=== Races | Technology ===

====== EXOHUMAN WEAPONS IN THE BETA AGE ======

===== Overview =====

During the [[beta_age|Beta Age]], [[the_humans|ExoHuman]] weapons underwent a significant evolution, transitioning from the restricted armaments of the [[last_frontier|Last Frontier]] to the unregulated and widespread use of firearms and melee weapons in the [[free_state_of_settlers|Free State of Settlers]].

Initially, only the [[guarding_troopers|Guarding Troopers]] — the designated law enforcement of the Last Frontier — were allowed to carry weapons. However, following the crash-landing on [[the_planet_voi_700_d|VOI 700 D]] in 2625, new challenges emerged, leading to the proliferation of both improvised and manufactured weapons.

Unlike in the [[the_gamma_age|Gamma Age]], where weapon possession was strictly regulated, the Beta Age was defined by uncontrolled access to firearms and the rapid development of local armories.

===== Weapons on the Last Frontier (Alpha Age) =====

During the [[the_alpha_age|Alpha Age]], weapon possession was prohibited for civilians aboard the Last Frontier. The only individuals permitted to carry weapons were the Guarding Troopers, who acted as both law enforcement and internal security. These weapons included:

  * [[laser_gun|Laser Guns]] – Standard issue for Guarding Troopers.
  * [[guarding_troopers_stun_gun|Stun Guns]] – Used for non-lethal suppression.
  * [[laser_cannons|Laser Cannons]] – Built into the ship’s defensive systems, protecting against external threats.

After the crash-landing, many of these weapons were either damaged or rendered inoperable due to the destruction of [[quantum_fusion_batteries|Quantum-Fusion Batteries]]. While some Laser Guns remained functional, their usage was limited due to the difficulty of recharging them. However, Laser Cannons were integrated into the defensive walls of the newly established settlements, offering strategic protection against external threats.

===== The Rise of DIY Weaponry =====

As settlers spread across VOI 700 D, many — especially those establishing farms beyond the fortified settlements — began crafting their own weapons for hunting and self-defense. The lack of centralized manufacturing initially resulted in highly variable quality, leading to frequent malfunctions and self-inflicted injuries. These DIY weapons included:

  * **Bows and Arrows –** Simple yet effective, often made from local plant materials.
  * **Melee Weapons (Knives, Clubs, Spears) –** Crafted from scavenged metal and reinforced with local resources.
  * **Homemade Firearms –** Crude single-shot rifles and pistols, prone to misfires.

By 2626, small workshops specializing in firearm production emerged, giving rise to a blacksmithing and gunsmithing industry that would shape Beta Age weapon culture.

===== Regulation and the Birth of the Forge of Atrana =====

Due to multiple accidents involving faulty firearms, the [[settler_s_council|Settler’s Council]] of the Free State of Settlers enacted a licensing system in 2627, requiring weaponsmiths to demonstrate their qualifications. Among these workshops, the [[forge_of_atrana|Forge of Atrana]]  quickly gained legendary status. Founded by Jack Dolany in [[morningstar|Morningstar]], the Forge of Atrana became the gold standard for high-quality weaponsmithing. While many workshops produced weapons of dubious quality, the Forge of Atrana specialized in only one precision-crafted and reliable hunting firearm The [[windstrike_rifle|Windstrike Rifle]].

===== Weapons Acquired from Native Tribes =====

Some ExoHumans traded with or stole from Native Tribes, acquiring their specialized weapons for hunting or self-defense.

Common Native Weapons in ExoHuman Hands:

  * **Crossbows** (Traded or stolen from Native Tribes like the [[the_trando|Trando]] or [[the_orlanda|Orlanda]])
  * **Hunting Bows** (Acquired through trade with the [[the_senti|Senti]])
  * **Bone Knives & Spears** (Occasionally looted or found in abandoned sites)

These weapons were lighter, stealthier, and did not require gunpowder or energy sources, making them ideal for settlers living outside the fortresse
===== The Free State of Settlers and the Culture of Firearms =====

Unlike later periods, weapon possession in the Beta Age was entirely unregulated. Every settler could carry weapons without restriction, leading to a strong gun culture, particularly in the settlements of Morningstar, [[hope|Hope]], and [[Firetown|Firetown]].

