Re: (TFT) Death Test 1, take 4: SURVIVED!

["gem6868" <gem6868@verizon.net>]

yeah, but theory and medieval authors should be taken with plenty of salt, 
most had no idea what they were talking about, like so many so-called 
experts today who write books and appear on TV.  And re-enacting isn't 
reality.  If the re-enactors find an island where they won't be prosecuted 
for manslaughter and fight to death / wounding / unconsciousness, then we 
can take it seriously.  Otherwise, it's a very theoretical exercise.

The fact that the weapons weren't the dominant weapon of any period, but 
merely used where needed and popular where effective, should say it all to 
anyone.  The polearm was used from Asia to Western Europe, but only where it 
was necessary.  The sword/shield combo was and has been more popular 
throughout history.  The polearm is like the crossbow or the longbow. 
Useful for its purpose, useless where the purpose doesn't apply.

As we agree on the Romans, considering the matchup in game terms (Short 
Sword / Large Shield v. Polearm, or add chainmail to both) you aren't going 
to get around the fact that the large shield absorbs another 2 Hits per 
successful strike and can act as a weapon itself (and perhaps in Adv. Melee 
there's a special parry skill that allows the shield to completely negate a 
hit?  I believe there is in GURPS).  However, I also subscribe to the rules 
interpretation that says if there isn't a successful charge (3 straight 
hexes) or the character isn't Charged, then the polearm advantage doesn't 
come into effect.

The point is, that it shouldn't be the "dominant weapon" in TFT.  If it is, 
then it needs to be house-ruled.   If it isn't (and we've two opposing votes 
on it) then don't bother.

Personally, in Melee I haven't seen a dominance of any particular weapon.  I 
guess if I heap a character full of DX, armor him heavily and give him a 
polearm, he might be quite dangerous if slow.  But the danger is really from 
the combo of high Dmg and high Armor, and the fact that there's no cost to 
armor and weapons in Melee.  I certainly wouldn't pay twice as much to equip 
such a character, in an adventure I don't think he'd be twice as good.  But 
he would have some advantages if he didn't get surrounded.

-----Original Message----- 
From: raito@raito.com
Sent: Thursday, October 06, 2011 11:22 AM
To: tft@brainiac.com
Subject: Re: (TFT) Death Test 1, take 4: SURVIVED!

Quoting gem6868 <gem6868@verizon.net>:
=====
Post to the entire list by writing to tft@brainiac.com.
Unsubscribe by mailing to majordomo@brainiac.com with the message body
"unsubscribe tft"