Note: Each W.P. provides combat training with a particular type of weapon. Each W.P. counts as one skill. The character may select several W.P.s or a few. Characters without a W.P. can use any weapon, but without benefit of the W.P. bonuses. There are two categories of Weapon Proficiencies, Ancient and Modern. These are somewhat misleading, since what they really refer to is unpowered melee type weapons (swords, spears, etc.) and modern, powered weapons (guns of every stripe). A Juicer's Deadball W.P. will be found under Ancient weapons, even though the device itself was not invented until well after the modern age began.
Each Ancient W.P. provides combat training with a particular type of weapon. The result is hand to hand combat bonuses to strike and parry whenever that particular "ancient" style weapon is used. All bonuses are accumulative. Each W.P. counts as one skill.
W.P. Archery and Targeting:
This is an expertise with thrown and bow weapons. It includes
throwing spears, forks, slings, short bows, long bows, crossbows, and modern
bows. Bonuses: Add 20 feet (6.1 m) to the normal effective
range per level of the character, +I to parry with that weapon (effective at
level one), and +1 to strike at levels 2, 4, 6, 8, 11, and 14.
Rate of Fire: Two at level one, +2 at level three, +1 at levels 5, 7,
9, and 12.
Combat Note: Typically, a character loses all bonuses and rate of fire
is half when riding on horseback or a moving vehicle.
Thrown and Bow Type Weapons and Typical Ranges:
Boomerangs (1D6 damage): 60 feet (18 m)
Throwing Sticks & Irons (1D6 damage): 30 feet (9 m)
Sling (1D6 damage): 80 feet (24 m)
Spear (1D6 damage): 100 feet (30.5 m)
Short Bow (1D6 damage): 340 feet (104 m)
Long Bow (2D6 damage): 640 feet (195 m)
Modern Compound Bow (2D6 damage): 700 feet (213 m)
Traditional Crossbow (2D4 or 1D8 damage): 600 feet (182 m)
Modern Crossbow (2D6 damage): 700 feet (213 m)
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W.P. Battle Axe:
Training in all types of battle axes and picks. Bonuses:
+1 to strike at levels 1, 4, 8 and 12. +1 to parry at levels 2, 5, 8 and 13.
+1 to strike when thrown at levels 3, 8 and 12.
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W.P. Blunt:
Training with all types of blunt weapons including maces, hammers,
cudgels, pikes, staves, and clubs. Bonuses: +1 to strike and
parry at levels 1, 4, 8 and 13.
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W.P. Bola:
The Bola is an old weapon of the South American Indians who
taught its construction and use to the gauchos. The classic weapon was three
rawhide thongs joined at one end and at the other, three cords tipped with metal
or leather covered stones; the length of the cords varied from 3-10 feet (0.9
to 3 m). When thrown accurately, the bola could entangle the legs to bring down
a running animal. One or two weighted balls were used for hunting small prey
like rabbits and birds. Damage: 2D4 S.D.C. As one might expect,
various weapon manufacturers have created bolas with 1-3 grenades instead of
weights, and Northern Gun has created one that works like a Neural Mace, with
the stunning charge delivered by remote control once a victim has been ensnared.
Bonuses: +1 to strike, disarm and entangle at levels 2, 5,
10 and 15.
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W.P. Boomerang (Australia):
An aerodynamic curved throwing "stick" that is the Aboriginal
technological equivalent of the bow and arrow. Some can be no larger than a
foot (0.3 m) long, others can be almost man-sized and require two hands to
launch, but most range between 1-3 feet (0.3 to 0.9 m) long. There are many
variations, some designed to return to the thrower if the shot misses, others
designed purely as throwing sticks intended to inflict damage and which fall
flat if they miss.
Bonuses to Strike: +1 at levels 1, 3, 5, 7, 10 and 15.
Bonuses to Damage: +1 to damage at levels 2, 5, 9, 11 and 15.
