Thunderbolt Blowgun 33

Lore: The Thunderbolt Blowgun 33 is a weapon that was crafted by an ancient tribe of nomadic hunters who roamed the wilds of the northern tundras. The blowgun is made from the bones of an enormous thunderbird that the tribe hunted and killed with their combined skills. The bones are intricately carved with runes and symbols that are said to call down the power of lightning itself.

The Thunderbolt Blowgun 33 is a ranged weapon with the following stats:

• Rarity: Rare (may be used at Tier 1)
• Type: Ranged Weapon (25/100)
• Properties: Ammunition, Loading, Thundering
• Tags: Nomadic Craftsmanship, Thunderbird Essence, Runic Carvings, Tundra Origin, Thunderstrike, Bone-forged, Stealth Precision, Elemental Fury, Arcane Hunter, Primal Power
• Weight: 1 lb.
• Cost: 1,000 gold pieces

Unattuned actionable: (May be continuing or have charges)

Thundering: In magic silence the Thunderbolt Blowgun 33 calls down a bolt of lightning upon its target, rolling your tier die for thunder damage in addition to your tier level piercing damage.

• The Thunderbolt Blowgun 33 has the following special abilities:
  Ammunition: The Thunderbolt Blowgun requires specially crafted metal darts as ammunition.
  Loading: The Thunderbolt Blowgun requires an action to load and can only fire one dart per turn.

How to Use: To use the Thunderbolt Blowgun 33, the wielder must load a metal dart into the blowgun and then use an action to fire it. The blowgun is an extremely quiet ranged weapon, making it ideal for stealth-based missions where the wielder wants to eliminate targets without alerting nearby enemies. The Thundering property of the blowgun adds an extra layer of danger to each dart fired, as enemies struck by the dart will take additional thunder damage on top of the piercing damage dealt by the dart itself. The Thunderbolt Blowgun is a rare weapon, making it more difficult to acquire than some of the more common weapons, but its unique ability to call down lightning makes it a valuable addition to any character’s arsenal.

In the world of Saṃsāra, the Thunderbolt Blowgun 33 is a rare and powerful item, coveted by those who seek mastery over stealth and elemental forces. Given its unique origin and rarity, this weapon is typically found in specialized shops or under rare circumstances where connections, wealth, and reputation play a critical role. Below are the types of shops where the Thunderbolt Blowgun 33 might be bought and sold, along with the varying costs in each.

• Nomadic Hunter’s Bazaar
  • Location: Found in traveling markets that move across the northern tundras and highlands.
  • Description: These open-air stalls are run by nomadic tribes who specialize in exotic wares and trophies from the wilds. The Thunderbolt Blowgun 33 is revered as a weapon of legend, offered to those who prove their hunting prowess. It may be displayed with other bone-crafted items, such as talismans and ceremonial weapons.
  • Cost: 800 to 1,200 gold pieces, depending on the trader’s willingness to barter. Prices fluctuate based on the buyer’s standing with the nomads and their offerings in trade (rare pelts, trophies, or services rendered).
• Elemental Foci Emporium
  • Location: Hidden within remote, arcane enclaves near ley lines or mountain monasteries.
  • Description: This shop caters to elementalists, druids, and hunters seeking to harness the forces of nature. The Thunderbolt Blowgun 33 is displayed among other powerful artifacts that manipulate elemental energies. The shopkeeper is typically a hermit or elemental scholar who understands the weapon’s connection to thunderbirds and ancient rites.
  • Cost: 1,200 gold pieces, though customers might be asked to complete a trial or seek out rare materials tied to the thunderbird to earn the seller’s trust.
• Relic Dealer’s Underground Market
  • Location: Found in hidden alleyways beneath major cities or in dangerous underworld networks.
  • Description: Here, relic dealers deal in weapons and artifacts with questionable origins. The Thunderbolt Blowgun 33 may be sold by black market traders, stolen from nomadic tribes or powerful elemental entities. The weapon’s rarity makes it a prime target for collectors or thieves. Buyers need discretion, as the item might attract unwanted attention.
  • Cost: 900 to 1,500 gold pieces, depending on the buyer’s negotiation skills and risk tolerance. The price could increase if the weapon is sold alongside additional rare goods or information.
• Skyship Merchant Guild
  • Location: Found at skyports in floating cities or among high-altitude settlements.
  • Description: The Skyship Merchant Guild deals in exotic and rare goods gathered from distant lands, including the northern tundras. The Thunderbolt Blowgun 33 might be one of the items auctioned off to adventurers and explorers who visit these sky-bound hubs. The weapon’s origin is often romanticized in the sales pitch, drawing high bids from collectors and hunters alike.
  • Cost: 1,500 to 2,000 gold pieces at auction. The price could skyrocket during bidding wars, especially if multiple wealthy buyers are present.
• Temple of the Thunderbird
  • Location: Found within sanctuaries or temples dedicated to elemental forces, particularly air and storm deities.
  • Description: The Thunderbolt Blowgun 33 is seen as a sacred artifact in these temples, offered only to those who have proven their loyalty to the elemental spirits. Acquiring the blowgun requires a deep spiritual connection with the elements, and the exchange is often seen as more ceremonial than mercantile.
  • Cost: 1,000 to 1,300 gold pieces, though buyers are expected to offer significant spiritual tribute or undertake a dangerous pilgrimage to earn the temple’s favor.
• Arms of the Wilderness
  • Location: Specialty shops located in frontier towns near dense forests or frozen tundras.
  • Description: These shops are run by experienced hunters and trappers who deal in the finest hunting gear. The Thunderbolt Blowgun 33 is treated as a masterpiece of wilderness craftsmanship, its origin and power respected by those who live off the land. It may be purchased by hunters who seek to conquer both game and elemental creatures.
  • Cost: 1,000 gold pieces, with a discount offered to regular customers or those who trade valuable hunting supplies.
• Elder Scrolls Curiosity Shop
  • Location: Found in floating cities or ancient libraries guarded by scholars.
  • Description: This shop specializes in ancient relics and weapons that have a deep connection to the world’s history. The Thunderbolt Blowgun 33 may be displayed alongside other bone-crafted artifacts from long-forgotten cultures. Buyers here are typically wealthy scholars or nobles interested in the item’s lore and elemental power.
  • Cost: 1,200 to 1,800 gold pieces, with a potential for added costs if sold with accompanying historical documents or elemental research scrolls.

