Slings skill
General Information
Historically slings are considered to be one of the earliest ranged weapons after the simple throwing spear. The principle of the weapon is quite simple: using the momentum created by rapid rotation to launch a small projectile with deadly force. Within Dragonrealms, there are two classes of sling weapons: sling and staff sling.
Slings are designed to be a very friendly weapon class to new players, allowing the use of arm-worn shields in conjunction with slings without defensive penalties, rank requirements, or equipment requirements. This newbie-friendly mentality seems to have been detrimental to slings in the long run, however; whereas other newbie-friendly weapons like swords remain powerful for a character's entire career, players using slings almost always upgrade to bows, crossbows or thrown weapons eventually. Additionally, unlike bows and crossbows, slings lack powerful guild-specific weapon abilities like dual load that grants the other weapon classes more power or versatility.
Slings are an extremely convenient weapon class, being the only weapon able to fit into small containers like quivers. Weighing in at only five stones, they are light enough for even the lightest of races to easily handle. Players seeking to use slings should be warned, however, that the lack of decent slings (as well as the lack of decent ammunition) makes using slings as a primary or secondary weapon extremely difficult, requiring much effort with little return of power, versatility, or potential.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Lightweight and extremely easy to store
- Allows the use of shield with no skill requirement
- Very newbie-friendly
Disadvantages
- Abyssmal attack power compared to other weapon classes
- Lack of powerful player-made templates
- Lack of powerful ammunition
- Lack of long-term potential
- Little versatility in attack power or philosophy
Guild-Specific Abilities
None
Recommended Weapons
- None. Every non-player-made sling template, no matter how uncommon or ubiquitous, is heavily derived from the original template bought in the Crossing shop (if not a carbon copy of that template). All non-player made sling patterns weigh five stones and have fair balance and fair suitability. Find a player-made sling (marginally better than normal slings at best) or find the prettiest one you can, as they're mostly the same.