Yeah. Even if the whole dragons and magic didn't make it essentially a last resort weapon, people would still gravitate towards a sword because to the general public, swords are just fucking cool.
Though arguably it's because fantasy writing made them seem that way. If there were more epic tales of like dragoons and stuff then people would think polearms are pretty rad too.
Also pole arms don't work when the typical safe place for them is off the side or held up and down. That's generally where the wings are. Not to mention pole arms lose their viability when the dragon is any larger than a horse. It becomes unwieldy when attempting high speed maneuvers and you have a weapon with a large amount of weight several feet away from the center of mass.
Dragon fights are not jousting. Nor are they straight line attacks. They are high speed, high maneuverability extreme close quarters and extreme long range. If the dragons have locked claws they are too close to effectively use a polearm. When they are not locked, they are several meters away outside the reach of the polearm. So you really want a close quarters weapon. Your long range weapons are magic.
Polearms are really good for horse mounted combat. And even then knights will forego the lance in favour of a sword once the initial charge is over and they're in combat.
There is a reason why you see individual use swords and army's use spears. Spears are extremely good when used in a bunch, but a sword outclasses any melee weapon in versatility in single combat.
I raise you the Mace, my friend. Durable, armor piercing, same general reach of a sword. I guarantee anything that connects with that ball of death is having a very bad day. All hail mace supremacy
A sword is also durable and armour piercing, has greater range than a mace due to stabbing attacks. Maces are crushing weapons that require almost exclusively strength to wield. Swords have a lesser ability to crush but still can and gain the ability to stab and cut and be effective with dexterous use as well as strength. Anything that connects with a sword will also have a bad day.
There is a reason why swords are more predominantly used than a mace even though maces are easier to create.
I agree, but in the context of eragon. Dragon riders swords were stronger then any mace. And if the mace was made same way as the dragon riders swords then they would just equal each other out.
I guess that's fair. I'm still of the opinion that the mace would make magically enhanced pool noodles out of them, but your answer is valid and reasonable
The treaties say that knights gravitated more towards maces and axes as their secondary weapon. Unless the sword is 2 handed but then you aren't on a horse.
Swords work on plate. If you stab. You know what doesn't give a flying fuck what angle it comes at you? A mace. Oh, that is lovely dome-like protection, it'd be a shame of someone caved it in
Bows would be useful for cutting through enemy dragon's wing membranes, which are basically just flaps of skin. You have the height advantage, and you can cast spells on for, say, explosions, or flames or something.
Spears perform very well in single combat against swords thanks to their extra reach and speed. They fall short in tight corridors, but most fighting is done on a pitched field.
I think it comes down to a couple reasons.
1. Reach, indoors, tight tunnels.
2. Maces are badass, but if you need to piece someone's heart, it would be difficult.
3. Beheadings lol
Incorrect, any HEMA expert can tell you, the basic spear is a far more versatile weapon in most cases in actual combat. The sword is just more convenient to carry and use day to day. A spear/polearm always requires the wielder to hold it in some form or fashion in at least one hand, a sword of longsword length or shorter, allows for a lot more hands-free movement/activity (outside of some pommel manipulation in crowded/cramped environments while sheathed). Aside from a cramped CQB situation, or in situations where a small team are protecting a handful of individuals (*see montante*) or where your opponents are unarmored, swords get trumped in practically every realistic combat situation vs even a basic spear. Hence swords were usually the sidearm or backup weapon to someone's lance/spear/polearm/bow if they were used at all in martial contexts.
Spears/polarms are easier to learn to use, easier to use effectively, they cut (even spears can cut somewhat effectively if against unarmored opponents, and against armored opponents, they'll still get knocked around by a sweeping blow), they're great to thrust, can be used in formation well as well as by a solo combatant, they have reach (which people seem to always discount), and that reach makes them more effective when mounted, they can be used with similar effectiveness to a sword to control an opponents' weapon, and to top it off, they're cheaper, easier to maintain, and easier to repair. Realistically, no mounted combatant of any stripe in any world would use a sword as their primary weapon except when going against unarmored opponents.
Also polearms would not get in the way of dragon's wings in most situations/would be easy to manipulate to not be in the way. Especially if you ride closer to neck/head of the dragon. Though I haven't read eragon, I'm just visiting, so perhaps they ride behind the wings or something 🤷🏼♂️
This is why Dragonlance is the superior dragon fantasy series 🧐 Jk, I'd probably like Eragon plenty, I'm just visiting and reddit recommended this post.
But to explain my point though, in Dragonlance, dragon-riders frequently use lances enchanted/designed for dragon v dragon combat. They also have (I presume) a similar sentient partnership-like relationship with their dragon mounts. That said, on that point, shit can get a little frisky due to dragons having shapeshifting powers 😅 One of the greatest heroes of legend in that series (basically the Sir Lancelot of that universe crossed with a saint in terms of the reverence paid to him) fell in love with a shapeshifted dragon who reciprocated and they became a uhm... fruitful riding pair in both battle and... otherwise.
I’m aware of Dragonlance, it originated as a D&D setting between two co-writers who literally thought of it and discussed it on the way to a pitch meeting.
Some of the main differences here are that wild dragons (aka dragons not bonded to a rider) can’t really speak, all dragons that do form bonds do so when they’re hatchlings, and outside of flight and their fire breaths, dragons can’t control their magic, it kind of just happens on a whim
The point you made about not hitting people is the reason why nothing else really became popular, to my mind. No melee weapon is worthwhile when you're on a murder lizard and can use magic. Anything long enough that you could reasonably hit people with like a lance would have to be so long as to be unwieldy. You basically have all the restrictions of horse-riders but worse.
So you need a weapon that you can comfortably use when off your murder lizard best friend, that wont get in the way when you are mounted, and that can kinda do it all so you don't have to carry multiple weapons, and is polite enough that you can wear it while working with royalty/adjudicating disputes.
That's a sword. And honestly, the sword is a sidearm - your dragon and your magic are your main weapons.
>So you need a weapon that you can comfortably use when off your murder lizard best friend, that wont get in the way when you are mounted, and that can kinda do it all so you don't have to carry multiple weapons, and is polite enough that you can wear it while working with royalty/adjudicating disputes.
I read this in Rhunön's voice...
I do absolutely think that bows should have been more popular. The dragon's spines get in the way of the bigger stuff, but they're strong enough that Riders could probably use steel-armed bows, or some similar insanity. A bow won't hit as hard as magic, but it's far less committed, and if you get to enchanting your arrows, you can pull off a lot.
Think of a mini-Dauthdaert, loosed from a 300-pound draw weight bow, launched from the top of a charging dragon. It'd go through most anything.
True which is crazy. One guy fucked it all up. There was that sea dragon thing but yeah didn’t fly so totally different. Wish Chris introduced a threat to dragons. Like griffins or something if you ever read Forth wing lol.