Key aspects of this culture included:

  * **Weapons as a status symbol –** Owning an expensive or well-crafted firearm became a marker of success.
  * **Weapons in fashion –** Custom holsters, engraved rifle stocks, and decorated blades were common.
  * **Dueling traditions –** Disputes were often settled through formal or informal gunfights. While not officially legal, the Free State of Settlers had no effective means to stop them.

Furthermore, the use of weapons for self-defense and hunting was completely legal, reinforcing the independent and self-sufficient mindset of the settlers.

===== The Great War and Mass Weapon Production (2629–2630) =====

With the outbreak of the [[great_war|Great War]] in 2629, weapon production shifted toward mass manufacturing for the [[volunteer_army_of_man|Volunteer Army of Man]]. The Forge of Atrana became the primary weapons supplier, producing arms in large quantities.

By the end of the Beta Age, weapons had become deeply ingrained in ExoHuman society, setting the stage for the stricter regulations imposed in the Gamma Age.

===== Overview: Important  Weapons of the Beta Age =====

==== Guarding Trooper Weapons ====

  * **[[laser_gun|Laser Gun]]**
  * **Origin:** [[last_frontier|Last Frontier]]
  * **Type:** Ranged (military-grade)
  * **Damage:** 2d10 energy
  * **Range:** Normal 120 meters, Maximum 400 meters
  * **Properties:** Powered by a [[quantum_fusion_batteries|Quantum Fusion Battery]] (QFB), allowing up to 40 shots per full charge. Once depleted, it requires a fully functional Quantum Fusion Recalibration Station (QFRS) for recharging.
  * **Attack Roll:** Dexterity + Proficiency
  * **Cost (Beta Age):** Not officially for sale, Equipment of the [[guarding_troopers|Guarding Troopers]].
  * **Cost (Gamma Age):** 25,000 Kourou (estimated Black Market Price)
  * **Weight:** 2.5 kg
  * **Availability:** Nearly unavailable for Non-Guarding Troopers in the Beta Age, Exceptionally Rare on the Gamma Age's Black Markets.

  * **[[laser_cannons|Laser Canon]]**
  * **Origin:** [[Last Frontier|Last Frontier]]
  * **Type:** Defensive (stationary, military-grade)
  * **Damage:** 3d12 energy (area effect)
  * **Range:** Normal 1 km, Maximum 1.5 km
  * **Rate of Fire:** One shot per second
  * **Properties:** Powered by [[quantum_fusion_batteries|Quantum Fusion Batteries (QFBs)]], requiring a Quantum Fusion Recalibration Station (QFRS) for recharging. Features automated targeting with manual override available.
  * **Cost (Beta Age):** Not officially for sale (only available for [[guarding_troopers|Guarding Troopers]]).
  * **Cost (Gamma Age):** Not available no more.
  * **Weight:** Stationary
  * **Availability:** Destroyed post-[[Great War|Great War]]; forbidden under [[peace_treaty|Peace Treaty]].

  * **[[guarding_troopers_stun_gun|Guarding Troopers Stun Gun]]**
  * **Origin:** [[last_frontier|Last Frontier]]
  * **Type:** Melee (non-lethal)
  * **Damage:** 1d4 (stuns and paralyzes the opponent temporarily)
  * **Range:** Close combat
  * **Properties:**  [[quantum_fusion_batteries|Quantum Fusion Battery]]-powered, allowing up to 100 uses per charge
  * **Attack Roll:** Strength/ Dexterity + Proficiency
  * **Cost (Beta Age):** not officially for Sale
  * **Cost (Gamma Age):** 300,- Kourou (Average Price Black Market)
  * **Weight:** 1.5 kg
  * **Availability for Players:** Standard Issue for Guarding Troopers in the Beta Age, rare on the Gamma Age's Black Markets.


