Can You Use a Shield With a Greatsword? Unraveling the Two-Handed Weapon Mystery
The short, definitive answer is: No, you cannot effectively use a shield with a greatsword. The core principle behind a greatsword’s design revolves around its two-handed nature, which demands that both hands are occupied with wielding the weapon. Attempting to incorporate a shield would nullify the benefits of using a greatsword and prove highly impractical in combat. Let’s delve deeper into the mechanics, history, and related scenarios to understand why this is the case.
Why Greatswords and Shields Don’t Mix
The greatsword is designed for powerful, sweeping blows that leverage the full strength of the wielder using two hands. Its length and weight distribution are optimized for this method of use. Introducing a shield to the equation disrupts this balance and severely limits the weapon’s potential. Here’s a breakdown of the key reasons:
- Hand Occupancy: A shield requires one hand to wield effectively. Greatswords, by definition, require both hands for optimal performance. Trying to wield a greatsword with one hand while holding a shield in the other would be awkward, inefficient, and would substantially reduce the greatsword’s power and reach.
- Balance and Agility: The weight and length of a greatsword are specifically balanced for two-handed use. The addition of a shield not only changes this balance, but it also hinders the user’s ability to maneuver effectively. The user would be off balance, significantly reducing agility and making parries and counter-attacks less likely to be successful.
- Reduced Power and Reach: Greatswords rely on the combined power of both hands to generate their impactful blows. By limiting the wielder to one hand, the striking power is severely diminished. The reach advantage, one of the greatsword’s primary benefits, is also lost since the weapon is now more difficult to control and use properly.
- Historical Context: Throughout history, greatswords were developed as battlefield weapons specifically for situations where power and reach were paramount. There is virtually no historical evidence of them being used alongside a shield due to the inherent limitations of that combination.
In short, while a shield may provide a benefit when using a one-handed weapon, its usage with a greatsword is counter-intuitive and detrimental.
Understanding Weapon and Shield Combinations
While a greatsword is out of the question, there are other viable weapon and shield combinations that historically and practically work well together. It is crucial to understand that weapon design is typically a function of desired combat style. For example, one-handed swords were designed to be used alongside shields.
- One-Handed Swords and Shields: This combination is historically popular. Weapons like the gladius, arming sword, and spatha are designed for one-handed use, allowing the off-hand to be used to hold a shield for defense. This setup offers a good balance of offense and defense.
- Spears and Shields: Spears, while sometimes wielded with two hands, can be used effectively with one hand and a shield in the other, and were a highly favored combination historically. This combination was also common on the battlefield and provided a range advantage combined with solid defense.
- Versatile Weapons and Shields: Certain weapons labeled as “versatile” in tabletop role-playing games can be used with one hand, allowing the use of a shield in the other hand. However, they typically do significantly less damage when not wielded two handed.
Versatile Weapons and the Shield Exception
Some weapons in role-playing games may have a “versatile” property. This means they can be used one-handed, allowing for shield use, but at the cost of reduced damage output. Using a versatile weapon with one hand and a shield is an option, but it sacrifices the full potential of the weapon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about shields, greatswords, and their interaction, further explaining this topic and related subjects:
1. Can you use a shield with a versatile weapon?
Yes, you can. Versatile weapons can be used with one hand, enabling you to carry a shield in your other hand. However, they typically inflict less damage when used this way. Holding the weapon with two hands usually increases the damage output, so one would have to make a decision regarding offense or defense.
2. What swords are used with shields?
Typically, one-handed swords are the best candidates for use with shields. Examples include the Roman gladius, the Greek xiphos, and various arming swords, Viking swords and even some curved cavalry swords. These are designed for easy maneuverability while holding a shield in the other hand.
3. What weapons go well with a shield?
Historically, swords and spears were the most popular choices when pairing a weapon with a shield. However, other weapons, like axes or maces, could also be paired with a shield, but were not as widely used on the battlefield.
4. Can you wield a shield and a two-handed weapon?
Generally, no. Shields cannot be used alongside true two-handed weapons like greatswords, halberds and great axes. These weapons require both hands for optimal use, making a shield redundant and impractical.
5. Can you use a longsword with a shield?
Yes, a longsword can be used with a shield, but only when wielding it in one hand. This reduces the reach and power of the longsword but allows you to use the shield for defense.
6. Can a shield stop a bullet?
Ballistic shields can provide protection against certain types of bullets, but no shield can make you “bulletproof”. Ballistic shields are designed to withstand specific types of ammunition and are typically constructed of bullet-resistant materials. They aren’t guaranteed to stop all rounds from all weapons.
7. Can you use the Dueling fighting style with a shield?
Yes, if using tabletop role-playing game rules, you can often gain the dueling benefit with a shield in your other hand, as the fighting style is not dependent on not wielding a shield in the other hand.
8. Can you use a shield with a halberd?
No, you cannot typically wield a halberd with a shield. Halberds are two-handed weapons that require both hands for optimal performance and control. There is an exception in some role-playing games that allow a decision between increased damage from the halberd and the extra protection of a shield.
9. Can you use a katana with a shield?
While a katana can be used with a shield, it is not as effective as a sword specifically designed for one-handed use alongside a shield. The advantage of a katana lies in its two-handed usage, so it is not optimal for use with a shield.
10. Can you parry with a greatsword?
Typically, you cannot parry attacks from two-handed colossal weapons with a greatsword, or charged/jumping attacks either, especially from colossal weapons. Greatswords typically parry best against one-handed weapons.
11. Can you carry a greatsword on your back?
Yes, greatswords can be carried on the back using a baldric or similar strap. This method was used by soldiers in various cultures historically to carry such weapons when not in active use, though some evidence shows that large swords were not typically sheathed.
12. Do you sheath a greatsword?
Yes, sheaths for greatswords do exist. While they may not have been practical for quick deployment, they were used historically for storage and transport.
13. Will a 9mm go through a person?
A 9mm bullet from a handgun can penetrate quite deeply into the human body, around 60cm through human fat tissue based on gelatin tests. However, other factors play into the overall effect of such a weapon.
14. Can a frying pan stop a bullet?
Surprisingly, a frying pan is not very effective against bullets. However, a large and dense box of kitty litter could potentially offer some level of ballistic protection.
15. Can you use a longsword against a rapier?
Yes, they are vastly different weapons and are used differently. A rapier fighter should use their range and maneuverability, and a longswordsman should try to get past the rapier’s range and leverage.
Conclusion
In summary, the greatsword and shield combination is not viable. Greatswords are designed for two-handed wielding, and attempting to use them with a shield negates their power, reach, and maneuverability. If you’re seeking a weapon and shield combination, consider one-handed swords, spears, or versatile weapons – but be aware that versatile weapons may suffer a damage reduction when used one-handed. Understanding the purpose and design of each weapon is crucial for efficient combat.