NationStates Jolt Archive

Say you are going to duel a fellow, and you must pick the weapons to be used. You may choose from the following options:

small swords (http://www.discountcutlery.net/media/CS88SMS.jpg) (they can not cut; only stab);

http://fraziermuseum.org/u_interpret/0600.jpg

katanas, or any of the various Japanese mêlée weapons (http://www.ccds.charlotte.nc.us/History/Japan/02/amini/weapons.jpg);

http://dojo.stjean.free.fr/iaijo/fichiers/kusarigama.JPG

pistols at ten paces (http://www.historycooperative.org/journals/imh/100.1/images/dearinger_fig01b.jpg);

http://www.historycooperative.org/journals/jah/87.3/images/mr_2_f1.jpg

hide-and-seek with pair of pistols (http://www.glasgowmuseums.com/assets/slideShows/E.1939.65.b%20b_01.jpg) à la The Duellists (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Duellists);

http://www.hollywoodoutsider.com/pictures/lost_treasures_pics/duellist/duellist1.jpg

rapier and main-gauche (http://www.weaponsemporium.com/WE-Rapier%20Spanish%202035.JPG) (often called "Florentine fencing") to first-blood, or death/incapacitation; your choice;

http://bankesideacademie.org/images/Ken_N_Ryan.jpg

long swords (http://www.raderblade.com/p7hg_img_1/fullsize/Bubinga_Longsword_fs.png) and armor;

http://www.thearma.org/Manuals/solothurner-armored.jpg


lances (http://images.jupiterimages.com/common/detail/67/75/23297567.jpg) and jousting;

http://www.mccullagh.org/db9/10d-18/knights-jousting-2.jpg

brawling (http://www.thearma.org/Youth/RapierQandA/RapierKick.JPG) with rapiers, bring all your friends;

http://www.theatricalcombat.com/Image%20Files/gallery/thethreemusketeers/ThreeMusketeers_05a.jpg

fisticuffs (http://www.fightingarts.com/content05/graphics/making-a-fist-1.jpg);

http://www.gamersblogs.com/images/galleryimages/40/1167430464_mid.jpg

or sabres (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0b/MuseeMarine-sabreOfficer-p1000451.jpg) (on, or off horses).

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/61/M%C3%BChlberg_-_S%C3%A4belmensur.jpg

Unarmed combat.
Not literally of course.. though it would be rather interesting.

Kusarigama (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kusarigama)

I'll take a .357 Magnum. No reason to risk someone walking away alive.

pistols at ten paces as most of the time everybody walked away alive hence why it was popular

I'm also laughing at the silly looking audience in the dance class

Rapier and main gauche, drop the main gauche for a second rapier. Alternately, two small swords.

Pistol stalking. Only one where I can use my secret weapon: my BRAIN!

Rapier and main gauche, drop the main gauche for a second rapier. Alternately, two small swords.

If you had two rapiers, so would your opponet. Two small swords really doesn't make any sense.

If you had two rapiers, so would your opponet. Two small swords really doesn't make any sense.

I have two hands, don't I? It makes perfect sense.

BTW, I would prefer two pistols as well.

I have two hands, don't I? It makes perfect sense.

No, it doesn't. When using a small sword one side of your body is turned away. If you were to use a second sword in that hand it would distract you. You body would be getting in the way of the blade, and your back hand would not be coordinated with your lunge.

Of course, you could turn all the way toward opponent, thereby allowing proper movement of your second blade. But then you'd be twice as a big of a target, and with the speed and focus it takes to use small swords, it would be hard to handle two, and your lunges would stink.

BTW, I would prefer two pistols as well.

The same applies to pistols. It's difficult to fire two at once. Since your aiming for the same spot, it hardly improves your chance of hitting. Plus, once again you'd have to fully face your opponent, making you a somewhat bigger target.

Not saying it couldn't be done, I'm just saying why it generally wasn't. With stalking, you carry two pistols in order to have to shots.

Depends. Do I get the expertise to go along with them? If so, nunchucks are tempting. Otherwise, I might pick a roman gladius.

No, it doesn't. When using a small sword one side of your body is turned away. If you were to use a second sword in that hand it would distract you. You body would be getting in the way of the blade, and your back hand would not be coordinated with your lunge.

Of course, you could turn all the way toward opponent, thereby allowing proper movement of your second blade. But then you'd be twice as a big of a target, and with the speed and focus it takes to use small swords, it would be hard to handle two, and your lunges would stink.

Attack with one, turn rapidy repeating the attack with number two.




The same applies to pistols. It's difficult to fire two at once. Since your aiming for the same spot, it hardly improves your chance of hitting. Plus, once again you'd have to fully face your opponent, making you a somewhat bigger target.

