Weapon of Choice

[WarBringer]

Many weapons exist on middle earth...Which is most effective?The magical staff, the masterful sword, the crude scimitar, or something else?

I think the Sword, because in the right hands, a sword wielding warrior can be unstoppable.

[Meela]

mmmm.... sword...

im learning to use a sword

[the witch king]

If it counts the ring of power lol

[MLD-Grounds-Keeper-Willie]

Yes, I agree, the sword. Think about it and the history of it. Most great warriors held teh sword too, and not just in ME. Think about it in the middle-ages, like William Wallace or Joan of Arc. I think that it is most effective, because there are many variations of it and it will suit the fighting style of a warrior. It can be quick and powerful. Some can be held with one, others need to, and some can be either way. The onehanded swords only need one hand obviously, so you can keep the other hand free, hold a shield (this helps in balancing your offense and defense) or you can even hold another sword. Even if you're using a two-handed sword, you can still use the sword to block to some degree.

[the real findorfin]

Well after all this about swords, I think i'll try something else.....Bows.

Bows are a perfect long range weapon which, when used collectively can stop swordsmen dead in their tracks (literally). Think of the English Longbowmen, the most feared enemies through parts of European Medieval History.

Go Longbow

[WarBringer]

The longbow is good, but what about in hand to hand combat?It wouldnt stand a chance. Also, its only as good as the number of arrows you have.

[the phantom]

I know it's not original, but I'll say that overall (note, I said overall, not in every situation) the sword is the best. From Turin and Fingolfin all the way to Elendil through Aragorn, most of the great warriors became famous in battle while weilding their sword.

Exceptions would be Gil-Galad's with his spear and Hurin with his axe (and a few others).

[Durelin]

I'd like a RPG launcher but, ME doesn't have them. smilies/frown.gif I think I would just throw rocks. I can throw real hard but I don't wanna know how good I am at using a sword or a bow or something. I'd end up not only dying (duh) but taking some of my allies with me! smilies/biggrin.gif But, if I could do what an elf or man could do in ME I would probably choose the bow because I like to pick people off from long range! I also prefer hiding behind a big boulder and shooting people from charging at them! smilies/biggrin.gif

[Aengthrea Greenleaf Of Mirkwood]

Hmmm I would want to use a bow for a reason which is already obvious.

[TheLordNazgul]

I'll go with a bow or a longsword (bows are sooooo awesome in the right hands

[Durelin]

I don't know if that is a real good reason for wanting to use a bow Aengthrea! Although, I guess it persuaded me a little to choose the bow! smilies/biggrin.gif

200 POSTS!! YAY!! I ROCK!! Right, I'm okay! smilies/biggrin.gif Yes!

[HammerTime]

Well, just to be different I'd have to say, when in the right hands, a magical staff would be best. Think of any swordsman, say Aragorn with Narsil, running at Gandalf. Gandalf raises his staff and BANG... So long Aragorn.
I also think a bow fitted with (if this is possible, or feasible) mithril tipped arrows. Fired at speed, surely they would pierce armour.

[steve]

the most deadly weapon in Middle earth woudl have to be either a crossbow because a long bow does damage from afar byt if your enemy closes the gap between you, your dead.
or i would choose a Bardache, for those of you unknown it is a long polearm with a large semicircle blace on the end similar to a Ax but alot more deadly

[Orual]

I think it depends on the circumstances, but I'd choose either a bow or a sword. It would depend on the type of fighting I'd be doing.

~*~Orual~*~

[Pherdacilion the Elf]

Come on, get with it people, the best would definitely be the staff!
Can a sword provide light in the dark?
Can a swordsman attack you from far off with spells?
Can a sword double as a walking stick?
Can you make an excuse not to consider a sword a weapon?
My conclusion: The magical staff (in capable hands) is infinitely better than a sword, bow, etc.

[Vardamar]

Well I think that the elves have the right idea. Use both bows and swords. While a bow can kill your enemy before he can get to you (always a good thing), you will eventually run out of arrows, and/or there will be so many enemies, that they will over run your position. This is where your sword will come in handy.
You cant say which weapon is best overall, because different weapons have different function. You wouldn’t want to use a bow in close quarters combat. And you wouldn’t want to use a sword a long range.

By the way has anyone tried to a sword like object in the way the elves in the movie do?
I can’t get it to swing straight in front
of me, it always go to the side some. look in the pic.

http://www.lordoftherings.net/media/desktops/effects_prologue_800.jpg

[Jesse]

In my opinion, the most powerful and effective weapon in Middle Earth would have to be a wizard's staff. He can cast spells with it and do many things with it.

