HALF SWORD - This Game Looks AWESOME
This Medieval combat game looks incredible.
Contrary to common belief, a well-made suit of plate armor typically weighed between 45-55 pounds (20-25 kg), with the weight distributed evenly across the body. Custom-fitted plate armor was articulated through careful engineering, allowing for remarkable mobility. Knights could run, mount horses unassisted, and even perform cartwheels in full plate armor. The weight was comparable to what modern soldiers carry in combat gear, though better distributed.
Fighting Techniques in Armor
Armored combat techniques differed significantly from unarmored fighting. Since plate armor effectively defeated cutting attacks, warriors developed specialized methods:
Half-Swording
One of the most distinctive techniques was "half-swording," where the fighter would grip their sword's blade halfway up with their off-hand, using the weapon more like a short spear. This technique allowed for precise thrusts into gaps in armor and provided better leverage for close-quarter fighting. Historical manuals show that fighters would grab their blades without injury, as proper technique and leather gloves provided adequate protection.
Murder-Stroke
In extreme close combat, knights would sometimes grip their swords by the blade with both hands and use the crossguard and pommel as an improvised war hammer – a technique called the "murder-stroke" (Mordhau). This transformed the sword into a percussive weapon capable of delivering significant trauma through plate armor.
Grappling and Wrestling
Perhaps surprisingly to modern observers, armored combat frequently involved wrestling techniques. Knights trained extensively in grappling, as immobilizing an opponent was often more effective than trying to pierce their armor. Combat manuals from the period show numerous techniques for throws, joint locks, and even ground fighting in full armor. The goal was often to create opportunities to strike at vulnerable points or to force an opponent's surrender.
The Role of Different Weapons
While the sword was the knight's symbolic weapon, various arms were employed in armored combat:
Poleaxes and War Hammers
These weapons combined multiple functions: an axe blade for cutting against lighter armor, a hammer head for dealing trauma through plate, and a spike for thrusting into gaps. The long shaft provided leverage and keeping distance when needed.
Maces and War Hammers
Concentrated impact weapons were particularly effective against plate armor, as they could deliver traumatic force through the plate without needing to pierce it. The weight of the head combined with the lever action of the handle could deliver devastating blows.
Types of Armor and Their Impact on Combat
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