Bolter (Godwyn-pattern) | Rogue Trader Armoury

Mechanism & Role

A bolter fires self-propelled, mass-reactive bolt shells. After a short gyrojet burn for velocity and stability, the round detonates microseconds after penetration, maximizing effect against armoured targets. Variants range from compact pistols to heavy squad support weapons.

Common Ammunition Types

Standard: Solid core, mass-reactive fuse; reliable all-rounder.
Kraken: Armour-piercing sub-core for void-hardened or power-armoured foes.
Hellfire: Bio-corrosive payloads effective against tyranid-like organisms.
Vengeance: Over-pressured anti-materiel rounds with increased wear.

Adventure Hooks

Contract to deliver a crate of sanctioned bolts to a frontier shrine-world; pirates smell profit.
Forensic trail: distinctive bolt fragmentation links a rogue Inquisitorial asset to a dockside incident.
Tech-adept seeks STC data for a pre-Heresy pattern—attracts unwanted Mechanicus attention.

Safety & Etiquette

Bolters are sacred mechanisms. Expect litanies before maintenance, mag-seals in void environments, and strict munition tithe records aboard respectable dynastic vessels.