Overview
Although it's origin lay hidden in antiquity, the Jitte has been a respected weapon amongst Sho martial arts warriors for as long as can be remembered.
The Jitte weapon, like the Path itself, is an elegant design. It is fast and light, weighing only 350 BU by Derethian measure, and with a fast swing, it's bludgeoning damage quickly subdues most of the creatures of Dereth. Although technically considered a "mace", the Jitte is immediately identifiable by the unique property of having a parrying hook protruding from the weapon's shaft. The skilled Jitte Warrior uses this to his advantage to assist in defensive maneuvers. Of course, there are also enchanted Jittes that are infused with spells to make them even more deadly, or elemental enchantments to make them breathe fire, cold, acid, or lightning.
Jitte vs. Mace
Although it is technically classified as a "mace" weapon, the Jitte really is a weapon class unto itself.
The traditional Mace refers to a heavy, slow weapon which does considerable damage. Thus, at 350 BU, the Jitte has little in common with Maces, Dabus', Tofuns or Morningstars, which range from 800-1350 BU.(Only the Kasrullah bears some consideration due to it's low burden, but it lacks the Sho tradition).
One should think of the Jitte on it's own terms, and not make attempts to compare it with what are traditionally referred to as Maces. Once you have broken free of trying to consider a jitte and, say, a morningstar as being equivalent, then it becomes much easier to objectively view the Jitte on it's own merits.
Comparison with other Weapon Types
A comparison with other bludgeoning weapons known in Dereth can be enlightening. A Staff, say a Nabut, might range from 4-7 to 6-12 damage with speeds of 25-30 and a burden of 550 BU. A hammer might range from 4-8 to 6-12 damage, speeds around 40-50 and weigh 575 BU. Jittes range from 3-5 to 4-8, with Mi Krau-Li's Jitte at 6-12, with a burden of only 350 BU. In addition, the parrying hook on the Jitte will always add a bonus to one's melee defense: typically anywhere from 5% to 13%. The point being that the Jitte is a respectable weapon, and worthy of consideration by an aspiring warrior.
| Jitte | Axe(Hammer) | Staff | |
| Burden (BU) | 350 | 575 | 450-550 |
| Max Damage | 6-12 | 7-13 | 6-12 |
| Speed (typical) | 25-30 | 40-50 | 25-30 |
| Elemental types avail? | Yes(4-8 max) | Yes | Yes |
| Enchantments Level? | 1-6 | 1-6 | 1-6 |
The Atlan Staff with 9-12 damage at 450 BU is indeed unique in Dereth, and those who feel they must have the "best" weapon in Dereth are not true candidates for the Way, and should consider training as a Staff warrior, particularly if they are Gharu'ndim. The Jitte Warrior is not overly concerned over the minutae of damage variances, knowing that it is skill, strategy, and discipline that shall win the day.
Atlan, Hollow & Ravenous
Atlan - There is currently no Atlan Jitte. This is of little concern since Mi Krau-Li's Jitte is also no-drop. Although it lacks the ability to add stones for elemental damage, Krau-Li's provides +Melee and +Attack bonuses unlike the Atlans.
Hollows - There is currently no Hollow Jitte. Again, this is of little concern to the Jitte Warrior, since he is loath to engage in combat with his brethren, and that is the only use for the Hollow weapons.
Ravenous - There is currently no Ravenous Jitte. In comparison to what other Chorozite weapons have been crafted so far, Krau-Li's would likely still be better than any Ravenous Jitte. Thus, we are unconcerned about it's unavailability.
Locating Jittes
One of the most difficult tasks for a Jitte Warrior is locating weapons. So misunderstood have they been, that many non-Jitte warriors do not give them a second glance when collecting loot from the battlefield, and they are left to rust away, or sold into oblivion. We must educate our brethren to value these weapons and bring them home, so that they may be shared and traded to those who can use them.
For those with the ability to travel to the Direlands, the weapons shops of Ayan Baqur and Fort Tethena are often the best place to locate quality jittes, although it does require a great deal of patience (and money). In the eastern realms, Hebian-to and Qalaba'r are often the next best choices.