Switchsword

Switchswords are compact melee weapons, similar to a swordpike, but smaller in scale. Unlike a swordpike, in which the shaft is an intangible force line, in a switchsword a chain is added running alongside the shaft to aid in parrying. The overall weapon size is about the size of a dagger in its folded form, and about the size of a rapier in its unfolded form.

Switchswords were originally invented as a backup weapon for ranged troops, such as archers and ray archers. The advantage was that it gave them a weapon that would not significantly add to the weight of their gear. However, their small size made them generally ineffective in pitched battles, where their wielder might have to face weapons such as swordpikes or powered glaives. As such, they were generally abandoned as a true military weapon.

They remained popular, however, among criminals, secret agents, and duelists because of their ease of concealment. Against an unarmed civilian, or against someone armed with an ordinary dagger or knife, a switchsword makes a formidable weapon. In such fights, its extra reach is decisive, as its its ability to parry incoming blows. Carrying a switchsword allows one to fight on even terms with a mundane sword while appearing unarmed.

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