User blog comment:Cfp3157/Season 3 Episode 4: Templar Knight vs Ming Warrior/@comment-422690-20130508220244

So...

Close Range: Longsword wins. It has a greater versatility than the Dao. You can thrust with a Dao, but its general shape is better suited for slashing. Plus, that crossguard can trap and disarm or even break an opponent's weaponry. Edge: Templar.

Mid Range: Qiang Spear wins. What can I say, I like weapons that can be used more than once. Edge: Ming.

Long Range: Three-Barrel Pole Gun wins. Both have long reload times, and even if chainmail won't let the shot itself through (which, depending on the mail, it might), the blunt force of the impact will do damage. The Crossbow also has a single shot before reloading. The pole gun has three. Edge: Ming.

Special: Even. Landmines are an area-denial weapon, not a combat weapon. Using one in an actual fight requires a great deal of cunning, manipulation of distance, and spatial awareness, all of which are difficult to bring to bear when someone is charging at you with a huge twirling spiked ball. The Flail, however, is as dangerous to the wielder as it is the opponent, which is why no one in their right mind ever put spikes on those things. Edge: Draw.

Overall: Ming Warriors win, but only barely. Their advantages in mid and long-range offense are offset by their lack of high-quality armor, but overall their weapons can keep the Templars at bay.