Chainhook (3.5e Equipment)

Unsatisfied with the major disadvantage of a grappling hook but unable to make a magical one, this rather complicated weapon was designed by the half-elf freerunner Aloran to be able to function as a short-range grappling hook which would be able to unhook itself. In order to reach this goal, he forged a five foot long chain with a free-moving cylindrical part. Hinged in this cylinder are four hook-like metal prongs. Dependent on the end of the chain at which the cylinder is, these prongs are either spread out to form a grapling hook or clamped shut to form a mace-like head. Iron cones tip each end of the chain attaching to handgrips. With a whiplike crack, the cone can be made to shoot out of the cilinder, thus releasing the grapling hook. *so there is one chain with cones on either end and a hollow cilinder which moves along the chain, and the hinged prongs on this cilinder can be set in either of two ways, as determined by the end it is on at the moment.

This design allowed Aloran to use the chain as a hook, dealing piercing damage and doing normal grappling hook duty, or as a flail. As such, this is a double weapon, but only one of the two properties functions on any given moment. Due to the difficulties in wielding the weapon, it functions best in a heavily three-dimensional environment, such as a forest or a city area with varied elevations. In general, the use of this weapon rises incrementally with the amount of airtime.

The weapon can be swung around an opponent's legs, so it usable for trip attempts. As usual, you can drop it when in danger of being tripped yourself after a failed attempt.