by Kyrian » Mon Oct 24, 2005 8:45 pm
If you're going with the definition of a * sword being a hand-and-a-half sword (sword blade under 36") and only using the * sword...
1) Use a buckler or some other type of shield. Without one, you can be very vulnerable to missiles.
2) Wear armor.
3) Get comfortable at sidestepping and avoiding blows rather than standing there and blocking.
4) Practice counterattacking after a person has swung--timing is critical. Also, get comfortable at blocking and immediately following up with an attack that flows from the block.
5) Consider using a Class II or a medium-length sword and shield. A * sword will only count as Class I when swung with both hands and cannot break shields nor go through armor with one blow. A Class II weapon does both. A * sword tends to be unwieldy at close range, i.e., within 1 to 1 1/2 steps from your opponent. A medium sword (24"-32" blade) has pretty good maneuverability at close and medium range while the shield will be more protective.
6) Until you get comfortable with controlling the weapon, try to keep your swings below the shoulders. Anything higher increases the chances of inflicting head shots.
7) Don't engage your opponents head-on. Against a shield fighter, the stand-up fight will be a tough one. Avoid facing more than one fighter at a time. Choose your battles...don't let them choose you.
I can't emphasize enough how important your mobility and footwork will be if you choose to fight with a * sword by itself.
Kyrian
"...change requires action, it doesn't just happen. Define your actions by how you think the game should be, not how the game is. The game will follow."--Big Jimmy