Combat Notes: The boomerang is a hunting weapon. Nonetheless, this is
an RPG, and boomerangs make pretty cool weapons (see the equipment section for
more), and players are likely to try all sorts of tricks.
1. In all cases, opponents are at -2 to parry and dodge boomerang attacks,
as they are highly unpredictable missile weapons difficult to avoid and defend
against. Add this penalty to other penalties that may apply from special attacks.
The boomerang can be employed in several different ways:
2. Thrown with a slight curve so that it returns if it misses. In such a case,
the range is 150 feet (45.7 m). To make a boomerang return, a character must
have this W.P. Such trained individuals can throw those designed to return to
come back to them when they miss. The process of returning uses up one melee
action worth of time, during which the character can perform something else
(aside from moving).
3. Straight Shot. Thrown with full force, the range is an incredible 600 feet
(182 m). The boomerang will not return. +2 to damage from the velocity of a
fast moving, full force boomerang. If the victim is within 100 feet (30.5 m),
he is -4 to parry or dodge the attack.
4. The Back Shot is a particularly tricky method of attack. The boomerang is
thrown with full force, but curves to return toward its thrower and strike a
target on its return, from the opposite side. The maximum range is 250 feet
(76.2 m), and the target is -8 to parry and dodge due to the element of surprise.
This can even catch someone hiding behind cover if the thrower is aware of the
hiding target and can accurately estimate where to strike. The difficulty of
this attack means the throw is made without benefit of any bonuses and is -3
to hit the hidden target.
5. Bounce Shot. Thrown at a down angle, the boomerang appears to fall short
then rises before hitting the ground and strikes the victim from below. The
attack has the element of surprise and can be disorientating, so the intended
target is -4 to parry and dodge. If the roll to strike is 16 or higher, an opponent
will be knocked off his feet by the attack (as well as suffering damage) and
loses two melee actions. A successful "roll" vs punch, fall or impact will prevent
the knockdown, but uses up one melee action.
6. Ricochet Shot. The W.P. also enables the character to use any type of boomerang
to ricochet off one object or person and hit a second! This ricochet or bounce-off
attack is done without benefit of any bonuses other than those from this W.P.
Damage is inflicted to both targets struck. The second target struck is -4
to parry or dodge.
7. Trying to Catch a Boomerang thrown by somebody else. Wily opponents may attempt
to catch a boomerang thrown at them with a successful parry roll that scores
18 or higher, but the character must make the "call" that he intends to try
to catch it, must drop or holster anything in his hand, and the "catch" uses
up two melee attacks/actions. Do not discourage this tactic, but catching a
full velocity boomerang is not recommended. A successful catch uses up two
melee actions and a failed catch means the character is struck and takes normal
damage. This hurts.
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W.P. Bow & Arrow:
Includes short bow, long bow, Samurai bow, Mongol
bow, and Ninja short bow, as well as modem compound bows. Bonuses:
Start with +1 to strike and two shots per melee round. Add +1 to strike at levels
2, 4, 7, 10, 13 and 15. An extra shot per melee round is added at levels 2,
4, 5, 8, 10, 12 and 14.
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W.P. Chain:
Training with all types of chain weapons including ordinary
lengths of chain, nunchaku, flail, and ball or mace and chain. Bonuses:
+1 to strike at levels 1, 4, and 12. +1 to parry at levels 4, 8, and 13.
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W.P. Crossbow:
Includes both heavy and light crossbows. Bonuses:
I shot per melee at first level. +1 to strike at levels 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and
14. An extra shot per melee round at levels 2, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15.
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W.P. Deadball:
This skill allows the character to throw the spiked, ricocheting
ball in the Deadball game with great accuracy. A character with this skill can
hit a target by ricocheting the ball off walls, ceilings and floors. This is
a called shot, at -1 for every ricochet needed to strike the target. It is very
hard to parry or dodge the ricocheting Deadball; the victim is at -2 to dodge,
and at an additional -I for every additional ricochet beyond the first.
