Basics of Weaponry

From HollowWiki

Basics of Weaponry

There are many different types of weapons available for characters to wield in The World Called Hollow. Some weapon types are favored by certain races or classes, and each has a strength and weakness. The following is a basic summary of the most common weapon types available as items.

Dagger

The simplest sharp weapon, a dagger is small and quick. It is preferred by thieves and rogues, as well as the smaller races such as pixies and hobbits, who don’t possess the physical strength needed to wield larger weapons. A dagger is like a knife, with a double-edged blade usually no longer than six inches long attached to a small hilt. It is very lightweight, and can be used as a missile weapon when thrown. Often a dagger is concealed in a boot or pocket rather than being worn on the belt as a sword would be.

Sword

Basically a larger version of the dagger, a sword is the most common weapon found in the realm. It is a two-edged blade with a hilt, and comes in varying sizes. A short sword is preferred by those with less mastery of swordsmanship, and usually only measures about two feet long. It can be worn in a sheath on someone’s belt. A bastard sword is one example of a regular-sized sword, measuring about three to four feet. Again, it can often be worn in a sheath on the bearer’s hip, and is the standard issue for knights, and other “fighting” classes. A ranger might carry a regular sword along with his bow, for a sword is one of the easier weapons to fight with. Finally, a broadsword or great sword is the largest and longest of this weapon type, measuring anywhere above four feet. Warriors and races with brute strength such as giants, ogres, or orcs might wield one of these, and keep it strapped to their back with the hilt ready to pull at their shoulder. As the sword gets bigger, it grows heavier. Don’t expect a small creature to be able to wield a great sword.

Bow

A bow is the only true ranged weapon in Hollow. It is meant for attacks from distances, usually through means of stealth. A ranger will use a bow to hunt his prey in the forest, an assassin will use a crossbow to kill his enemies without needing to be near them. Bows can come in any shape and size, though the dreaded longbow (strong enough to pierce through a man’s armor) measures over four feet tall and requires a great amount of strength to pull the string. A bow always has a string, connected on both ends to a curved piece of wood or metal. While arrows are the typical missile used, crossbows use what are termed ‘bolts’ due to the lack of feather on the back end of the barb.

Wand

Wands can be considered missile weapons, but they’re meant to channel magic instead of physical objects such as arrows. They can also help a mage cast their spells, when they couldn’t without the help of their wand. A wand is typically a short stick, carved from wood, a precious gem, or some other significant substance, and can be charged with different types of elements such as lightning, wind, or fire. Obviously classes that don’t use magic will not find much use for using wands.

Stave/Staff

A longer version of a wand, a stave or staff can also be used as a blunt weapon, and often is employed by monks and others who use gymnastics and martial arts to fight. It is carved from wood, precious metal, gemstone, and is often embued with magical properties. Magic-using classes would find these useful, for they serve as much more than just a walking stick. They typically measure at least three feet in length, often equaling the sorcerer in height.

Axe

Unlike the typically hatchet used to chop wood, battleaxes are large, clumsy weapons in the hands of anyone but the practiced. Dwarves because of their hearty strength prefer these weapons, often enchanting them with different magical properties. However, since most magic-users make up for their lack of physical strength with their magical ability, they hardly use such unwieldy objects to fight. They feature two edges to the blade, connected to a long, strong shaft of wood or metal that allows the wielder to hold and swing the axe. Most axes are two-handed weapons, although smaller, single-bladed and single-handed versions are known to exist.

Club

The simplest of blunt weapons, this is typically seen in the hands of a bumbling ogre or giant. Sometimes spikes can be put on the end of the club, but with the force these large creatures already use to swing it, even a blunt wooden end can bash someone’s skull in. It bears no magical properties and often is more a weapon of necessity than choice.

Mace

A hybrid between a flail and a club, maces are also called morningstars, due to the head on the handle. It features several spikes on a ball, attached to a shaft of wood or metal that allows the bearer to swing the weapon. It can be light or heavy depending on the composition and the size of the sharp end. This is another common weapon wielded by fighting classes that don’t rely heavily on magic.

Flail

A flail is basically a club with a mace’s head attached to the end on a chain. It can be made of metal, wood, or any combination of the two. Typically heavier than a simple mace due to the extra chain links, it can have anywhere from one chain and ball to three or more. While flails can be enchanted, it’s rare, and again they’re preferred by the fighting classes who don’t rely on magic to attack their enemies.

Whip

Typically made of leather or cloth, a whip features a handle with either one or several long ropes attached that can be used to flay an opponent. A variation on a whip is a cat-o-nine-tails. A whip requires agility to use rather than strength, and can be favored by lither races such as felines, and classes such as assassins and thieves. Someone practiced with using one would be able to not only lash their enemy with it to attack, but wrap it around objects and limbs to incapacitate them.