Pollaxe
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Overview
A Pollaxe (also Pole axe) is a general term for a polearm of between four and six feet in total length with a striking surface of less than half its total length, typically with a stabbing tip as well. Although the term is European in origin, in Belegarth it can be applied to the guan dao, the ji and shorter versions of the naginata as well as the German lucerne hammer, the Scottish lochaber axe, the French bec de corbin, the footsoldier's war hammer, and the halberd.
History
Within Belegarth, pollaxes are generally considered acceptable dueling weapons for single combat, unlike longer varieties of polearm, which are generally considered exculsively battlefield weapons due to the inherant difficulty in fighting at close range.
Pollaxe Construction
The process for constructing a pollaxe is essentially identical to constructing a sword, glaive or axe, except that a pollaxe may require at least one additional layer of foam along the blade and that it will need a stronger core material than one handed weapons. Currently, the most popular cores for constructing pollaxes are either a combination of 3/4 PVC reinforced with a wooden dowel to reduce flex or 11/16" fiberglass rods. Fiberglass is generally considered superior to reinforced PVC. Alternate materials are recommended for polearms longer than pollaxe range.
Typically, 1/3 of the weapon is striking surface, 1/3 is handle and 1/3 (usually) is incidental padding. However, unlike a glaive, the pollaxe frequently is gripped near the center of the weapon and has two areas of incidental padding on either side of the handle. For safety reasons, most weapon checkers insist on at least six inches of incidental padding between the striking surface and handle. Given that the weapon is longer than the 48" minimum of class II weapons, this striking surface counts as Red. With the great leverage a long swung weapon can produce, a thicker striking surface than normal is recommended.
Pollaxes in Belegarth
A common weapon, Pollaxes are common in smaller units that lack the support of strong shield walls. They are also a popular weapon for one-on-one duels.
New fighters with an interest in glaives are often encouraged to try pollaxes, which lack the longer weapon's dangerous mass and momentum. All fighters should still exercise extreme caution when swinging in a downward chopping motion. Some discourage this swing from ever being used, though it is frequently one of the few available in a tight line situation.
