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A halberd (pronounced: /ˈhɑːlbɛrdHAL-berd[9]) was a widely used member of the poleaxe family of polearms, that could best be described as somewhat of a cross between an axe and a spear.[1]

Description[]

The business end of a halberd consisted of three parts: the axe-head, the back spike or "fluke", and the spear tip that surmounted it. While many polearms had a similar structure, halberds had a few distinguishing features. Their axe-heads were concave (curving inward) to nearly straight, instead of convex like most axes. And were set at an angle to the shaft, instead of being mounted perpendicular.[10]

The fluke of a halberd, which was fairly short and angled slightly downward,[10] helped to balance the weapon. It was sometimes replaced by a hook for dismounting cavalry. The sharp spear-like spike that surmounted the fluke was usually of quadrangular design,[1] but varied in length and size. Some were long and slender, while others were broader and of a medium length.[10]

The average halberd measured 6​ to ​8 feet (1.8​ to ​2.4 meters) in length,[1][10] or longer with their spear tips.[10]

Weaponology[]

Halberds were extremely versatile against a wide range of opponents due to ability to unleash slashing, thrusting, tripping, or dismounting attacks.[11] Dismounting in particular was a main function of the weapon.[1] And were quite effective against plate armor.[11] However, due to their size halberds were rather slow,[1] unwieldy,[10] and often considered detrimental in close quarters combat.[11]

Halberdiers could attack the flanks of a pike formation with great effect, due to pikemen being unable to bring their much longer weapons to bear in close combat.[12]

Availability[]

Business and merchants in the Realms where one could purchase halberds from included:

History[]

Halberds first became available in the Netheril Empire in 2584 NY (−1275 DR).[20]

Around 1372 DR, the Zhentarim were smuggling halberds into Daggerford with the frigate Barracuda.[21]

Prior to 1371 DR, the average halberd cost 10 gp and weighed 15 lb (6,800 g).[4] After 1371 DR, and up to the Spellplague, the price of halberds remained the same, but weighed 12 lb (5,400 g).[5]

Notable Halberds[]

Notable Users of Halberds[]

Groups[]

Individuals[]

Gnoll2e

A gnoll wielding a halberd, a common sight in the Sword Coast.

Races & Sentient Species[]

Regions & Settlements[]

Priest of Tempus

A Tempuran priest stands ready with his halberd.

Religions[]

  • The Shrine of Swords, a shrine dedicated to Tempus, typically had a minimum of twenty halberds in its cache of weapons during peacetime.[48]

Appendix[]

Appearances[]

Gallery[]

External Links[]

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the following links do not necessarily represent the views of the editors of this wiki, nor does any lore presented necessarily adhere to established canon.

