Quarterstaff... some questions.
Jason M. Hamari
his primary weapon. So naturally, I'm going to have a few questions
about things in the future, and I'm going to try and get some opinions
on them right now.
The most immediate question has to deal with the fabled "iron-shod"
quarterstaff. I have been told that the quarterstaff listed in the
Player's Handbook is the iron-shod version, and to have just a plain old
wooden one, you use the stats for the Bo Stick. Is that correct? And
if that ISN'T correct, then what are the stats on an iron-shod
quarterstaff vs. a regular one?
Also, what exactly does IRON-SHOD mean? Does it simply have iron caps
on the ends, or is there a strip of reinforcing iron through a drilled
hole down the center, or what? Does anyone have any insight into what
exactly makes it an iron-shod quarterstaff?
Once that is determined... is the amount of iron in an iron-shod
quarterstaff enough to make it NOT float in water? This might be
important in the future. I don't care if it can be used as a flotation
device or anything, but if possible, I'd like it to be able to float on
its own so I don't have to go diving after it. This is a big feature,
to me... if the iron-shod won't float, then my character will use just a
regular one. (He'll probably end up with a regular one, regardless.)
Next, how hard is it to find the proper type of wood and create a
quarterstaff, given access to a forest? I would assume it wouldn't be
too difficult, but would any proficiencies be involved? In my opinion,
one who is proficient with the quarterstaff would have enough knowledge
about the weapon to be able to create one, given a forested area.
Certainly a ranger or druid would have no problem with such a task,
either. Any other opinions or comments?
Now, the last question I can think of right now: if the quarterstaff is
broken somehow (or if it is used to parry against edged weapons, and
chunks are taken out of it here and there), would a simple "Mending"
spell be sufficient to return it to its original state? If so, that
would be very handy.
That's all for now, but feel free to bring up other points that you feel
are important or significant in some way. I'm sure I haven't covered
everything.
Deftmar Slipwind, king of rogues
"It's just a big hunk of wood, isn't it?"
Weenam Chua
> wooden one, you use the stats for the Bo Stick. Is that correct? And
> if that ISN'T correct, then what are the stats on an iron-shod
> quarterstaff vs. a regular one?
I don't think there is a difference with an iron-shod vs a regular in terms
of combat damage or speed. The only time it could come into play is if
the creature you're trying to smack is immune to iron or needs cold
iron to injure.
> Also, what exactly does IRON-SHOD mean? Does it simply have iron caps
> on the ends, or is there a strip of reinforcing iron through a drilled
> hole down the center, or what? Does anyone have any insight into what
> exactly makes it an iron-shod quarterstaff?
I always thought that iron-shod meant the ends (or at least one) was capped.
And may be several strips of steel running its length.
> Once that is determined... is the amount of iron in an iron-shod
> quarterstaff enough to make it NOT float in water? This might be
It'll float, if what I perceive an iron-shod staff is accurate.
> Next, how hard is it to find the proper type of wood and create a
> quarterstaff, given access to a forest? I would assume it wouldn't be
It probably will take a good day's hunting to find that right one;
if not longer. But shouldn't be too difficult unless you were looking
for a particular type of wood (something fancy like from the Tree of Life!)
Having a druid will definately help; heck, may be he could point out a
friendly treant who's willing to help! (okay, that's a bit of a stretch...)
> Now, the last question I can think of right now: if the quarterstaff is
> broken somehow (or if it is used to parry against edged weapons, and
> chunks are taken out of it here and there), would a simple "Mending"
Don't see why not?
I had a mage who had a staff made of 'ironwood', that's the way to go!
It was as tough as iron but still floats! Neat huh?
Also didn't hurt that he had 18 strength (only PC I ever rolled up with
no stat lower than a 16!!!)
Wilwin
"Cloud Weaver and Master of the Winds"
Dalaena
>The most immediate question has to deal with the fabled "iron-shod"
>quarterstaff. I have been told that the quarterstaff listed in the
>Player's Handbook is the iron-shod version, and to have just a plain old
>if that ISN'T correct, then what are the stats on an iron-shod
>quarterstaff vs. a regular one?
