Lasso

A lasso is a length of rope with a loop at one end, tied with a knot that enables the loop to be tightened. The wielder twirls the lasso and throws the loop at the intended target. If it hits, the lasso has encircled the target, enabling the attacker to dismount the victim, make him fall, pin him, strangle him, etc. The wielder must specify exactly what he wants the lasso to accomplish before making his attack roll.

A successful hit does not cause damage to the target, but incidental damage can occur from the results of certain actions performed with the lasso, such as making someone fall or strangling a victim.

The many tricks which can be performed with a lasso are outlined in the Equipment Chapter of The Complete Fighter's Handbook.

A lasso may be severed by 2 hit points of cutting damage. A victim's Strength can break a lasso, using the character's Bend Bars/Lift Gates roll. Only one attempt can be made on any one lasso.

Lassos are also called lariats. Characters can take lasso as a weapon proficiency, but they should remember that the Rope Use nonweapon proficiency gives a +2 bonus to hit with a lasso.

"Lasso? What sort of heroic weapon is a lasso? What is a warrior going to do, tie up his victim and make him die of embarrassment? Bah! If a warrior is so keen on using a length of hemp rope, let him learn Rope Use. That way, not only is there a better chance at hitting a victim with a lasso than if he were proficient with the lasso as a weapon, but the adventurer will also pick up many more tricks, rather than wasting time trying to become expert at throwing silly loops of rope! Lassos, indeed!''

-- Kedar the Dark, Warrior Lord of Adauntlynn

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