In each of these shops, the Thunderbolt Blowgun 33’s price reflects its rarity and unique properties. Its acquisition often involves more than just gold, requiring quests, trust, or the willingness to enter dangerous markets in pursuit of a legendary weapon.

The Thunderbolt Blowgun 33 is a versatile weapon that excels in environments where stealth, precision, and elemental power are key. The nomadic hunters who crafted this weapon designed it for silent ambushes and delivering deadly lightning-based strikes from afar. Below is an exploration of how the blowgun can be roleplayed for both defense and offense in various environments within the world of Saṃsāra.

• Tundra or Icy Wilderness
  • Offense: In the frigid northern tundra, where visibility is often reduced by snowstorms or fog, the Thunderbolt Blowgun 33 becomes an ideal weapon for ambushing enemies from a distance. The quiet nature of the blowgun allows the wielder to stalk prey or foes without detection. A single shot can strike a target from within the snow-laden cover, followed by a crackling bolt of lightning that reverberates through the cold air. The tundra’s silence amplifies the power of the Thundering ability, making the lightning strike feel even more devastating.
    • Roleplay: “Crouching behind a snowbank, you raise the blowgun, feeling the cold bite of the wind against your skin. With steady breath, you fire. The metal dart is silent, but when it strikes, a brilliant flash of lightning illuminates the frozen wasteland, followed by the rumble of thunder that echoes across the desolate plains.”
  • Defense: When on the defensive in the tundra, the blowgun provides an advantage in guerilla-style tactics. You can use the terrain’s natural concealment to fire from behind ice formations or snow drifts, targeting enemies one at a time before retreating into the blizzard. The additional Thundering property can disorient or stagger enemies, giving you time to escape or set up another shot from a different location.
    • Roleplay: “As the pack of beasts closes in, you dart behind a jagged ice formation, load the blowgun, and wait. Just as one breaks through the snow, you fire, the dart striking true and a bolt of lightning crackling through the air. The creature reels back, momentarily blinded, giving you time to retreat deeper into the storm.”
• Forests or Dense Woodlands
  • Offense: In dense forests where visibility is limited and movement is restricted by trees, the Thunderbolt Blowgun 33 excels in silent precision attacks. Hidden high in the canopy or behind thick foliage, the wielder can pick off enemies without ever revealing their position. The Thundering ability becomes especially useful here, as the sound of thunder can confuse and frighten enemies in the dense woods, making them unsure of where the attack came from.
    • Roleplay: “Perched high in the branches of an ancient oak, you line up your shot. The dart slices through the air, and the sharp crack of lightning follows it as it finds its target. The forest floor erupts in confusion as enemies scatter, searching for the source of the sudden storm.”
  • Defense: In defensive situations, you can use the blowgun to deter pursuers by striking from concealed locations. Fire at enemies as they move through narrow paths or thick underbrush, using the blowgun’s silent shots and the disorienting effect of the lightning to slow their advance. The Thundering effect can also startle animals or enemies, making them wary of continuing their pursuit.
    • Roleplay: “Moving silently through the underbrush, you hear footsteps closing in. With practiced ease, you fire a dart into the lead pursuer. Lightning strikes, illuminating the darkened woods and sending the rest of the group into a panicked halt, giving you precious moments to slip away.”
• Urban Rooftops or Alleyways
  • Offense: The Thunderbolt Blowgun 33 is highly effective in tight, urban environments, such as alleyways or rooftops, where quick strikes and mobility are essential. From a high vantage point, you can pick off targets in the narrow streets below, using the blowgun’s silent shot to avoid detection. The Thundering ability allows you to create controlled chaos, striking a target with a lightning-infused dart and then moving to a new position before anyone realizes what happened.
