(08-03-2014, 03:06 AM)Coatleque Wrote: A little more about swords:Tons of yes! Thank you for your contribution to the world of RPPVP <3
The sword is the only weapon in history with the singular purpose of killing another person. Â All other weapons are derived from tools for farming, hunting, or building.
A properly smithed sword will have a hilt and pommel that equals the full weight of the extended blade. Â When a blade such as this is held, it allows the wrist to rotate without feeling any off balance effects from the weight (unlike swinging a baseball bat, or a hammer). Â This is crucial for effectively parrying attacks.
The sword is primarily a slashing and piercing weapon, not a hacking or chopping weapon. Â How to effectively "slash" with a sword requires a fluid movement that draws the weapon across the body in a singular motion and at close range (almost full body-to-body contact). Â There is no sawing involved. Â The Scimitar in particular is curved specifically to allow this motion to flow even longer, causing a much deeper cut.
Piercing with a sword is typically easier to do, but also easier to block. Â It also allows further range of motion. Â Typically the blade is then twisted after entry, and withdrawn at an angle to again take advantage of that long slashing ability.
Parrying with Swords:
You should always aim to knock an incoming attack away with the flat of the blade to avoid dulling the edge in the middle of combat.
Sword Fighting:
Is not fencing. Â It is close-quarters combat with a lot of grappling and hand-to-hand. Â The main idea is to move in, lock blades and disarm your opponent, then finish them off with the sword, not to inflict damage from two feet away as is often shown in movies.
Armors VS Swords:
A properly sharpened sword will cut through leather with ease. Â Even studded leathers are little match, as the blade can easily weave between the studs.
Chainmaille will protect fully from the slashing effects, as the metal will not cut. Â But the pressure of a piercing attack will easily split rings under force.
Scales have the same effect as chain, but piercing must be done from an upwords angle to get under the overlapping scales.
Plates are the only full defense from a sword, as it requires much greater pressure than a man can deliver to pierce the blade through, typically.