==== Weapons Manufactured in the Free State of Settlers ====

  * **[[Windstrike Rifle|Windstrike Rifle]]**
  * **Origin:** [[forge_of_atrana|Manufactory Forge of Atrana]] near Morningstar (2627-2629), [[volunteer_army_of_man|Volunteer Army of Man]]
  * **Type:** Ranged
  * **Damage:** 1d8 piercing
  * **Range:** Normal 80 meters, Maximum 100 meters
  * **Properties:** Requires reloading after each shot
  * **Attack Roll:** Dexterity + Proficiency
  * **Cost (Beta Age):** 300,- Kourou (Average price at official Dealers)
  * **Cost (Gamma Age):** 800,- Kourou (Black Market)
  * **Weight:** 2.5 kg
  * **Availability:** A premium-product in the Beta Age, very rare on the Gamma Age's Black Market.

  * **[[ironstrike_slingshot|Ironstrike Slingshot]]**
  * **Origin:** [[volunteer_army_of_man|Volunteer Army of Man]], Manufactory [[forge_of_atrana|Forge of Atrana]]
  * **Type:** Ranged
  * **Damage:** 1d6 bludgeoning
  * **Range:** Normal 40 meters, Maximum 60 meters
  * **Properties:** Lightweight, rapid-fire capability
  * **Attack Roll:** Dexterity + Proficiency
  * **Cost (Beta Age):** Not for sale, Standard Equipment of Soldiers of the [[volunteer_army_of_man|Volunteer Army of Man]]
  * **Cost (Gamma Age):** 200,- Kourou (Average Price Black Market)
  * **Weight: 0.5 kg**
  * **Availability:** Common Weapon during the [[great_war|Great War]], Common on the Gamma Age's Black Market

  * **Special Feature:** The Ironstrike Slingshot is compact and durable, firing iron balls salvaged from dismantled spaceship components. Its unique design incorporates a recoil-dampening handle, allowing for quick successive shots. Soldiers valued its simplicity and reliability in close-quarters skirmishes.

  * **[[guarding_troopers_combat_knife|Guarding Troopers Combat Knife]]**
  * **Origin:** [[Forge of Atrana|Forge of Atrana,]] [[volunteer_army_of_man|Volunteer Army of Man]]
  * **Type:** Melee
  * **Range:** Close Combat & Throw: 10 Meters (normal)
  * **Damage:** 1d8 slashing or piercing.
  * **Properties:** Dual-use as both a weapon and a utility tool.
  * **Attack Roll:** Strength/Dexterity + Proficiency
  * **Cost (Beta Age):** Not officially for Sale / Equipment of the [[guarding_troopers|Guarding Troopers]] during the[[great_war| Great War]].
  * **Cost (Gamma Age):** 350,- Kourou (Average Price Black Market)
  * **Weight:** 0,2 kg
  * **Availability:** Very rare on the Gamma Age's Black market.

==== Weapons Acquired from Native Tribes ====

  * **[[Trando Firebow|Trando Firebow]] (with explosive Trando-Arrows)** 
  * **Origin:** [[the_natives_tribes_of_voi_700_d|Native Tribes of VOI 700 D]] | [[the_trando|Trando Tribe]]
  * **Type:** Ranged
  * **Damage:** 1d8 piercing, 2d8 fire
  * **Range:** Normal 50 meters, Maximum 90 meters
  * **Properties:** Requires reloading after each shot; Trando-Arrows are essential; crafted with Lumifire Sap for explosive fire damage. Fire damage affects a 5-meter radius upon impact (Dexterity save DC 13 for half fire damage).
  * **Attack Roll:** Dexterity + Proficiency
  * **Cost (Beta Age):** 300,- Kourou | Explosive Trando-Arrows: 50,- Kourou each (Average Price at Itinerant Traders)
  * **Cost (Gamma Age):** 600,- Kourou | Explosive Trando-Arrows: 100 Kourou each (Average Price Black Market)
  * **Weight:** 1 kg
  * **Availability:** Rarely available in the Beta Age, very rare on the Gamma Age's Black Market and exclusively crafted by skilled Trando artisans.

