I've seen the odd pike, and other pole-arms around, but they're pretty rare to see. This strikes me as odd, considering that the pole-arm was probably the most common weapon seen in medieval combat. The reason for this was because a spear used far less metal than a sword, and had a longer reach. I think it would be cool to see more of them in use by NPC's, even if PC's won't use them. To be honest, before I started using my longsword, my character was going to carry a halberd, and wear a duster. It just didn't pan out. That doesn't mean it can't be the most common weapon among infantry.
Are we in Dark Ages, now?
Trying to copy paste medieval or antic logic unto a heroic fantasy setting where trams crush unwary PCs and golems walk in town usually isn't a good idea.
I don't know why I'm adding into this, but I also feel like mentioning...
Halberds were typically used by serfs because they were farmers. They used them to prune trees. When called upon to muster for their lord, they used the weapons they had on hand. If they owned a steel sword, you bet they would have used it.
The underdark doesn't really have farmers, at least classically speaking. Nor does it really have serfs. Its "serfs" so to speak, turn out arms and armor 24/7, steel plates for animatrons and parts for machines. Its a different world all together.
Fair enough. I trust the DM's to make the decisions of the server, but I am using the board the way it's meant to be used. I don't think it's unreasonable to suggest that NPC's carry spears, even if it's not Sanctuary NPC's. After all, Sanctuary is the industrialized area, whereas bandits have a tougher time getting their hands on decent weapons. I've seen some bandits carrying spears, and sure, they would have the odd sword from the lone adventurer they kill, but most people travel in groups. I'm not so much concerned with goblins, however, considering they're more likely to just take the steel tip, and use it as a weapon on its own (that might be an idea for a weapon). I would, however, like to point out that spears were still in heavy use until the modern era, with the advent of guns in mass production. But I get it. You could have better weapons than spears.
Look, my point here isn't to say "this server stinks. Add more pole-arms to make it better!" If anything, it's just a harmless suggestion. If you folks don't like it, I won't be offended if you tell me why. I, myself, don't mean offence, as I know what it's like to run a server, and I know the amount of detail that goes into a module like this. I'm not a brown noser though, I don't view my suggestions as being naive (//%22http://www.efupw.com/forums/showpost.php?p=351149&postcount=43%22), and if someone wants to prove me wrong on my opinions, that's fine. As I recall, my critique wasn't totally misplaced, but met with limitations. I was diplomatically told so. But with all the nice comments, there should be a few people willing to state what could be improved upon. There's plenty of good to be said. Just don't fault me as the guy that likes to complain a lot. Even if don't state the good as often, when other people do. I will defend my position on this.
The single most common weapon of all history, cross culturally, is of course the humble spear. Indeed, one could argue that contemporary bayonet fighting is no different to the spear tactics of old. It worked 400000 (!) years ago, and it still works today. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
However, do you think the NPCs are all so stupid as to not realise it’s a 2-hander that only does 1d8? What sort of chumps do you take them for?
:p
NPCs should use bastard swords and pieces of Hanzo steel for all dat damage, tbh.
I am unsure how more pole-arms adds to my immersion and if it does at all.
Hattori Hanzo swords for all!