Improvised Weapons

(Back to Combat)

(see also Using Weapons in a Fight)

All sorts of items can be used to inflict physical harm: snooker cues, scissors, bottles, rocks and so on. Even a gramophone player could be smashed over the back of someone's head for a nasty injury.

The Keeper should determine the damage done by an improvised weapon using a comparable item on the Weapons Table. If the improvised weapon is similar to a basic melee weapon, such as a knife or club, it may be used with the Fighting (Brawl) skill. If it is not, the Keeper should decide on which Fighting skill specialization is appropriate.

Everyone is strongly encouraged to make use of the environment in a fight. Doing so will add a unique feel to each fight and will make the setting come to life. If every fight uses the same old punches, kicks, and regular weapons, they may feel repetitive. Picture the scene and grab what comes to mind. If the fight takes place in a bar, you should be swinging pool cues, throwing bottles, and hitting each other with barstools. Fire pokers, hat stands, and ornamental swords may be to hand in a mansion. Computer monitors, power cables, and scissors could all be deadly in an office. As Keeper, encourage your players to improvise and don't block their ideas without good reason. If you want to introduce the hand of fate to determine whether that handy improvised weapon is present, call for a Luck roll.