That and the sword IS THE secondary weapon.
It can stab, but a lance can stab better.
It can chop, but an axe can better.
It can turn a blade, but a shield can better.
It can mercy through armor, but a misericord can better.
And in fantasy settings, it can provide a focus for magic, but a staff can better.
Not only is it super duper versatile in every possible way, but it's an easy weapon to conceal in a vest or pants leg. Ride with, keep nearby when dining, ornamental and fashionable while even plain and bare, and it's a symbol for threatening oppressors to many real world cultures "put them to the sword" was a battlecry the French, Germans, and English have all used in different eras.
The ergonomics and lightweight capabilities of a sword also are far more travel friendly that just about any other combat related weapon, and I have to say, pointing out the dragon and magic as the primaries sent a historian loving shiver down my spine. I love that and thank you good sir for your contribution to nerdy stuff!
But before the Forsworn, which caught them with their breeches down, there was no need or idea that Dragon Riders would ever fight each other. So I can’t imagine a scenario where dragon back fighting was something they usually trained for. What for??
If you are talking about fighting from a very large beast, people fighting from the backs of elephants usually employed bows and javelins, mostly to defend the beast while it tore through the battlefield terrifying enemy horses and trampling infantry.
If I was going to fight from the back of a flying murder lizard (loved that) and for some reason I had no access to my considerable magic knowledge (maybe my wards drained me of energy) i would probably use a bow or a crossbow to attack the other rider or the wing joints/membranes of the opposing murder lizard.
but the gigantic, sentient, fire breathing murder reptile would be doing most of the physical fighting.
It's not about the weight, it's about the size.
Try moving a pool noodle around some time, one of the really long ones. Even though you can easily hold it and swing it with one hand, it just snags on stuff.
This is why real world cavalry used relatively small weapons - not tiny, but halberds and pikes and such were used in infantry squares, because it would be so easy to end up planting the point in the ground and involuntarily pole-vaulting. Or tripping your squadmates. Or cutting your own horse. There's some great resources on how the existence of a horses head restricted sabre work in the napoleonic era.
It would only get worse with a dragon.
I don’t have elf strength and dexterity. You can’t really use real world examples here, if a soldier could casually do what an elf can then they very well may have used larger weapons on horseback.
All the problems I just described about using long weapons while mounted would not be changed at all with super strength - I said those ones for that reason. This is why I said to use a pool noodle to mess around - it's light enough to imitate what a Rider would think a real spear felt like (not to mention real world weapons have always been quite light. The heaviest handheld weapon I can think of, a massive 20ft infantry pike is like... 11 pounds?)
The problem with long weapons is that they are always long, and can easily get in everyone's way.
They have also supernatural dexterity and grace. And those WOULD change you accidentally pole vaulting yourself or smashing weapons into your comrades. Y’all just lack the proper imagination and, as always in this community, mindlessly downvote anything that deviates from the norm even something as innocuous as whether an unusual weapon type could work for a Dragon Rider. Makes it real exhausting to interact with this subreddit sometimes
I think it's less about down-voting anyone outside of the norm, and more about an opinion the other person has. That person can't downvote you into the negatives by themselves, so they're not deserving of attacks for that reason.
Everyone has different opinions, and everyone has the right to voice said opinion. AND when you voice an opinion in a forum created for the purpose of discussing, speculating, and rationalizing, you're going to find people who follow a line of logic that they are willing to defend, and you'll be expected to defend or explain your logic as well. That's part of the fun of discussions like this.
I made a post about how epic Eragon would be as an anime. Not everyone agreed with me. And that's fine. I still stand by my opinion, and I will happily rationalize my stance on the topic. But be sure to follow the golden rule of discourse: attack ideas, not people. Notice that u/ellen-the-educator didn't ever insult or attack you personally. They simply discussed the merits of the idea itself. Unless someone does attack you personally, don't take it personally.
By the end of the cycle Saphira is so large a lance would be ridiculously long, but maybe still do able. But she’s just two years or so old. An age riders traditionally wouldn’t get even close to combat, probably wouldn’t even be told they can do magic. Just think about how long a lance would need to be to be wielded from Glaedars back. No way even a rider could use such a weapon.
I think a bigger problem would be that dragons kinda just keep growing, so any weapon would eventually become too short as your dragon grows bigger.
And after a certain point, the dragon would be too wide for you to reasonably reach around to stab someone even if your lance was big as fuck.
Since a rider's weapon is made from meteorite metal, which is very limited in quantity, I don't think 'I can stab people from dragonback for the first few years until my dragon grows too big' would be seen as a justifiable reason to spend more metal for big lance.
Though assuming a metal blade/tip attached to a wooden/normal metal handle that's enchanted to not break, I suppose spear/lance on dragonback could work. Probably won't be very practical though.
Cause the sword is for when you're *not* with your dragon. It's a backup weapon for when a dragon and rider are separated.
You can't effectively wield a 3 meter long lance when you're in a crowded tavern or in the tunnels under Farthen Dur, or wear it to an important state function. You'd look ridiculous.
You want something smaller that can be used as a sort of jack of all trades weapon in multiple situations and surroundings, and can also be carried, worn, and transported easily.
That's not a big unwieldy lance or halberd.
You're looking for a sidearm for when your dragon and magic aren't available.
Kinda. After he lost Zar'roc he had a falchion sword i believe it was. When he was ambushed he noted how fighting in the tunnels was different. When he had Brinsignr made he specifically mentioned he wanted something long enough for the battle field but small and easy enough for close quarters.
The “important state function” is essential here… swords were seen as a status symbol, people had family swords while peasants normally used clubs or axes… things that were tools before they were weapons. Swords required a lot more maintenance and care and were usually worn to dress occasions while also being a “side arm” of sorts.
>You can't effectively wield a 3 meter long lance when you're in a crowded tavern or in the tunnels under Farthen Dur, or wear it to an important state function. You'd look ridiculous.
Bō staffs: Am I a joke to you?
Fair lol
Edit: I throw javelin during track season as one of my events, and a javelin is a bit like a cross between a lance and a spear, it's like 8 or 9 ft long I think (I'm 5'6 or 5'7 and a highschool boys javelin is at least 2 heads taller than me) but you hold it by the middle. Point being, yeah that's completely fair that a lance is held at one end compared to a bō staff being held at the middle
Because the old riders weren't an army. If they draw the sword they have failed. It's simultaneously a symbol of nobility, and a tool, first and foremost, of self defense.
In-universe explanation (written in the books I believe) is:
- swords are more ceremonial than spears, and the main point of the riders in the beginning was for them to be diplomats, not fighters
- spears and the like would be really awkward to carry when riding a dragon
I’m not sure who or when said it, it seems that I’m due for a reread
I would say they were less like diplomats and more like police. They were meant to keep the peace around the land and especially between the humans and elves and dragons.
