User blog comment:Pygmy Hippo 2/Apache Warriors vs. New Kingdom Egyptian Soldiers/@comment-3189283-20190731133111

Let’s see shall we

Short Range

Both the Tomahawk and the Khopesh are the same length, weight and are made from the same material so we have to look at other factors to determine which one is superior. The Tomahawk’s “gimmick” if you will is that it can be used as a projectile weapon and the Apache would no doubt be skilled marksman with a tomahawk. That being said throwing one of your melee weapons should only really be done if you’re sure it will take down whoever’s attacking you and with their shields the Egyptians could block a thrown tomahawk, leaving the unfortunate apache a weapon down with no gain. The Khopesh meanwhile is strictly a melee weapon and it does a good job at this, primarily being used for slashing but it’s hooked blade means it can also be used for disarming the Apache of their shields leaving them more vulnerable. It’s for this reason I’d give the edge to the Khopesh.

As for knives well this comparison is much more straightforward; the Egyptian dagger is longer and has superior metallurgy than it’s Apache counterpart. Again, these knives can be thrown much like the Tomahawk but I doubt they’ll be hugely effective against the Egyptian’s armour.

Edge: New Kingdom Egyptian Soldiers

Mid Range

Usually I’d side with the spear that is the longest, in this case the Apache’s but copper is much inferior to bronze when it comes to weaponry because of it’s tendency to bend when struck. The Egyptian’s superior armour also comes into it because it means they afford to take the risk to try and close the distance, where the shorter length of their spear will be an advantage. Combine these two factors together and the Egyptian Spear is the better option here.

Edge: New Kingdom Egyptian Soldiers

Long Range

An Apache Bow would’ve more than likely been a self bow which has less range and penetration power than a composite bow. They make up for this somewhat with the rattlesnake poison because all they need to do is pierce the skin and the Egyptian that skin belongs to is as good as a goner. This won’t be easy because of the shield and armour the Egyptians are wearing but as the Apache favoured ambush tactics, they could probably catch them off guard and get a solid shot it. The Composite Bow will strike with more force and with the Apache’s only armour being their shield it will be even more devastating. Both have their uses so I’m going to call it even.

Edge: Even

Special Weapon

I’ll side with the blunt object with the further reach and greater weight any day.

Edge: New Kingdom Egyptian Soldiers

Final Verdict

The Egyptians take pretty much all the edges and this is largely due to them just having the metallurgically superior weaponry as well as the more protective armour which only further accentuates the Apache’s weaker melee weapons. The one thing the Apache do have in their favour, the fact the scenario is something their more experienced in than the Egyptians is negated by them being in an Egyptian Town where they won’t know the terrain and where there won’t exactly be many places to lay a good ambush owing to the lack of foliage in the middle of the desert. The Apache are outclassed in terms of weaponry, outclassed in terms of armour and their situational experience advantage is negated so I don’t imagine this turning out well for them.

New Kingdom Egyptian Soldiers: 4,000

Apache Warriors: 1,000