    • Roleplay: “From the shadow of a rooftop, you scan the busy street below. With a steady breath, you fire, and the dart silently finds its mark. A split second later, a bolt of lightning arcs from the target, illuminating the narrow alley. By the time anyone looks up, you’re already gone.”
  • Defense: When defending in a city or urban area, the blowgun allows you to strike from the shadows, taking down enemies without giving away your position. Use the narrow alleys, stairways, and rooftops to move undetected, firing at approaching threats and using the Thundering effect to create fear and confusion, keeping them at bay or forcing them into retreat.
    • Roleplay: “As footsteps echo through the narrow alley, you crouch in the shadows, waiting. When the enemy turns the corner, you release the dart. The air hums with electricity, and a blinding bolt of lightning sends them scrambling in panic. Using the chaos to your advantage, you slip away unnoticed.”
• Stormy Seas or Coastal Areas
  • Offense: On the open seas or near the coast, the Thunderbolt Blowgun 33 takes on a new level of potency, as the natural storms and frequent lightning strikes can mask its Thundering property. You can fire at enemies from ship decks or coastal cliffs, with the blowgun’s lightning blending into the natural environment. The sound of thunder rolling over the waves provides the perfect cover for stealthy eliminations.
    • Roleplay: “The storm rages as waves crash against the ship. Hidden among the rigging, you raise the blowgun and fire, the dart disappearing into the darkness. When the lightning strikes, it’s indistinguishable from the storm, and your target crumples, their fall masked by the wind and rain.”
  • Defense: In a defensive role at sea, the blowgun allows you to eliminate enemies approaching by boat or climbing aboard, without revealing your position. The Thundering effect can cause panic, especially in stormy conditions where lightning is already a threat. Use the confusion to defend your position or escape the scene.
    • Roleplay: “Clinging to the rocky cliffs as the storm roars overhead, you see the enemy ship approaching the shore. You line up a shot, firing into the lead climber. The dart is silent, but the lightning that follows sends the crew into disarray as they struggle against both you and the raging storm.”
• Caves or Underground
  • Offense: In the confines of caves and underground passages, the blowgun’s silent properties allow for deadly ambushes in tight quarters. The blowgun’s lightning strike is amplified in the echoing chambers, with the Thundering effect disorienting enemies and reverberating off the stone walls. Strike from the shadows and then retreat into the darkness, leaving confusion in your wake.
    • Roleplay: “The dim light of the cave barely illuminates your surroundings as you crouch behind a stalagmite. The dart flies silently, striking true, and the sudden crack of lightning echoes in the chamber, leaving your enemies disoriented and vulnerable in the darkness.”
  • Defense: When defending in caves or underground settings, the blowgun is perfect for ambush tactics. You can fire from behind rock formations or from higher vantage points in the cave. The Thundering ability not only deals damage but can also cause echoes that may confuse and mislead enemies, buying you time to set up further defenses or plan an escape.
    • Roleplay: “Deep within the labyrinth of tunnels, you hear the enemy’s approach. From the shadows, you release a dart, and as lightning strikes, the sound bounces off the cave walls, making it impossible for them to pinpoint your location. While they struggle to orient themselves, you silently retreat into the deeper shadows.”

In each environment, the Thunderbolt Blowgun 33 is a weapon that combines stealth, elemental power, and versatility, making it a valuable tool for both offense and defense. Whether striking from the shadows or defending against overwhelming odds, the blowgun’s silent shots and thunderous effects make it a formidable choice for any hunter or adventurer in the world of Saṃsāra.

