User blog comment:Cfp3157/Suleiman the Magnificent vs. Cesare of Borgia/@comment-379205-20140828030833

119's "Last Minute" Edges:

Sword 1: The Rapier is a deadly thrusting weapon, and has a longer reach, however, its thin blade and light weight reduces its potential for armor penetration, and could allow it to be knocked away or ever broken in intense combat. The rapier was in truth meant more of a civilian defensive weapon than a combat blade, with the side sword being more suited for that role. Edge: Even.

Sword 2: The Kilij takes this because of its curved design and reinforced point, which make it a deadly slashing weapon, especially from horseback, and the rienforced point would also improve thrusting ability and armor penetration. Edge: Suleiman.

Heavy: The Mace is a deadly blunt instrument, but lacks the versatility of the warhammer, which can be used as a blunt instrument, as well as hook cavalry off horses, or simply bring armored foes to the ground, or to pierce armor with the deadly spike. Edge: Cesare

Polearms: The Halberd is not as long as the pike, but that can actually be an advantage in close combat- the pike is simply too long to manage. The halberd is also more versatile with a spearhead for thrusting and warding off cavalry, a spike for pulling enemies off their horses, and an axe head for chopping through armor. Edge: Suleiman

Bows: The arbalest has massive stopping power, capable of piercing plate armor, however, it is slow to reload. The Turkish bow, on the other hand, has a high rate of fire, and in the right hands, is still capable of piercing armor and being fired at distances of over 300 yards. Furthermore, the Turks, particularly the elite Jannisary Corp, were known as expert archers. Edge: Suleiman

Firearms: Both weapons are essentially the same matchlock firearm, with a range of about 100 meters. Suleiman's musketeers, however, probably have an advanatage in training, especially if they are jannissaries, known as expert archers and musketeers. Edge: Suleiman

Overall/X-Factors: Suleiman takes this battle, both for his superior weapons, the superior training of his troops and a greater level of military experience, having successfully conquered much of Southeastern Europe.