Imho, this is a determination for your DM and your campaign.
If you think a regular wooden quarterstaff does the old 1d6/1d6 damage, and an
ironshod one does more, then go for it.
It depends on how your campaign decides to balance various weapons.
-Aristotle (thre...@threshold-rpg.com)
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Q Stephens
:>Okay, it's settled. My newest character is using the quarterstaff as
:>his primary weapon. So naturally, I'm going to have a few questions
:>about things in the future, and I'm going to try and get some opinions
:>on them right now.
:>
:>The most immediate question has to deal with the fabled "iron-shod"
:>quarterstaff. I have been told that the quarterstaff listed in the
:>Player's Handbook is the iron-shod version, and to have just a plain old
:>wooden one, you use the stats for the Bo Stick. Is that correct? And
:>if that ISN'T correct, then what are the stats on an iron-shod
:>quarterstaff vs. a regular one?
No difference. A bo *stick* is a 1h weapon. Any stout wooden staff of
5-6 feet qualifies as a quarterstaff.
:>Also, what exactly does IRON-SHOD mean?
Caps of iron at each end
:>Once that is determined... is the amount of iron in an iron-shod
:>quarterstaff enough to make it NOT float in water?
No.
:>Next, how hard is it to find the proper type of wood and create a
:>quarterstaff, given access to a forest? I would assume it wouldn't be
:>too difficult, but would any proficiencies be involved?
Woodcarving - got to select the right bit of wood.
:>Now, the last question I can think of right now: if the quarterstaff is
:>broken somehow (or if it is used to parry against edged weapons, and
:>chunks are taken out of it here and there), would a simple "Mending"
:>spell be sufficient to return it to its original state? If so, that
:>would be very handy.
If it gets broken, you cut another one. Nicks and cuts are normal
usage. A magical one will be resistant to these minor effects.
Tried a Paladin with elfin chain mail, cloak of etherealness, and a
quarterstaff +5 Holy Avenger? :}
qts
UseNet users, please reverse the elements of my given address to get my real one.
Jason M. Hamari
> Well, finding the right wood wouldn't be a problem for a ranger or
> druid given access to a foresr like you say, but the other thing,
> about creating the staff, is not correct.
>
> Why? you ask? well, let's take a sword as an example :
> Although a 10th level warrior with a proficiency in long sword knows
> how the sword is supposed to be, and how it is supposed to be used, he
> does not know how to forge one. Although normally 10th level warriors
> would have taken the ironsmith proficiency, this one didn't take it
> maybe because he isn't good at creating things. (two left hands.. :))
>
> Now, the same is with a quarterstaff, if the character doesn't have
> the right proficiency to cut in wood, he does not know it, and cannot
> create a quarter staff..
>
> Off course this is only what I think,
Your opinion is noted and appreciated. However, I have to disagree with
your comparison with a long sword. The difference between creating a
long sword and a quarterstaff is a big one... to make a long sword, you
start with iron (or steel), and fire it in a forge, pound on it with a
hammer to shape it, and then there's all the quenching and such...
basically, it requires skill.
The point I was trying to convey was this: is a quarterstaff really
THAT hard to make? Just find the right type of wood you want, the right
thickness of wood, and cut the right length, and basically you've got
it. Or is that a flawed assumption? I'm not looking for the most
perfectly balanced or ideal strength quarterstaff... just something
useable as a quarterstaff.
Deftmar Slipwind, king of rogues
"I've used swords for years, and I have no desire to make one."
Jason M. Hamari
> On Sat, 03 Oct 1998 12:37:23 -0400, Jason M. Hamari wrote:
[stuff about iron-shod vs. normal quarterstaff snipped]
> No difference. A bo *stick* is a 1h weapon. Any stout wooden staff of 5-6 feet
> qualifies as a quarterstaff.
>
> :>Also, what exactly does IRON-SHOD mean?
