throwing axes

[loryk]

hello everybody

after years of trekrpging, we will begin tonight our first session of lotr with decipher rules.

In order to help our new GM I have read the core book and I had a great surprise

there's no mention in the rules of throwing axes but in my memories, during the films, gimli throws axes.

furthermore he has two types of axes one two headed as I imagine a "battle axe" and some oneheaded axes as I thought was throwing axes

but in the core rule there's no skill ranged combat: axe thrown and no axe thrown in weapons

can someone explain me ???

because it's one of the reasons I decide to play an elf instead of a dwarf

[Jason Durall]

Originally posted by loryk
there's no mention in the rules of throwing axes but in my memories, during the films, gimli throws axes.

furthermore he has two types of axes one two headed as I imagine a "battle axe" and some oneheaded axes as I thought was throwing axes

The core rulebook is almost entirely based on the Tolkien texts, and in them, Gimli does not do any axe-throwing, nor are throwing axes mentioned anywhere in LotR.

Since the RPG was initially written before the films had been released, there was minimal influence there, except for the graphic design.

However, there's nothing stopping you from adding Ranged Combat: Thrown (Throwing Axe) to your character sheet, and treating a hand axe as a throwing axe. To keep things simple, I'd give it the same range as a thrown dagger.

Some of the fan supplements linked to from this and Decipher's forum have stats for throwing axes, as well.

Also, the upcoming (probably early next year) Barbarians and Warriors order book includes greatly-expanded combat rules, including new weapons and expanded uses of old skills.

[loryk]

thanks a lot

you're right, scottomir has already given stats for axe thrown

I'll discuss about that to my GM I think the dwarf of our group will be happy

thanks again

[ben hur]

Why Throwing Axes Aren't In The Book

From the FAQ:

Page 204: Q: Why are there no flails/crossbows/plate armor/etc. in the Equipment List?
A: More likely than not because they were not mentioned in the novels or shown in the movies. We tried very hard to remain as close to Tolkien's descriptions of Middle-earth as possible to enhance the overall feel of the game.

This is the answer that has been given when people have asked "Why are there no Uruk cross-bows?", so I would assume it applies to throwing axes as well.

What Skill To Use For Throwing Axes

I would suggest using Ranged Combat: Thrown Weapons when attempting to heave a throwing axe.

Throwing Axe House Rule

As to damage, I would imagine a good throwing axe - also known as a hand axe, which is the name I prefer - would do a good 2d6+2 damage or even 2d6+3.

I am no expert on thrown weapons of this sort; would an axe that is built for throwing be more unwieldy to throw than, say, a dagger? It's definitely going to be heavier. So either of the following penalties may or may not be put on the use of a hand axe:

Penalty: A penalty is placed on the throwing of the axe; maybe -2 or -4.

Requisite: A certain level of Strength is needed to throw the axe; perhaps 9 or 10.

In the end, it's up to you. I highly approve of the use of hand axes, I have used them in various forms in my games and they are always very cinematic and fun. Good luck!

[Grimbeorn]

A good throwing axe is pretty straight forward to throw, the handle would be longer than than a dagger which allows you to get more force behind it though lever. Range wise it would possible be slightly shorter than a dagger because of weight different but would do more damage.

[Ineti]

Originally posted by loryk
I'll discuss about that to my GM I think the dwarf of our group will be happy

thanks again

If you or someone is playing a Dwarf, I'd recommend checking out the Moria boxed set. It includes a 32-page book all about dwarves, including new stat options and rules and such for the Seven Houses of Dwarves.

[Helegond]

If I'm not mistaken, a Throwed axe will have STR MOD added to the damage...

Cheers,

Helegond

[Scottomir]

I also found it odd that the official weapon list only had big battle-axes and great-axes. Especially since the "Scouring of the Shire" chapter of ROTK describes hobbits wielding hatchets. So there really needs to be some kind of "small" axe that hobbits and Dwarves can wield in one hand, and that could double as a throwing-axe. Unfortunately, possible hand-axe stats are hemmed in by the general crappiness of most (non-sword) weapons. After all, you wouldn't want a hatchet to be better than a long-knife or a mace. So these are the stats I came up with for my group:

Axe, Hand
2d6+1 damage
-2 parry modifier
5/10/20/30/+5 range
Size: (S)mall
Weight: 4 lbs.
Cost: 2 SP, 3 sp

[JeffTidball]

Originally posted by Jason Durall
Also, the upcoming (probably early next year) Barbarians and Warriors order book includes greatly-expanded combat rules, including new weapons and expanded uses of old skills.

Specifically, Fields of Battle will contain the following throwing axe statistics:

Axe, Throwing
Damage: 2d6+3
Parry Bonus: ±0
Size: M
Weight 2
Class: Slashing
Structure Test Modifier ±0
Range: 5/10/20/40/+5

(What are "Class" and "Structure Test Modifier" good for? That would be telling, now, wouldn't it?)

Here's another one of likely interest to the Dwarves in the audience who are itching to throw things:

Hammer, Throwing
Damage: 2d6+1
Parry Bonus: ±0
Size: M
Weight: 5
Class: Bludgeoning
Structure Test Modifier: +2
Range: 5/10/20/50/+5