Post by Victus Brightblade on Mar 14, 2014 2:20:29 GMT -5
Weaponry is a key part of most characters in our story. In fact, they are the conduit of many actions and define how a character faces his challenges. A dagger makes your character take to stealth and speed to close in for a swift kill, whereas a greatsword demands attention from all around you. Many of our Champions are defined by their weapons. Riven’s broken sword relates to her spirit and Darius’s axe is a symbol of his power.
So, selecting a weapon for your character is a serious affair. To aid in this, I have written a guide to a majority of weapons. A lot of this information comes from Wiki and some various Youtube channels. I will do my best to condense this information (Katana is getting a small essay that I’m tucking in under a spoiler for your sanity).
After each weapon type, I will put in the average stats. A weapon can fall outside of these stats as that is the nature of averages. For example, the largest claymore on record is a sword measuring 7 feet 6 inches (2.24 m) and weighing 23 pounds (10 kg). The claymore was wielded by a 15th-century Scottish giant of unknown name and origin. It was real, but falls outside of the stats I put in here by a few leaps, skips, and airplane flights. So, the numbers are only guidelines, but don’t push your luck.
If you have any questions for me, do ask away, but read this first and see if I hit your question already.
Note: I am not doing every weapon. There are too many. If you want a weapon specifically added to this, ask me about it and I’ll talk to you about it. I'll add it to this list if I get enough requests.
I'm adding a quick image here courtesy of Riniac (who found it for me without being asked. Give yourself a cookie.) that should be helpful for you swordsmen out there. It should help you figure out the size of weapon you are using compared to others.
Greatsword:
These are the largest swords ever. They can take many forms some being single edges and others being double edged. The key factor to their classification is their length, so a good guess of whether the blade in question is a Longsword or a Greatsword is if you can wear it on your waist or not. If you have to wear it on your back (and you really shouldn't), it’s a Greatsword. These weapons are not for self defense as much as they are for battle due to the user’s inability to keep their weapon on their person at all times without being exposed to someone taking the weapon from their sheath and stabbing them with it, or just pulling them over.
In short, the Greatsword is NOT a civilian weapon and not carried regularly by people who wanted to not be seen as a threat.
Examples include: Claymore and Zweihander
Weight: 2 - 3.2 kg (4.4-7 lbs)
Length: up to 180 cm (6 feet)
Example Images:
Zweihander
Ned Stark's Ice
NOTE: Buster Swords are COMPLETELY FICTITIOUS! When someone attempted to forge a replica, it weighed in at around 75 pounds (34 Kilograms). No one could carry that into battle and expect to do much at all. You would not be able to swing the weapon effectively.
AS SEEN HERE.
As such I am personally against allowing them for human or yordle usage and have admin backing in this. (Fuck you, Tryndamere and Riven. Your weapons are as bullshit as Cloud’s and you know it. Stay in your corner and don’t share your toys with the other children.)
Victus Fast Fact: William Wallace is one of the best known Claymore users. He is best known for his victory at Stirling Bridge, where he forced the larger English army to send men across a narrow bridge. The English sent the infantry and then the cavalry, but the infantry could not get across the bridge. When the cavalry charged, the infantry were still on the bridge and it collapsed, drowning many of the English. The Scots also managed to kill the English Treasurer of Scotland and William is rumored to have skinned the man and used his hide to make a belt for his sword.
Western Long Sword:
This type of weapon emcompasses Longswords and Bastard Swords. D&D separates these while most weapon enthusiasts and historians place the weapons in the same group. So, I will henceforth refer to these types of weapon as ‘Longswords’. These are ‘smaller’ two handed weapons that offer a great deal of versatility, as they have cutting power and are great stabbing weapons. These weapons are meant to be worn on the waist and can be easily carried by one hand. They can be used one handed, but they have more power in a two handed technique. Most warriors used this two handed style when they lacked a shield. Personally unsure if they preferred to use a shield with these weapons or to hold them with both hands.
Longsword were designed with heavy plate in mind. Firstly, these blades (as were almost all Western blades) were high carbon steel only, and thus flexible. You could bend the blade a bit before it set in. So, if you smacked it against steel armor, you were less apt to damage the blade, although smacking your blade against plate would be a massive waste of time. Secondly, most Longswords had a point of some description, designed to stab through the gaps in plate and sometimes pierce the ringmail.
These swords should be worn on the hip for safety (same reasons as the Greatsword) and for simple equipping of the weapon.
Examples include: Elric’s Stormbringer, Aragon’s Andúril, Arthas’ Frostmourne, and Lion-O’s Sword of Omens.
Weight: avg. 1.1–1.8 kg (2.4–4.0 lb)
Length: total: avg. 100–130 cm (39–51 in)
blade: avg. 90–110 cm (35–43 in)
Width: 4.14–3.1 cm (1.63–1.22 in) that narrows to a point
Example image
Katana
TDLR: It is a thickened two handed saber that is a good weapon for cutting and has a durable edge, but is not designed with full suits of steel armor in mind.
