Re: (TFT) Interesting re: Thrown Pole Weapons

[Richard Walters <rick.walters@yahoo.com>]

TFT and damage values have always been sketchy when you try to compare the weapons with reality.  We could put together a "myth busters" set of tests using axes, maces, throwing knives and spears; but I think that our results would likely skew the entire damage chart.  

If anyone is interested in doing such tests, remember that it's not only velocity and mass, but also surface area of the striking edge, type/depth of wound, and location of the wound that really determines the damage.  Moreover, the razor sharp katana shouldn't be used as a chopping blade.  In the hands of a master, the katana will cut through the spine and even bone.  It's all in the slicing motion.  And well placed bloodgrooves on some longswords make them much more damaging when used properly as well.  So, there should be some sort of modifier for skill if we're being true to the weapon's damage potential.  

So, what I'm saying is, it's not all about how fast the spear is moving and how much it weighs.  The spear concentrates all it's force on a very sharp point.  If it impacts perpendicular to the target surface, it is a very efficient weapon.  By efficient I mean that it focuses all of the force into the strike, losing very little of the energy put into the throw.  Of course, if it hits at an angle to a metalic surface, most of it's damage potential is not transferred into the target.  

Axes, on the other hand, are chopping weapons and you want to embed them into the target, splitting it like you would a log.  Swords are slicing weapons, and you don't really want to chop with them.  If you're beating someone with your sword as you would with a bat, you're using it incorrectly (exception for the midevil greatsword which hardly had an edge and was a 6-8 feet long iron bar, meant to dent armor, and slice only if it could penetrate the shell).

Good Fortune,
Richard


----- Original Message ----
From: John <johnnyboytmm@juno.com>
To: tft@brainiac.com
Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2009 7:30:17 AM
Subject: Re: (TFT) Interesting re: Thrown Pole Weapons

Good question, and probably a less clear answer.  4epends on things like the heartiness of the jab.

But - I can throw a ball about 40-50 mph (based on the carny machines), which is probably 2-3 times faster than I can jab a spear.

so, the question is, does the added mass of a jabbing spear outweigh its lower velocity?  for a hearty jab with a little weight shifting - probably yes.  for an arms only jab from a defensive footing - probably not.

in short, I'd say "maybe" and "it depends"

------------------------------
I would agree if you're talking about charging. What about the difference 
between throwing the spear and just standing in your hex stabbing/jabbing?

Todd
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