User blog comment:Tesla Man/B.C. Tournament: Hannibal Barca vs King Leonidas/@comment-2006360-20111203213109

Thornclaw's Thorney Edges

Close Range: The Xiphos is too short to use without getting in the range of one of Hannibal's weapons, whereas the Falcata is longer, made of stronger metal, and has more power. Edge: Hannibal

Mid Range: The sarissa is SO clumsy when used by itself, and is only effective in large numbers. Someone armed with a Dory can just evade the extremely slow blows of the sarissa and close the distance, where the sarissa becomes ineffective. Edge: Leonidas

Long Range: The sling is not very accurate, and only rarely kills. With a Spartan wielding a shield that can cover his own body, and armor to block a rock, the sling is useless. The javelin is also inaccurate, but more lethal. Although this makes a difference, I think the real battle will be the hand-to-hand combat. Edge: Leonidas

Special: The soliferrum is really useful, being a javelin on steroids, but the Aspis is one of the most impenetrable shields of all time and can deflect it or take the blow without harming the wearer. Only something like a gun (fat chance here) or a ballista bolt can go through the Aspis. Edge: Leonidas

Melee: When the Agoge-style training is effective, you need to be really accurate with your blows to kill. The dagger can disable Leonidas and kill him, since the neck is not covered by armor. Edge: Hannibal

Armour: When it all comes down to it, both warriors have similar protection and their soldiers can take up plenty of blows as well. Edge: Even

The Deadliest Warrior is.... KING LEONIDAS! Although elderly (that is, if you're having him appear at his age at Thermopylae, which is around 70), his more basic tactics and weapons will prove multi-purpose against the weapons of Hannibal. And if the elephant isn't going to be used in the real battle, then Barca is definitely screwed.