Rondel Dagger
The rondel (“Eared”) dagger originated in the 14th century in southern Europe. End to end, the rondel dagger is nearly 20 inches long (with the blade comprising about 12 of those inches). The blade is thin, tapering to a point; most of the blades were double-sided, though a variation exists in which the blade is actually four-sided (cruciform). More curious is the grip and pommel. The bottom of many of these daggers is split in two, splayed out in two metal pieces that looked like ears. The function of this was so that the wielder would have a place to hook his thumb or place the heel of his hand. Why? Because it provides greater power to a stabbing blow.
The rondel is not meant for slashing attacks. It remains only truly effective when used to stab. In fact, it’s so effective that its point can puncture chain mail armor. While the blade won’t generally pierce plate armor, savvy users can still kill a plated opponent by driving the weapon between the joints of the suit. Historically, this dagger was seen by some as a last-resort weapon on the field of battle. Others realized that it was a nearly perfect weapon for assassination.
The eared dagger comes with a number of bonuses. First, its precise tapered point grants the knife Armor Piercing 1. Second, if the weapon is used in a surprise flank or rear attack, and the target fails to notice the assailant (i.e., he fails his Wits + Composure roll), not only does the attacker get to ignore the target’s Defense, but he can make his attack with a +2 bonus.
Collectors might be able to find a peculiar Turkish variation of this knife, with a small door in the handle (either in the side of the grip or at the base of the pommel), the perfect size for a smaller phial. History suggests that assassins used to fill these phials up with potent poisons, smearing the blades with the toxins moments before plunging them into the unaware victims’ flesh. This variation is generally expensive (Cost ••••).
The rondel is not meant for slashing attacks. It remains only truly effective when used to stab. In fact, it’s so effective that its point can puncture chain mail armor. While the blade won’t generally pierce plate armor, savvy users can still kill a plated opponent by driving the weapon between the joints of the suit. Historically, this dagger was seen by some as a last-resort weapon on the field of battle. Others realized that it was a nearly perfect weapon for assassination.
The eared dagger comes with a number of bonuses. First, its precise tapered point grants the knife Armor Piercing 1. Second, if the weapon is used in a surprise flank or rear attack, and the target fails to notice the assailant (i.e., he fails his Wits + Composure roll), not only does the attacker get to ignore the target’s Defense, but he can make his attack with a +2 bonus.
Collectors might be able to find a peculiar Turkish variation of this knife, with a small door in the handle (either in the side of the grip or at the base of the pommel), the perfect size for a smaller phial. History suggests that assassins used to fill these phials up with potent poisons, smearing the blades with the toxins moments before plunging them into the unaware victims’ flesh. This variation is generally expensive (Cost ••••).
Item type
Weapon, Melee
Size: 1/S
Durability: 3
Cost: ••
Notes: Armor Piercing 1, +2 Damage on surprise attacks