Kokatana (Chapter)

HistoryThe kokatana was the first attempt to create a non-niche red weapon that could be used in a similar fashion to a katana.
The earliest attempts were mildly successful but often were a little too bulky to be used with a katana style. When the War-Bound weaponry finally reached Generation 6, this changed!
The kokatana dropped in weight significantly with a Generation 6 design. Additionally this new design offered a centralized weight distribution and a thinner profile blade.
It took about a year for this weapon to reach it's full potential but quickly former katana fighters were gravitating to it's use.
The kokatana has shown itself to have a highly diverse application while maintaining a compact nature.
In modern day the kokatana is the ultimate go-to for the closer quarters light-red class of weaponry.
Fun fact: kokatana would basically mean child katana. It's a bit of a joke from the original creator (Derath) "Check out my baby Katana!"
Weapon Properties
Consult the following image for a quick property chart. 
The categories are explained as followed:
* Speed - The weapons ability to accelerate and combo.
* Range - The effective combat range of the weapon.
* Weight - The overall weight of the weapon.
* Difficulty - The learning curve of the weapon in terms of how much work will be required to be considered proficient.
* Value - The combat usefulness in a war situation.
Variants
==== Tsuchi ====
Tsuchi variants are actually the only design for kokatanas. The weapon would not be structurally reliable if it were made in any other variant. It also would not make weight!
Modern Usage
==== In War ====
The most common war practice concerning kokatanas is to use it as a supporting red weapon. Because the kokatana is larger than the katana, sengatana, and dai katana it is not limited to flanking and less-fortified combat zones. However, it does struggle to safely make strikes in fully-equipped lines. The natural speed of the weapon does offset this disadvantage enough to consider it a viable option in many settings. (It is important to note that the skill curve of this process is a bit more involved than just deciding to pick up a heavy red.)
The kokatana performs exceptionally well on flanks where it's rapid offense can make short work of less-supported shieldsmen. However in modern combat the kokatana falls short against gen-8 and gen-9 weaponry. While it can still operate with effectiveness, it is often regulated to chaotic melees where it can close gaps without guarantee of death.
Finally, the last major practice of the kokatana is to use it as a backup weapon in an Archer kit.
==== In Dueling ====
Against other equipment, the kokatana has some drawbacks. The biggest and most daunting is your vulnerability without a shield. However it's effective range allows for offensive opportunities that out-range most shieldsmen. Most duels are highly focused on striking at max range while utilizing strong footwork to maintain that preferred distance.
The kokatana falls short against gen-8 and gen-9 weaponry which ultimately encompass all the positive characteristics of a kokatana in addition to larger effective combat range.
==== In Training ====
It is strongly recommended to train with a katana instead of a kokatana to better develop proper footwork and blade-work.
Equipment Synergy
The kokatana performs well with a dedicated shieldsman ally focused on maximizing the killing potential of red weaponry. What this means is that the shield will be actively involved in intercepting enemy red, pike, and ranged fire intended for the kokatana. Simply having a shield ally is often deterrent enough to keep enemy shields from charging.
While obvious, it is always best to mention that a kokatana can gain maximum effectiveness when archers, pikemen, and shieldsmen target and eliminate enemy archers, reds, and pikes.
Notable Users
Derath
Lactoes
Vekt
Gallery
1966698_10152297845565816_1385865116_n.jpg|Lactoes using a Kokatana
13307444_1050026775087085_5199962932209563050_n.jpg|Syllus with his Kokatana
19457498 1575717599126506 1239015878 o.jpg|Derath with his Kokatana
Dai Katana Kokatana.jpg|Kokatana compared to Dai Katana
kokatana katana size.JPG|Kokatana compared to Katana
Kokatana and Katana.JPG|Kokatana versus Katna
Category:Chapter Equipment