[Low-Tech] Smallsword with the Bronze Age 'Rapier?'

[Rasna]

Originally Posted by Pursuivant

Looking at the Lindybeige video, I'd suggest that the "Celtic Rapier" the presenter shows first is a Bronze Long Knife. The Long Rapier presented second is either a Bronze Shortsword or my proposed Mycenaean Rapier. The "dirk" is a Large Stiletto (or Large Knife if it's edged).

The only problem is that weights given are way below typical GURPS weapon weights. The Long Knife length rapier comes in a ~3/4 lb., while the long version comes in at 1.25 lbs. Lengths are otherwise appropriate for the proposed weapon types.

Reduced weight fits well with reduced Swing damage, and would justify minimum ST 8-9 for the long version but increased risk of breakage.

To be fair, all GURPS Low-Tech weapons weight more than their real counterparts. This is especially true for weapons falling into the Axe/Maxe, Two-Handed Axe/Mace and Polearm categories, with some listed weapons that are up 50% heavier than their real counterparts.

That's one of the reasons why I use the conversion 1 lb. = 0.4 kg in my campaigns instead of 1 lb. = 0.5 kg or 1 lb. = 0,45 kg for equipment weight. The other reason is that pretty much nobody outside U.S.A. and Commonwealth likes to use the Imperial System.