The Weapons Triangle: alternatively titled "why myrmidons are so successful in Bern"
It is not uncommon to hear fighters argue about the benefits and drawbacks of steel weapons as compared to silver ones or the appropriate situations in which one should use specialty arms. Combat is an ever-evolving base of knowledge and debates such as these often rise from personal preference. One thing that has remained steady throughout the years, however, is what is commonly referred to as the "weapons triangle." Like the magic trinity, it determines the effectiveness of one kind of weapon against another and has a large effect on the effectiveness of a commander's troops.
Lances and other pole arms are common among soldiers in service of the military. Cavaliers, basic infantry, flying units, and the heavily-armored knights all take advantage of this versatile class of weapons. While they lack the brute force of axes or the finesse of swords, they're more balanced than either. They also provide a longer reach, which is always welcome.
Specialty lances are common. The most notable ones are listed here as examples. The javelin is a common addition to the arsenal of lance-wielding units; these are specially designed to be thrown at an enemy from a distance away. Heavy lances are best used against heavily armored units. The greater heft of these weapons help punch them through armor. "Horseslayer" is the nickname given to the poleaxe by general infantry. It is used to stop cavalry charges by impaling the mounts on which the cavaliers are riding.
Swords are the next most common weapon used. Sacaean myrmidons, cavaliers, and mercenaries of all sorts use them to great effect. Most lords also learn the art of swordplay. They are the lightest and fastest of all weapons, though they require a great deal of skill and practice. They deal less damage than axes and lances, but their greater maneuverability and ease of use make it a worthy trade-off.
Swords for specific purposes are not uncommon, though they are less common than specialty lances due to the greater amount of work needed to create them. The longsword, for example, is especially effective against mounted enemies due to the longer reach it is granted. An "armorslayer" is another that targets those in heavy armor: its design helps to break pieces of armor and render them useless. Killing Edges are swords used mostly by myrmidons and other swordmasters: they are finely made works of killing steel that hold an edge better than other kinds of swords. They are responsible for more bloodshed than any other kind of sword. The legend of the Wo Dao centers around a particularly well-crafted Killing Edge.
The last class of weapons is that of the axes. They are the primary tool of brigands and fighters. Pirates, mercenaries, and some soldiers also put them to effective use. Axes are powerful, sturdy, and heavy, but they are slow and hard to use well. It takes a great deal of strength and skill to properly wield an axe. While incredibly effective against heavily armored units due to the force behind their strikes, axes are less advised in situations against units unencumbered by armor.
It's harder to find specialty axes than any other weapon. Hand axes are to axes what javelins are to lances. They are less accurate than javelins, but are significantly more powerful. Hammers can be wielded similarly to axes: these are recommended when fighting fully-armored knights. Referred to as a "Brave Axe," this light yet strong weapon can do the same amount of damage as a normal axe but is half as heavy. It is usually found as a prize in the treasury of a wealthy baron or merchant. The famed "Devil Axe" is said to be the most powerful weapon in all of Elibe, but it comes at a dangerous price: it has been said that this weapon will turn on its master if not placated and take his blood instead.
There is a very set way in which one would use these weapons against one another. Lances excel against swords due to their greater reach. All the finesse in the world cannot defeat a reach that is feet longer than one's own. Axes, on the other hand, can snap through lances and break them in half with ease. After that, all that remains is to subdue an unarmed foe. Swords, in turn, defeat axes simply by being faster and more agile. One cannot hurt something one cannot hit, after all. The fighting styles of those wielding each of these weapons suits the weapon's strengths and weaknesses, taking advantage of this triangle.