Quarterstaff

The simplest and humblest of staff weapons, the quarterstaff is a length of wood ranging six to nine feet in length. High quality quarterstaves are made of stout oak and are shod with metal at both ends. The quarterstaff must be wielded with both hands.

"Such a simple weapon, yet so popular. Any class of adventurer, be he an armored warrior, spell thrower, cutpurse, or man of faith, can use a quarterstaff. The staff is also a fine practice weapon, especially in place of other two-handed weapons such as two-hand swords or polearms. The staff is held in the middle with the left hand, while the right hand holds on at one-quarter of the whole staff's length from the end.

"Quarterstaves are popular among the kenku, the mysterious, Oriental, birdlike humanoids. This blunt weapon is usually used to knock out an opponent as opposed to killing him.

"Wizards may decorate their staves, even cast spells on them in order to make the weapons look magical. It may fool someone into thinking that a simple wooden staff is in fact a
staff of the magi.''

-- Albertus, Battle Mage

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