An improvised weapon is an object used as a weapon but not designed for that purpose. Improvised weapons do not benefit from weapon proficiency. Unarmed attacks count as an improvised weapon for most player character races.
Other categories for weapons include simple, military, and superior weapons.
There are three improvised weapons defined, the first of which is almost indistinguishable from an unarmed attack:
- A one-handed weapon, weapon die 1d4, weighing 5 lb. or less.
- A two-handed weapon, weapon die 1d8, weighing 6 lb. or more.
- A ranged improvised weapon, weapon die 1d4, range 5/10.
Although there is no benefit, tinker gnomes are proficient with improvised weapons.