You have been challenged by your evil (or good) twin to a trial of arms. He presents to you several options. The choices are limited, but the first pick goes to you. Read through your choices carefully, as the wrong choice may lead to your demise. I've provided information on each weapon, based on how they were
The hand axe is a powerful weapon, but loaded with myths that hide its true potential. The hand axe weighs between 2-3 lbs, with a very blade heavy balance. With some coordination, the axe can be very fast and agile. Working with the axe will make it work with you, not doing so will result in it working against you. The axe is great for hooking weapons, and limbs. The axe is capable of lethal thrusts with the point, and the beard can dig into the body for severe damage.
This combo comes with a shield, 30 inch diameter viking style center grip weighing in the 9 lb range. It can take a beating well, while still remaining agile. The center grip gives mobility, and a skilled warrior can use the handle as a point of pivot as he strikes and never open himself to counter attack. A very deadly combo for those that know how to use it.
The spear was the most common battlefield weapon on almost all battlefields, and the pike was being considered for use by the Confederates in the US Civil War. More people have died by a spear point than any other weapon in human history. The spear sports a long reach, light weight, and great defense. It can be used like a staff, while also being able to deliver a lethal thrust at anytime. If you can control the range you will almost always win, but if you can't control the range you will not survive.
The quintessential blade of the knightly class, a double edged weapon capable of cutting a man in half while also being able to puncture armor and smash skulls. Weighing in between 3 and 5 lbs on average, the longsword is a very capable weapon. The large crossguard is very helpful in binding and controlling enemy weapons, and the back edge opens up many more options than other swords. The pommel is fully capable of crushing skulls, likely being where the phrase "to pommel someone to death" comes from. An agile and deadly thrusting weapon, brutal skull spliter, and delicate cutter all in one purpose built weapon of war.
The fast and precise katana is a deadly cutting tool with a capable point. It is famed for cleaving men in half, some are said to split apart 3 or more at a time. Weighing 3 to 5 lbs with a gentle curve, the katana delivers efficient cutting power in elegant form.
The rapier is the weapon of the Musketeers, unmatched thrusting power and a beautifully crafted hilt. The rapier is fast with pinpoint thrusts, capable of sniping openings the enemy didn't know existed. It has long reach, which works against it once the enemy is past the point. Good footwork and distance control will keep all foes on their toes and your tip on target.
The sabre is a curved single handed weapon favored in the East and by 17th Century cavalry. It is built to give a deadly cut, but is able to sneak around defenses for a surprise thrust. The balance allows quick strikes and recoveries while also granting strong blows. It is the best weapon for push cuts (pushing forward as you cut), deadly and quick attacks.
The naginata is essentially a sword on a stick. It sports long reach, powerful cuts, strong thrusts, and staff like moves. It is great for keeping the enemy away until you are read to strike, but can handle itself better in close range than a spear. It is slower than a spear though, and takes more skill to utilize the potential of. Never underestimate a man with a naginata.
The Zweihander is a devastating weapon, among the strongest choice. It has good range, with a 6 lb balanced weight allowing a large fellow to use it with great agility. The foregrip allows great control. The guard gives great protection and options for defense and attack. THe pommel balances the blade while also being a powerful killing tool. It is a great middle ground for a polearm and a sword.
The choice is yours, so how will you choose and why?
Personally, hand axe and shield would be my go to. The protection of the shield and its ability to make up for any range disadvantage would counter spears, while the hand axe can be used at a variety of ranges for a variety of attacks. Variety is the spice of life.
The hand axe is a powerful weapon, but loaded with myths that hide its true potential. The hand axe weighs between 2-3 lbs, with a very blade heavy balance. With some coordination, the axe can be very fast and agile. Working with the axe will make it work with you, not doing so will result in it working against you. The axe is great for hooking weapons, and limbs. The axe is capable of lethal thrusts with the point, and the beard can dig into the body for severe damage.
This combo comes with a shield, 30 inch diameter viking style center grip weighing in the 9 lb range. It can take a beating well, while still remaining agile. The center grip gives mobility, and a skilled warrior can use the handle as a point of pivot as he strikes and never open himself to counter attack. A very deadly combo for those that know how to use it.
The spear was the most common battlefield weapon on almost all battlefields, and the pike was being considered for use by the Confederates in the US Civil War. More people have died by a spear point than any other weapon in human history. The spear sports a long reach, light weight, and great defense. It can be used like a staff, while also being able to deliver a lethal thrust at anytime. If you can control the range you will almost always win, but if you can't control the range you will not survive.
The quintessential blade of the knightly class, a double edged weapon capable of cutting a man in half while also being able to puncture armor and smash skulls. Weighing in between 3 and 5 lbs on average, the longsword is a very capable weapon. The large crossguard is very helpful in binding and controlling enemy weapons, and the back edge opens up many more options than other swords. The pommel is fully capable of crushing skulls, likely being where the phrase "to pommel someone to death" comes from. An agile and deadly thrusting weapon, brutal skull spliter, and delicate cutter all in one purpose built weapon of war.
The fast and precise katana is a deadly cutting tool with a capable point. It is famed for cleaving men in half, some are said to split apart 3 or more at a time. Weighing 3 to 5 lbs with a gentle curve, the katana delivers efficient cutting power in elegant form.
The rapier is the weapon of the Musketeers, unmatched thrusting power and a beautifully crafted hilt. The rapier is fast with pinpoint thrusts, capable of sniping openings the enemy didn't know existed. It has long reach, which works against it once the enemy is past the point. Good footwork and distance control will keep all foes on their toes and your tip on target.
The sabre is a curved single handed weapon favored in the East and by 17th Century cavalry. It is built to give a deadly cut, but is able to sneak around defenses for a surprise thrust. The balance allows quick strikes and recoveries while also granting strong blows. It is the best weapon for push cuts (pushing forward as you cut), deadly and quick attacks.
The naginata is essentially a sword on a stick. It sports long reach, powerful cuts, strong thrusts, and staff like moves. It is great for keeping the enemy away until you are read to strike, but can handle itself better in close range than a spear. It is slower than a spear though, and takes more skill to utilize the potential of. Never underestimate a man with a naginata.
The Zweihander is a devastating weapon, among the strongest choice. It has good range, with a 6 lb balanced weight allowing a large fellow to use it with great agility. The foregrip allows great control. The guard gives great protection and options for defense and attack. THe pommel balances the blade while also being a powerful killing tool. It is a great middle ground for a polearm and a sword.
The choice is yours, so how will you choose and why?
Personally, hand axe and shield would be my go to. The protection of the shield and its ability to make up for any range disadvantage would counter spears, while the hand axe can be used at a variety of ranges for a variety of attacks. Variety is the spice of life.
