Best Weapons *Without Metal* to Fight a DnD Rust Monster

If you had to fight a magical fantasy creature that can corrode your steel swords, axes, hammers, etc... what would be good alternatives for the adventurer's inventory? Ideally something that hits hard and is robust enough to deal with its natural armor.
In history there are plenty of fascinating designs from indigenous cultures all over the world, so let's take a look at a few of them.
Special thanks to Ace the Super Villain for providing the dungeon background and animating the rust monster in the intro. Check out his bundle of polearm models:
www.cgtrader.com/3d-models/mi...
** Time stamps **
00:00 - 01:27 Intro
01:27 - 02:34 What does a rust monster do?
02:34 - 03:26 Metals & corrosion
03:26 - 04:42 Bronze weapons yes or no?
04:42 - 05:26 Wood / stone spears
05:26 - 05:50 Disc mace
05:50 - 07:13 Tetsubo / Kanabo, quarterstaff, maul
07:13 - 07:31 Atlatl (spear thrower)
07:31 - 09:15 Maori weapons
09:15 - 13:04 Native American war clubs
13:04 - 15:23 Pacific Island examples
15:23 - 16:48 Organic shields
16:48 - 18:41 Final thoughts / outtakes
** Sources **
Research on fire hardened spears
royalsocietypublishing.org/do...
The King of Māori Weapons- Mere Pounamu (1800’s)
• The King of Māori Weap...
Taiaha at the Auckland Museum
www.aucklandmuseum.com/collec...
Testing a Maori fighting staff (Taiaha)
• Testing a Maori fighti...
Samoan & Fijian
www.bonhams.com/auctions/2396...
www.new-guinea-tribal-arts.co...
Native American ball-headed and gunstock war clubs
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...
www.skinnerinc.com/auctions/2...
www.skinnerinc.com/auctions/2...
www.cowanauctions.com/lot/apa...
www.proxibid.com/Excellent-cr...
A brief overview of Iroquoian War Clubs
• A brief overview of Ir...
Agricultural flail
api.aucklandmuseum.com/id/med...
Russian flail
translate.google.com/translat...
Wood, hide, and wicker shields:
Indo-Persian
www.faganarms.com/products/fi...
African
www.1stdibs.com/furniture/wal...
www.liveauctioneers.com/item/...
New Guinean
www.sftribal.com/product/shie...
2300 year old bark shield
gizmodo.com/2-300-year-old-ba...
Pictures:
www.deviantart.com/mcslackert...
pixabay.com/photos/bookshelf-...
pixabay.com/photos/castle-tow...
pixabay.com/photos/new-zealan...
** Relevant videos **
Overlooked Weapon of Ancient History: The DISC MACE
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Lemons, Atlatl Darts, Crossbow Bolts vs. Zombie Head
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What NOT to Use Against the Undead!
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Military Flails Didn't Exist? - Lets Take a Closer Look!
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** Music **
"Cavern of Wonders" by Hitctrl
opengameart.org/content/rpg-t...
Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license (CC BY 3.0)
Intro song:
"Illuminate" by Vindsvept
vindsvept.bandcamp.com/track/...
Used with artist's permission
Outtakes:
"Little People At Work" by Horrorpen
opengameart.org/content/littl...
CC BY 3.0
Outro:
"Highland Storm" by The Slanted Room Records
theslantedroom.github.io/stev...
Used with artist's permission
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Other ways to support the channel by shopping through affiliate links:
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#fantasy #history #weapons

[@skeepodoop5197]

Most adventuer's; "Oh no." Anyone with bronze weapons; "Damn, imagine having weapons that rust." Werewolf hunters with silver weapons; "Damn, imagine having weapons that corrode." The Monk; "Damn imagine having weapons."

[@bishopofeternity48]

The Wizard; "HAHAHA, Lightningbolt, Lightningbolt, Lightningbolt."

[@skeepodoop5197]

@@bishopofeternity48 The word you're looking for is fireball right? Only fireball.

[@bishopofeternity48]

@@skeepodoop5197 I thought about it, but metal? creature+single target was my line of reasoning. Plus, im pretty sure lightning has longer range.

[@Runegrem]

@@bishopofeternity48 In 5e lightning has 100 feet range while fireball has a 150 feet range. If you're facing a rust monster, both probably have enough range. It's easier to not hit allies with lightning though.

[@raixuh]

Barbarian: Anyway, I would like to rage 🦉

[@matrimalviarin5043]

Me: I will make a stone age game, where metal is rare as hell! Skallagrim: Here, have some weapons!

[@FrauleinMuller999]

Then comes aroud the stone disintegrator monster

[@ulysses7157]

There are certain woods that are tough enough to make deadly sharp weapons with too.

[@marctaco2624]

@@ulysses7157 They are often ebony and ironwood and usually used to make axes. I don't think a sword would hold up though.

[@holderheck]

@@ulysses7157 typically these woods shatter quite easily though once dry they need alot of matanince with oiling to maintain.

[@krystlvines]

dark sun you're thinking of dark sun

[@Scarlet_Soul]

The mighty stick

[@dutchvanderbilt9969]

That's what she said

[@adoringfan1226]

Steek!

[@ryaneye6347]

Hurrah

[@danielbickford3458]

If I recall correctly, my father one-time played a character with a pet rust monster. He had an Illusionist cast a spell over it to make it look like a large dog. Kind of freaked out the townsfolk when he gave his dog a pile of coins for it's dinner.

[@aubreyackermann8432]

That sounds amazing!

[@Dan-rw2dq]

That's freaking adorable.

[@kayagorzan]

Interesting

[@charlottewalnut3118]

Uhm steel coins?

