Want to turn your D&D 5e character into a crack shot? This guide explores the Gunner feat, found in Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything, providing everything you need to know, from its benefits and synergies to tactical applications and comparisons with other ranged combat options. Let’s dive in and unlock your character’s firepower potential!
The Gunner feat offers several powerful advantages for ranged combat enthusiasts. It enhances your Dexterity, grants proficiency with firearms, and negates certain combat penalties, making you a more formidable force on the battlefield.
Deconstructing the Gunner Feat: Benefits and Source
The Gunner Feat, straight out of Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything, grants the following benefits:
+1 Dexterity: Your Dexterity score increases by 1, up to a maximum of 20. This boost improves your ranged attack rolls, Armor Class (if you wear light armor), and several important skills like Stealth and Acrobatics.
Firearm Proficiency: You gain proficiency with firearms, eliminating the disadvantage you’d normally have on attack rolls with these weapons. This opens up a world of weaponry options.
Close-Quarters Shooting: Normally, firing a ranged weapon within 5 feet of an enemy imposes disadvantage. The Gunner feat eliminates this penalty, allowing you to fire effectively even in the thick of melee.
Ignoring the Loading Property: Firearms with the Loading property require an action to reload after each shot. Gunner allows you to ignore this property, enabling multiple attacks with these weapons. However, it’s important to note this does not negate the Reload property found on most standard firearms in the Dungeon Master’s Guide.
Firearms in a Fantasy Realm: Navigating the Divide
Firearms in a traditional fantasy setting can feel anachronistic. Discuss their inclusion with your DM beforehand. Some DMs embrace the “gaslamp fantasy” vibe, while others prefer classic swords and sorcery. This conversation ensures campaign compatibility and allows your DM to adjust rules or introduce homebrew elements as needed.
Synergistic Classes and Builds: Maximizing Gunner’s Potential
While the Gunner feat can benefit any character wielding firearms, certain classes and builds synergize particularly well:
Fighter: The Fighter’s Extra Attack feature, combined with Gunner’s ability to ignore the Loading property, allows for devastating multi-attacks with firearms, turning them into walking arsenals.
Rogue: Rogues rely on Dexterity for their Sneak Attack ability, making the +1 Dexterity boost invaluable. Combining firearm attacks with Sneak Attack can deal significant damage from stealth.
Ranger: The Gunner feat complements the Ranger’s ranged combat focus, providing additional options and tactical flexibility.
Artificer: Artificers can craft specialized firearms. With Gunner, they can push their inventions to the limit, maximizing damage output without the reloading constraint.
Here’s a table summarizing some class synergies:
Class
Key Synergies
Fighter
Extra Attack + Ignoring Loading = High damage output
Rogue
+1 Dexterity + Sneak Attack = High damage from stealth
Firearm Crafting + Ignoring Loading = Optimized firearm use
Building a Gunslinger: Example Builds
Musket Master (Battle Master Fighter/Rogue Multiclass): Combine tactical combat maneuvers with cunning actions and precise firearm attacks.
Arcane Archer (Hunter Ranger): Infuse bullets with magical energy for devastating effects.
Iron Sentinel (Artificer/Fighter Multiclass): Combine the Artificer’s inventive prowess with the Fighter’s combat expertise for a powerful front-line fighter wielding custom firearms.
Tactical Applications: More Than Just Point and Shoot
Gunner significantly impacts combat. Imagine being surrounded by goblins: normally, you’d have disadvantage on ranged attacks. With Gunner, you can blast away without penalty. Or picture dual-wielding pistols: Gunner lets you bypass the Loading property, unleashing a flurry of shots.
Gunner vs. the Competition: Choosing Your Ranged Feat
Here’s how Gunner stacks up against other popular ranged combat feats:
Less impact without firearms; Doesn’t affect the Reload property.
Sharpshooter
-5 Attack, +10 Damage
Requires high accuracy to offset the attack penalty.
Crossbow Expert
Bonus Action Attack, Ignore Loading with Crossbows
Limited to crossbows, no DEX bonus.
Beyond the Battlefield: Unexpected Applications
The +1 Dexterity from Gunner also benefits skills like Stealth and Sleight of Hand. Firearm proficiency can be used for signaling, intimidation, or even creating distractions. Think creatively!
DM’s Toolkit: Balancing Firearms and Fun
DMs can reskin firearms to fit their setting. A “hand crossbow” might become a clockwork pistol. Limiting ammunition or introducing unique crafting requirements can add depth.
A Deeper Dive into Reloading: Loading vs. Reloading
It’s crucial to understand the difference between the Loading and Reload properties. Loading refers to preparing a single shot (like a musket), while Reloading is replenishing ammunition after firing multiple shots. Gunner negates Loading, not Reloading. This distinction is vital, especially for homebrew campaigns where DMs might introduce firearms with the Loading property.
The Gunslinger Subclass: A Mercer Masterpiece
For fans of the Gunslinger, it’s worth noting the Gunslinger subclass, a homebrew creation by Matt Mercer of Critical Role. This subclass predates the official Gunner feat and offers a completely different approach to firearm combat, revolving around the “Grit” resource and specialized “Trick Shots.” It’s a powerful and flavorful option for those seeking a dedicated gunslinger playstyle, though it’s not officially published content. It’s a testament to how homebrew content can enrich the D&D experience. hermit background 5e
Conclusion: Embracing the Firepower
The Gunner feat unlocks exciting tactical possibilities for ranged combat in D&D 5e. By understanding its benefits, synergies, and limitations, you can effectively integrate firearms into your character’s arsenal and make every shot count. So, lock, load, and get ready to unleash your inner sharpshooter!
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