Catch Pole
Catch poles are used to restrain animals. The device consists of a three- to five-foot aluminum pole with a plastic-covered metal cable noose at the one end. An animal handler loops the noose over an animal’s head and once the noose is around the beast’s neck, the handle features a mechanism that allows the trainer to tighten and lock the cable. This keeps the animal at a reasonably safe distance, and allows the trainer to direct the animal’s movements. She can release the creature by turning a knob on the handle, thus opening the noose. Generally, this is used on dogs, though certainly it can be used on cougars, alligators or other creatures.
“Other creatures” might very well include people. There’s no reason why a character couldn’t loop the noose around a person’s neck and keep him at bay with the length of the pole. Looping the device around a subject’s neck requires a grapple roll, except the attacker must use Strength + Weaponry (minus target’s Defense) instead of Brawl. Escaping the catch pole can be a little more difficult for the subject, as well. The target may try to escape on his next action by making the requisite Strength + Brawl roll (minus the attacker’s Strength), but the target also suffers an additional –2 penalty (maximum –5) because of the durable wire cable around his neck. Alternately, the subject may try to break or damage the aluminum pole. Assume the catch pole to have Durability 2 and Structure 5 for purposes of taking damage.
If so desired, a character can use the catch pole as a simple blunt object, but it’s light and picks up little momentum when swung, and has a Damage trait of 0(B).
“Other creatures” might very well include people. There’s no reason why a character couldn’t loop the noose around a person’s neck and keep him at bay with the length of the pole. Looping the device around a subject’s neck requires a grapple roll, except the attacker must use Strength + Weaponry (minus target’s Defense) instead of Brawl. Escaping the catch pole can be a little more difficult for the subject, as well. The target may try to escape on his next action by making the requisite Strength + Brawl roll (minus the attacker’s Strength), but the target also suffers an additional –2 penalty (maximum –5) because of the durable wire cable around his neck. Alternately, the subject may try to break or damage the aluminum pole. Assume the catch pole to have Durability 2 and Structure 5 for purposes of taking damage.
If so desired, a character can use the catch pole as a simple blunt object, but it’s light and picks up little momentum when swung, and has a Damage trait of 0(B).
Item type
Weapon, Melee
Size: 3/N
Durability: 2
Cost: •
Notes: Catches opponents