Not saying it couldn't be done, I'm just saying why it generally wasn't. With stalking, you carry two pistols in order to have to shots.

Again, fire, turn and fire.

Actually, come to think about it, in a stand-up duel you would be right. In a straight-out FIGHT however, I would still prefer two weapons.

what happened to using love on your opponents?

what happened to using love on your opponents?

VD takes too long to incapacitate?

My weapons will be guile and subterfuge.

...and strategically place pools of quicksand. *nod*

My weapons will be guile and subterfuge.

...and strategically place pools of quicksand. *nod*

While annoying quicksand is scarcely dangerous.

My weapon is a band of solicitors performing costly litigation in a loser pays all system!

While annoying quicksand is scarcely dangerous.

Yes, I've been in it. But it is considerably more effective when you have a maniac nearby laughing at you and trying to push you under with a long stick. :p

Kusarigama (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kusarigama)

A fellow fan of the Kusari! Nice!

Attack with one, turn rapidy repeating the attack with number two.


Turning takes much longer then parrying. Trust me, I'm a fencer, I've tried it.


Again, fire, turn and fire.

So long as you don't mind your opponent doing the same.

Actually, come to think about it, in a stand-up duel you would be right. In a straight-out FIGHT however, I would still prefer two weapons.

I suppose you could throw one.

from the ones you listed i would pick the rapier and main-gauche to first-blood. the "first blood" thing sounds less painfull of all the stuff you posted.
If i had to choose my own weapon I would go for this:
http://members.lycos.nl/oranjevereniging/hpbimg/sumo%20klein.jpg
It's fun to do and not really painful.

from the ones you listed i would pick the rapier and main-gauche to first-blood. the "first blood" thing sounds less painfull of all the stuff you posted.


That would be "Florentine fencing".

best thread this week!

Under Japanese weapons, would that include a Gundam?

best thread this week!

Thank you. I thought so.

Under Japanese weapons, would that include a Gundam?

No. It has to be real.

A fellow fan of the Kusari! Nice!

Which I believe I showed a depiction of (being used against a katana) in my opening, after "Japanese weapons"

Classic gun, like this one for example:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/08/DSCN5244_fortlaramie12poundermtnhowitzer_e.jpg/250px-DSCN5244_fortlaramie12poundermtnhowitzer_e.jpg

A fellow fan of the Kusari! Nice!

It's a good combination of medium range attacks, defense, and in close combat potential. It's not perfect, but a nice well rounded choice, if you can wield it without killing yourself.

Battle axe.

But I picked jousting.

I think I'll use a katana.

...You know what would be awesome? A rocket launcher duel!

Classic gun, like this one for example:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/08/DSCN5244_fortlaramie12poundermtnhowitzer_e.jpg/250px-DSCN5244_fortlaramie12poundermtnhowitzer_e.jpg

Wow, that's the greatest idea since shotguns at four paces!

Oh, I'd rather prefer something like 4000 paces, to make it a little interesting.

Your pitiful weapons amuse me mortals. I smite thee.

Your pitiful weapons amuse me mortals. I smite thee.

*Is smitten*

Wait...multiple....definitions...:eek:

*starts sending you flowers and love poems*

Curse you!

My weapons will be guile and subterfuge.

...and strategically place pools of quicksand. *nod*

And here I had you pegged for a custard cream pie man... :p

A straight forward 18th century European duel with a single-shot flintlock pistol for each gentleman, standing 30 paces apart, facing one another. A coin is flipped. Caller decides whether to go second or first.

If I had the fortune to go second and survive, I would delope my shot. (Fire it into the air, concluding the duel with no casualties, and honour satisfied)

No, it doesn't. When using a small sword one side of your body is turned away. If you were to use a second sword in that hand it would distract you. You body would be getting in the way of the blade, and your back hand would not be coordinated with your lunge.

Of course, you could turn all the way toward opponent, thereby allowing proper movement of your second blade. But then you'd be twice as a big of a target, and with the speed and focus it takes to use small swords, it would be hard to handle two, and your lunges would stink.

Well, I have no expertise with actual blades, but the Amt-gard dual-wield technique I prefer features my dominant left hand holding one sword normally, with the other pointed back up my right arm, with the pommel the only thing sticking out of the "front" of my grip. The off-hand blade acts as a buckler and makes a nice counter or close-in strike weapon with a short lunge or reverse-backhand slash-and-return. It isn't foolproof, but it works better for me than blade-and-shield. Once again, I know it wouldn't work with actual blades.

