Maison Aetherthorne Ascensions – Familiar Training Codex
Section: Advanced Chivalric Disciplines – Approved for Courting Gallants, Devoted Gallants, and Guiding Ladies of Ascension
The Gunslinger subclass transforms a gallant into a dashing marksman of unparalleled precision and flair—the romantic duelist who resolves disharmony from afar with elegant, non-lethal shots. Ideal for Courting Gallants seeking to impress in salon-adjacent arenas or Devoted Gallants defending blimp convoys, Gunslingers embody chivalric speed: a quick draw, a steam-trailing bullet, and a courteous tip of the hat as the foe yields in stunned harmony.
Gunslingers favor ranged spectacle over brute force, allowing Ladies of Ascension to remain safely distant while their Aether Pair shines. Shots stun, entangle, or disarm—never maim—turning every engagement into a ballet of brass and vapor. Victories grant extended human-form rewards, whispered admirations in tea rooms, and the proud smile of a Guiding Lady.
Access to the Gunslinger subclass opens at Level 3, once a Courting Gallant has proven agility and loyalty in base Fighter trials. The Maison reviews the bond, ensuring the Guiding Lady approves the path of “elegant distance.”
Process: Petition at Joyaux Tourbillon’s Duelist Pavilions or Forge Éternelle’s Marksman Ranges. Upon approval, the gallant receives the standard Harmonious Revolver Pair – Mark 1: twin brass pistols with gear-loaded chambers and steam-vent barrels.
Mandatory Registration: Like all advanced gear, Gunslingers must register revolvers with municipal harmony arbiters. This records whistle resonance, ring-sync calibration, and ammunition specifications (stun bolts, net rounds, harmony flares) to maintain balanced firepower across islands.
Whispers among gallants speak of legendary Mark 2 revolvers—sleeker engravings, faster reload coils, or enhanced ricochet channels—bestowed only for extraordinary acts of devotion or grand expo triumphs.
The Gunslinger’s arsenal arrives in theatrical style via the Harmonious Call Whistle:
The Call: A sharp, melodic hiss (tuned to pedigree—e.g., sly fox whistle or purring cat note) vents steam in curling plumes.
Deployment: The holstered revolver pair (stored in personal lockers or cloud armories) spins through the air on gear-propelled trajectories, landing perfectly in the gallant’s hands with a satisfying click. Human Form: Dual-wield for dramatic poses. Mammal Form: Single mini-revolver or signaling flare for scouting support.
Combat Flow: Mid-to-close range dominance—Quick-Draw for opening stun shots, ricochet tricks off brass surfaces, and escalating multi-volleys. Ammunition reloads via steam-compressed cartridges (cooldown for dramatic tension).
Dismissal: Reverse whistle tune holsters the weapons with a spinning flourish.
Level 3: Quick-Draw Harmony – Summon and fire a precise opening shot (stun bolt or net round).
Level 7: Ricochet Precision – Bullets curve via steam-guided fins; bounce off walls or shields for multi-target flair.
Level 11: Duelist’s Cascade – Three-shot combo with increasing accuracy; loyalty bonus adds charming taunt (foe hesitates).
Level 15: Volley Tempest – Rapid five-shot barrage; agility overlap perfects aim under pressure.
Level 18: Eternal Marksman – Ring-infused Aether Trace Shots home gently on threats; permanent reload speed for endless elegance.
Unauthorized modifications to revolvers are strictly forbidden—tampering risks disharmonious escalation or ring desynchronization. Embedded aether resonators allow remote diagnostics, shutdowns, or municipal logs if irregularities appear.
Yet, in shadowed corners of Joyaux Tourbillon’s entertainment districts or discreet Forge hangars, certain artisans quietly offer minor “tunings”—faster coil springs, cosmetic pearl grips, or subtle caliber boosts. These small liberties, largely overlooked in practice (as perfect enforcement strains resources), let devoted Gunslingers draw just a touch more flair from their weapons… provided they never challenge core harmony. A wise Aether Pair knows when discretion preserves the romance.
Draw with Grace. Resolve in Valor.
(Embossed with the Twin Revolver Emblem)