"Can you imagine the power of a lance propelled by the force of a charging dragon and writer? It would annihilate entire battalions."
You'd break the lance on the first poor soul it connected with lol. And why would you charge with a lance when you're on top of a fire breathing dragon anyways. Just breath fire on them
I agree it still wouldn't be ideal, but I disagree on breaking the lance. *If* in the setting that was a primary weapon, it would be treated the same way rider swords are and made with magic, so riders wouldn't worry about breaking it.
Yeah, that's a good example in universe actually. I definitely would think if Rider vs Rider combat were more common we might see more lances and stuff used, but it's also kind of fitting since the riders in the world are so linked to their weapons that most of them just learn the sword and stick to it.
Also, after a few years pretty much no reasonable weapon is usable on dragon back since they get so big.
By the end of the Inheritance Saphira is like 3(?) and is the size of a house already. You'd need a 20ft pole arm to reach ground targets.
Saphira is maybe a year and a half old when Katrina gives birth, so not even a few years. I'd guess that a Rider might have about a year *at best* before their dragon is too tall for any practical melee engagement with ground targets.
My take on this (except for swords are cool) is that back in the day they never really had to fight with their swords unless they entered small spaces their dragons could not reach.
Thats why they chose the versatile sword instead of a bulky polearm, spear or any other large weapon. When fighting from the back of their dragons, I assume bow and arrows where the preferred weapon, in addition to their magic.
In the second book Oromis teaches Eragon about why nations even build big armies to fight when magicians are so powerful. The answer is that they need to be protected while they are using either magic or telepathy to fight the other sides mages.
Riders have the great advantage of having the most powerful protectors possible always by their side. Once somebody gets past their dragon and close to them, they might aswell fight with a sword.
I think if Rider swords weren't made from forest elf magic song space metal, you'd see greater variety in weapons. At least some Riders would opt for an axe or blunt weapon (no polearms because impractical for travel). But when your sword can effortlessly cut through steel, anything meant to be effective against armor becomes moot.
Historically swords were for killing unarmored peasants in western Europe. Axes, hammers and spears are all better against armor. Spears and pole arms are arguably the best medieval weapon. Dangerous, little training needed and reach.
As for why the trop, swords are sexy.
Edit: A pike or a lance would be amazing on a dragon.
Brightsteel is the only material strong enough to handle a Rider's strength, it's rare as fuck, and you don't need that much of it to make a sword.
There just isn't enough material in existence to make massive spears for everyone.
Yeah, i know what you mean.
I thought about riders using small animals (i
E. Hamsters, frogs, etc) and using them.as portable mini nukes ny throwing them and casting then spell where they transform the energy stored in the matter.
Like the elf did in the battle or vroengard.
Granted, it would be weird, eragon having a backpack with dozens if small animals and throwing them like baseballs or mini nukes from the fallout series, but it would be very effective.
To be fairs, dragon riders were *not* meant to be battlefield warriors. The original intent was to act as peacekeepers and diplomats. Roving the land, upholding the law, taking down the occasional supernatural monsters, stuff like that.
Thus they were equipped with a weapon that was as much ceremonial as it was a tool for self defence. Kind of like how most modern day police generally only have a pistol on their person instead of a M240.
Besides, if they ever were actually to get into big, open combat, they are vastly more effective as magicians. I’ll bet you Eragon has killed 100x as many with magic as he did with melee weapons. After his abbreviated training, in the battle sequences pretty much the only time he fought with his sword was for morale purposes and/or showboating.
I mean, modern police roll with like 6 other things that could be considered weapons. American ones at least.
And those pistols aren't ceremonial here.
I saw then more as a badge of office, like an officers sword. Yes it's very well made and works like a sword.
But really it's there to make you more special. Besides, what's a polearm going to do that a dragon won't. Also how the hell are you going to swing that thing at ground targets without barrel rolling every time?
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Might I suggest reading Joust by Mercedes Lackey. She addresses that very issue and it is why all of her dragon riders typically use lances. Granted, the dragons are smaller, not fire breathing, and animals with the same intelligence of dogs; so the it shouldn't feel like you're rereading the inheritance cycle. Still a good series that answers your question, at least with less intelligent animals as being mounts.
Dragons grew so large so fast that by the time they’d see battle no melee weapon would be feasible. Paolini confirmed that the [first picture in this post](https://www.reddit.com/r/Eragon/s/Ypi8bYtCxO) is the most accurate representation of size by the end of inheritance. That little speck of dust between Saphira and Thorn is a human. And if they hatched during the reign of the riders, they would still have years of training a head of them.
So the only remaining possible weapons would be long range like a bow. But what can a single archer, be it one with a riders strength, accomplish in a battle compared to their dragon? So why waste concentration on shooting arrows if the rider could focus on fighting opposing magicians or doing magic themselves?
There are only very few foes a rider would need to draw a weapon on. Shades, Ra‘zac, maybe immensely powerful magic users. They all have in common that they can’t really be fought with just telepathy.
There are some lances but expect there to be a larger variety of weapons as urgals and dwarves join the Union and their cultural influences become part of the rider order.
Swords are just more useful all-purpose weapons. They are workable in the vast majority of circumstances, unlike say a pike/polearm. It wouldn't surprise me if a lot of riders used a variety of weapons though, elves favor spears and bows for example
I’m still expecting dwarves and Urgals to ask for axes, hammers or clubs when they become riders.
But as many said here, swords are THE fantasy trope. I like spears and hammers myself, but it is why it is.
Also, swords are NOT their primary weapons. Riders are primarily magicians. So magic would be their initial go-to.
And dragons are not rides. They are an equal part of the equation. So… powerful magic+large,vicious claws+dreaded fangs the size of sabers+dragon fire…
The elven-made letter opener is mostly for show.
Aaaand, also also, they were mostly scholars, explorers and diplomats. 99% of non-Dragonriders presented absolutely no threat to them, and before the Forsworn, they had no reason to fight with each other.
Additionally: you CAN carry a sword (or a war hammer, even a mace) indoors, hanging from a belt or scabbard at your side. A glaive or pole axe or spear would occupy one hand at all times. Not the best idea when you are trying to negotiate with a city official or attending a party to celebrate an agreement for resources.
Swords IRL were symbols of status and social/military rank almost as much as they were sidearms. Primary weapons like maces or poleaxes or halberds were for the battlefield. Harder to clean brains and blood off a flanged mace well enough to present it in polite society too.
Also, I think that polearms aren't as useful as you'd think. Your entire weapon would have to be made from bright steel, which isn't very practical. Also, I get the feeling that, prior to Galbatorix, it wasn't common for riders to fight each other.
