Basic Information
This is a weapon that strikes targets at distance. For clarity we will consider a weapon ranged only if, at the moment of impact there is no connection between the part that strikes the target and any part still held by the user - thus a thrown weapon1 is ranged and a crossbow2 is ranged but a rope dart isn't because the user (in theory) retains hold of the rope whilst the dart hits the target.
Ranged weapons run the gamut of technology, from a stone snatched at venture from the ground to guns and directed energy weapons. An indicative list of types would include:
- Airgun
- Atlatl
- Blowpipe
- Boomerang
- Bow
- Crossbow
- Dart
- Directed Energy Weapon
- Electromagnetic launcher
- Flamethrower
- Grenade
- Grenade Launcher
- Gun
- Light Mortar
- Sling
- Thrown Weapon
…and these are only individual weapons heavy weapons and ordnance are served seperately.
Most known examples are piercing weapons, although some (generally more primitive ones or less lethal weapons) are bludgeoning weapons instead and the (currently theoretical) directed energy weapons are harder to classify.
