[Hutchy]

Bladed Weapons

 [dir=ltr]Generally the favoured weapon among people of every stripe, be they a mugger or soldier. As the name suggests, the defining feature of these weapons is a blade. These blades can be straight or curved, long or short, either way they are lethal in the right hands.[/dir] [dir=ltr]The most common ways of attack with these is stabbing, thrusting and slashing, although some variations on blades are incapable of performing some of these actions, such as most curved blades lacking a stabbing point.[/dir] [dir=ltr]Bladed weapons work by increasing the user's power by concentrating it on one small stabbing point or long and thin edges and rely on either penetration, laceration or dismemberment of the opponent's body to wound or kill. Because of this, all but the largest blades begin to lose effectiveness against armoured or thick skinned targets.[/dir] [dir=ltr]Daggers and Knives[/dir][dir=ltr]Also includes but not limited to such short bladed weaponry as stilettos, bayonets, knives and dirks.[/dir]

Spoiler

[dir=ltr]A short-bladed weapon designed to be wielded in one hand orp paired with another weapon. They have a stabbing point for thrusting action and a cutting edge. There are also varieties of knives that are designed to be thrown.[/dir] [dir=ltr]Such small bladed weapons are widely available and are used the world over, some cultures even going to far as to use them in ritual and ceremonial practices. They can vary between cultures, some favouring finer but longer blades for example, though the general formula remains the same.[/dir] [dir=ltr]There is also a number of additions that can be made to a small, bladed edge like these, most notably serrated edges; razor sharp teeth are cut or forged directly into the blade to aid in cutting and sawing actions, usually of wood and rope but is just as effective on living targets.[/dir] [dir=ltr]While lacking in the power and range that can be put behind a larger weapon, they are easier to control and are much more able to target vulnerable points in armour or of a man's body.[/dir] [dir=ltr]Pros:[/dir]

• [dir=ltr]Lightest type of bladed weaponry[/dir]
  
• [dir=ltr]Concealable with some effort[/dir]
  
• [dir=ltr]Can be made from a variety of materials, anything sharp or, at the very least, pointy[/dir]
  
• [dir=ltr]Precise and easy to handle[/dir]
  

 [dir=ltr]Cons:[/dir]

• [dir=ltr]Lack in range[/dir]
  
• [dir=ltr]Tend to be quite delicate when compared to other weapons[/dir]
  
• [dir=ltr]Ineffective against most kind of armour[/dir]
  
• [dir=ltr]Easily breakable with the correct application of force

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 [dir=ltr]Swords
 [/dir][dir=ltr]Possibly the most commonly used and seen weapon of the time, sword is the generalizing term used to identify bladed weapons that are larger than daggers but shorter than pole arm blades. These range from short swords and up to claymores and the less common specialist and custom varieties.[/dir] [dir=ltr]These are generally more effective than daggers and knives in that they feature longer and heavier blades, longer and sharper edges and allow the user to maintain distance while still being effective in combat, this is most visible through longer blades like those of greatswords, and allow the application of more power through stabs, thrusts and wider arcs in swings. This, however, is a double-edged sword, pun intended, as it makes them heavier and, in the wrong hands, somewhat more clumsy and can't target weak points as effectively as a shorter blade.[/dir] [dir=ltr]Longer blades can also begin to offer defence in the form of parries. Something that isn't easy to do with shorter blades. They also often feature such features as cruciform hilt guards, named for their shape, to lock blades and pommels on the end of the handle, usually counterweights that can be used as a blunt means of attack.[/dir] [dir=ltr]Like other weapons swords can come in many varieties and each culture has it's own use for them, though they are most often used in the military or as personal defence.[/dir] [dir=ltr]Short Swords[/dir][dir=ltr]This includes but not limited to varieties of weapons such as Gladius, Arming Swords, Walloon swords and others of short design.[/dir]

Spoiler

[dir=ltr]Often used as a reserve to the primary weapon, a shortsword is exactly that. The blade of these weapons rarely exceeds the length of the user's forearm.[/dir][dir=ltr]They generally have a thick, double-edged blade and a stabbing point.[/dir] [dir=ltr]Blades similar to gladius have a heavy pommel that acts as a counterbalance and a blunt instrument to cause blunt damage and concussions.

While they are longer than daggers and knives they are still lacking in range and requires the user to get close to the opponent, they do however take advantage of the daggers lighter weight and accuracy as well as the increase of power that can be put into attacks with added weight.[/dir] [dir=ltr]Pros:[/dir]

• [dir=ltr]Longer and heavier blades[/dir]
  
• [dir=ltr]Greater capacity for range than daggers and knives[/dir]
  
• [dir=ltr]Can still take some advantage from a shorter blade's properties[/dir]
  

 [dir=ltr]Cons:[/dir]

• [dir=ltr]Are not often the primary weapon[/dir]
  
• [dir=ltr]The user is still vulnerable if it is not paired with another weapon[/dir]
  
• [dir=ltr]Not concealable[/dir]
  
• [dir=ltr]More materials and stricter needs to produce

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 [dir=ltr]Medium Swords[/dir][dir=ltr]This includes but not limited to varieties of Longsword, Spatha, Estoc and Khmali[/dir]

Spoiler

[dir=ltr]Often the primary weapon of a combatant, medium swords became a reality when smiths refined the art of controlled heating and rapid cooling of tempered steel blades which allowed for stronger, longer and sharper swords. There is no one party responsible for discovering this as it happened around the same period throughout the realm. But that didn't stop famous smiths attempting to take credit.[/dir] [dir=ltr]They follow the general rule of bladed weapons, a straight and narrow blade with two cutting edges and a stabbing point. To counter the increased weight and to aid in use, they often come with a handle of increased length and a pommel to act as a counter-weight. Many of these have cruciform hilts to aid in defence.[/dir] [dir=ltr]Their increased range, potential for damage and defence make it popular among those who go into a fight with heavy armour and a shield.[/dir] [dir=ltr]Pros:[/dir]

