Weaponry
The Corvidan Archipelago uses a variety of different weapons for combat, sport, martial arts, and other cultural pursuits. The unique history and social atmosphere of the Archipelago influenced the development of the weaponry which its residents utilize. The weapon types which are most commonly used and culturally prized are listed below:
- Blades include weapons such as swords and daggers, primarily metallic weapons with a short hilt intended for close-range combat. Blades are by far the most ubiquitous weapon type found throughout Corvidan history for warfare and defence. They are generally constructed from mythril to grant them magical conductivity, allowing them to be used as arcane instruments.
- Polearms such as spears, harpoons, and lances are characterized by a long handle upon which one or more short blades are affixed. These weapons are medium-range, allowing wielders to distance themselves from combat while maintaining control. Polearms suffer from a lack of portability, but remain irreplacable for specialized uses such as fishing and jousting.
- Bludgeons are any object that can be used to inflict blunt-force trauma upon an opponent, including specialized weaponry such as clubs and staves but also improvised weapons. Bludgeons often double as practical objects such as walking-sticks and boat oars. Some bludgeoning weapons like sceptres are tools of authority that can be used to prevent combat before it begins.
- Slings are simple weapons of braided hemp cord that can be used to propel projectiles at great speed over long distances. Slingstones can be made from marble, lead, or any available object that can fit into the sling, making them incredibly versatile. Their simple design allows them to be made by children for play or by amateurs in emergency survival situations for hunting.
One weapon type that is nearly non-existent in the Archipelago is the bow and arrow. Although bows were a common weapon across antiquity, bowyers and fletchers are unknown professions in any modern Corvidan society. Wood is considered a scarce commodity in the Archipelago, so the mass production of arrows would pose significant challenges. Even feathers for arrows are not in unlimited supply. Because bows cannot be made from metal, their arcane conductivity is reduced compared to bladed weapons, making it more difficult to protect them with arcane wards.