Weight: .9-1.4 Kilograms (2-3 lbs)
Blade length: approx. 60–73 cm (23 5⁄8–28 3⁄4 in)
Arming sword:
Also known as a knightly sword, this weapon is the one handed version of its successor, the Longsword. This is one of the most versatile weapons out there as it could be held with a shield with little difficulty. There were also techniques used when the warrior had no shield involving an open hand for grappling. Equal parts cutting and stabbing lead to its fame, and to knights improving their armor. There are other short swords out there (gladius, spatha, Katzbalger, Viking sword), but this was the most popular version and is likely what you think of when you think of a knight with his shield.
Weight: avg. 1.1 kg (2.4 lb)
Length: avg. 90 cm (35 in)
Blade length: avg. 75 cm (30 in)
Example image
Victus Fast Fact: In approximately 800 AD, the Vikings started showing up with a different type of weapon, similar to the originals, but of much greater steel that tests show is from India. However, little is know about where in Scandinavia these weapons were forged. All that is know is that they have been stamped with the runes ‘+VLFBERH+T’ and so have been called Ulfberht. The steel of these blades would not be matched for several hundred years. After 1000 AD, these weapons stopped appearing, likely due to war changing and Vikings losing their raiding power and motivation.
Rapier:
The stabbing weapon. There is no better long stabbing sword. There are times a thrusting weapon is not what you want, but this one of the better primary thrusting weapons. Some have an edge, some don’t. Don't try to parry or block weapons larger than yours.
Weight: avg. 1 kg (2.2 lb)
Blade length: avg. 100 cm (39 in)
Width: avg. 2.5 cm (0.98 in) to sharp point
Example image
Dagger:
This is not a good weapon in a full engagement.
Those who use the dagger without a primary weapon in hand may prefer a dagger more in line with modern daggers that are often two edged and possess a point for versatility in attack. This dagger would be held sideways to more easily slide in between ribs.
((Following numbers are guesswork based off of images.))
Weight: avg. 0.5 kg (1 lb)
Blade length: 15-60 cm (6-24 in)
Example
Maces:
Cheap, yet highly effective crushing weapons. Metal maces are slightly heavier than their equivalently handed counterparts to increase momentum of the weapon’s head, but are shorter. There was also little training needed for these weapons.
These weapons are best suited for non-lethal takedowns or against armor. Law enforcement would make use of these weapons.
Warhammers operate similarly, but have more utility in the fact they can use the head of the weapon to parry attacks (specifically one handers for their ease of usage) while also being a bit unbalanced for those same reasons. Warhammers tended to be one handed weapons for cavalry, as the weapon could aid them in defense against spears.
Example Mace
Example Warhammer
Axe:
The anti-shield weapon, an axe excels at destroying wooden shields or removing many shields. The weight of the weapon is regularly less than a sword, but all of the weight is in the front of the head. It could parry spears with the top of the axe head and remove shields with the inside of it. Blocking a blow from an axe would make the shield arm sore, so many Norse axemen took to an aggressive style of combat that was about keep the defenders behind their shields.
Double-headed axes were rare and generally considered impractical due to weight and the fact that you got little out of the second head unless the first broke. As awkwardly weighted as it is, most professional warriors preferred swords.
A tactic I have seen used with two handed axes is maintaining what could be called a threat zone by constantly spinning the axe around your person and attacking whoever steps within that zone. However, letting someone into that zone without challenging their presence could lead to many issues.
Dane Axe
Victus Fast Fact: Berserkers did exist and were highly prized by the Norse commanders. They were a psychological weapon. They worked themselves into a hypnotic state of bloodlust and were set loose on enemies and confused/scared the enemy into retreat. After berserkers discarded armor and often cut themselves before going into battle, they charged in and started yelling gibberish while relentless beating on their foes. There was not a drop of defense in their mind. The less iron-willed soldiers would give ground to these maniacs simply because they did not know how to attack it. They were given no chance to think and attack. There was only keeping that maniac from gutting you and wearing your intestine as their new tie. This only really caught on in Europe and not for long. Axes fell out of grace shortly thereafter.
Duel Wielding:
Firstly, people do not use two long swords or axes. The weapons will lose damage and not get anything out of it. You could actually hurt yourself. So, get rid of that thought now. People used two weapon styles with a long and short weapon or two short weapons. (Only exception being a rare two rapier technique that looks awkward and its only saving grace is that you didn't really slash much and thus not cut yourself.)
