Can you really use a two-handed melee weapon in mounted combat?

[Storyteller01]

Some of us discussing using a lance as a one handed/two handed weapon. Thing is, I can't think of any RL examples of a two handed melee weapon being used regularly on horse back (besides the lance, but that has special dispensations ). I can think of the bow, but nothing for hand-to-hand.

Since my knowledge of mounted combat is extremely limited, can anyone on Enworld think of such a weapon?

Not looking to start a flame war; I honestly have never seen a two-handed melee weapon wielded on horseback (at least not with both hands).

Thanks for your help.

 

[Turanil]

Since I have no skill in weapon wielding and riding horse, my opinion is just a guess and will have little weight. Anyway, as a DM I would allow to occasionally use a two handed weapon (other than a bow or lance) from horseback. I would say that using a greatsword or similar weapon would be at -3 to hit and initiative, but a polearm would only be at -1 to hit and initiative (it's more like a lance in some respects).

 

[Hypersmurf]

Mentioned in the other thread - see picture of a Japanese warrior with a yari wielded in two hands.

-Hyp.

 

[Starglim]

Two-handed sword: the saddle-sword was a recognised weapon in Western Europe and ranged from bastard-sword size up to six and a half feet long, though narrower and more point-weighted than a footman's two-hander.

edit: The weapons used by Byzantine cavalry would be modelled better as longspears than lances.

 

[Arrgh! Mark!]

I haven't any knowledge of mounted combat, though I have some in unmounted. I wouldn't expect it would be impossible. The greatsword is a big feller, but it's not impossible to cut with one hand on the blade only. A skilled horseman might not even need to use one hand to hold the reins. A ride-by attack? I'd think it would be possible. It's not as fast as the saber - but if you were trained, I'd assume it were possible.

 

[Storyteller01]

Two-handed sword: the saddle-sword was a recognised weapon in Western Europe and ranged from bastard-sword size up to six and a half feet long, though narrower and more point-weighted than a footman's two-hander.

edit: The weapons used by Byzantine cavalry would be modelled better as longspears than lances.

Can you give details as to how the sword was used?

 

[Ogrork the Mighty]

I would imagine it's possible, but not likely. At the very least, there would probably be detrimental effects (probably balance issues, especially when struck by an opponent) to wielding a sword in such a manner while on horseback and charging. If it were readily possible, there would be a lot more evidence of it in history.

 

[Aust Diamondew]

I can't think of many times historically that people have used 2 handed melee weapons on horse back. Proably because it's a bit awkward.

 

[rbingham2000]

Can you give details as to how the sword was used?

The best picture I can form in my head is the warrior making deadly passing strokes from the side of his mount against other horsemen (or people on foot -- off with your head!), or making overhead strikes with your torso twisted diagonally toward your target.

Other than that, I got nothin'.

 

[Thornir Alekeg]

A weapon that requires you to place both hands close to each other, such as a greatsword, would also require you to reach across your body, making the motion awkward, but not impossible. It would be more difficult against footmen since you would be striking down along the side of your mount. Striking at another mounted warrior would only require that a) you have the strength and b) you have enough control to not lop off your own horse's head. You would give up some reach since you could not extend to a single arm's length, but some of that would be made up for by the longer weapon.

I don't see why using a long spear or other long-handled piercing type weapon would be impossible to use two handed from horseback. I could also see a quarterstaff in use. Anything where the hands are at shoulder-width apart should be useable, but probably not as effective as a single handed sword.