Naginata (Chapter)

Gen-9 Naginata

### History

***Naginata*** stretch back to the Insurrection Era. However at the time they were called *glaives*. This is not to be confused with *modern glaives*, which are much longer and fill drastically different roles. To avoid this confusion in subsequent sections, these ancient weapons will be referred to as "*Insurrection naginata*".

*Insurrection naginata* were uncommon red weaponry employed by Verditians who favored the greater control and lower weight of the weapon. However, *Insurrection naginata* often had durability issues due to a lack of a second core.

When the War-Bound Era of weaponry swept through the chapter, the *naginata* began to take shape. They grew in popularity as they offered a more balanced approach to red fighting.

*War-Bound naginata* had a strong effective range and also exhibited excellent flow and maneuverability. Their naturally long handles offered great defensive options, especially against other two-handed weaponry. Interestingly enough, as they grew in popularity they began to exhibit strong weapon advantages over two handed swords of similar size, such as the *kelv*. This advantage became so obvious that *naginata* were categorized as "pole-reds" to acknowledge this distinction.

*Modern (Reclamation) naginata* are very similar in function and application. However, they feature longer effective ranges and lighter weight overall.

### 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.
* **+/-** Denote effective changes in properties with alternative variants (such as gen-7)
* **"+"** means that particular category is slightly increased with Gen-8 variants

### Variants

#### **Insurrection Naginata**

*Insurrection naginata*, as mentioned before, were not very popular among Verditians. It is believed the major reason is due to the fact that a *kelv* could (and often did) break them. *Kelv* users at the time were some of the most powerful Verditians, as such many Verditians would chase down the path of obtaining a *kelv* as a status symbol if they were interested in red weaponry. *Insurrection naginata* were lighter and faster than *kelvs* of the era however, and could take advantage of that if used correctly.

#### **War-Bound Naginata**

*War-Bound naginata* came in two major forms, the Tsuchi (gen 2-5) and the Mizu (gen-6).

1. **Tsuchi** **-** Tsuchi variants used compounding handles that added significant weight and stability to the weapon. However, these early designs used a thinner core so the weight gain was not as significant.
2. **Mizu -** Mizu variants became the standard design for all gen-6 Naginata. The new cores were more stable and did not require reinforcement, allowing for the overall weight of the weapon to be reduced.

#### **Reclamation Naginata**

*Reclamation naginata* are gen-9 weapons as standard. However it is possible to make them as gen-8.

1. **Gen-8 -** Gen-8 variants of the Naginata would allow for a thinner blade profile allowing for marginal maneuverability advantages. Being a gen-8 weapon it would lack the same stopping power of a gen-9 version. Gen-8 versions could be made slightly longer as well. (while gen-9 can also be made longer, increasing the length of gen-9 is incredibly expensive and *usually* not worth the investment)
2. **Gen-9 -** These are the standard variants of the *naginata*, offering a balanced approach to the weapon. While the blade profile is slightly larger than a gen-8, it gains the extreme stability of a gen-9, offering greater stopping power and control.

### Modern Usage

#### **In War**

The most common war practice concerning *naginata* is to offer suppression and break enemy lines. *Naginata* exhibit strong combat range and are quick to intercept any warriors making it past the 8ft+ weaponry. If left unchecked a *naginata* will steadily break gaps into enemy lines. When *naginata* work with other red weaponry they are often able to halt any enemy advance almost immediately. *Naginata* are generally outclassed by *kelvs* in terms of stopping power, but do offer more defensive and balanced options as a trade-off.

#### **In Dueling**

Against other equipment, the *naginata* has some drawbacks as they often require team support to stay protected in fights. *Naginata* are highly maneuverable and can often outwit opponents advancing on them, however, experienced shieldsmen can rush down a *naginata* and reduce this advantage. The long handle gives it great defensive options.

Effective technique in dueling is attempting to use the stability and maneuverability of the weapon to outplay and out-speed your opponent or keep them at max range so you can slowly chip away at their static defenses.

When fighting *pikes*, a *naginata* has an easier time than sword-styled red weaponry.

### Notable Users

Sarudon

Aizen

Karkuno

Sapientia

### Gallery

Kasai, a Kelm-Class Naginata (g6)A gen-6 Naginata