Improvised Weapons

You're not always going to have access to weapons when you need them. Sometimes you'll leave your gear at home or be caught in a situation that wasn't as peaceful as you thought it was. This means that you need to need to find a weapon if possible as quickly as possible. However, it's likely that there are no weapons and you will need to improvise something. Fortunately, most environments have some sort of way for you to defend yourself if you just look closely enough.

Sticks Into Clubs

Clubs are the most common improvised weapons: It's just easy to grab something blunt and most objects can easily be turned into weapons. If you can lift it and hold it, you can use it as a club; this applies just as well to sticks and bats as it does rocks and trophies. Some times will require some modification for use, such as folding a metal chair or breaking a chair just so you can use the legs offensively, but finding something to club someone with is usually the simplest route.

Breaking Free

As noted above, some items become deadlier when you break them. The most obvious one is the glass bottle, but the same applies to any object made of glass that doesn't totally shatter; however, remember to wrap it with cloth or something or you're likely to injure yourself more than your opponent. This also means that some objects you're using to defend yourself become deadlier if broken into smaller pieces, such as sticks (you now have two weapons) and wallhanger swords (they go from having no edge to having a sharp point).

Basically, don't be afraid to break things and don't worry too much if things break on you; it could be for the best.

Rope and Chain to Set You Free

Ropes and chains, if used the right way, can be scary weapons. You will need to tie something to the rope to make it useful, but it can make a good weapon to entangle someone with, just as a chain can be used., and an entangled combatant is easy to run from. Most weak fighters are also scared of anything being swung around, so it may be a way to keep some attackers away from you while you call in the cavalry. However, be advised that while it can be effective, better fighters have no problem catching either and using them against you.

Distractions For The Win

Your goal is not to do damage or even win the fight; your goal is to survive. This means that running away is just as valid as winning, even if it's not as satisfying. If you can get the opponent to flinch long enough for you to run, then you can use that opportunity to run away.

Neat Facts: If you throw something at someone's head they're going to duck or attempt to parry whatever is incoming. If they're hit solid enough or need to clean it off, they stop and focus on that. If someone is way too fashion-conscious, then any damage to their dress will either enrage them or make them question their life choices.

Hot liquids will burn an attacker (so a boiling pot of water makes an awesome area of effect weapon) but cold liquid will stop someone in their tracks as they figure out what they were hit with. Dirt, sand, flour, and mud are great for blinding someone, but spices, especially pepper, will extend that effect. Oil does double duty: It slows them down like a liquid does but also creates a slick (hot oil will also burn).

You don't need to kick their butts to win, just get out of there in one piece. Carrying a pepper shaker will help that.

In short, if you pay close attention to your environment, weapons will always be available. Most of them will be better used for distractions, but a distraction can help you escape. Once you become aware of a threat, you should start scanning the area for possible weapons, provided you didn't bring any with you and then start moving towards the easiest one to get to that you are comfortable using. Sometimes just picking up a weapon can deflate the threat, but be advised that sometimes it actually escalates the situation. So be wary of using weapons provided by the environment, but don't be afraid to pick one up if you feel it's necessary.