Spiked Vambrace

“You laugh only because you’ve never faced a spiked vambrace before.”
— Alrik of Kilnground, rogue, 1038 FB

Spiked vambraces are primarily worn by show fighters and gladiators, which is why these unusual weapons are more common in the south.

Typical spiked vambraces are made from rigid metal plates that cover the forearm from elbow to knuckles. One or more spikes extend forward from the hand, permitting attacks and parries against armed and unarmed opponents alike. On some versions, the spike extends backwards instead of forwards, while other versions have spikes in many places. One variant, known as a dragonclaw, is a glove of chain links that protects only the wearer’s wrist and hand.

Spiked vambraces buckle securely to the arm with leather straps, one of which protects the wearer’s palm. This trade-off for protection prevents the wearer from grasping anything with that hand.

Many fighters decorate their spiked vambraces, a practice that gladiators sometimes take to extremes to intimidate their opponents.

“If you see someone other than a gladiator walking around wearing spiked vambraces, you can bet that a war between criminal elements is about to break out.”

— Geron Bladebreaker, mercenary

Technique	Damage	P+T	AT/PA	Reach	Weight	Length	Cost	Complexity
Brawling	d6+1	AGI/STR 15	0/0	short	1 stn 2 lbs	50 hf/cm 20 inches	70 S	complex (2 AP)

Weapon Advantage: The wielder counts as armed and thus does not receive the usual penalties for brawling with an armed opponent (see Core Rules, page 235).

Weapon Disadvantage: The wielder cannot perform the maneuver Grapple and any other maneuvers based on grappling. Spiked vambraces are difficult to hide and incur a -2 penalty to Stealth (Conceal Item) checks.