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Caltrops

Caltrops

Category: Consumables & Thrown Items
Weight: 2 lb.
Cost: 1 GP
Special Properties: Cover 5-ft square, DC 15 Dex save

Description​

Caltrops are small, four-pointed metal spikes designed so that one sharp point always faces upward regardless of how they land. These ancient anti-personnel devices are scattered on the ground to injure and slow pursuing enemies. A single bag contains enough caltrops to cover a 5-foot square area.

Mechanical Effects​

Area Coverage:

  • Covers one 5-foot square area
  • Remains effective until collected or cleared
  • Requires an action to deploy the full bag
  • Can be deployed in smaller portions for multiple uses

Damage and Effects:

  • DC 15 Dexterity saving throw when entering area
  • Failed save: 1 piercing damage and speed reduced by half
  • Speed reduction lasts until creature receives magical healing or succeeds on DC 15 Medicine check
  • Moving at half speed through area grants advantage on save

Tactical Applications​

Area Denial:

  • Block narrow corridors or passages
  • Protect flanks during combat
  • Create no-go zones for enemy movement
  • Force enemies into predictable paths

Pursuit Deterrent:

  • Scatter during retreat to slow pursuers
  • Create barriers that enemies must navigate carefully
  • Buy time for party to escape or reposition
  • Particularly effective against unarmored enemies

Combat Strategies​

Defensive Positioning:

  • Deploy around campsites for perimeter security
  • Create safe zones that enemies avoid
  • Protect spellcasters and ranged attackers
  • Channel enemies toward prepared positions

Offensive Applications:

  • Force enemies to waste actions navigating hazards
  • Combine with other battlefield control effects
  • Create opportunities for ranged attacks
  • Separate enemy groups by blocking movement

Environmental Effectiveness​

Optimal Conditions:

  • Hard surfaces provide best stability and visibility
  • Outdoor areas where enemies wear minimal foot protection
  • Narrow spaces where avoidance is difficult
  • Areas with limited alternative routes

Reduced Effectiveness:

  • Soft ground may cause caltrops to sink or become buried
  • Heavy armor or thick boots reduce damage
  • Flying creatures completely avoid the hazard
  • Areas with heavy debris may camouflage caltrops

Alternative Uses​

Perimeter Security:

  • Early warning system when enemies step on them
  • Discourage wildlife from approaching campsites
  • Create noise alerts for guard duty
  • Mark boundaries of safe areas

Improvised Tools:

  • Emergency climbing aids on soft surfaces
  • Traction devices for icy conditions
  • Components for improvised traps
  • Distraction devices when thrown

Recovery and Maintenance​

Collection Process:

  • Time-consuming to collect all scattered caltrops
  • Some may be lost, damaged, or difficult to find
  • Expect 10-15% loss rate per deployment
  • Requires careful searching to avoid injury

Care Requirements:

  • Keep points sharp for maximum effectiveness
  • Clean and oil to prevent rust
  • Check for bent or damaged spikes
  • Store in protective container to prevent injury

Historical and Cultural Context​

Military Heritage:

  • Used by armies throughout history
  • Particularly effective against cavalry
  • Simple to manufacture and deploy
  • Psychological impact beyond physical damage

Modern Applications:

  • Still used by military and law enforcement
  • Adapted for vehicle tires (tire spikes)
  • Popular in fantasy gaming and literature
  • Symbol of defensive warfare

Economic Considerations​

Cost Effectiveness:

  • Extremely affordable at 1 GP per deployment
  • Reusable if carefully collected
  • Simple materials and construction
  • High tactical value for low cost

Availability:

  • Can be crafted by any blacksmith
  • Sometimes improvised from available materials
  • Common military surplus item
  • May be restricted in some jurisdictions

Creative Applications​

Improvised Solutions:

  • Use as climbing aids on wooden surfaces
  • Create noise makers or distraction devices
  • Employ in crafting improvised weapons
  • Use for games or training exercises

Trap Components:

  • Enhance pit traps with scattered caltrops
  • Create pressure-triggered caltrop dispensers
  • Combine with tripwires for automatic deployment
  • Use in complex mechanical trap designs

Safety Considerations​

Handling Precautions:

  • Always handle with care to avoid injury
  • Store in secure, labeled containers
  • Never scatter near friendly positions without warning
  • Consider party members' safety during deployment

Friendly Fire Prevention:

  • Mark deployed areas clearly for party members
  • Establish protocols for safe passage
  • Consider light sources to improve visibility
  • Plan retreat routes that avoid friendly caltrops

Limitations and Counters​

Ineffective Against:

  • Heavily armored opponents with thick boots
  • Flying creatures and those with alternate movement
  • Creatures immune to piercing damage
  • Very large creatures that may not notice the damage

Countermeasures:

  • Careful movement and good lighting
  • Thick footwear or magical protection
  • Clearing tools like brooms or rakes
  • Alternative movement methods (jumping, climbing)

Storage and Transport​

Practical Considerations:

  • Sharp points require careful packing
  • Risk of injury if container breaks
  • Consider weight distribution among party members
  • Protect from moisture to prevent rust
  • Ensure secure closure to prevent spills