• Zagorath
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    8
    ·
    2 months ago

    The two-handed version of the flail is definitely real and a reasonably formidable weapon. I study at a Spanish HEMA school and we have one source—Mendoza—which basically says it should be used in the same way as the montante (the Spanish greatsword), except without thrusts. Like the montante, its best value is when against multiple opponents, such as doing crowd control or escorting someone. Mendoza also describes his flail as being made of three separate chains with individual weights on them, rather than one large thrasher-like tool as shown in the headline artwork on the Wikipedia page.

    • DragonTypeWyvern@literature.cafe
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      3
      arrow-down
      1
      ·
      2 months ago

      Good for multiple opponents sure sounds like you actually mean “good for putting down peasant revolts where they’re both underarmed and unarmored”

      • Aussiemandeus
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        3
        ·
        2 months ago

        More so for defending yourself against multiple people or holding a bridge head

        • DragonTypeWyvern@literature.cafe
          link
          fedilink
          arrow-up
          1
          ·
          2 months ago

          The only time a fighter can be assumed to win with even 2 to 1 odds is with a significant material and training advantage. And they’d still be better off with a weapon that isn’t a gimmick.