[@danielbickford3458]

@@charlottewalnut3118 copper if I recall right

[@Norwyn]

Interestingly, there is actually a species of shrimp that feeds on Iron: Rimicaris exocculata, a deep sea species that uses symbionts to feed on hydrothermal vents. It might not be a rust monster but the closest thing we have.

[@MeAuntieNora]

Yet again, it turns out real life monsters inhabit the deep sea...

[@frost.0707]

@@MeAuntieNora not really. Thats all they do.

[@Adagamante]

Reminded me of that "volcanic snail" (a.k.a. Scaly-foot gastropod) that has iron on its shell and lives near underwater volcanoes...

[@Norwyn]

@@Adagamante Yes, you mean the species Chrysomallon squamiferum. Those are very interesting gastropods that secrete ironsulfide scales on their foot to arm themselves.

[@t.r.everstone7]

Sounds more like an anti-rust monster to me! haha

[@TheLastGarou]

The Rust Monster is the rare example of a D&D creature that gets *MORE* dangerous as the party advances. They're also almost entirely non-aggressive to organic life, they just want the metal. One of my buddies actually tamed one by feeding it coins. Expensive, but cheaper than having it eat our gear. 😎👍

[@macroglossumstellatarum5932]

Friends of mine had the opposite problem once. Needed to kill a demon, but they are immune to non-magic weapons. But the mage had a spell to rust away weapons, and the DM ruled that this _technically_ made it magical. They needed to kill it _fast_ after doing that...

[@the24thcolossusjustchillin39]

Ok that’s actually funny

[@marctaco2624]

there is no "one way" to kill a demon

[@AnotherDuck]

That's one of those things that probably isn't according to the rules, but any decent DM would allow it, since it's a creative solution that has an appropriate cost for its benefit.

[@Baldanders99]

I once had a player use continual light to bypass that particular immunity.

[@marocat4749]

Thats actually good DM ing , rewarding creative solutions and making it a fun experience.

[@Torthrodhel]

I just think the game devs didn't want to be asking a DM to track the seperate rust levels of 50 different arrows. That'd be my guess as to why ammunition and thrown weapons corrode instantly.

[@MeAuntieNora]

Lmao that's a good call.

[@marctaco2624]

You keep track of your arrows?

[@rjwaters3]

also arrows and thrown weapons would stay in contact for however long it takes to retrieve them, instead of being nearly instantly removed like a melee weapon, 3seconds of exposure vs 0.05

[@appa609]

Why online rpg can be way better

[@ColonelSandersLite]

These are from gygax's game table. I'm pretty sure that the reason wasn't about tracking anything, as gygax was definitely proven to be willing to manually track all sorts of nonsense. It's almost certainly just the old school "screw the players. hard." mentality. Edit - Oh, to be clear though, this is actually a modern major nerf for the rust monster. The classic version did the same to melee weapons, magical or not, when you hit them. It also did the same to your gear, magical or not, when it hit you.

[@readitandweep69]

I can’t explain the whole thing but this video is exactly what I needed for some world building I’m working on! Thank you!!

[@KoaStudio]

If your interested in non metal weapon ideas you might check out my channel. I make Polynesian war clubs 🤙 haha I love seeing stuff like this vid 😁

[@spoon4251]

I need you to explain the whole thing

[@xAxCx]

I'm assuming pen and paper, and I hope your campaign is awesome.

[@Likexner]

@@spoon4251 Man, i really wish KZbin would do something about these porn spamming bots rather than doubling down on thought policing.

[@therandomdickhead5744]

Glad to hear that. Would love to see that world :3

[@derskalde4973]

For World builders and DMs out there: Have your Players/heroes/MCs feel super powerful when they arrive on an island/group of islands and the people there have never seen anything made of metal, so the Players feel way superior to them. Then let the realization set in when they find out that those islands are infested by rust monsters.

[@arten]

A wooden club or staff with a lead or iron core could also work. Extra weight and strength, but the outer surface is all wooden. The metal never touches the rust monster. Addendum: A leather sack filled with steel balls or disks is a deadly weapon, and would also avoid touching metal to the critter.

[@houselightkell]

How about swords with replaceable blades? Sure the blade would dissolve but the damage would already be done Then reload and go at it again

[@trebacca9]

Ah yes, the old 'sock full of nickels' trick.

[@elcatrinc1996]

a sock filled with coins

[@joshuacoombs2614]

@@houselightkell so expensive 😰

[@szarekhthesilent2047]

or gilded weapons. for blunt weapons a gold/lead combo sounds nice. The cost isn't cheap, but as you don't have to buy any metal armor maybe that's not an issue?

[@eazy8579]

Let’s not forget the Antler Mattock, which would probably be pretty nasty against a rust monster, since it could punch through the armor quite nicely

[@GorblinRat]

thanks for giving me something to look into for my game

[@eazy8579]

@@GorblinRat Skall actually has a video on it, I’ll pull it up and link it here for you; Edit: here it is kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnuno52Nm9-mjKM

[@thajac3643]

As a New Zealander it's great to see the taiaha getting some love. Imo one of the most underrated weapons, and I'd love to see a similar weapon, but made with steel.

[@llearch]

Having used one - I'm not sure that you could move one made of steel - at least, not fast enough. It might look pretty, but the original wood one is on the order of 1.1-1.5kg, depending on size; steel is lot denser than wood. Possibly making a hollow version might work, but then we have issues of structural stability et al. :-/ Something I'm still turning over in my head.

[@thajac3643]

@@llearch if it was made of steel it wouldn't need to be nearly as thick as a wooden one to get the same strength and rigidity, which would make up for the extra weight.

