Anyone know anything on the subject? My internet searches show that scabbards for two-handers were either very uncommon or nonexistant. Even so, I can't imagine that any warrior worth his salt wouldn't have such a basic protection for his favorite weapon.
Thanks,
TS
It's been a while since I read up on it, but as I recall this weapon (along with things like pole arms) didn't have personal carrying options like we'd associate with smaller swords and daggers. The reason is they were used pretty much exclusively in warfare--you didn't have some random guy walking around town carrying his two-hander or pike. Those that used such weapons were usually either soldiers or professional warriors. They'd arrive to the scene of battle and the weapon would be readied for combat. When combat was over, the weapon would be stowed away for transport. The common, daily use such weapons see in D&D is very atypical historically.
I think a two-handed sword may just be to big to draw from a scabbard. I can't imagine pulling a two-handed sword from my hip or off my back with any speed or dignity. I've read that they were leaned over one's shoulder (kind of like a rifle) or with a strap (yet again kind of like a rife.) I figured if you can have a two-handed sword made, you can pay for someone to carry it.
Fizz
I imagined a two-handed sword scabbard that carryied the sword on ones' back with just a few inches at the tip being really 'sheathed' and only a simple lace or string holding the pommel in place near the top. A mighty warrior would reach back, untie the lace (as we would a shoe) and 'draw' his two handed sword by bringing it around to the front.
Is this silly?
Ultradan
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I've read that they were leaned over one's shoulder (kind of like a rifle) or with a strap (yet again kind of like a rife.) I figured if you can have a two-handed sword made, you can pay for someone to carry it.
Fizz
Many two-handers, such as claymores, had a foot-wide leather band between the crossguard and the blade for the sole purpose of being able to 'shoulder' the sword, much as one would a rifle. Also, a lot of later two-handers (flamberges, etc.) had a section of blade that was left dull for the same reason.
Finally, I've heard of some modern sword-makers that created special scabbards for two-handers. Basically, the scabbard is folded over the sword and fastened with toggles. The force of the sword being pulled unfastens the toggles, allowing the sword to arc out and away from the scabbard.
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I imagined a two-handed sword scabbard that carryied the sword on ones' back with just a few inches at the tip being really 'sheathed' and only a simple lace or string holding the pommel in place near the top. A mighty warrior would reach back, untie the lace (as we would a shoe) and 'draw' his two handed sword by bringing it around to the front.
Is this silly?
Ultradan
It's not silly, it's been done before.
Yep, the only real way to carry a long/large weapon like this is the back-strap option.
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Many two-handers, such as claymores, had a foot-wide leather band between the crossguard and the blade for the sole purpose of being able to 'shoulder' the sword, much as one would a rifle.
IIRC, Wallace's claymore in Braveheart had this although he also wore it over his shoulder but without a sheath.
Yeah, I came up with a couple of ideas on the subject. The first was pretty much Ultradan's idea; the second was to have a scabbard that is open for half its length, so the wielder only has to draw 3' or so of his blade out of the scabbard and then whip it up and over his shoulder.
Anyway, this is an issue because I think my great sword-wielding character should have a scabbard, but my DM is into historical realism. He's not a fanatic about it, and he's not an expert of medieval stuff, but he basically told me that until I come up with some convincing material I can't have a great sword scabbard.
I'm going to do some scabbard sketches to demonstrate the idea's viability to him, but I think references to the existance/viability of two-hander scabbards (even modern ones) would also help. If anyone has any references, they would be appreciated.
Thanks for the help everyone!
Anyway, this is an issue because I think my great sword-wielding character should have a scabbard, but my DM is into historical realism. He's not a fanatic about it, and he's not an expert of medieval stuff, but he basically told me that until I come up with some convincing material I can't have a great sword scabbard.
If anyone has any references, they would be appreciated.
Refer your DM to the Museum Replicas Limited website (www.museumreplicas.com). Item number 200150 is a Backhanger Baldric with Integral Scabbard. The picture shows a Scottish Claymore held in across the back in a scabbard.
Thanks Balmer and Fakey! I don't suppose you have the link to that specific item, Balmer? I can't find it for the life of me.
Thanks Balmer and Fakey! I don't suppose you have the link to that specific item, Balmer? I can't find it for the life of me.
Sorry, it looks like they've taken it off their site. Those bastards!
I did a Google search in images, and found the picture from Museum Replicas.
http://www.mwart.com/images/p/Accessories_Backhanger_Baldric_M200150_1693.j pg
Hope that helps.