>
> Caps of iron at each end
Okay, so there is no "reinforcing" strips of metal along its length, then? Maybe an
ingenious weaponmaker who had some extra iron around could drill a hole down the
center of the staff (not an easy task, but possible), and then pour molten iron in it
and allow it to solidify...? That could make for a nice strong staff... is there
anyone who actually knows about weapons can point out the flaws and stupid thinking
of my idea? **laugh** I am in no way qualified to say that it is correct, but I
just think it's a neat idea.
> :>Next, how hard is it to find the proper type of wood and create a
> :>quarterstaff, given access to a forest? I would assume it wouldn't be
> :>too difficult, but would any proficiencies be involved?
>
> Woodcarving - got to select the right bit of wood.
Is there an actual "Woodcarving" proficiency? I know there isn't one in the Player's
Handbook (2nd ed), but if there is one somewhere, I'd like to know more about it. My
character IS a woodcarver, just as a hobby. I took it as Artistic Ability
(Woodcarving) from the General NWP's in the PHB. I would assume that being a
woodcarver would give him general knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of
various types of woods. Also doesn't hurt that the character is an elf.
> :>Now, the last question I can think of right now: if the quarterstaff is
> :>broken somehow (or if it is used to parry against edged weapons, and
> :>chunks are taken out of it here and there), would a simple "Mending"
> :>spell be sufficient to return it to its original state? If so, that
> :>would be very handy.
>
> If it gets broken, you cut another one. Nicks and cuts are normal usage. A magical
> one will be resistant to these minor effects.
But what if I LIKE the one I have? **grin** Would "Mending" be powerful enough to
restore it? Also, assume that my character has carved intricate designs into the
staff... would the Mending also erase those designs? I can see how a wizard could
cast the spell specifically to fix certain parts, leaving the carvings intact.
Perhaps when the spell is cast, the wizard actually touches each part to be mended?
It seems reasonable enough for me.
> Tried a Paladin with elfin chain mail, cloak of etherealness, and a
> quarterstaff +5 Holy Avenger? :}
Ummm..... no. **grin**
Although I find it interesting that "Quarterstaff, Magical" in the DMG (2nd ed) is a
cool weapon... not only can it go from 6 feet to 12 feet long as the user desires,
but it can also have enchantment up to +5! Not that I'm expecting a +5 quarterstaff
anytime soon, but it is interesting, since generally only swords go to +5 on random
rolls.
And, as an interesting side note: I was amazed when I realize that my elven
"wanderer" uses the quarterstaff and thrown daggers as weapons... not a
long/shortsword and bow, like any sane elf! **grin**
> UseNet users, please reverse the elements of my given address to get my real one.
What'll you do when computers get enough AI to follow these instructions, and send
out all that junk e-mail? **grin** Technological progress isn't always a good
thing, is it? **laugh**
Deftmar Slipwind, king of rogues
"May your boot-strings never be tied together when I'm not there to watch."
Russ Taylor
Stephens" <s...@mardlin.oc.ku> wrote:
>No difference. A bo *stick* is a 1h weapon. Any stout wooden staff of
>5-6 feet qualifies as a quarterstaff.
Uh, no, a bo stick is a two-handed weapon, equivalent to an unshod
quarterstaff. A bo _staff_ the same thing as a bo stick. Perhaps you're
thinking of a jo stick?
--
Russ Taylor (http://www.cmc.net/~rtaylor/)
CMC Tech Support Manager
The worst beating I ever got in my life is when my mom said
"I am sick" and I said "and tired" -- Bill Cosby
The Wraith
>Player's Handbook is the iron-shod version, and to have just a plain old
>wooden one, you use the stats for the Bo Stick. Is that correct?
Sort of. The CFH and C&T both say that quarterstaves are iron-shod,
and that bo sticks are not. CFH says that unshod quarterstaves should
be treated as bo sticks, while C&T does not say this, but does say
that all quarterstaves are iron-shod. C&T also notes that the bo stick
is used differently to a quarterstaff.
