Morningstar

“When he stepped away from his opponent, the body was barely recognizable as having once been human. Musko raised his weapon in victory and swung the spiked ball above his head in a great arc. Blood rained from the spikes in a shower and applause rang in his ears.”
-Excerpt from Chapter IV of The Legends and Deeds of Musko Bonefist, by Robertus Morecook

The morningstar combines the advantages of a cudgel with those of a chain weapon. Its name comes from the spiked iron or steel ball attached by chain to the grip. When not in use, the weapon tucks neatly into a belt.

This weapon is very popular with gladiators and mercenaries. It can destroy doors, splinter shields, and dent even the heaviest armor. Typically, the morningstar’s chain is sized so wielders do not accidentally injure their own hands, but some gladiators lengthen the chain dramatically, to influence audiences.

“The morningstar is terrible for parrying. If you intend to wield one, you should wear sturdy armor and carry a shield or at least pray that you defeat your opponent quickly.”

— Geron Bladebreaker, mercenary