Weapons in the world of Redwall
Weapons, the staple of the warrior's profession that hold us with a certain fascination; tools for harm, but symbols of justice at the same time. In the land of Mossflower and the lands beyond that Brian Jacques has painted for us in his Redwall novels there are many different weapons made for different purposes, climates, or terrains. This is a sampling of weapons from the Redwall Novels as well as Medieval Europe; these are intended to be used as a guide for the types of weapons found on the Muck as a whole.
Weapon names in Bold are in the Redwall Books
Weapon names in Bold Italics are not in the Redwall Books, but are from Europe.
Blades
Bastard Sword -Also known as a 'Hand-and-a-Half' Sword, the length of this sword is some where between a Two-handed sword and a Long Sword. Bastard swords are usually of heavy construction, double bladed, and an extended grip which can fit one or two hands comfortably depending on strength and preference. Although it can be used for 'sword play', the power of a bastard sword is found in its swing, not its ability to thrust its point home; this means that most users of bastards swords tended to not focus on playing games with their opponent as much as crushing them with a powerful blow. In the Redwall Novels, Martin the Warrior's sword 'Rat Death' was a Bastard Sword, though it is depicted in some cover art as a short sword or long sword.
Cudgel - A cudgel was actually a wooden sword used as a training weapon for larger swords such as bastard swords or two handed swords. It is traditional that cudgels have a basket hilt.
Cutlass - A favorite blade of seafaring beasts far and wide, since this smaller, heavy, single bladed sword also has practical uses on the ship. Weapons like the cutlass have a certain amount of advantage on the high seas where sword play is more important then powerful swings, since the powerful swing might send you or your weapon down into the watery deeps. In addition, cutlasses are excellent at cutting things, whether they are ropes or the light armor of an enemy pirate.
Dagger - A short double bladed knife that is the favorite of many as a 'backup weapon', a utility knife, or even some sense of personal security. Daggers blades are usually not longer then ten inches (25.5 cm), are easily concealed and easily constructed.
Dirk - A single bladed knife that was usually grooved for various purposes, primary among these was use as a eating and utility knife by early soldiers. Similar in many ways to a dagger, a dirk is often used for the same purpose.
Long Sword - usually considered the 'standard sword' the long sword is a doubled bladed weapon that usually ranges from 35 inches to 47 inches in total length with a groove running down the Center of the blade on their side to lighten it and add flexibility. The design was perfected during the gothic period of Europe but long swords of various designs are found all over Europe at different times. The long sword is a very versatile weapon and extremely maneuverable, being designed for cutting and slashing; this does not keep it from being a thrusting weapon though and is favored for all sorts of sword play.
Rapier - A long, light, double bladed, thrusting sword used primarily in the art of sword fighting known as fencing. The flexible rapier is generally useless for any sort of slashing or cutting, but excellent in thrusting and stabbing allowing it to circumvent armor such as ring or chain mail with many holes. In the Redwall books, rapiers were a favorite weapon of the shrew nation; most likely because they traveled on rafts and fencing requires subtle thrusts rather then heavy handed swings that would most certainly over turn a raft. The rapier is also a favorite of nobles and the rich because it is seen as a refined and skilled weapon, rather then a crude peasant weapon.
Saber/Scimitar - Sabers (or Sabre) and Scimitars are essentially the same weapon; a single bladed slashing weapon that was, in the real world, primarily intended for horsemen. The only real differences is the sabre is of a lighter construction so it can be used in a form of fencing, while the scimitar is heavier and tends to cause more overt damage to who are on the business end.
Short Sword - Short swords are somewhat similar to long sword, though their blades are primarily 24-30 inches in length and are not designed for thrusting or much sword play.
Polearms
War Axe - Otherwise known as a 'Battle Axe' or a 'Bear's Claw', the war axe is a weapon constructed of a pole about four feet in length with a large single sided axe blade attached to it. The War Axe was primarily used by footmen against mounted soldiers or warriors who wanted cleave off chunks of their opponent without too much fuss for fancy maneuvering. At least one Badger Lord favored the War Axe as their weapon, it is also found used by people's who favor strength over the ability to maneuver their weapon.
Halberd - One of many different styles of polearms (the pike among them) that is basically a very long pole with a variety of blades, spikes, hooks, and other pointy things attached to one end. These where used in the real world for pulling heavily armored combatants off their mounts or for making a line for defense. Though the halberd is a useful weapon, it often fails in many glaring ways if used for personal defense; a word to the wise halberd user, bring your friends to the rumble you will compliment them much better then if you stand alone.
Thrusting Spear - Often considered the evolution of the simple staff, the spear is essentially a staff with a small blade affixed to one end. Where normal polearms like the halberd fail because of their extremely long poles, the spear triump0hs as a personal combat weapon. Those who are skilled in the art can easily defend themselves from one or more attackers by taking advantage of the long reach of the spear, while causing some considerable damage due to the thrusts and cuts of the bladed or spiked end.