In terms of battlefield usability...NO! This style of fighting is terrible in an situation involving ranged weaponry. This is why warriors went into battle with a two-handed weapon or a one handed weapon with a shield. If you had an open hand in battle, it had better have a shield to keep you alive or you better have it on your weapon and brutally murdering that schmuck that is trying to kill you. Holding a dagger in your off hand did not help you survive war and shields were standard issue. Shield can do everything a dagger can, but with less worrying about not getting hit. Shields are easy to learn, block arrows, bash people, and block most attacks. A dagger can only block or parry a few attacks, took more time to master, and could not deflect a rain of arrows.
However, two weapons were used in duels or when there were no other options in situations outside of warfare. During the 1600’s, dueling with two weapons was not unheard of and choosing to carry dagger and blade was the more common of these set-ups. The dagger was primarily used to parry attacks, like a buckler would. However, professional warriors carrying around a dagger were likely using it for less honest work, similar to the Japanese ninja who used farm tools and had no access or want of shields to protect themselves from samurai.
Polearm:
Polearms are long poles with a variety of blades on the end. The blades vary, but the pole length is around six feet (182 cm). These were primarily for military usage as anti-cavalry weapons as many of them posses a hook or axe of some sort that could remove rider from horse, but were also widely used to enforce lines of infantry to make charges very difficult for the enemy.
Example Halberd
Spear:
The second weapon invented, right after the club. This weapon is the thrusting weapon and very similar to the polearm. However, they excel at stopping charges and are easier to learn.
Edward Bruce is famous for using a line of spearmen to break the better equipped English Heavy Cavalry.
Example Image
Bow:
Bows come in several forms, but they all function in the same way. You pulled back on the string and release the arrow to stab someone many meters away. You hold the bow vertically when you shoot, so none of that horizontal stuff. Even cavalry hold the bow vertically when shooting. Holding the bow horizontally reduces your draw length and power.
On the note about cavalry, the Mongols and the Comanche were notorious for their shortbow armed horsemen. This light cavalry could harass and retreat with immunity from most retaliation. They also employed many devious tactics to lure their foes into traps. One such tactic was seen when fifty Rangers stumbled across twenty Comanche hunting buffalo. The Rangers took advantage of of their superior numbers to attack them. The Comanche retreated and the Rangers pursued until the Comanche suddenly numbered around two hundred and the Rangers were forced to retreat. A ravine and a swift retreat saved most of the Rangers (who claimed victory, the smug bastards. The Comanche must of heard ‘em braggin’ and proceeded to raid the nearby settlers with great prejudice). Some mounted archers today can launch 12 arrows in 17.80 seconds using techniques that are based of of Ancient archery styles and technology that was available to their ancestors.
Longbows have around 60 pound draw weight which can kill most large game, like moose or elk. This is the strongest longbow most hunters today use. Some archers did shoot bows with upwards of 200 pounds of draw weight, but these were trained soldiers as opposed to hunters. The extra weight was needed to improve the range of their shots on an open field. These warbows were inefficient in the forest, as your range was much shorter and the extra weight wasn’t needed to kill. However, an 80 pound bow could be used to hunt smaller game, as the extra velocity would help with small game’s agility, but I doubt most hunters went too far over 100 pounds.
Each bow is made to suit the user, thus the length of the bow and the strength of the bow vary to the user. If the bow isn’t a fit, then the archer loses accuracy.
Victus Tidbit: William Wallace is believed to have been a skilled archer as well as a swordsman and leader, as his personal crest has a bow on it. The bow he likely used would have a draw weight of 170 pounds.
Example images:
European Longbow
Mongol Shortbow
Crossbow:
Firstly lets compare the stats to a Longbow.
Source: www.thebeckoning.com/medieval/crossbow/cross_l_v_c.html
As anyone could tell you by comparing the designs, the crossbow was much more expensive, so why was it made and used as widely as it was? The stats above clearly indicate it wasn’t for its long ranged damage, although the crossbow had more penetrating power at short range.
History does have the answer and it might sound weird at first. The crossbow was made to SAVE MONEY. Longbowmen were specialists and thus more expensive to hire. The crossbow was simple to train and thus the kings could claim that the crossbowmen were regular soldiers (so, crossbowmen are basically scabs). However, this weapon has a slower firing rate and was heavier (around 20 pounds). A soldier in fear for his life and attempting to retreat would likely drop the weapon, whereas a longbowman could easily carry his and likely would as many of them made their own bow. However, a Crossbowman can draw the string and wait for minutes for his shot, whereas a Longbowman must fire soon after he draws.
This weapon was what did end the Mongol rampage, as the crossbowmen were more accurate and less likely to be hit than the mounted Mongol. A longbowman could have done the same, but when you needed massive numbers, the crossbowmen were cheaper to gather. Mercenaries augmented these ranks and the Mongols were forced out of their natural fighting style and lost their stranglehold over Asia.
