Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Q is for Quarterstaff of Quieting

[over the course of the month of April, I committed to posting a topic for each letter of the alphabet, sequentially, for every day of the week except Sunday. While I was sorely tired of the challenge after only 15 days, I am trying to "stick to it." Our topic this month? Magical weapons for a B/X campaign. All such weapons are +1 to attack and damage rolls unless, unless specifically noted otherwise. Each of these weapons should be considered unique items]

Q is for Quarterstaff of Quieting

The quarterstaff is different from the staff found in the B/X (Expert set) rules, being a true weapon, sometimes even capped in iron, though the bulk of its 6'-9' length is carved from hardwood. While it is a two-handed weapon, it is quick to use and does not suffer the normal two-handed weapon penalty (i.e. it does not require its wielder to strike last). Because of its length, it may not be used by dwarves or halflings (and never by magic-users); if using variable weapon damage it inflicts D4+1 in addition to any bonuses for strength and enchantment.

It is quite possible that the quarterstaff of quieting was created by a cleric, for it appears to incorporate a very localized version of the spell silence 15' radius. Any opponent struck in combat will find herself completely silenced (though there is no extended radius) and unable to speak for six turns. The weapon is thus extremely useful against spell-casters, who must speak to perform their magic.
A very effective weapon, historically.

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