Difference between revisions of "Club (weapon)"
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− | [[File:Club (weapon).jpg|right| | + | [[File:Club (weapon) b.jpg|right|560px|thumb]] |
− | The '''club''', also | + | The '''club''', also called a cudgel, bludgeon, shillelagh, bang or knobkerrie, serves as a versatile [[Melee|melee]] [[Weapons List|weapon]] and a [[Missile Weapons|hurled projectile]], traditionally crafted from hardwood. Typically, it takes the form of a wooden shaft measuring approximately 24 to 30 inches in length, featuring a reinforced, rounded knob at one end. |
+ | __TOC__ | ||
+ | It has the benefit that anyone can fashion a makeshift club from everyday objects such as a table-leg, a fragment of a bannister or even a belaying pin — any might be employed as an [[Using Found Objects as Weapons|improvised club]] if no other weaponry is at hand. | ||
− | + | Weapons with spikes, metal-weighted heads, chiseled sharp edges or set with metal studs belong to a different class of weaponry and are more appropriately categorized as [[Mace (weapon)|maces]] or [[Godentag (weapon)|godentags]]. These specialized variations are described elsewhere. | |
== Combat == | == Combat == | ||
− | {| class="wikitable" style="float: | + | The club inflicts [[Damage (hit points)|damage]] ranging from '''1 to 6''' [[Hit Points|hit points]], adjusted by the wielder's [[Strength (ability stat)|strength]]. When using it in close combat, fighters often employ a swift, forceful swing, leveraging their strength to maximize the impact. |
− | |+ Missile | + | |
+ | {| class="wikitable" style="float:left; margin-right: 25px; text-align: center; background-color:#d4f2f2;" | ||
+ | |+ Missile range in [[Combat Hex|combat hexes]] | ||
! Bow !! Point<br>Blank !! Short !! Medium !! Long | ! Bow !! Point<br>Blank !! Short !! Medium !! Long | ||
|- | |- | ||
| Club || 2 || 3-5 || 6-7 || 8-9 | | Club || 2 || 3-5 || 6-7 || 8-9 | ||
|} | |} | ||
+ | The goal is to strike the target with the rounded knob or the hardened end of the club, aiming for vulnerable areas to deliver a powerful blow. This is particular effective with the '''shillelagh''', which can be transformed by the [[Shillelagh (spell)|1st level druid spell of the same name]], augmenting the weapon so that it causes 2-8 damage and acts as a magical weapon. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Hitting with a hurled club can be improved by a high [[Dexterity (ability stat)|dexterity]]. The range of a thrown club is typically limited, making it essential for the thrower to have a good sense of distance and timing. A well-aimed throw can catch opponents off guard or incapacitate them from a distance, adding a tactical advantage to this unconventional use of the weapon. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The table shown provides the effective range of a club, 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 == | ||
+ | The club, weighing in at 3½ lbs., is classified as a "light weapon," designed for one-handed use. It needs but one [[Action Points|action point]] to be drawn from a character's belt. In the event of a [[Roll to Hit|roll to hit]] resulting in a [[Critical Hits & Fumbles#Fumbles|fumble]], there is a 1 in 4 chance that the club will break. Its dimensions and length make it suitable for wielding while on horseback, adding to its versatility in combat scenarios. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The club has a rich history as a [[Hereditary Weapon I (sage ability)|hereditary weapon]] in various cultures. Characters raised in the Dutch Colonies may inherit the knop, while those from Leinster and Munster may have a shillelagh lineage. Northumbria and Ulster descendants may possess a cudgel. Among the Zulu, the knobkerrie is a common ancestral weapon; the Plains Natives of America used a similar-shaped war club. | ||
− | + | Among professions, the club is favored by hermits, innkeepers and sailors. These cultures and individuals all enjoy a +1 bonus to hit once they've received formal training in weapons, sufficient to make them [[Soldier-at-Arms (profession)|soldiers-at-arms]]. | |
− | |||
− | + | See also,<br> | |
+ | [[Commoner (non-player character)]]<br> | ||
+ | [[Harden Commoner (sage ability)]]<br> | ||
+ | [[Woodcraft (cantrip)]] | ||
− | + | [[Category: Reviewed]] |
Latest revision as of 20:28, 31 October 2023
The club, also called a cudgel, bludgeon, shillelagh, bang or knobkerrie, serves as a versatile melee weapon and a hurled projectile, traditionally crafted from hardwood. Typically, it takes the form of a wooden shaft measuring approximately 24 to 30 inches in length, featuring a reinforced, rounded knob at one end.
Contents
It has the benefit that anyone can fashion a makeshift club from everyday objects such as a table-leg, a fragment of a bannister or even a belaying pin — any might be employed as an improvised club if no other weaponry is at hand.
Weapons with spikes, metal-weighted heads, chiseled sharp edges or set with metal studs belong to a different class of weaponry and are more appropriately categorized as maces or godentags. These specialized variations are described elsewhere.
Combat
The club inflicts damage ranging from 1 to 6 hit points, adjusted by the wielder's strength. When using it in close combat, fighters often employ a swift, forceful swing, leveraging their strength to maximize the impact.
Bow | Point Blank |
Short | Medium | Long |
---|---|---|---|---|
Club | 2 | 3-5 | 6-7 | 8-9 |
The goal is to strike the target with the rounded knob or the hardened end of the club, aiming for vulnerable areas to deliver a powerful blow. This is particular effective with the shillelagh, which can be transformed by the 1st level druid spell of the same name, augmenting the weapon so that it causes 2-8 damage and acts as a magical weapon.
Hitting with a hurled club can be improved by a high dexterity. The range of a thrown club is typically limited, making it essential for the thrower to have a good sense of distance and timing. A well-aimed throw can catch opponents off guard or incapacitate them from a distance, adding a tactical advantage to this unconventional use of the weapon.
The table shown provides the effective range of a club, 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
The club, weighing in at 3½ lbs., is classified as a "light weapon," designed for one-handed use. 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 4 chance that the club will break. Its dimensions and length make it suitable for wielding while on horseback, adding to its versatility in combat scenarios.
The club has a rich history as a hereditary weapon in various cultures. Characters raised in the Dutch Colonies may inherit the knop, while those from Leinster and Munster may have a shillelagh lineage. Northumbria and Ulster descendants may possess a cudgel. Among the Zulu, the knobkerrie is a common ancestral weapon; the Plains Natives of America used a similar-shaped war club.
Among professions, the club is favored by hermits, innkeepers and sailors. These cultures and individuals all enjoy a +1 bonus to hit once they've received formal training in weapons, sufficient to make them soldiers-at-arms.
See also,
Commoner (non-player character)
Harden Commoner (sage ability)
Woodcraft (cantrip)