Some notes here on the massive draw weight difference. The crossbow has a lower missile velocity to draw weight ratio because the length of the limbs are shorter and thus cannot put as much force into the bolt. Longer limbs would help resolve this, but as you lengthen the limbs, you have to increase the size of the crossbow and then you get some silly sized….like a ballista. Remember the crossbow is heavy as is, you don’t really want to carry around a forty pound crossbow just to say your bow hits harder.
Some crossbows did have metal limbs, but these bows required another device to cock the string and a friend to help you load.
Crossbow
Gun:
I could go into a variety of details here. Guns can do everything these days and are the primary tool of the military. They can do a variety of tasks, and I can spend days talking about specific weapon types.
Instead of what could be its own rant, I will put my requirements for guns for all OC’s here.
Full-automatic weapons: I am not allowing a true automatic weapon for any OC. I will allow a gatling gun that weighs in at over 60 pounds, crank fired, and inaccurate as hell. If you can carry it and fire it, you can.
Other than that, I will be tolerant of most weapons, but I advise that your weaponry is no more advanced than the early 1900’s. As you get more advanced, the more difficult it will be to be approved. I know magic can alter a gun’s effect, but that base of the design should not make the archers in our world pointless.
So, selecting a weapon for your character is a serious affair. To aid in this, I have written a guide to a majority of weapons. A lot of this information comes from Wiki and some various Youtube channels. I will do my best to condense this information (Katana is getting a small essay that I’m tucking in under a spoiler for your sanity).
After each weapon type, I will put in the average stats. A weapon can fall outside of these stats as that is the nature of averages. For example, the largest claymore on record is a sword measuring 7 feet 6 inches (2.24 m) and weighing 23 pounds (10 kg). The claymore was wielded by a 15th-century Scottish giant of unknown name and origin. It was real, but falls outside of the stats I put in here by a few leaps, skips, and airplane flights. So, the numbers are only guidelines, but don’t push your luck.
If you have any questions for me, do ask away, but read this first and see if I hit your question already.
Note: I am not doing every weapon. There are too many. If you want a weapon specifically added to this, ask me about it and I’ll talk to you about it. I'll add it to this list if I get enough requests.
I'm adding a quick image here courtesy of Riniac (who found it for me without being asked. Give yourself a cookie.) that should be helpful for you swordsmen out there. It should help you figure out the size of weapon you are using compared to others.
{CLICK TO SHOW SPOILER}
Again this is for a rough idea of your range of attack. Images are not 100% exact for all weapons.
Again this is for a rough idea of your range of attack. Images are not 100% exact for all weapons.
Greatsword:
These are the largest swords ever. They can take many forms some being single edges and others being double edged. The key factor to their classification is their length, so a good guess of whether the blade in question is a Longsword or a Greatsword is if you can wear it on your waist or not. If you have to wear it on your back (and you really shouldn't), it’s a Greatsword. These weapons are not for self defense as much as they are for battle due to the user’s inability to keep their weapon on their person at all times without being exposed to someone taking the weapon from their sheath and stabbing them with it, or just pulling them over.
In short, the Greatsword is NOT a civilian weapon and not carried regularly by people who wanted to not be seen as a threat.
Examples include: Claymore and Zweihander
Weight: 2 - 3.2 kg (4.4-7 lbs)
Length: up to 180 cm (6 feet)
Example Images:
Zweihander
Ned Stark's Ice
NOTE: Buster Swords are COMPLETELY FICTITIOUS! When someone attempted to forge a replica, it weighed in at around 75 pounds (34 Kilograms). No one could carry that into battle and expect to do much at all. You would not be able to swing the weapon effectively.
AS SEEN HERE.
As such I am personally against allowing them for human or yordle usage and have admin backing in this. (Fuck you, Tryndamere and Riven. Your weapons are as bullshit as Cloud’s and you know it. Stay in your corner and don’t share your toys with the other children.)
Victus Fast Fact: William Wallace is one of the best known Claymore users. He is best known for his victory at Stirling Bridge, where he forced the larger English army to send men across a narrow bridge. The English sent the infantry and then the cavalry, but the infantry could not get across the bridge. When the cavalry charged, the infantry were still on the bridge and it collapsed, drowning many of the English. The Scots also managed to kill the English Treasurer of Scotland and William is rumored to have skinned the man and used his hide to make a belt for his sword.
Western Long Sword:
This type of weapon emcompasses Longswords and Bastard Swords. D&D separates these while most weapon enthusiasts and historians place the weapons in the same group. So, I will henceforth refer to these types of weapon as ‘Longswords’. These are ‘smaller’ two handed weapons that offer a great deal of versatility, as they have cutting power and are great stabbing weapons. These weapons are meant to be worn on the waist and can be easily carried by one hand. They can be used one handed, but they have more power in a two handed technique. Most warriors used this two handed style when they lacked a shield. Personally unsure if they preferred to use a shield with these weapons or to hold them with both hands.
