Nodachi (Chapter)

Gen-8 Nodachi

### History

The ***nodachi*** has undergone quite a few iterations over the years. They have always acted as alternatives to *kelvs* that focused more on maneuverability rather than minor range advantages and stopping power.

In the War-Bound era, *nodachi* were notably shorter than *kelvs*, and offered a slimmer blade profile overall. It all came down to preference at that point. While never quite as popular as *kelvs, nodachi* saw frequent use among many Verditians. *Nodachi* found popularity with fighters who wanted that added maneuverability. Even though they didn't offer as much stopping power as *kelvs*, they were still known for their ability to guard break.

War-Bound *nodachi* became less popular in Gen-6 with the advent of the slimmer *kokatana*. *Kokatana* were a bit shorter than *nodachi* but were much faster and lighter, giving major boosts to the original properties that made many favor the *nodachi*.

In the modern era, the current *nodachi* was once called a "*daihanedachi*". As weapons from gen-8 and gen-9 became overrun with compound descriptions, the names became confusing. As such the *daihanedachi* were renamed to the classic *nodachi* as war-bound *nodachi* were obsolete.

Modern *nodachi* are very similar to *kelvs* in length and application. However there are some key differences. *Nodachi* are gen-8 weapons where *kelvs* are gen-9 weapons. This means *kelvs* are stiffer, have a mildly wider profile, and hit much harder. *Nodachi* therefore are a little slimmer and lighter but lack the same level of stopping power a *kelv* has.

### 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

#### **War-Bound Nodachi**

1. **Gen2 though Gen5 -** Early *nodachi* were very thick and had blade profiles that were more similar to *kelvs* of the era. While still shorter than *kelvs*, they were of similar weight. This version of the *nodachi* in many ways acted as the spiritual successor to the short-blade variants of insurrection *kelvs*. As such they were initially popular with Hrazlinne, who preferred short-blade *kelvs* in older conflicts. All *nodachi* of this era were constructed with Tsuchi designs.
2. **Gen6 -** Gen6 *nodachi* cut down on the overall blade profile of *nodachi* by introducing thinner foam layers that reduced the overall weight. It was this design of *nodachi* that spawned the most popularity. These *nodachi* also featured a sturdier core, so while the weight was reduced, it still retained a lot of stopping power. All *nodachi* of this era were constructed with Mizu designs.
3. **Thin Blade Variant -** The thin blade variant was only ever produced once for the Kelm-Class Weapon Kyofu. It featured a blade profile more akin to the *kokatana*. In many ways this weapon was the successor to later developed *senko.*

#### **Reclamation Nodachi**

Reclamation Nodachi are the modern iterations of the *nodachi.* They are Gen8 weapons and offer greater effective range than all previous styles of *nodachi*. They now rival *kelvs* in length but focus more on maneuverability than stopping power.

### **In War**

The most common war practice concerning *nodachi* is to offer suppression and break enemy lines. *Nodachi* exhibit strong combat range and, alongside *kelvs*, are the first non-pole weapon enemy forces will encounter. If left unchecked a *nodachi* will steadily break gaps into enemy lines. When *nodachi* work in pairs they are often able to hault any enemy advance almost immediately.

### **In Dueling**

Against other equipment, the *nodachi* has some drawbacks as they often require team support to stay protected in fights. *Nodachi* are highly maneuverable and can often outwit opponents advancing on them, however, experienced shieldsmen can rush down a *nodachi* and reduce this advantage.

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 *nodachi* is forced to approach putting it at a distinct disadvantage.

### Notable Users

Hrazlinne

Lachlan

Rakdos

### Gallery

A gen-5 NodachiMizuchi a Kelm-class gen-6 NodachiKyofu, a Kelm-Class thin-blade nodachi (Gen-6)