[@llearch]

@@thajac3643 yeah, but you don't change the shape of it for aesthetic reasons. When waving it about, the size of the hand moving it doesn't change between wood and steel. And since (in use) one moves ones hands all down the length of the thing, depending on what move you're making, changing the shape is a lot more significant. It's a tricky problem; I certainly don't claim to have the knowledge to make such a judgement, without a large number of test builds. :-/

[@beowulfshaeffer8444]

You could use a hollow shaft that transitions into a solid head, like the construction of many medieval warhammers and maces, and even some poleaxes. The inside was sometimes filled with a wooden dowel to keep the tube from crumpling, and it actually made a stronger shaft than just a solid steel bar.

[@yungjoemighty879]

I love learning about ancient and indigenous/pre-colonial crafts. These are such beautiful objects as well as deadly weapons

[@Tiberon098]

If I learned anything from Dungeons and Dragons: Heroes, it is that when you face rust monsters, you unequip all your gear and pummel them with your fists and spells.

[@DH-xw6jp]

The Bard: i attempt to Woo it. DM: but its a bug... Bard: I WOO IT!

[@ezrafaulk3076]

But everything in *this* video's a shit ton *better* ; *especially* since *hardwood* can actually be made into *fully functional blades* . They obviously don't cut/stab as deep as a *metal* blade, probably at least *partly* because of being *lighter* than them as well as not being as hard as metal, but they still do so plenty deep *enough* to do lethal damage.

[@ADMICKEY]

@@ezrafaulk3076 what about Minecraft stone sword though?

[@ezrafaulk3076]

@@ADMICKEY that thing wouldn't really work because the stone would be too *brittle* ; however, in his *older* video on non-metal weapons, Skall *does* talk about how someone tried to imitate the bronze swords that were showing up by fixing some sharpened flint pieces to a *wood* core in a similar idea to the Macuahuitl. You could always make a stone sword *that* way.

[@ADMICKEY]

@@ezrafaulk3076 but what if I enchant it with sharpness V?

[@scootergsp]

One thing I have never seen, but a particularly sadistic DM could do would be to have a variant of rust monster or perhaps one that is near starvation, that could feed off the iron in a character's red blood cells.

[@OscarGreenworth]

That’s evil. I love it 😈

[@JoseMr57]

I mean, with 4grams the thing ain't getting a nice dinner

[@teddycouch9306]

@@JoseMr57 depends on it's size tbh. Could be a swarm of super small ones which occasionally fight over it's food, aka the pcs

[@halfjack2758]

and then just shrink it down so the small amount of iron from blood is enough, give it flight, and maybe some sort of blood sucking organ?

[@lotoreo]

@@halfjack2758 now that's just crazy talk

[@phoenixthehobbyist6071]

One I think you should’ve mentioned is the Leangle. A club from southeast Australia that also follows the natural curves in wood. It had a boomerang like head for hitting an opponent around their shield. Sometimes the head was even pointed to act as almost a wooden war-pick. I just don’t think Australian clubs and weapons get enough representation or acknowledgment.

[@Raygathex]

Would love to see you do more videos on facing off against the classic D&D monsters!

[@Qri0]

And it should be fun even with some less gimmicky monster. For example, analyzing what weapon loadout is optimal against a minotaur or manticore could be great as well.

[@Raygathex]

@@Qri0 Exactly, though i think a lot of the monsters that are already in mythology need less examination than the D&D specific species like the owlbear, Umber Hulk, Beholder, Mind Flayer, etc

[@paultiki9968]

Nice

[@paultiki9968]

@@Qri0 Jim Butcher kind of worked blunt weapons vs a minotaur like creature. He pointed out that some of the bones around a hoofed animals ankles are quite delicate

[@friedplntn5364]

and looking into more alternative weapons, funny I got here from over there---> kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5LLmIV8rbOej5o

[@paladinslash4721]

4:20 About that. 3.5 had them and they were called Annihilators. Basically instead of rusting metal, they disintegrated everything with their antennas, and I mean everything.

[@the24thcolossusjustchillin39]

Holy shit!!

[@lucasfranke5161]

So you could only fight them with magic?

[@paladinslash4721]

@@lucasfranke5161 No, thankfully they didn’t have the protection. Still scary though because you could potentially be subjected to 2 disintegrate spells in one turn.

[@semajniomet981]

Basically, don't fight one unless you have an excellent Fortitude save. Out of curiosity, what book did the Annihilators come from?

[@paladinslash4721]

@@semajniomet981 Underdark, a Forgotten Realms supplement

[@leppeppel]

The second adventure I sent the party on in the home game I DM featured a swarm of rust monsters and carrion crawlers as a mid-way boss fight. Due to living/dining in a copper mine, the rusties had a bright green colouration instead of the usual reddish-brown. The NPC being rescued had been holding his own against them with a limestone stalactite club and a wooden spear.

[@aztecc13]

Any mention of the tetsubo/kanabo is a great plus from me, I can say from personal practice even if a rust monster melted off the studs it would hardly change its effectiveness. Mine is nearly 8lb so the weight alone of a solid strike would probably fracture the carapace anyways. Great video to watch right before my d&d session tonight!

[@LetholdusKaspyr]

The tetsubo is a lovely weapon. One hit, and things go crunch.

[@nihtgengalastnamegoeshere7526]

Also, if you swapped out the metal studs for stone ones, you could bypass that problem entirely.

[@ezrafaulk3076]

@@nihtgengalastnamegoeshere7526 or bone, ivory, or hardwood ones.

[@donder172]

Ah yes, the Rust Monster. That was the second monster I had to fight in one campaign. My character relied on heavy armor, made out of metal. Needless to say, he died.

[@mudshrooze]

Wooden weapons in fantasy and games have always been my favorite. Specifically I've always had a love of clubs. Like visually in games and such a basic bumpy simple club I've always preferred over anything metal.

[@thedorkknight5824]

Druid player?

