Special Weapons (OSS)

__TOC__
 Table 44: Underwater Characteristics for Weapons
Weapon 	Wt. 	Size 	Type 	Speed 	Damage vs Size 	Damage vs Size
Weapon 	Wt. 	Size 	Type 	Speed 	Sm-Med 	Large
Adze 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Ankus 	4 	M 	P/B 	8 	1d3 	1d3
Axe (All types) 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Bagh nakh 	1 	S 	S 	4 	1d2 	1d2
Belaying pin 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Blowgun 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Bo stick 	4 	L 	B 	9 	1d2 	1
Bolas 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Boomerang 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Bottle 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Bow (All types) 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Brandistock 	5 	M 	P/B 	7 	1d6 	1d6
Caltrop1 	* 	S 	P 	— 	1 	1d2
Cestus2 	2 	S 	P 	4 	1d3 	1d3
Chain 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Chakram 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Chijikiri3 	6 	M 	P 	7 	1d6 	1d8
Club (All types) 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Combined Weapons(All types)	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Crossbow4 	 	 	 	 	 	
Cho-ku-no 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Hands5 	3 	S 	— 	6 	— 	—
Hand quarrel 	* 	S 	P 	— 	1d3 	1d2
Heavy5,6 	14 	M 	— 	11 	— 	—
Heavy quarrel 	* 	S 	P 	— 	1d8+1 	1d10+1
Light5,6 	7 	M 	— 	8 	— 	—
Light quarrel 	* 	S 	P 	— 	1d6+1 	1d8+1
Pellet Bow 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Dagger7 	1 	S 	P 	4 	1d4 	1d3
Bone7,8 	1 	S 	P 	4 	1d2 	1d2
Jambiya 	1 	S 	P/S 	5 	1d3 	1d3
Katar 	1 	S 	P 	4 	1d3+1 	1d3
Main-gauche 	2 	S 	P/S 	5 	1d3 	1d3
Parrying 	1 	S 	P 	4 	1d3 	1d3
Stiletto7 	 	S 	P 	3 	1d3 	1d2
Stone7,8 	1 	S 	P 	4 	1d3 	1d2
Dart 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Sahuagin5,10 	1 	S 	P 	4 	1d4 	1d3
Flail (All types) 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Flintlock (All types) 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Fork 	6 	L 	P 	8 	1d6 	1d6+1
Gaff/Hook 	2 	S 	P 	3 	1d4 	1d3
Grapple 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Gunpowder 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Gunsen 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Hammer 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Hand match 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Harpoon6,7 	6 	L 	P 	7 	2d4 	2d6
Bone6,7,8 	5 	L 	P 	7 	1d6 	1d10+1
Sahuagin5,10 	6 	L 	P 	6 	2d4 	2d6
Hatchet 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Javelin7 	2 	M 	P 	4 	1d3 	1d3
Stone7,8 	2 	M 	P 	4 	1d3 	1d2
Jitte 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Kama 	2 	S 	P/S 	5 	1d4 	1d3
Kau sin ke 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Kawanaga7 	1 	S 	P/B 	— 	1d3 	1d2
Knife 	 	S 	S/P 	4 	1d3 	1d2
Bone7,8 	 	S 	P 	4 	1d2 	1d2
Stone7,8 	 	S 	P 	4 	1d2 	1d2
Throwing 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Kusari-gama 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Lance 	 	 	 	 	 	
Light11 	5 	L 	P 	6 	1d6 	1d8
Medium11 	10 	L 	P 	7 	1d6+1 	2d6
Heavy11 	15 	L 	P 	10 	1d8+1 	3d6
Jousting11 	20 	L 	B 	10 	1d3-1 	1d2-1
Lantern 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Lasso12 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Mace (All types) 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Mace-axe 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Machete 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Mancatcher6,13 	8 	L 	— 	9 	— 	—
Matchlock (All types) 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Maul 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Morning star 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Net6,14 	10 	M 	— 	11 	— 	—
Sahuagin5,10 	10 	L 	P 	9 	1d4 	1d3
Nunchaku 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Parang 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Pick (All types) 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Pike15 	12 	L 	P 	13 	1d6 	1d12
Pilum7 	3 	M 	P 	5 	1d6 	1d6
Polearms 	 	 	 	 	 	
Awl pike15 	12 	L 	P 	13 	1d6 	1d12
Bardiche 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Bec de corbin6 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Bill-guisarme6 	15 	L 	P 	12 	1d4 	1d6
Bill6 	15 	L 	P 	12 	1d4 	1d6
Fauchard 	7 	L 	P 	11 	1d3 	1d4
Glaive 	8 	L 	P 	11 	1d3 	1d4
Glaive-guisarme6 	10 	L 	P 	12 	1d4 	1d6
Guisarme 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Halberd 	15 	L 	P 	13 	1d3 	1d3
Lajatang 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Lucern hammer6,15 	15 	L 	P 	13 	1d4 	1d3
Military fork 	7 	L 	P 	9 	1d8 	2d4
Nagimaki11 	6 	M 	P 	7 	1d4 	1d6
