $500 and with a MinST -1.

Constellation FEM; 8mmP Gauss Pistol;
TL: 10;
Dmg: 4d pi;
Acc: 3;
Range: 240/2,700;
Weight: 2.4/0.5;
RoF: 3;
Shots: 15(3);
ST: 9;
Bulk: -2;
Rcl: 2;
LC: 3;
Notes: Powered by 2 B cells in the magazine.
Cost: $3,000/$40;

Until it started being eclipsed by the ‘four-O-eight’ (see above) in recent centuries and especially the last few decades, the Mayflower-designed ‘Constellation FEM’ or one of its horde of similar guns was the primary self-defence sidearm of countless people all over the world. The over-engineered frame is as rugged as dedicated military weapons (DR 6, HT 11) and almost as widespread as the basic version is a version called the ‘Constellation FEM-A1’ (a Fine (Reliable) weapon with Cost: $3,750). Few new FEMs are made on the more advanced colonies, as the machining and materials are more expensive than modern methods, any colony without restrictive weapon laws, used versions would be available for less than $1,000 or $1500 for the A1 versions (age and quality varies). FEMs can also be manufactured with TL9 technology relatively easily, as long as one has access to the design blueprints (public domain for a long time now) and hence still enjoy favour on colonies without the infrastructure to build newer guns efficiently.

Xtreme Arms Ranger F-41; 8mmP Gauss Pistol;
TL: 10;
Dmg: 4d pi;
Acc: 3;
Range: 240/2,700;
Weight: 2.4/0.5;
RoF: 3;
Shots: 20(3);
ST: 9;
Bulk: -2;
Rcl: 2;
LC: 3;
Notes: Powered by 2 B cells in the magazine.
Cost: $2,800/$33;

An attempt to replicate the legendary toughness and reliability of Oberst weapons (for which the design is still proprietary) in a package that still offers the full range of options and accessories. The basic weapon comes equipped with four accessory rails and an amazing variety of gizmos is offered. The durasteel alloy construction and rugged frame do give the gun DR 6 and HT 11, but the legendary reliability and tolerance for harsh conditions displayed by Oberst weapons was not successfully reproduced. A very good marketing department at the Tau Ceti owned Xtreme Arms Corporation (an independent division of the well-known survival kit supplier Xtreme Tech) has still resulted in modest success for this weapon, as well as the license being sold to several colonies for their standard issue police or army weapon.

KH-4909; 9mmP Gauss Pistol;
TL: 10 ;
Dmg: 4d+2 pi;
Acc: 3;
Range: 270/3,100;
Weight: 2.1/0.7;
RoF: 3;
Shots: 20(3);
ST: 9;
Bulk: -2;
Rcl: 3;
LC: 3;
Notes: Very Reliable (won‘t malfunction unless lack of maintenance lowers Malf.) and powered by 3 B cells in the magazine.
Cost: $3000/$41;

The ‘KH-Nine’ is medium-frame composite-body handgun that fires a high-velocity 9mm round. It lends itself well to concealed carry for people who might face armoured opposition, especially when loaded with APEP rounds. This weapon has HT 11. The comparatively small frame has led to criticism of it not being heavy enough to absorb the recoil fully, with the result that fast follow-up shots suffer. The smart grip is a standard feature of the ‘KH-Nine’, due to the punishing recoil. Hessian Steelworks make a custom version of the Nine that they call ‘A-9 Tactical’ (Acc 4; Weight 2.3 lbs.; Cost $4,750; two accessory rails) which is very popular with security forces and entry teams.

[Icelander]

EMP-10 Thegn; 10mmP Gauss Pistol;
TL: 10;
Dmg: 4d pi+;
Acc: 3;
Range: 240/2,700;
Weight: 2.1/0.7;
RoF: 3;
Shots: 18(3);
ST: 8;
Bulk: -2;
Rcl: 2;
LC: 3;
Notes: Very Reliable (won‘t malfunction unless lack of maintenance lowers Malf.) and powered by 3 B cells in the magazine.
Cost: $2,900/$41;

This composite-body, medium-frame handgun is reliable, simple to operate and as useful in a firefight as any pistol is likely to be. As a result, it is a popular issue weapon with police forces. The Imperial Service designates it as Electromagnetic Pistol -10, but Utgard Industries, Security Branch sells it as ‘KH-4510’. It is equipped with palm-print access control and a smart grip (figured into ST). The light materials of the weapon mean that unlike dedicated military weapons, the DR is not increased from that of normal handguns (DR 4). It does have a solid reputation for withstanding climatic changes or dirt, so HT 11 is in order. The ‘KH-4510’ is available in various after-market and custom versions, both from Utgard and other manufacturers. The best of these count as Fine (Accurate) and increase cost proportionally. A custom design from Hessian Steelworks called the ‘A-10 Combat Master’ (Acc 4; Weight 2.2 lbs.; Cost $4,500; 2 accessory rails) is under consideration for adoption for tactical units under the new ICfJ.

