User blog comment:SPARTAN 119/Spartacus vs Ali ibn Muhammed/@comment-27334870-20180314231352/@comment-27334870-20180316200849

Dargoo Faust's [REDACTED] EDGES: "Opressing Opressors"

Weapons

Dagger Edge - Spartacus

Easy edge for the Sica due to it's superior range. However, I would like to note that Ali's weapon should be easier to deploy should they get down and dirty at that range, but I don't see that happening enough to really give that advantage any merit. In any case, the Sica should be able to pull it's weight better.

Sword Edge - Ali ibn Muhammed

Spartan's tie for this does make some sense, as the Gladius is supposed to function well within it's niche even though it functions poorly against the other sword due to reach, but the Straight Sword also has a guard, which I don't think was really brought into consideration. Wass's mentions of how the Scutum is particularly weak to the straightsword also bring up how Ali can utilize his weapon to great advantage.

Spear Edge - Spartacus

The Pillium's primary advantage is that it can be used as both a melee and throwing weapon; in fact, it was typically used as a ranged thrown weapon before one would close distance and engage with their scutum and gladius. It's also remarably efficiant in breaking through sheilds and armors, and can greviously injure Ali should it land a hit. Considering how Spartacus' troops are more bulky and defensive, they should fare better against the thrusting weapons Ali is packing.

Sling Edge - Literally the Same Weapon

Sheild Edge - Spartacus

I'm giving this to the roman here since his sheild is much more compatable with his fighting style, and pairs nicely with the gladius when it comes to engaging troops. Wass is correct in that it has weaknesses when it comes to slashing attacks and how a group of gladiators are likely to employ it, but the much greater coverage for him and his men will cover that in spades.

Special Edge - Ali ibn Muhammed

The greater reach and ability to hook onto the bulky arsenal of Spartacus will generally benefit Ali and his troops more than the greater practical design of a knife.

X Factors and Verdict

Ali may, on paper, fare less when it comes to training and experiance, but their toolkit and overall strategy work particularly well against the bulky and less-reaching style of the gladiators. Greater mobility will make Ali's flanking strategies more effective than Spartacus, even though they look like they're less creative, which in a battle of two warriors who run similar tecniques will make a large difference in the outcome. While I think that the thrown Pilium will pull some weight and honestly take more lives than the Gladius, Ali ibn Muhammed's greater reach and more effective strategies will win him this battle.