The Crescent and Cross:The Riddle of Steel

The Riddle of Steel

Specific rules pertaining to using the Riddle of Steel (TROS) for gaming set in 12th Century Palestine. The following books were used in this write up; the main TROS rulebook and the TROS Companion. Information taken from the TROS Companion is marked as such. Someday I will build up a reserve of capital in order to purchase the Flower of Battle, which will probably generate a lot of changes to this material.

See references at the bottom of this page for the primary historical sources used in the development of this page.

DISCLAIMER: This site should not be used as a historical reference. It consists of information gleaned from historical sources, but also a significant amount of conjecture and outright fabrication where historical sources provide no details. Don't blame me if you use this and then get a failing grade on your term paper.

Weapons

The following weapons found in the main TROS rule book were NOT available in the 12th Century.

Swords: Bastard Sword, Cut & Thrust Sword, Doppelhander, Estoc, Great Sword, Long Sword, Rapier.

Axes and Mass Weapons: Footman's Pick, Morning Star, Pole Axe (see Hand Axe, below), Warhammer

Spears and Pole Arms: Pike, Bill (see Pole Arm, below), Halberd

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The following weapons from the main TROS rule book are available, with details pertinent to the time.

Arming Sword: Nearly all swords carried by the Franks in Outremer are equivalent to Arming Swords. The pommels, cross guards, grips, and scabbards vary widely, but not in such a way as to affect the game statistics of the weapon. "Brazil Nut" or wheel shaped pommels are perhaps the most common. The blades are usually flat and light, with more emphasis on the edge than the point.They range in length from 25-30 inches (64-76 cm). Blades are often inscribe or inlaid, with inscriptions or other text, including:

• Religious inscriptions, such as "Homo Dei" ("Man of God") or "In Nomine Domini" ("In the Name of the Lord")
• The name of the bladesmith.
• Repeating letters or symbols, either as decoration or with some personal meaning to the bladesmith or the owner.

Swords are usually treasured heirlooms, handed down through families or given as gifts by lord to vassal. They are often named by their owners because of their great importance.

It is important to note that almost all swords carried by the Muslims are also equivalent to Arming Swords, perhaps with only a slightly curved tip or no curvature at all. The curved scimatar is of later vintage. Muslims treat their swords with equal reverence to the Franks, and they will be decorated and equipped in similar fashion.

Dagger (long): Daggers are common weapons, especially favoured by assassins (especially among Muslims and Byzantines) and those who cannot afford swords or other weapons. These daggers usually look much like smaller versions of swords, with double edges and blades between 8-10 inches (20-25 cm). All daggers in this time period use the higher rondel DTN of 9.

Battle worthy daggers are not usually carried by the nobility during the 12th Century, although a knight might carry a utility knife that could be used in a fight in a pinch (+1 to ATN and DTN). These utility knives ranged from 1.8-6.8 inches (4.5-17.5 cm) and usually have only one edge.

Sabre: As noted above, the true scimatar is a later development, and not available in the 12th century. However, certain cultures (Central Asian Turks, Mongols, Hungarians (Magyars)) use curved blades that use the Sabre/Scimatar statistics as cavalry weapons. People in Palestine from these cultures could conceivably be armed with these blades. The primary value of these weapons is they can be more easily drawn while on horseback, but their existence and differentiation from Arming Swords is primarily cultural.

Short Sword: There is no exact dividing line between what consitutes a long dagger and a short sword. It is rare for anything smaller than an arming sword to actually be called a sword. However, extra-long, sturdy daggers which would use short sword statistics are found, especially as back up weapons for infantry and archers. One common fighting dagger among the Europeans is the "coustel" or "coultellus". This is a common weapon among highwaymen and bandits in France, leading to the word "coustillers" being applied to roving bands of brigands. These weapons range widely, and individual examples will use either short sword or dagger statistics depending on length.

Falchion: Single edged swords with a curve (or not) are found throughout Christendom and the Muslim world. They are not common among the nobility. Falchion should be considered a "catch all" category for any sword designed for cutting that cannot be classified as either an Arming Sword or Sabre.