ITSC Rwanda HEM; 10mmP Gauss Pistol;
TL: 10;
Dmg: 4d pi+;
Acc: 3;
Range: 240/2,700;
Weight: 2.4/0.6;
RoF: 3;
Shots: 15(3);
ST: 9;
Bulk: -2;
Rcl: 2;
LC: 3;
Notes: Very Reliable (won‘t malfunction unless lack of maintenance lowers Malf.) and powered by 3 B cells in the magazine.
Cost: $3,750/$41;

The Rwanda Handgun, Eletrocmagnetic is made by the Imperial Technical Services Corporation. It is the current service sidearm of the Imperial Marines. The weapon relies on an old and tried design from pre-Formation Wars days, mainly departing from it to remove unnecessary features according to reports from Marines in the field. As such, it is reliable, rugged (DR 6, HT 12) and simple to use. Unlike the service rifle, the HEM does still feature a recognition grip, but in deference to Marine sensibilities, it is a model that is tolerant of some margin of error. The Marines reason that a weapon that fails to recognise the hand of its user when its covered in mud is a far greater danger than one that has around 1% (an order of magnitude above most recognition systems) chance of wrongly allowing unauthorised personnel to discharge it. The proper way to secure guns is training and discipline, not a gizmo in the handle. The ITSC ‘Tiananmen Square HEM-C’ is a slightly smaller version that officers or specialists can elect to carry (Dmg: 3d+2 pi+; Range: 210/2400; Shots 12(3); Weight: 2.1/0.5; Notes: Powered by 2 B cells in the magazine; Cost: $3,700/$38).

Annapolis THS, Mod 0; 10mmP Gauss Pistol;
TL: 10;
Dmg: 4d pi+;
Acc: 3;
Range: 240/2,700;
Weight: 2.65/0.95;
RoF: 3;
Shots: 15(3);
ST: 9;
Bulk: -2;
Rcl: 2;
LC: 3;
Notes: Very Reliable (won‘t malfunction unless lack of maintenance lowers Malf.) and powered by 3 B cells in the magazine.
Cost: $3,000/$42;

The ‘THS’ (Tactical Handgun System) is a respected combat pistol equipped with two accessory rails. The action is designed for silent cycling and with a toggle it is possible to reduce the speed of even further, down to RoF 1, for an extra -1 to Hearing when using low-velocity mode. It’s a military design, heavy enough to have DR 6 and HT 11. The civilian version is similar, but lacks the silent action cycling option (Cost $2800). Annapolis makes a longer version designed for long-range accuracy called the THS-L Eagle (Acc 4; Weight: 2.6 lbs.; Cost $4500). There’s also a popular slightly more compact version called the THS-C Falcon (Dmg: 3d+2 pi+; Weight: 2/0.6; Cost: $2900). Many optional accessories, such as a smart grip, are also possible.

Oberst Militaire 10mm; 10mmP Gauss Pistol;
TL: 10;
Dmg: 5d pi+;
Acc: 3;
Range: 310/3,200;
Weight: 3.2/1;
RoF: 3;
Shots: 15(3);
ST: 11;
Bulk: -2;
Rcl: 2;
LC: 3;
Notes: Very Reliable (won‘t malfunction unless lack of maintenance lowers Malf.) and Fine (Reliable). Powered by 3 B cells in the magazine.
Cost: $6,000/$80;

This is an 'Oberst Militaire' chambered for the larger and slower 10mmP round, useful for the wide variety of warheads it can fire. Many militaries, including the Imperial Marines, field the 10mmP as their primary pistol chambering and the Oberst is a popular item for Imperial officers to acquire privately. Apart from the larger calibre, this weapon is identical to the 6mmL Oberst, with no extraneous electronics and firing exclusively high velocity. Like its smaller cousin, it is offered in ‘Oberst Militaire Ultra 10mm’ (Very Fine (Reliable), DR 10, HT 13; Cost: $11,500).

