LESSON 4 - Readying the Weapons of Choice
"Magical weapons were banned after the Wizard's War, but may still be in evidence--their use is a sure sign that the wielder is evil." - Diana Wynne Jones
Unless you have magic in your arsenal (or you're a
traveling monk with mastery in the fighting arts), you and your crew might want
to consider investing in several forms of weaponry. When I say several, I mean
several. Don't expect to survive with a lone dagger tucked into your
boot--though I suppose those things could be helpful. And unless you are
planning to defend against a pack of unsavory bandits with your words and
fluttering eyelashes (which has a minuscule chance of working, I suppose),
then it's better to be overly prepared than under-prepared.
Don't be shy, pick your poison!
Don't be shy, pick your poison!
Possible Weapons to add to your arsenal
Swords are probably the most commonplace weapons within Fantasyland, and yet not very many people are able to put this type of weaponry to good use. Sure, most warriors tend to swing, thrust, slash, and hack around a bit, but using it effectively takes a bit more time and much more finesse. Many Fantasyland warriors choose the Sword as their weapon of choice. More than likely, the hero of the tale gains mastery of the weapon by the end of the adventure. If you have a terribly fine sword in possession--or a magical one that can strike at magical creatures--it would also be cool to name it. Something like Nehima or the Vorpal Sword. Just saying.
Axes are less carried around in Fantasyland due to their cumbersome quality. They are, however, quite hefty and deadly, and multipurpose in many things (like chopping wood, watermelon, and felling foes coming at you on horseback...). While not as popular as the Sword, the Axe is well known for its violent use, which is probably why the weapon use is attributed to big, bulky barbarians or war-like peoples. Sometimes the axe itself is enchanted with magical evil that it could drive kings mad (here's talking to you, Snaga the Sender!).
Axes are less carried around in Fantasyland due to their cumbersome quality. They are, however, quite hefty and deadly, and multipurpose in many things (like chopping wood, watermelon, and felling foes coming at you on horseback...). While not as popular as the Sword, the Axe is well known for its violent use, which is probably why the weapon use is attributed to big, bulky barbarians or war-like peoples. Sometimes the axe itself is enchanted with magical evil that it could drive kings mad (here's talking to you, Snaga the Sender!).
Staves are funny things. These are the weapons that appeal to those who are not so fond of sharp objects. Of course, you can add sharp objects at the end of the Staff and that might turn it into a Glaive, but overall, staves tend to be less intimidating. That said, just because it is largely made out of wood doesn't mean it can't be used with the same effectiveness as the Sword or Axe. Blunt instruments, when applying the right kind of force, can be just as painful to withstand as a slash of a sword.
The heavier, bulkier version of Staves, Polearms are often utilized by knights and warriors. The Polearm is tipped at the edge with a blade or an axe, and is known for its long reach. Spears are great weapons to take down riders, and Javelins are throw-able at a great distance (though this is silly if you have a good Bow handy). Lances are the jousting knight's best friends, while the Naginatas are the weapons of choice for fighting women.
Maces and Flails are rudimentary weapons, not often told about in stories or songs of greatness in Fantasyland. Maces are close to small clubs, and clubs don't often get a good rep due to the fact that trolls and other unsavory magical monsters use them. Flails are miniature wrecking balls, often spiked at the ball end, and swung with enough momentum to crush metal. Both weapons might bring off more bad than good; there are even some occasions where wielders harm themselves with their own Mace or Flail.
The heavier, bulkier version of Staves, Polearms are often utilized by knights and warriors. The Polearm is tipped at the edge with a blade or an axe, and is known for its long reach. Spears are great weapons to take down riders, and Javelins are throw-able at a great distance (though this is silly if you have a good Bow handy). Lances are the jousting knight's best friends, while the Naginatas are the weapons of choice for fighting women.
Maces and Flails are rudimentary weapons, not often told about in stories or songs of greatness in Fantasyland. Maces are close to small clubs, and clubs don't often get a good rep due to the fact that trolls and other unsavory magical monsters use them. Flails are miniature wrecking balls, often spiked at the ball end, and swung with enough momentum to crush metal. Both weapons might bring off more bad than good; there are even some occasions where wielders harm themselves with their own Mace or Flail.
Daggers and other small objects are popular, especially with those wanting to traverse Fantasyland without attracting attention upon their weaponry. Daggers and Throwing Knives are concealed within clothes and boots, and often you can keep several within your person without alerting wary passersby of your weapons. Many folk opt to carry Knives, from assassins to thieves to rambunctious princesses and even Gracelings.
Bows have gained increasing popularity in the current world, and it is no surprise because of its effective use at a distance. Bowmen and women tend to be sufficient warriors in the field, often surprising their prey and putting a jump on bandits on the road. Like Knives and Daggers, Bows are used as projectile weaponry and can keep users out of immediate danger. While it is sometimes attributed to "dainty" characters so as to keep them off the field of battle, it cannot be said that archers and hunters are weak or fragile. Drawing a bowstring takes physical strength, and shooting the target is a valuable skill for most people.
Bows have gained increasing popularity in the current world, and it is no surprise because of its effective use at a distance. Bowmen and women tend to be sufficient warriors in the field, often surprising their prey and putting a jump on bandits on the road. Like Knives and Daggers, Bows are used as projectile weaponry and can keep users out of immediate danger. While it is sometimes attributed to "dainty" characters so as to keep them off the field of battle, it cannot be said that archers and hunters are weak or fragile. Drawing a bowstring takes physical strength, and shooting the target is a valuable skill for most people.
There are, of course, other types of weapons that could be taken on your journey. Explosives, smoke bombs, wands, machetes, whips, the list goes on and on. The only thing to really take note of is to find a weapon that suits you and your purpose. There is no point carrying something you have no idea how to use, because chances are you won't have much time to learn it on the way when you're being chased after by rampaging werewolves.
Fantasies used
Garth Nix's Lirael
Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking Glass
David Gemmel's Drenai Series
Kristin Cashore's Graceling
Tamora Pierce's Protector of the Small
C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia
Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking Glass
David Gemmel's Drenai Series
Kristin Cashore's Graceling
Tamora Pierce's Protector of the Small
C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia
For Assignment 4, click here!