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Message: <blockquote data-quote="El Mahdi" data-source="post: 6057412" data-attributes="member: 59506">A sword is likely not going to penetrate good quality plate, no matter how big the guy wielding it is.  With a sword, you'd have to go for the weak points. This is one reason why the sword is actually not the #1 battlefield weapon.  Knights wore them as a symbol of status and as a good all-purpose weapon, and were more for use as defense against unarmored or lightly armored foes (or against mail, before plate became supreme). On a battlefield against an opponent wearing plate, you would most definitely want one of the weapons that others have talked about above: a pike, heavy mace, axe, halberd, or a lance while mounted, etc., etc. etc. Now that doesn't mean a sword is completely useless on the battlefield during the age of plate, it just wouldn't be the primary weapon against a plate armored foe.  And it's a reason why swords got progressively larger during the age of plate (leverage against plate armored foes, as well as defense in an age of less shield use).  You can also still wear an opponent down even striking at the plate protected areas with a sword (though you're running the risk of ruining the sword also). Most of the impact would be absorbed by the plate and padding behind it, but some would likely still be transmitted through...not enough to hurt, but maybe enough to tire them out over the long run (though you're likely tiring yourself out also). Also, grappling would be used even between two foes wearing plate. Trips, throws, etc. will also tire out an opponent and can even injure joints. Remember, you don't necessarily need to deliver a killing blow to an acctively resisting opponent to win. If they can't stand, can't breathe, or can't see, then they can't fight and you've won. You can now enforce your will on them in any manner you desire, whatever your objective. <img src="http://www.enworld.org/forum/images/smilies/glasses.png"  class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt="B-)" title="Glasses    B-)" data-shortname="B-)" /></blockquote>

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