| Attack bonus if proficient | +2 |
| Weapon die ([W]) | 1d10 |
| Type | melee |
| Range | — |
| Handedness | one-handed |
| Proficiency category | military |
| Weapon group | |
| Weapon properties | Mounted, small, versatile |
| Price | 12 gp |
| Weight | 10 lb. |
A lance is a military one-handed melee weapon in the spear weapon group.[MME:21]
Ardents, avengers, barbarians, battleminds, fighters, paladins, rangers, wardens, and warlords are proficient with all military melee weapons, including the lance. Shamans are also proficient with the lance.
The lance is a mounted weapon. Attacks made with the lance while not mounted take a -2 penalty to attack rolls with it. While mounted, charge attacks made with the lance deal an additional 1[W] (1d10) extra damage.
Other classes do not have proficiency with the lance as a class trait, but any character can become proficient by taking a Weapon Proficiency feat.
Trivia[]
- When referred to in Dragon Magazine 401 article Surely you joust, it was proxied by the longspear with generally similar stats but different properties.
- A tilting lance is possible to use in a jousting tournament. This is a brittle spear that's designed to break apart for a spectacular show. On an unmodified attack roll of 15-20, it shatters and gives a +2 bonus to diplomacy or intimidate checks against those who witness the shattering until the end of the encounter. [Dr401]
- When used for a jousting tournament, the lance is used in a simultaneous attack (normally a melee basic attack). If the first attack hits, it is followed by a second Strength vs. Fortitude to unhorse the opponent, where a hit on the second attack causes a saving throw to avoid being forced off the mount.
- During a joust, the lance may be aimed at the target's head. This gives a +5 bonus to the opponent's AC, but a -2 penalty to the saving throw to avoid being unhorsed.