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Weapon School
Complexity Rating: 55%   Difficult
Classes Allowed:
  Archon

NAME
boomerang - projectile weapon that returns to its point of origin when
thrown

DESCRIPTION
The returning boomerang is light, thin and well balanced, 12-30 inches
(30-75 centimeters) in length, and up to 12 ounces (about 340 grams) in
weight. It varies in shape from a deep, even curve to almost straight
sides of an angle. The ends are twisted or skewed in opposite directions
either as the boomerang is being made or after it has been heated in
ashes.

The boomerang is thrown with a vigorous action in which the thrower
may run a few steps to gain greater impetus. It is held at one end,
above and behind the thrower's shoulder, with the concave edge to the
front, and swung forward rapidly with the flatter side underneath.
Just before release, added impetus is given by a strong wrist movement;
it is this spin, together with the skew of the edges, which determines
its unique flight pattern. If thrown downward or parallel to the ground,
it sweeps upward to a height of 50 feet (15 meters) or more. When thrown
so that one end strikes the ground, it ricochets into the air at terrific
speed, spinning endwise. It completes a circle or oval 50 yards (45
meters) or more wide and then several smaller ones as it drops to the
ground near the thrower. A figure-eight course may also be followed.

The nonreturning boomerang is longer, straighter, and heavier than the
returning variety. With it animals were maimed and killed, while in
warfare it caused serious injuries and death. One type has a picklike
hook at one end.