Rapier

“‘What do you plan to do with that toothpick?’ ‘This toothpick will lay you low, you rat! Where I come from, we call this beauty a brawling sword!’”
— Overheard in a tavern brawl

Fencers use rapiers (also called brawling swords) for stabbing attacks, but they are just as useful in sword fighting, for slashing attacks. Compared to foils, rapiers have slightly broader blades. Fencing pupils practice with special training rapiers that have no edge and a blunted tip. Some rapiers have a heavier, sword-like blade that is, nevertheless, still very flexible, allowing skilled fighters to make snake-like thrusts and strikes. As with foils, rapiers are less effective against heavy armor.

The rapier’s cross-guard, called a basket, usually consists of multiple, thin metal bands that seem to coil around the hand. Rapier scabbards tend to be highly adorned. Rapiers are a sign of prosperity and a hint that their owners know how to defend themselves.

“An excellent weapon with no disadvantages.”

— Carolan Calavanti, Vinsaltan vagabond

“But it takes great skill to wield one against a heavy weapon like a rock-cleaver.”

— Arbosh son of Angrax, forge dwarf master smith

“At least it doesn’t look as ridiculous as a foil.”

— Tjalva Garheltsdottir, Hetja of Prem