fatal

Shield: Normally, the purpose of a shield is
to protect someone, shielding them from harm.
Shields may also be useful in rushing foes, or more
directly, punching them. Shields cause only little
damage, but there are times when this technique may
prove necessary and useful. BCT is 1 week for an
armorsmith.
Shoe: A shoe is a piece of footwear crafted
from leather. Normally, a shoe is worn on the foot,
but if necessary, it may be hurled at a foe. BCT is 1
day for a cobbler.
Shoe, Horse: This iron shoe is meant to
protect a horse’s hooves from the ground. If desired,
this weapon may be swung and hurled at a
foe, though usually underhanded and with as little
of an arc as possible. BCT is 1 day for a blacksmith.
Shovel: This tool consists a curved metal
plane attached to the end of a pole. Shovels are
intended to dig into the earth, but they may be swung
at a foe to either hack them with its fairly dull edge
or pound them with the blunt side. BCT is 1 day
for a blacksmith.
Sickle: This is a curved, hemispherical,
handheld blade used for agriculture. However, it
may also be used to reap life. BCT is 1 day for a
blacksmith.
Sling: This ancient 2-handed weapon consists
of 2 leather or sinew straps, between 2-3 feet
in length. 1 end of each strap is attached to the
sides of a small piece of leather or cloth. The ends
of the straps are held by the slinger. 1 strap is
wrapped securely around a finger or the wrist. The
other, usually knotted to provide a grip, is held freely
between the thumb and forefinger of the throwing
hand. The missile was placed on the piece of leather
or cloth, and the straps were pulled taut, so that the
material became a pocket snugly containing the projectile.
With the sling loaded and poised in the
launching position above the slinger’s head, a rotary
motion of both wrists sets the sling whirling. When
it has acquired sufficient momentum (usually within
3 or 4 rotations), the unlooped strap is released,
thereby discharging the missle at high speed toward
its distant target. The centrifugal force gained in
the whirling action gives power and range to the
shot.
Slings project either a small pebble, an almond-shaped
pebble the size and shape of a small
egg, or a man-made missile called a glandes. A glandes
is made of lead and has a greater range and impact.
The missile is often inscribed in Sapian on 1
or both sides the name and number of the slinger’s
military formation, the commanding officer’s name,
or even sarcastic slogans such as “a nasty present,”
“take that,” or “ouch.” On many others appear
emblems of gods. Sling missiles range from 1-2
ounces.
When members of an infantry, slingers com-
Chapter 9: Equipment
449