In real life, there are significant differences between what are
usually called quarterstaves and bo sticks. Most significantly,
quarterstaves are generally considerably heavier. Mine are made of a
form of a particularly strong and heavy Australian eucalypt wood.
However, they are not iron-shod.
Iron-shod staves do exist, but are heavier, particularly towards the
ends, which helps create greater impact, but makes them slower.
>And
>if that ISN'T correct, then what are the stats on an iron-shod
>quarterstaff vs. a regular one?
>
>Also, what exactly does IRON-SHOD mean? Does it simply have iron caps
>on the ends, or is there a strip of reinforcing iron through a drilled
>hole down the center, or what? Does anyone have any insight into what
>exactly makes it an iron-shod quarterstaff?
Basically, you're looking at steel or iron caps or bands on the ends.
>Once that is determined... is the amount of iron in an iron-shod
>quarterstaff enough to make it NOT float in water?
I'd guess that they might float, but it would depend on the wood and
the exact design. I would guess that my staves would only barely float
on their own, and they have no metal. However, it is best to keep your
staves dry whenever possible. Going swimming with a staff will cause
it to weaken and warp, eventually. You'll have the advantage of being
able to use it when you get out of the water again, but you'll
probably be looking to replace it in the not-too-distant future, if
exposure is repeated or prolonged.
>Next, how hard is it to find the proper type of wood and create a
>quarterstaff, given access to a forest? I would assume it wouldn't be
>too difficult, but would any proficiencies be involved?
Well, there's wood and then there's wood. If what you are after is a
makeshift weapon for use in an emergency, you should be able to find
something with an hour or two looking around. However, if you want one
that you'll be using for some time, you probably want a fairly decent
piece of wood. Wood often has invisible cracks and flaws inside, and
you really want to avoid using such wood for your weapon if you are
going to be trusting your life to it long-term. Finding such a piece
of wood is far more difficult. When I went looking for wood for
staves, I went to a place which had the wood ready-cut. (As well as
the place having had a contract with some martial-arts school, the
same wood is used for curtain rods - which means I can carry my weapon
down the street, and if questioned I can legitimately say it's just a
curtain rod. :) ) There were about a hundred or so pieces of wood to
choose from, but even so I only found a half-dozen that were really
suitable for making weapons, and most of them only for pole-arm hafts.
In the end, only three were used for quarterstaves.
Then, for prolonged use, you will want to smooth it, shape it and
polish it. I prefer a very slight taper towards one end, but that
varies. The staff can have a bit of a curve, but not very much. (Also,
a fighter gets used to the curves of his own weapon.) And polishing
with oil is a very good idea. (In fact, it's just like putting a
french polish on furniture.)
So really, making a quarterstaff isn't as easy as most think. In
making a decent one, there's a fair bit of skill involved. It's not
hard to learn, but it is something the character probably wants to
look into, rather than just trusting what he knows by fighting with
the weapon.
A trick: bounce the staff, end-wise, on concrete, or (in a
medieval-tech world) smooth stone. If the "thunk" has a buzz to it,
don't use it. It will have a flaw.
>Now, the last question I can think of right now: if the quarterstaff is
>broken somehow (or if it is used to parry against edged weapons, and
>chunks are taken out of it here and there), would a simple "Mending"
>spell be sufficient to return it to its original state? If so, that
>would be very handy.
It is actually pretty darn hard to break a decent quarterstaff. You
can parry edged weapons with them and they won't actually break. Well,
they can, but just like with swords vs swords, its not common.
However, they will get little chunks taken out of them.
Mending is generally taken to only reattach pieces that are still
available, so some little chucks would not be mended. Often the nicks
don't actually result in pieces flying off, in which case a mending
spell would work. A mending would also work in the case of an actual
break.
Really, though, the best idea is to have several sticks for different
purposes. You can have a good one, to fight against other staves, and
one for fighting against metallic weapons (which tend to give lots of
nicks). That way you always have one in good condition (and you can
press it into service vs swords and stuff if you really need to), and
one that gets slowly chipped away.