[@mudshrooze]

@@thedorkknight5824 so the person above you is clearly a bot. But yeah I play druid and clerics mainly as far as non homebrew stuff. Though I've played a monk a barbarian I think...maybe I started a warlock long ago but the campaign never went anywhere. Homebrew stuff I like playing Alchemist like class. But like in rpgs and mmos and monster hunter and everything if their is a cool wooden club thats gonna be my go to weapon. I'm not a fan of swords. So axes and hammers always take priority. Spears are hit and miss. Staffs and clubs are usually my top choice

[@Chocolate83Bunny]

OP is a goblin

[@mudshrooze]

@@Chocolate83Bunny lol XD actually I have played a fat goblin monk pf the elements and in my group right now I'm playing a semi withered goblin druid of the spores. Well not a goblin that other green race....uh it starts with a k I think? Their like non ugly goblins but my guy is a little because that's just what I chose I played a half ogre nature cleric many years ago for a couple years. I've played a homebrew slime person once I've played dwarves and Halflings. Not really any other prime race. I've played Mud Elemental a few times. And I played a midgit Myconid Druid with a slingshot and a shield.

[@Hakaanu]

Fun D&D lore from a long time nerd: dwarves would sometimes have special heavy shock cavalry units that would wear stone plate Mail and ride Rust monsters into battle.

[@Masra94]

A wooden long club. It depends what you're fighting. If it's a kind of big bug, then something heavy, blunt and long. Because bugs have thick armour and they have a lot of power and protection relative to their size, so you also don't want to get close. Slings are also a good option to use, so you can try to hit something important from range and finish it off close up. Also, a gun. If you can get any kind of gun, early gunpowder even, then just unload on it at close range. Armour for a bug won't stop a bullet. Avoid piercing and slashing weapons. Slashes are rarely lethal even if you somehow get through and require a fine edge, typically made of metal. Obsidian will probably chip against bugs. A spear might seem like a good idea and it is, but it won't let you deal the killing blow if your spearhead is getting corroded. So, basically, sling, gun, pole-club. So you can use the polearm club as a spear to keep it at distance and make strikes like a big two handed hammer as well. Trying to get into a close range fight with a bug is a bad idea. One hit and you are toast.

[@cakeboss4194]

A predatory bug's more likely to grab and maul you with claws and mandibles. Speaking of, I should probably make a grapple-centric buggo for DnD.

[@Harrowed2TheMind]

@@cakeboss4194 Considering the bonuses one gets to their Grapple checks for their extra pairs of limbs, I sure hope that's at most one of the six-legged type, haha!

[@Gear3k]

Love the focus on indigenous weapons! And of course, in a fantasy world you'd have all kinds of materials to work with. A mace carved from dragon bone or something would probably do a good job.

[@LetholdusKaspyr]

Enchanted dragon bone blunt instruments would be fun.

[@poilboiler]

I suspect it would be a lot easier to acquire a magical sword of monster stabbing +1 than anything made out of dragon bone, especially if the dragon objects.

[@blindswordsman27]

That makes me wonder, could the weapons be made of gemstones instead (e.g. an arrow with a diamond tip)? Gemstones are rare resource in the real world, but I can imagine a dwarf having access to that material in that vast mines etc.

[@LetholdusKaspyr]

@@blindswordsman27 I mean, they could, but surely flint or obsidian would be less wasteful.

[@blindswordsman27]

​@@LetholdusKaspyr I guess it depends on whether or not flint and obsidian are tough enough to break through the exoskeleton. It might also be an important factor whether the Rust Monsters are common enemy types. Because in if that's the case, you might want to choose more durable material that won't break down as easily after repeated uses. I could be totally wrong on this (my geology knowledge isnt that extensive), but diamonds are harder and more durable than flint/obsidian, right? So I can imagine a scenario where using cheaper, less effective/durable material is actually more wasteful than using the more expensive, but harder/more durable material. Right? But again, I could totally be wrong on this lol

[@ezrafaulk3076]

As usual, you address pretty much *every* point possible to make it clear how these fantasy scenarios can be handled realistically, even going as far as to *demonstrate* one in your opening in a way that shows what I've *always* thought; that polearms are really just quarterstaves with an extra weapon bit on one end. There's just a *couple* things I'd like to add; first off, you could *still* do a center gripped shield, just make the rivets out of *hardwood* , and make the boss out of a small *tortoise shell* . I mean Hell, when using the Tinbei-Rochin, Okinawans often just used the leftover shells of the *turtles* they ate as the Tinbei (shield) in Tinbei-Rochin, so the idea's a *proven* one. Secondly, as well as leather and bone armor, you could always make *plate* armor, just out of *wood* or, again, *shell* . Pop culture really just *refuses* to show just how truly *sophisticated* non-metal weapons and armor can be, so it's *awesome* to see you give a *plethora* of examples of such sophisticated non-metal weapons.

[@salvadortoscano2534]

I feel like pop culture sees non-metal weapon/armor technology as "primitive," since we as humans have for the most part always used our more advanced war technology to defeat native tribes that saw no need to dig into the earth to find iron and stuff. Another reason could be that Hollywood is afraid to offend someone. In this day and age, *anyone* can get offended by literally anything and ruin someone's career and life over it. Hollywood probably doesn't want to create a film or series that depicts the protagonist's actor of any race as "primitive" by having them use non-metal weapons outside of a survival movie. They don't want to show the amazing non-metal technologies other humans have used outside of Europe because that would imply toward *someone* that they're primitive for not having metal technology. It's sad, really

[@ezrafaulk3076]

@@salvadortoscano2534 I'd argue that only showing crude wooden clubs and flint spears is *more* offensive to those people because it suggests that non-metalic cultures were too *stupid* to come up with *anything else* ; if *anything* , I'm dead *certain* that the natives of the cultures the weapons come from would see their super sophisticated non-metal weapons being shown on the silver screen as a *compliment* because it'd be showing viewers their *brilliance* in working *without* metal, like how the Japanese see foreigners wearing Japanese clothing as a compliment because it shows that they *appreciate* it and everything that goes into it. It'd *really* only be the *wokes* getting offended on their *behalf* , and shouting *over* them and their praise because that's what *always* happens; some foreigners do something related to a different culture, the people actually *from* that culture *praise* them for it, and *wokes* get offended *for* them, and shout their *abuse, threats* and *demands over* the natives' praise. Which I *definitely* agree is sad.

