Thread: Bayonets

Hello,

Stupid question, the bayonet is listed on the close combat weapons chart on page 89/90 in the Deluxe addition, but it isn't listed in the description section. So would its use fall under the Close Combat skill or Close Combat (Polearms) skill?

Thanks!

Bayonets come in different forms.
The earliest is the plug bayonet - basically a knife with a rod-like handle that was rammed into the muzzle of the flintlock musket.
After that comes the socket bayonet - basically a tubular handle that fitted over the muzzle and was locked via a pin on the musket.
Later on a bayonet clips to the underside of the weapon but that is mostly a 19th century and later thing.

A bayonet mounted on a musket should probably use a polearm skill but one held in the hand is no different than a knife

Hi,

Bayonet is described on p.86 (Knives), as follows:

"Bayonet: Essentially a knife or sword that fits onto the
muzzle of a musket or rifle, effectively turning it into a spear.
The statistics given are for a fixed bayonet (if wielded when
not attached to the gun, then use the statistics for a dagger).
Earlier bayonets, when fixed, prevent the musket from firing.
Unpopular with many troops, nevertheless the sight of a unit
advancing with fixed bayonets is enough to cause many
soldiers to turn and run. Enc: -, Cost: 3s"

I would tend to be generous and allow Close Combat, but if properly developing a later setting maybe it would be better to have it as an Advanced Skill (mainly available to soldiers or militias at character creation).

Hope that helps,

Peter

Yes, that certainly helps. I guess I failed my perception roll for finding that description.
Thanks again.

Seth

Originally Posted by Sutekh

Yes, that certainly helps. I guess I failed my perception roll for finding that description.
Thanks again.

Seth

Happy to help

Now I'm intrigued as to what you're going to be running with it...

Originally Posted by doomedpc

Happy to help

Now I'm intrigued as to what you're going to be running with it...

Something British between the Glorious Revolution and Seven Years War based mainly in London. Though I will most likely wait until "Mean Streets" is released and run that. In the meantime I collecting useful ideas and material for the period.