spear

A melee (hand to hand) weapon. It is a long pole about five or six feet with a very short blade at the spearhead. The spear was very reliable back in the ancient to medieval ages. It is mainly a light thrusting weapon, also efficient in repelling cavalry. It can also be used to be thrown at the enemy. Unlike the sword, and the great axe, the spear did not take much energy to use. The spear was very light compared to the broadsword, and one slight thrust with the spear can kill, unlike the broadsword, where one has to swing hard to inflict damage. The spear also has its disadvantages; a very agile and fast soldier is best suited for using a spear, not the slow, big, tough soldier who can't move as fast. Since the pole of the spear is made of wood, a sword or axe can cut a spear in half, so a spear can not block any swings. Spears are also awkward when used with shields. Despite these disadvantages, the spear was an excellent weapon in the ancient to medieval ages until the advent of the gunpowder age.