Arms and Armour: Polearms

Using controlled, sweeping motions and powerful thrusts, polearms are among the more commonly used, and graceful, weapons in Fastheld. Favored by members of House Driscol with Seamel blood, polearms are, almost to a one, two-handed weapons. Those who use these weapons, however, come from all Houses and walks of life.

Polearms also have the distinction, for the most part, of being useful in jousting. There are some polearms, however, that are specifically designed for and generally more suited for jousting as it is.

Citizen Polearms
The spear is a rather simple weapon that can come in may different makes and designs - from a long, sharpened stick to shafts with bone or stone heads. Those with sharpened metal heads, however, tend to be the most effective when in the hands of one who knows how to use them. Wielded in one hand, the head is thrust at an opponent, or a slash may be made with its sides.

They are quite common in use by Freelanders in self-defense, and among guards defending a person of some rank.


 * In-Game Description:
 * A Spear, consisting of two central parts; a polished wooden shaft and a sharpened metal tip. Its construction is sturdy, designed to accomodate versatile fighting styles, the four-foot length smoothed for a more comfortable grip. Wire wrapping cushioned by leather holds the four-inch metal tip in place, sharpened neatly to a point most suitable for thrusting attacks.

Scythe
More often a tool on a farm than a weapon, the scythe is a common sight throughout Fastheld. Certainly not the simplest of the polearms, it is nonetheless sometimes infeasible in battle do to the pulling style of slash it most obviously makes. An inexperienced fighter may lose some advantage this way, by negating the benefit derived from the weapon's length. Nonetheless, in an experienced soldier's hands, the scythe remains a deadly weapon, easily spilling a man's blood.

It is mostly farmers who practice with this weapon - its ready availability on their job makes it a convenient weapon against robbers and wolves. Some scythes specialized for war do exist, however and some soldiers do prefer the weapon for its exotic look, if nothing else.


 * In-Game Description:
 * A Scythe, featuring a long, slightly curved blade attached to a sinuous five-foot shaft. Commonly referred to as a snaith, the shaft features two handles, one capping its end and the other halfway down its length. Both are polished to a fine smoothness, permitting the wielder an easy grip. The blade is three feet long, broad, flat and mostly straight, with a slow curve at the end; its cutting edge is angled in towards the wielder.