Combat Proficiencies

Adventurers start with a number of Combat Proficiency ratings corresponding to the martial tradition of their Culture of origin. In game terms, Combat Proficiencies express how well Player-heroes conduct themselves when engaged in battle.

Combat Proficiencies are not divided into categories, as they are all rolled against the STRENGTH TN when making Attack rolls (see Combat, Chapter 6). For ease of reference, they are all listed on the character sheet in a column placed right under the STRENGTH box.

Unlike Skills, Combat Proficiencies can never be Favoured, and they can be improved only by spending Adventure points (not Skill points).

combat proficiencies list

There are four different Combat Proficiencies in The One Ring: AXES, BOWS, SPEARS, and SWORDS. Each one represents a level of familiarity with a number of weapons of similar kind, allowing a Player-hero to attack using any weapon covered by that specific Proficiency.

See descriptions of the combat proficiencies below or in the Combat Proficiencies compendium listing. Descriptions and characteristics of the various weapons corresponding to each Proficiency can be found below in the Gear section.

Axes

Axes and other bashing weapons are often preferred to swords by warriors who favour a more brutal approach to fighting. Historically, the axe is the weapon of choice for most Dwarves, and for their folk it surpasses the sword in both nobility and respect. Dwarven weaponsmiths apply their cunning to making axes of many different shapes and uses, and from metals of various colours.

The AXES Combat Proficiency allows a Player-hero to use an axe, a great axe, a long-hafted axe, but also a mattock.

He was clothed in a tunic of wool down to his knees, and was leaning on a large axe.

Bows

A traditional hunting weapon, the bow is also commonly used in warfare. Made from a single piece of wood, or from a composition of wood, horn, or even metal, bows are a versatile weapon. They can be used during sieges, from horseback, in dense woodland, or in the open field. Archers usually carry another weapon to draw when the enemy gets closer; they seldom carry shields, as they can’t use them when shooting a bow.

The BOWS Combat Proficiency enables a Player-hero to make ranged attacks using a bow or a great bow.

“Praised be the bow of Galadriel, and the hand and eye of Legolas!”

Spears

The spear is arguably the most widespread weapon across Middle-earth, arming kings and soldiers, riders and infantry. It is often no more than a long wooden shaft, tipped by a leaf-shaped metal head, but some spears are works of majestic artisanship, valuable heirlooms of noble households. The length of a spear varies according to the use it is designed for. Spears can be wielded one or two-handed to thrust and lunge, cast to pierce from a distance, or used from horseback as lances. Warriors equipped with a spear typically use it in conjunction with a shield, and they usually carry an additional weapon, such as a sword or axe.

The SPEARS Combat Proficiency allows a hero to make ranged and close combat attacks using a short spear or a spear, or to fight in close combat using a great spear.

He advanced until the point of his spear was within a foot of Aragorn’s breast.

Swords

The sword with a straight blade has always been the weapon of choice among free Men and Elves. A mark of nobility or rank, swords of superior make are passed down by generations of warriors, and arms of ancient lineage are often imbued with spells and curses, the bane of the servants of the Shadow. Swords vary in size, shape, and quality as diverse as the folks that craft them. Many malevolent creatures have devised swords after their own fashion, usually crude counterfeits of those made by Men and Elves.

The SWORDS Combat Proficiency enables a Player-hero to attack in close combat using short swords, swords, and long swords.

“There is work for the Sword to do.”