Perception of Activation:

• User’s Perspective
  • Sight: As you activate the Thunderbolt Blowgun 33, the ancient runes carved into the bone glow faintly, and arcs of blue-white lightning ripple along its length. The glow pulses in rhythm with your breathing, and small sparks dance along the carved surface, highlighting the intricate thunderbird symbols. The darts, once loaded, shine with an otherworldly light as they charge with thunder magic.
  • Sound: A low, steady hum fills the air, reminiscent of distant thunder rolling through the clouds. You hear the crackle of electricity, subtle but ever-present, as the blowgun channels its elemental power. Each breath you take seems to synchronize with the stormy hum, preparing you for the imminent strike.
  • Touch: A cold, electrifying tingle spreads through your fingers as you grip the blowgun. The bone surface feels cool, almost like smooth stone, but it vibrates gently with energy. The static charge flows through your hand, giving you a heightened sense of control, as if the blowgun itself is alive, waiting to release its power.
  • Smell: The air around you carries the sharp, fresh scent of ozone, as if a storm is about to break overhead. This metallic tang becomes stronger when the blowgun is fully charged, adding an almost primal connection to the storm itself.
  • Taste: A faint metallic taste lingers in your mouth, reminiscent of biting into cold metal during a thunderstorm. It is subtle but adds to the sensation of raw power coursing through the blowgun.
  • Extra-sensory Perceptions (User):
    • Elemental Awareness: You feel an intense connection to the surrounding air, as if the blowgun amplifies your awareness of nearby electrical energy. The atmosphere seems charged, and you sense subtle currents of thunder magic flowing through the environment, heightening your instincts.
    • Primal Instincts: The blowgun taps into an ancient, primal part of you—evoking memories of thunderbirds, storms, and raw elemental power. You experience a sudden clarity, almost as if you can predict the path of lightning or anticipate the movements of enemies.
  • Positives (User):
    • A heightened sense of awareness and control, as the weapon’s elemental power seems to enhance your reflexes and focus.
    • The blowgun’s silent, electrified nature allows you to remain hidden while preparing devastating attacks, giving you a tactical edge.
    • The feeling of wielding raw thunder magic connects you deeply to the environment, reinforcing your bond with nature and the elements.
  • Negatives (User):
    • The constant hum and static charge can become draining over time, making prolonged use mentally and physically exhausting.
    • The metallic taste and scent of ozone, while subtle, may become overwhelming in enclosed spaces or after repeated activations.
    • Overuse may lead to a buildup of static energy, causing mild shocks or discomfort in nearby materials or even to yourself.
• Observer’s Perspective
  • Sight: To an observer, the blowgun glows with a faint, eerie light, its carved runes pulsing with soft, electrical energy. When activated, arcs of lightning dance across the surface of the blowgun, giving the impression that it is ready to unleash storm-like power. When a dart is fired, a sharp flash of blue-white lightning streaks through the air, momentarily illuminating the surroundings.
  • Sound: From a distance, the blowgun is almost completely silent. However, those close to the user can hear the low, ominous hum of electricity gathering within the weapon. The occasional crackle of static energy breaks the silence, especially when the blowgun is primed to fire. After the dart is released, the thunderous crack of lightning echoes sharply, as though a storm has suddenly broken.
  • Touch: Observers standing nearby might feel the static charge in the air, causing the hairs on their arms to stand on end. The air feels dense, as if charged with tension, and some may feel a faint tingle in their skin from the residual electricity emanating from the blowgun.
  • Smell: The scent of ozone is noticeable to anyone nearby, a sharp reminder of the blowgun’s elemental connection. It fills the air with a charged, metallic smell, much like the atmosphere just before a lightning strike.
  • Taste: Though subtle, any nearby observer might experience a faint metallic taste in the air, much like the aftermath of a lightning strike in a thunderstorm.
  • Extra-sensory Perceptions (Observer):
    • Aura of Power: For those attuned to magic or elemental energy, the blowgun exudes an aura of raw elemental power. The weapon feels alive with potential, a beacon of ancient thunder magic, and its activation is felt like a sudden surge of energy in the atmosphere.
    • Intimidation: Observers—especially enemies—may feel a primal fear or awe when witnessing the blowgun in action. The crackling lightning and quiet intensity radiating from the weapon are unnerving, creating an impression of unstoppable power.
  • Positives (Observer):
    • The visual and sensory experience of the blowgun’s activation can be awe-inspiring, making it clear that the wielder has command over powerful elemental forces.
    • Allies may feel emboldened by the display of power, recognizing that the wielder is armed with a weapon capable of turning the tide of battle.
    • The sheer spectacle of the blowgun’s lightning strike can disorient or intimidate foes, causing hesitation or fear.
  • Negatives (Observer):
    • The sudden burst of light and sound when the blowgun fires can be startling, potentially causing brief disorientation, especially in dark or quiet environments.
    • The buildup of static in the air may create discomfort for nearby allies, as the electricity can feel oppressive or unsettling.
    • Prolonged exposure to the blowgun’s charged energy could cause headaches or mild irritation for sensitive individuals, especially in enclosed or small spaces.

