Best melee weapon for a ST 16 char

[chris1982]

Originally Posted by sir_pudding

I think this was the spirit in which a Dueling Halberd was intended. It'll give him reach, flexibility with wounding modifiers, coupled with Staff and Form Mastery good parries, and so on.

When using the halberd with Staff skill do I get the +2 to parry? It doesn't give a +2 value in the weapon entry under staff skill...

[sir_pudding]

Originally Posted by chris1982

When using the halberd with Staff skill do I get the +2 to parry? It doesn't give a +2 value in the weapon entry under staff skill...

No, but you do get an attack without a U (of course it looks like polearm also does that so nevermind). You'd still want Staff though for the crushing damage attacks, in any game where you might fight mailed foes, skeletons, or skeletons in mail.

[Green-Neck]

I recently played a Congolese archeologist with 16 ST and a pick axe. if you add 2 points of arm ST then you can weild the pickaxe [greataxe/warhammer] without it becoming unready [ST 12 x 1.5 =18]. All out attack double - axe head on the first swing, pick on the return. great for taking out single tough targets. 3D+3 cut [av. 18 vs unarmoured] followed up by 3d+4 imp [av. 27 vs unarmoured, followed next round by a further 13 for the pick removal]. Thats 58 damage, so I aim for torso and use any surplus skill on deceptive attack. But no dodge so you'll want 20 HP and Berserk [battlerage, 15 or less].
I'm sure there are better options, but hell, it was fun!

[Victor Maxus]

With a 16 strength, best weapon is any solid object you can get your hands on. Heck, grab a rock and smack a guy upside the head with it. All joking aside, I guess what others have said is best. That is, the actual weapon does not matter so much since you can get some extra armor to wear. The weapon choice comes in when you think of what ypou want him to do. Fight mighty monsters, something that inflicts a lot of extra damage with a swing, get through thick hide and natural DR. If you imaginer him battle many foes, but weaker bums, then a more balanced weapon, to get in multiple swings since one blow should do enough damage to level one man.

But bottom line, what ever you think fits your character concept. One of my players had a guy with high strength, but got him an axe mace skill, only level 12 (he could make it higher, he chooses not too), and he uses knobbed clubbs and big heavy wooden clubs because he is not a formally trained fighter, just a big guy who can inflict a lot of damage when he hits. (He often uses targeted attack, to get a +4 to hit, but relies on the fact he can still off balance or knock down his target). So, have fun with it.

[nik1979]

My recommendation is Bastard Sword 1h with the 2h Stats. Since the character can now wield it without the Unbalanced Parry Penalty at ST9t and a Small Shield. 13lbs

Boots, clothes, pouch of personal basics: 6lbs

Legionnaire helm (6lbs), Double Mail Haubergeon (20lbs), Gambeson (4lbs), Light Mail 1-Sleeve (2.5lbs; weapon arm), and Mail Glove (0.5lb; weapon hand). 32lbs.

Total 51lbs

Keep the Move at 5, learn to use mobility advantages
- ease to retreat
- around 50% better move than med encumbrance.
- better defense options
- less fatigue between encounters

Better move means better positioning even in a tactical hex grid. In a matter of 2-3 seconds thats a 50% difference of move contrary to the med enc units (5-8 yard advantage).

Take advantage of Reach 2+

[Verjigorm]

If you use a Bastard sword in one hand, you use the One Handed stats, just like you do with spears.

[blacksmith]

Originally Posted by sir_pudding

I think this was the spirit in which a Dueling Halberd was intended. It'll give him reach, flexibility with wounding modifiers, coupled with Staff and Form Mastery good parries, and so on.

Thing is long sword has the same reach on a thrust no worries about becoming unready and you can use a sheild. You only lose swing at reach 2

[rosignol]

Originally Posted by chris1982

Hi guys,

What do you think is the best TL 3 melee weapon for a very strong human character in a fantasy campaign?

Flail. Go for hit location 11. Feel free to take an appropriate reputation.

[chris1982]

For anyone who is interested, I have chosen a heavier version of the Duelling Halberd. It now weighs 12 lb, thus every weapon of 4 lb or less has a chance of breaking when parrying me ;)

[David Johansen]

Fools! The right answer is a chain saw with dinosaurs and sharks instead of teeth!

Actually I like the Thrusting Bastard sword and shield combo myself. Reach, defense, two handed damage boost potential, it's all good. But yeah, with a 16 ST you can load up on the armour.