[@maxi1ification]

What's *up* with the *bold* words every other *sentence*? Not criticizing, just find it funny since you kinda overdid it

[@ezrafaulk3076]

@@maxi1ification I type certain words in bold to communicate *emphasis* .

[@colbunkmust]

I have a book on armor that actually discusses the use of "ring armor" briefly used during the Roman period, prior to the adoption of Gallic mail. It is a real thing, at least according to my source("Armor", Morrison, 1963).

[@EndChineseGenocide]

You're right when you are talking about its inconsistencies as being game balance. Old school dnd was the one where you're longsword could break just as fast as an arrow.

[@steampunknord]

I very much like these videos that focus on weapons outside of the Eurocentric/sword forms. It's interesting to learn about the weapons less talked about.

[@devin5201]

"Or ring mail, not a real thing" thank you Skall! I've been playing DND for a few years and ring is just... I don't get it, mechanically it's worse than a character's starting gear, flavor-wise it just isn't how armor works.

[@AnotherDuck]

Armour in DnD is basically what someone who didn't know anything about actual armours thought they were like.

[@Runegrem]

I've always thought ring mail was just a type of chain mail; they're both made out of metal rings after all. Not a DnD player and so I haven't read the item descriptions there for it but in video games it seems to be pretty much the same thing with different names.

[@devin5201]

@@Runegrem I'm reading this from the Player's Handbook, idk if something similar to this even exists irl. "This armor is leather armor with heavy rings sewn into it. The rings help reinforce the armor against blows from swords and axes. Ring mail is inferior to chain mail, and it's usually only worn by those who can't afford better armor." So... yeah I can see how this makes sense on paper like maybe the opponent hits the rings sometimes but that's a terrible gamble to make.

[@Runegrem]

@@devin5201 Ah. So that's what it is. That sounds just barely more believable than studded leather armour.

[@raixuh]

I just go unarmored defense like always on 5e, the barbarian one wich allow shield bonus And I use a spear and a red cape Yup, fantasy hoplite style 🦉

[@jessaw8160]

Came for the D&D, stayed for the sweet historical weapons. Good stuff, as usual.

[@Darkstar321]

As long as the metal isn't being touched by the monster, you're fine to have Metal. For example, if you have a shield wrapped in hide with all the fittings aimed inward towards the person and no exposed frontward metal you could have a very, very reliable shield. In theory, you could 'wrap' a metal weapon, or 'Lode' in hides and stuff so that the metal gives hardness but isn't the striking surface. Or wrap a stone head in super hardened rawhide. If I had my pick of weapons, I'd probably go for a shield and one handed weapon ideal for smashing joints and focus on breaking off the creatures limbs rather than striking the body.

[@doejhonny]

take an iron war hammer and wrap in a sheet. That thin layer of sheet isn't doing anything to protect the monster, but would prevent direct contact. Alternatively, get a giant burlap sac, shout leroy jenkins a few times, then grab the monster and shove it in the sac. After that you can club it to death at your leisure.

[@Grumpy_old_Boot]

In the setting of DnD, you could also have spears made out of Dragon Bone, with enchantments on them, that would be quite efficient.

[@ChrissieBear]

5:21 You misunderstood the source material. Armor Class is a combination of both physical defense from armor and avoidance from dexterity, and represents the likelihood of not taking damage, rather than the likelihood of not being hit. A rust monster's Armor Class is indeed 14, but it's actually got a base armor of 13 and a +1 bonus from its Dexterity. An AC of 13 + Dexterity is equivalent to a mail shirt.

[@CheesybiscuitStudios]

Good that you said "usually" because sometimes glueing multiple pieces of wood can be a stronger construction than a single piece. In electric guitar building for example it's very common for a guitar neck to be quarter sawn, which means that they basically cut off the last quarter of the neck diagonally and glue it back on upside down. This means that the wood grain is now opposing each other and this creates friction, this friction helps against breaking as well as movement in the wood. Another practice is having a three piece neck, which is where you would laminate three pieces of wood lengthwise and then carve a neck out of it. This does pretty much the same thing.

[@nihtgengalastnamegoeshere7526]

It's also (one of the reasons) why plywood is such a popular construction material.

[@CheesybiscuitStudios]

@@nihtgengalastnamegoeshere7526 yes, but not in instrument building. Because while it's possible to make a working cello or upright bass out of plywood, plywood doesn't resonate very well and actually has the tendency to wear down and crack when it resonates over time. This is why plywood instruments are usually reserved for entry level gear, and any professional musician would shy away from them.

[@nihtgengalastnamegoeshere7526]

@@CheesybiscuitStudios Yeah, I wasn't talking about instrument building, though. Just another example of glueing multiple pieces being stronger.

[@CheesybiscuitStudios]

@@nihtgengalastnamegoeshere7526 I gotcha

[@Thunor93]

Actually some Kanabo have wooden stubs so it would work, hell a good solid wooden baseball bat or wooden club work work, an yeah I agree with the wooden Mail, it is my favorite wooden weapon besides the Javelin Wich you can harden with edge flame.

[@HH-hd7nd]

3:25 In the old red box the rust monster is actually capable of corroding even gold. The best way to deal with these things is magic.

