Cast-net

“My instincts told me to be careful, but I thought, “It’s only a net. How dangerous could it be?” I should learn to trust in my instincts. That slippery gladiator stabbed me twice before I could crush her.”
— Jorge Oakenfield, Andergastan mercenary, 1036 FB

Cast-nets were developed from fishing nets, and, like fish nets, are designed to catch creatures alive and relatively unharmed. Thus, these unusual ranged weapons are popular with gladiators, big game hunters, and slavers. They are woven from robust cord and can be either round or square (measuring 6.5 to 10 feet on a side). Small weights sewn along their edges help the cast-net spread out when thrown. Cast-nets created for the arena often also incorporate colorful fringes or even hooks, depending on the user’s preferences. Gladiatorial cast-nets often feature an added length of rope with a loop that slips over the user’s wrist, for added control and retrieval.

As their name implies, castnets are thrown with the intention of snaring the target. Because they may be dodged, gladiators like to feint with the net, to distract or trick their opponents.

Technique	Reload	Range	Weight	Length	Cost	Complexity
Thrown Weapons	1 action	1/3/5	2 stn 4 lbs	350 cm 135 inches	35 S	primitive

Note: Instead of causing DP, the target gains the state bound until freed. To escape, make a cumulative Body Control (Squirm) check, or use a sharp weapon to cut the net or control rope (reduce its 10 structure points to 0). Making a Body Control check takes one regular action. When cutting the net, weapons with a reach of medium or greater inflict only half DP.

Weapon Advantage: The target may make only one attempt to dodge a cast-net. Shields cannot parry cast-nets.

Weapon Disadvantage: On a confirmed botch when attacking, the net thrower becomes entangled in the net and suffers all relevant effects.