<<As I said, a spear is often referred to as a pike. No offense but I'm really not interested in splitting hairs, kinda takse away from the point of the topic>>

I guess the pike, err point, was lost. You stated that [a pike is] "often confused as a class of weapon but is, in fact, a specific weapon in the pole arm family."

The truth is that a pike is in fact a specific class/type of weapon (read the definition again). Yes it is type of pole-arm, and yes there is a specific weapon called a 'pike'. However, that weapon derived it's name from the type of weapon it is. This weapon is potentially what one would consider to be the schematic representation of a 'pike'. That however, does not mean that it is the only 'pike' out there. Just as I might consider a Renault 'Le Car' to be the schematic representation of a 'car' (I do not). It is not the only 'car' out there.

Call it splitting hairs if you wish, but there is a quantitative difference between what you are arguing and what I (and others) are arguing. Further, this same topic has popped up yearly for the past 8 years I have been around; with someone claiming that pikes as a weapon class are misdefined. Truth is that they are fine just the way they are.

--Just a "clueless" Lurker

>>As I said, a spear is often referred to as a pike. No offense but I'm really not interested in splitting hairs, kinda takse away from the point of the topic

>>Gahlron Dragon'Claws

Under a broad heading a pike is a spear is a pike etc. That said, a spear is used much differently and handles much differently than a pike. Just in case you wanted to split some more hairs, though these hairs are rather thick.

Jim

<<Under a broad heading a pike is a spear is a pike etc. That said, a spear is used much differently and handles much differently than a pike. Just in case you wanted to split some more hairs, though these hairs are rather thick.>>

Was I splitting hairs? If so then I apologize as that was my intent. I was merely imparting some of my knowledge regarding the weapon(s).


Gahlron Dragon'Claws
Ranger
~Mors ante dedecum
Nihil ante coffeum~

<<For instance... in another thread you asked why should there be a slicing combo for pikes, they're puncture based. Well, I'll tell you. In DR, there exist slicing pikes. Simple as that. So, I'm not sure what you're trying to say, I guess. DR has a lot of artistic license with their weapons (Mostly due to designer laziness in looking up actual weapon types I'd imagine). It's dangerous to make broad generalizations about a weapon class, because there are lots of different pikes in DR.>>

You're right. That's why I was careful not to make broad generalizations about DR weapons.



Gahlron Dragon'Claws
Ranger
~Mors ante dedecum
Nihil ante coffeum~

>in another thread you asked why should there be a slicing combo for pikes, they're puncture based.

Because he cant imagine a spear being anything but a puncture based weapon and using European style combat. If you are looking for 'reality' in combat weapons then about 75% of the characters in the realms would be pike users due to its ease of use and availability compared to swords.

"The Japanese spear is called a yari and training in the art of the spear is called sojutsu. The yari is primarily a thrusting weapon with a flat blade designed to pierce between the plates of the samurai armor. It can also be used to slash, peck, cut, trap, and bludgeon. It can be debated that a spear is more deadly than a sword. This is due to the fact that the damage caused by a thrust is often times more fatal or debilitating than a cut or percussion. Slashing and cutting weapons do not always penetrate deep enough to cause debilitating wounds, especially when facing opponents wearing armor. Where as a spear tip only needed to penetrate a few inches to be effective. Not only was the edge of the spear extremely effective, according to Masaaki Hatsumi, [34th. grandmaster of the Togakure Ryu] , recent archaeological evidence of Japanese battlefields shows the most common cause of death was due to fractured temporal bones. These wounds are attributed to the blunt end, ishizuki [pommel], of the spear."

http://www.yachigusaryu.com/essays/yari_history_and_use.html

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[Rayje's Glass House]
You are surrounded by clear antique crystal walls decorated with massive stained glass murals.

Rayje tosses his stones from hand to hand.

>I can guarantee that when referring to a "spear", the European spear would be identical to the Oriental spear, except possibly for materials used in it's creation.

Somewhat; oriental spears tended to use bamboo for the stave, leading to a fighting style based on the flexible aspects of it; European spears were pointy sticks. Harder staves lead to a different fighting style. Which, really, devolves into, the spears were and still are not the same.

>I can't? In all the years you've known me have I ever said the above sentence?

No, thats why I put the words in your mouth.

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[Rayje's Glass House]
You are surrounded by clear antique crystal walls decorated with massive stained glass murals.

Rayje tosses his stones from hand to hand.

>What's a good combo to use with pikes?

We are still waiting on one, but until then use dodge/jab/sweep/thrust/feint/lunge

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[Rayje's Glass House]
You are surrounded by clear antique crystal walls decorated with massive stained glass murals.

Rayje tosses his stones from hand to hand.

I smile to look like I care. I laugh because I dont.