I think that rifles would only work if they were solely made for enemies directly under the big-bad, but you could collect them when you raided their stronghold. Because of their great damage and ease of use, they might want to make the weapons a little less effective. Perhaps some of the pros and cons:
- Lowered accuracy. (They're in early stages of development.)
- Limited ammunition.
- Cannot be repaired; the technology is too alien.
- Individual Weapon Expertise skill – Rifle Expertise.
- Low Strength requirements, no Dexterity requirements.
- Great damage.
- Average reload rate, between crossbow and bow.
You'd want to be very careful adding weapons like that to a medieval game. While they make an interesting cross-over, they can be received very badly by players, especially if it is unexpected. Perhaps another Archanum is needed?
