Class 1 Weapon
A Class 1 Weapon, also known as a blue weapon, is a weapon that is swung with one hand. It takes 2 strikes for a class 1 weapon to disable an armored target area. A class 1 weapon is never capable of destroying a shield. Also, a class 2 weapon swung with one hand is considered a class 1 weapon.
All flails and staves are considered class 1 weapons, regardless of length.
Specifications
4.4.1. Class 1 weapons are marked with blue tape on either the pommel or handle.
4.9.1. Class 1: All Class 1 weapons must conform to the following, as applicable:
- 4.9.1.1. A Class 1 weapon under twenty-four (24) inches (60.96 cm) in length has no weight minimum.
- 4.9.1.2. A Class 1 weapon twenty-four (24) inches (60.96 cm) in length or longer must weigh a minimum of twelve (12) ounces (340.2 g).
- 4.9.1.3. With the exception of double-ended weapons, a Class 1 weapon must be shorter than forty-eight (48) inches (121.92 cm).
- 4.9.1.4. The maximum handle length for a Class 1 weapon is twelve (12) inches (30.5 cm) or one-third (1/3) of the overall length, whichever is greater. This cannot exceed one-half (1/2) of the overall length.
- 4.9.1.5. The minimum overall length of a Class 1 is twelve (12) inches (30.5 cm) of contiguous striking, incidental, and courtesy padding plus the length of the hilt.
- 4.9.1.6. A Class 1 weapon may also be Class 3.
Flails and staves have additional specifications.
Combat
3.5.1. Class 1 (one-handed, swung) weapons cause one hit to a target area. Any Class 1 or Class 2 weapon swung with one hand, no matter the length, is a Class 1 weapon. Class 1 weapons swung with two hands causes one hit to a target area.
Class 1 weapons only deal one point of damage to one target area per strike. An armored area would take two strikes from a Class 1 before being disabled. If a class 2 weapon is used with only one hand it is treated as a class 1 for the purpose of damage.
Standard Types
- Swords or sword-like weapons shorter than 48" overall
- Clubs shorter than 48" overall
- Daggers
- Flails
- Axes shorter than 48" overall
- Hammers shorter than 48" overall
- Staves of all lengths
Popular Use
Class 1 weapons, particularly swords, clubs, and flails are by far the most common weapons on the Belegarth field. They are most commonly wielded in the fighter's dominant hand with a shield on the other side, a style known as sword and board (or variants thereof for other weapon types). Some fighters instead wield a class 1 weapon in each hand in a style known as florentine, often with the addition of a buckler or backshield to protect against archers.
Axes, hammers, and other "exotic" class 1 weapons also appear on the field, but much less commonly than the others.
Quarterstaves are exceedingly rare on the field, as they are generally found to be an inferior weapon to the alternatives. The restrictions on padding and the placement of striking surfaces on a staff eliminate many of the traditional techniques available with the real weapon. It also cannot be effectively used in one hand, yet lacks the ability the deliver shield-breaking hits or overcome armor in one strike like a class 2 weapon.