As for the POLL --

-- WHAT?!? NO POLEARMS?!? I'll split you with my corseque, spetum, bill-hook, glaive, guisarme, halberd, poleaxe or just a good old spear or quarterstaff!

Well, I have no expertise with actual blades, but the Amt-gard dual-wield technique I prefer features my dominant left hand holding one sword normally, with the other pointed back up my right arm, with the pommel the only thing sticking out of the "front" of my grip. The off-hand blade acts as a buckler and makes a nice counter or close-in strike weapon with a short lunge or reverse-backhand slash-and-return. It isn't foolproof, but it works better for me than blade-and-shield. Once again, I know it wouldn't work with actual blades.

As for the POLL --

-- WHAT?!? NO POLEARMS?!? I'll split you with my corseque, spetum, bill-hook, glaive, guisarme, halberd, poleaxe or just a good old spear or quarterstaff!

A naginata is a polearm.

*Is smitten*

Wait...multiple....definitions...:eek:

*starts sending you flowers and love poems*

Curse you!

What the hell do I look like, Eros, you puny mortal? The audacity. :p

A naginata is a polearm.

It wasn't mentioned specifically. Polearms are a class of weapons one hell of a lot more diverse than just rapiers or just Florentine fencing, and I was merely pointing out, in a brusque and hearty fashion, that as a class they deserve more than to be an asterisk in a sub-set of Japanese weapons.

Banana creme pies at ten paces.

Banana creme pies at ten paces.

NOW yer talkin'.

What the hell do I look like, Eros, you puny mortal? The audacity. :p

I have a picture of you under my pillow.

I hope this isn't your good side. (http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/image/0002/erosorbit1_near.jpg&imgrefurl=http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap000216.html&h=440&w=573&sz=21&hl=en&start=10&tbnid=w8WnvkbuHwg-nM:&tbnh=103&tbnw=134&prev=/images%3Fq%3DEros%2Bmoon%26gbv%3D2%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den)
:)

I would say penises in the squared circle but I can't find any shots from Celebrity Deathmatch's Tommy Lee vs Ron Jeremy.

Out of those choices I'll go with longsword. I'd rather use an ax and sword, as the Norse used.

Pffft. Spiked flail, hands down - it's so bad-ass!

Either that or a battle axe. Too bad neither were mentioned in the poll.

I'd go for the pistols at ten paces and then as soon as the other guy starts walking I'd turn around and shoot him.

I'd go for the pistols at ten paces and then as soon as the other guy starts walking I'd turn around and shoot him.

How dishonorable!

I'd be using my feet, for the sole purpose of running away.

Brave Sir Robin ran away.
Bravely ran away, away!
When danger reared its ugly head,
He bravely turned his tail and fled.
Yes, brave Sir Robin turned about
And gallantly he chickened out.
Bravely taking to his feet
He beat a very brave retreat,
Bravest of the brave, Sir Robin

staff of themnax, bracers of stunn, and belt of xenadu.

none obviously nor conspicuously weapons.

the staff has many functions but basicly looks like a high tec walking stick.
when all the high tec stuff fails, it still makes a dandy quarters staff.

bracers of stunn induce unconsiousness.

the belt of xenadu is just a psionic amplification and tuning device, which also holds up my pants.

when all the high tec stuff DOESN'T fail, the staff does two things that are useful in this situation: it deflects and oblates projectiles, and projects a torroidal field of stunn arround the user.

it has several other functions that are useful in other situations as well.
including of course, that it IS a just fine walking stick too.
(and yes, i will face any of the options in the poll with it, or of course, another of the same, though both parties attempting to duel with them tends to be rather inconclusive)

=^^=
.../\...

And here I had you pegged for a custard cream pie man... :p

you must be really hungry if you start pegging guys for food.

http://images.wikia.com/uncyclopedia/images/4/4f/RPC.jpg

Vicious sarcasm.

Either florentine (aka italian) fencing, but with a sabre as long weapon, or gladium and scutum.
As for firearms, pistol stalking all the time.

Went with Jousting. Shit looks cool

Went with Jousting. Shit looks cool

me i like going brutal so one of the following:
streetfight
shotguns
knives
grenades
maces
machetes
axes
mini gun
chain saw
or all of the above

http://images.wikia.com/uncyclopedia/images/4/4f/RPC.jpg

You're a genius.

You're a genius.

People don't say this to me nearly enough.

me i like going brutal so one of the following:
streetfight
shotguns
knives
grenades
maces
machetes
axes
mini gun
chain saw
or all of the above

Oh yeh. But they weren't one of the options ;)

A brick at 1 pace behind the other guy, but that's just how I roll.
If I must be "fair" then I'd rather use a four foot long stick with sufficient heft to break some bones if swung hard enough. No sense in taking the risk that someone could get their eye put out.
Unless they get their ocular cavity crushed, but I guess you can't protect yourself from everything.