Oberst Gendarme 10mm; 10mmP Gauss Pistol;
TL: 10;
Dmg: 4d+1 pi+;
Acc: 3;
Range: 270/3,100;
Weight: 2.4/0.9;
RoF: 3;
Shots: 12(3);
ST: 11;
Bulk: -2;
Rcl: 2;
LC: 3;
Notes: Very Reliable (won‘t malfunction unless lack of maintenance lowers Malf.) and Fine (Reliable). Powered by 3 B cells in the magazine.
Cost: $5,800/$75;

The 'Oberst Gendarme' in 10mmP is mainly aimed at the police market, but many officers who wish to own an Oberst also choose to carry a smaller gun than the 'Militaire'. The tough frame and simple design of this weapon is identical to other Obersts. Oberst also offers the ‘Oberst Surête’ in 10mm, with Acc: 2; Weight: 2.1/0.7; Shots: 8(3); Bulk: -1 and Cost: $6,000/$60. The Surête is powered by 2 B cells in the magazine.

KHC-5110; 10mmP Gauss Pistol;
TL:10 ;
Dmg: 3d+2 pi+;
Acc: 3;
Range: 210/2,400;
Weight: 1.9/0.6;
RoF: 3;
Shots: 15(3);
ST: 9;
Bulk: -2;
Rcl: 2;
LC: 3;
Notes: Very Reliable (won‘t malfunction unless lack of maintenance lowers Malf.) and powered by 3 B cells in the magazine.
Cost: $2,300/$41;

A slightly more compact version of the ‘KH-4510’ (‘EMP-10 Thegn’ in Imperial Service). The smart grip is an optional accessory which for $500 lowers MinST by 1. Otherwise, the weapon is very similar to its larger cousin and can use the same magazines if necessary (it will protrude slightly from the handgrip). An even smaller version called the KHS-5210 is also available (Acc 2; Weight 1.7/0.4; Shots: 12(3); Bulk: -1; Cost: $2300/$38). The KHS-5210 is powered by 2 B cells in its magazine instead of the 3 of its larger cousins. It can use the magazines of its larger cousins, but this negates its Bulk advantage.

[Icelander]

Heavy pistols require a little more work. I still haven't added a few I wanted, so I can't post them yet.

Replying to Agemegos from the OCC thread on Flat Black.

Originally Posted by Agemegos

By the way, I'd prefer the Oberst to be made of high-strength composites rather than stainless steel. I don't think steels would be a lot of fun to engineer with in a gadget that works with intense magnetic fields. This can be contrasted with light composites used in conventional designs.
Furthermore, a lot of its reliability has to do with heavy-duty 'wiring', materials with very low coefficients of thermal expansion, sheer mechanical strength of stressed components, platinum-plated contacts in switches, materials with extreme magnetic propoerties, expensive superconductors with higher critical temperatures than everyone else uses, etc.

My intention was that 'durasteel' was one of those sci-fi words that meant whatever the reader wanted to make the fictional tech make sense.

I've seen it referring to alloys that are stronger than steel, easier to work with and resist the terrible stresses of space combat much better. What durasteel is and what it has in common with steel I've no idea.

My intention was simply to note that the material used is of similar nature as that used for spaceship armour.

[vicky_molokh]

Just curious, why the obsession (I hope the word doesn't offend anyone) with making nonlethal weapons da suxxors, despite two TLs of advancement?

[Icelander]

Originally Posted by Molokh

Just curious, why the obsession (I hope the word doesn't offend anyone) with making nonlethal weapons da suxxors, despite two TLs of advancement?

Because we've had 8 TLs of advancement and we've still not found a reliable way to incapacitate all possible targets without killing any of them. The line between non-lethal and lethal can be very thin and people vary so much that the margin of error is always present.

I don't see a problem with non-lethal weapons functioning as more efficient versions of modern TASERS or stunners, but I have real problems believing in such perfectly controllability as demonstrated by Star Wars and Star Trek stun weapons.

[Icelander]

Heavy Eletromagnetic Pistols

GUNS (PISTOL) (DX-4 or most other Guns at -2)

M-539 Vedette; 9mmHP Gauss Pistol;
TL: 10;
Dmg: 5d-1 pi;
Acc: 3;
Range: 285/3,150;
Weight: 4.4/0.8;
RoF: 3;
Shots: 15(3);
ST: 11;
Bulk: -4;
Rcl: 2;
LC: 3;
Notes: Powered by 4 B cells in the magazine.
Cost: $4800/$57;

This very large handgun from Esarheddon Armaments, Ltd. is chambered for a considerably smaller round than the other large-frame pistols offered by that company. While it fires a quite high-velocity 9mm round, the heavy frame dissipates much of the felt recoil and the weapon actually handles quite well, provided the shooter has hands large enough to handle the grip. Few pistols offer comparable firepower without loss of control and most flexible body armour cannot stand up to APHC rounds from the Vedette, especially not when it is set on the high-velocity setting (Dam 6d pi). The drawback of this weapon, of course, is that it is nearly as large as a full-size SMG and the thick grip and long barrel make it hard to conceal or bring to bear quickly. The ammunition is not compatible with the 9mmP.

