User blog comment:Leolab/Ancient User Tourney, Round 4: Ganzorig (Wass) v Tiberius Proditus (EA)/@comment-5232784-20160608032816

Mongolia vs Italy!

1. iconic weapons

The Composite bow is powerful, but can it pierce a scutum shield? Yes, though the arrow probably wont go all the way through, at least at a farther range. However, as Tiberius charges, Ganzorig will be able to fire an arrow at closer range, thus having more power, so the closer Tiberius gets, the more likely the arrow could pierce the scutum all the way. Plus, mongols were legendary archers, capable of hitting targets while on horseback (with the horse MOVING). Ganzorig will quite possibly target Tiberius' feet, waiting for the right time and then...unleash an arrow, pinning his foot to the earth (or maybe hit a lower leg). However, such a shot will be tricky (feet move fast), and the only way it might work is if Tiberius is dangerously close. Same goes for a lower leg shot, though even such a shot wont necessarily stop Tiberius' charge. I think the scutum shield and spatha combo wins out here.

EDGE: Tiberius!

2. Short range

The Scimitar is longer and probably made of better steel than the Spatha, but remember, Tiberius has a huge Scutum shield to go with his spatha. This is a two to one weapon situation, and Tiberius will be using this combo to devistating effect. However, it must be remembered that, Though Tiberius is crafty, he didn't blow his drill instructor's pants off with his combat prowess, so Ganzorig will probably be the far superior swordsman. Plus, like Cfp noted, the scimitar will probably cut the spatha in half (better steel). However, the spatha's weakness are more than made up for by the shield-sword combo of Tiberius, as well as his average combat skills.

EDGE: Tiberius

3. Mid range

The Pilum has far superior range, though is weak in close quarter combat compared to the Guan Dao. Also, the Guan Dao usually wont be damaged beyond repair after initial use, while the Pilum will be critically damaged when impacting another warrior or a shield. Also, the Pilum is primarily designed to ravage shields, and Ganzorig has none.

Still, the Pilum's superior range more than makes up for the Guan Dao's strengths.

EDGE: Tiberius!

4. Long range

The Composite bow will have far greater range and power than the plumbata darts, as well a superior accuracy. True, the composite bow will have difficulty against the Scutum, but the composite bow's strengths overwiegh this. This was the mongol's main weapon of choice, and they used it to pierce even the armor of teutonic knights. Plumbata darts didn't have the same revolutionary impact on warfare that composite bows did.

EDGE: Ganzorig!

TBC