One-Handed Reach 1, 2* Spear

Beriogelir · 03-19-2018, 09:55 AM

I am trying to find the stats for a spear that can be wielded in one hand and is Reach 1, 2* while wielded in one hand. It would be nice if the spear is ST 10 or less and could be thrown, too, but those aren't deal-breakers.

Basically, I'm looking for a spear that a medieval warrior can wield alongside a shield, can be used to strike against an opponent right in front of him, and is long enough to reach an opponent 3.5' away. From what I can discern, typical medieval spears were between 6' and 9' long, so a soldier gripping the spear halfway up the haft would have between 3' and 4.5' of reach with the spear. In my mind, this translates to Reach 1, 2* in GURPS terms, especially with the arm slightly extended. See the Saxons on the right in this image from the Bayeux Tapestry for a depiction of what I am talking about.

Here's the thing: I can't find any spears in the GURPS books that actually fit my needs. Javelins and short spears are too short (Reach 1). Spears only have Reach 1* when wielded one-handed. Long Spears are Reach 2, 3* when wielded one-handed. Heavy Spears and Pikes cannot be wielded one-handed.

Stretching the rules in LTC2, I can turn a Long Spear into a thr+2 imp, Reach 1, 2*, Parry 0, ST 10, one-handed weapon that can be thrown, costs $50, and weights 3 lbs (I can even turn a Hatchet into an approximation of a spear that does what I want if I wanted to, but that's just silly). If such a spear existed, though, why would anyone ever take the regular old Spear?

I've seen similar issues brought up elsewhere, but never resolved satisfactorily. Part of the problem appears to be an inconsistency between the Spear and the Long Spear - the Spear has a reduced Reach when used with one hand, whereas the Long Spear does not.

I know I can just create a house rule, but if I can find something within the RAW, I would much prefer that.

Any suggestions?

03-19-2018, 09:55 AM	#1
Beriogelir Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Maryland	*One-Handed Reach 1, 2 Spear** I am trying to find the stats for a spear that can be wielded in one hand and is Reach 1, 2* while wielded in one hand. It would be nice if the spear is ST 10 or less and could be thrown, too, but those aren't deal-breakers. Basically, I'm looking for a spear that a medieval warrior can wield alongside a shield, can be used to strike against an opponent right in front of him, and is long enough to reach an opponent 3.5' away. From what I can discern, typical medieval spears were between 6' and 9' long, so a soldier gripping the spear halfway up the haft would have between 3' and 4.5' of reach with the spear. In my mind, this translates to Reach 1, 2* in GURPS terms, especially with the arm slightly extended. See the Saxons on the right in this image from the Bayeux Tapestry for a depiction of what I am talking about. Here's the thing: I can't find any spears in the GURPS books that actually fit my needs. Javelins and short spears are too short (Reach 1). Spears only have Reach 1* when wielded one-handed. Long Spears are Reach 2, 3* when wielded one-handed. Heavy Spears and Pikes cannot be wielded one-handed. Stretching the rules in LTC2, I can turn a Long Spear into a thr+2 imp, Reach 1, 2*, Parry 0, ST 10, one-handed weapon that can be thrown, costs $50, and weights 3 lbs (I can even turn a Hatchet into an approximation of a spear that does what I want if I wanted to, but that's just silly). If such a spear existed, though, why would anyone ever take the regular old Spear? I've seen similar issues brought up elsewhere, but never resolved satisfactorily. Part of the problem appears to be an inconsistency between the Spear and the Long Spear - the Spear has a reduced Reach when used with one hand, whereas the Long Spear does not. I know I can just create a house rule, but if I can find something within the RAW, I would much prefer that. Any suggestions?