The Thunderbolt Blowgun 33 creates a powerful sensory experience for both the user and those around them. While the weapon’s activation grants a thrilling connection to the elemental forces, its overwhelming sensory effects and the potential for discomfort make it a double-edged sword in battle.

Recipe: Thunderbolt Blowgun 33 Crafting Guide

• Materials Needed
  • Thunderbird Bone (x2) Large bones of a thunderbird, infused with its natural lightning essence.
  • Lightning-infused Metal (x1 ingot) A rare alloy charged with lightning magic, used to create the Thundersteel Darts.
  • Storm Runes (x5) Magical runestones inscribed with thunder and storm magic, to be inlaid into the blowgun.
  • Conductive Leather Straps (x2 feet) High-quality leather infused with conductive fibers, used for grip and insulation.
  • Thundersteel Shards (x10) Sharp fragments of metal designed for use as ammunition, capable of conducting lightning energy.
  • Arcane Crystal Dust (x1 vial) Ground crystals used to enhance the blowgun’s conductivity and amplify its magical properties.
  • Elemental Core (Lightning) (x1) A core from an elemental or storm-infused creature, required to activate the blowgun’s Thundering ability.
• Tools Required
  • Arcane Smithy: A magical forge capable of fusing elemental materials into bone and metal.
  • Carving Tools: Precision tools for etching intricate runes and symbols into the bone.
  • Enchanter’s Hammer: Used to infuse the materials with magic during the crafting process.
  • Inscription Stylus: For engraving the storm runes and applying arcane marks.
  • Bone Molding Kit: For shaping and reinforcing the bone structure into the blowgun’s shaft.
  • Leatherworking Kit: Used to prepare and apply the conductive leather straps to the blowgun’s grip.
• Skill Requirements
  • Master Crafting: Expertise in working with rare and magical materials like thunderbird bone and lightning-infused metals.
  • Advanced Enchanting: The ability to infuse storm magic into items and handle elemental energy safely.
  • Runic Inscription: Knowledge of engraving and activating magical runes that enhance elemental properties.
  • Leatherworking: Proficiency in preparing high-quality materials that provide insulation and comfort.
• Crafting Steps
  • Prepare the Thunderbird Bones
    • Start by cleaning and smoothing the thunderbird bones. Use the Bone Molding Kit to shape them into a hollow, cylindrical structure suitable for a blowgun. Ensure the bone is strong but lightweight, preserving its natural ability to channel lightning.
    • Once shaped, apply Arcane Crystal Dust to the interior of the bones to enhance their conductivity.
  • Engrave the Storm Runes
    • Using the Inscription Stylus, carefully etch storm runes and symbols into the bone surface. These runes will serve as conduits for the lightning energy, allowing the blowgun to call down bolts of lightning upon activation.
    • Place five Storm Runes into the bone, spacing them evenly along the length of the blowgun. Secure them with the Enchanter’s Hammer, gently tapping them into place while channeling storm magic to bind them to the weapon.
  • Forge the Thundersteel Darts
    • Heat the Lightning-infused Metal Ingot in the Arcane Smithy until it becomes malleable. Forge the metal into sharp darts, about 6 inches long, ensuring that they are aerodynamic and perfectly balanced for flight.
    • Cool the darts in a bath of storm-charged water (collected during a lightning storm or conjured through elemental magic), ensuring they retain their lightning-infused properties.
  • Attach the Conductive Leather Grip
    • Cut the Conductive Leather Straps to fit the handle section of the blowgun. The leather should be tightly bound around the lower half of the bone structure to provide a secure, insulated grip.
    • Use the Leatherworking Kit to stitch the straps in place, ensuring that the conductive fibers are aligned properly to channel any excess electricity away from the wielder’s hands.
  • Embed the Elemental Core
    • The Elemental Core (Lightning) is the heart of the blowgun’s Thundering ability. Place the core at the center of the blowgun’s structure, directly beneath the Storm Runes. This core will draw upon the ambient energy and focus it into the darts.
    • Carefully lock the core into place using the Enchanter’s Hammer. You must use precise strikes, aligning the core with the runes to ensure proper power flow. Once the core is in place, it will begin to hum with latent storm energy.
  • Final Enchantment
    • Place the assembled blowgun in the Arcane Smithy for its final enchantment. Channel your knowledge of elemental and storm magic into the weapon, allowing it to absorb the full power of the Elemental Core.
    • Enchant the Thundersteel Darts with additional lightning magic by exposing them to the charged atmosphere of a thunderstorm or a controlled elemental lightning strike. This will enhance their Thundering ability, allowing them to deal both piercing and thunder damage upon impact.
  • Testing and Calibration
    • After the final enchantment, test the blowgun by firing a few darts. Ensure the Thundering property activates properly, calling down a bolt of lightning upon impact. Adjust the positioning of the runes or core if necessary to balance the power flow.
    • Once satisfied with the performance, the Thunderbolt Blowgun 33 is complete and ready for use.