Also, you want a spare. Quarterstaves do wear out, so you want one
ready when you decide the old one has finally had it. And you want to
be used to the new one when you do switch it in, so you want to have
practiced with it beforehand. This also stops you becoming overly
reliant on the feel of a single weapon, and results in the staff
"wearing in". A good progression is practice staff to good staff to
metal staff to firewood.
I wouldn't go overboard using mending spells to try to keep a staff
pristine. Wear is natural, and proper routine maintenance and rotation
is probably a better long-term option.
--
Now, by popular demand, a new .sig!
I still can't think of anything witty to say, though.
The Wraith
The Wraith
<jas...@portup.com> wrote:
>
>Okay, so there is no "reinforcing" strips of metal along its length, then? Maybe an
>ingenious weaponmaker who had some extra iron around could drill a hole down the
>center of the staff (not an easy task, but possible), and then pour molten iron in it
>and allow it to solidify...? That could make for a nice strong staff... is there
>anyone who actually knows about weapons can point out the flaws and stupid thinking
>of my idea?
Yeah: it's going to be freaking heavy. That sort of thing is going to
throw the balance of the weapon right off, and tire the user very
quickly. You could do it, if your character is very strong and fit,
but I wouldn't say there would be much to be gained. You can in
weight, but lose in speed and control.
Making swords thicker has been suggested as a mean to increase their
power, too, but an over-heavy longsword isn't helpful either.
>Is there an actual "Woodcarving" proficiency? I know there isn't one in the Player's
>Handbook (2nd ed), but if there is one somewhere, I'd like to know more about it.
There's carpentry, which is pretty close.
>My
>character IS a woodcarver, just as a hobby. I took it as Artistic Ability
>(Woodcarving) from the General NWP's in the PHB.
That's another approach to it, though the sort of woodcarving you are
talking about isn't really art. You are looking for something
functional, not artistic.
>But what if I LIKE the one I have? **grin** Would "Mending" be powerful enough to
>restore it? Also, assume that my character has carved intricate designs into the
>staff...
Don't! Carving designs into a proper fighting staff is a bad thing to
do. We aren't talking about a fancy wizard's staff, complete with a
nob on the end, which is really more for show than anything else. (I
mean, how many wizards really intend to wade into battle with those
things?) A fighting staff should be smooth along its length (as far as
the nicks allow), else it will catch the skin of your hands when you
try to slide your grip along it (or your gloves, if you wear them).
What you *can* do is etch the staff, and/or charcoal-burn it. For best
results, smooth shallow etching with burning in the etching with
something sharp, metallic and very hot.
>would the Mending also erase those designs?
If a mending spell did that, it would also have to reduce ripped
clothing to a bunch of loose fibres. Deliberate and artificial
modifications would generally not count as breakages, I would say.
Zachary Paul Stewart
"Jason M. Hamari" wrote:
>
> Okay, so there is no "reinforcing" strips of metal along its length, then? Maybe an
> ingenious weaponmaker who had some extra iron around could drill a hole down the
> center of the staff (not an easy task, but possible), and then pour molten iron in it
> and allow it to solidify...?
This would burn up your quarterstaff.
I don't know of any kind of wood that would be able to withstand the heat of molten iron.
Lead might work, but would be much too heavy.
--
Zachary Paul Stewart
I hear the horses' thunder down in the valley below.
I'm waiting for the angels of Avalon,
Waiting for the eastern glow.
-Led Zeppelin
remove spamdeath to reply
Zachary Paul Stewart
Eyal Weinstock wrote:
>
>
> Why? you ask? well, let's take a sword as an example :
> Although a 10th level warrior with a proficiency in long sword knows
> how the sword is supposed to be, and how it is supposed to be used, he
> does not know how to forge one. Although normally 10th level warriors
> would have taken the ironsmith proficiency, this one didn't take it
> maybe because he isn't good at creating things. (two left hands.. :))
This isn't a problem if you are left handed.