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W.P. Forked:
Includes sai, tiger forks and other weapons with tines
except for tridents, which have their own separate W.P. Bonuses:
+2 to Entangle at level one and +1 at levels 2, 5, 8, 10, 12 and 14. +1 to strike
at levels 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12 and 15. +1 to parry at levels 5, 9, and 13.
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W.P. Grappling Hook:
Trained use of a grappling hook for climbing, scaling
walls (adds +5% to that skill), boarding vessels, tripping an opponent (by hooking
the foot, ankle or leg. Does no damage, but knocks victim to the ground and
he loses initiative and one melee attack) and impaling (does 1D6 damage). Bonuses:
+1 to strike or entangle at levels 3, 6, 9 and 12. This weapon can NOT be used
to parry!
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W.P. Knife:
Training with all types of knives. Bonuses:
+1 to strike at levels 2, 4, 7, 10, and 13. +1 to parry at levels 1, 3, 6, 9,
and 12. +1 to strike when thrown at levels 1, 3, 6, 8, 10 and 13.
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W.P. Mouth Weapons:
Includes blowpipes, mouth darts, and other weapons
that depend on a person's lungs and aim out of the mouth. Weapons such as these
are the hallmark of assassins worldwide, but especially of Japanese ninja.
Bonuses: Start with +1 to strike at levels 1, 4, 8 and 12.
An extra shot per melee round is added at levels 3, 7 and 11.
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W.P. Net:
Primarily a gladiator or slaver's skill, the net is used to
trip an opponent (same as grappling hook), parry or snare/entangle. Bonuses:
+1 to strike or entangle at levels 2, 5, 8, 11 and 15. +1 to parry at levels
2, 4, 6, 9 and 12. In addition to the regular entangle attack, there are two
other types of attacks possible with a net:
- Snaring an opponent's weapon. The weapon becomes entangled and is pulled out
of the opponent's hand. A natural, unmodified (no bonus) roll of 18, 19 or 20
will disarm an opponent in this way, unless he can roll an equally unmodified
high parry (no bonuses).
- Snare one's opponent by throwing the net over him: The intended victim must
dodge or be netted; only characters with a spear, pole-arm or staff can parry
a thrown net attack. If caught in the net, the victim is -8 to strike, -10 to
parry and dodge, and running is impossible. It will require 1D4+1 melee rounds
to cut free of the net.
If the character dodges or the net thrower misses, it is the net wielder who
will suddenly find himself weaponless. Even if the net ha a drawstring attached
to it, the thrower will need one melee action/attack to pull it back to him
or to grab a different weapon; the throwing of a net to capture an opponent
requires the use of two hands. However, if the net is being used to parry, entangle
or whip an opponent, it can be used with one hand, while the other wields a
sword or other weapon; parry the same as usual. Using the net as a whipping
weapon does 1D4 damage.
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W.P. Paired Weapons:
Weapons are limited to the one-handed types and can be used
in any combination; for example, two shore swords, or short sword and broadsword,
sword and knife, mace and shield, etc. Two-handed weapons cannot be used as
paired weapons. Those with W.P. Paired Weapons can do the following:
1. Strike and parry simultaneously. In other words, warriors skilled
in paired weapons can often perform two actions for every one melee action/attack.
2. Twin, simultaneous strikes against the same target. Both weapons hit,
but is considered ONE melee attack/action, (roll only once to strike). The defender
can only try to parry one of the weapons with his defensive parry! The other
will strike, unless the defender is using two weapons, or a weapon and a shield,
and has the W.P. Paired Weapons skill to try to block both simultaneous attacks.
3. Strike two different targets or strike one and parry the other, simultaneously;
both must be within reach.
4. Parry two different attackers; one with each hand-held weapon.
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W.P. Pole Arm:
Training in the large spear-like weapons known a the pole arm. Also includes
tridents. Bonuses: +1 to strike at levels 1, 5, 9, and 14.