[Arpinor Romenel]

A sword is my choice weapon. It is fairly difficult, though. Anyway, it is an extremely reliable weapon and, if made properly, can last for ages.

[elven maiden Earwen]

i think any wepon is powerful i mean depending on how you use it.
for gimli legolas or agagorn gandalf sauron and so on all have diffeernt kind of wepons(ax,bow,sword,staff,rings of power).each of these wepons are very effective and are more effectife depending on whose using it. my fav though is a bow. smilies/biggrin.gif smilies/biggrin.gif smilies/biggrin.gif

[Demloth of Dol Amroth]

hey people- i'm back. saw this thread and decided to hop in. for me, two-handed sword or hand-and-half sword. i don't do sword and shield too well, it doesn't feel right. I WANT NARSIL BAD!!! i do, however, have the gold-plated one ring. to wield a magical staff, going strictly by canon, you would *have* to be a maia at least. bows are okay, i might be able to shoot something with one of those, but probably not whatever i was aiming at.

[ February 02, 2003: Message edited by: Demloth of Dol Amroth ]

[lathspell]

After all this swords-stuff, and naming good examples... I say: 'No sword, but an axe or a morningstar!'
The axe had many good examples as well:Turin, Gimli, Dain and many other Dwarves!
Apparently I like Dwarves, so that may be the reason for me taking an Axe!

[Evenstar1069]

A bow at long range and a spear for uhh... not long range. Swords are heavy I don't think I'd do too well with one. smilies/rolleyes.gif

[devil_666]

I'd definetly say bows and arrows is my style. they're so freaking practical. they're light weight and easy to use and aim with, but my second choise would definately be a sword or a shay-ray.

smilies/evil.gif what can I say I'm a weaponry girl in every sence of the words

[Anorien]

hmm, i'd choose the magical elven spatula, for those burger flipping Mirkwooders! or maybe the magical pointy hat of Saruman...did he have a hat? smilies/biggrin.gif

[ February 03, 2003: Message edited by: Anorien ]

[doug*platypus]

Weapon of Choice
Love (awww...).

Or the Phial of Galadriel.

Or Grond.

[Frodo Baggins]

Well I was going to say a nice, long broadsword, but those of you that recommended it make good arguments for a wizard's staff.

If you dont have a staff, I'd go for a strong broadsword. And, if you are disarmed, or if Hama makes you leave it at the door, keep a useful sized dagger in your sleeve. Just for emergencies. smilies/wink.gif

[the guy who be short]

swords? staffs? bows?
imagine the scene. your walking down the street with a bow in your hand. ur gonna get arrested!
now, in real life, you need a ruler. its what i use. i tuck them in my belt or pockets, and make sure i always have 1 handy. any1 threatens me, i stick a sharp metal/ serrated plastic ruler n them.

my second choice wood b a bowmerang.
this is a "bow" made of 4 rulers stuck together in a boomerang shape, with a piece of elastic to use as string. (i fire pens) the good thing is, if you run outta pens, u can use the bow as a boomerang - throw it! thus the name

[Aerandir Carnesir]

I would definitley want to use one of those magical elvish blades that glow blue when orcs are around, like Sting, Orcbane, Glamdring, etc. In the Hobbit, doesn't it kind of say that Glamdring also glows when orcs are around? I have a cheap remake of Glamdring and I was just wondering.

I would have a bow as a secondary weapon. You can only use a bow for so long. Even Legolas/Elves have to use their knives eventually.

[Ten'oio]

Although a wizard's staff would be pretty awsome...I'd have to agree with Aerandir on this one(sting, Orcbane, etc...). Those swords are so cool!

[NAri Brassbow]

one word "GROND" or Sauron's mace or some kind of enchanted ax

[Durion the Dark]

c'mon, there is no class on this message board. Everything is either arrow this, or sword that!,....can not swords be stopped by simple armor even,..but hey, every waeopn has its faults. So I'd pick a MACE, a clerical weapon with power, and no matter what kinda armor you wearing its gonna crush bones....(rolls eyes at everyone so bold as to put magical weapon, i.e. magic axe, instead of using talent to fight) P.S. no offense to mages.

