User blog comment:Jackythejack/Jewish Zealots vs. Testament of the New Ezekiel/@comment-32516697-20181029223850

'''Laq's "What Have The Romans Done For Us?" Edges'''

Short Range: Great, let's start off with an easy one. The sica is a lot longer, it's designed to be a weapon, and the Zealots are experts in its use. It would be even better if armor was a factor, thanks to its curve. The machete is lighter, but not by much, and it really doesn't have anything else going for it. Edge: Jewish Zealots

Mid Range: The pitchfork has the advantage actually being able to stab instead of just bashing like the staff, but it's not designed to be a weapon, and the numerous prongs are just overcompensation. It's liable to get caught on the surroundings, especially in a close-quarters fight like this one, so it's definitely not the perfect weapon for the job. However, the staff doesn't have much going for it either, and it's also shorter on average, so the weapon more likely to get a kill takes the edge here. Edge: Testament of the New Ezekiel

Special: Yes, actually, I did expect a spatha. These are both terrible choices for the weapons, and any fighters carrying them are definitely going to be the first to fall. In the end, I'll go with the pickaxe, because it seems to me that a large, heavy, and pointy tool is more likely to get a kill than a tiny, not-all-that-sharp tool. Edge: Testament of the New Ezekiel

X-Factors and Conclusion: While in history the Zealots had a very difficult time maintaining cohesion in their groups, considering the nature of this fight, I don't think Eleazar needs to worry about his men criticizing his decisions while they're all trapped in an asylum and being chased by an evil cult. The two groups are pretty even in these first two categories anyway, so I'll skip over them. Experience and tactics are going to be the game changers here, and the Zealots take a clear advantage. With their style of guerrilla warfare, the Zealots posed a considerable threat to the Roman legions, which at the time was one of, if not the most powerful fighting forces in the Mediterranean world. The Testament's victories over the Heretics pale in comparison. In a battle of generally shitty equipment, The Zealots are also carrying the sica, which is the deadliest weapon in the entire fight, so take a big advantage in equipment. Overall, the Zealots are more experienced and have proven themselves more deadly on the battlefield that the Testament has. Eleazar will be able to come up with a strategy to outmaneuver and separate his foes, leaving them at the mercy of the Zealots' sicae. Winner: Jewish Zealots!