The Thunderbolt Blowgun 33 is now imbued with the primal power of the storm, capable of calling down thunder and lightning with each strike. Its construction, forged from the bones of a legendary thunderbird, combines precision craftsmanship with powerful magic to create a weapon worthy of ancient hunters.

Tale of the Sky-Hunter and the Thunder-Bones

In days before counting, when the lands were wide and the sky was closer, there were those who walked far from the warmth of the sun. These were the northern ones, the roamers of the ice, who hunted what others did not see. Among them was the greatest beast—bird of sky and storm, whose wings called the thunder and whose cry brought forth the strike of the heavens. It is said the bird’s name was long lost, for no one dared speak it after its fall.

The people of the ice knew of this great bird, calling it the one who watches from clouds. They feared it, but also desired the power in its bones. For to hold its bone was to hold the lightning in hand. So they gathered, the hunters of many tents, the strongest and fastest, and they made a pact. They would take the storm-bird from the sky, as their ancestors spoke, though no one had seen this act for many seasons.

It was long that they waited, watching the sky for the sign of the bird’s return. When the wind came fierce and the clouds rolled low, they knew the time was near. Armed with weapons of cold stone and hot breath, they climbed the ice mountains to the tallest peak where the bird made its nest. But the bird did not come down, no, for it was above them, unseen, until its wings were felt more than heard. The storm began to beat the ground, and the hunters stood tall, though their hearts quaked like the ice beneath them.

The hunters were clever, hiding under the great shadows of rock, using the earth’s skin to shield them from the sky’s anger. When the bird’s wings became slower, the sky no longer screaming as before, they knew it was time. They moved as one, silent as the deep snow. Their leader, whose name is lost in the turning of time, threw the first spear—not to the bird’s heart, but to the sky itself, daring it to strike.

And strike it did. The bird, angered by the spear’s challenge, swooped low. That was the moment the hunters needed. In a clash of stone and wind, of bone and feather, the storm-bird fell. Its scream was the last sound of the storm, and then there was silence. The hunters took the bird’s bones, for they knew they held the sky’s power inside.

From the thunder-bones they carved the first blowgun, marking it with the runes of the storm, each line telling the story of the hunt. This weapon, called the Thunderbolt Blowgun, became the symbol of the tribe, passed to the greatest hunter of each generation. It called lightning not from the sky but from the hand, and those struck by its darts felt the sky’s fury as though the bird still watched from above.

Yet, the weapon was not without price. It is said that the one who wields the blowgun too long hears the bird’s voice on the wind, calling them to the storm. Many who carried it vanished, leaving only the sound of thunder behind.

Moral: “To steal the breath of the storm is to be forever hunted by the sky.”

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition) Adaptation

Thunderbolt Blowgun 33

• Type: Exotic Weapon (Blowgun)
• Damage: 1d3 + 1d6 Lightning
• Range: 15 yards
• Malfunction: 98-100
• Ammunition: Thundersteel Darts
• Skills Required: Firearms (Blowgun)
• Special Properties:
  • Thundering: When used in areas of magical silence or atmospheric disturbance, roll the wielder’s tier die for additional thunder damage (1d4 or higher depending on tier).
  • Silent Shot: The blowgun is extremely quiet when fired. Successful attacks give a +2 bonus to Stealth rolls when attempting to remain undetected.
• Drawback: Extended use may lead to obsessive thoughts about the sky and storms. Each session of use requires a Sanity Roll (0/1d4). Failure leads to storm-related hallucinations.
• Reloading: Requires one round to reload after each shot.

Blades in the Dark Adaptation

Thunderbolt Blowgun 33

• Category: Unusual Weapon
• Harm: 2 (Piercing) + 1d6 Electrical
• Range: Close to Long
• Load: 1
• Special Abilities:
  • Thundering: When fired in magical silence or stormy environments, the dart deals additional electrical damage (1 harm) to nearby enemies within 5 feet, as lightning arcs from the dart to another target. Targets must roll to resist or be stunned for one round.
  • Silent Strike: Attacks with this blowgun do not create sound, allowing the wielder to remain hidden. Gain an additional +1d to Stealth rolls after firing.
• Rare Item: This blowgun is difficult to obtain and often available only through Tier 3 or higher factions, especially those dealing in relics or elemental magic.

