Jesse James

Medium Humanoid (Human), Chaotic Neutral
Challenge Rating: 15

Armor Class 18 (Leather Outlaw Vest & Cowboy’s Duster)
Hit Points 225 (18d8 + 108)
Speed 40 ft.

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Abilities

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
14 (+2)	22 (+6)	20 (+5)	14 (+2)	16 (+3)	18 (+4)

Saving Throws: Dex +11, Wis +8, Cha +9
Skills: Stealth +11, Deception +10, Sleight of Hand +11, Perception +9, Insight +8, Persuasion +9
Damage Resistances: Fire, Psychic
Damage Immunities: Poison
Condition Immunities: Charmed, Frightened, Poisoned
Senses: Darkvision 60 ft., Passive Perception 19
Languages: Common, Thieves’ Cant

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Traits & Abilities

• Legendary Outlaw: Gains advantage on Charisma (Deception) and (Persuasion) checks against those aware of his notorious reputation.
• Gunslinger’s Reflexes: May take two reactions per round.
• Deadeye Precision: Ranged attacks ignore half and three-quarters cover; with advantage, a 19 or 20 is a critical hit.
• Gambler’s Luck (3/Day): Reroll a failed ability check, saving throw, or attack roll.
• Quickdraw: Drawing/stowing a weapon is free and grants advantage on initiative rolls.

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Actions

• Multiattack: Makes three attacks with his Six-Shooter Revolvers or uses Dead Man’s Shot.
• Six-Shooter Revolvers (Magical Firearms):
  • Ranged Weapon Attack: +11 to hit, range 60/180 ft., one target.
  • Hit: 16 (2d8 + 6) piercing damage.
  • Special: On a critical hit, the target must succeed on a DC 17 Constitution save or be stunned until the end of its next turn.
• Dead Man’s Shot (Recharge 5–6):
  • Targets one creature within 60 ft. (DC 17 Dexterity save).
  • Failure: 45 (10d8) piercing damage.
  • Success: Half damage.
• Smoke Bomb (Recharge 4–6):
  • Creates a 20-ft radius area of heavy obscurity for 1 minute.
  • Jesse may then use a bonus action to Dash or Hide.
• Disarming Shot:
  • Forces a creature holding a weapon to succeed on a DC 17 Strength save or drop it.

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Bonus Actions

• Evasive Step: Can take the Disengage or Dash action.
• Trick Shot: Next firearm attack is made with advantage and adds an extra 1d8 damage if it hits.

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Reactions

• Gunslinger’s Parry: When hit by a ranged attack, reduce damage by 1d10 + 6. If reduced to 0, make an immediate firearm attack.
• Return Fire: If a ranged attack misses, he can fire back at the attacker.

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Legendary Actions (3/Turn)

At the end of another creature’s turn, choose one (only one at a time):

• Quickfire: Make one firearm attack.
• Fade Into Shadows: Move up to half his speed without provoking opportunity attacks.
• Bullet Time (Costs 2 Actions): Gain advantage on all attacks until the start of his next turn.

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Lair Actions (in His Hideout)

On initiative count 20 (losing ties), Jesse may choose one:

• Reinforcements Arrive:
  • Narrative: Hidden in nearby alleys and behind old wagons, 1d4+1 loyal bandits (approx. level 3 NPCs) rush in.
  • Mechanics: Wielding improvised firearms (1d8 piercing damage, range 30/90 ft., +4 to hit), they take cover and flank enemies, granting Jesse advantage on attacks. They remain for 1 minute or until defeated.
• Booby-Trapped Exit:
  • Narrative & Mechanics: Exits are rigged with hidden traps and rudimentary explosives. When an enemy attempts to exit, they must succeed on a DC 17 Dexterity save.
    • On Failure: The enemy takes 1d8 fire damage, is pushed 10 feet from the exit, and its speed is halved until the end of its next turn.
    • On Success: It takes half damage and suffers no push or speed reduction.
• Vanishing Act:
  • Jesse briefly disappears into the terrain; enemies must pass a DC 17 Perception check to track him until his next turn.

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Equipment

Bounty Notice (Worth 10,000 GP):
A public notice offering a reward for his capture or defeat, enhancing his notorious reputation.

Twin Six-Shooter Revolvers (Magical, +2 to attack and damage):
Custom-crafted and magically enhanced for deadly precision.

Leather Outlaw Vest & Cowboy’s Duster (Magical Cloak):
Provides +1 to AC, resistance to non-magical bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage, and aids in stealth.

Jesse’s Gambler’s Dagger:
A finely balanced dagger (+1 to attack and damage) for close combat.

Deck of Marked Playing Cards:
Used for high-stakes gambling and as a distraction in combat.

Silver Pocket Watch:
An engraved heirloom symbolizing his mastery over timing in both life and combat.

Bandolier of Bullets:
A magical bandolier that never runs out of enchanted ammunition.

