Where are the rapiers?

[Banshee16]

Rapiers are cut-and-thrust weapons. A stabbing only weapon is called an estoc. The stabbing only rapier is an evolution of the later dueling era, and leads quickly to the epee.

I'm pretty sure that the sword used in movies like Zorro and the Three Musketeers wasn't a real rapier...or rather, that the definitions of these different blades are somewhat mixed up or muddled. In those movies, though most of the fencing is done via thrusting, there are some cuts....including cutting ropes holding chandeliers, tapestries, etc. Thus, either they're actually using sideswords, or something of the sort, or rapiers did hold an edge....but weren't primarily intended as cutting blades. I'm sure the edges weren't dull.....they just weren't intended for hacking through armour. But against bare skin or cloth (or ropes)?

Banshee

 

[Cam Banks]

I don't think anybody actually referred to the weapon as a rapier, just as nobody ever referred to the knight's sword as a longsword. These are all terms we use now to describe weapons back in the day, and for the most part I don't even think we're consistent about it.

Cheers,
Cam

 

[JVisgaitis]

A guy with a rapier would not be at that much of a disadvantage. He probably benefits from having an extra foot or two of reach.

Sorry, I don't agree. Who cares if you get an extra two foot reach against a tank?

 

[Fallen Seraph]

I don't think anybody actually referred to the weapon as a rapier, just as nobody ever referred to the knight's sword as a longsword. These are all terms we use now to describe weapons back in the day, and for the most part I don't even think we're consistent about it.

Cheers,
Cam

Someone could make rich doing a book which essentially does this:

*Shows picture of weapon, gives the name commonly used today and the name it traditionally had and what it was used for*

Just doing that, would be enough to get bought by sooooo many RPG/Medieval fans to win arguments/figure stuff out.

 

[Gloombunny]

Personally, when I envision a rogue? A rapier is not at all involved.

If I hadn't seen 3.5e, and someone asked me what 'class' should use a rapier, I'd say 'lightly armored fighter, maybe some sort of swashbuckler.'

A rapier is for fighting directly. Rogues are not about fighting directly.

Now, it'll be cool if they can be moved that way, but in 4e I'd consider that cross training.


Hell, I'd be inclined to give a penalty to Hide for anyone wielding a sword.

Any conception of rogues that doesn't allow for Garrett or Vlad Taltos doesn't fly in my book.

(I'll give you the Gray Mouser, since he might be more of a fighter/rogue and I do recall him at least once leaving his sword behind to go sneaking.)

 

[Andor]

Sorry, I don't agree. Who cares if you get an extra two foot reach against a tank?

A Tank? Are you discussing chainmail or Gothic fullplate? And what sort of helm, exactly, is the chainmail fighter wearing?