Weapons in Warband are categorized by type and require proficiency points to wield effectively. Higher proficiency reduces penalties and increases damage. There are several main categories:
- One-Handed Weapons: Swords, axes, maces. Can be used with a shield. Good balance of speed and damage.
- Two-Handed Weapons: Greatswords, battle axes, long pikes. High damage, but cannot use a shield. Slower attack speed.
- Polearms: Spears, lances, glaives. Excellent reach, especially from horseback (lances for couched damage). Can be unwieldy on foot.
- Bows: Ranged weapons. Require arrows. Damage scales with Power Draw skill. Excellent for mounted archers.
- Crossbows: Ranged weapons. Require bolts. Slower reload than bows but higher base damage. No Power Draw requirement.
- Throwing Weapons: Javelins, throwing axes, throwing knives. Limited ammunition, but can be very powerful at close range. Damage scales with Power Throw skill.
Each weapon has specific damage types (cut, pierce, blunt) and attack animations (swing, thrust). Experiment to find what suits your playstyle. Remember that weapon speed and reach are also important factors.