Class 3 Weapon
A Class 3 Weapon is a weapon that a combatant thrusts or stabs with to strike. Limbs disabled by stabs don't count toward a combatant's death, and subsequent strikes do not pass through those limbs.
Specifications
4.4.3. Class 3 weapons are marked with green tape on either the pommel or handle.
4.9.1.6. A Class 1 weapon may also be Class 3.
4.9.2.4. A Class 2 weapon may also be Class 3.
4.9.3. Class 3: All Class 3 weapons must conform to the following:
- 4.9.3.1. If the weapon is Class 3 only, it has no weight restriction.
- 4.9.3.2. The maximum handle length for Class 3 weapons is two-thirds (2/3) of its overall length.
- 4.9.3.3. If the weapon is Class 3 only, it may not have a yellow cover.
Javelins, which are throwing spears, have additional specifications.
Combat
3.5.3. Class 3 (thrusting) weapons wielded one-handed cause one hit of damage to an unarmored target area, and have no affect against an armored area.
- 3.5.3.1. When used two handed, Class 3 weapons bypass armor.
- 3.5.3.2. Combatants striking with a two handed stab should call “Double” as they strike. See 3.5.2.1 for two-handed definition.
3.7.2.7.1. Limbs injured with Class 3 or Class 4 weapons do not count towards the two-limb death total.
3.7.5. Subsequent hits to the same location:
- 3.7.5.1. All subsequent hits with Class 3 or 4 weapon on the same target area previously injured only by a Class 3 or 4 weapon are ignored.
- 3.7.5.4. A target area disabled by a Class 3 or 4 weapon that is subsequently hit by a class 1 or 2 weapon is then considered to be disabled by a Class 1 or 2 weapon.
Stabs deal one hit of damage to one area per strike if the area is unarmored or the strike is two-handed, ignoring the additional hit point conferred by armor. A one-handed stab to an armored area has no effect.
Stabs can only result in death if they hit the torso; limbs disabled by a stab do not count towards death. A combatant can have all of their limbs disabled by stabs, or three disabled by stabs and one disabled by a swinging strike, and still be alive. Doing this to somebody is called "trophying", as the victim has effectively been turned into little more than a speaking battle trophy.
Subsequent strikes to a limb disabled by a stab do not pass through the limb. If the strike is from a class 3 weapon or from a projectile, it has no effect. If the strike is from a swinging strike, the limb is now counted as disabled by that strike and follows those rules instead.
Standard Types
- Swords with stabbing tips
- Bats with stabbing tips
- Spears, including javelins
- Glaives with stabbing tips
- Staves
Popular Use
Many swords and bats, whether Class 1 or Class 2, are constructed with stabbing tips that allow them to also be Class 3. This adds to the weapons' capabilities, expanding a wielder's fighting style and potentially affecting their tactics. Swords with stabbing tips typically represent historical swords that taper toward their tips.
Most polearms are constructed as Class 3 weapons; spears and glaives are the most common polearms, and the latter is usually built with a stabbing tip. Thrusting strikes are employed often by polearms in line battles. As shields provide protection against archers, but carrying a shield in one's hand can make weapon strikes with that hand more difficult, polearm users often wear a buckler or backshield.