Zachary Paul Stewart
"Jason M. Hamari" wrote:
> Okay, it's settled. My newest character is using the quarterstaff as
> his primary weapon. So naturally, I'm going to have a few questions
> about things in the future, and I'm going to try and get some opinions
> on them right now.
Another thing to remember about quarterstaves is that they cant be made from
just any tree
from any forest. In most cases, to get a piece of wood long and straight
enough to use, one must find
a sapling of the right size and use the whole trunk. The best alternative
to this is to buy a long
center cut 2''x2'' (two by two) and carve it to specifications. Center cut
wood is less likely to
break because it is reinforced by the grain of the wood from all sides.
This will tend to be the most expensive piece of lumber from any one tree,
because there is only one center piece per log (duh). I would ass about 10%
to the cost of the wood. Incidentally, the best baseball bats are made from
the center of the tree for this reason.
The things you learn as the son of a carpenter who plays baseball.....
Chuckg
Zachary Paul Stewart wrote in message <361788EE...@psu.edu>...
>
>
>"Jason M. Hamari" wrote:
>
>>
>> Okay, so there is no "reinforcing" strips of metal along its length,
then? Maybe an
>> ingenious weaponmaker who had some extra iron around could drill a
hole down the
>> center of the staff (not an easy task, but possible), and then pour
molten iron in it
>> and allow it to solidify...?
>
>This would burn up your quarterstaff.
>I don't know of any kind of wood that would be able to withstand the
heat of molten iron.
>
>Lead might work, but would be much too heavy.
If you bored out the *entire* center of the staff, yes, but what if you
just weighted down each end of the staff with a pound or two of lead?
Then you'd have a wooden staff with a couple of weighted knobs on each
end... just like some people used to embed lead in the knob-handle of
their walking sticks in order to make them serve better as clubs.
--
Chuckg
Jason M. Hamari
> Deftmar Slipwind wrote:
[Artistic Ability, Woodcarving NWP snipped]
> That's another approach to it, though the sort of woodcarving you are talking about
> isn't really art. You are looking for something functional, not artistic.
Okay, let's assume that Carpentry doesn't quite cut it, and the Artistic Ability isn't
what I'm looking for. I guess that a new proficiency should be created! Now then, what
should this new "Woodcarving" NWP be based on? Wisdom comes to mind, for having the
ability to assess the wood (hey, druids need Wisdom, don't they? **grin**), but I'm open
to suggestion on what the check should be. Something like a Woodcarving (WIS -1) check?
> >But what if I LIKE the one I have? **grin** Would "Mending" be powerful enough to
> >restore it? Also, assume that my character has carved intricate designs into the
> >staff...
>
> Don't! Carving designs into a proper fighting staff is a bad thing to do. We aren't
> talking about a fancy wizard's staff, complete with a nob on the end, which is really
> more for show than anything else. (I mean, how many wizards really intend to wade into
> battle with those things?) A fighting staff should be smooth along its length (as far as
> the nicks allow), else it will catch the skin of your hands when you try to slide your
> grip along it (or your gloves, if you wear them).
Thank you, I hadn't even thought of the effect of carvings on the "weapon use" of the
thing. I just thought the character would be bored (since he's a lone traveler most of
the time), and so he'd idly carve little things into his staff. But now that you bring
this up, he certainly will not do such a thing. Maybe some small "etchings" like you
mentioned, burned into the far ends of the staff, but not carvings all over it.
And so you know, Wraith... your messages on this topic have thus far been extremely
useful, and I thank you. The two most recent have been neatly filed away on my hard drive
for reference. Thanks.
Deftmar Slipwind, king of rogues
"Save knowledge, for once lost it is hard to regain."
PHall
Zachary Paul Stewart wrote in message <36178E3F...@psu.edu>...
> I would ass about 10% to the cost of the wood.
Oh, would you? (Sorry! I couldn't help it!)
>I hear the horses' thunder down in the valley below.
>I'm waiting for the angels of Avalon,
>Waiting for the eastern glow.
> -Led Zeppelin
Now I will have that song stuck in my head all day. You have had your
revenge.
