shortsword vs broadsword

[DouglasCole]

Originally Posted by Anthony

True. It's a sensible gamist scale, and it actually made some sense with the damage system as it was prior to UT 1e (which was quite unclear as to what it scaled with and could plausibly have been a logarithmic system, and had completely different numbers for firearms). However, that was a long time ago.

Agree totally. A long time ago, in a limited genre (fantasy gaming), and a decision set that was never systematically revisited. Yet. :-)

[DanHoward]

This article has relevance regarding the straight vs curved blade discussion.
http://swordforum.com/articles/ams/cavalrycombat.php

[chrisjapow]

i havn't read through all this thread so i'm so sorry if i'm repeating what's said elsewhere.

historically short swords were in tight formations where there wasn't sufficient room to swing something heftier. so if you're on the front line of a shield wall - not somewhere i'd like to be myself - you'd need one (or an axe, to hook and pull away opponent's shields). i don't know if there are any rules in GURPS that simulate this.

here's a question though - in GURPS, what is the difference between a short sword and a small sword? not just stats wise, but in what way are they different weapons?

[Mailanka]

Originally Posted by chrisjapow

here's a question though - in GURPS, what is the difference between a short sword and a small sword? not just stats wise, but in what way are they different weapons?

A short sword is a sword that's short. You know, the sort of weapon you can both chop with and stab with.

A small sword is a kind of fencing weapon, the sort of weapon that involves thrusts and dancing around like Errol Flynn.