Weapons

SWORDS

In the Middle Ages, swords were typically double-edged and made of steel. Though often associated with status and chivalry, swords were practical battlefield weapons, used by knights and infantry alike in conjunction with shields or as sidearms when primary, longer weapons were lost.

Typical length: about 70 to 100 cm (27 to 39 inches) for the blade, with rarer, longer variants such as longswords reaching up to 120 cm (47 inches) or more overall.

Training required: several months to a few years of regular training.

Depictions of swords: on the cover of Chainmail (1971).

SPEARS

A spear is a pole weapon consisting of a wooden shaft with a pointed head, usually made of metal. It was one of the most common weapons in medieval warfare due to its reach, simplicity, and effectiveness. Spears could be used for thrusting in close combat or thrown as projectiles, and they were especially effective in formations, where rows of soldiers could present a wall of points against advancing enemies.

Typical length: about 2 to 3 meters (6.5 to 10 feet).

Training required: minimal, often a matter of days or weeks to achieve basic proficiency.

Depictions of swords: on the cover of Chainmail (1971).

(this post will be updated as the reading of Chainmail and OD&D progresses)