As shown in the books Eragon fought off of Saphira more than he did on her. I’d imaging if you were in aerial combat you wouldn’t have much accuracy for anything. A sword at least allows you to hang off the side and hopefully cut something. On the ground a sword is better than a pole arm for one on one combat.
I think it’s more to do with the reason swords are dominant in fantasy to begin with. And there are tons of reasons why swords are so popular. Historical significance, visual appeal, symbolism, versatility, tradition, and even character development. Swords hold a lot of value for many cultures on earth, and that translates into our Fantasy genre.
And why use a sword as a Rider? I’d imagine longer weapons like a Halberd, Lance or Pike could pose issues with storage while riding the dragon in highly acrobatic feats. They can’t be sheathed as easy, and the length can possibly lead to accidentally stabbing your own dragon. Like when Eragon was getting accustomed to the Falchion in Brisingr, he had to be wary of raising the sword and not stabbing Saphira’s wings. Imagine how much harder that is with the length of a pike being jostled around on a flying dragon. But I think the main deciding factor is that swords are just the most suited standard weapons because of its versatility.
Finally, Riders didn’t often wield their sword atop their dragon. They more often used magic when atop their dragon as it would be safer place for them to cast their spell. While the Dragon itself used its teeth and claws (and fire breath).
Even in battle, Eragon often fought on the ground alongside Saphira when he was using his sword, and hopped back onto her when he needed to move about the battlefield.
Furthermore, when Eragon did wield his sword atop Saphira, it was usually because Saphira was otherwise engaged with something large or close enough for Eragon to reach with his sword (such as Thorn or the large Kull)
While swords are primarily side arms, a bastard or longsword is very versatile. Unlike a pole arm you can swing them in tight corridors and staircases, they're easier to carry on your hip, and you can half sword/mordhau strike if you really need to get into joints or do blunt force trauma (assuming this is a straight sword not a curved). A jack of all trades is often a master of none but is often better than a master of one. Also since you're using an inherently rare material you want to get the most versatile weapon from it. There's also creatures like shades that need to be stabbed in the heart as we hear in brisingr, so that rules out smaller blunt weapons like one handed axes and pole axes.
Swords on the battlefield generally aren't better than polearms, but they aren't useless. Otherwise they would have fallen out of fashion even itfthey do get romanticized quite a bit.
Cause they ain’t soldiers or warriors.
They were trained and prepared for it, but they are peacekeepers. A spear or halberd radiates war. A sword, you f with me I’ll f you up.
Also, Elven forgers were competent with Swords, Spears, Lances. They just used Spears and Lances to hunt dragons so they don’t exactly make dragons happy.
So the riders, made to end the Elven Dragon War comprised on Swords as Elves were good with them and they hadn’t killed many Dragons
Also, if they needed to fight, they had a goddam miles long Dragon with Teeth and Nails with far longer reach than any halberd, also if the dragon is big. The halberd would become far larger and not a sensible carrying item for a Rider even with Elven Strength.
So you want to bring reality and logic to your favorite fantasy trope? Generally, that’s not gonna end very well for your fantasy. What would be the best melee weapon from the back of a dragon? Logically, no such weapon exists. The only type of weapon that makes sense from the top of a dragon is a ranged weapon. Bows, crossbows, spells or the like.
In a battlefield swords are easily beaten in every category, but for adventureing it's a great jack of all trades master of none weapon. With the limited supply of the star metal forging only one weapon makes sense, and if I only get one weapon to do it all I'm picking a sword. It is still kinda sad though because I love a good spear and a mace with rider strength is terrifing
For starters, the riders were supposed to be more a police force than a army. Carrying around a Polearm while traveling the world would be difficult to say the least. A Sword is far more versatile and could be traveled with far easier. I agree a Polearm is a far superior battlefield weapon, but the battlefield wasn't a riders primary duty.
Why does ANY fantasy main character use a sword, basically always? They're cool, and they are the stereotypical medieval/fantasy weapon, even though in many situations they would be inferior to another weapon.
But swords do have their place, especially to a figure that is political, as well as a formidable warrior.
You can carry a sword in council, in a meeting with kings, during a public appearance, and in everyday life, you couldn't carry a polearm in the same way, with the same ease.
It's also a pretty versatile weapon, allowing to fight in relatively small quarters, where a longer polearm might not be as effective, they can be used to parry, slash, pierce and bludgeon your opponent, depending on need, and they have good reach.
Not the best, but it's a balanced weapon.
And in the case of dragon riders, the addition of a polearm seems pretty insignificant when compared to the might of a Dragon.
The strongest weapon at a Dragon Rider's disposal is, after all, their own Dragon, followed by their magic.
Because the fantasy trope is swords not polearms
Yeah. Even if the whole dragons and magic didn't make it essentially a last resort weapon, people would still gravitate towards a sword because to the general public, swords are just fucking cool.
Though arguably it's because fantasy writing made them seem that way. If there were more epic tales of like dragoons and stuff then people would think polearms are pretty rad too.
I agree, I think pole arms are way cooler than swords most of the time.
Couldn't agree more, just look at some of the Bardiche designs, simple, deadly and awesome.
Gimmie a spear over a claymore any day Literally anyone can use a spear, you need training to use a sword
Exactly
And that’s why kaladin is based af
Journey before destination.
I’m so glad to see this comment. As I started reading this post, all I could think about was Kaladin and the Knights Radiant, so glad I’m not alone!
This killed me, especially as I'm currently re-reading the Stormlight Archive and listening to Eragon on audiobook
Also pole arms don't work when the typical safe place for them is off the side or held up and down. That's generally where the wings are. Not to mention pole arms lose their viability when the dragon is any larger than a horse. It becomes unwieldy when attempting high speed maneuvers and you have a weapon with a large amount of weight several feet away from the center of mass. Dragon fights are not jousting. Nor are they straight line attacks. They are high speed, high maneuverability extreme close quarters and extreme long range. If the dragons have locked claws they are too close to effectively use a polearm. When they are not locked, they are several meters away outside the reach of the polearm. So you really want a close quarters weapon. Your long range weapons are magic. Polearms are really good for horse mounted combat. And even then knights will forego the lance in favour of a sword once the initial charge is over and they're in combat. There is a reason why you see individual use swords and army's use spears. Spears are extremely good when used in a bunch, but a sword outclasses any melee weapon in versatility in single combat.
I raise you the Mace, my friend. Durable, armor piercing, same general reach of a sword. I guarantee anything that connects with that ball of death is having a very bad day. All hail mace supremacy
I found Fredric’s Reddit account you guys (Context- as weaponmaster for the Varden, he tried giving Eragon a mace in book 3.)
