Javelin (weapon)

Javelins are lightweight, throwing shafts, with a slender shank that's typically 8 feet long. Hardwoods such as oak and ash are preferred, though sometimes other woods like pine are used. The head is charcoaled for strength and then polished and sharpened, then reinforced with whipcord or animal sinew for strength. This process helps prevent splintering upon impact, increasing the weapon's durability. Soldiers trained to fight specifically with javelins are called "javelineers." In ancient Greek warfare, the light infantry known to use javelins were called "peltasts."

The held end of the javelin is generally notched or fitted with a small binding to provide extra grip for the thrower. In some instances, leather strips or tassels may be added, but these are mainly decorative, meant to increase the visual impact or stability during flight. Some cultures, such as the Iberians and Celts, incorporated unique grip enhancements, including wrapped rawhide or waxed cord to improve handling in wet conditions.

Combat

The javelin inflicts damage ranging from 1-6 hit points, with no bonuses for strength because it is a hurled weapon. It cannot be used in close-quarter fighting because it is insufficiently durable, and likewise dcannot be used like a spear in setting a weapon vs. charge. The length of a javelin cannot be longer than 1½ times the height of its thrower.

Missile range in combat hexes

Bow	Point Blank	Short	Medium	Long
Javelin	2	3-9	10-18	19-27

The impact is violent, sudden and deeply penetrating. When thrown with proper force, it buries itself into the target with a sharp, jolting force that staggers opponents. Hitting with a javelin can be improved by a high dexterity. The range of a thrown javelin is excellent, far better than most hurling weapons.

The table shown provides the effective range of a javelin, remembering at there's a +1 bonus to hit at point blank range, while medium range gives a -2 penalty; long range gives a -5 penalty.

Characteristics and Background

As a weapon whose history reaches back thousands of years, it remains the choice for many backward peoples, whose lack of technology calls for the use of the javelin in hunting.

It needs but one action point to be drawn from a character's belt. In the event of a roll to hit resulting in a fumble, there is a 1 in 6 chance that the club will break. Its dimensions and length make it suitable for throwing from horseback, adding to its versatility in combat scenarios.

The spear has a rich history as a hereditary weapon in various cultures. Characters raised in Anglesey and throughout north Wales, Catalonia, Languedoc and Manchuria are well familiar with the weapon.

See Weapons List