User blog comment:Leolab/Ancient User Tourney, Round 8: Gaius Leopold (Skully) v Tiberius Proditus (EA)/@comment-3189283-20160705161614

Let's see shall we

Initial 

The Scutum & Spartha combi gives a good balance between offense and defense but it's niche is in a formation with other similarly armed warriors and in a one on one in an open arena it's usage is much more restrictive due to the weight of the Scutum. Salt has the reach over the Spartha and it's much more versatile in how it can be used. While the Spartha can be used as a slashing weapon if used in conjuction with the Scutum it is limited heavily to thrusting whereas Salt can be used for both purposes more easily. The weight and Gaius' preference for using it two handed also means it should be able to do some serious damage to the Scutum.

Edge: Gaius Leopold 

Close Range 

Both are rocking the shield and weapons combo with their short range options and despite my criticism's of it above I have to give the edge to the Scutum & Spartha. The Scutum gives much more protection than the Viking Shield the Spartha's longer reach allows Tiberius to keep Gaius out of the reach of his Axe. Gaius is more mobile sure but going up against one of the best shield and sword combos in history with a simular but less effective copy won't end well for him if he is daft enough to try it.

Edge: Tiberius Proditus

Mid Range

The Halberd is probably going to be Gaius' best weapon in this battle. It is perfectly made to go up against a heavy shield like the Scutum and it's weight and  axe head will make short work of it or Gaius can simply hook it out of Tiberius' hand. The Pilum is only really useful against a shield wielding opponent and while Gaius does have the viking shield he doesn't start with it. In fact the Pilum is more of a advantage for Gaius than Tiberius as all he has to do is pick it up and chuck it at the Scutum and half of his most effective weapon is rendered useless. You could argue that the Halberd is really heavy and cumbersome but Tiberius is already bogged down by 55lbs of gear anyway so I doubt Gaius will have much trouble landing a hit.

Edge: Gaius Leopold 

TBC