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Melee Weapons

Swords
Swords are the most common weapons used by man as it is easy to produce and is considered the most versatile of weapons.

Long Swords (Thorn's favourite!)
Description: The favoured weapon of knights and honourable warriors, the long sword is a staple weapon in any army. It is also known as war-swords or military swords. The sword's length ranges from 35 inches to 47 inches. The long sword is normally thin, with the blade tapered to a point.
Attributes: Perfect for slashing and for quick parries, the long sword is the most versatile of the swords. Despite its tip however, most long swords are not meant for thrusting. Warriors tend to use this weapon with a shield.

Broad Swords
Description: Slightly shorter than the longsword, a broadsword tends to be bulkier due to the broader blade. Its blade is normally double-edged and the hilt is significantly longer for easier control. A fuller is normally implemented in the blade.
Attributes: Due to its weight, the broad sword excels in hacking and slashing. It can also be used for thrusting but may be cumbersome. A shield is commonly used together with a broad sword.

Greatswords
Description: A derivative of the long sword and the broad sword, Greatswords are wielded with two hands, and are massive weapons that strike fear in the hearts of opponents.
Attributes: Hacking attacks are favoured, though if the wielder possessed enormous strength, large sweeping attacks can be used to great effect.

b*****d Swords
Description: A cross between a Greatsword and the Long Sword, b*****d Swords are also known as the hand-and-a-half sword. It can be either used single-handedly or with both hands.
Attributes: b*****d Swords are commonly used to hack and slash, but can be used to thrust due to its width. Though it can be used with one hand, users rarely use shields together with them.

Scimitars
Description: Sabre with a sharply curved, single edged blade
Attributes: Good for slashing and thrusting. Perfect for quick kills!

Falchions
Description: Broad-bladed, curved sword. Falchions are similar to scimitars, only bigger and more curved.
Attributes: Falchions are slashing weapons with good reach and damage.

Small Weapons
Small weapons are the favoured choice for those who prefer speed or quick kills.

Daggers
Description: Small, single or double edged weapons, daggers are easy to conceal, wield and are deadly up close. They can be used together with a sword or alone. Daggers are commonly poison-coated in the case of assassins, enabling it to kill in a single hit.
Attributes: The sole purpose of a dagger is as a piercing weapon, though it can be used to slit throats and so on so forth.

Dirks
Description: Longer than a dagger, it possesses less of a crossguard (or sometimes no crossguard at all, making it look like a really big knife). They're very clean, fast weapons, good for a silent poke between the ribs (like the dagger), but with a longer reach. (Contributed by Shazzer)

Short Swords
Description: The name explains all. It is a shorter version of a common sword, and can be used as a secondary weapon or for smaller sized people, the primary weapon.
Attributes: Essentially a longer dagger but a shorter sword, it can be used to thrust or slash opponents.

Axes
An axe is a medium or long handled weapon with a sharpened metal head. It is favoured by those who prefer brute strength over skill.

Battle Axe
Description: Large double-bladed heads make this weapon an imposing threat on the battle-field. Its weight requires the use of both hands, but the damage is well-worth it.
Attributes: Made for impact and cleaving, a solid hit on an opponent means almost certain death.

One-handed Axe
Description: Smaller and lighter with a single bladed head, it is normally used with a shield, alternately hacking and raising the shield.
Attributes: Same as the battle axe, though weaker.

Polearms or Reach Weapons
Reach weapons are usually long poles with sharp tips and are used to keep enemies at bay with their long reach. A staple in defensive fighting.

Spear
Description: The most common of polearms, it is normally made of wood or sometimes iron and steel. The tips are sharpened and the shaft is long enough to give a greater reach to the wielder.
Attributes: Meant to deter attackers, the spear is used to pierce through flesh and minor armour.

Glaive
Description: A long spear-like weapon with a curved single edged blade at its end.
Attributes: Not only can it be used as a piercing weapon, the blade enables slashing or sweeping attacks.

Gisarme
Description: Gisarmes are long staves with a curved axe-head whose lower point is attached to the shaft.
Attributes: Like a spear, it is a piercing weapon but can be used to hack at enemies.

Halberd
Description: A staff weapon with a spike at the top and an axe-blade backed by a hammer or a spike. A versatile weapon, it allows users to attack and defend from almost any direction. Also known as the pollaxe.
Attributes: Used mainly as a hacking tool with more reach than an axe.

Pike (Contributed by Shazzer!)
Description: A pike is, essentially, a spear with a longer part for piercing in comparison to the shaft (although some pikes take more closely after halberds). Thy are made for taking down calvary, so some of them could extend to over 5 metres in length! This, however, also makes them awkward in close combat, so most pikemen are also equipped with a sword or dagger.

Lance (My second favourite!)
Description: A long, thicker spear used exclusively on horseback, the lance is the primary weapon for mounted units. If made from wood, it splinters upon impact, requiring it to be replaced constantly. Even if it was made from metal, constant strikes eventually force the lance to be discarded.
Attributes: Used to run down foes, the lance is a very effective and deadly weapon against armoured opponents due to its added weight.