Staff - A basic stout pole, about as high as the user, is what comprises the simple staff. For such a humble weapon, it has surprising complexity of use and skill required to use it effectively. Its reach makes it ideal for most warriors since it outreaches most swords, rendering most of their strength impotent, and its radius can be used for quick blows that can easily catch the unprepared off guard. Most beasts are familiar with the use of a staff, though it is usually only woodlanders who are found using them extensively for their own defense.
Trident - A polearm similar to a halberd, though the design of its head was a fork of three prongs. This weapon is found primarily among toads and newts and is only really useful for thrusting and stabbing.
Missile Weapons
Blowpipe - Also known as the blowgun, a blowpipe is a long, straight, strong, tube that is used to shoot small darts by means of blowing the projectile from one end out the other. The length of the tube varies from group to group from two feet to as many as seven, generally a blade or spike is mounted at the exit end of the tube so it can be used as a thrusting weapon in emergencies. The dart or needle is a slim, straight, needle of some kind with some fluff or feathers bound to one end. The blow gun is extremely short range and its effectiveness is canceled by any manner of wind at all, but in the right condition the blowpipe is amazingly silent and can sink a four inch needle into soft wood. Poison is also a favorite to be used with a blowpipe since it can be delivered near silently, the downfall is that there are few poisons that will cause instant death, though many that will cause sickness, incapacitation, or general damage to a target.
Bolas - A nasty and dangerous weapon that requires a lot of skill and practice to use correctly. A bola is three lengths of cord tied together so each radiates out from the center, the other ends are tied with some sort of weight. When thrown correctly, the bola spreads out parallel to the ground and the weights spin around the center, causing the ropes and weights to wrap around anything it hits. If this target happens to be a person or animal, the bola incapacitates them and will often break bones in the legs (assuming it hits the legs).
Javelin - A type of light spear used exclusively for throwing, often times as simple as a very straight sharpened stick that was hardened in a fire. Generally, javelins have a very short range and are used against opponents with shields, sticking them in the shield to hamper their movements and force them to discard the shield. Javelins are favored by otters though are sometimes seen among squirrels.
Short Bow - Smaller then the long bow, but more practical for the beast out on the lam, the short bow is a bow that has a staff which is from about 3 feet to 5 1/2 feet long. Additionally, the short bow has a much easier pull on it, allowing for casual drawing and firing. Short bow arrows are, on whole, much less damaging though and will not go through any sort of serious armor or defensive structure.
Sling - One of the most common weapons in existence, made of only a strip of cloth and using stones for projectiles the sling has served many as an emergency or low cost weapon. A sling is used by cradling a stone or metal ball in the center and then twirling the cloth to gain speed, releasing one of the sides of the cloth at the proper time to send the projectile hurtling towards the enemy. Very effective and deadly than many think on the onset of an attack, slings are most often seen in the hands of woodlanders and other goodbeasts who often do not care to have 'real weapons' in their presence.
Longbow - A powerful bow about six feet or more in length, made of hard woods and strung with thick linen fibers, the long bow was and essential weapon for using against armored combatants. Long bows had such a strong pull they flew much further then any other bow, also giving them enough force to shoot straight through thick plate armor if necessary. The problems associated with longbows are many; they are not useful for quick shooting or carrying for protection since they are so big and so much strength is needed to use them. Additionally they are difficult to make effectively and are only found with armies or in the weapons caches of battle field raiders.
Melee Weapons
Club - The classic blunt trauma weapon, the first choice of brutal miscreants far and wide, the club has stood the test of time. The basic design (a large, solid, tree limb) is generally augmented with spikes or hooks, for more lethal intent. The mace, a relative of the club, is made with reinforced metal and spikes.
Flail - This weapon, like many, was made from a farm implement, used for threshing grain. The basic design is a handle attached to a chain or rope, that was, in turn, attached to a weight. This was swung around and used to bean folks on the brow (skull cracking). A deadly effective weapon, but it is not found very much among armies or vermin since it doesn't have the mystique that a sword or axe has.
Net - Used most in sea side communities who use them to fish, combat nets are made smaller and weighted heavier around the edges for throwing. Combat nets are often thrown like bolas and used to entangle a target in the many slips and knots, not so much harm them.
Whip - A braided cord of leather or hair attached to a handle, when used properly the tip of the whip is accelerated to supersonic speeds causing considerable pain and often drawing blood in a target. Whips can also be used for entangling limbs of the enemy, though this takes much more skill to do properly then simple use. Whips generally are used for the image they bring and are not really effective combat weapons as much as they are punishment tools.
Version 1.0 by Naco of Redwall Muck
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