User blog comment:Leolab/Ancient User Tourney, Round 4: Ganzorig (Wass) v Tiberius Proditus (EA)/@comment-422690-20160611150938

So...

Initial: Spatha and Scutum win. The Spatha and Scutum provide a good offense-defense combo. The Scutum's about a third of an inch thick (a little more, actually) which is a good bit of protection, not including the boss. There are a couple things people are underestimating about the bow and Ganzorig with it, though. Ganzorig would be trained on horseback as well as on foot, so he'd be used to drawing with just his upper body rather than the hip movements most infantry archers use. Why is this important? Because it means Ganzorig can fire on the move while on foot. He may get through the edges of the shield, but his best chance with that bow is to get around it. Ultimately, however, I'm still giving this to the old sword-and-board due to the defensive coverage.

Short Range: Spatha and Scutum win again. The scimitar - and no, EA, it would not be a Shamshir; those were introduced in the 12th century, yes, but weren't widespread until the 16th - is a very good, very specialized slashing weapon. The Spatha is able to both hack and thrust, however, and is the more versatile of the two. Blend that with the defensive capability of the scutum and you've got an edge.

Mid Range: Guan Dao wins. The Guan Dao is designed for melee combat, unlike the lawn dart of a pilum. The pilum isn't going to help Tiberius at all here; Ganzorig doesn't have a shield at any range, and the throwing method for such a close engagement is highly telegraphed. All in all, the Guan Dao is simply a better weapon for this situation.

Long Range: Bow wins. This edge is mainly due to the fact that it's Ganzorig's initial weapon; he doesn't have to waste time grabbing and stringing the bow. The plumbata are ideal for this sort of situation, but the bow being Ganzorig's initial weapon negates most of the disadvantages to using one.

Special: Even. The Pugio's shorter, but not necessarily lighter due to the wide blade. It is, however, much better balanced than the mace. Maces were top-heavy because that's how they did damage; the pugio's faster due to its construction, not its weight, but the mace does have reach and even if the ball doesn't hit, the shaft will still cause blunt trauma and at the very least stun. Even if you're not hit by the head, you're still getting hit with five pounds of rapidly-moving steel. Maces are also a lot easier to use than they're being given credit for; it's nowhere near as difficult as people think to maintain distance.

Overall: This is a close one, but I do have to give it to Ganzorig. His arsenal is better-rounded for this kind of match than Tiberius', which is heavy on the throwing weapons. As mentioned, the major disadvantages to using a bow here are countered by both it being Ganzorig's starting weapon and his horseback archery training. It's a very narrow win for Ganzorig, but a win nonetheless.