Javelin

Version 0.24: This article may not be up to date for the latest stable release of Crawl.

Name	Javelin
Launcher	Throwing
Base damage	10
Base delay (%)	15 (150%)
Min delay	7 at Throwing skill 16

A lightweight spear, designed for throwing.

Javelins are one of the most powerful Throwing weapons in the game. Although they pale in comparison to large rocks, they can be used effectively by any medium size or larger species and deal respectable damage.

Javelins innately have the penetration brand. They may also come with the silver brand, causing them to deal more damage (especially to silver-vulnerable creatures).

Javelins have a 5% chance of mulching when thrown.

Tips & Tricks

• No matter what you're playing as, if you happen to find a stack of javelins in the early game and are large enough to throw them, do so; having a decently accurate, moderate damage ranged attack that can be targeted to the edge of your line of sight will greatly increase your ability to survive early ogres and the like. If your target is still near full health when it gets close to you, however, consider making a retreat. Javelins can deal heavy damage when they hit, but they're a bit unreliable.
• Javelins are particularly helpful when dealing with packs of monsters, especially once you've lured them into a corridor.
• Javelins are plentiful in the Shoals; many merfolk (particularly merfolk javelineers) will carry stacks of them, including useful branded ones. Okawaru and Trog will also periodically gift them to followers skilled with Throwing weapons.

History

• Prior to 0.24, javelins did not inherently have the penetration property. Penetration was one of the potential brands they could have, as well as poisoned, returning, and steel.
• Prior to 0.18, javelins' throwing speed did not depend on Throwing skill.

Mundane	Silver