11-25-2008, 04:50 AM
I wouldn't actually grab a bunch of sharp dags...but, if made like the ones in the pictures, they wouldn't do enough damage to matter. Not in real combat.
I should clarify--if, in combat, one were forced to the expedient, sharp dags wouldn't be much of a discouragement. In fact, I can't see what difference they'd make--when my hand closes, as long as I have a grip.
As a comparison, I would, and have, grabbed a sharp blade. Again, when your hand is closed, you have a grip. You may pay later...
Does this matter?
If the idea of the aspis bearer getting his arm broken is what seems odd--we all found it remarkable, too. But if you think about it, the shield bearer is trying to hold the hub of a wheel while the attacker tries to spin the wheel. It's a very one-sided fight--we had our biggest, strongest guy--a weight trainer--behind the shield, and our smallest guy could manipulate the shield any way he wanted. Which is why I don't think the aspis bearer would even manage to injure an opponent with the dags.
I should clarify--if, in combat, one were forced to the expedient, sharp dags wouldn't be much of a discouragement. In fact, I can't see what difference they'd make--when my hand closes, as long as I have a grip.
As a comparison, I would, and have, grabbed a sharp blade. Again, when your hand is closed, you have a grip. You may pay later...
Does this matter?
If the idea of the aspis bearer getting his arm broken is what seems odd--we all found it remarkable, too. But if you think about it, the shield bearer is trying to hold the hub of a wheel while the attacker tries to spin the wheel. It's a very one-sided fight--we had our biggest, strongest guy--a weight trainer--behind the shield, and our smallest guy could manipulate the shield any way he wanted. Which is why I don't think the aspis bearer would even manage to injure an opponent with the dags.
Qui plus fait, miex vault.