Club: From a big hunk of wood to a carefully carved and designed weapon, clubs can be found almost anywhere. The exact boundary between a mace and a club is not completely clear. Many items designated "maces" and used for their symbolic value (as a symbol of office, for example) would actually use the club statistics if actually used in a fight. In general, any weapon specifically designed for use in warfare will use the mace statistics, while weapons designed for personal defence or weapons of opportunity (such as tool hafts) will use club statistics.

Flail: A haft attached to a ball by a chain is a weapon that is seen in Europe, but its use is very rare, perhaps more common on the Iberian peninsula. If a player wishes to use such a weapon with their character, they should provide some justification (Iberian descent, family heirloom, flamboyant individuality, etc.). It is not considered a "knightly" weapon. (Historical Note: There appears to be only one place where this weapon is described from the time period; a carved doorway from San Miguel de Uncastillo in Aragon.)

Hand Axe: The hand axe is a common weapon, especially among Europeans of Scandanavian descent or with extensive contact with Scandanavia (Normans, Vikings, English). The most common blade (the "Danish" Axe) is a straight edge and curving triangular head so that the attachment to the haft is much smaller than the blade. However, other blades having tops that curve backwards and attach to the haft at a second point. Others have a relatively straight or convex curved top, but these are rare. Some Muslim soldiers also use axes; some of these may even have double blades, although this provides no mechanical benefit. Some axes have particularly long handles (4 to 6 feet); for example, those wielded by the Byzantine Emperor's Varangian Guard. These weapons can be treated as Pollaxes, except they provide only +1, not +2, damage vs. hard armours, and of medium, not long, range. Although axes are used by Frankish knights, they are considered by many as somewhat barbaric. These weapons almost never incorporate a hook (as they did in the later Middle Ages), but because of their shape they can still be used to hook at +1 to ATN.

Mace: The mace is considered a knightly weapon, second only to the sword in terms of its symbolic importance. Many have an official purpose as a symbol of office; these items may not be necessarily designed for combat. Maces of this period are wooden hafts with either a metal flanged haft (consisting of usually seven metal plates radiating outward from the central core) or a knobbed metal lump.

Maul: Big hammers with long handles are typically used as tools, not as weapons, but it is possible that some persons may use them, usually as weapons of opportunity. If a player wishes to use such a weapon with their character, they should provide some justification (peasant of mining stock, flamboyant individuality, etc.)

Warflail: Warflails are also very rare weapons, and not consider "knightly"; their use is usually limited to infantry on guard duty who need a weapon more intimidating than useful. However, they are in somewhat more common use in the Kingdom of Jerusalem, perhaps due to Eastern influences. If a player wishes to use such a weapon with their character, they should provide some justification (raised in the Kingdom of Jerusalem, flamboyant individuality, etc.) (Historical Note: There appears to be only one place where this weapon is described from the time period; an illumination from Queen Melisende's Psalter from the Kingdom of Jerusalem.)

Lance (Hvy Cavalry): Rarely less than 10-12 feet long, the Heavy Lance is the core weapon of the Frankish Knight, and its use is almost entirely limited to that group. It requires intense training to be used properly. A recent innovation (and the primary difference between a heavy and light lance) is the addition of a flange around the hand hold that allows the knight to more easily hold the weapon in place during a charge without it being driven backward. Many heavy lances are also eqipped with a "wing" or "pennon"; a metal cross piece partway down the shaft that prevents the lance from being driven so far into its target it cannot be removed. The lance is a weapon of the battlefield and the tournament. On the battlefield a group of knights in an good order can demolish an opposing formation with the shock of their charge. In a tournament, the lance can be used against other knights in an orderly fashion.

Lance (Light Cavalry): The light lance is a common weapon among both the Muslim and Christian forces in Outremer. Among the Christians, it can be found used by less well-equipped knights and mounted sergeants and auxilliaries. It is the primary weapon of Muslim battle cavalry. These lances are also often eqipped with a wing or pennon. (see Heavy Lance description).