+1 to parry at levels 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12. +1 to strike when thrown at levels
2, 5, 9 and 14.
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W.P. Shield:
Combat skills with large and small shields used primarily
for parrying and self-defense in close combat. Bonuses: +1
to parry at levels 1, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15. A shield can be used in one hand and
a weapon in the other. +1 to strike with a shield (1D4 damage) at levels 4,
8 and 12. No bonus to strike when thrown. Note: A shield cannot be used
to block bullets, rail gun bursts or energy blasts, at least not easily. Any
such attempt is done without any bonuses (straight die roll) and at -8 to parry.
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W.P. Siege Weapons:
An understanding of the tactics, use and mechanics of siege
weapons, including balista, catapult, onager and trebuchet. Bonuses:
+1 to strike at levels 2, 5, 9 and 12.
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W. P. Slingshot:
Includes both ancient slings and modem slingshots. Bonuses:
+1 to strike and 2 shots per melee at first level. +1 to strike and one extra
shot per melee at levels 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 15.
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W.P. Small Thrown Weapons:
Includes shuriken, throwing spikes, etc. Bonuses:
Start with being able to throw three per melee round. +1 to throw at levels
4, 7, 10 and 13. Extra shot per melee at levels 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12,
14 and 15.
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W.P. Spear:
Combat skill with large and small spears. The use of a rifle
equipped with a bayonet also falls into this category. Bonuses:
+1 to strike and parry at levels 1, 4, 7, 10, and 13. +1 strike when thrown
at levels 2, 4, 8, 12, and 15. Maximum throwing range is 150
feet (45.7 m), unless a woomera, atlatl, or other form of primitive spear-throwing
device is employed. These simple but effective tools may be used only by those
who already have W.P. Spear. They are hand-held wooden sticks or rods with a
channel cut into their length and often with a hook at the end. The user slides
the spear into place in the groove and then holds it there with a single hand.
With a throwing motion, he whips the stick up and out, giving the spear a great
deal of additional thrust, effectively doubling its throwing range. They are
difficult to use (-1 to strike for all users) and take a lot of training.W.P.
Staff: Combat skill with large and small staves. Bonuses: +1 to strike at levels
1, 3, 7, 10 and 13. +1 to parry at 2, 5, 8, 11 and 14. +1 to strike when thrown
at levels 4, 8, and 14.
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W.P. Staff:
Combat skill with large and small staves. Bonuses:
+1 to strike at levels 1, 3, 7, 10 and 13. +1 to strike at 2, 5, 8, 11 and 14.
+1 to strike when thrown at levels 4, 8, and 14.
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W.P. Sword:
Combat skills with large and small swords, including fencing
type training. Includes rapiers, sabers, two-handed, and short swords. Bonuses:
+1 to strike and parry at levels 1, 3, 7, 11, and 14.
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W.P. Trident:
The practiced use of the trident as a weapon. Bonuses:
+1 to strike and parry at levels one, three, seven, eleven and fifteen.
"Catch" or "Pin" an opponent's arm, hand, foot or weapon
between the prongs: +1 at levels two, five, ten and fifteen. If a limb is caught
or pinned, the trident user can twist and swing the trident with a quick movement
that will force the "pinned" opponent to follow the movement and be
"flipped" off his feet or upside down underwater. The victim of a
body flip is thrown to the ground/down/over and loses initiative and one melee
action/attack. W.P. Trident provides the body flip move only when using the
trident. Typical damage is 3D6 S.D.C. or 3D6 M.D.C.; can be thrown 50 feet (15.2
m) in the air or 30 feet (9 m) underwater.
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W.P. Whip:
Skill at "whipping" or snapping with long, flexible,
light weapons. Bonuses: +1 to strike at levels 1, 3, 5, 7,
9, 11 and 13. +1 to damage at 4, 8, and 12. +1 to entangle at levels 2, 6, 8,
10, and 14.
