The difference between duels and battles

Verjigorm · 12-08-2010, 02:35 AM

A sword is also a sign of a couple of other things: You're atleast a Free-man, because you've got property, and you're probably somewhat well off because swords are expensive. I've read that amongst the Flemish, the minor land holding nobility would toil alongside peasants in the field, and were only to be distinguished by their truculence and swords.

On the battlefield the sword is a useful secondary weapon, as it's got a great deal of versatility and is reasonably light and easy to carry. The sword can be used quite effectively against lightly armed opponents, and provided an effective and agile defense, especially when combined with a shield.

But it seems like Spears are really, really common for most warriors. The low entry cost for spears may contribute to this, but also the usefulness of the spear for non-military purposes. Spearmen may also be the easiest troops to train, as they fight best in dense formations, which can benefit from the comfort of closely packed comrades. Swordsmen(really, anyone using a swinging weapon) tend to need a looser formation, but still relying on mutual support and team tactics, but this also requires a bit more discipline and morale to maintain cohesion.

12-08-2010, 02:35 AM	#1
Verjigorm Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Charlotte, North Caroline, United States of America, Earth?	Re: The difference between duels and battles A sword is also a sign of a couple of other things: You're atleast a Free-man, because you've got property, and you're probably somewhat well off because swords are expensive. I've read that amongst the Flemish, the minor land holding nobility would toil alongside peasants in the field, and were only to be distinguished by their truculence and swords. On the battlefield the sword is a useful secondary weapon, as it's got a great deal of versatility and is reasonably light and easy to carry. The sword can be used quite effectively against lightly armed opponents, and provided an effective and agile defense, especially when combined with a shield. But it seems like Spears are really, really common for most warriors. The low entry cost for spears may contribute to this, but also the usefulness of the spear for non-military purposes. Spearmen may also be the easiest troops to train, as they fight best in dense formations, which can benefit from the comfort of closely packed comrades. Swordsmen(really, anyone using a swinging weapon) tend to need a looser formation, but still relying on mutual support and team tactics, but this also requires a bit more discipline and morale to maintain cohesion. __________________ Hydration is key