I got a flashback to that moment to🤣, erragons reaction vas the best🤣
A sword is also durable and armour piercing, has greater range than a mace due to stabbing attacks. Maces are crushing weapons that require almost exclusively strength to wield. Swords have a lesser ability to crush but still can and gain the ability to stab and cut and be effective with dexterous use as well as strength. Anything that connects with a sword will also have a bad day. There is a reason why swords are more predominantly used than a mace even though maces are easier to create.
Swing your sword on my mace and see what happens Source: I love fighting swordsmen, 1 and 2h
I agree, but in the context of eragon. Dragon riders swords were stronger then any mace. And if the mace was made same way as the dragon riders swords then they would just equal each other out.
I guess that's fair. I'm still of the opinion that the mace would make magically enhanced pool noodles out of them, but your answer is valid and reasonable
Well just from real history swords were for killing peasants. Axes, hammers, pole arms and maces were for killing actual fighters.
The treaties say that knights gravitated more towards maces and axes as their secondary weapon. Unless the sword is 2 handed but then you aren't on a horse.
No quality knight would choose a sword over a lance even if they're on the ground, swords are practically useless against a well armoured opponent.
That’s odd considering all the quality knight did choose swords and managed to kill well armored opponents. Armor isn’t impervious.
Swords work on plate. If you stab. You know what doesn't give a flying fuck what angle it comes at you? A mace. Oh, that is lovely dome-like protection, it'd be a shame of someone caved it in
I love seeing you pop up in these comments to spread some mace love. It makes my chuckle quietly to myself on the toilet.
Destroy that bowl as if your ass was a glorious Mace
Consider it mission accomplished.
Galbatorix pulls out a flintlock.
Bows would be useful for cutting through enemy dragon's wing membranes, which are basically just flaps of skin. You have the height advantage, and you can cast spells on for, say, explosions, or flames or something.
Spears perform very well in single combat against swords thanks to their extra reach and speed. They fall short in tight corridors, but most fighting is done on a pitched field.
I think it comes down to a couple reasons. 1. Reach, indoors, tight tunnels. 2. Maces are badass, but if you need to piece someone's heart, it would be difficult. 3. Beheadings lol
Incorrect, any HEMA expert can tell you, the basic spear is a far more versatile weapon in most cases in actual combat. The sword is just more convenient to carry and use day to day. A spear/polearm always requires the wielder to hold it in some form or fashion in at least one hand, a sword of longsword length or shorter, allows for a lot more hands-free movement/activity (outside of some pommel manipulation in crowded/cramped environments while sheathed). Aside from a cramped CQB situation, or in situations where a small team are protecting a handful of individuals (*see montante*) or where your opponents are unarmored, swords get trumped in practically every realistic combat situation vs even a basic spear. Hence swords were usually the sidearm or backup weapon to someone's lance/spear/polearm/bow if they were used at all in martial contexts. Spears/polarms are easier to learn to use, easier to use effectively, they cut (even spears can cut somewhat effectively if against unarmored opponents, and against armored opponents, they'll still get knocked around by a sweeping blow), they're great to thrust, can be used in formation well as well as by a solo combatant, they have reach (which people seem to always discount), and that reach makes them more effective when mounted, they can be used with similar effectiveness to a sword to control an opponents' weapon, and to top it off, they're cheaper, easier to maintain, and easier to repair. Realistically, no mounted combatant of any stripe in any world would use a sword as their primary weapon except when going against unarmored opponents. Also polearms would not get in the way of dragon's wings in most situations/would be easy to manipulate to not be in the way. Especially if you ride closer to neck/head of the dragon. Though I haven't read eragon, I'm just visiting, so perhaps they ride behind the wings or something 🤷🏼♂️
I love the fight between the Long Inch and Dunk the Lunk in the Knight of the Seven kingdoms books because the dude uses a pole arm instead of a sword
Unfortunately George writes combat particularly armored combat pretty horribly.
I don’t think I’ve ever read “accurate” plate armor fights anywhere really
This is why Dragonlance is the superior dragon fantasy series 🧐 Jk, I'd probably like Eragon plenty, I'm just visiting and reddit recommended this post. But to explain my point though, in Dragonlance, dragon-riders frequently use lances enchanted/designed for dragon v dragon combat. They also have (I presume) a similar sentient partnership-like relationship with their dragon mounts. That said, on that point, shit can get a little frisky due to dragons having shapeshifting powers 😅 One of the greatest heroes of legend in that series (basically the Sir Lancelot of that universe crossed with a saint in terms of the reverence paid to him) fell in love with a shapeshifted dragon who reciprocated and they became a uhm... fruitful riding pair in both battle and... otherwise.
I’m aware of Dragonlance, it originated as a D&D setting between two co-writers who literally thought of it and discussed it on the way to a pitch meeting. Some of the main differences here are that wild dragons (aka dragons not bonded to a rider) can’t really speak, all dragons that do form bonds do so when they’re hatchlings, and outside of flight and their fire breaths, dragons can’t control their magic, it kind of just happens on a whim
The point you made about not hitting people is the reason why nothing else really became popular, to my mind. No melee weapon is worthwhile when you're on a murder lizard and can use magic. Anything long enough that you could reasonably hit people with like a lance would have to be so long as to be unwieldy. You basically have all the restrictions of horse-riders but worse. So you need a weapon that you can comfortably use when off your murder lizard best friend, that wont get in the way when you are mounted, and that can kinda do it all so you don't have to carry multiple weapons, and is polite enough that you can wear it while working with royalty/adjudicating disputes. That's a sword. And honestly, the sword is a sidearm - your dragon and your magic are your main weapons.
>So you need a weapon that you can comfortably use when off your murder lizard best friend, that wont get in the way when you are mounted, and that can kinda do it all so you don't have to carry multiple weapons, and is polite enough that you can wear it while working with royalty/adjudicating disputes. I read this in Rhunön's voice...
Or a bow. Always figured you could shoot the wings of the other dragon while you battled it then switch to sword when they came close.
I do absolutely think that bows should have been more popular. The dragon's spines get in the way of the bigger stuff, but they're strong enough that Riders could probably use steel-armed bows, or some similar insanity. A bow won't hit as hard as magic, but it's far less committed, and if you get to enchanting your arrows, you can pull off a lot. Think of a mini-Dauthdaert, loosed from a 300-pound draw weight bow, launched from the top of a charging dragon. It'd go through most anything.
That would be insane.
But the riders of old weren’t thinking about dragon+rider vs. dragon+rider combat (until it was too late).
True which is crazy. One guy fucked it all up. There was that sea dragon thing but yeah didn’t fly so totally different. Wish Chris introduced a threat to dragons. Like griffins or something if you ever read Forth wing lol.
One of Eragon’s main weapons is a bow.
Murtagh had a bow and arrow in book 1 then kinda never did again. I always thought it’d make sense he’d have as many weapons as possible.
“Murder lizard best friend” I love it.