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition) Adaptation

Thunderbolt Blowgun 33

• Weapon Type: Ranged Weapon (Martial, Blowgun)
• Damage: 1 piercing + 1d6 lightning
• Range: 25/100 feet
• Ammunition: Requires Thundersteel Darts
• Properties: Ammunition, Loading, Light
• Attunement: Yes (requires attunement by a creature proficient with blowguns or ranged weapons)
• Special Abilities:
  • Thundering: In areas of magical silence or during stormy weather, you can roll your tier die (1d4 or higher) for additional thunder damage on a successful hit. The target must also succeed on a Constitution Saving Throw (DC 15) or be deafened for 1 minute.
  • Silent Weapon: Firing this blowgun is nearly soundless. The wielder gains advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks when attacking from a hidden position.
• Stormbound: When used during storms, the weapon’s range increases to 35/120 feet, and lightning damage is doubled.
• Rarity: Rare. Cost: 1,000 gp.

Knave Adaptation

Thunderbolt Blowgun 33

• Damage: 1d6 piercing + 1d6 lightning
• Range: Medium (50 feet)
• Usage Die: d6 (for Thundersteel Darts)
• Properties: Requires one round to reload.
• Special Abilities:
  • Thundering: In stormy conditions or areas of magical silence, the blowgun’s darts deal an extra 1d4 thunder damage. Lightning may arc to a second target within 10 feet, dealing 1d4 additional lightning damage on a successful hit.
  • Silent Shot: Attacks with this blowgun are soundless, granting the wielder advantage on Stealth rolls made immediately after firing.
• Durability: If the Usage Die rolls a 1, the blowgun temporarily loses its thundering ability until it is repaired or exposed to a storm to recharge.
• Cost: 1,000 coins (rare item).

Fate Core Adaptation

Thunderbolt Blowgun 33

• Aspect: “Thunder’s Silent Whisper”
• Weapon Rating: 2 (additional damage when a successful attack is made)
• Skill: Shoot
• Stunts:
  • Thundering Strike: Once per scene, you can invoke the Thunderbolt Blowgun 33 to add an additional +2 damage by calling down a bolt of lightning. This also creates a flash of thunder that momentarily disorients nearby enemies, granting a temporary aspect, “Deafened by Thunder”, which can be invoked once for free.
  • Silent Shot: Gain +2 to Stealth rolls when using the blowgun to remain hidden after an attack.
• Drawback: Using the blowgun in areas of magical silence may cause a stress mark on your physical track due to the weapon’s resistance to unnatural conditions.

Numenera & Cypher System Adaptation

Thunderbolt Blowgun 33

• Level: 6
• Damage: 6 points (3 piercing, 3 lightning)
• Range: Long
• Special Properties:
  • Thundering Strike: In areas of magical silence or during a storm, the blowgun deals an additional 2 points of thunder damage, and nearby enemies must make a Speed Defense Roll (Difficulty 6) or be deafened for one round.
  • Silent Attack: The blowgun emits no sound when fired, granting the user an asset to Speed Stealth rolls made immediately after firing to remain undetected.
• Recharge: After three shots, the Thunderbolt Blowgun must be recharged by exposure to a storm, electrical field, or similar energy source. Without recharging, it functions as a normal blowgun (dealing only piercing damage).
• Cost: 15 XP or found during a major exploration, often guarded by lightning-based creatures.

Pathfinder (2nd Edition) Adaptation

Thunderbolt Blowgun 33

• Type: Martial Ranged Weapon (Blowgun)
• Damage: 1 piercing + 1d6 lightning
• Range: 25 feet
• Ammunition: Requires Thundersteel Darts
• Reload: 1 (requires one action to reload)
• Traits: Magical, Ammunition, Thundering, Silent
• Special Properties:
  • Thundering Strike: In areas of magical silence or stormy weather, roll your tier die for additional thunder damage (1d4 or higher). Enemies within 10 feet of the target must succeed on a Fortitude Save (DC 18) or be deafened for 1 minute.
  • Silent Shot: Firing this blowgun does not create sound, allowing the user to remain hidden. Gain a +2 circumstance bonus on Stealth checks when using the blowgun to make a sneak attack.
• Stormbound: During storms, the blowgun’s range increases to 35 feet, and lightning damage increases to 1d8.
• Rarity: Rare (Cost: 1,000 gp).

