View source for Ranged weapons

[[Ranged weapon]]s refer both to [[missile]]s and their [[Ranged weapons#Launchers|launcher]]s - basically, any [[weapon]] used to attack from a distance instead of in [[melee]].  

==Thrown-Only Weapons==
These require no launcher, although some are more effective with one. They are governed by the [[Throwing]] skill.
*[[Stone]] - A common [[item]] found in piles in the dungeon.
*[[Large rock]] - A boulder-sized stone, very heavy. [[Ogre]] and [[troll]] [[hunter]]s begin with a small supply of them, and they may also be carried by very large enemies such as [[cyclops]] or [[stone giant]]s; otherwise they are uncommon. When thrown, they occasionally shatter into piles of stones.
*[[Javelin]] - A lethally sharp kind of spear built for throwing. Some [[hunter]]s begin with them. Occasionally found in the dungeon, but not common. They may have any of several brands: [[poisoned]] or [[returning]] javelins are obviously useful. Javelins are fairly heavy, especially when [[steel]].
*[[Dart]] - A small pointy weapon that is thrown by hand. Popular with [[kobold (monster)|kobolds]], who often have branded versions. Also available from [[trap]]s.
*[[Throwing net]] - These do no damage, but immobilize a creature until they break free. The net will be damaged or destroyed as the victim escapes. Occasionally found in the dungeon, and [[Gladiator]]s begin with them.

==Throwable Melee Weapons==
These melee weapons can also be thrown, with no launcher needed. Unlike thrown-only weapons and ammunition, these do not "stack" in your inventory; each weapon always takes a separate slot. However, they also never [[mulch]]. If a monster starts with several hand axes or spears, they will all have the same enchantment, or lack thereof.
*[[Dagger]] - Can be thrown for respectable damage, and a plentiful supply can be obtained from killed [[monsters]], as it is a common weapon. 
*[[Hand axe]] - Easy to find from killed monsters. Some enemies carry several; if these are enchanted, they will all be the same.  
*[[Spear]] - Like the hand axe, some enemies have several of them (which may be enchanted, all alike).
*[[Club]] - Popular with early [[goblin]]s and [[hobgoblin]]s.

==Launchers==
A launcher is a weapon which can [[fire]] matching ammunition when [[wield]]ed, often doing more damage than thrown weapons.
*[[Sling]] - The simplest and most common launcher, it can throw stones or more powerful [[sling bullet]]s, a specially-made ammunition for the sling. Most low level humanoid monsters can use slings. They are governed by the [[Slings]] skill.
*[[Blowgun]] - A hollow tube used to fire [[poisoned needle]]s of various types. It is a preferred weapon of [[kobold]]s. The needles come in several types with various effects, but most are simply [[poisoned]]. Monsters can resist needle effects, and needles do no other damage: the enchantment of the launcher increases accuracy and efficacy of needles. They are governed by the [[Throwing]] skill.
*[[Bow]]/[[Longbow]] - A preferred weapon of [[centaur]]s, who can do heavy damage with them. Inaccurate but fast. They fire [[arrow]]s. They are governed by the [[Bows]] skill.
*[[Crossbow]] - Fairly rare in the early game, these are slower but more accurate and damaging than bows.  [[Yaktaur]]s use them to great effect, as well as the occasional [[kobold]]. They are governed by the [[crossbows]] skill.

==Ammo==
Ammunition comes in a bewildering variety. Stones, large rocks, and nets are never branded, but other ammo (including darts and javelins) can have both a racial type and a brand. Ammo brands include [[silver]] and [[steel]], which provide various benefits at the cost of increased weight.

==General Notes==
*Darts, hand axes, spears, arrows, bolts, needles, and throwing nets can be harvested in small numbers from dungeon traps. All trap ammo is "vanilla": +0 and unbranded.
*Thrown-only missiles and ammunition will stack in your inventory, even merging unidentified items into an identified (but otherwise matching) stack. 
*Missiles and launchers can carry a variety of brands, such as [[flame]] or poisoned. If both your launcher and your ammo have brands, the brand of the ammo will usually be used. However, in some situations the brand will not be implemented. For example, frost arrows used in a bow of flame will cancel out, and neither brand will be used. Stones, large rocks, and nets are never found branded. The exceptions to this rule are launchers with the [[vorpal|velocity]] or [[speed (brand)|speed]] brands, which will stack with ammo brands.

==External Links==
*[http://r1gm.free.fr/Crawl/crawlSS_052_weapons.txt E. Grasland's excellent spoiler on weapons] (Obsolete)