And here I had you pegged for a custard cream pie man... :p

While possible, it is surprisingly difficult to kill a man with pies. It takes a level of patience and perseverence I rarely have. *nod*

Vicious sarcasm.

Yay! :)

While possible, it is surprisingly difficult to kill a man with pies. It takes a level of patience and perseverence I rarely have. *nod*

Delicious poison pie would do the trick, if you can get him square in the face.

Oh yeh. But they weren't one of the options ;)

i know sucks doesnit it

Delicious poison pie would do the trick, if you can get him square in the face.

I'm still working on the delivery system for a blueberry and razor sharp metal shavings pie. *nod*

I'm still working on the delivery system for a blueberry and razor sharp metal shavings pie. *nod*

Interesting. It could change the face of modern warfare if it gets off the ground.

I have a picture of you under my pillow.

I hope this isn't your good side. (http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/image/0002/erosorbit1_near.jpg&imgrefurl=http://apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap000216.html&h=440&w=573&sz=21&hl=en&start=10&tbnid=w8WnvkbuHwg-nM:&tbnh=103&tbnw=134&prev=/images%3Fq%3DEros%2Bmoon%26gbv%3D2%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den)
:)

I am God; I only have a good side. A bad side is the puny mortal who worships my superior being. ;) :fluffle:

Orbital laser.

Orbital laser.

Lasers don't orbit. They always go in a straight line. *nod*

Lasers don't orbit. They always go in a straight line. *nod*
I'll see your pedantry, and raise you an "If the gravity of an object is sufficiently powerful (like a black hole) light can be trapped in orbit."

I'll see your pedantry, and raise you an "If the gravity of an object is sufficiently powerful (like a black hole) light can be trapped in orbit."

Yes, I considered that, but since the fabric of space-time itself bends, one could argue that the light keeps going straight and space orbits it. *nod*

I'll see your pedantry, and raise you an "If the gravity of an object is sufficiently powerful (like a black hole) light can be trapped in orbit."
And I'll cower behind you, quite glad I didn't write "but black holes can do shit with light can't they?" It's been a bad day.

Also, I choose a Davy Crocket M-388, with the line "Joust this, bitch" uttered at every opportunity.

Yes, I considered that, but since the fabric of space-time itself bends, one could argue that the light keeps going straight and space orbits it. *nod*
So they're letting people minor in Physics at clown colleges now?

So they're letting people minor in Physics at clown colleges now?

Physical Comedy. *nod*

My very strong recommendation for anyone who has never handled a blade or gun in their life to go ahead and pick fisticuffs. I have trained with sabers, rapiers, small sword, longsword as well as various other broad bladed swords and
if you were to end up dueling with someone who had no experience it would be fairly simple to disarm, kill and/or maim them in the first three to four exchanges.
Also the Florentine styles earlier mentioned such as two rapiers or two smallswords( I highly recommend against two small swords due to the length of them and the complete lack of ability to be used as a slashing weapon) are known as case of rapiers or case of smallswords respectively. While Case of rapiers was used rarely towards the end of the renaissance it did gain some popularity as an effective style. It followed a double thrust line of attack and actually had a much lower defensive ability than of a single rapier. I have experienced this first hand trying to use the style before.
I definitely do agree with an earlier recommendation of Florentine saber though as it merely allows extra parrying power for saber and doesn't interfere with the primary saber stance and if your using a mien gauche adds a thrusting line of attack to your offensive repertoire. Personally I chose sabers as I probably have the most skill and training with them.
I would have liked to see a few more options though such as sword and board or daggers.

My very strong recommendation for anyone who has never handled a blade or gun in their life to go ahead and pick fisticuffs. I have trained with sabers, rapiers, small sword, longsword as well as various other broad bladed swords and
if you were to end up dueling with someone who had no experience it would be fairly simple to disarm, kill and/or maim them in the first three to four exchanges.
Also the Florentine styles earlier mentioned such as two rapiers or two smallswords( I highly recommend against two small swords due to the length of them and the complete lack of ability to be used as a slashing weapon) are known as case of rapiers or case of smallswords respectively. While Case of rapiers was used rarely towards the end of the renaissance it did gain some popularity as an effective style. It followed a double thrust line of attack and actually had a much lower defensive ability than of a single rapier. I have experienced this first hand trying to use the style before.
I definitely do agree with an earlier recommendation of Florentine saber though as it merely allows extra parrying power for saber and doesn't interfere with the primary saber stance and if your using a mien gauche adds a thrusting line of attack to your offensive repertoire. Personally I chose sabers as I probably have the most skill and training with them.
I would have liked to see a few more options though such as sword and board or daggers.

