Class 2 Weapon
A Class 2 Weapon, also known as a red weapon, is a relatively large weapon that is swung in two hands. A class 2 weapon ignores armor and is capable of destroying a shield with two solid hits. A class 2 weapon swung with one hand is considered a class 1 weapon.
Specifications
4.2.5. Two-handed hafted Class 2 only and Class 2/Class 3 combined weapons such as polearms must have at least 12" (30.48 cm) of incidental padding below the striking surface, and courtesy padding to the handle.
4.4.2. Class 2 weapons are marked with red tape on either the pommel or handle.
4.9.2. Class 2: All Class 2 weapons must conform to the following:
- 4.9.2.1. The minimum length is forty-eight (48) inches (121.92 cm).
- 4.9.2.2. The minimum weight is twenty-four (24) ounces (680.4 g).
- 4.9.2.3. The maximum handle length for Class 2 weapons is eighteen (18) inches (45.72 cm) or one-third (1/3) of the overall length, whichever is greater. This cannot exceed one-half (½) of the overall length.
- 4.9.2.4. A Class 2 weapon may also be Class 3.
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. [...]
3.5.2. Class 2 (two-handed, swung) weapons cause two hits to the target area when used for two-handed strikes.
- 3.5.2.1. “Two-handed” is defined as having both hands fixed on the weapon when the weapon makes contact with the target.
- 3.5.2.2. Combatants striking with a two handed swing should call “Two” as they strike.
3.7.4. Combatants attacking an unaware combatant with a Class 2 [...] weapon must shout “Two” with a two-handed Class 2 swing [...] as appropriate. If the weapon class is not called, the combatant should consider a successful strike to cause a single hit.
3.10.1. Shields are destroyed by two heavy, solid, two-handed strikes from a Class 2 weapon.
3.10.2. Heavy strikes are defined as a stronger than normal strike, as defined in 3.4.2 and 3.5.2.1.
3.10.5. The wielder of the shield determines if a shield breaking hit is sufficient.
3.10.6. Shields lying on the ground cannot be broken.
Red weapons are valued for their ability to disable an armored target area in one strike and their ability to break shields in two strikes. However, disabling a red wielder's arm removes this ability and, due to the physical nature of such a large and heavy weapon, can hamper their attempts to strike with the red weapon. Because red weapons are Class 1 when swung one-handed, red wielders are encouraged to always call "Two" when swinging their weapon with two hands, especially when fighting opponents with shields and/or armor.
Standard Types
- Swords or sword-like weapons at least 48" in overall length
- Glaives
- Clubs at least 48" in overall length
- Axes and hammers at least 48" in overall length
Popular Use
By far the most common red weapons on the field are glaives and greatswords, and most of these are also Class 3 weapons. Additionally, however, one will occasionally see large hammers, clubs, and axes, including poleaxes.
While class 2 weapons are often very appealing to newer fighters, and while many newer fighters find themselves intimidated and quickly killed by class 2 weapons, most experienced sword and board fighters quickly learn how to charge in on a red-wielder to kill them, often without suffering any worse harm than a single shield-breaking hit. For this reason, most class 2 wielders learn to fight with one or more shorter-range partners who can protect them from a rush. While a red weapon at range has numerous advantages (shield-breaking, armor-ignoring, long reach, hard to parry), they are nearly useless offensively at close range. Relatedly, many red wielders learn to wear a buckler or backshield and to carry an easily-drawn back-up weapon.
A shield of some sort is also a great boon against archers, who will often single out red weapon wielders due to their lack of protection and for the damage they can inflict on a shield line.