• [dir=ltr]Good balance of range and defence capabilities[/dir]
  
• [dir=ltr]A well made blade will feel as balanced and poised as an extension of one's own arm[/dir]
  
• [dir=ltr]Can be used effectively with one or both hands while leaving the other free[/dir]
  

 [dir=ltr]Cons:[/dir]

• [dir=ltr]Requires more attention to detail to make it work for the user[/dir]
  
• [dir=ltr]Require some work to make it 'fit' it's user[/dir]
  
• [dir=ltr]Blade can flex dangerously if too much force is applied to the stabbing point

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 [dir=ltr]Greatswords[/dir][dir=ltr]This includes but not limited to varieties of Claymore, Zweihander and Long and Broadswords[/dir]

Spoiler

[dir=ltr]Not commonly seen among the regular soldiery or those without military family. They are usually reserved for higher ranking officers, elite or guard units and those on horseback.[/dir] [dir=ltr]As their name suggests, Greatswords are large. The blades alone can be up to and exceed 6 feet, the handle of these is extended to allow both hands to be used to apply more power to a swing or in one hand to do the same while on horseback.[/dir] [dir=ltr]Bog-standard greatswords and other types of greatsword follow the same general principle of blade with little deviation, save for the heavier pommel and wider cruciform hilt. While smaller swords rely on chopping, slashing and thrusting, the greatsword has the added advantage of weight, meaning that it can crack armour and crush bone quite handily.[/dir] [dir=ltr]These are almost entirely ineffective in the hands of shorter or weaker users. To use the sword effectively, the user should be taller than and have the strength to hold up and swing the blade.[/dir] [dir=ltr]Pros:[/dir]

• [dir=ltr]The longest blades made by Mesalians, Xitians and Lucins[/dir]
  
• [dir=ltr]Counter balance ratios are equal to medium swords[/dir]
  
• [dir=ltr]Difficult to parry and overpower[/dir]
  
• [dir=ltr]Have the potential to penetrate thin plate armour[/dir]
  

 [dir=ltr]Cons:[/dir]

• [dir=ltr]Heavier, longer and more unwieldy[/dir]
  
• [dir=ltr]Equally difficult to defend with[/dir]
  
• [dir=ltr]Take a longer time to swing[/dir]
  
• [dir=ltr]A lot of materials and work needed to make and maintain properly

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 [dir=ltr]Thrusting Swords[/dir][dir=ltr]

Spoiler

As the name suggests, thrusting swords lack cutting edges of any kind and focus solely on the penetrating power and thrust of the stabbing point.

They are generally thicker at the hilt but thin down the blade. Designed specifically with armoured opponents in mind, they make use of the thicker blade that does not bend and can put more power behind them than other types of sword. The majority of these elongated weapons were designed for agility, precision and rapid thrusting blows to exploit gaps in the enemy's shield wall and armor, or pierce iron or steel armour

They are rarely seen these days with most styles of swordplay taught making use of both thrusting and cutting. As such, they are a dying breed.

These are generally best used in situations where increased power through momentum can be applied to increase the penetration, such as breaking through armoured foes that are on foot while the user is on horseback or charging.

Pros:

• Unequaled penetration (among blades) against armoured targets
  
• The heavy blade can't cut as effectively, but it can bludgeon in a pinch
  
• Share some pros with short swords, namely the accuracy and weight
  

Cons:

• Lacks cutting edges
  
• Is designed for a singular purpose, therefore lacks versatility
  
• Requires a lot of material to manufacture the blade

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Curved Edge Swords[/dir][dir=ltr]This includes but not limited to varieties of Scimitar, Backsword, katanas some Sabres and Slashing Swords[/dir]

Spoiler

[dir=ltr]The final type of bladed weapon in this guide and that are readily available in many regions of the Middle Realm.[/dir] [dir=ltr]Again as the name suggests the blade is curved. They commonly share the length of their straight bladed counterparts but have a single cutting edge and usually lack the stabbing point. This is due to the nature of the blade's curve, being able to make the single cutting edge longer without extending the blade an undesirable amount. This however also restricts the use of stabbing points unless the point itself is adapted to face forward rather than upward in the direction of the blade and the user is prepared for the increased bend of the thinner blade.[/dir] [dir=ltr]The additional length of the cutting edge and the focus on a single edge allows for a thinner and longer edge which can create longer, deeper wounds and more chance for fatal injury to the body's vital components or disable an opponent entirely by slicing through tendons.[/dir] [dir=ltr]This type of blade is not recommended for beginners or those who do not wish to cause irreparable damage to their opponent.[/dir] [dir=ltr]Pros:[/dir]

• [dir=ltr]Longer and deeper cuts, can even dismember and behead with relative ease[/dir]
  
• [dir=ltr]Can be drawn and make a slashing attack in a single move[/dir]
  
• [dir=ltr]Maintain the good range of their straight edged counterparts[/dir]
  
• [dir=ltr]Can be used one or two handed with little negative change in effectiveness due to lighter weight[/dir]
  

 [dir=ltr]Cons:[/dir]

• [dir=ltr]Thinner blade is easier to break[/dir]
  
• [dir=ltr]Less effective stabbing point, if any[/dir]
  
• [dir=ltr]Can be tricky to make for less experienced smiths[/dir]
  
• [dir=ltr]Thinner cutting edge requires more maintenance to keep edge sharp

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