Atlatl
The atlatl is a simple hunting technology that acts as a second elbow and allows for greater thrust and velocity in spear-throwing. Comprised of a shaft with a barb, spur, notch, or cup on one end that supports and propels the dart with a bearing surface that allows the user to store energy during the throw. The creation of the atlatl spread rapidly throughout early sapients and is thought to have contributed significantly to the survival of many species including the Human, Kellium, Ragar's Folk, Granem and others by allowing them to hunt larger game and at greater distances.
Utility
Primarily used in hunting, with particular emphasis on larger fauna. Although a user can launch a spear well over 100 meters, its greatest utility is at a distance of 25 meters or less. Early humans in present day Ornithian and Artwinian Empires in the Northeastern regions of the world drove most of the mega fauna once found in those parts of Renúdetla to extinction with the utilization of the atlatl.
Manufacturing
The shaft is typically carved of wood, bone, or antler with a spur for the base as the most efficient design. The spur is carved out of the shaft. The concave bearing surface is whittled smooth and runs down the length of the atlatl from the spur and ends at the hand. Often a leather hand grip or loop is attached for the fingers. A weight is also commonly fastened to the mid-section with sinew or leather.
Access & Availability
The atlatl technology and its various modifications spread rapidly through the early sapient species and their use was widespread. Although the design is simple, the crafting of an accurate atlatl requires a keen eye and deft handiwork with a blade or chisel. Their use is well documented from their explosion in the archeological record in the first age, throughout the second, and is still in use today among some of the plains peoples.
Complexity
The beauty of the atlatl is the simplicity of its most basic design. However modifications and improvements have been in various social groups and peoples such as a leather throng loop for the hand and fingers, more flexible material for the shaft, balancing weights, and various size of dart. A common improvement was the addition of a small weight towards the mid-section of the shaft. The weight makes for a more silent throw, as well as arguably greater accuracy and force.
Discovery
First invented sometime in the first age among hunting tribes of human in the Eastern Grasslands.
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