The bill-guisarme, sometimes known simply as a bill,[4] was a combination polearm derived from the agricultural tool known as a billhook.[4][5][6] It was similar to another agricultural-based polearm, the guisarme.[6]
Description[]
The bill-guisarme consisted of a long pole, measuring around 7 to 8 feet (2.1 to 2.4 meters) in length.[4][5] Over the years since its inception, the design of polearm's head went through many iterations.[4] The most common of these consisted of three implements. The first was a sharp, jutting back spike,[4][6] typically L-shaped and pointing forward.[6] The second was a sturdy hook whose inner or "concave" edge was sharpened,[4][6] as were sometimes its outer edge,[4] to the point of being a cutting edge on the weapon.[6] And the third was a heavy cutting blade, reminiscent of a meat cleaver.[4][5]
Weaponology[]
Due to the variety of cutting and piercing implements on a bill-guisarme, there was a wide range of ways it could be utilized in combat.[5]
Like most polearms, the bill-guisarme required lots of room in order to be used properly and two hands to wield.[5]
Notable Users[]
Appendix[]
Appearances[]
External Links[]
Bill-guisarme article at Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
References[]
- ↑ David "Zeb" Cook (April 1995). Player's Handbook 2nd edition (revised). (TSR, Inc.), p. 94. ISBN 0-7869-0329-5.
- ↑ Grant Boucher, Troy Christensen, Jon Pickens, John Terra and Scott Davis (1991). Arms and Equipment Guide. (TSR, Inc.), p. 108. ISBN 1-56076-109-1.
- ↑ Douglas Niles (1995). Player's Option: Skills & Powers. (TSR, Inc), p. 129. ISBN 0-7869-0149-7.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 Grant Boucher, Troy Christensen, Jon Pickens, John Terra and Scott Davis (1991). Arms and Equipment Guide. (TSR, Inc.), p. 88. ISBN 1-56076-109-1.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 David "Zeb" Cook (April 1995). Player's Handbook 2nd edition (revised). (TSR, Inc.), p. 98. ISBN 0-7869-0329-5.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 Gary Gygax (August, 1985). Unearthed Arcana (1st edition). (TSR, Inc.), pp. 127–128. ISBN 0880380845.
- ↑ Aaron Allston (1995). The Complete Ninja's Handbook. Edited by Barbara G. Young. (TSR, Inc), p. 33. ISBN 0786901594.