  About the Author
--------------
Martin was for
most of his life the 
Weaponsmaster of 
Serpent's Hold, until 
his death at 92, of 
an overgrown bunion.
#EOP
    These are the 
basic elements to 
consider in assessing 
a weapon, of which 
all warriors who 
regard themselves as 
more than mere 
mercenaries should be 
#EOP
aware.
    First and most 
obvious is the amount 
of damage that the 
weapon may do 
against unprotected 
flesh. While 'tis this 
which first attracts 
#EOP
the attention of the 
novice, 'tis a deadly 
mistake to regard it 
as the sole value of a 
weapon. While it may 
prove devastating 
indeed as a means of 
causing damage, a 
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weapon must also 
serve as stout shield 
when engaged in 
combat.
    Hence the second 
issue to which to pay 
attention is the 
amount of protection 
#EOP
that a weapon may 
offer. Pay close 
attention to the guard 
on it, if it be a blade, 
or the stoutness of 
its wood if it is a pole 
arm.
    Oft related to this 
#EOP
is the weight of the 
weapon, for a heavy 
weapon is more 
difficult to maneuver 
to block with, though 
it may do more 
damage to thy 
opponent.
#EOP
    If a weapon is too 
heavy for the wielder 
to move it freely, 
they should choose 
another and not 
attempt to prove their 
prowess by the size 
of their sword.
#EOP
    The reach of a 
weapon both increases 
its defensive ability, 
and renders it more 
useful in open spaces 
as it allows attack 
against the opponent 
without the need to 
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close. But be aware of 
the limitations of thy 
weapon! For a 
weapon with great 
reach may be useless 
in close quarters, for 
lack of space to 
maneuver it. Should 
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that dagger-wielding 
enemy close on thee 
and thy halberd, 'tis 
best to flee.

    Lastly, a factor 
that must always be 
considered is the 
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condition of the 
weapon. It might be a 
wondrous magical 
blade of surpassing 
sharpness and it may 
leap to block blows 
with a mind of its 
own. It also might be 
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of such flimsy 
construction, or 
damaged to such an 
extent, that the first 
time it clangs against 
steel, 'twill  shatter 
into useless shards.
    Seek ye a good 
#EOP
blacksmith should thy 
weapon become 
damaged, but be 
aware that their 
ministrations may 
simply make the 
matter worse.
    While mages of 
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some ability oft create 
magical weapons 
which enhance skill, 
are preternaturally 
sharp, or incinerate 
the enemy as they 
fall, to my mind the 
greatest gift that they 
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can grant a stout 
sword is to make it 
resistant to damage, 
for thy own skill can 
make up the 
difference. Except 
for the fireball, but 
if the corpse is 
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charred, then so will 
be the possessions, 
which maketh looting 
difficult!

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