[@EndChineseGenocide]

Great idea. The dnd meta answer is too buy one of the bags of 1000 steel ball bearings. Scatter a few of those and the rust monster will be attracted to them

[@G4RR0_13]

In 3.5e and Pathfinder, the Rust Monster corrodes any weapon made of metal (including adamantine and mithral) that it touches with the antennae or strikes it. Magical weapons also suffer this effect, but receive a save to avoid said corrosion.

[@konstellashon1364]

Anyone else think of Sokka of the Southern Water Tribe when they see ball-headed clubs? I wonder how useful that curved notch carved into the handle is. Does anyone know if it's actually good for pulling down the opponent's shield or hooking a spear?

[@salvadortoscano2534]

I do!

[@Runegrem]

That notch is clearly a blood notch. It stops blood from flowing onto the handle. The internet taught me this.

[@marocat4749]

Looks loke sokkas weapons are really from indiginous

[@themanthemyth4522]

Mohawk war club anyone?

[@littlesnowflakepunk855]

@@marocat4749 Much of the Southern Water Tribe aesthetic is based on the Inuit people, among other north american indigenous peoples, and the Northern Water Tribe's cities are based on sort of a cross between Venice and the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan.

[@alansmithee920]

4:57 yes. I did know that. Generally speaking, Hardness and brittleness ARE THE SAME THING (this isnt entirely true in the material sciences sense of the words, but its true enough for every day usage.). When something is pushed past it's limits, one of two things happens. A hard material fractures and shears. A soft material deforms. These are literally the only two options. The beauty of steel is that it's in this sweet spot between hard and soft, so it does both. Also, consider traditional San Mai blade construction, so that it can take advantage of being both a soft and hard material.

[@alexandremiseraph9946]

"Crunchy piece of crap" is the best line I've heard this week.

[@edgar-sama642]

I seriously love the Macuahuitl!

[@HydroDredge]

I like how you made a good thought about bronze and what corrosion can do to it

[@killy-rayy7927]

Hi skallagrim I’m Maori from nz and a weapon I think to be more effective against this fantasy creature I would use our weapon a toki which is a type of adze and instead of a taiaha I would use it’s more effective brother called pouwhenua check out a movie called dead lands for some reference on how these weapons were used

[@makoent2231]

Yip. An adze would be perfect for this kind of creature, being it can be a swinging weapon, and the shape allows it to pierce an object or being. A taiaha is fantastic, but more so for fighting humans than monsters. If you can get into thrusting range, it would work that way, but you may as well use a spear, like a huata.

[@cardboardbox191]

If you make me google it or if it's difficult to explain then fair enough but would you be willing to translate to the point anyone will understand? I could google it but I doubt I'd be the only one.

[@makoent2231]

@@cardboardbox191 ?

[@killy-rayy7927]

@@cardboardbox191 I no understand I only try to help

[@cardboardbox191]

​@@makoent2231 Would any of you guys be willing and able to say what a toki adze, taiaha, pouwjemua is?

[@felipeborrero9858]

What is often ignored about arthropod monsters (based on arthropods) is that they are pretty vulnerable to very little damage. They are practically hydraulic machines. Put a good crack or a hole in them with a good wooden spike or spear, and they will, essentially loose internal pressure and limb control.

[@SiriusMined]

It DID happen to melee weapons in older editions.

[@dinglebloopynoop5053]

It still does in 5E

[@maxi1ification]

What he's referring to is the fact that it doesn't *immediately* corrode and become unusable, unlike it happens with ammo. I think he missed the part that mentioned that melee weapons got increasing penalties until they're simply destroyed

[@maxi1ification]

Was instant corrosion and destruction a thing in previous editions though? At least for melee weapons.

[@houselightkell]

If we're taking about fictional materials, my first choice is iron bamboo. Basically a super durable bamboo that's absorbed metal from the soil. This metal isn't in its elemental form so it can't rust (theoretically)

[@jlaw131985]

Ok, I’m going to go a little bit nerd on the aluminum bit. It also oxidizes like iron does, so saying it “rusts” is probably fine. The difference is that its oxide forms very quickly and thinly, while also being very durable and chemically resistant, which makes it an excellent protective coating, (for other materials also, like wood flooring) protecting the the rest of the aluminum from oxidation. However, another side effect of aluminum oxidizing so quickly is that aluminum powder that is not already oxidized is one of the more dangerous substances you will find, especially if it happens to get dispersed in the air. I’m just gonna leave it as this bit, because I found it interesting, but there’s so much more that would be fun to talk about.

[@markfergerson2145]

Then there's aluminum oxide in bulk crystalline form, also known as sapphire. Hard, fairly durable and already as "corroded" as it can get. Not really suitable as sword-making material but sapphire blades on a macahuitl or as a head on a mace, it would be perfect against giant bugs. Pretty, too, especially if it's contaminated with trace elements.

[@jlaw131985]

@@markfergerson2145 also ruby. It’s fun stuff.

[@MrYago-xd7um]

Came for non-metal talk and got a tour of the ancient world. Absolutely loved this. Thank you.

[@Eaglebrace]

As a D&D fanatic and watched your videos for inspiration wen it comes to weapons this is most exciting!

[@conlinbryant5037]

It'd be nice to see a video on wooden armour, in particular the armor styles used in the Pacific Northwest by groups like the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian.

[@chaosspork]

This is amazing! I love learning about weapons and armor from outside of Europe, so this is really interesting to me. Thanks so much for doing the research and making this!

[@DH-xw6jp]

Canoe paddles make _really_ good two handled bludgeoning weapons, if you use it in the same manner you would use an ax. And im sure they would be pretty common in D&D settings, and if paddles arent available (maybe there are no nearby lakes or rivers. Which would make it a weird place to build a town) a wooden shovel is essentially a paddle with a slight scoop. And you mentioned the Pacific Islander's paddle swords, its the same concept without the teeth.

