Source: Graeme Smith

First Appeared In:  Yet to make an appearance

Invented by:  Professor Thomas Crapper

Owned by:  Professor Thomas Crapper

Availability:  Unique Item

History:  Often has Thomas Crapper been invited to a social soiree or formal occassion only to discover that the carrying of a large bore weapon is at best considered by the host unseemly and at worst considered down right rude.
  This has often put Crapper in a bit of a quandary. On the one hand family and business interests often require him to move in polite society and attend exclusive functions but on the other hand he tends to feel unprotected and vunerable without a large calibre gun by his side.  After being caught in the middle of a shooting spree at an event at the Crystal Palace which saw Crapper facing armed anarchists with only a pump action can of weedkiller to defend himself with he decided to turn his considerable technical expertise to this problem.
  Crapper first built a prototype based upon a poachers fowling piece.  The barrel and the stock both unscrewed from the main body of the gun splitting it into three separate pieces making it easier to carry and conceal.  This design did prove its worth on many occasion and was a considerable improvement over Crappers original rifle, however it still fell well short of what was required.  Thus he decided to refine the concept further.
 
Description:   The stock  of the gun is now spring loaded and retracts into the main body of the gun when not in use.  The true innovation however is the telescopic barrel design which reduces the barrel length by three quarters when holstered.  As the above illustration shows the new gun is much more compact than a conventional rifle, although still too bulky to be concealed about a person without some special modifications being made to their clothing.
  To this end Crapper comissioned a bespoke concealed holster that fits into his overcoat with the gun suspended beside his leg.  It is a testament to the skills of his tailor that he can now attend prestigious social events fully armed and without the fear that his concealed weaponry will ruin the line of his suit.  The lining of the right hand pocket has also been removed to allow Crapper access so that he can keep his finger on the trigger without arousing suspicion.  
 
Special Features: Shock and Awe

  The gun is equipped with a quick release lever which allows the telescopic barrel to be extended faster than the human eye can see.  Thus in the blink of an eye assailants can go from attacking an apparently unarmed opponent to finding themselves looking down the barrel of a very big gun. 
    At the GM's discretion any attackers that find themselves in this situation can be forced to make a courage check at a difficulty level decided on by the GM to see how they cope with this sudden turn of events:
 
Full Success:  The assailant takes this new development in their stride using their combat honed senses to quickly reaccess their opponent and suffering no penalty to their actions. Their stony face betrays no emotion except for a slight clenching of their iron jaw as they resolve themselves to a hard fight.

Partial Success:  The assailant suffers a momentary flicker of doubt at the sudden change in circumstances before instinct takes over and they rejoin the fray in ernest.  This slight lapse in concentration results in a -2 penalty to any actions this round. Through sheer willpower they keep a look of composure on their face, however they cannot mask the fear in their eyes.
 
Failure:  The assailant is frozen with shock at suddenly finding themselves at the end of a very large calibre rifle.  They are rooted to the spot for a turn as their startled mind tries to comprehend this rapid reversal of events. Their face is a picture of open mouthed, slack jawed surprise.

Botch:  The assailant is driven insane with fear at suddenly finding themselves facing a detemined and well armed foe intent on putting a large bore shell through their skull.  After pausing for the briefest of moments in which to soil themselves they prove that they are a coward by turning tail and running away sqwarking like a chicken as they go.  Their face is one of abject terror.  

Stats:
Effective Range: 80 Yards
Wounds: Partial 7/Full 8/ High 9
Ammo: Holds a single shot in the breech. Takes one complete round to reload. The gun can be fully extended and fired in the same round at a -2 penalty.

Cost:   Is typically 75% of the cost of the rifle being modified.

Research Hours:  The modification of an exsisting elephant rifle can easily be carried out within a couple of days by a skilled technician with access to a well equipped workshop.