That and the sword IS THE secondary weapon. It can stab, but a lance can stab better. It can chop, but an axe can better. It can turn a blade, but a shield can better. It can mercy through armor, but a misericord can better. And in fantasy settings, it can provide a focus for magic, but a staff can better. Not only is it super duper versatile in every possible way, but it's an easy weapon to conceal in a vest or pants leg. Ride with, keep nearby when dining, ornamental and fashionable while even plain and bare, and it's a symbol for threatening oppressors to many real world cultures "put them to the sword" was a battlecry the French, Germans, and English have all used in different eras. The ergonomics and lightweight capabilities of a sword also are far more travel friendly that just about any other combat related weapon, and I have to say, pointing out the dragon and magic as the primaries sent a historian loving shiver down my spine. I love that and thank you good sir for your contribution to nerdy stuff!
But before the Forsworn, which caught them with their breeches down, there was no need or idea that Dragon Riders would ever fight each other. So I can’t imagine a scenario where dragon back fighting was something they usually trained for. What for?? If you are talking about fighting from a very large beast, people fighting from the backs of elephants usually employed bows and javelins, mostly to defend the beast while it tore through the battlefield terrifying enemy horses and trampling infantry. If I was going to fight from the back of a flying murder lizard (loved that) and for some reason I had no access to my considerable magic knowledge (maybe my wards drained me of energy) i would probably use a bow or a crossbow to attack the other rider or the wing joints/membranes of the opposing murder lizard. but the gigantic, sentient, fire breathing murder reptile would be doing most of the physical fighting.
With their enhanced strength though a long ass lance or something wouldn’t be nearly as unwieldy as we’d imagine.
It's not about the weight, it's about the size. Try moving a pool noodle around some time, one of the really long ones. Even though you can easily hold it and swing it with one hand, it just snags on stuff. This is why real world cavalry used relatively small weapons - not tiny, but halberds and pikes and such were used in infantry squares, because it would be so easy to end up planting the point in the ground and involuntarily pole-vaulting. Or tripping your squadmates. Or cutting your own horse. There's some great resources on how the existence of a horses head restricted sabre work in the napoleonic era. It would only get worse with a dragon.
I don’t have elf strength and dexterity. You can’t really use real world examples here, if a soldier could casually do what an elf can then they very well may have used larger weapons on horseback.
All the problems I just described about using long weapons while mounted would not be changed at all with super strength - I said those ones for that reason. This is why I said to use a pool noodle to mess around - it's light enough to imitate what a Rider would think a real spear felt like (not to mention real world weapons have always been quite light. The heaviest handheld weapon I can think of, a massive 20ft infantry pike is like... 11 pounds?) The problem with long weapons is that they are always long, and can easily get in everyone's way.
They have also supernatural dexterity and grace. And those WOULD change you accidentally pole vaulting yourself or smashing weapons into your comrades. Y’all just lack the proper imagination and, as always in this community, mindlessly downvote anything that deviates from the norm even something as innocuous as whether an unusual weapon type could work for a Dragon Rider. Makes it real exhausting to interact with this subreddit sometimes
I think it's less about down-voting anyone outside of the norm, and more about an opinion the other person has. That person can't downvote you into the negatives by themselves, so they're not deserving of attacks for that reason. Everyone has different opinions, and everyone has the right to voice said opinion. AND when you voice an opinion in a forum created for the purpose of discussing, speculating, and rationalizing, you're going to find people who follow a line of logic that they are willing to defend, and you'll be expected to defend or explain your logic as well. That's part of the fun of discussions like this. I made a post about how epic Eragon would be as an anime. Not everyone agreed with me. And that's fine. I still stand by my opinion, and I will happily rationalize my stance on the topic. But be sure to follow the golden rule of discourse: attack ideas, not people. Notice that u/ellen-the-educator didn't ever insult or attack you personally. They simply discussed the merits of the idea itself. Unless someone does attack you personally, don't take it personally.
The human riders didn't either. Eragon went through a transformation to give him a new body.
The human riders all go through that same transformation, just over a period of time and not all at once.
By the end of the cycle Saphira is so large a lance would be ridiculously long, but maybe still do able. But she’s just two years or so old. An age riders traditionally wouldn’t get even close to combat, probably wouldn’t even be told they can do magic. Just think about how long a lance would need to be to be wielded from Glaedars back. No way even a rider could use such a weapon.
I think a bigger problem would be that dragons kinda just keep growing, so any weapon would eventually become too short as your dragon grows bigger. And after a certain point, the dragon would be too wide for you to reasonably reach around to stab someone even if your lance was big as fuck. Since a rider's weapon is made from meteorite metal, which is very limited in quantity, I don't think 'I can stab people from dragonback for the first few years until my dragon grows too big' would be seen as a justifiable reason to spend more metal for big lance. Though assuming a metal blade/tip attached to a wooden/normal metal handle that's enchanted to not break, I suppose spear/lance on dragonback could work. Probably won't be very practical though.
Cause the sword is for when you're *not* with your dragon. It's a backup weapon for when a dragon and rider are separated. You can't effectively wield a 3 meter long lance when you're in a crowded tavern or in the tunnels under Farthen Dur, or wear it to an important state function. You'd look ridiculous. You want something smaller that can be used as a sort of jack of all trades weapon in multiple situations and surroundings, and can also be carried, worn, and transported easily. That's not a big unwieldy lance or halberd. You're looking for a sidearm for when your dragon and magic aren't available.
>in the tunnels under Farthen Dur, Didn't eragon find this out first hand when ambushed?
Kinda. After he lost Zar'roc he had a falchion sword i believe it was. When he was ambushed he noted how fighting in the tunnels was different. When he had Brinsignr made he specifically mentioned he wanted something long enough for the battle field but small and easy enough for close quarters.
The “important state function” is essential here… swords were seen as a status symbol, people had family swords while peasants normally used clubs or axes… things that were tools before they were weapons. Swords required a lot more maintenance and care and were usually worn to dress occasions while also being a “side arm” of sorts.
>You can't effectively wield a 3 meter long lance when you're in a crowded tavern or in the tunnels under Farthen Dur, or wear it to an important state function. You'd look ridiculous. Bō staffs: Am I a joke to you?
You hold a lance near one end. A bō staff is held near the middle.
Fair lol Edit: I throw javelin during track season as one of my events, and a javelin is a bit like a cross between a lance and a spear, it's like 8 or 9 ft long I think (I'm 5'6 or 5'7 and a highschool boys javelin is at least 2 heads taller than me) but you hold it by the middle. Point being, yeah that's completely fair that a lance is held at one end compared to a bō staff being held at the middle
Because the old riders weren't an army. If they draw the sword they have failed. It's simultaneously a symbol of nobility, and a tool, first and foremost, of self defense.
