User blog comment:Jar teh marksman/Viking VS Roman Centurion/@comment-379205-20111115212225

119's Edges
 * Hmmm, when used properly with the scutum, the gladius could be effective against longswords. The Romans used the gladius like this: they would say behind the shield, wait for their attacker to raise the longsword to slash, and then stab them in the torso whilst minimizing their exposure. However, this was most effective in large formations. When barbarians with longswords similar to the Viking's were able to break up the Roman formations into one-on-one fights, things were more even. Thus I can this Even
 * Mid range: The Viking's Great Axe, it packs severe killing power.
 * Long Range: The pilum was designed specifically for maximum utility as a throwing spear, and nothing else, Edge Roman.
 * Shields: I believe the scutum was mostly wood, with a metal centerpiece, like the viking shield. Nonetheless, I give this to the scutum because it was larger.
 * Armor: If your not giving the Roman Lorica segmenta, than this is even in my view.
 * X-Factors: The Romans take 2/3, however one of these is most important in fighting as an army...
 * Overall: In spite of the ranged advantage, I'm going the narrowly give this one to the Viking simply because the barbarians that brought down the Roman Empire were similarly armed to the Vikings, and they managed to divide the Romans formations, into a large number of "one-on-one" fights, like this one. If this is a fight between armies' I'd give it to the Romans, but in a one-on-one, the Viking takes a slight edge.