Longsword were designed with heavy plate in mind. Firstly, these blades (as were almost all Western blades) were high carbon steel only, and thus flexible. You could bend the blade a bit before it set in. So, if you smacked it against steel armor, you were less apt to damage the blade, although smacking your blade against plate would be a massive waste of time. Secondly, most Longswords had a point of some description, designed to stab through the gaps in plate and sometimes pierce the ringmail.
These swords should be worn on the hip for safety (same reasons as the Greatsword) and for simple equipping of the weapon.
Examples include: Elric’s Stormbringer, Aragon’s Andúril, Arthas’ Frostmourne, and Lion-O’s Sword of Omens.
Weight: avg. 1.1–1.8 kg (2.4–4.0 lb)
Length: total: avg. 100–130 cm (39–51 in)
blade: avg. 90–110 cm (35–43 in)
Width: 4.14–3.1 cm (1.63–1.22 in) that narrows to a point
Example image
Katana
{Spoiler}{Spoiler}{Spoiler}{Katana Rant: Long Version}The Japanese Longsword. I feel I must start this off with a disclaimer. This is NOT the greatest weapon in the realm known as Earth. Do not take this to mean I think it is a BAD weapon. It’s a rather good one, but it is not perfect and has flaws to it. I’m going to hammer these flaws a bit and I hope this doesn't discourage you. I've purposely looked for facts about Katana, and the western sword users on youtube are rather annoyed with the un-educated people talking about katanas based on myth, so they give out the flaws rather freely. Again, Katana are not bad weapons. They do a remarkable job at cutting down foes, but they are not magical. Just like a Longsword, they are metal sticks that have been sharpened to cut and stab. So, on to the Cons!
The blade itself is shorter than western Longswords and a few one handed swords like sabers. Shorter blades generally have a difficult time with longer weapons. This is normally countered by being lightweight, but the Katana is a thick and heavy blade. A saber is about 1.7 pounds (800 grams) and a Katana is about 2.33 pounds (1 kilogram) and both blades are of similar length.
Next, the handle of the Katana. It is a long hilt with no pommel, which is not an ideal means of attack. However, I also have an issue with the disk guard, as it grants the user no control of a blade that strikes it and makes the user more vulnerable at their hands than a crossguard (as seen on many Longswords). The crossguard is also available as a means of attack on a Longsword.
To dispel a myth really quickly, the Katana’s design does not allow it to be faster than a Longsword. If one was testing the tip of a Longsword versus the tip of a katana swung in the same way by the same person, they would find the Longsword’s was faster due to the fact the tip had farther to go as the longsword is longer. However, testing the tip on the katana versus the equivalent distance on the Longsword would show the speed was the same. In short, no notable difference in speed from Katana to Longsword on the basis of design.
That is simply the design of the blade, not the technique. Samurai valued speed and grace whereas Knights require more strength to assist in the taking down of other knights.
Now, I NEED to hit the Pros, because someone out there is weeping pitifully like a puppy in the rain and I want none of that. Unless you’re a chihuahua… (#MastiffsForLife)
Firstly, I am going to hit a pro that is also a con, as it needs said. The Katana has a bi-steel design, with a softer steel spine and a hard high carbon edge. This allows for a better and easier cut, as the blade is stiff and is not apt to vibrating in its victim. However, the Katana is more apt to bend and set or even break than a Longsword (AS SEEN HERE (Video seems a BIT bias, but the general idea is true)), which I have already said has some springiness to it naturally (noting that they suffer from the aforementioned vibration in their victims and thus have that weakened cut). Also, the hardened edge of the blade required a bit less maintenance, as the blade held its edge better.
(As a note for why this was and also why the blade is shorter, Japan did not have as much good steel as the West. The folding steel technique was used to compensate for the weak iron sand that was available. Thus when forging the Katana, you had to make every bit of steel count and so a shorter blade with less high carbon steel was called for. This allowed for more swords and Naginata to be made. This is also why Samurai were not as well armored as Knights. Europe had much more iron ore and thus swords were more easily produced and in great quantity.)
Secondly, the curved edge design. Single edged blades have less points of attack. You only have one sharp edge, the point, the guard, and the hilt. This design is also poorly suited for stabbing as the blade is not in line with your arm and is also only cutting on one side as it attempts to enter the body, thus making it difficult to penetrate. However, the poor hilt in comparison to a Longsword aside, the blade of the Katana has a clear advantage in defensive usage due to its ability to better use the spine to parry. A longsword is more apt to parry edge to edge, which can easily damage the edge. A longsword user wants to parry with the flat of the blade. The Katana has that spine that serves little offensive purpose, and thus is prime area to used to parry (and then counter) effectively. Many schools of Japanese fencing incorporate this in their teachings.