Defence Tech Mjolnir-10; 10mmHP Gauss Pistol;
TL: 10;
Dmg: 4d+2 pi+;
Acc: 3;
Range: 325/3,500;
Weight: 2.85/0.45;
RoF: 3;
Shots: 12(3);
ST: 11;
Bulk: -2;
Rcl: 4;
LC: 3;
Notes: Very Reliable (won‘t malfunction unless lack of maintenance lowers Malf.) and powered by 3 B cells in the magazine.
Cost: $3,800/$36;

This is a copy of the Hammer-5 (below) and shares its rugged frame (DR 6, HT 12). The patent for the modifications done on the basic Hammer-5 model expired almost a century ago and it’s now possible to find weapons of this kind in much of the Central sector and richer colonies elsewhere. The Sikandar Global Industries ‘Kaumodaki 10mmHP’ (Fine (Accurate); Acc 4; Cost: $7,000) is a beautiful example of this gun, often available in colourful decorations (for much higher prices).

Pegasus Ordnance Hammer-5; 12mmP Gauss Pistol;
TL: 10;
Dmg: 3d pi+;
Acc: 3;
Range: 225/2,250;
Weight: 2.4/0.4;
RoF: 3;
Shots: 10(3);
ST: 10;
Bulk: -2;
Rcl: 3;
LC: 3;
Notes: Very Reliable (won‘t malfunction unless lack of maintenance lowers Malf.) and powered by 2 B cells in the magazine.
Cost: $3,400/$33;

A pistol design that dates back to the 23rd century and is still in active use, the Hammer-5 is made by nearly every colony that has enough technology for a TL10 factory. The basic design is renowned for accuracy, durability and reliability and enough modified versions exist so that no single man could possibly memorise them all. Originally a manufactured as a rugged military firearm and still retaining that tough frame (DR 6, HT 12), the weapon is now more common among private owners. For $36, a slightly larger magazine weighting 0.5 lbs. (3 C cells), fits into the gun with no modifications and holding 12 rounds is a common accessory for those not buying the Hammer as a historically accurate replica (it was the issue pistol both for several forces on Earth during the destruction of Terra and of the Orinoco Ground Defence Corps). The electronics in the gun range from minimal for a faithful replica to top-of-the-line for a modern target or combat pistol. Popular holdout models include the Ziggurat Technology ‘Microhammer’ or Panavista’s ‘H-5 Pocket Pistol’ (Acc 2; Weight 2.2/0.6; Shots: 6(3); Bulk -1). Target versions such as the ‘Hammer-5 Expert’ (Fine (Accurate); Acc 4; Cost: $6,200) are perennially popular and some colonies hold shooting competitions where only copies of the Hammer are allowed.

Ursa Defence Hammer-5 Tipperary; 12mmP Gauss Pistol;
TL: 10;
Dmg: 3d+2 pi+;
Acc: 4;
Range: 235/2,400;
Weight: 3.3/0.4;
RoF: 3;
Shots: 10(3);
ST: 10;
Bulk: -3;
Rcl: 3;
LC: 3;
Notes: Fine (Reliable) and powered by 2 B cells in the magazine.
Cost: $2,600/$3;

This copy of the Hammer-5 (above) has a very long barrel and accelerator. Innovations in manufacturing technology also allow the gun to be built for much less than the more faithfully reproduced Hammers. Unfortunately, while the new design is exceptionally good, the fit of the action is still not as reliable as that of its venerable predecessor. The weapon has DR 6, but only HT 11.

M-521 Hussar; 12mmHP Gauss Pistol;
TL:10 ;
Dmg: 5d+2 pi+;
Acc: 3;
Range: 315/3,350;
Weight: 4.7/0.8;
RoF: 3;
Shots: 12(3);
ST: 12;
Bulk: -4;
Rcl: 4;
LC: 3;
Notes: Powered by 4 B cells in the magazine.
Cost: $4,900/$57;

Wherever there are pistols, there are men who believe that shooting the largest one makes you more of a man. The Hussar is an offering from Esarheddon Armaments, Ltd. that chambers an energetic 12mm round that is among the heaviest in regular use. Few military or security units carry such a weapon, despite the power, as the size and bulk make it impractical as a side arm and it is outclassed by any decent longarm. Most users buy it for prestige value as much as anything else, but it is undeniable that it does hit hard, especially on high-velocity setting (Dam 7d pi+). Esarheddon Armaments also offers versions in a stainless light-weight titanium alloy (Weight 3.3 lbs.; Cost $10,800; DR 6, HT 11, Styling x2) or Duralite™ alloy in a range of colour-schemes (Weight: 3.6 lbs.; Cost: $6,600). Similar big guns are offered by many other manufacturers, with advertised uses ranging from backup on big game hunts to intimidation of potential enemies.