But have you ever been in a pie fight? To the death? I have. I still have the scars. *nod*

Well, I'm undecided. Either pistols at ten paces, or smallswords (to first blood). Probably smallswords - I like the higher chances of survival.

If I had to pick one of the Japanese weapons, I'd go for the Surujin, presuming some training. Otherwise, a pair of Tekko.

I choose the banjo!

http://www.learnbluegrass.com/banjopic.gif

I'd like a few throwing daggers if available,or the combo one-handed sword/sword shattering dagger.

-- WHAT?!? NO POLEARMS?!? I'll split you with my corseque, spetum, bill-hook, glaive, guisarme, halberd, poleaxe or just a good old spear or quarterstaff!

I don't think many actual duels in Europe occurred with pole arms. Mass engagements yes, but not duels.

As for Japan, that's been dealt with.

My very strong recommendation for anyone who has never handled a blade or gun in their life to go ahead and pick fisticuffs. I have trained with sabers, rapiers, small sword, longsword as well as various other broad bladed swords and
if you were to end up dueling with someone who had no experience it would be fairly simple to disarm, kill and/or maim them in the first three to four exchanges.

Just so. I would probably feel most comfortable with a small sword. Multiple weapons, or fisticuffs aren't for me.

Also the Florentine styles earlier mentioned such as two rapiers or two smallswords( I highly recommend against two small swords due to the length of them and the complete lack of ability to be used as a slashing weapon)

Yes, I would agree. Small swords are much too quick to two use effectively. In addition your stance hinders such measures.

are known as case of rapiers or case of smallswords respectively. While Case of rapiers was used rarely towards the end of the renaissance it did gain some popularity as an effective style. It followed a double thrust line of attack and actually had a much lower defensive ability than of a single rapier. I have experienced this first hand trying to use the style before.
I definitely do agree with an earlier recommendation of Florentine saber though as it merely allows extra parrying power for saber and doesn't interfere with the primary saber stance and if your using a mien gauche adds a thrusting line of attack to your offensive repertoire. Personally I chose sabers as I probably have the most skill and training with them.

Two sabres would work much more effectively, as movements are bigger, and the blades are slower.

I would have liked to see a few more options though such as sword and board or daggers.

Ten is the limit. Sorry.

I pick deathstar at 10 feet .. err .. make that 10 million feet..

I don't think many actual duels in Europe occurred with pole arms. Mass engagements yes, but not duels.

As for Japan, that's been dealt with.

Pole arms were actually quite popular in mediaeval duels, I'm afraid.

Pole arms were actually quite popular in mediaeval duels, I'm afraid.

Ah, but were they popular enough to replace an option here? No.

Gentleman's Roulette.

Each duelist is given a single pistol, fitted with one bullet by an impartial third party. The combatants stand back to back, march twenty paces, turn, and fire. If neither bullet is fired on the first shot, they continue to shoot until either both rounds have been spent, or one combatant has been shot.

Katana or bo (Staff). I have trained with both as well as many other hand weapons but these are my prefered two. With firearms are too easy for luck to be a factor rather than skill. If it must be firearms then I prefer Barrett Model 82A1/M107 http://www.barrettrifles.com/rifle_82.aspx at 1 mile.
(Yea I'm that good (gotta bragg don't I ???)) kidding! :sniper:

Long swords but no armor. And when they can't get through my scales, oh well~

Gentleman's Fighting- Fencing Duel, to the death.
Real Fighting - Mid sized sword, European style, thinner and longer but still strong enough. Similar to a jian.
War with Guns - M-82 or similar rifle.

Yes.

Lasers don't orbit. They always go in a straight line. *nod*
You know what I mean.;)

Or should I make it an orbital mud-pie?:p

I would choose to duel in a tiny, unventilated, enclosed room. The weapon, flatulance.

If it were my way, I'd have a chainsaw and they'd be tied to a tree.

You know what I mean.;)

Or should I make it an orbital mud-pie?:p

I'm still working out some of the design flaws. *nod*

Just swords. The regular kind.

Hand Grenades at two paces.

Pistols + Hide & Seek = Ooorah!

Just swords. The regular kind.

What, precisely is a "regular" sword?

Anyway, for all concerned, know that swallswords can not cut; only stab.

Unarmed combat.
Not literally of course.. though it would be rather interesting.

Rocket Launcher or Mini gun or flame thrower, nuthin else