CATEGORIES OF RANGED WEAPONS

Melee weapons come in two categories. Simple Weapons and Personal Firearms. Personal Firearms generally incorporate some basic technological functions and require more complicated upkeep. Simple Weapons (like bows, crossbows, slings, throwing stars) do not technically require a feat; all the basic classes allow simple weapons proficiency. A character attempting to use a Personal Firearm without the Personal Firearms Proficiency feat takes a –4 penalty on attack rolls. In addition to the two main categories of ranged weapons there are various other ways of categorizing melee weapons.

 

Light, One-Handed, and Two-Handed Ranged Weapons

This designation is a measure of how much effort it takes to wield a weapon in combat. It indicates whether a ranged weapon, when wielded by a character of the weapon’s size category, is considered a light weapon, a one-handed weapon, or a two-handed weapon. Unlike melee weapons which have varying qualities like balance to determine whether they are light, one-handed or two-handed ranged weapons are purely dependant on weight.

Light: A light weapon is easier to use in one’s off hand than a one-handed weapon is, and it can be used while grappling. A light weapon is used in one hand. A light weapon is easier to use in your off-hand (see Two-Weapon Fighting in the combat section). Any ranged weapon that weighs 4 lbs or less is considered a light weapon.

One-Handed: A one-handed weapon can be used in either the primary hand or the off hand. Any ranged weapon that weighs 5 to 6 lbs is considered a one-handed weapon.

Two-Handed: Two hands are required to use a two-handed melee weapon effectively. Any ranged weapon that weighs 7 or more lbs is considered a one-handed weapon.

 

Weapon Size

These rules apply for melee weapons as well as ranged weapons. Every weapon has a size category. This designation indicates the size of the creature for which the weapon was designed. All the weapons on the table below are considered medium; as in they are designed for medium-sized wielders.

A weapon’s size category isn’t the same as its size as an object. Instead, a weapon’s size category is keyed to the size of the intended wielder. In general, a light weapon is an object two size categories smaller than the wielder, a one-handed weapon is an object one size category smaller than the wielder, and a two-handed weapon is an object of the same size category as the wielder.

Inappropriately Sized Weapons: A creature can’t make optimum use of a weapon that isn’t properly sized for it. A cumulative –2 penalty applies on attack rolls for each size category of difference between the size of its intended wielder and the size of its actual wielder. If the creature isn’t proficient with the weapon a –4 nonproficiency penalty also applies.

The measure of how much effort it takes to use a weapon (whether the weapon is designated as a light, one-handed, or two-handed weapon for a particular wielder) is altered by one step for each size category of difference between the wielder’s size and the size of the creature for which the weapon was designed. If a weapon’s designation would be changed to something other than light, one-handed, or two-handed by this alteration, the creature can’t wield the weapon at all.

 

Improvised Weapons

These rules apply for melee weapons as well as ranged weapons. Sometimes objects not crafted to be weapons nonetheless see use in combat. Because such objects are not designed for this use, any creature that uses one in combat is considered to be nonproficient with it and takes a –4 penalty on attack rolls made with that object. To determine the size category and appropriate damage for an improvised weapon, compare its relative size and damage potential to the weapon list to find a reasonable match. An improvised weapon scores a threat on a natural roll of 20 and deals double damage on a critical hit. An improvised thrown weapon has a range increment of 10 feet.