Continuing on with the design of the blade itself, curved weapons are great at cutting. They have a larger area of attack by dragging the blade through its victim. Notably the Kukri, Tulwar, and Sabre are all great cutting weapons and the Katana is among their ranks. However, all of these blades suffer from a shorter range of attack than their straight edged kin.
The blade itself is shorter than western Longswords and a few one handed swords like sabers. Shorter blades generally have a difficult time with longer weapons. This is normally countered by being lightweight, but the Katana is a thick and heavy blade. A saber is about 1.7 pounds (800 grams) and a Katana is about 2.33 pounds (1 kilogram) and both blades are of similar length.
Next, the handle of the Katana. It is a long hilt with no pommel, which is not an ideal means of attack. However, I also have an issue with the disk guard, as it grants the user no control of a blade that strikes it and makes the user more vulnerable at their hands than a crossguard (as seen on many Longswords). The crossguard is also available as a means of attack on a Longsword.
To dispel a myth really quickly, the Katana’s design does not allow it to be faster than a Longsword. If one was testing the tip of a Longsword versus the tip of a katana swung in the same way by the same person, they would find the Longsword’s was faster due to the fact the tip had farther to go as the longsword is longer. However, testing the tip on the katana versus the equivalent distance on the Longsword would show the speed was the same. In short, no notable difference in speed from Katana to Longsword on the basis of design.
That is simply the design of the blade, not the technique. Samurai valued speed and grace whereas Knights require more strength to assist in the taking down of other knights.
Now, I NEED to hit the Pros, because someone out there is weeping pitifully like a puppy in the rain and I want none of that. Unless you’re a chihuahua… (#MastiffsForLife)
Firstly, I am going to hit a pro that is also a con, as it needs said. The Katana has a bi-steel design, with a softer steel spine and a hard high carbon edge. This allows for a better and easier cut, as the blade is stiff and is not apt to vibrating in its victim. However, the Katana is more apt to bend and set or even break than a Longsword (AS SEEN HERE (Video seems a BIT bias, but the general idea is true)), which I have already said has some springiness to it naturally (noting that they suffer from the aforementioned vibration in their victims and thus have that weakened cut). Also, the hardened edge of the blade required a bit less maintenance, as the blade held its edge better.
(As a note for why this was and also why the blade is shorter, Japan did not have as much good steel as the West. The folding steel technique was used to compensate for the weak iron sand that was available. Thus when forging the Katana, you had to make every bit of steel count and so a shorter blade with less high carbon steel was called for. This allowed for more swords and Naginata to be made. This is also why Samurai were not as well armored as Knights. Europe had much more iron ore and thus swords were more easily produced and in great quantity.)
Secondly, the curved edge design. Single edged blades have less points of attack. You only have one sharp edge, the point, the guard, and the hilt. This design is also poorly suited for stabbing as the blade is not in line with your arm and is also only cutting on one side as it attempts to enter the body, thus making it difficult to penetrate. However, the poor hilt in comparison to a Longsword aside, the blade of the Katana has a clear advantage in defensive usage due to its ability to better use the spine to parry. A longsword is more apt to parry edge to edge, which can easily damage the edge. A longsword user wants to parry with the flat of the blade. The Katana has that spine that serves little offensive purpose, and thus is prime area to used to parry (and then counter) effectively. Many schools of Japanese fencing incorporate this in their teachings.
Continuing on with the design of the blade itself, curved weapons are great at cutting. They have a larger area of attack by dragging the blade through its victim. Notably the Kukri, Tulwar, and Sabre are all great cutting weapons and the Katana is among their ranks. However, all of these blades suffer from a shorter range of attack than their straight edged kin.
TDLR: It is a thickened two handed saber that is a good weapon for cutting and has a durable edge, but is not designed with full suits of steel armor in mind.
Weight: .9-1.4 Kilograms (2-3 lbs)
Blade length: approx. 60–73 cm (23 5⁄8–28 3⁄4 in)
Arming sword:
Also known as a knightly sword, this weapon is the one handed version of its successor, the Longsword. This is one of the most versatile weapons out there as it could be held with a shield with little difficulty. There were also techniques used when the warrior had no shield involving an open hand for grappling. Equal parts cutting and stabbing lead to its fame, and to knights improving their armor. There are other short swords out there (gladius, spatha, Katzbalger, Viking sword), but this was the most popular version and is likely what you think of when you think of a knight with his shield.
Weight: avg. 1.1 kg (2.4 lb)
Length: avg. 90 cm (35 in)
Blade length: avg. 75 cm (30 in)
Example image
Victus Fast Fact: In approximately 800 AD, the Vikings started showing up with a different type of weapon, similar to the originals, but of much greater steel that tests show is from India. However, little is know about where in Scandinavia these weapons were forged. All that is know is that they have been stamped with the runes ‘+VLFBERH+T’ and so have been called Ulfberht. The steel of these blades would not be matched for several hundred years. After 1000 AD, these weapons stopped appearing, likely due to war changing and Vikings losing their raiding power and motivation.
