User blog comment:MilenHD/Berserker vs Philistine/@comment-122.58.49.187-20151118061511

Anon's "Iron Age Bullies" Edges

Short Range Weapons: Viking Longsword vs. Philistine Shortsword

This is an easy edge for the Viking, the Longsword is a full two feet longer than the Shortsword and is made of a higher quality metal. The Philistine sword is so short that it barely even qualifies as a sword. Not only that but the raw strength of the Berserker combined with the superior weight of his sword means that he is going to do some serious damage to the Philistine even if he is wearing armour. The Viking's lack of armour isn't much of a factor in this comparison due to the fact that the Philistine will have difficulty reaching him with a one foot blade.

Massive Edge: Viking Berserker

Mid-Range Weapons: Dane Axe vs. Iron Spear

The Spear is longer and lighter than the Axe and that combined with the Viking's lack of armour is enough to take my vote. While the axe is powerful and in the hands of a Viking is a deadly weapon, it requires two hands in order to be used effectively while the spear can be used with one or two hands. This gives the Philistine options and options in war claim victory. However this edge is slight due to the Axe's raw power and the fact that the Philistine's armour and shield won't save him if he is hit.

Slight Edge: Philistine Warrior

Long Range Weapons: Viking Spear vs. Philistine Short Bow

The bow takes this edge with ease. While the Spear can also be used in melee, if you throw it you lose it, while the Philistine will be carrying multiple arrows, giving him the advantage in ammunition count. The Bow also has a longer range and can be fired with greater accuracy. The spear does have its perks however such as the aforementoned melee option and greater stopping power. Despite this, these perks are not enough for me to give the edge to the Berserker, so the Philistine takes it.

Edge: Philistine Warrior

Special Weapons: Seax vs. Iron Dagger

The Viking takes this one, the Seax is much longer than the Dagger and again is made of a higher quality metal. On top of that the Seax can be used for both thrusting and slashing while the Philistine dagger only looks good for thrusting. The Philstine's armour is a factor in this comparison but there are gaps which the Viking could exploit. Daggers in general are quite effective against armour as they can be slid in between two chinks to reach the soft tissue underneath.

Edge: Viking Berserker

Armour: Wolf Pelt & Battle Shield vs. Bronze Plates, Helmet & Cowhide Shield

This is actually closer than you would think, the Viking's shield is much more durable than the Philistine's shield and will easily deflect his (the Philistine's) weapons. That being said the Viking's Wolf Pelt isn't a particulary good defense against swords and spears and will do little to protect him. The Philistine's armour will protect him to a degree and could save his life.

Edge: Philistine Warrior

X Factors:

The Philistine has a much higher average than the Berserker and takes the edge in the majority of the X Factors, including discipline and mental health. Three unmnetioned X Factors that I would like to bring up are Intimidation, Endurance and Physicality, which the Berserker has in spades. Pain and Fear mean nothing to him and he Will. Not. Stop. At least until he is dead. Still the Philistine has him beat in the majority of the (listed) X Factors so he takes my vote.

Edge: Philistine Warrior

Overall Winner:

This is difficult since the Philistine takes the majority of the edges, but I legitimately think that the Berserker will win and here is why: The Berserker is much bigger, stronger and tougher than the Philistine and the Psychological impact of his Berserker rage will have an impact on his opponent. While the Philistine's were also a scary bunch it is a moot point in this case as the mushrooms that the Berserker uses will prevent him from feeling or caring about pain and fear. Even if he is shot with an arrow of stabbed with a blade he will still keep going. Lastly, the Philistine's armour probably will not be enough to save him as his shield will be useless and if he is hit, even if he is not killed outright he will still suffer some broken bones and won't be able to fight back.

THE VIKING BERSERKER IS...THE DEADLIEST WARRIOR!!!