[RPG]: Arms & Armor : Complete Weapons and Armor for v3.5, reviewed by NPC Jeremy (4/5)

http://www.rpg.net/reviews/archive/10/10816.phtml

Jeremy Reaban's Summary:

One of the more useful d20/D&D books, this contains more new weapons than I can count for d20, along with a wide selection of new armor and magical qualities for both.

Go to the full review for more information.

Post originally by Oliver at 2004-11-15 04:20:05
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It is a stunning demonstration of flunking basic physics. What determines how hard something hits? Its kinetic energy. Kinetic energy is defined as half of the product of mass and the square of the velocity. Meaning: Double the weight, and you only get double the kinetic energy. Double the velocity, and you get QUADRUPLE bang for the buck.

Plus, a weight near the tip maxes thrusting nigh impossible, makes the sword hard to control in general, and is a pretty good way to get a tennis elbow in long battles.

What I'd really be interested in, though, if they're still suggesting they used railroad tracks as sword in the olden days, or if greatswords/longswords by now have a correct weight of 3-4 lbs.

Post originally by Jeremy at 2004-11-20 01:13:16
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To answer your question, yes, the weight is more what you expect.

Longsword - 4 lb, Greatsword - 8 lb.



As to whether or not a weighted greatsword would work better than a normal ones, it's tricky. It's kind of the reverse of corking a bat (like I said).

Do a search for Sammy Sosa and corked bat (or Physics and corked bats), and you'll hear a lot of different theories about it going both ways.

In theory, a corked bat makes the ball go further for just that reason - you can swing it faster, thus more v squared.

But kinetic energy is also just part of the equation - part is also how that energy is transferred.

In the corked bat's case, energy isn't transferred as efficiently (apparently), so balls actually don't go as far.

(OTOH, Aluminum bats definitely make the ball go farther.)

Personally, I think the factors tend to balance each other out. But I agree with your other points - it would be a bitch to use, because it would also act as a lever - having a weight at the end would be tiresome. Though not unlike a hammer or something.

Post originally by Raging Dragon at 2005-01-23 15:17:13
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A weighted greatsword probably would hit harder, but it would be difficult to control (harder to actually hit the target) and tiring to use for extended periods.

Post originally by can at 2005-03-20 18:58:07
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I'm looking for any instruction on making armor. Does any one have any webs sites or books to pass on?