[RPG] What does the “c.” listed under weapon length mean
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In the PHB, some weapons have a length that begins with "c" and some others don't.
What does "c" mean in this context?
Best Answer
As far as I can tell, the use of c. in the Weapon Types, General Data, and "To Hit" Adjustments table isn't defined anywhere in the Player's Handbook (1978).
However, I've always taken that c. to mean circa. While usually employed in conjunction with estimating historical dates, using circa to mean “approximately” isn't unheard of, and Gygax seems to be doing that here.
For example, this would mean that the c. 4' entry for the battle axe's length means that a battle axe is about 4 feet long.
You can use a double weapon to fight as if fighting with two weapons,
but if you do, you incur all the normal attack penalties associated
with fighting with two weapons, just as if you were using a one-handed
weapon and a light weapon. You can choose to wield one end of a double
weapon two-handed, but it cannot be used as a double weapon when
wielded in this way—only one end of the weapon can be used in any
given round.
So you can use one end of the weapon, or both. The damage rolls there are for each of the two ends of the weapon.
Your race, class, and feats can grant you proficiency with certain weapons or categories of weapons. The two categories are simple and
martial.
A weapon in 5e can be either simple or martial. You can also check the table at p. 149. If you are proficient with both categories, then you are proficient with all weapons (except unconventional improvised weapons, which need the Tavern Brawler feat in order for you to be proficient).
Best Answer
As far as I can tell, the use of c. in the Weapon Types, General Data, and "To Hit" Adjustments table isn't defined anywhere in the Player's Handbook (1978).
However, I've always taken that c. to mean circa. While usually employed in conjunction with estimating historical dates, using circa to mean “approximately” isn't unheard of, and Gygax seems to be doing that here.
For example, this would mean that the c. 4' entry for the battle axe's length means that a battle axe is about 4 feet long.