M-525 Dragoon; 13mmHP Gauss Pistol;
TL:10 ;
Dmg: 6d+1 pi+;
Acc: 3;
Range: 330/3,750;
Weight: 4.75/0.75;
RoF: 3;
Shots: 10(3);
ST: 12;
Bulk: -4;
Rcl: 4;
LC: 3;
Notes: Powered by 5 B cells in the magazine.
Cost: $5,000/$60;

The Esarheddon Armaments ‘M-525 Dragoon’ chambers an even bigger round than the 12mmHP ‘M-521 Hussar’. On high-velocity, this weapon does Dam 8d pi+, which is more powerful than many service rifles. Nonetheless, it does not enjoy favour among professional militaries or police, likely because of its excessive size. Entertainment media likes it for its imposing profile, though, and there are always macho men eager to demonstrate the size of their... hands by using such an oversized weapon. Features are similar to the Hussar and like that gun, copies and similar weapons abound. Both stainless titanium alloy (Weight 3.3 lbs.; Cost $11,000; DR 6, HT 11; Styling +1) and Duralite™ alloy (Weight: 3.6 lbs.; Cost: $6,600) versions are offered from the factory.

Arcor Tech Hellion; 15mm Pistol
TL: 10;
Dmg: 10d+1 pi++;
Acc: 3;
Range: 1,100/5,500;
Weight: 6/1.3;
RoF: 3;
Shots: 5(3);
ST: 15;
Bulk: -4;
Rcl: 6;
LC: 1;
Notes: Powered by 2 C cells in the magazine.
Cost: $24,000;

The Hellion is more of a gimmick than a weapon. It’s a cut down version of an enormously powerful light anti-armour weapon used by battle-suited troopers. Such a weapon might perhaps be useful as a secondary weapon for powered infantry, but the expense and trouble involved means that no army would bother. While the weapon is powerful enough to deliver explosive rounds or other types of ordnance over vast distances, the process of cutting it down to pistol size also stripped it of useful sights or aiming aids apart from the HUD link. Firing multiple projectiles, this weapon uses the Guns (Shotgun) skill.

[Agemegos]

Originally Posted by Molokh

Just curious, why the obsession (I hope the word doesn't offend anyone) with making nonlethal weapons da suxxors, despite two TLs of advancement?

I have two reasons, both of which are particular to this setting. I neither recommend nobbling stun weapons to everyone, nor tell you that I myself banish safe effective stun weapons from every campaign.

The first reason is that in this particular setting. FLAT BLACK, I try to keep the superscience limited. And I just don't know of any non-superscience way to induce paralysis or unconsciousness at range and without danger, with a pointing accuracy no greater than that in other weapons. The neurons involved in consciousness are not different in kind from those that keep people breathing, that keep their hearts beating, and control other vital functions. The only difference is what they are connected to and to a certain extent where they are, sometimes a matter of millimetres. So if I had a weapon that could produce shut down parts of the nervous system at range, then I think it would realistically be quite dangerous. To suit FLAT BLACK, stunners have to work using known principles.

The second, and more compelling, reason is that FLAT BLACK is very much concerned with the ethical problems of using force. Safe stun weapons excuse characters from having to make any difficult choices about whether it is right stop any given person with a weapon. Everything becomes too easy with safe effective stun weapons. If they are safe you can stun indiscriminately and do no harm. If they are effective there is no reason not to use the soft option.

In FLAT BLACK the NPC "good" guys are all hard-arses, and the PCs are supposed to be better than them because they try not to kill even the villains. That isn't the heroic way if it is easier, safer, and more certain. In a lot of stories and settings the hero is a hero because everyone else is too soft, and only he is fierce enough to do what has to be done. FLAT BLACK inverts that. In FLAT BLACK the hero is a hero because everyone else is too hard. They take the certain, effective way even though it kills a few people. Heroes are heroes because they take risks, do things the difficult, complicated way that requires skill and attention and standing in the way of danger, not to do more damage than the extras and spear-carriers, but to do less. That is too easy and not heroic enough if stunners are safe and effective.

This is not the result of obsession, but of careful attention to the needs of my drama.