imported>ELADAMRI: Clarification of the hybrid weapon when it comes to learning cman wspec.

2025-02-21T17:38:37Z

Clarification of the hybrid weapon when it comes to learning cman wspec.

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[[Image:katar2.jpg|thumb|a single-bladed katar]]

The '''Katar''' is a type of short punching sword that was used in Persia and Northern India. The weapon, also called a '''Bundi Dagger''', was noted for its horizontal grip, which allowed one to "punch" with it rather than thrust, allowing more acrobatic fighting styles. The user of katars could fight in a similar manner as if he were unarmed, making it easier to attack and defend, as it was more like an extension of the body than a weapon. Katars ceased to be in common use after the 19th century.
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== Construction ==
Katars consist of a short dagger-like blade mounted on crossbar, parallel side bars, and a hand grip or pair of hand grips. Some katars have a metal plate over the hand grips. Katars with the hand-guard were often used in the off-hand as a [[main gauche]] type defensive weapon. A sword-gauntlet, called a pata, evolved from this type of weapon.

Katar blades are usually a few inches to three feet in length and are single bladed. However, there are examples of dual blades and triple blades. The triple blades were sometimes crafted to look like a single blade, until the user squeezed the hand-grips together. The blades would spread out, causing increased damage to internal organs after a victim had been stabbed. These were called folding or seizers katars.

In single-bladed katars, the blade was usually wide at the base and had a straight taper to a point, which would give the katar strength while maximizing the ability to penetrate mail armor.

== Game Mechanics ==
For their speed, katars are the most damaging weapons in [[GemStone IV]]. They're as fast as a [[short sword]] and, against heavy armor, the katar does as much damage as a [[longsword]]. Although, against opponents without armor, the katar is slightly less effective than a short sword. Against scale armor and higher, the [[damage factor]] is equal to that of the longsword. With chain armor and higher, the [[AvD]] of the katar is higher, as well.

The Katar is a hybrid weapon, requiring training in both [[Edged Weapons]] and [[Brawling]]. Half of a character's [[attack strength]] and [[defensive strength]] obtained from parry defense comes from training in one skill, and half comes from another.

If you choose to learn Combat Maneuvers Weapon Specialization; keep in mind that the system will not allow learn the specialization with the katar in hand. Rather you must have a non-hybrid weapon in hand and may choose either an edged weapon or a bludgeoning weapon to get the corresponding bonus. The bonus will apply to the hybrid katar.

{{Weapon table start}}
{{Weapon table katar}}
{{Weapon table end}}

Note: To edit this table go to [[Template:Weapon table katar]]

The standard katar has a weight of 4 lbs.

== Alternate Names ==
*'''gauntlet-sword'''
*'''kunai'''
*'''manople'''
*'''paiscush'''
*'''pata'''
*'''slasher'''
*'''tvekre'''

Note: a handful of katars were released in 2019 using the term ''push dagger'', but this term is actually not used for katars in GS; instead, push daggers are used for the dagger base. As of 3/18/20, if you would like your 'push dagger' katar-based weapon updated to one of the currently approved katar terms, you can ASSIST to have that done.

== Related Articles ==
*[[Forging]]
*[[Edged Weapons]]
*[[Brawling weapons]]

== References ==
*[http://www.play.net/gs4/info/armory/edgedweapons.asp#katar Official Documentation >> Katar]
*http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katar

[[Category:Weapons]]

Katar - Revision history

imported>ELADAMRI: Clarification of the hybrid weapon when it comes to learning cman wspec.