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These are areas of training and practiced skill with a particular type of modern weapon. Each W.P. counts as one skill selection. Modern W.P. bonuses are found in the Combat section under Modern Weapon Proficiency Explanation. Characters with no knowledge of modem weapons can fire loaded weapons, but will take twice as long to reload and always shoot "wild" meaning they get NO bonuses to strike; straight dice roll, P.P. bonuses are NOT included.
W.P. Revolver:
All cylinder style handguns; not automatic (trigger must be
pulled each time the gun is fired).
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W.P. Automatic Pistol:
All modem military automatic pistols (automatic means the
weapon keeps firing while the trigger is depressed and until the trigger is
released or the rounds are all expended).
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W.P. Bolt-Action Rifle:
Includes most hunting and sniping rifles; not an automatic firing
weapon.
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W.P. Automatic and Semi-Automatic
Rifles:
Includes all assault rifles like the M- 16 and AK-47.
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W.P. Submachine-gun:
Includes all small arms automatic weapons like the Uzi.
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W.P. Flamethrower:
A modem weapon proficiency (obviously), employed sparingly
by the military, mercenaries and people who use them. This weapon is loved in
the Outback of Australia but due to fuel shortages and the dry countryside (thus,
the risk of bush fires) it is not a Weapon used very often. Bonuses:
+1 to strike at levels 2, 6 and 14, generally, everything is set on fire.
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W.P. Grenade Launcher:
Any device, including certain rifle models, that fire grenades. This skill
includes the use of the Triax pump-weapons (i.e. TX-16) and the launcher of
the Coalition's C-14 "Fire Breather." Bonuses: +1
to strike at levels 3, 7 and 11.
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W.P. Harpoon & Spear Gun:
Proficiency with the harpoon gun. The weapon can be used either
with a plain pointed end (2D6 S.D.C. damage) or with an explosive head (4D6
M.D.). Bonuses: +1 to strike at levels 2, 4, 7, 10, and 15.
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W.P. Heavy Weapons:
Includes machine-guns, bazookas, rocket launchers, and mortars.
Anything heavier is likely to fall under the Weapon Systems skill in the Pilot
Related Skills category.
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W.P. Torpedo:
Maintenance and a keen understanding of a torpedo's speed,
range, trajectory, and most effective use. Bonuses: +1 to strike
at levels two, six and twelve. +1 to strike with a depth charge at level four.
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W.P. Energy Pistol:
Includes lasers and all types of energy firing small arms.
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W.P. Energy Rifle:
Includes all long-range energy firing rifles.
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W.P. Heavy
Energy Weapons:
Includes plasma ejectors, rail guns, and similar high-tech,
Mega-Damage weapons.
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W.P. Sharpshooting:
Sharpshooting is a combination of special expertise and
trick shooting with a particular type of weapon, typically revolvers, pistols
and energy pistols, but sometimes includes rifles. It was first developed by
Gunfighters and quickly adopted by the Gunslingers and Lawmen of the New West.
This skill can be developed by any of the Men at Arms O.C.C.s but is fairly
uncommon among most, except for the Gunfighter, Sheriff
and Gunslinger.
W.P. Sharpshooting must be selected for each weapon type or category of
weapon (revolver, pistol, energy pistol, rifle, etc.) in which the Sharpshooting
expertise is desired. This means if the character wants to be a specialist with
revolvers, that's one Sharpshooting selection at the cost of two O.C.C. Related
skill selections, plus the W.P. selection (sharpshooting can be applied to O.C.C.
weapon skills, but not secondary skills). If Sharpshooting is also desired
for W.P. Energy Pistol, the skill must be selected again (at the cost of two
O.C.C. Related skills). This process is repeated for each W.P. for which the
added benefits of Sharpshooting is desired. Since each Sharpshooting selection
costs the equivalent of two O.C.C. Related skill selections, even most Gunslingers
and Gunfighters seldom have more than one or two Sharpshooting specialties -
most Men at Arms don't have any.