[Lhuntathrawen]

swords? staffs? bows?
imagine the scene. your walking down the street with a bow in your hand. ur gonna get arrested!
now, in real life, you need a ruler. its what i use. i tuck them in my belt or pockets, and make sure i always have 1 handy. any1 threatens me, i stick a sharp metal/ serrated plastic ruler n them.
my second choice wood b a bowmerang.
this is a "bow" made of 4 rulers stuck together in a boomerang shape, with a piece of elastic to use as string. (i fire pens) the good thing is, if you run outta pens, u can use the bow as a boomerang - throw it! thus the name


smilies/biggrin.gif that is probably the coolest thing i have ever heard!! i am so going to do that during my History class. i know exactly who i'm gonna get too..hehe smilies/evil.gif
anywho, i'd use a sword or the wizard's staff. i like the maigical quality of the staff, but a sword talkes mucho skill to handle, i think (not ever having handled one)and looks sort of artistic yet at the same time deadly. kewlness, dontcha think?

[Rynoah, the Overly-Happy]

Most effective? That depends entirely on the one who wields the weapon. For example: a wizard's staff in Gandalf's (or any other wizard's) hands can be a force to reckon with, but if someone like Aragorn were to pick it up, it'd be just a stick. If a Hobbit were to wield a broadsword, it'd be about as helpful as three whoops in Hell, yet a Man could easily destroy several foes with it.

That said, I think my weapon(s) of choice would be a sword and crossbow. I like to spar with my brothers (we use long sticks so we don't cut each other to pieces), but a crossbow would work efficiently for those enemies out of range of the blade. It is also eaiser to carry around than a longbow (in my opinion). And if I could throw a shield into that ensemble, I'd be ready for battle. smilies/biggrin.gif

[nPiLL]

Id have to say an elven bow. Im not sure if you listed that as one of the choices but thats the one i would choose. Just the way legolas uses it explains it all.

[Pukel-Man]

I think a nice war-hammer would do the trick. There is much less chance of a hammer getting lodged in the body, so weapon retention would be less of a concern. Most also had a spike on the weapon to add extra injury if need be.

[piosenniel]

The garrote - quiet, quick, deadly.

[nPiLL]

The best would definatly be a bow. The way Legolas uses it that pretty much explains everything right there. If i had to choose another one it would probably be a sword like Aragorns.

[Durazor]

I believe the Mace is most effective, not as clusmy as a Flail or Morningstar, strong wooden shaft with a handle with good grip, strong well balanced steel headpiece ontop of the shaft, maybe a spike sticking out of it for an extra piercing attack smilies/smile.gif. My choice for a weapon.

[Bill Ferny]

This is so obvious I can't believe no one has mentioned it yet.

A horse!

From horse back it really doesn't matter what the heck you have in your hand.

(Of course, Bill Ferny would still prefer a pitch'n catch net.)

[Chancellen the True]

I'm a big fan of polearms; but, I don't remember anyone using them. I'd have to go with Gil Galad's choice of a spear. A very versitile weapon. It can be braced against a charge when on foot; or, used for charging when on horseback. It can be thrown if you have more than one. Does anyone know if Gil Galad's spear was a longspear or a shortspear? (please give source of info' or support your claim). If he uses a longspear, I'll get my polearm. A mace is also a fine weapon. It's effective against most defences.

[Gorwingel]

A Wizard's staff is wonderful (you are correct, you can use it for all those uses), but it is hard to get. I think you kind of have to be a Wizard! to have one. If I had to choose a weapon being just a regular human (or a person from the race of men in Middle Earth terms) I would have to choose a sword. I think a sword is really handy, and unlike a bow you don't have to worry about running out of arrows. Additionally almost anyone can use it, you just grab, go, and start killing smilies/wink.gif

[ March 09, 2003: Message edited by: Gorwingel ]

[Bill Ferny]

Chancellen, it depends on what you mean by shortspear and longspear. I do know that Gil Galad’s spear was named (I don’t remember it off hand), so this would apparently indicate that this specific spear was used over and over again.

Therefore, it would not be used as a javelin (jaculum) or the pilum, the longer jacula were thrown once and then forgotten. Pila, likewise, were one-use weapons, the soft iron neck designed to warp on contact. They were designed to stick into an enemy’s shield, bend to the ground and render the shield useless.

http://www.deepeeka.com/swords/images/spears/roman_pilums.jpg

The pilum was often thrown as well as used for melee, and was thus a more useful and common weapon than the jaculum.

Longer spears, such as lances and aunurgiths, were used during the medieval period as either crouched lances by horsemen, or by footmen in shield walls and the latter schiltron. In either case, these longer spears usually didn’t last in one piece long after their initial use. They were all disposable weapons.

