A kama (sing & pl) was a type of light, short bladed weapon and farming implement[1][2][7] that was most commonly used in or originated from the land of Kara-Tur.[7]
Description[]
The kama was similar in design to a sickle[1][2][8]—which is what the word meant in Wa-an[9]—or a small scythe, and bore a strong resemblance to a heavy pick, but without the backside peen.[8] However, unlike sickles these implements had far less curvature to their blade[1][2][8] and started out broader at the base before tapering to a sharp tip. This blade was mounted on a straight shaft, about the same size as a handaxe.[8]
Weaponology[]
It took special training to use kama effectively in melee combat, therefore it was considered an exotic weapon. The relatively long, curved blade allowed the kama to be used for trip attacks.[4]
History[]
Since the earliest days of warfare, kama were repurposed by Kara-Turan peasants for use in battle as they were forbidden from wielding swords.[7] This usage eventually led to the development of the kusari-gama.[1][10]
Around the mid-to-late 14th century DR, a wide variety of different enchanted kama could be found in use around Neverwinter and the wider Sword Coast North.[7][11]
Notable Kamas[]
- Balance in All Things, a variety of kama with an enchantment based around fighting those who would seek to upset the Balance.[11]
- Bluefire kama, a variety of kama that came from or were associated with the Order of the Blue Fire.[12]
- Eyes of the Sun, a variety of enchanted kama that were created by members of the Order of the Sun Soul.[11]
- Empty Fields, a variety of enchanted kama that originated from the nation of Calimshan.[7]
- Hideo's kama, a variety of enchanted kama from the Kyo Prefecture that was named for its creator.[7]
- Honor's Edge, a variety of enchanted kama that were created to fight creatures of law.[11]
- Imaskari kama, a variety of enchanted kama that were created in the ancient Imaskar Empire.[7]
- Peasant Blade[11]
- Peasant Dynasty, a common variety of enchanted kama.[7]
- Rod of surprises, an enchanted +1 rod that could transform in a variety of weapons, including a kama.[13]
- Ropecutter, a rather common variety of enchanted kama.[14]
- Thread of Life, a variety of enchanted kama that originated in Kara-Tur, created by the healer devotees of Aido Glade.[7]
Notable Users[]
- Many sailors and pirates in the Nelanther Isles were known to wield ropecutter kama in the 14th century DR.[14]
Classes[]
- Kama were a common weapon among monks,[4][15] who could take full advantage of their quick slashing action when not weighed down by armor.[4][16] They were particularly favored by monks that followed the Way of the Long Death.[17]
- Kama were a common weapon among ninjas, as their role as farming implements made it easier for them to be carried around without arousing undue suspicion.[1][2]
- Some shukenja were known to wield kama.[15]
Groups[]
- The Stone Knives, a Batiri tribe in the jungles of Samarach, commonly wielded kama.[18]
Appendix[]
Gallery[]
Appearances[]
Adventures
Video Games
External Links[]
Kama (weapon) article at Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Gary Gygax, David Cook, and François Marcela-Froideval (1985). Oriental Adventures. (TSR, Inc), p. 46. ISBN 0-8803-8099-3.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Aaron Allston (1995). The Complete Ninja's Handbook. Edited by Barbara G. Young. (TSR, Inc), pp. 46, 67. ISBN 0786901594.
- ↑ Gary Gygax, David Cook, and François Marcela-Froideval (1985). Oriental Adventures. (TSR, Inc), p. 39. ISBN 0-8803-8099-3.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams (July 2003). Player's Handbook v.3.5. (Wizards of the Coast), pp. 117, 118. ISBN 0-7869-2886-7.
- ↑ Jeremy Crawford, Christopher Perkins, James Wyatt (December 2014). Dungeon Master's Guide 5th edition. Edited by Scott Fitzgerald Gray, et al. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 41. ISBN 978-0-7869-6562-5.
- ↑ Mike Mearls, Jeremy Crawford (2014). Player's Handbook 5th edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 149. ISBN 978-0-7869-6560-1.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 7.8 BioWare (June 2002). Designed by Brent Knowles, James Ohlen. Neverwinter Nights. Atari.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams (July 2003). Player's Handbook v.3.5. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 115. ISBN 0-7869-2886-7.
- ↑ David "Zeb" Cook (1987). Blood of the Yakuza (Encounter Construction Booklet). (TSR, Inc), p. 8. ISBN 0-88038-401-8.
- ↑ Aaron Allston (1995). The Complete Ninja's Handbook. Edited by Barbara G. Young. (TSR, Inc), p. 68. ISBN 0786901594.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 Obsidian Entertainment (October 2006). Designed by Ferret Baudoin, J.E. Sawyer. Neverwinter Nights 2. Atari.
- ↑ Cryptic Studios (June 2013). Neverwinter. Perfect World Entertainment.
- ↑ Sean K. Reynolds, Duane Maxwell, Angel McCoy (August 2001). Magic of Faerûn. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 148. ISBN 0-7869-1964-7.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 BioWare (June 2005). Designed by Keith Hayward, Rob Bartel. Neverwinter Nights: Pirates of the Sword Coast. Atari.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 Gary Gygax, David Cook, and François Marcela-Froideval (1985). Oriental Adventures. (TSR, Inc), p. 14. ISBN 0-8803-8099-3.
- ↑ Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams (July 2003). Player's Handbook v.3.5. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 40. ISBN 0-7869-2886-7.
- ↑ Jason Carl, Sean K. Reynolds (October 2001). Lords of Darkness. Edited by Michele Carter. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 167. ISBN 07-8691-989-2.
- ↑ Obsidian Entertainment (November 2008). Designed by Tony Evans. Neverwinter Nights 2: Storm of Zehir. Atari.