  * **[[Senti Hunting Bow|Senti Hunting Bow]]**
  * **Origin:** [[the_natives_tribes_of_voi_700_d|Native Tribes of VOI 700 D]] | [[the_senti|Senti Tribe]]  
  * **Type:** Ranged
  * **Damage:** 1d10 piercing, 1d6 additional damage if target is moving (Mobility Strike)
  * **Range:** Normal 70 meters, Maximum 120 meters
  * **Properties:** Gains additional 1d6 damage against targets in motion due to aerodynamic bone-tipped arrows. Engineered for stealth, its drawstring is treated with oils, allowing for noiseless operation.
  * **Attack Roll:** Dexterity + Proficiency
  * **Cost (Beta Age):** 280,- Kourou | Bone-tipped Arrows: 40,- Kourou each (Average Price at Itinerant Traders)
  * **Cost (Gamma Age):** 500 Kourou,- | Bone-tipped Arrows: 50 Kourou per bundle of 10 (Average Price Black Market)
  * **Weight:** 1.2 kg
  * **Availability:** Rarely available in the Beta Age, very rare on the Gamma Age's Black Market and exclusively crafted by skilled Trando artisans.and primarily used by Senti hunters for long-range precision.
  * **Special Arrows:** Bone-tipped arrows that can pierce armor or thick hides with high accuracy.

  * **[[orlanda_spear|Orlanda Spear]] (Optional: with Venom-Tipped Spearhead)**
  * **Origin**: [[the_natives_tribes_of_voi_700_d|Native Tribes of VOI 700 D]]|[[the_orlanda|Orlanda Tribe]]
  * **Type:** Melee + Ranged
  * **Damage:** 1d8 piercing
  * **Range:** Close Combat, can get thrown (normally up to 20 meters max)
  * **Properties:** Dual use (melee or thrown), enhanced lethality with venom coating
  * **Attack Roll:** Strength + Proficiency
  * **Cost (Beta Age):** 350,- Kourou (Average Price at Itinerant Traders with venom-tipped spearhead)
  * **Cost (Gamma Age):** 200,- Kourou (Average Price Black Market without venom-tipped spearhead), 450,- Kourou (Average Price Black Market with venom-tipped spearhead)
  * **Weight:** 2 kg
  * **Availability:** The Spear is common on the Black market, but very rare with a venom-tipped spearhead.

  * **Special Feature: Venom-Tipped Spearhead**
  * The Orlanda Spear’s spearhead can be coated with venom derived from Orlanda Marsh Stingers, swamp-dwelling insects. When coated:
  * **Effect:** On a successful hit, the target must succeed on a Constitution saving throw (DC 14) or take 2d6 poison damage and become poisoned for 1 minute.
  * **Cost of Venom:** 50 Kourou per application (lasts for 3 attacks).
  * **Crafting Venom:** Requires harvesting Marsh Stinger venom and processing it with herbal stabilizers.

===== Tactical Advice for Dungeon Masters =====

The Beta Age’s wild and unregulated weapon culture makes it a rich setting for roleplaying, full of intrigue, danger, and high-stakes battles.

  * **"The Dueling Code" –** A high-profile duel is about to take place. Players can interfere, mediate, or manipulate the outcome.
  * **"Stolen Secrets" –** A Native Tribe’s weapons cache is stolen by ExoHumans, escalating tensions. The players must track down the thief and recover the stolen weapons before a conflict erupts.
  * **"The Windstrike Rifle Job"** – The Forge of Atrana is targeted by bandits who want its blueprints. Players must defend or infiltrate it.
  * **"The Stolen Laser Gun" –** A Guarding Trooper's Laser Gun has gone missing in Firetown.The players must retrieve the weapon before it falls into the wrong hands, but as they investigate, they uncover a larger conspiracy …

===== Related Pages and Further Information =====

  * [[last_frontier|Last Frontier]] 
  * [[free_state_of_settlers|Free State of Settlers]]
  * [[guarding_troopers|Guarding Troopers]]
  * [[forge_of_atrana|Forge of Atrana]]
  * [[volunteer_army_of_man|Volunteer Army of Man]]
  * [[great_war|Great War]]

**The Ages of ExoHuman History:**

  * [[the_alpha_age|Alpha Age]]
  * [[beta_age|Beta Age]]
  * [[the_gamma_age|Gamma Age]]