Bludgeoning Weapons
Bash! Smash! Need I say more?

Club
Description: The simplest weapon known to mankind, clubs are stout, hardwood sticks that are narrow at the grip and wider at the end. Occasionally, spikes are added to it.
Attributes: A club's use can be summed up nicely by a simple phrase; "Swing it hard!"

Mace
Description: A direct descendant of the club, the mace is a wooden shaft with a stone or iron head. The head can be further enhanced with knobs, spikes and the like.
Attributes: Same as the club.

Maul
Description: A heavy club with a metal-studded head. Used like a club, mace or warhammer.

Scepters
Description: Similar to a mace, it is used to smash heads but can signify royal status. See, them blue bloods do have a way to fight!

Flail/Morning Star
Description: Basically a mace with the head replaced by a spiked metal ball fixed to the shaft by a chain.
Attributes: The weapon's damaged is significantly increased by swinging the ball over one's head before smashing an opponent, due to the added momentum. However, this weapon is rather cumbersome.
Additional Info from Shazzer: Unlike other similar instruments of destruction, the chain lowers the shock of impact for the attacker so they aren't subject to the bounce of the weapon against armour. That's why it was employed against heavily defensive troops, to stun them or knock them out before going in for a break in the armour with a dagger.

Warhammer
Description: Another favourite of mighty warriors, the warhammer consists of a shaft capped with a metal head. The head is usually a block, a cylinder or a wedge with a flat face.
Attributes: The heft of the head makes it ideal for swinging and crushing through armour and bone.

Staves/Staffs (However you like to spell it)
Usually a long wooden pole, they are simple weapons but in fantasy genres, they are commonly used by monks and magic-users.

Quarterstaff
Description: It is usually a 6 to 9 feet long wooden pole with a metal cap (which can be sharpened!) at both ends. The quarterstaff is wielded with both hands.
Attributes: (Not too sure bout this, so info would be highly appreciated!)

Armour and Shields

Essential in battles, warriors wore protective armour of varying degrees to ward off mortal damage.

Full Plate Armour
Description: The best (and heaviest) armour available, full plates are made from perfectly fitted interlocking plates. These are specially angled to deflect arrows and blows. Quilted tunics are often worn underneath to reduce discomfort as well as to soften the impact of blows.
Attributes: It provides the best protection against slashing and piercing attacks, but its weight can be a burden.

Plate Mail
Description: A combination of chain armour with metal plates covering the vital areas. Cheaper and lighter than full plate, plate mail is a good alternative for those who prefer to be less encumbered.
Attributes: It protects the user from slashing attacks and occasionally can stop piercing attacks by getting the weapon stuck on a chain link.

Chain Mail
Description: A complete suit of interlocking metal rings, it is worn with a leather tunic to prevent chafing and to lessen the impact of hits.
Attributes: While it offers less protection compared to a full plate, chain mail requires relatively little skill to forge, making it an affordable suit.

Splint Mail
Description: Metal strips are applied vertically to the backing of chain, leather of cloth.
Attributes: Though it offers more protection against piercing and bludgeoning attacks, splint mail is restrictive in battle due to the vertical strips.

Leather Jerkins
Description: This armour is made of hardened leather at vital areas, and more flexible materials at other places.
Attributes: It offers minimal protection but is light and non-restrictive.

Studded Leather
Description: Instead of hardening the leather, it can be reinforced with close-set metal rivets.
Attributes: Almost the same as leather jerkins, though with more protection.

Helmets
Description: They can either be open-faced (eg barbuts, mail coifs) or fully enclosed (eg helms and sallets) and are usually made from metal.
Attributes: These offer important protection for the cheeks, face and back of the neck.

Gauntlets
Description: Gauntlets are usually heavy leather gloves with a wrist cuff, but sometimes are covered with articulated plates or mail.
Attributes: They cover the hand and usually the lower forearm. In addition to protecting the hand, gauntlets aid a warrior's grip on the weapon. Some gauntlets can be locked to ensure a weapon never slips!

Manifer
Description: A large metal gauntlet for the left hand, which can be worn over an ordinary gauntlet. They can be further adorned with a coronel (a small crown of points similar to those on a morning star.
Attributes: Like the gauntlet, except it provides more cover and can be used offensively.

Vambraces/Bracers
Description: Curved or completely cylindrical shaped plate that cover the forearm.
Attributes: These protect the arm from the slap of the released bowstring in the case of archers or are just used for additional protection.

Greaves
Description: Curved or cylindrical plates protecting the shins and calves.
Attributes: Used for leg protection but can be bulky and encumbering.

Tall Boots
Description: An alternative to greaves, except they provide less protection.
Attributes: A must for horse riders that don't wish to weigh the horse down by wearing greaves.

