[Low-Tech] Labrys

Anders · 10-31-2010, 02:33 PM

How would you classify the double-headed axe? According to Wikipedia it was used as a weapon, but I've heard that it was solely for ceremonial occasions. I'd think an extra blade would add weight with no real improvement in function, but I'm not an expert. Anyone know anything more?

DanHoward · 10-31-2010, 03:05 PM

I can't think of a culture that used a double-bitted axe in battle. If you want to give it stats then increase weight and MinST. There are no positive benefits apart from giving you another edge if the first becomes blunt or chipped.

Anders · 10-31-2010, 03:11 PM

I'll take your word over Wikipedia's. I'll use it for the thunder god and no one else.

Turhan's Bey Company · 10-31-2010, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Asta Kask

According to Wikipedia it was used as a weapon

I'll note that Wikipedia cites a paper which was written in 1953 (so it's way, way behind current scholarship) and by Marija Gimbutas, whose work should be taken with a pillar of salt. A double-bitted axe of the sort you'll find in forestry can be pressed into service for fighting, though it provides no particular benefit. However, the Minoan labrys would be a ludicrous weapon. As usually illustrated, it would have a haft much too thin for its oversized head. It would most likely snap, be too heavy to pick up, or both.

DanHoward · 10-31-2010, 03:19 PM

Methinks the wikipedia article was written by someone desperately trying to find sources to justify the stoopid weapons in DnD.

Peter V. Dell'Orto · 10-31-2010, 03:48 PM

LTC2 will have rules for double-bitted axes. They don't do much beyond give you an extra edge in case one breaks, though.

Joseph Paul · 10-31-2010, 04:27 PM

Have the Byzantine iconagraphic works been shown to not support the use of a one-handed double bitted axe?

See this thread and look up Egfroth's post. He used to have a pic of this kind of axe in an illumination but I am not sure where his stuff is at these days.

DanHoward · 10-31-2010, 05:44 PM

Double-bitted axes exist. Woodcutters and carpenters use them. I'd be surprised if these were never used in battle. I've yet to see one specifically designed for combat though.

Anthony · 10-31-2010, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanHoward

Double-bitted axes exist. Woodcutters and carpenters use them.

In fact, I have one in my shed. Of course, the reason for using them on wood is because it lets you go twice as long before resharpening your axe, not because of any specific benefit of having two heads for any given strike.

Joseph Paul · 10-31-2010, 07:21 PM

I kind of doubt that the illuminations I have seen showing mounted and armored men brandishing double-bitted axes was referencing the Revolt of the Woodcutters in 1187. It looks like Egfroth's/Steve Lowe's, web page is not showing that article right now (you may know him - he is from your hemisphere). It may be on this Archive -web.archive.org/web/*/geocities.com/egfroth1/Labrys.html. - but I can't access it right now.

10-31-2010, 02:33 PM	#1
Anders Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Gothenburg, Sweden	[Low-Tech] Labrys How would you classify the double-headed axe? According to Wikipedia it was used as a weapon, but I've heard that it was solely for ceremonial occasions. I'd think an extra blade would add weight with no real improvement in function, but I'm not an expert. Anyone know anything more? __________________ “When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love ...” Marcus Aurelius

10-31-2010, 03:05 PM	#2
DanHoward Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Maitland, NSW, Australia	Re: [Low-Tech] Labrys I can't think of a culture that used a double-bitted axe in battle. If you want to give it stats then increase weight and MinST. There are no positive benefits apart from giving you another edge if the first becomes blunt or chipped. Last edited by DanHoward; 10-31-2010 at 03:08 PM.

10-31-2010, 03:11 PM	#3
Anders Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Gothenburg, Sweden	Re: [Low-Tech] Labrys I'll take your word over Wikipedia's. I'll use it for the thunder god and no one else. __________________ “When you arise in the morning think of what a privilege it is to be alive, to think, to enjoy, to love ...” Marcus Aurelius

10-31-2010, 03:19 PM	#5
DanHoward Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Maitland, NSW, Australia	Re: [Low-Tech] Labrys Methinks the wikipedia article was written by someone desperately trying to find sources to justify the stoopid weapons in DnD.

10-31-2010, 03:48 PM	#6
Peter V. Dell'Orto Fightin' Round the World Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: New Jersey	Re: [Low-Tech] Labrys LTC2 will have rules for double-bitted axes. They don't do much beyond give you an extra edge in case one breaks, though. __________________ Peter V. Dell'Orto aka Toadkiller_Dog or TKD My Author Page My S&C Blog My Dungeon Fantasy Game Blog "You fall onto five death checks." - Andy Dokachev

10-31-2010, 04:27 PM	#7
Joseph Paul Custom User Title Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Indianapolis, IN	Re: [Low-Tech] Labrys Have the Byzantine iconagraphic works been shown to not support the use of a one-handed double bitted axe? See this thread and look up Egfroth's post. He used to have a pic of this kind of axe in an illumination but I am not sure where his stuff is at these days. __________________ Joseph Paul

10-31-2010, 05:44 PM	#8
DanHoward Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Maitland, NSW, Australia	Re: [Low-Tech] Labrys Double-bitted axes exist. Woodcutters and carpenters use them. I'd be surprised if these were never used in battle. I've yet to see one specifically designed for combat though.

10-31-2010, 07:21 PM	#10
Joseph Paul Custom User Title Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Indianapolis, IN	Re: [Low-Tech] Labrys I kind of doubt that the illuminations I have seen showing mounted and armored men brandishing double-bitted axes was referencing the Revolt of the Woodcutters in 1187. It looks like Egfroth's/Steve Lowe's, web page is not showing that article right now (you may know him - he is from your hemisphere). It may be on this Archive -web.archive.org/web//geocities.com/egfroth1/Labrys.html. - but I can't access it right now. __________________ Joseph Paul*