Canonfire!

Sun Dec 28, 2014 10:34 am Magical Weapons of Hurling/Throwing

The description of this magical weapon says that the Axe of Hurling will return to the owner's grasp whether it hits or not (granted that its full abilities are realized, of course).

1) Is this automatic, or 'willed' by the possessor of the axe?

2) What if the possessor has his hands full when the axe returns? Does the axe drop at the wielder's feet...or fling back into place on his/her belt (on a thong, say)...???

Again, as the DMG doesn't really specify, I guess it's a DM call, but wondering.

In contrast, the Dwarven Throwing +3 Hammer does specify that the weapon returns, boomerang-style.

It is confounding to me to note that other weapons of throwing DO NOT return to their wielder (Ex: Dagger of Throwing, +2 Axe of Throwing), for instance.

-Lanthorn

Sun Dec 28, 2014 11:05 am

I treat all these returning weapons the same as the Dwarven Thrower that they act like Thor's hammer and boomerang back to the wielder. But remember someone with juggling skill can catch these weapons and become the new owner!!

Sun Dec 28, 2014 1:06 pm

Axe of hurling: "...the possessor will eventually discover that the axe can be hurled up to 180 feet, and it will return to the thrower in the same round whether or not it scores a hit."

Where's the mystery?

Dwarven Thrower: "The hammer has a 180-foot range and will return to its wielder's hand like a boomerang."

The axe actually has better description as to what is going on. These weapons essentially work the same way. Same range, same returning ability. The weapons automatically return, no act of will is required.
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Sun Dec 28, 2014 2:19 pm

What if the possessor's hands are already holding something by the end of the round when the axe returns?

For example, a fighter tosses the axe from his right hand while holding a medium shield in the left. Shortly after loosing the axe, the warrior unsheathes a sword and closes to melee. The axe will return, as the description states, but where does it go? The warrior's hands are full, so he cannot merely snatch the axe back into his grasp.

That was my question.

-Lanthorn

Sun Dec 28, 2014 2:34 pm

That would be similar to trying to catch a hockey puck ( I am Canadian after all) with your hands full I would guess it would fall on the ground somewhere behind the wielder since they where not ready for the weapon's return.

Mon Dec 29, 2014 4:09 am

The magic returns the weapon to the thrower's hand. If the hand is occupied when the weapon returns, the weapon just falls to the ground at the feet of the thrower. Mark the spot on the map in the event the character forgets to pick it up (hehe).
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Mon Dec 29, 2014 10:26 am

That works for me and answers my question.

thanks

Lanthorn