Shields
Although a defensive piece of armour, a shield could also be used offensively to punch, ram or even stab and enemy.

Buckler
Description: Smaller versions of small shields, bucklers are exclusively round and usually made with a boss (a metal dome to protect the hand).
Attributes: Minimal protection but light and cheap.

Small Shield
Description: Usually round and carried on the forearm, small shields can be made from either faced wood strips or metal.
Attributes: Light and versatile but covers less area than a medium shield.

Medium Shield (Thorn's preferred choice!)
Description: This shield is carried on the forearm like the small shield with the handle gripped by the shield hand. Medium shields are usually metal and range from 3' to 4' in diameter. It can be of any shape, from the medieval triangular shield to one with draconic wings at the sides.
Attributes: The most common shield used, medium shields offer significant protection without being too restrictive.

Tower/Kite/Large Shields
Description: These massive metal or wooden shields nearly reaches from the chin to the toe of the user. It must be firmly fastened to the forearm and the shield hand must firmly grip it at all times.
Attributes: The size and weight of the shield limits movement and the way one attacks. This is made up for by the protection it offers, making its user a walking (or lumbering) wall of defense (especially when coupled with the full plate!).

Magical Weapons

1. Thorn's-Edge

Weapon Type: Longsword
Description and History: Forged specifically by Sir Thornshield for his own use, Thorn's-Edge is a legendary enchanted longsword that strikes fear in the hearts of the dishonourable.

Thorn's-Edge was four feet in length from pommel to tip with a keen blade that is diamond-shaped in cross section, with only a short fuller at the base. In this fuller were ancient runes inscribed upon the blade. Translated, they meant 'Honour' and was also a strengthening spell, granting its user with added energy against opponents. It also forbade the wielder to strike down unprotected foes and commit other dishonourable acts, making it the perfect weapon for a knight such as Thornshield.

The cross-guard was of a black alloy, heavily adorned with intricate silver markings. The ends curved upwards sharply, tapering to an equally sharp tip. In the center of the cross-piece was a smooth, green emerald, infused heavily with magical energies. This was the soul of the weapon and it formed a bond with its wielder. The hilt and pommel was made of a the same material with the weighted pommel sharing similar silver inscriptions and a smaller, non-magical emerald.

Though this weapon shall remain as Thornshield's primary weapon till his dying day, he has stated that it shall be handed down to those worthy of such a weapon when he has passed from the world.

2. The Apocalypse Gems

History: Four power-hungry warlocks once attempted to trap the souls of the Riders of the Apocalypse in Soul Gems. However they were unsuccessful and they paid for their foolishness with their lives though some say they were cast into the Abyss for eternal torment instead.

Yet, they did accomplish something remarkable; the four soul gems had absorbed a sliver of the Riders' essence and possessed enormous powers. The Apocalypse Gems (as they are now called) were sought after by smiths of great renown but in the end, they were lost in a power struggle. However, they are believe to be hidden in different parts of the world.

War
Description: A blood-red spherical ruby with a black flame burning within, this gem contains the essence of the Rider of War. If this gem was to be embedded on a weapon, it would morph it into a wicked instrument of war, strengthening its properties tenfold. The altered weapon would be adorned with spikes and the blade would burn with an unnatural flame.
Preferred Weapons: Broad sword, greatsword, b*****d sword, battle axe, claymore

Famine
Description: A light blue sapphire that thirsts for energy, this gem turns a dark shade of purple when it absorbs mana and stamina. It accomplishes this by latching onto weapons with reach, then draining whatever it strikes. Famine causes the imbued weapon to glow with an eerie pale blue light.
Preferred Weapons: All polearms, flails, tridents, whips

Pestilence
Description: One look at this greenish-brown gemstone is enough to induce nausea. Worse still if it is implanted on a weapon, for the slightest scratch caused by it would send massive amounts of poison into the wounded's bloodstream. It also exudes an aura of decay and sickness, affecting all those within its reach, except for the user.
Preferred Weapons: All small weapons (eg dagger, kukri, stiletto, misericord)

Death
Description: Darker than a starless night, Death comes in the form of a jet black obsidian stone. Though it is the most feared of the four Apocalypse weapons, it is also the most restrictive one as Death can only be imbued upon a rapier, an axe or a scythe. This symbolises the three forms of the Rider of Death; the lethal duelist, the burly executioner and the duty-bound reaper.

The Apocalypse Weapon
Legends say that if all four gems were brought together under the possession of a sole wielder, the gems would meld in a burst of searing energy and would bore into that person's flesh, replacing his or her heart. When that ritual is complete, the person gains godlike attributes and the ability to change his arms to any of the four gem's preferred weapons. This omnipotent strength comes with a price however; if he or she loses the will to fight or is defeated in combat, the Apocalypse Gems would break apart and shatter the body before disappearing to the four corners of the world once more.

(Reserved once again in case I left out something sweatdrop )