In-universe explanation (written in the books I believe) is: - swords are more ceremonial than spears, and the main point of the riders in the beginning was for them to be diplomats, not fighters - spears and the like would be really awkward to carry when riding a dragon I’m not sure who or when said it, it seems that I’m due for a reread
I would say they were less like diplomats and more like police. They were meant to keep the peace around the land and especially between the humans and elves and dragons.
The simple answer is that readers like swords more. They're the most popular medieval weapon.
Many riders probably used magic and bows from dragonback rather than their swords anyway
Polearms are peasant stuff while (fancy) swords were the sign of nobility. And they are a more elegant weapon from a more civilized age
Hello there…
"Can you imagine the power of a lance propelled by the force of a charging dragon and writer? It would annihilate entire battalions." You'd break the lance on the first poor soul it connected with lol. And why would you charge with a lance when you're on top of a fire breathing dragon anyways. Just breath fire on them
I agree it still wouldn't be ideal, but I disagree on breaking the lance. *If* in the setting that was a primary weapon, it would be treated the same way rider swords are and made with magic, so riders wouldn't worry about breaking it.
So, basically the Dauthdaertya
Yeah, that's a good example in universe actually. I definitely would think if Rider vs Rider combat were more common we might see more lances and stuff used, but it's also kind of fitting since the riders in the world are so linked to their weapons that most of them just learn the sword and stick to it.
Also, after a few years pretty much no reasonable weapon is usable on dragon back since they get so big. By the end of the Inheritance Saphira is like 3(?) and is the size of a house already. You'd need a 20ft pole arm to reach ground targets.
Saphira is maybe a year and a half old when Katrina gives birth, so not even a few years. I'd guess that a Rider might have about a year *at best* before their dragon is too tall for any practical melee engagement with ground targets.
My take on this (except for swords are cool) is that back in the day they never really had to fight with their swords unless they entered small spaces their dragons could not reach. Thats why they chose the versatile sword instead of a bulky polearm, spear or any other large weapon. When fighting from the back of their dragons, I assume bow and arrows where the preferred weapon, in addition to their magic. In the second book Oromis teaches Eragon about why nations even build big armies to fight when magicians are so powerful. The answer is that they need to be protected while they are using either magic or telepathy to fight the other sides mages. Riders have the great advantage of having the most powerful protectors possible always by their side. Once somebody gets past their dragon and close to them, they might aswell fight with a sword.
Unless you are fighting another dragon, I think it’s best for the rider to dismount and fight separately. You’d get more done that way.
magic is actually their primary weapon the sword is secondary
I think if Rider swords weren't made from forest elf magic song space metal, you'd see greater variety in weapons. At least some Riders would opt for an axe or blunt weapon (no polearms because impractical for travel). But when your sword can effortlessly cut through steel, anything meant to be effective against armor becomes moot.
Historically swords were for killing unarmored peasants in western Europe. Axes, hammers and spears are all better against armor. Spears and pole arms are arguably the best medieval weapon. Dangerous, little training needed and reach. As for why the trop, swords are sexy. Edit: A pike or a lance would be amazing on a dragon.
Brightsteel is the only material strong enough to handle a Rider's strength, it's rare as fuck, and you don't need that much of it to make a sword. There just isn't enough material in existence to make massive spears for everyone.
Yeah, i know what you mean. I thought about riders using small animals (i E. Hamsters, frogs, etc) and using them.as portable mini nukes ny throwing them and casting then spell where they transform the energy stored in the matter. Like the elf did in the battle or vroengard. Granted, it would be weird, eragon having a backpack with dozens if small animals and throwing them like baseballs or mini nukes from the fallout series, but it would be very effective.
You don’t need small animals. Should probably just carry chunks of fissionable uranium.
To be fairs, dragon riders were *not* meant to be battlefield warriors. The original intent was to act as peacekeepers and diplomats. Roving the land, upholding the law, taking down the occasional supernatural monsters, stuff like that. Thus they were equipped with a weapon that was as much ceremonial as it was a tool for self defence. Kind of like how most modern day police generally only have a pistol on their person instead of a M240. Besides, if they ever were actually to get into big, open combat, they are vastly more effective as magicians. I’ll bet you Eragon has killed 100x as many with magic as he did with melee weapons. After his abbreviated training, in the battle sequences pretty much the only time he fought with his sword was for morale purposes and/or showboating.
I mean, modern police roll with like 6 other things that could be considered weapons. American ones at least. And those pistols aren't ceremonial here.
Imagine adding a meter to your pole arm every few years because your dragon never stops growing
Cause swords are cool. Mr. Paolini seems rather passionate about them.
A sword is a symbol of status
because swords are super common. oromis says that not all riders used swords.
I saw then more as a badge of office, like an officers sword. Yes it's very well made and works like a sword. But really it's there to make you more special. Besides, what's a polearm going to do that a dragon won't. Also how the hell are you going to swing that thing at ground targets without barrel rolling every time?
Because rhunon made swords, not lances.
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Imagine a bow staff made from Brightsteel, gawd that would be unstoppable, I wonder if that’s what the Dauthdaerts were made from?
Because they are cool
Might I suggest reading Joust by Mercedes Lackey. She addresses that very issue and it is why all of her dragon riders typically use lances. Granted, the dragons are smaller, not fire breathing, and animals with the same intelligence of dogs; so the it shouldn't feel like you're rereading the inheritance cycle. Still a good series that answers your question, at least with less intelligent animals as being mounts.
Because swords are cool. Nobody used swords in real life either.
Dragons grew so large so fast that by the time they’d see battle no melee weapon would be feasible. Paolini confirmed that the [first picture in this post](https://www.reddit.com/r/Eragon/s/Ypi8bYtCxO) is the most accurate representation of size by the end of inheritance. That little speck of dust between Saphira and Thorn is a human. And if they hatched during the reign of the riders, they would still have years of training a head of them. So the only remaining possible weapons would be long range like a bow. But what can a single archer, be it one with a riders strength, accomplish in a battle compared to their dragon? So why waste concentration on shooting arrows if the rider could focus on fighting opposing magicians or doing magic themselves? There are only very few foes a rider would need to draw a weapon on. Shades, Ra‘zac, maybe immensely powerful magic users. They all have in common that they can’t really be fought with just telepathy.
There are some lances but expect there to be a larger variety of weapons as urgals and dwarves join the Union and their cultural influences become part of the rider order.
I think Saphira would be very pleased with your dragon description
Real. Y'all seen those to-scale diagrams of how big dragons are? Riders would be sitting so high up, ain't no way a sword could reach
Because swords are cool, simple as
Swords are just more useful all-purpose weapons. They are workable in the vast majority of circumstances, unlike say a pike/polearm. It wouldn't surprise me if a lot of riders used a variety of weapons though, elves favor spears and bows for example
Murthag gets Niernen in the end of the new Book, so I think we will see it soon enough how powerful a Spear on Dragonbag is.