The Wraith
<jas...@portup.com> wrote:
>
>Okay, let's assume that Carpentry doesn't quite cut it, and the Artistic Ability isn't
>what I'm looking for. I guess that a new proficiency should be created!
Yup, that's always good value. It always gives you just the sort of
skill that you need to fill in that little hole in the world. I've
made up my share of NWPs as necessary in my time.
>Now then, what
>should this new "Woodcarving" NWP be based on? Wisdom comes to mind, for having the
>ability to assess the wood (hey, druids need Wisdom, don't they? **grin**), but I'm open
>to suggestion on what the check should be. Something like a Woodcarving (WIS -1) check?
I'd be inclined to say Dex, myself.
>Thanks.
Shucks, twas nothing.
Ron Poirier
> >Now then, what
> >should this new "Woodcarving" NWP be based on? Wisdom comes to mind, for having the
> >ability to assess the wood (hey, druids need Wisdom, don't they? **grin**), but I'm open
> >to suggestion on what the check should be. Something like a Woodcarving (WIS -1) check?
Woodcarving would be an artistic ability, no? That's already a
proficiency.
> I'd be inclined to say Dex, myself.
Well, check out artistic ability.
- Ron ^*^
The Wraith
<phtl...@uriacc.uri.edu> wrote:
>The Wraith wrote:
>
>Woodcarving would be an artistic ability, no? That's already a
>proficiency.
Only if your objective is to produce art.
>> I'd be inclined to say Dex, myself.
>
>Well, check out artistic ability.
We had already discussed the possibility of using Artistic Ability for
this, and my suggestion was based on the idea that Woodcarving does
not fall into that category, for reasons previously outlined. If you
do want to carve wood as an Artistic Ability, fine, but that is
completely irrelevant to a proficiency specified as not being an
artistic skill.
Brett Evill
>The point I was trying to convey was this: is a quarterstaff really
>THAT hard to make? Just find the right type of wood you want, the right
>thickness of wood, and cut the right length, and basically you've got
>it. Or is that a flawed assumption? I'm not looking for the most
>perfectly balanced or ideal strength quarterstaff... just something
>useable as a quarterstaff.
You may recall that in the traditional story from 'The Ballad of Robin
Hood', when Robin wanted a quarterstaff with which to fight Little John on
the bridge he ran to a thicket and cut a staff.
--
Brett Evill
To reply by e-mail, remove 'spamblocker.' from <b.e...@spamblocker.tyndale.apana.org.au>
Brett Evill
>Q Stephens wrote:
>
>> On Sat, 03 Oct 1998 12:37:23 -0400, Jason M. Hamari wrote:
>
>[stuff about iron-shod vs. normal quarterstaff snipped]
>
>> No difference. A bo *stick* is a 1h weapon. Any stout wooden staff of
5-6 feet
>> qualifies as a quarterstaff.
>>
>> :>Also, what exactly does IRON-SHOD mean?
>>
>> Caps of iron at each end
>
>Okay, so there is no "reinforcing" strips of metal along its length,
then? Maybe an
>ingenious weaponmaker who had some extra iron around could drill a hole
down the
>center of the staff (not an easy task, but possible), and then pour
molten iron in it
>and allow it to solidify...? That could make for a nice strong staff...
is there
>anyone who actually knows about weapons can point out the flaws and
stupid thinking
>of my idea? **laugh** I am in no way qualified to say that it is
correct, but I
>just think it's a neat idea.
The melting point of iron is around 1900 C. The highest temperature anyone
could achieve in a forge was about 1450 C, until the invention of the
blast furnace. Hence: no molten iron. That's why people had to do all that
tedious smiting to make things out of iron. (Look up 'wrought iron' in an
encyclopaedia.)
Of course, the Chinese had cast iron, with its melting point lowered by
the inclusion of 4% carbon. The problem is that cast iron is brittle. The
Chinese made stirrups out of it, but not weapons. And to get the molten
cast iron to run into the narrow parts of the mold they had to heat the
molds to 1100 C.