Naginata11 	10 	L 	P 	9 	1d6 	1d6
Partisan15 	8 	L 	P 	11 	1d4 	1d6
Ranseur15 	7 	L 	P 	10 	1d4 	1d4
Spetum15 	7 	L 	P 	11 	1d3 	1d4
Tetsubo 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Voulge 	12 	L 	P 	11 	1d4 	1d6
Pry bar 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Quarterstaff 	4 	L 	B 	9 	1d2 	1d2
Rock 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Sai 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Sang kauw6 	10 	K 	P 	10 	1d4 	1d4
Sap 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Scourge 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Scythe 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Shuriken 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Sickle 	3 	S 	P 	6 	1d2 	1
Sledge hammer 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Sling (All types) 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Slow match 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Smoke powder 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Snaplock (All types) 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Spade 	5 	M 	B 	10 	1 	1
Spear 	 	 	 	 	 	
One-handed7,15 	5 	M 	P 	6 	1d6 	1d8
Two-handed6,15 	5 	M 	P 	6 	1d6+1 	2d6
Long6,15 	8 	L 	P 	9 	2d6 	3d6
Stone 	 	 	 	 	 	
One-handed7,8 	5 	M 	P 	6 	1d4 	1d6
Two-handed6,8,15 	5 	M 	P 	6 	1d6 	2d4
Staff sling (All types) 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Sword 	 	 	 	 	 	
Bastard 	 	 	 	 	 	
One-handed 	10 	M 	P 	9 	1d4 	1d6
Two-handed6 	10 	M 	P 	9 	1d4+1 	2d4
Broad 	4 	M 	P 	7 	1d4 	1d6
Claymore6 	8 	M 	P 	8 	1d4+1 	2d4
Cutlass 	4 	M 	P 	7 	1d3 	1d4
Drusus16 	3 	M 	P 	5 	1d4+1 	1d6+1
Estoc 	5 	M 	P 	5 	1d6 	1d8
Falchion 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Gladius 	3 	S 	P 	4 	1d4 	1d6
Katana (All types) 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Kopesh 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Long 	4 	M 	P 	7 	1d4+1 	1d6+1
Ninja-to 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
No-dachi 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Rapier 	4 	M 	P 	4 	1d6 	1d8
Sabre 	5 	M 	P 	7 	1d3 	1d4
Sapara 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Scimitar (All types) 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Short 	3 	S 	P 	3 	1d6 	1d8
Spatha 	4 	M 	P 	7 	1d4+1 	1d6+1
Sword-axe 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Tulwar 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Two-handed 	15 	K 	P 	11 	1d4 	2d4
Wakizashi 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Three-piece rod 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Torch 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Trident 	 	 	 	 	 	
One-handed7 	5 	L 	P 	7 	1d6+1 	2d4
Two-handed 	5 	L 	P 	7 	1d8+1 	3d4
Sahuagin5,10 	5 	L 	P 	6 	1d8+1 	3d4
Vial 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
War hammer 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Wheellock (All types) 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Whip 	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------	-------------N/A-------------
Notes
: * These items weigh little individually. Ten of these weigh one pound.
: 1. Caltrops remain ineffective underwater unless carefully placed on a firm surface. In any case, caltrops inflict no damage unless stepped on (see page 86).
: 2. This assumes the cestus is fitted with sharp blades or points. Blunt versions are not effective underwater.
: 3. Only the spear function of this weapon is effective underwater (see page 86).
: 4. Normal crossbows do not function underwater, but see the optional rule on [[Temperature (OSS)#Optional Rule: Freezing to Death|page 80]]. The values listed are for weapons specially made for underwater use (see page 86).
: 5. See the Underwater Missile Weapons Table for range and rate of fire.
: 6. The weapon requires two hands to wield regardless of the user's size.
: 7. This weapon cannot be thrown underwater.
: 8. Bone and stone weapons have a 1-in-6 chance of breaking whenever the user rolls maximum damage.
: 9. Grapples are effective only when dragged through the water (see page 86).
: 10. Sahuagin weapons have special effects (see page 87).
: 11. These weapons inflict double damage when wielded in a mounted charge, provided the mount is suitable (see page 86).
: 12. Lassos have only limited effectiveness underwater (see page 86).
: 13. This weapon dismounts a rider on a successful hit and can trap opponents (see page 87).
: 14. Nets usually must be dropped on opponents (see page 87).
: 15. These weapons inflict double damage if firmly set to receive a charge.
: 16. Requires repair after each battle (see page 86).
