Firearms are not included on this list, as I have little experience with guns outside of .50 blackpowder rifle and some kind of pistol, and I'm not even sure if the former is accurate. So no firearms. Sorry.
For information on the catapult and ballista, see siege weapons.
Bow and Arrows: A elastic arc, often made out of wood, with a high-tension "draw-string" tied between two ends, made for launching arrows at targets some distance away. The tension and elasticity of the bow impact the velocity at which the arrow flies. Sometimes, during sieges, archers would dip the tip of their arrows in oil, set them ablaze, and shoot them into the oncoming army. Bows are meant to be unstrung when not in use so the prolong tension doesn't break the string.
*Long bow: A tall bow that is noticeably lacking recurves.
*Compound bow: A bow with mechanical aids that help draw the bowstring.
*Recurve bow: This bow's curved ends straighten as the bow is drawn and return to their initial shape after firing, adding extra velocity to the arrow.
Blowpipe/blowgun: A long tube of wood or metal used for shooting darts at targets. A dart can be inserted at one end, then the user blows on the other end to launch the projectile at the target. (see darts)
Sling: A ranged weapon used to throw a blunt projectile such as a river stone or lead "sling bullet". The weapon is composed of two long pieces of twain with loops on either end and a cradle at the middle. To fire, the slinger must move their arm in a wide vertical arc and release one end, sending the projectile towards the target. It is relatively cheap and easy to use and build.
Crossbow: A handheld weapon similar to the bow; the bowstring must manually be pulled back with the archer by their fingers, a bolt must be inserted before hand. A lock maintains the draw in place.
Throwing stars (Shuriken): (lit. meaning "hidden hand blade") A projectile similar in purpose to a throwing knife, they come in many shapes and sizes but all had sharpened edges and could be easily concealed. Contrary to popular belief, they were more often used by the samurai then ninjas.
Javelin: A weapon similar to a spear, but specifically made for throwing. It was often used in Roman warfare as well as sport.
Darts: The projectile used in Blowpipes (see blowpipes). Some tribes of southern and central America would dip their darts in the blood of poison dat frogs, which is how the species got its name. However, using Curare plants was more common.
Slingshots/shanghai/kettie: A small hand powered weapon that resembles a Y-shape with two pieces of rubber holding a small cradle betwixt the prongs. One hand holds the handle, while the other pulls back on the pouch, releasing converts the potential energy to kinetic and launches the projectile at a target. It is much easier to aim than the sling.
Hatchet: A small, light-weight axe made for throwing.
Throwing knives (Western): Knives made out of one single material, like iron, without a handle. Throwing knives have two subcategories: Balanced and unbalanced.
*Balanced: A balanced knife has it's center of gravity towards the middle of the knife, making it more accurate.
*Unbalanced: A knife that's center of gravity is not in the center of the knife. Unbalance knives are thrown by gripping the lighter end (the handle).
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The Book of Fictional Writing 101
Non-FictionA handy lexicon of terms used in and applied to literary fiction and what they actually mean, as well as some ideas on how to improve your writing.