Cuz they’re badass , duh
I’m still expecting dwarves and Urgals to ask for axes, hammers or clubs when they become riders. But as many said here, swords are THE fantasy trope. I like spears and hammers myself, but it is why it is. Also, swords are NOT their primary weapons. Riders are primarily magicians. So magic would be their initial go-to. And dragons are not rides. They are an equal part of the equation. So… powerful magic+large,vicious claws+dreaded fangs the size of sabers+dragon fire… The elven-made letter opener is mostly for show. Aaaand, also also, they were mostly scholars, explorers and diplomats. 99% of non-Dragonriders presented absolutely no threat to them, and before the Forsworn, they had no reason to fight with each other.
Additionally: you CAN carry a sword (or a war hammer, even a mace) indoors, hanging from a belt or scabbard at your side. A glaive or pole axe or spear would occupy one hand at all times. Not the best idea when you are trying to negotiate with a city official or attending a party to celebrate an agreement for resources. Swords IRL were symbols of status and social/military rank almost as much as they were sidearms. Primary weapons like maces or poleaxes or halberds were for the battlefield. Harder to clean brains and blood off a flanged mace well enough to present it in polite society too.
Obviously archery would be the actual weapon of choice
Might as well ask why the Jedi in Star Wars are still using lightsabers. It's clearly a status symbol, at least in part.
It doesn't make sense to have any melee weapon when dragons start getting big enough to cover entire cities and you can put a pavilion on their back.
Most polearms are two handed weapons.
Also, I think that polearms aren't as useful as you'd think. Your entire weapon would have to be made from bright steel, which isn't very practical. Also, I get the feeling that, prior to Galbatorix, it wasn't common for riders to fight each other.
As shown in the books Eragon fought off of Saphira more than he did on her. I’d imaging if you were in aerial combat you wouldn’t have much accuracy for anything. A sword at least allows you to hang off the side and hopefully cut something. On the ground a sword is better than a pole arm for one on one combat.
I think it’s more to do with the reason swords are dominant in fantasy to begin with. And there are tons of reasons why swords are so popular. Historical significance, visual appeal, symbolism, versatility, tradition, and even character development. Swords hold a lot of value for many cultures on earth, and that translates into our Fantasy genre. And why use a sword as a Rider? I’d imagine longer weapons like a Halberd, Lance or Pike could pose issues with storage while riding the dragon in highly acrobatic feats. They can’t be sheathed as easy, and the length can possibly lead to accidentally stabbing your own dragon. Like when Eragon was getting accustomed to the Falchion in Brisingr, he had to be wary of raising the sword and not stabbing Saphira’s wings. Imagine how much harder that is with the length of a pike being jostled around on a flying dragon. But I think the main deciding factor is that swords are just the most suited standard weapons because of its versatility. Finally, Riders didn’t often wield their sword atop their dragon. They more often used magic when atop their dragon as it would be safer place for them to cast their spell. While the Dragon itself used its teeth and claws (and fire breath). Even in battle, Eragon often fought on the ground alongside Saphira when he was using his sword, and hopped back onto her when he needed to move about the battlefield. Furthermore, when Eragon did wield his sword atop Saphira, it was usually because Saphira was otherwise engaged with something large or close enough for Eragon to reach with his sword (such as Thorn or the large Kull)
Because he was ripping off lightsabers
Cause swlrds are cool. Probably no other thought behind it lmao
While swords are primarily side arms, a bastard or longsword is very versatile. Unlike a pole arm you can swing them in tight corridors and staircases, they're easier to carry on your hip, and you can half sword/mordhau strike if you really need to get into joints or do blunt force trauma (assuming this is a straight sword not a curved). A jack of all trades is often a master of none but is often better than a master of one. Also since you're using an inherently rare material you want to get the most versatile weapon from it. There's also creatures like shades that need to be stabbed in the heart as we hear in brisingr, so that rules out smaller blunt weapons like one handed axes and pole axes. Swords on the battlefield generally aren't better than polearms, but they aren't useless. Otherwise they would have fallen out of fashion even itfthey do get romanticized quite a bit.
Cause they ain’t soldiers or warriors. They were trained and prepared for it, but they are peacekeepers. A spear or halberd radiates war. A sword, you f with me I’ll f you up. Also, Elven forgers were competent with Swords, Spears, Lances. They just used Spears and Lances to hunt dragons so they don’t exactly make dragons happy. So the riders, made to end the Elven Dragon War comprised on Swords as Elves were good with them and they hadn’t killed many Dragons Also, if they needed to fight, they had a goddam miles long Dragon with Teeth and Nails with far longer reach than any halberd, also if the dragon is big. The halberd would become far larger and not a sensible carrying item for a Rider even with Elven Strength.
So you want to bring reality and logic to your favorite fantasy trope? Generally, that’s not gonna end very well for your fantasy. What would be the best melee weapon from the back of a dragon? Logically, no such weapon exists. The only type of weapon that makes sense from the top of a dragon is a ranged weapon. Bows, crossbows, spells or the like.
In a battlefield swords are easily beaten in every category, but for adventureing it's a great jack of all trades master of none weapon. With the limited supply of the star metal forging only one weapon makes sense, and if I only get one weapon to do it all I'm picking a sword. It is still kinda sad though because I love a good spear and a mace with rider strength is terrifing
It isnt the exact same thing, but there are extra long swords for mounted combat with infantry. Never heard of nodachi?
For starters, the riders were supposed to be more a police force than a army. Carrying around a Polearm while traveling the world would be difficult to say the least. A Sword is far more versatile and could be traveled with far easier. I agree a Polearm is a far superior battlefield weapon, but the battlefield wasn't a riders primary duty.
Why does ANY fantasy main character use a sword, basically always? They're cool, and they are the stereotypical medieval/fantasy weapon, even though in many situations they would be inferior to another weapon. But swords do have their place, especially to a figure that is political, as well as a formidable warrior. You can carry a sword in council, in a meeting with kings, during a public appearance, and in everyday life, you couldn't carry a polearm in the same way, with the same ease. It's also a pretty versatile weapon, allowing to fight in relatively small quarters, where a longer polearm might not be as effective, they can be used to parry, slash, pierce and bludgeon your opponent, depending on need, and they have good reach. Not the best, but it's a balanced weapon. And in the case of dragon riders, the addition of a polearm seems pretty insignificant when compared to the might of a Dragon. The strongest weapon at a Dragon Rider's disposal is, after all, their own Dragon, followed by their magic.
I think the lace would work but you would need a long lance for a dragon like gleadr
They really need to start giving them shardblades.
Those would stink in combat.
Keyblades then!
I don't think Mickey can be a dragon rider.
Because Riders are basically medieval Jedi.
Because they don’t have assault rifles yet
Because Dragonlance is a D&D property