Houston's Rifle

The Rifle

The firearm Houston keeps concealed under his robes, punching a hole through Carl's shoulder at the ceasefire's end.

Story so far

When Phase One Combat engages, Architect Houston jumps up and his robes fling back to reveal a bug-like body with six arms — two of which are holding a rifle, which he brings to bear on Carl's chest and fires.

Carl dives and takes the round through his shoulder instead of the heart, landing against a counter and dropping an impact Hob-Lobber as Baroness Victory's teleport pulls him clear. He slams a Healing Potion on arrival at the Field Hospital, crying out as the wound knits. The weapon choice is deliberate: with offensive magic banned in the ramp-up phase, a rifle is the fastest legal way to kill a warlord.

Appearance

A rifle large enough to require two of Houston's six arms, concealed beneath his robes throughout the inquiry.

Role

The weapon of Houston's assassination attempt on Carl.

Relationships

Architect Houston — Its owner, concealed beneath his robes.

Carl — Wounded through the shoulder by it.

Phase One Combat — Its magic ban made a rifle the weapon of choice.

Sources — 1 recorded facts, by chapter

Chapter 25

The firearm Houston keeps concealed under his robes, punching a hole through Carl's shoulder at the ceasefire's end.