The only spear type I can remember that had any re-usability value would be the Roman hasta, a spear a bit shorter than the more common pilum with a spear head resembling an arrow head that was used for thrusting while in tight formation.

http://www.deepeeka.com/swords/images/spears/ROman_Spear.jpg

I don’t see any reason why there wouldn’t be bill-hook type polearms in Middle Earth. After all, the conception is pretty simple, and like the flail, any farmer would be familiar with the bill-hook as a tool. Such weapons require very little skill to use, and are easily made.

[Bill Ferny]

Additionally almost anyone can use it {sword}, you just grab, go, and start killing smilies/wink.gif

Yeah, until somebody who actually knows how to use one comes along brings your killing spree to an abrupt conclusion. smilies/smile.gif

[ March 09, 2003: Message edited by: Bill Ferny ]

[Malva Headstrong]

I´d use a sword to ... a short sword, light when carried and easily to wield. But only if I had some really fighters on my side. If not, I´d either run or throw stones at them (whoever it said, it was a good idea smilies/wink.gif ).

[Chancellen the True]

Thanks for the reply Bill. I was being rather general as to what type of spear I would use. For me, all of this conjecture was based on what was used in the books. In real life I would use a halberd. I'm into strength training, so any polearm would be enjoyable to use.

I have a question a little off topic, whatever happened to Gil Galad's spear (Aeglos [snow point])? It doesn't say, which leaves a lot of room for speculation. Maybee I'll make it a seperate topic.

[Elrowen Greenleaf]

I partial to the bow myself. But I'd like to have a sword as backup... (or twin ones like Legolas....).

[Lindril Arvilya]

Well, hmmm. I've never heard them specifically mentioned by name in the books, but I have heard "short swords" (like the hobbits') called "dirks". I would pretty much have to use one of those. I haven't got the strength for a full sword, the reach for a bow, the height for a good spear, or the focus to use a magical staff.
Oh wait. Better plan. In the movies, a weapon was "invented" for Wormtongue's "accomplices" in Meduseld. They were essentially knives tucked into the sleeve, pointing backwards. They're made with a wrist-band type of thing, and a hook around the thumb, to extend quickly. The effect is, you grab someonearound the neck from behind and slit their throat. Fine, as long as you keep to the shadows and avoid full-out fights.

[Olorin]

a wizard's staff all the way, but I'm a little partial to the istari

[excheeto]

even without magical qualities,a staff would be very useful(clubbing knob at the end for those with a sword,slender end for blunt stabbing,the rest can be swung for blocking arrows,also draws less suspicion)
if the staff breaks or is dropped,a knife can be used for backup

[Ruler of the Frogs]

For me, a bow definatly. I hate to sound like the typical Legolas want to be, but I am afraid of sharp things peircing my skin! I would prefer to stay as far away from the action as possible, while still doing effective damage. Also, the bow just looks fun! I would also, however, like the sword. Being in the heat of the battle would be awesome, and I think if I was raised in the enviorment (like all LotR warriors would be) I would not be afraid of sword combat as I am in real life.

[Talon Stormcrow]

I have to agree with Lindril. I couldnt handle a long sword either. A short sword would be best for me. I like bows and arrows but when its face to face combat by the time you grab your arrow, since Im no Legolas, you'd be pierced with a sword. smilies/eek.gif

Has anyone thought about weilding one or two sickles? or maybe a scythe? (if there were any in ME)

[ March 18, 2003: Message edited by: Talon Stormcrow ]

[Hirilaelin]

Well, if I could, I would have a wizard's staff, but in "real" life, I would weild a quarterstaff and knives. Slim chance I'll actually get a quarterstaff and knives and learn how to use them though. Bugger. Ah, how I love RP! Anything is possible.

[steve]

Yes Talon Stormcrow, i mentioned something along the lines of a sickle/scythe, a bardache, as i mentioned earlier, because a scythe or sickle would leave you to open in the long run, your best bet, if you were to use a weapon like that, would be to use a "war scythe" much like a glaive long shaft like a scythe but instead of the blade going out sideways from the stab and curving down the blade goes straight up and curves to the side slightly, very good for dismounting lancers before they can impale you, also good against them evil maulers(for those who dont know a maul is like a a very big sledge hammer, alot more effective then a sword i must say) and axemen because thewy usuially have no armor because of the great weight of the weapon they need the mobility of not wearing anything but leather armor or atmost chainmail which can be cut through easily with a polearm (IE. scythe, bardache, poleax, halbred, sickle, etc.)