Savage Worlds Adaptation

Thunderbolt Blowgun 33

• Category: Ranged Weapon (Blowgun)
• Damage: 1d4 piercing + 1d6 lightning
• Range: 6/12/24
• Ammunition: Requires Thundersteel Darts
• Rate of Fire: 1 (single shot, must reload after firing)
• Special Abilities:
  • Thundering Strike: In areas of magical silence or storms, the blowgun releases an electrical surge on impact, dealing 1d4 thunder damage to another enemy within 5 feet. The secondary target must make an Agility Roll (TN 4) or be stunned for one round.
  • Silent Strike: The blowgun is nearly silent when fired, granting a +2 bonus on Stealth rolls to remain undetected after shooting.
• Recharge: After three shots, the blowgun requires exposure to a natural lightning storm or an electrical power source to restore its lightning-based attacks.
• Cost: 1,000 credits or equivalent in a setting where ancient, elemental weapons are valued.

Shadowrun (6th Edition) Adaptation

Thunderbolt Blowgun 33

• Weapon Type: Exotic Ranged Weapon
• Damage: 5P (3P + 2P electrical)
• Accuracy: 6
• Ammo: 1 (requires Thundersteel Darts)
• Mode: Single Shot
• Range: Short: 0-10m, Medium: 11-30m, Long: 31-50m
• Recoil: None
• Special Properties:
  • Thundering: When fired in areas of magical silence or during stormy weather, roll your tier die for an additional 2P thunder damage. The weapon’s electrical damage arcs to a second target within 3 meters, requiring a Reaction + Intuition (Threshold 2) roll to avoid 2P electrical damage.
  • Silent Attack: Firing the blowgun creates no sound, granting a +2 dice pool bonus to Sneaking checks made after firing.
• Recharge: After three shots, the blowgun must be exposed to an electrical source (e.g., generator or natural lightning) to recharge its electrical and thunder properties.
• Cost: ¥8,000
• Availability: 12R (Restricted due to rare materials and thunderbird bones).

Starfinder Adaptation

Thunderbolt Blowgun 33

• Weapon Type: Ranged (Advanced Melee)
• Level: 8
• Damage: 1d6 piercing + 1d6 electrical
• Critical: Arc 1d6 (electricity)
• Range: 30 feet
• Capacity: 3 charges (requires Thundersteel Darts, recharges after exposure to electrical energy or during a long rest)
• Usage: 1 charge per shot
• Special Properties:
  • Thundering: In areas of magical silence or storms, the weapon gains an additional 1d4 thunder damage, and enemies within 10 feet of the target must succeed on a Fortitude Save (DC 18) or be deafened for 1 round.
  • Silent Strike: Firing this blowgun generates no sound, granting the wielder a +2 circumstance bonus to Stealth checks after an attack.
• Recharge: After three shots, the blowgun must be exposed to an electrical or storm-based energy source to recharge.
• Cost: 7,500 credits
• Bulk: L (lightweight).

Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition) Adaptation

Thunderbolt Blowgun 33

• Weapon Type: Advanced Ranged Weapon (Blowgun)
• Damage: 2D piercing + 2D electrical
• Range: 10 meters
• Magazine: 1 (requires Thundersteel Darts)
• Traits:
  • Thundering Strike: In areas of magical silence or during a storm, roll your tier die for additional 1D thunder damage. Lightning arcs to a second enemy within 5 meters of the primary target. The secondary target must make a Dexterity Check (Difficulty 8) or take 1D electrical damage.
  • Silent: The blowgun is almost entirely silent, granting a +1 DM to Recon checks when attempting to remain hidden after firing.
• Recharge: The blowgun loses its thundering properties after three shots and must be recharged by exposure to electrical energy before it can be used at full power again.
• Tech Level: 12
• Cost: Cr12,000.

Warhammer 40,000 (Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 4th Edition) Adaptation

Thunderbolt Blowgun 33

• Weapon Class: Exotic Ranged Weapon
• Damage: 6 (3 piercing + 3 electrical)
• Range: 20 yards
• Encumbrance: 0 (lightweight)
• Special Qualities:
  • Thundering Strike: In areas of magical silence or stormy conditions, roll your tier die for additional 1D thunder damage. Nearby enemies (within 5 yards) must succeed on an Agility Test (Challenging, +0) or take 1D electrical damage as the lightning arcs from the initial strike.
  • Silent Weapon: The blowgun produces no sound when fired, granting the user +10 to Stealth checks after firing to remain undetected.
• Stormbound: During stormy weather, the blowgun’s range increases by 5 yards, and electrical damage is increased to 4.
• Rarity: Very Rare
• Cost: 600 gold crowns.