Restrictions & Conditions: All bonuses and tricks are only possible
with W.P.s to which the Sharpshooting skill has been added. Thus, a character
with Sharpshooting: Revolver does not get the Sharpshooting bonuses when firing
an energy pistol.
The Sharpshooting skill can be added to all modem guns, from revolvers
(six-shooters) to energy rifles, but does not include W.P. Heavy and W.P. Heavy
Energy Weapons; i.e. it cannot be applied to rail guns, rocket launchers, mini-missile
launchers, bazookas, artillery weapons, vehicle or robot weapons, hand grenades,
or explosives. Likewise, Sharpshooting cannot be applied to weapons that don't
shoot, such as clubs, maces, knives, swords, axes, whips, or even spears, knives,
bolas and other weapons that can be thrown.
The Sharpshooting skill can be combined with the W.P. Archery & Targeting
skill, but is applicable only to the sling, crossbow, and bow and arrow. Only
the Gunfighter, Sheriff and Gunslinger O.C.C.s automatically get a few Sharpshooting
skills among their O.C.C. skills, but any additional selections cost them two
O.C.C. Related skills like anybody else.This skill is never available to robots,
master psionics, practitioners of magic, dragons, demons or any creatures of
magic or supernatural beings. Juicers, Crazies, and 'Borgs are limited to only
one Sharpshooting skill. Characters cannot trade in Secondary Skills for
the Sharpshooting skill.
W.P. Sharpshooting Bonuses: All bonuses are in addition to the conventional
W.P. bonuses.
The Sharpshooter's "Aimed" Shot (applicable to both the single
shot and the aimed burst shot): +1 to strike with a P.P. 20 and for every additional
five P.P. points above 20, but the bonuses are only applicable when the
appropriate type of weapon is used. Aimed shots only. No bonuses for shooting
wild.
The Sharpshooter's "Called" Shot: The Sharpshooter's "aimed"
shot bonuses are NOT applicable when using this special "Called Shot."
Instead the sharpshooter uses the following superior bonuses: +1 to strike with
a P.P. 18 and for every additional three (3) P.P. points above 18, but the bonuses
are only applicable when the appropriate type of weapon is used and this special
called shot counts as two melee attacks/actions. Aimed shots only.
Quick Draw: +1 to initiative at a P.P. 18 and for every additional four
(4) P.P., in addition to other initiative bonuses.
The Bonus Attack: +I melee attack when using that specific weapon for
the entire melee round.
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Trick Shooting:
Most Men at Arms can pick one of the following tricks (or roll
1D6 for random determination), but the Gunfighter, Sheriff and Gunslinger O.C.C.s
get ALL six!
1. Can fire a traditional two-handed weapon, like a rifle, one-handed without
penalty (normally the shooter loses all strike bonuses).
2. Can shoot over his shoulder by holding up a mirror and using the reflection
to aim. Reduce the bonus to strike by half, unless a Gunslinger or Gunfighter
who keeps full bonuses to strike.
3. Accurately shoot while riding a horse or a moving vehicle (normally
a wild shot), but strike bonuses are half and a "called" shot is impossible
(-8 to strike and strike bonuses do not apply).
4. Shoot accurately while standing on head or hanging upside down; all bonuses
applicable at full.
5. Dodge, roll or somersault and come up shooting (normally a wild shot); no
bonuses or penalties to strike; straight roll of the dice.
6. Ricochet shot! The shooter can bounce bullets, arrows, slings, and other
fired projectiles (depending on the specific W.P.) off of one surface and angle
the shot in such a way that the projectile ricochets/bounces off and hits a
different/second target! Inflicts only one point of damage to the first surface
and full damage to the second. Reduce bonuses to strike by half.
This can also be done with laser weapons but the ricocheting surface must be
mirrored or highly polished. Glitter Boys are excellent reflective surfaces
for performing a ricochet laser shot. Particle beams, ion blasters, rail guns,
mini-missiles and other types of weapons cannot be used.
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