Melee weapons and their clichés

[MultiversalInk]

By the way, any info on the pros and cons of spears, naginatas, glaives and voulges?
My favorite medieval weapons ^^

[Rilla]

The only problem I see with long reach weapons, is that if someone can get past the end and a little ways down the rod; you're effectively screwed in terms of using it as an attacking weapon.

[Unfamiliar Difference]

Though that is a problem with anything longer than a short sword. If you can step inside the swing, A) the swing loses all power and B) they would find it difficult to swing again. Obviously the shorter the weapon the easier it is to swing in close range, and therefore the less of an advantage stepping into it gives. Have a knife handy, step in, block as you do (or let it hit if you can take the blow), draw the knife, stab.

If someone is using a longsword effectively, I assume (no actual knowledge here) that they would usually and optimally only use the end few inches of the sword, as that has the most momentum when swung. If you get halfway down the sword, it has half the power. A bit more weight, but still less power.

[DancerVeiled]

Pommel strike, counterpunch, kick, basket hilt + face, resort to quarterstaff tactics, halfsword choke, ect.

The weapon is an extention of the body, if the primary means of attack becomes useless, it does not prevent you from fighting.

[Sir Leadhead]

Pointy sticks for the win!

as far as 1x1 fighting goes... i dont know, but if you are in a midevil army, and there's a big-ass horse charging at you, just set the base of the spear against the ground, hold on, and let the stupid knight shish-kabob his horse. Then, while hes knocked over, whip out your gladius and get stabby.

Im refering to roman legion tactics against enemy calvery, of course. I dont really know much about 1x1 combat, though... but a gladius could do a lot if you got close enough to the enemy.

[Azarthes]

Okay, this is going to be kinda rambly and confusing so...
@Sir Leatherhead

Spoiler

If you are against a calvery charge, you will not live. The simple truth is that a horseman can guild his horse very well, and the horse will veer to the side of the horse mans weapon. It is, and always will be harder to fight an enemy with the higher ground and a that is the advantage of riding a horse.

The only way you will kill a horsemen in 1x1 combat is, i would think a javelin or sling. They are not melee weapons but they are more accurate then a bow, faster to load then a crossbow and still pack enough 'empuh' to knock the horseman down dead. You most likely will not kill the horseman with a spear, otherwise called a pike, though throw-able the horses rode back then were trained for war not front propelling. You may kill a horseman with a spear or other staff weapon, you might its not probable but you could, most likely the lance will get you first which can be directed at you from a side veering horse but you have a chance. With swords, you will die from a horse man simply because it is like a high speed living spear that is directed at you and is evasive. If, by some mean you dodge the weapon, then a sword or mace coming from above is still as effective of a force coming from a horseman who still has the high ground which can veer off its main course to side swipe you, killing the tactic Sir LeatherHead mentioned before.

In Roman, Greek and other such tactics horsemen were the first out because the front like of infantry was screwed along with a couple lines after that, the only thing that killed the charge was those that died attacking horsemen from the side or barrages of arrows. The horseman barrage often was a given because it was usually the strongest card you can play in or out of a city. Outside of a city the calvery often was powerful enough to change the tie of war by gaining the high ground. Calvery vs. Calvery attack was very bloody, because not only was here huge quad-pedal beasts bucking and stamping there were weapons beating aside. Usually though the winning Calvery was from the one with the biggest help of cataphracts (Divisions of ground infantry with pikes (The common spear/javelin)) and archer divisions. The most common effect of the Calvery was to get the high ground, they were used offensive only.

Spears, the common weapon we call a spear is the pike, which is a ligth weight 3-4 meter weapon, it is either thrown or used as a two handed thrusting weapon. Now, Rilla is right in the first regard, it is to easy to side step the weapons most deadly aspect. The tip of the weapon is the most deadly attack you can use with a pike. DancerVeiled is also right, though the most dangerous attack of the weapon can be side stepped the most tactical part of the weapon is fully there. The spear still is flat at the base to point. The weapon is set on a sturdy pole that can be reversed. The thing your going to want to do with a side stepping person is bring the weapon in close. Do this but tilt the weapon so it becomes a sword slash, the most effective thing about that is they will thrust backwards from it, giving you another thrust opening.

If the opponent steps back with the thrust your charge's momentum gives option to using the end of the weapon to do a nasty upper cut which is another side step allowing you to punch out and flip the spear head to get the from the top of the head.

So in recap
Pros: It gains momentum fast and has a great reach, light and easily thrown along with making the whole weapon a great way to 'pwn face'
Cons: The most deadly and powerful attack is easily dodged and opens a lot of defenseless angles.

[Unfamiliar Difference]

Does not prevent, no, but seriously impairs your ability to fight, if your most effective means of attack is gone.

[DancerVeiled]

Does it? Depends on the situation, if he's a knight in full armor, and you have an arming sword, your most effective means of fighting is probably grappling.

Wrestling someone to death is, has, and will always be far more effective than most care to admit.

[Rilla]

. . .I'm currently in the process of. . . integrating grappling/locks/throws into another site I RP on, as part of my hand to hand class. . .

[VarockSvent]

Does it? Depends on the situation, if he's a knight in full armor, and you have an arming sword, your most effective means of fighting is probably grappling.

Wrestling someone to death is, has, and will always be far more effective than most care to admit.

Noooo, the most affective way is to push him over and then wail on him. Thats why halberds had hooks on em to pull a knight off his horse.