Mazaron's Castle: Boomerangs!

Boomerangs!

The following is a modification of the boomerang stats given in PO: C&T, so as to reflect Aboriginal culture. I have subdivided the boomerang into three types, as evidence exists that there were different hunting, sport, and war boomerangs. Further, they were also used as melee weapons, and information on this is also provided.

This article would not be possible without the help of Corrigall from the rec.games.frp.dnd newsgroup, and my good friend Matt Reynolds.

Boomerangs, Thrown:

Boomerang, Hunting

Weight: 4

Size: S

Speed: 4

ROF: 1

Range: 2
3
5

Dmg: 1d4/1d4-2

Boomerang, Returning (or Sport)

Weight: 4

Size: S

Speed: 4

ROF: 1

Range: 3
5
7

Dmg: 1d4-2/1d3-2

Boomerang, War

Weight: 4

Size: S

Speed: 4

ROF: 1

Range: 1
2
4

Dmg: 1d6-1/1d4-1

Boomerangs, Melee (club or sword):

Boomerang, Hunting
Dmg: 1d4/1d4

Boomerang, Returning (or Sport)
Dmg: 1d4-2/1d3-2 (roll saving throw for wood versus crushing blow or boomerang breaks)

Boomerang, War
Dmg: 1d6+1/1d6

The boomerang, as we usually think of it, is a flat crescent-shaped stick which whirls through the air in a spiraling arc that sweeps back toward the thrower. The Aborigines' everyday weapon, however, was a heavy nonreturning boomerang which could be either thrown or wielded as a sword. Similar throwing sticks have been hurled by many primitive peoples, including American Indians and ancient Egyptians, and their remains have even been found in Danish peat bogs. Because they revolve as they fly, their tips travel at enormous speed and pack a considerably bigger wallop than a nonspinning missile such as a thrown rock. The lighter-weight returning boomerang was exclusively an Australian invention and represented an elegant refinement on the art of stick throwing. Though used mainly in games, tournaments, and for amusing children, it played an important part in at least one activity; the duck hunt.

There are actually several types of boomerangs. The boomerang that the Aborigines used for hunting is fairly straight and streamlined in cross section. It is thrown directly at game and does not return. A picklike tip may be added at one end to make a more lethal fighting weapon. Returning boomerangs are lighter, have an airfoil shape, and are used primarily as toys and in sporting contests.

To throw a returning boomerang, the Aborigine grabs an end, keeping the curved upper surface facing his body. He throws overhand, adding a sharp flick of the wrist as he lets go. He must aim into the wind to make the boomerang return.

The boomerang had other uses besides throwing. Its sharp edge makes an efficient knife for cutting up and skinning kanagroos and emus. It is plunged into the soft skin of the underbelly and pulled back sharply to make a long, clean cut. Two boomerangs clapped together provide a rhythmic background for many Aboriginal dances. One Central Australian boomerang has sharp fluted ridges so that when one is drawn across the other like a bow, a musical tone is produced. Used as a trowel or digging stick, the boomerang enables an individual to dig a cooking pit, open up a well, or ferret out a burrowing animal. Boomerangs are also used to retouch stone blades, to start fires, and as swords and clubs in combat.

Source: Berganmini, David. "The Land and Wildlife of Australia." Time-Life
Books. New York. 1964.