[@CyColt]

see, that intro bit actually shows something that i wouldn't think most DM's would be ready for. the characters using weapons with wooden hafts and poles just using the wooden bit as a club.

[@ChrissieBear]

6:22 Yeah, pretty much. A two-handed quarterstaff hit in D&D is equivalent to a one-handed warhammer hit in terms of damage. With no metal needed.

[@DShiflet01]

The eku/eiku(fighting oar) of Okinawan kobudo would be a good choice too.

[@ezrafaulk3076]

A lot of those Pacific Islander "clubs" were essentially the same thing.

[@MitremTheMighty]

When fighting a rust monster, nothing beats good ol' stick.

[@aaronbriant3697]

for protection in a D&D world you could also make weapons/armor out of other animals/monsters like shields out of tortoise shells ,mammoth tusks ,claws from large monsters like umber hulks.

[@FishbowlKraken]

I've subscribed with this guy for 5 years now and it wasn't until this video that I found out he was into D&D. Much respect. 🎲🍻⚔️

[@krystlvines]

He isn't

[@Skallagrim]

Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not. As far as RPGs are concerned I prefer video games.

[@irsyadzhaffar8049]

I have kill a centipede around 20cm with golok (indonesian local machete) it surprisingly strong need 4-6 hits to kill it, like first and second hit didnt make any damage.... i think insect dat big gonna have strong exoskeleton too

[@thearisen7301]

For shark teeth clubs I'd say teeth from certain species will do a lot better. The club you showed used Great White teeth and their favorite prey is seals. Tiger sharks have very interesting teeth that enable them to bite through sea turtle shells.

[@thomasthemtman]

Big long stick ... DONE .. next question ! Bonus points for adding sharp rock to end of stick 👍

[@christopherreed4723]

Burliest member of the party performs a feat of strength, picks up a large, stone block, and deposits it on the rust monster from head height. Now all you need to do is avoid tripping over any errant appendages sticking out from under the block as you sidle past. WARNING: This option is not viable if the steongest, buffest member of your party is...a Dwarf.

[@noneofyourbusiness3288]

2:56 I would recommend "valve metals" especially niobium and tantalum (if you have the money). VERY corrosion resistant. (also Niobium oxide layers make fun colors ^^)

[@marctaco2624]

I imagine a gold or silver hammer/club would be interesting. it would be heavy, nearly uncorrodible, and effective against undead. If used as a blunt weapon, you wouldn't need to worry as much about its softness, though it would be very expensive.

[@noneofyourbusiness3288]

@@marctaco2624 I mean ... gold might be soft, but very dense !

[@blackpilled7951]

@@noneofyourbusiness3288 Tungsten is a bit denser, 3 times harder, won't oxidize until exposed to temperatures above 1100 degrees Fahrenheit, and has the highest known melting point of any known element except carbon (over 6000 degrees Fahrenheit).

[@noneofyourbusiness3288]

@@blackpilled7951 Tungsten is very brittle though. Yeah gold is too soft, but at least ductile, so worst case you weapon bends. A tungsten weapon would instead chip and have small pieces splinter off, or shatter outright.

[@DMfromTheAbyss]

Best idea is to not kill the rust monster. Get a twine or leather leash or have a non metal wearing party member grab it and shove it in a sack. Then when you get to a locked door or iron golem release the beast. Easy win!

[@vara202]

... that's a pretty big sack, not even conan the barbarian could carry it

[@DMfromTheAbyss]

@@vara202 Depends on the size of the rust monster. They go from large rat to small car in size.. But aside from the rust don't have much in the way of attacks. So if Conan finds a big one he can just use a leash as mentioned, or have a new warmount if he can 'convince' the beast to cooperate. Bribery in the form of bits of metal optional.

[@FrauleinMuller999]

Bulletproof arguments to DESTROY this video: -It's fiction -Magic! -It's fiction -Magic! -it's fiction -Magic!

[@StarshadowMelody]

I mean I imagine fire would do pretty well.

[@fgregerfeaxcwfeffece]

As a DM I would probably prepare durability tables for Tatsubo/Kanabo and bronze weapons according to this video and the monster description. With more durability loss if you roll really low on the hit die.Or for a longer campaign: Search for a good bone provider in the monster manual. No reason not to go monster hunter here with Xanathar's guide to everything.

[@Moumen123]

Pin if you like swords

[@iansullivan9738]

I think this is easily my favorite video of yours. Well done!

[@nooneinparticular5256]

Nice work redoing your nonmetal weapons vid, Skal! And If I may add some other nerdy D&D details: Armor Class doesn't just refer to how tough a creature is at the surface, but how difficult it is to meaningfully hit, in general. It could include stuff like how agile the creature is, or sloping of its armor, to even its size. And considering the monster's design in D&D, I think a stone disc mace might actually work really well. A lot of the blunt weapons you suggest have to deal with it's sloped body & chitinous plates (barring the limbs). While the disc mace could potentially slip through the gaps, and pry an opening for more attacks. Another idea is to use a bolas, or rope weapon to try and tangle or tear at its antennae. From there, you could grab it, and cut at the antennae with a stone/flint knife/axe.

[@calvinrieder5312]

Great video Skall! I love how this somewhat niche fantasy application led into a really interesting discussion of a lesser-known classes of historical weapons

[@The14james]

really good video, love the analytical view you took for the topic.

[@codysykes5568]

I always end up learning stuff from your vids brother, so thank you for that. Cheers!

[@LochNessHamster]

I really loved the bit with your polearm and helmet rusting in the beginning. It was such a simple dissolve effect with some graphics, but you made it really effective with careful framing and positioning. Even wearing a beanie to keep your hair inside the helmet. I really respect the forethought you put into that.

