Sling

Slings were a simple type of projectile weapon

Description
Slings consisted of a cord with a pouch to hold a projectile. These cords were typically made of either leather or some form of fabric.

Weaponology
Slings were intended to be held with one or two hands and twirled in a circle. Once a high speed of twirling was released, the wielder would then launch their projectile at an opponent by releasing one of the sling's strap's ends.

Against unarmored opponents a sling could produce severe bruising or even broken bones. However, they were not as powerful as bows, nor could they launch their projectiles as far as crossbows. Though compared to those weapons the sling was far cheaper and easier to make, costing effectively nothing if the proper materials could be found.

Ammunition
Slings were typically loaded with either smooth rounded stones or a ball of lead, known as sling bullets. However, unlike some projectiles they were very versatile and could be used to launch a variety of objects, such as rocks or coins.

Varieties

 * Calculus: An oversized sling, designed to throw flasks filled with alchemical substances.
 * Staff sling: A sling attachment for staves, made to throw large bullets or heavy stones.

Notable Slings

 * Arla's Dragonbane
 * Sling of seeking

Classes

 * Crusaders devoted to the goddess Arvoreen were proficient in the use of slings.
 * Slings were one of the weapons that druids were permitted to fight with. They were often found being used by those dedicated to the gods Chauntea, Eldath, Mielikki, and Silvanus.
 * Slings were a preferred weapon for priests among deities associated with hunting.
 * Some plumaweavers were known to fight with slings.
 * Shamans were known to be quite proficient in the use of slings.

Groups

 * At least half of the guards in Dunstable's Sleeping Cat were expert slingers.

Races

 * Due to the low cost required to manufacture them and the fact they made decent hunting weapons, slings were quite common among both human and demihuman peasants all across Faerûn.
 * Halflings were well known for fighting with slings.
 * Some neanderthals were known to fight with slings.

Regions & Settlements

 * The inhabitants of Archendale were taught at a young age how to wield a sling in order to scare birds away from crops or bring them down to be made into hearth pies.
 * Slings were a commonly used weapon among hunters in Daggerdale.
 * Sling hunting was common in Glaur.
 * Slings were a commonly used weapon among inhabitants of Malatra.
 * In the land of Maztica, slings were a common weapon in regional armies. Including the Payit, Pezelac, Kultaka, and orcs.

Appearances

 * Video games
 * Eye of the Beholder series (Eye of the Beholder • The Legend of Darkmoon • Assault on Myth Drannor)