Lessons on Swordsmanship

[Marileangorifurnimaluim]

Well, I've done a little more homework on weapons. <P>With modern technology and steel, even a 60" Claymore is only about 4 or 5 pounds. Compare this to a common longsword of 45" or so at 3 lbs, and a rapier at about 2 lbs. Not much difference. I believe our steel-technology has greatly advanced however, we can go thinner and have it still be strong. <P>So in the 16th century a two-handed sword would have been heavier. I'll throw out a figure - 6 lbs.? Not that much different I think. <P>Because where they save the weight is in the thickness of the blade, and that was something they could do centuries ago. Even 1/16 of inch thinner saves you a surprising amount.<P>I think your gaming rules can be a little lenient with everything but the most mammoth blades, given there's only about a pound difference. Maybe an "if the sword is bigger than you are" rule, awkwardness more a factor than weight, a severe handicap based on <I>height</I> if you have a two-handed sword that will bite the ground if you do a standard moulinette (windmill motion for those scratching their heads right about now). That would be better for planting cabbages than fighting. lol <P>Oh, the link is to some site called "Swords of Honor" but imagine it's the same, just a different distributor.<p>[ May 22, 2002: Message edited by: Marileangorifurnimaluim ]