[@robinthrush9672]

Veeery nice rust monster animation.

[@viniciuscesarino4564]

The bug just made you an enormous favor turning your pole weapon into THE MIGHTY SSSSSSTICK!! 🤘

[@dutchvanderbilt9969]

I learn more from these kinds of videos than I do your other videos. Thanks skall!

[@Courier-Six]

If it comes to a fantasy D&D Setting, I'd probably set up a character weilding a Bone Lance with a Hardwood Knob at the end of the handle end of the shaft not only as a counterweight but also so you would have a spare impact weapon if the piercing blade is hits carapace instead of going between plates and breaks off. Added bonus that in a pinch it can be thrown and gives you a decent bit of distance between you and the creature. You could also do a Horsejaw Tomehawk similar to first nation tribes

[@fabio1160]

when it comes to non-metal, organic "protection", the one I find the most fascinating is the Okinawan "tinbe": specifically the ones made out of turtle shell.

[@JanetStarChild]

That is very fascinating! I just looked it up now and the turtle shield and short spear combo is such an interesting weapons set.

[@matthewmcghin8690]

Tinbe appears in pathfinder not the video games unfortunately but in the rpg if you want to do crafting you can make them plus the giant turtles in it you have a lot of shell to make them with or sell it to the culture that makes them

[@asterisk606]

Awesome video and a fun scenario to think about! I'm going to take a moment to appreciate the research and time needed to put this video together. A club of some kind would definitely be my choice.

[@ballsin3d205]

7:42 you pronounced that so much better than i thought you would. Cheers from NZ 🇳🇿

[@johnathansaegal3156]

04:00... by the way, I cast bronzes (many different alloys). In general, bronze is 40% heavier than steel. I made a maille hauberk from silicon bronze rings (butted, so not REAL maille) and it weighs 45 pounds (~20 kilos) while a steel hauberk of the same size rings only weighed about 28 pounds (~12 kilos). Bronze is softer than steel, but much heavier (and far more expensive due to the rarity of tin).

[@millenium1109]

There is also the humble sling, loaded with rounded stones, or molded lead sling bullets. A simple, cheap, and relatively easy to use weapon that is often overlooked, both in DnD and IRL. XD Thank you for the great video though, I loved learning about all these weapons. Funny enough, one of my wizard characters kept rolling wahaikas as random loot to the point where it became a meme. By the end he had four of them, all made of different materials.

[@roflmoomoo2098]

DUDE! Your pronunciations are on point, I've never heard anyone say "macuahuitl" so casually.

[@thetalantonx]

This video was an awesome example of "bantz plus fax", engaging us nerdcore keyboard warriors and defusing the burden of nitpickery. That you also expanded from the source material to the core concept was a great way to address the problem "how to attack a monster if you can't use metal, but it's damage resistant." Which is perfect fodder for all of us working on worldbuilding for a world in which metal is either problematic or rare/unavailable. Edit: 13:27 - The worldbuilding I'm doing right now involves geographically isolated peoples in areas without easily accessible metal so the First Nations and Pacific Islanders sections were particularly useful and new to me.

[@bencoomer2000]

Sweet. Was thinking about Inuit type weapons and this was great.

[@Torthrodhel]

With Tasha's sidekick classes - which you're allowed to play as if you don't mind losing out on a saving throw - you can BE a rust monster (its challenge rating is less than 1 and that's all that's required). How cool is that. :D I also love the idea of using one as a mount for a small-sized character. Seriously though if you travel to any area that's unfamiliar with them (which is probably most areas) then how in-demand are your services going to be? Infiltration mission: sneak into their armory, have your mount touch everything and get out. lmao, shenanigans abound If you picked up some telepathic stuff you could even be the monster and have your sidekick be its rider, and just let everyone think it's the other way around, but it's really you doing all the proper thinking. Actually I totally have to do that someday (without telling anyone except the DM until they find out for themselves, lol).

[@lokuzt]

hey that intro animation of the Rust Monster was sweet! Kudos

[@justeric1107]

Awesome video, it's always refreshing to see videos like this! The solution to fight their rust ability is magical armor or weapons (a +1 is all it takes and it's only getting easier to obtain that). I personally love those interesting mechanics that push people to think more in depth, it's like the sunder rules in other systems (that's a cool sword you have there, it would be a shame if someone broke it).

[@sharkforce8147]

well, it is in modern D&D. that was definitely not always the case...

[@beowulfshaeffer8444]

And to think it's original purpose was to scare players when their magical +3 Adamantine sword turned to dust :)

[@sharkforce8147]

@@beowulfshaeffer8444 and their armour, their shield, their rings, their helmet, their amulet, the buckle on their belt, and really everything else they ever held dear to them.

[@jonasateo]

cool video, thank you for making this!

[@tamaiofthesea]

7:31 makes me happy to see my people get mentioned anytime. Keep it up Skall!

[@LairdErnst]

A lot of good examples. Haven’t found a story that uses the rust monsters in it but they make for an interesting challenge.

[@kevinstewart1870]

Really like this one, silliness, d&d nerdisms, and some really in-depth research.

[@roflmoomoo2098]

I'm so glad you're still doing videos like this, because Shadiversity seems not to want to anymore. You guys are so interesting and these are such fun topics, I can't get enough.

[@theromanorder]

YESSSS it makes my day when you upload just the thing for before school

[@Boleniana]

I'm giving this a like after just watching the intro, it's THAT good.

[@mrbriggs1855]

With the fantasy stuff I'm currently dealing with, I'm facing an issue of a faction running out of metal mid-war. Not quite a rust monster, but information was useful anyway.

[@animan946]

The first 20 seconds alone make this video worth it.

[@bogdan19992]

I lost it at the end of the video, really made my day with the out takes.