Rapier:
The stabbing weapon. There is no better long stabbing sword. There are times a thrusting weapon is not what you want, but this one of the better primary thrusting weapons. Some have an edge, some don’t. Don't try to parry or block weapons larger than yours.
Weight: avg. 1 kg (2.2 lb)
Blade length: avg. 100 cm (39 in)
Width: avg. 2.5 cm (0.98 in) to sharp point
Example image
Dagger:
This is not a good weapon in a full engagement.
Those who use the dagger without a primary weapon in hand may prefer a dagger more in line with modern daggers that are often two edged and possess a point for versatility in attack. This dagger would be held sideways to more easily slide in between ribs.
((Following numbers are guesswork based off of images.))
Weight: avg. 0.5 kg (1 lb)
Blade length: 15-60 cm (6-24 in)
Example
Maces:
Cheap, yet highly effective crushing weapons. Metal maces are slightly heavier than their equivalently handed counterparts to increase momentum of the weapon’s head, but are shorter. There was also little training needed for these weapons.
These weapons are best suited for non-lethal takedowns or against armor. Law enforcement would make use of these weapons.
Warhammers operate similarly, but have more utility in the fact they can use the head of the weapon to parry attacks (specifically one handers for their ease of usage) while also being a bit unbalanced for those same reasons. Warhammers tended to be one handed weapons for cavalry, as the weapon could aid them in defense against spears.
Example Mace
Example Warhammer
Axe:
The anti-shield weapon, an axe excels at destroying wooden shields or removing many shields. The weight of the weapon is regularly less than a sword, but all of the weight is in the front of the head. It could parry spears with the top of the axe head and remove shields with the inside of it. Blocking a blow from an axe would make the shield arm sore, so many Norse axemen took to an aggressive style of combat that was about keep the defenders behind their shields.
Double-headed axes were rare and generally considered impractical due to weight and the fact that you got little out of the second head unless the first broke. As awkwardly weighted as it is, most professional warriors preferred swords.
A tactic I have seen used with two handed axes is maintaining what could be called a threat zone by constantly spinning the axe around your person and attacking whoever steps within that zone. However, letting someone into that zone without challenging their presence could lead to many issues.
Dane Axe
Victus Fast Fact: Berserkers did exist and were highly prized by the Norse commanders. They were a psychological weapon. They worked themselves into a hypnotic state of bloodlust and were set loose on enemies and confused/scared the enemy into retreat. After berserkers discarded armor and often cut themselves before going into battle, they charged in and started yelling gibberish while relentless beating on their foes. There was not a drop of defense in their mind. The less iron-willed soldiers would give ground to these maniacs simply because they did not know how to attack it. They were given no chance to think and attack. There was only keeping that maniac from gutting you and wearing your intestine as their new tie. This only really caught on in Europe and not for long. Axes fell out of grace shortly thereafter.
Duel Wielding:
Firstly, people do not use two long swords or axes. The weapons will lose damage and not get anything out of it. You could actually hurt yourself. So, get rid of that thought now. People used two weapon styles with a long and short weapon or two short weapons. (Only exception being a rare two rapier technique that looks awkward and its only saving grace is that you didn't really slash much and thus not cut yourself.)
In terms of battlefield usability...NO! This style of fighting is terrible in an situation involving ranged weaponry. This is why warriors went into battle with a two-handed weapon or a one handed weapon with a shield. If you had an open hand in battle, it had better have a shield to keep you alive or you better have it on your weapon and brutally murdering that schmuck that is trying to kill you. Holding a dagger in your off hand did not help you survive war and shields were standard issue. Shield can do everything a dagger can, but with less worrying about not getting hit. Shields are easy to learn, block arrows, bash people, and block most attacks. A dagger can only block or parry a few attacks, took more time to master, and could not deflect a rain of arrows.
However, two weapons were used in duels or when there were no other options in situations outside of warfare. During the 1600’s, dueling with two weapons was not unheard of and choosing to carry dagger and blade was the more common of these set-ups. The dagger was primarily used to parry attacks, like a buckler would. However, professional warriors carrying around a dagger were likely using it for less honest work, similar to the Japanese ninja who used farm tools and had no access or want of shields to protect themselves from samurai.
Polearm:
Polearms are long poles with a variety of blades on the end. The blades vary, but the pole length is around six feet (182 cm). These were primarily for military usage as anti-cavalry weapons as many of them posses a hook or axe of some sort that could remove rider from horse, but were also widely used to enforce lines of infantry to make charges very difficult for the enemy.
Example Halberd
Spear:
The second weapon invented, right after the club. This weapon is the thrusting weapon and very similar to the polearm. However, they excel at stopping charges and are easier to learn.
Edward Bruce is famous for using a line of spearmen to break the better equipped English Heavy Cavalry.
