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<blockquote data-quote="uzagi_akimbo" data-source="post: 1802323" data-attributes="member: 15945">Well, given that Nicollo Machiavelli was a political official and diplomat rather than an actual millitary commander(so he was hardly speaking from first-hand experience ) throws some sand into that particular remark's gears, though it holds true for the disadvantages with very close formations, who's packed conditions leave the spearmen no space to wield them properly or even effectivly. On the other hand, a tightly packed spearman formation, especially if using shields (e.g. in the greek phalange mode)&nbsp; would be pretty effective in protectiing aganst sword wielding formations even close up. And gven room to maenouevre or wield a spear properly, the swordman would face worthy opposition.The crux in the uber-effectiveness of swords in D&amp;D lies in a cultural fixation and worship of the sword as the perfect close-combat weapon. Which against plate armour it didn't actually tend to be - where pickhammers or spiked maces stood out.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="uzagi_akimbo, post: 1802323, member: 15945"] Well, given that Nicollo Machiavelli was a political official and diplomat rather than an actual millitary commander(so he was hardly speaking from first-hand experience ) throws some sand into that particular remark's gears, though it holds true for the disadvantages with very close formations, who's packed conditions leave the spearmen no space to wield them properly or even effectivly. On the other hand, a tightly packed spearman formation, especially if using shields (e.g. in the greek phalange mode) would be pretty effective in protectiing aganst sword wielding formations even close up. And gven room to maenouevre or wield a spear properly, the swordman would face worthy opposition. The crux in the uber-effectiveness of swords in D&D lies in a cultural fixation and worship of the sword as the perfect close-combat weapon. Which against plate armour it didn't actually tend to be - where pickhammers or spiked maces stood out. [/QUOTE]

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