Thrown Sword

[madhopper50]

After watching too many movies/TV shows in which a short sword is thrown at an opposing enemy, TFT doesn't allow for this. Any GMs allow for this?

[Bill_in_IN]

Originally Posted by madhopper50

After watching too many movies/TV shows in which a short sword is thrown at an opposing enemy, TFT doesn't allow for this. Any GMs allow for this?

I have never seen it attempted in over 40 years of TFT.

We saw The Sword and the Sorcerer in the early 80s where the hero barbarian had a triple bladed sword that could shoot two of the blades. We saw that and couldn't find a reasonable or logical way to incorporate it into the game. We left the idea alone.

Throwing a sword is probably more feasible but it's balanced for swinging as opposed to throwing. If a player were to insist on throwing a sword, I would probably impose a -4DX on top of any adjustment for having or not having Thrown Weapons Talent.

[madhopper50]

Originally Posted by Bill_in_IN

I have never seen it attempted in over 40 years of TFT.

We saw The Sword and the Sorcerer in the early 80s where the hero barbarian had a triple bladed sword that could shoot two of the blades. We saw that and couldn't find a reasonable or logical way to incorporate it into the game. We left the idea alone.

Throwing a sword is probably more feasible but it's balanced for swinging as opposed to throwing. If a player were to insist on throwing a sword, I would probably impose a -4DX on top of any adjustment for having or not having Thrown Weapons Talent.

Thanks, was watching Spartacus (Thracian) throwing his sword at an enemy (Getae) and I noticed the rules don't cover this. The Sword & The Sorcerer was the first movie I bought on "Beta Max", have the DVD now.

[Bill_in_IN]

Originally Posted by madhopper50

Thanks, was watching Spartacus (Thracian) throwing his sword at an enemy (Getae) and I noticed the rules don't cover this. The Sword & The Sorcerer was the first movie I bought on "Beta Max", have the DVD now.

The Sword & The Sorcerer was a fun movie with a couple of big actors (at the time) in it and some that went on to become big names. The main character went on to become Matt Houston in a popular 80s TV show.

Also, one could argue that since a sword is not designed to be a throwing weapon, Thrown Weapons Talent wouldn't apply at all.

[Shostak]

Here's a monologue on throwing a longsword.

And this has some demonstrations.

[madhopper50]

Originally Posted by Shostak

Here's a monologue on throwing a longsword.

And this has some demonstrations.

Thanks! So you can actually throw a long sword, but other than movies/shows, why would you?

[Shostak]

The guys in the videos discuss that a bit. In TFT there could be other reasons, like being the victim of a Stop spell, but having a sword in hand and wanting to dish out some hurt to the foes who think they are safe from your weapon. Or, a wounded foe has disengaged and is faster than you, and you are desperate to not let them get away and you have a sword ready.

[Bill_in_IN]

Originally Posted by Shostak

Here's a monologue on throwing a longsword.

And this has some demonstrations.

Thanks. I'll check it out later.

[Bill_in_IN]

Originally Posted by Shostak

Here's a monologue on throwing a longsword.

And this has some demonstrations.

Interesting videos.

So, you can throw a sword with some level of damage. It's like a thrust without the power of a thrust (no thrust bonus). So, at best, straight damage for the sword could be applied. The topics for open discussion here is the DX roll required, the possible damage reduction, and which swords could be thrown. The videos showed either bastard swords or 2-Handed swords.

Here's my initial proposal for incorporating such an attack.

Thrusting Throw: -2 damage for a 1-handed sword; -4 damage for a 2-handed sword
Overhand Throw: -1 damage for a 1-handed sword; -2 damage for a 2-handed sword
DX: -2 (due to slow speed of the throw); Thrown weapon distance and talent modifiers apply.
Defend/Dodge: Standard DX Roll and Talent modifiers. Technically a dodge for thrown weapon but could have the same effect for defending/deflecting.

[Shostak]

Just treat a thrown sword as as a spear or javelin?