Example Image
Bow:
Bows come in several forms, but they all function in the same way. You pulled back on the string and release the arrow to stab someone many meters away. You hold the bow vertically when you shoot, so none of that horizontal stuff. Even cavalry hold the bow vertically when shooting. Holding the bow horizontally reduces your draw length and power.
On the note about cavalry, the Mongols and the Comanche were notorious for their shortbow armed horsemen. This light cavalry could harass and retreat with immunity from most retaliation. They also employed many devious tactics to lure their foes into traps. One such tactic was seen when fifty Rangers stumbled across twenty Comanche hunting buffalo. The Rangers took advantage of of their superior numbers to attack them. The Comanche retreated and the Rangers pursued until the Comanche suddenly numbered around two hundred and the Rangers were forced to retreat. A ravine and a swift retreat saved most of the Rangers (who claimed victory, the smug bastards. The Comanche must of heard ‘em braggin’ and proceeded to raid the nearby settlers with great prejudice). Some mounted archers today can launch 12 arrows in 17.80 seconds using techniques that are based of of Ancient archery styles and technology that was available to their ancestors.
Longbows have around 60 pound draw weight which can kill most large game, like moose or elk. This is the strongest longbow most hunters today use. Some archers did shoot bows with upwards of 200 pounds of draw weight, but these were trained soldiers as opposed to hunters. The extra weight was needed to improve the range of their shots on an open field. These warbows were inefficient in the forest, as your range was much shorter and the extra weight wasn’t needed to kill. However, an 80 pound bow could be used to hunt smaller game, as the extra velocity would help with small game’s agility, but I doubt most hunters went too far over 100 pounds.
Each bow is made to suit the user, thus the length of the bow and the strength of the bow vary to the user. If the bow isn’t a fit, then the archer loses accuracy.
Victus Tidbit: William Wallace is believed to have been a skilled archer as well as a swordsman and leader, as his personal crest has a bow on it. The bow he likely used would have a draw weight of 170 pounds.
Example images:
European Longbow
Mongol Shortbow
Crossbow:
Firstly lets compare the stats to a Longbow.
| Type of Weapon | Draw weight | Bolt weight | Speed of bolt | Difference |
| Longbow | 68 lbs. | 2.5 oz | 133.7 fps | Not much!! |
| Crossbow | 740 lbs | 1.25 oz. | 138.7 fps | Not much!! |
Source: www.thebeckoning.com/medieval/crossbow/cross_l_v_c.html
As anyone could tell you by comparing the designs, the crossbow was much more expensive, so why was it made and used as widely as it was? The stats above clearly indicate it wasn’t for its long ranged damage, although the crossbow had more penetrating power at short range.
History does have the answer and it might sound weird at first. The crossbow was made to SAVE MONEY. Longbowmen were specialists and thus more expensive to hire. The crossbow was simple to train and thus the kings could claim that the crossbowmen were regular soldiers (so, crossbowmen are basically scabs). However, this weapon has a slower firing rate and was heavier (around 20 pounds). A soldier in fear for his life and attempting to retreat would likely drop the weapon, whereas a longbowman could easily carry his and likely would as many of them made their own bow. However, a Crossbowman can draw the string and wait for minutes for his shot, whereas a Longbowman must fire soon after he draws.
This weapon was what did end the Mongol rampage, as the crossbowmen were more accurate and less likely to be hit than the mounted Mongol. A longbowman could have done the same, but when you needed massive numbers, the crossbowmen were cheaper to gather. Mercenaries augmented these ranks and the Mongols were forced out of their natural fighting style and lost their stranglehold over Asia.
Some notes here on the massive draw weight difference. The crossbow has a lower missile velocity to draw weight ratio because the length of the limbs are shorter and thus cannot put as much force into the bolt. Longer limbs would help resolve this, but as you lengthen the limbs, you have to increase the size of the crossbow and then you get some silly sized….like a ballista. Remember the crossbow is heavy as is, you don’t really want to carry around a forty pound crossbow just to say your bow hits harder.
Some crossbows did have metal limbs, but these bows required another device to cock the string and a friend to help you load.
Crossbow
Gun:
I could go into a variety of details here. Guns can do everything these days and are the primary tool of the military. They can do a variety of tasks, and I can spend days talking about specific weapon types.
Instead of what could be its own rant, I will put my requirements for guns for all OC’s here.
Full-automatic weapons: I am not allowing a true automatic weapon for any OC. I will allow a gatling gun that weighs in at over 60 pounds, crank fired, and inaccurate as hell. If you can carry it and fire it, you can.
Other than that, I will be tolerant of most weapons, but I advise that your weaponry is no more advanced than the early 1900’s. As you get more advanced, the more difficult it will be to be approved. I know magic can alter a gun’s effect, but that base of the design should not make the archers in our world pointless.