 Table 45: Underwater Missile Weapons
Weapon 	Rate of Fire	Range (Yards)	Range (Yards)	Range (Yards)
Weapon 	Rate of Fire	S 	M 	L
Crossbow	 	 	 	
Hand 	1 	5 	10 	15
Heavy 	1/2 	15 	20 	25
Light 	1 	10 	15 	20
Dart 	 	 	 	
Sahuagin	2 	5 	10 	15
Trident 	 	 	 	
Sahuagin	1 	5 	10 	15
Table 44: Underwater Characteristics for Weapons lists every weapon available in the AD&D game and details its effectiveness (or ineffectiveness) in underwater combat. As mentioned earlier, only thrusting weapons function underwater. Thus, most of the weapons available for underwater use are piercing weapons. Some slashing weapons are also effective underwater; however, the manner in which they are used and their damage ratings are altered significantly in such an environment.
To reflect the greater resistance of water and the different handgrips and motions required to wield a surface weapon underwater, most of these weapons have higher speed factors and lower damage potentials. However, certain weapons, like the trident or spear, and other arms specifically designed for marine use, function quite well underwater. Adventurers who plan on extensive marine journeys would do well to choose their weapons wisely.
==Special Weapons==
Special combat maneuvers and other underwater modifications to specific weapons follow in the text below. Interested DMs can find descriptions of all the weapons listed in Chapter Seven of the PLAYER'S OPTION®: Combat & Tactics book.
Caltrops: These star-shaped iron spikes must rest on a hard surface, such as the plateau of an underwater mountain or the stony bottom of a lake, to cause damage. Creatures walking through an area sown with caltrops must make a successful Dexterity check at a -3 penalty, unless the creatures possess magic that allows them to move about freely, in which case they do not suffer any penalty. Failure indicates that the creature in question steps on the caltrops and suffers the appropriate damage.
Chijikiri: This composite weapon consists of a spear with a length of chain attached to the butt. Only the spear section is effective underwater. In addition, the chijikiri does not confer its normal +4 bonus to pull/trip maneuvers when used underwater.
Drusus: The drusus is a roman short sword of exceptional quality. Its razor-sharp edge provides a +1 bonus to attack rolls. However, characters must have the weapon sharpened by a weaponsmith after every fight to keep the +1 bonus.
Grapple: If towed through the water at a speed of 12 or better, a grapple can snag creatures, provided they wear clothing or equipment that the grapple's prongs can catch.
Any such creatures in the grapple's path can attempt saving throws vs. breath weapon to avoid being snagged. If the save fails, the creature can attempt a new save each round to get loose, but the attempt consumes the entire round. Creatures armed with cutting weapons can cut themselves free, provided the grapple is attached to a rope or cord.
Lances: Characters can use these weapons most effectively when mounted. Almost any Medium or Large-sized marine creature of Animal intelligence or greater can serve as a mount-though such a mount must have proper training. For more information, see the Underwater Jousting section in this chapter.
Lasso: This weapon does not function very effectively underwater. Characters who wish to use such a weapon must have a heavier underwater version specially crafted. Even so, proficient users cannot throw the lasso as they would on the surface. In fact, the lasso must be carefully dropped on an opponent from above. This requires an attack roll against Armor Class 2; any defensive bonuses the opponent enjoys from magic or Dexterity improve the defender's effective Armor Class.
A successful attack indicates that the lasso has pinned the defender's arms. The victim can attempt a saving throw vs. breath weapon when the lasso strikes. If successful, he escapes the lasso and can act normally. If the defender does not avoid the lasso immediately, he can make a Strength check each round to break free.
Mancatcher: The mancatcher is a short pole-arm with two curving, fork-like prongs. The prongs possess hinges and can close around a creature. Mounted victims must make a successful Underwater Riding proficiency check or fall off their mounts when caught by this device.
In addition, the mancatcher traps opponents on a natural attack roll of 20 (mounted characters can be both trapped and pulled from their mounts). Trapped opponents lose all Dexterity and shield adjustments. Furthermore, they sustain 1d2 points of damage each round. They only way to break free of a mancatcher is to make a successful bend bars/lift gates roll, which inflicts an additional 1d2 points of damage to the victim. A trapped creature can attempt to break free each round.
Net: Characters can use a net as a melee weapon or drop it on creatures from above. Regardless, an attack with a net must hit Armor Class 10 modified by any defensive bonus the defender might have for Dexterity or magic; a hit is automatic against a sleeping or helpless opponent. It takes a full round to ready a net for another attack once it misses or a trapped opponent escapes.
A successful hit traps and immobilizes any man-sized or smaller target. The opponent has a chance to shake off the net by making a successful saving throw vs. breath weapon at a -2 penalty. Escaping from a net counts as the trapped creature's action for the round. If the saving throw fails, the trapped creature can try again the next round.
Sahuagin Weapons: The sea devils make their weapons to suit their own physiology. Any non- sahuagin wielding one of these weapons automatically suffers the standard nonproficiency penalty for his class. Though the sahuagin have mastered the trick of hurling missiles underwater (see The Sea Devils, Chapter 3, for details), other races cannot do so even when armed with sahuagin weapons.