Halberd

Description
A Halberd is a large combination axe and spear mounted on a long haft which allows it to be used as a polearm. Typical designs include a half-moon-shaped axe head on one side, a spear point sticking up from the middle, and some sort of hook on the side opposite the axe head.

Weaponology
Known colloquially as a "Medieval Can-opener" due to it's effectiveness against plate armor, the design of the weapon, with it's ability to mount slashing, piercing, or tripping/dismounting attacks makes it extremely versitile against many different opponents. However, it's large size is a detriment when fighting in close quarters.

Historically, groups of halberdiers were used to great advantage against enemy cavalry and as defensive units. This is not to slight the offensive capability of the weapon and well-trained units of halberdiers were a force to be reckoned with when advanced into the fray.

For game purposes, in 3rd edition Dungeons & Dragons this weapon is considered a reach weapon and can deal slashing or piercing damage at the attacker's option. It is also capable of making dismounting and tripping attacks against suitable opponents.

In 4th edition Dungeons and Dragons, the halberd is a two-handed melee weapon with reach, belonging to both the polearm and axe weapon categories.

Realmslore
This weapon is by far most common in "civilized" areas of Toril with few, if any Barbarian type characters choosing to wield it. Though cultures in Faerun, Kara-Tur, and Zakhara may have similarly designed weapons, they are far less common, if not considered rare, than in the interior areas of Faerun. Many large city-states also field units of halberdiers for defense.