User blog comment:Lasifer/Hellstorm Issue 6: Beowulf vs. Achilles/@comment-5078776-20130618021711

CFP3157'S EDGES OF MASSIVE DESTRUCTION AND SUPERHUMAN SWORDSMEN!!!!

==Equipment== 

Armor: Beowulf 

Most people are probably going to side with Achilles, but I have to give the chainmail its credit. Not only is it made of a superior material, but it is light enough for Beowulf to move around Achilles while still protecting him from the inferior bronze weapons.

Primary: Beowulf

What Naegling loses in length, it regains in both material and weight. Naegling brings in the ability to both slash and thrust, while the Spear can only thrust. Add the fact that Naegling is made of iron as opposed to bronze, and it gains the edge for me.

Secondary: Achilles 

While Hrunting is made of a superior material, it cannot get past that sword and shield combo will give Achilles the defense-offense that will let him beat the shieldless Beowulf. Any superior material he has won't get past the shield.

Special: Achilles 

As I mentioned above, any weapon Beowulf has isn't getting past this shield anytime soon. This shield covers Achilles' entire body that isn't already coated in bronze. A long bow isn't any exception.

X-factor: Even

Oh, this is when things get interesting. Beowulf can lift Achilles and cut him limb from limb, but the more he tries to hold him down, the madder Achilles will get. You have to remember that Achilles quite literally slayed most of the Trojan army. That means that any strength Beowulf has, it'll be hard to use it on an opponent as quick and angry as Achilles. Of course, then Achilles' rage has it's flaw; it makes him cocky. He'll underestimate Beowulf in a way that could get him killed or give him the win.

'''X-Factors
'''

Psychological Health: Beowulf

As I mentioned above, Achilles can get really mad and cocky that he'll have to make some mistakes in the battle. Beowulf can remain patient enough in combat to keep his cool, making his attacks more precise and give them more power.

Strategy: Beowulf 

Beowulf was a king, and he had to face invaders in between his major fights. And even without that, he was facing monsters. That requires some seriouis planning for a mortal man, even ones with super strength. Achilles was a common foot soldier that fought weaker men, so his attacks don't need much planning.

Combat Experience: Achilles 

Beowulf was a king, and the rules back then were that a king could not enter single combat of any form. Meanwhile, Achilles was a foot soldier who fought for ten years in the Trojan war. While it was shorter, this means he has much more combat experience in the field.

Endurance: Achilles

While Beowulf is certainly strong and tough as nails, Achilles quite literally cannot be killed. That's the highest endurance I can think of other than sheer invulnerability.

Intelligence: Even

Intelligence isn't the forte of either warrior. Both were raised as nobles, so neither has anymore scholarship than the other.

Creativity: Beowulf

Again, neither were exactly creative in the narrow sense of the definition. However, Beowulf had to command troops, and that requires creative thinking.

Weapon Use: Achilles

Experience once again comes into play, and Achilles fought much more often than Beowulf did. This means his skill in close combat may be slightly better than Beowulf's.

Brutality: Achilles

Achilles was the killer of thousands of men, while Beowulf was looking out for the good of the people. Achilles gets the brutality edge quite easily.

Overall Edge
Okay, I came into this fight backing Beowulf all the way. However, as I thought about this more and more, I still see him winning, but only slightly so. Achilles has an immense durability and a lethal arsenal, but he's just to impatient and cocky to take the time to use it to his advantage. Beowulf, on the other hand, has the strength, arsenal, and patience to last long enough against him to discover Achilles' weaknesses and win.