PrettyBones
Mystic
Guide and information for Rapier Combat
The Rapier: What is it?The rapier is a lengthy, thin and close to edgeless jabbing-thrust sword, with very narrow-sharp points. They vary quite a bit, in length, width and hilt configuration. But they are generally light, fast and balanced for unarmoured single-combat
The Rapier Feeling: How does a real Rapier feel?
Most are, as stated before, well-balance, most so that they felt almost weightless, quick, and easy to use.
Though some designs feel awkward to use, these are most likely specially made for experiments and/or to cater to certain fighting styles.
The Rapier Blade: What does it look like and how does it feel?
Their blades, of course, vary in length, width, hilts, and sharpness. As their mass is mediated on the hilts, it helps make lengthy jabbing attacks, with agile precision and movement.
Some Rapiers have snapped in the heat of battle. Due to the varied geometry, there are always thin areas where- when pressured, would snap, this does not mean they are especially weak nor easy to fracture or slice by other weapons, in fact, it is possible to block larger weapons with thicker sections of the hilt, though evasion is always best.
Rapier Florentine: What other equipment is used with the Rapier?
A Rapier is almost always used with another off-hand instrument, whether it be a dagger for parrying, a target shield, or even a cloak.
Rapier Defense: How effective is it?
Rapiers are of course, well and good for defense; otherwise it wouldn’t be effective as a weapon. Being so thin, it obviously lacks the strength to completely dispel attacks to counter attack, which is commonly done. If forced to conjure a hard guard against a tougher hit from a greater weapon it is not as strong for parrying with a block.
Rapiers against Armour: Does it do any good?
Rapiers are most definitely not designed nor intended to be employed against armoured opponents. Fine mail is a sufficient defense and is often worn under clothing for this very reason. Finding spots in which the armour is weak would be the only easy way to damage the attackers.
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