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====== Weapons =====

I've stated previously that yinrih are not accurate throwers. They also have natural weapons in the form of their claws, so I'm not sure if spears would develop. Then again, spears were likely the first tools used by early humans (chimps also make spears by gnawing branches down to a point). Perhaps like chimps yinrih could use spears for thrusting but not throwing.



Early weapons would probably be enhancements of the yinrih's natural combat strategies. Caudal slings were probably the first projectile weapons after thrown rocks. These slings would at first use the same pebbles or stones previously thrown by the paws or tail, but shards of obsidian or later artificial glass could be used. These would be mid or close range spread weapons rather than accurate projectiles.



The first firearms would likely be elaborations on these caudal slings, using a propellant to launch metal or glass shot. I think early projectile firearms would come in two flavors: less accurate shotguns that could be operated by one person while moving, and more accurate guns that had to be mounted on a bipod or tripod in order to aim. Back-mounted guns before the invention of electronic aim-assist would invariably be these less accurate shotguns.



But the quintessential weapon, the one found everywhere as a metaphor or symbol for strength, the cultural equivalent to the human sword, would be the <html><sHJqg></html>, known in English as a thagomizer. These usually take the form of a metal ring partially lined with spikes or blades which is held in the tail. Much like the sword, it's far less practical as a weapon than its cultural weight would suggest. The wielder has to turn in order to attack opponents who aren't behind him. The primary reason it can be used at all is that yinrih use scent as the primary means of personal recognition, so the wielder can identify an enemy coming from behind by smell as long as they're not upwind. (Even then, it's probably more practical to kick with a rear paw in order to claw the enemy. You could also use the hind feet to hold the attacker's forelegs in place while strangling them with your tail.) The thagomizer likely started out as a farming tool used to clear brush.



Bladed paw gauntlets would likely also be used. These could develop from climbing tools used by inhabitants of rocky terrain.