Penalties to thrown melee or improvised weapons

[Antalon]

The footnotes at the end of the melee weapon table (pg 72) imply that melee weapons (except those specified) suffer a penalty if thrown.

What is this penalty and what page is it detailed?

How would improvised thrown weapons, like a hastily grabbed stone, work?

Antalon.

 

[Antalon]

Can anyone help with this???

Pretty please :!:

 

[Nostrildamus]

I don't have the book in front of me, so I'll let the Mongeese or someone who does respond to where it might be found (if it's there). It's probably down to GM fiat based on the weapon. If it is a small(ish) weapon that is not manufactured (balanced) to be thrown, the penalty would be minor (say, -10%). The larger the weapon, the stiffer the penalty, and some things just aren't meant to be thrown period. Throwing a great sword at someone would incur a very stiff penalty (if even allowed) and would probably be knocked down a step or two in damage, simply because it won't strike effectively but still could hurt if it actually hit (even if only by the flat of the blade). Because of the size differences in weapons, etc, my guess is the penalty isn't specified.

 

[gran_orco]

It will be included in the errata/faq:

"Athletics is also used for throwing items and is used to judge the accuracy of the character when throwing improvised objects, from small stones to bar stools. Weapons that are thrown use their own specific skill, such as Spear for javelins.

A thrown object has a maximum range of one metre for every point the character’s STR exceeds the object’s ENC. The Athletics roll measures the character’s accuracy during the throw and the Games Master may choose to treat this as a ranged combat attack, as described on page XX, if the situation warrants it."

 

[Antalon]

Thanks all.

I'll welocme the errata - overall, most the questions seem to be clarifications rather than errors / ommissions.

Antalon.

 

[Mongoose Pete]

Specific penalties were not included in the core rules for the precise reasons Nostrildamus infers. I.e. the situational modifiers for throwing different weapons are far too variable.

As a rough guideline you could apply a penalty to Athletics of say, -10% per size category of the weapon. In addition, lower its penetration by reducing its size by a couple of steps and maybe allow normal weapons or even arms to parry the attack. If it still hits, then reduce its damage to 1d2+db since it'll be little more than a flying bludgeoning object.

If you want to do the Ladyhawk style throw greatsword attack, then its probably best handled by learning a heroic ability to cater for the improbable act.