Weapons that throw

[Ranger REG]

Is a bullet from a sling a thrown weapon? More broadly if you use an implement to throw something (like one of those jai-alai baskets to throw a ball or an atl-atl (sp?) to throw a javelin) is it still considered a thrown weapon for halflings and such. It seems odd if halflings don't get a bonus on stones they throw with slings.

In D&D, "thrown weapon" also means "hurled weapon." So basically any ranged weapon that requires muscle power to propel an ammunition into the air.

Therefore, the sling is a thrown weapon. So is using an atlatl to hurl a spear.

A projectile weapon uses the mechanics of the weapon to propel ammunition into the air. For example, bow and crossbow uses the flexibility of the bow itself to supply the energy to the string and toward the back of the arrow or bolt.

 

[Dr. Zoom]

Re: Re: Weapons that throw

Therefore, the sling is a thrown weapon.

Check the PH on page 97, column two in the middle. It lists the thown weapons and projectile weapons. The sling is listed as a projectile weapon.

 

[hong]

Re: Re: Weapons that throw

In D&D, "thrown weapon" also means "hurled weapon." So basically any ranged weapon that requires muscle power to propel an ammunition into the air.

By that definition, a bow is also a "hurled weapon", as is any other missile weapon other than a crossbow.

I think the D&D rules are fairly clear on the subject, which is that slings don't count as "thrown weapons" (unless you actually throw the sling at someone, which I would not put past certain iconics, if they're in the mood...). However, it's certainly reasonable to house rule it so that they do count.

But it would be surely most illogical for a campaign featuring the iconics to use non-iconic rules, yes? So sorry, Lidda, no halfling bonus with a sling for you.

(On a side-note, would loading a halfling into a sling confer a halfling bonus with the weapon? How much damage would a slung halfling do, and would it be more or less than a tossed dwarf? Inquiring minds want to know!)

 

[Ranger REG]

Re: Re: Re: Weapons that throw

By that definition, a bow is also a "hurled weapon", as is any other missile weapon other than a crossbow.

Incorrect. You do not apply muscle power to propel the ammunition. You simply pull back and let the flexibility of the bow to release the energy from the tension as you let go.

However, with a sling your muscle generate the energy by the rotational force.

But I guess they decided to call it a projectile weapon to take advantage of the 10 range increments. Thrown weapon only gets 5 range increments.

 

[Tylias]

Incorrect. It's not flexibility that gives a bowstring the ability to impart force to an arrow; it's tension.

You pull back a bowstring, transferring power from your muscles to potential energy in the bowstring (and possibly the bow, depending on the type). When you release, the bowstring applies that stored force to the missile. Same for a crossbow, even if you use a crannequin or winch to pull back the crossbow; there's no fuel, no battery, no windmill, nuclear power plant, etc. at work here.

Without the user's own mechanical force, a bow cannot fire a missile.

The sling utilizes centripetal force, generated by your arm and stored by the sling straps and pocket. Mechanically, it's different, but it's still using a tool to store potential energy in a way that hurls the missile farther than you could with a straightforward muscular action.

If you don't believe that, try using any bow, even a compound bow. Your arms will get tired. A bow does indeed use muscular force to propel its ammunition.

 

[kreynolds]

Re: Re: Re: Re: Weapons that throw

Incorrect. You do not apply muscle power to propel the ammunition. You simply pull back and let the flexibility of the bow to release the energy from the tension as you let go.

However, with a sling your muscle generate the energy by the rotational force.

But I guess they decided to call it a projectile weapon to take advantage of the 10 range increments. Thrown weapon only gets 5 range increments.

Incorrect? INCORRECT!?! What you are smokin' dude? Check the PHB. Argument, finished. Discussion, closed. Thank you.

 

[Henrix]

As somebody who has toyed a bit with slings, I must say that it is an entirely different thing than throwing something with your hand (or atlatl or throwing basket).

It is quite fun, but don't do it near other people or things that can get hurt. Occasionally one misjudges when to release, and the stone flies of in an entirely different direction than the one you intented.

The first time I hit a tree 30-40m away was quite an eye-opener. A solid *thoc* resounded trough the forest and bits of bark flew off, leaving a fair mark on the tree.
After that I went deeper into the forest, realizing that had it been a human, I would have brained him* good. (A d4 doesn't really do it justice.)

* Provided he was 3m (10 feet, for you metrically challenged) tall, of course. I was aiming for an ogre skull