Jesse James

CR 12
XP 19,200
Male human gunslinger 12
CN Medium humanoid (human)
Init +11; Senses Perception +18

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DEFENSE

AC 27, touch 19, flat-footed 22 (+7 Dex, +5 armor, +3 dodge, +2 deflection)
HP 140 (12d10+48)
Fort +10, Ref +14, Will +8
Defensive Abilities evasion, uncanny dodge; DR 5/piercing

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OFFENSE

Speed 40 ft.
Melee Gambler’s Dagger +17 (1d4+2/19–20)
Ranged +2 Twin Six-Shooters +22/+22/+17/+12 (1d10+6/x4)
Special Attacks

• Dead Man’s Shot (Ex): As a full-round action, Jesse makes a single revolver shot that ignores cover and deals double damage (Reflex DC 19 for half).
• Ricochet Shot (Ex): Jesse can target enemies behind cover with a clever bounce; these attacks take a –2 penalty but ignore cover.
• Smoke Bomb (Ex): Every 1d4 rounds, Jesse can deploy a smoke bomb (20-ft. radius, lasts 1d3 rounds, providing total concealment).
• Fan the Hammer (Ex): As a standard action, Jesse can fire both revolvers rapidly, making one additional attack at a –4 penalty.

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STATISTICS

Str 14, Dex 24, Con 16, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 18
Base Atk +12; CMB +14; CMD 32
Feats Deadly Aim, Improved Initiative, Quick Draw, Rapid Reload, Two-Weapon Fighting, Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Improved Critical (firearms), Signature Deed (Dead Man’s Shot)
Skills Acrobatics +21, Bluff +19, Escape Artist +18, Knowledge (local) +15, Perception +18, Sleight of Hand +19, Stealth +22
Languages Common, Thieves’ Cant
SQ grit (5 points), nimble (+3 AC), quick clear, utility shot

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SPECIAL ABILITIES

• Gambler’s Luck (Ex): Once per round, Jesse can reroll any failed attack, skill check, or save, but must take the new result.
• Quickdraw (Ex): Jesse can draw or reload firearms as a free action.
• Gunslinger’s Dodge (Ex): As an immediate action, Jesse can take a 5-ft. step when attacked, gaining +2 AC against that attack.
• Desperate Last Stand (Ex): When reduced below 25% HP, Jesse can make an additional attack each round and gains +2 AC until the end of the encounter.

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EQUIPMENT

• +2 Twin Six-Shooter Revolvers (1d10+6 piercing, x4)
• Leather Outlaw Vest & Cowboy’s Duster (+5 AC, reduces firearm misfire chance by 1)
• Gambler’s Dagger (+1 dagger, balanced for precision)
• Bandolier of Endless Ammunition (Never runs out of bullets)
• Marked Playing Cards (Used for deception)
• Silver Pocket Watch (A relic of sentimental value)
• Bounty Poster (10,000 gp reward for his capture)

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TACTICS

• Before Combat: Jesse scouts enemies and picks cover. If time allows, he prepares a smoke bomb trap near an escape route.
• During Combat: He opens fire from cover, using Fan the Hammer for maximum damage. He moves frequently, using Gunslinger’s Dodge and Ricochet Shot to stay unpredictable.
• Morale: If reduced to 40 HP or less, Jesse activates Desperate Last Stand and fights recklessly. If reduced to 20 HP or lower, he attempts to flee, using Booby-Trapped Exit to slow pursuers.

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LAIR ACTIONS (Only in His Hideout)

On initiative count 20 (losing ties), Jesse can trigger one of the following effects:

• Reinforcements Arrive (Ex): 1d4+1 Level 3 bandits appear from cover. These allies use improvised firearms (1d8 piercing, 30 ft. range, +4 to hit) and assist in flanking enemies.
• Booby-Trapped Exit (Ex): Jesse has rigged the exits with explosives. Enemies trying to escape must make a DC 19 Reflex save or take 2d6 fire damage, be pushed 10 feet away, and have their movement speed halved for 1 round.
• Vanishing Act (Ex): Jesse temporarily disappears into the maze-like hideout. All enemies must succeed on a DC 18 Perception check or lose sight of him for 1 round.

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TREASURE

• Jesse’s twin revolvers are worth 30,000 gp each.
• His Bandolier of Endless Ammunition is a rare item valued at 15,000 gp.
• His Marked Deck of Playing Cards (used for cheating) is a minor magical trinket, worth 500 gp.
• The Bounty Poster is an important clue—Jesse is wanted by multiple factions, and his capture (alive) may bring an even greater reward.

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DESCRIPTION

A legendary outlaw, Jesse James is a deadly gunslinger with lightning-fast reflexes and a gambler’s nerve. Known for his quick wit, sharpshooting, and daring escapes, Jesse is a master of deception and gunfighting. He thrives in chaos, using hit-and-run tactics and booby traps to turn any battle to his advantage.

Few who face Jesse James live to tell the tale—he fights like a ghost, striking from cover and vanishing before the law can catch him. His hideouts are traps unto themselves, filled with hidden bandits, explosive surprises, and narrow escape routes.

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USING JESSE JAMES IN YOUR GAME

• As a Notorious Outlaw: The players are bounty hunters or sheriffs looking to bring him to justice.
• As a Rival Gunslinger: One of the players has a history with Jesse—perhaps an old gambling debt or a duel gone wrong.
• As a Shadowy Ally: Jesse knows secrets about the local crime syndicate and may be convinced to help—for a price.