User blog comment:Deathblade 100/Medieval Mayhem: Henry V vs William the Conqueror/@comment-379205-20150508005908

119's "We Band of Brothers" Edges


 * Swords: The 15th Century Longsword had a more ergonomic design, making it easier to make accurate cuts and thursts. The weapon was also probably slightly better made. Edge: Henry V


 * Bows: The British Longbow takes this one easily for its longer range, up to about 350 yards in the hands of a skilled archer, as well as its faster rate of fire, as well as Henry's skilled used of archers against the French knights at Agincourt. Edge: Henry


 * Siege: Neither of these really will be that much use on a 6 vs 6 battle, but the trebuchet will be the least useful because of its long-range, but less accurate indirect fire. The torsion catapult, or mangonel has a straighter, more accurate trajectory. Really, in fight, Henry should have left the trebuchet at his camp and brought one of the cannons he used at Harfleur and Agincourt instead. Edge: William

Armor: Henry's plate armor is far superior to the chainmail used by William. With Henry's plate, William will have a hard time piercing it with any of his weapons, the only thing that might work is a crossbow shot from short range or a lucky shot with his mangonel. On the other hand, the bodkin point arrows of Henry's archer will go between the rings of the chainmail and mow down William's men.

X-Factors: I'll agree with the you that Henry takes metallurgy and armor, but I'd argue he also took tactics with his skilled use of new weapons and tactics- longbows at Agincourt and cannon at Harfleur (even if he didn't bring one to this fight).

Overall Winner: Henry V has the advantage of 300 years of weapons technology, including longbows, bodkin arrows, and plate armor. In the hands of a commander as skilled as Henry, this will crush Williams less advanced armies.