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

[Pursuivant]

Originally Posted by Fred Brackin

Before this thread vanishes completely I want to pose the question of "What about fencing with shortswords?".

Entirely possible, given well-balanced blades and a "refused" blade-forward stance.

As you mention, Hollywood movies of the 1930s to 1960s proved the point (so to speak) that it's possible to use a Shortsword or Broadsword with Saber or Rapier technique.

The only drawbacks are that they're a bit heavy for the purpose and you give up your ability to make devastating swing attacks, since all but the most committed swing attacks from a fencing stance are limited to using the muscles of the shoulder, arm, and wrist.

In GURPS terms, you effectively have -1 or -2 per die of damage with Swinging attacks and Min ST goes up, but you might gain an extra yard of Reach due to change in stance. A non-fencing weapon will be sufficiently awkward that it doesn't get a Fencing parry, but it should get a +1 bonus to Parry other thrusting weapons. Parry modifier vs. Swinging attacks is 0.

As a suggestion:


Saber (Broadsword-4, Shortsword-4)
Weapon Dam Reach Parry Cost Wgt ST
Thrusting Broadsword sw-1 cut 1,2 +1 $600 3 11
thr+2 imp 1,2 +1 - - 11
Shortsword sw-1 cut 1 +1 $400 2 9
thr imp 1 +1 2 - - 9