Morning Star
The morning star is the further refinement of the common mace. Here, the head of the mace is attached to the pole with a long iron chain, enabling the warrior to swing the head with great force. This gives the morning star two distinctive advantages: First, it has a superior reach over the mace; secondly, the sheer force with which the head hits the foes causes much more damage. However, this comes at the price of the weapon needing much strength to wield, as well as being useless in close quarters.
According to Vetron's Guide to Weapons and Armour, the morning star has a "5" effectiveness rating.
History[]
Morning stars have been a part of the series since Ultima V and remained unchanged through the tests of time. In their first appearance, they were actually capable of striking enemies through walls.
Lore[]
A "mace on a chain" is the morning star, which reaches over obstacles to smite thy foe at range. One blow straight on from this and the enemy is out till morning -- at least.
- from Book of Lore (Ultima V)
A polearm is generally a stout wooden or metal staff topped by a metal cutting or bludgeoning fixture. The morningstar, a variation on this theme, consists of a staff with a chain attached to one end, and attached to the chain, a heavy, spiked bludgeon. Morningstars, halberds, and other polearms are prized for the damage they are capable of doing and for their long reach.
- from Compendium (Ultima VI)