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Grant Boucher, Troy Christensen, Jon Pickens, John Terra and Scott Davis (1991). Arms and Equipment Guide. (TSR, Inc.), p. 86. ISBN 1-56076-109-1.
  2. Gary Gygax (1978). Players Handbook 1st edition. (TSR, Inc.), pp. 35, 37. ISBN 0-9356-9601-6.
  3. Gary Gygax, David Cook, and François Marcela-Froideval (1985). Oriental Adventures. (TSR, Inc), p. 39. ISBN 0-8803-8099-3.
  4. 4.0 4.1 David "Zeb" Cook (August 1989). Player's Handbook (2nd edition). (TSR, Inc.), p. 69. ISBN 0-88038-716-5.
  5. 5.0 5.1 Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams (July 2003). Player's Handbook v.3.5. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 117. ISBN 0-7869-2886-7.
  6. Rob Heinsoo, Andy Collins, James Wyatt (June 2008). Player's Handbook 4th edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 218. ISBN 0-7869-4867-1.
  7. Jeremy Crawford, Stephen Schubert, et al. (September 2011). Mordenkainen's Magnificent Emporium. Edited by Cal Moore, Tanis O'Connor. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 21. ISBN 978-0-7869-5744-6.
  8. Mike Mearls, Jeremy Crawford (2014). Player's Handbook 5th edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 149. ISBN 978-0-7869-6560-1.
  9. Dungeons & Dragons FAQ (HTML). Wizards of the Coast. (2003). Archived from the original on 2017-07-09. Retrieved on 2018-05-22.
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 Gary Gygax (August, 1985). Unearthed Arcana (1st edition). (TSR, Inc.), p. 125. ISBN 0880380845.
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams (July 2003). Player's Handbook v.3.5. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 118. ISBN 0-7869-2886-7.
  12. David "Zeb" Cook (August 1989). Player's Handbook (2nd edition). (TSR, Inc.), p. 74. ISBN 0-88038-716-5.
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 BioWare (September 2000). Designed by James Ohlen, Kevin Martens. Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn. Black Isle Studios.
  14. Ed Greenwood (July 1995). Volo's Guide to Cormyr. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 183. ISBN 0-7869-0151-9.
  15. Chet Williamson (July 1998). Murder in Cormyr. (TSR, Inc.), chap. 5, pp. 26–27. ISBN 0-7869-0486-0.
  16. 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 16.5 BioWare (December 1998). Designed by James Ohlen. Baldur's Gate. Black Isle Studios.
  17. 17.0 17.1 BioWare (June 2001). Designed by Kevin Martens. Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal. Black Isle Studios.
  18. BioWare (May 1999). Designed by James Ohlen. Baldur's Gate: Tales of the Sword Coast. Black Isle Studios.
  19. Strategic Simulations, Inc. (1989). Designed by George MacDonald. Curse of the Azure Bonds. Strategic Simulations, Inc.
  20. slade, Jim Butler (October 1996). “The Winds of Netheril”. In Jim Butler ed. Netheril: Empire of Magic (TSR, Inc.), p. 31. ISBN 0-7869-0437-2.
  21. Ossian Studios (June 2018). Neverwinter Nights: Darkness over Daggerford. Beamdog.
  22. 22.0 22.1 22.2 BioWare (September 2000). Designed by James Ohlen, Kevin Martens. Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn. Black Isle Studios.
  23. 23.0 23.1 23.2 Black Isle Studios (June 2000). Designed by Matt Norton. Icewind Dale. Interplay.
  24. Bruce R. Cordell (July 2004). Lady of Poison. (Wizards of the Coast), chap. 15, pp. 155–156. ISBN 978-0786931613.
  25. 25.0 25.1 Black Isle Studios (February 2001). Designed by Chris Avellone, Steve Bokkes, John Deiley, J.E. Sawyer. Icewind Dale: Heart of Winter. Interplay.
  26. BioWare (June 2001). Designed by Kevin Martens. Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal. Black Isle Studios.
  27. Richard Baker (1992). Rock of Bral. (TSR, Inc), p. 37. ISBN 1-56076-345-0.
  28. Troy Denning (April 2014). The Sentinel. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 48. ISBN 0786964596.
  29. Beamdog (November 2012). Designed by Philip Daigle, et al. Baldur's Gate: The Black Pits. Beamdog.
  30. Philip Athans (July 1999). Baldur's Gate. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 4. ISBN 0-7869-1525-0.
  31. Douglas Niles and Michael Dobson (1985). Bloodstone Pass. (TSR, Inc), p. 16. ISBN 978-0394548562.
  32. Ludia (May 2019). Designed by Stephen David Wark, et al. Warriors of Waterdeep. Ludia.
  33. James Ward, Robert J. Kuntz (August 1980). Deities & Demigods. Edited by Lawrence Schick. (TSR, Inc.), p. 53. ISBN 0-935696-22-9.
  34. Troy Denning (April 1996). The Veiled Dragon (Paperback, 1996). (TSR, Inc), pp. 55–58. ISBN 0-7869-0482-8.
  35. Gary Gygax (August 1983). Monster Manual II 1st edition. (TSR, Inc), p. 45. ISBN 0-88038-031-4.
  36. Jeff Grubb (August 1989). “Lorebook of the Void”. Spelljammer: AD&D Adventures in Space (TSR, Inc.), pp. 71–72. ISBN 0-88038-762-9.
  37. Jeff Grubb (1990). Monstrous Compendium Spelljammer Appendix 1. Edited by Mike Breault. (TSR, Inc.). ISBN 0-88038-871-4.
  38. Rick Swan (July 1990). Monstrous Compendium Kara-Tur Appendix. (TSR, Inc.), pp. 46–47. ISBN 0-88038-851-X.
  39. Richard Baker (October 1995). Monstrous Compendium Planescape Appendix II. Edited by Karen S. Boomgarden. (TSR, Inc.), pp. 88, 90. ISBN 0-7869-0173-X.
  40. Wolfgang Baur and Lester Smith (1994-07-01). “Monstrous Supplement”. In Michele Carter ed. Planes of Chaos (TSR, Inc), pp. 24–25. ISBN 1560768746.
  41. Ray Winninger (September 1995). Giantcraft. Edited by Karen S. Boomgarden. (TSR, Inc.), p. 78. ISBN 0-7869-0163-2.
  42. Troy Denning (April 1996). The Veiled Dragon (Paperback, 1996). (TSR, Inc), p. 55. ISBN 0-7869-0482-8.
  43. Richard Baker (1992). Rock of Bral. (TSR, Inc), p. 21. ISBN 1-56076-345-0.
  44. Stormfront Studios (2001). Designed by Mark Buchignani, Ken Eklund, Sarah W. Stocker. Pool of Radiance: Ruins of Myth Drannor. Ubisoft Entertainment.
  45. Jeff Grubb and Ed Greenwood (1990). Forgotten Realms Adventures. (TSR, Inc), p. 106. ISBN 0-8803-8828-5.
  46. Jeff Grubb and Ed Greenwood (1990). Forgotten Realms Adventures. (TSR, Inc), pp. 96, 118. ISBN 0-8803-8828-5.
  47. Victor Milán (October 1995). War in Tethyr. (TSR, Inc), p. 82. ISBN 0-7869-0184-5.
  48. Ed Greenwood (July 2001). “Elminster's Guide to the Realms: The Shrine of Swords”. In Dave Gross ed. Dragon #285 (Wizards of the Coast), p. 88.
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