Thrusting Spear
- In Redwall: Many creatures use spears,
though usually only hordebeasts in vermin armies do so.
- Time Period: Ancient Roman Empire and
later
- Origin: Rome
- Description: The
thrusting spear tended to have a strong, wide, leaf-shaped head with a ridge
down the middle. The spearhead was attached to the wooden shaft by a socket.
The sockets were usually riveted to the shaft and some have two small lugs
near the base of the socket to allow the head to be possibly bound on as well.
The length of the spear varied from about
5 to 9 feet, though 7 feet was the most common length.
- Use: Spear techniques rely on
threading and thrusting maneuvers and swift footwork which take advantage of
the spear's speed and long reach. A spear is much more difficult than
one might expect, when used properly - it's not just stabbing and poking.
It is similar in use to the quarterstaff, and can be used as a quarterstaff,
though its blade gives it an added and deadly dimension.
- Sites for Further Research:
A Viking thrusting spearhead