User blog comment:Goddess of Despair/King of Kings Round 1: Saladin vs Charlemagne/@comment-379205-20131129235123

119's "Poiteirs Revisted" Edges


 * Swords: First off, I would like to point out that Saladin would have used a saif, but the saif is somewhat similar in appearance to a talwar, and would have similar dimensions (I think). The saif is designed primarily for use on horseback, designed to slash down on enemies. The broadsword of the time of Charlemagne, on the other hand, was more similar to the Viking design, with a thick, heavy blade, intended both for slashing and thrusting through chain main. The two weapons have different uses, but in an extended fight, the broadsword will probably be more useful. Edge: Charlemagne.


 * Spears: The Boar Spear would be more effective in close combat than the long pike. Edge: Charlemagne


 * Long Range: The composite bow takes this easily- while a Francisca has a range of a few dozen meters, and effectively disarms the user when thrown, the composite bow has a range of a couple hundred meters in the hands of a skilled archer, and could hit with enough force to pierce armor. The chainmail used by Charlemagne could also be circumvented with a thin arrowhead designed to go between the rings. Edge: Saladin


 * Tactics: Saladin is easily the better tactician. For instance, at Hattin, he took advantage of the terrain, as well the toll the hot, dry climate took on Renard's men. Saladin also demonstrated a mastery of maneuver warfare, completely surrounding Renard's army.

TO BE CONTINUED