[Rochelle]

I'm an archer at heart, and I think Legolas the assassin was the most efficient...however I would love to learn how to use a sword. Fencing is about as close as I can get! *lol*

[Adutincowen]

I'm an archer through and through, but swords would be an excellent back-up... if the enemy ever got that close smilies/biggrin.gif so, bow and arrows and sword, if you please

[Talon Stormcrow]

Cool! Thanks steve! smilies/smile.gif That war scythe sounds pretty rough! But really cool! I can picture the Rohirrim using one of those. smilies/biggrin.gif

[pherostien]

Give it to me sharp and pointy. Even pencils prove most effective. But i happen to be in a 10 week archery class and use bows for hunting. I also own an asortment of long hunting knives.

[Yavanna Kementari]

If I may, Being a Valier, I like my power all on it's own if you please smilies/smile.gif

But I would use a Sword because it is also a defense mechanism as well as an attack mechanism smilies/smile.gif But If I were hiding out doing some scouting a bow would be the definate way to go! I lvoe both my bow and Sword. smilies/smile.gif
AWESOME THREAD!! -(~<~>Yavanna

[Tinuviel the Nightingale]

I'd say magical staff. As long as you know how to use it, you'd be pretty unstoppable against conventional battle weapons.

[vanwafeniel]

Hi, for me it would have to be a broad sword, never mind the weight of it so long as i can swing away! I would love to have a piar of short swords like legolas'. Im better at hand to hand combat.
Most of all i would love to wield Narsil in its glory days, even to behold the shards...wow. I would be immensely pleased witha wizards staff though! smilies/biggrin.gif
Ooooh..i would love a ring of power..the ring to be precise but i'd have to be immortal...i don't think i;d give up my mortality to have a ring of power...sounds wearisome. smilies/redface.gif

[Elrond Jr]

Weapons depend on what you are doing and what your job is. If you are far away, there is no question that a Bow is the best weapon. For short range swords are probably the best. And don't forget axes and scimitars depending on your size, strength, and distribution of the two. However overall in middle earth i think the most versatile weapon would be wits. No sword can save you without wits.

[Tinuviel the Nightingale]

Hmmm good point Elrond Jr.

[Elotareth]

I think I would choose a light, medium length, double-edged sword. That way, you can be twice as effective. I like archery too, and can actually shoot with pretty good form. Only one small problem, though. I can't aim worth anything! I guess practice makes perfect, though. Those elves have had several ages to perfect their craft. Just don't give me an axe. I can't stand axes!

[vanwafeniel]

I agree with Elrond jr, it does depend on distance and distribition but for me a bow and arrow id ideal, i have the aim! smilies/biggrin.gif
But hand to hand is preferred if you actually want to kick arse. I do kick boxing so have no use for actual weapons, as Elrond jr put it, your best weapon is indeed your wits...(and strength). smilies/evil.gif

[Arawethiel]

I would have to say the sword would be the most effective weapon in ME. Although I suppose it mostly depends on what type of battle you're in which determines what weapon is the most effective. For long range the bow would definitely be a plus, but as it's already been said you'll eventually run out of arrows so it's good to have a sword for back up. Gandalf had a sword as well as a staff didn't he? So it shows that even a wizard depends on a sword instead of his magic all the time.

A sword would probably be the only weapon I could handle. I don't believe I have the aim for a bow and seeing as how I'm not a wizard I would go for the sword. smilies/biggrin.gif

[ April 05, 2003: Message edited by: Arawethiel ]

[Phervasaion]

I would definaltly chose a two handed sword as they can be used with two hands so you can put more force into the blow. Also i think they are a big type of sword.

[Idril Meloriel Arcamenel]

hiya, im kinda new and i read the books quite a while ago so i dont know most of the names of the weapons but i would most definately go for a bow and the two short sword thingys. the problem is im not very good at archery and fencing isnt really fighting with a short sword is it? ah well its a laugh!!

[Frodo 007]

My fave weapon is the Sword and the Bow & Arrow!!!I really wanna learn how to weild a Sword and shoot with a Bow & Arrow!!!I'd feel like i was in Middle-Earth!!! smilies/biggrin.gif

[Mitheithel]

I have always prefered bow to other weapons. With a Bow you can harm your foes and remain in long distance yourself, so you won+t be harmed. A bowman should also be able to handle a sword, in case there will be a close combat unavoidable.

Go Longbows!