Martial Weapons

Since the dawn of mankind, one enduring ever evolving piece of technology has stood as a testament to our ceaseless quest for power and dominion: the evolution of martial weapons. These weapons even dating back to the beginning of time have been created and continuously innovated for a myriad of scenarios, ranging from versatile tools meant to be a jack of all trades to niche specialized weapons. Each weapon showcases the ingenuity of humanity in its relentless pursuit of perfecting the sophisticated art of close quarters combat.

Melee weapons encompass objects not exclusively designed as projectiles but, rather intended for hand-to-hand combat, inflicting physical trauma upon persons or animals. Within this category, a sub-category known as "Martial Weapons" exists. They are specifically designed for use against humans, aggressive animals, or other potential dangers. The term "Martial" encompasses both the weapon and the associated martial arts, teaching individuals the proper and effective way to wield these weapons.

In this encyclopedia of sorts, I will delve into the history of martial weapons, exploring their diverse range of designs, their intended original use, and the many martial arts techniques that accompany them. We will uncover the stories behind the development of these weapons, examining the cultural and technological contexts that influenced their evolution. Furthermore, we will explore the martial arts intricately linked with these weapons, revealing the strategies, philosophies, and training methods employed to master their usage.

It is important to note that bias can arise among different martial arts schools regarding the optimal handling of specific weapons. Each school offers specialized approaches to certain aspects of the weapon, resulting in a diversity of techniques and philosophies. While not mandatory, it is relatively uncommon to encounter a martial weapon without at least one manuscript, often authored by its creator, providing detailed instructions on optimal techniques for wielding the weapon and maximizing its potential.

Throughout this exploration, we will gain a comprehensive understanding of the historical, cultural, and practical aspects surrounding these martial weapons and the martial arts techniques intertwined with their usage. By delving into their fascinating history and examining their profound impact on human civilization, we will uncover the secrets of these remarkable tools that have shaped the art of combat throughout the ages.

## The Industrial Martial Standard Codex

During the height of the industrial age, the Industrial Martial Standard Codex emerged as a pivotal tool for standardizing the production of martial weapons through industrial machining. Interestingly, the codex had its origins in the Saintoma military, where it was initially devised to streamline the logistics of martial weapon development and procurement. One of the key objectives of the codex was to easily convey the topology of the weapons, particularly the typology of the blade or head of the weapon, in order to effectively communicate the desired characteristics or the intended purpose of each martial weapon type. Prior to the codex, blacksmiths served as the primary craftsmen responsible for forging armaments. However, their methods lacked standardization, relying heavily on what they've seen, imagination, and passed down familial martial weapon designs. To address this pervasive issue of classification and simplify unnecessarily complex categorizations, the codex was introduced. It established clear specifications and guidelines for differentiating and classifying martial weapons, including detailed information about the composition, structure of the blade or head of the martial weapon. Soon after its inception, the codex gained universal acceptance, becoming the standard reference of martial weapon manufacturing and identification for all countries in Enayeth.

## Trauma reference

Each weapon is designed with the intention or inherent capability to inflict a distinct type of trauma or upon a living being. However, it is important to note that weapons are not limited to causing only a single type of listed trauma; rather, they may excel at afflicting specific types of trauma compared to other weapons.

### Cutting and Lacerations

Cuts and lacerations, resulting from contact with sharp objects, can lead to various injuries, including bleeding, tissue damage, and potential infection. In severe cases, although rare, there is a possibility of partial or complete decapitation or amputation of body parts. In a combat scenario, if the inflicted wound is severe, it is recommended to promptly retreat or flee. Following this, it becomes crucial to apply a bandage as a temporary measure to control bleeding and minimize the risk of further damage. However, seeking immediate medical attention from a professional is essential for a thorough evaluation of the injury, potential stitching if required, and to prevent complications that may hinder a complete recovery.

### Blunt Force Trauma

Blunt force trauma refers to injuries that occur due to a forceful impact or blow from a blunt object. This type of trauma arises when the body sustains a non-penetrating force, such as being struck by a blunt weapon or experiencing a powerful collision. Blunt force trauma can cause various injuries, including fractures, dislocated joints, internal bleeding, tissue damage, and trauma to organs. In combat situations, encountering blunt force trauma to the head is particularly severe. It is advised to assume a defensive stance, as head trauma can lead to impaired judgment and cognitive abilities, especially if the injury results in a concussion.

### Stab and Puncture Wounds

Stab and puncture wounds caused by pointed weapons can result in various types of injuries. These injuries include deep penetration wounds, which can damage muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. In severe cases, vital organs such as the lungs, liver, or intestines may be punctured, leading to internal bleeding or organ damage. Additionally, stab and puncture wounds can cause minor to severe bleeding depending on the afflicted location. There is also a risk of infection due to the introduction of bacteria into the wound. The length, force, and technique of the weapon can determine the extent and severity of the injuries inflicted by a pointed weapon. It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention for proper evaluation and treatment to address potential complications, control bleeding, prevent infection, and ensure a thorough recovery.

## Axe

The Axe or Ax, a strong, cheap, martial weapon, capable of effectively afflicting deep laceration inflicting blows. Commonly associated with the wood cutting designed felling axe, The martial variant is however differently designed compared to the lumber axe. The most obvious visual change is that upon inspecting the blades of them both, you'll quickly realize that the martial axe's blade is significantly slimmer than the hewing axe. this is by design to make the axe more effective in cutting flesh and bone and additionally cutting off unneeded weight. Generally this is the biggest design change from the standard tool to the martial weapon. We'll get more in to specifics.

**General Advantages**

* Economically cheap
* Devastating cutting trauma
* Easy to use
* Top heavy allowing for consistently strong blows even when dull or against padded armor

### Hatchet

The hatchet, known for its simplicity and affordability, stands as one of the most basic and recognizable types of axes. With its compact design, the hatchet features a single axe head, making it suitable for one-handed use. Typically measuring around 2 to 3 feet in length, the hatchet's haft is predominantly crafted from wood. In some rare instances, the wooden haft may be reinforced with langets—metal bands positioned along the sides—to mitigate splintering and enhance durability. This combination of a wooden haft and a single axe head characterizes the quintessential features of the medieval hatchet.

#### Usage

**Civilian**

The Hatchet back before the peak of the industrial age was a relatively common weapon to use as a self defense means, it was cheap, easy to maintain, and require little training to be effective and even had some room for error with edge alignment due to the force of impact the axe head could generate which even with bad edge alignment still can cause considerable amount of damage. Due to a multitude of these positives it became quite common for the impoverished to commoner to dawn the hatchet as a sidearm for self defense.

**Warfare**

#### **Sub-Categorical Advantages**

* Economically the cheapest martial weapon seconded by the bludgeon
* Easy to use
* Easy to transport
* Designed for one handed usage which allowed for shield off handing or grappling techniques
* Axe head could be used to hook objects or appendages which contributes to grappling and positioning techniques.
* Easy to maintain and replace

#### **Sub-Categorical Disadvantages**

* Not much room for improvement on the weapon's design
* Limited reach
* Limited to mainly arcing blows
* Not effective in tight spaces
* Ineffective against plate