Spear/Short Spear/Long Spear: Spears longer than 2 meters (and thus using Long Spear statistics) are fairly rare. They are almost unheard of among the Frankish armies (who prefer spears that can be used with shields), but certain cultural groups and military units (particularly Muslim or Byzantine) may use them. Spears longer than 1.3 meters, but shorter than 2 meters, are more common, often as cheap weapons provided for guard duty or similar activities. Spears shorter than 1.3 meters are the most common weapon of infantry in the 12th century. Their use is ubiquitous and can be found in almost every culture, usually in combination with a shield. It is rare for any infantry to be trained in the use of spears as throwing weapons; most infantry are either trained in the use of spear in hand to hand, or in the use of lighter javelins as throwing weapons backed up by long daggers or shortswords as personal weapons. (see Javelin)

Short Staff: The short staff is rare as a primary weapon; it will be seen primarily as a weapon of opportunity, converted from some kind of farm implement or tool, or a spear or pole arm shaft that has lost its head. Its use may be more common in the Far East. If a player wishes to use such a weapon with their character, they should provide some justification (cultural weapon, flamboyant individuality, etc.)

Quarterstaff: Long walking sticks are commonly seen among those that travel, although the actual word "quarterstaff" is not used to describe them at this time. Almost anyone can take a long piece of wood and use it to help them walk trails and fend off predators and bandits.

Crossbow: The crossbow is the primary infantry missle weapon among the Frankish armies. Because it can be used by just about anyone with a minimum of training, yet still kill a fully armored knight, the Church has twice issued edicts of condemnation against its use (in 1096 and 1139), especially against other Christians; these edicts largely have had no effect on the weapon's use. They typically consist of a composite bow attached to a wooden stock. The trigger mechanism is a nut, usually made of horn, which protrudes above the stock and over which the string is pulled (pull a crossbow string is called "spanning", not "drawing"). This nut is attached to a lever beneath the stock, which can be squeezed to releast the string. They are often spanned by attached the string to a hook attached to the belt while kneeling; a foot is placed in a stirrup or on the stock, and then the string is pulled back by standing.

Longbow: During the 12th century, the use of what the TROS rule book calls a Longbow is entirely limited to persons of Welsh descent. No other culture in the world possesses this unique technology at this time. Only players who wish to play Welsh characters should be allowed to take Longbow proficiency. NOTE: the Longbow REQUIRES its user to have at least STR 5 to use it.

Short Bow: The word is really a misnomer; bows that use short bow statistics actually vary widely in actual size and composition. The primary difference between these weapons is the damage that they do. Typically, Frankish bows of any variety will perform exactly as described in the TROS rulebook, although some exceptional specimens will do ST damage, not STR-1 damage. Among the Muslim and Byzantine armies (and the cultures subject to them), more powerful bows may have a ST 5 (not ST 4), and may do as much as ST+2 damage. The typical example of these bows is the short composite bow used by Central Asia mounted archers, which has a ST 5 and does ST+1 damage. NOTE: These bows use the lower of either Bow ST or user ST in determining damage. A person with less ST than the Bow ST may use the bow, but less effectively.

Thrown Knives/Daggers: Any knife or dagger can be thrown, and almost anyone may have learned how to do so well (although the skill is probably rare among the knightly classes, as their training tends towards skills useful on the battlefield). Daggers designed for throwing will be very rare; if they exist at all they are probably of Eastern origin.

Javelins: Javelins are used both by primarily by certain units of Muslim and Byzantine infantry, and by certain cultural units, such as Slavic skirmishing infantry and Spanish cavalry. With the exception of the Spanish (rare as crusaders in Palestine as they are fighting their own crusade against the Almohads), Frankish knights and infantry will rarely have proficiency with this weapon. A javelin used as a melee weapon is treated as a Short Spear which does -1 damage.

Sling: The use of the sling is almost entirely limited to certain groups of Muslim infantry and peasants of just about any culture. (See Staff Sling)

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The following weapons are not found in the TROS main rulebook, but are available.

Pole Arms: A variety of pole arms are in use, with many cultural variants. These weapons have not yet settled into the 'types' (such as Bill, Glaive, Halberd, etc.) that developed in the later Middle Ages. They typically consist of some kind of blade, attached either at one or two places, on the end of a pole. They may or may not incorporate some kind of hook, either as part of the blade (often called a guisarme) or as the blade itself (i.e. a scythe like blade, often called a fauchard). Alternatively, there may be no blade at all, simply a hook. These weapons are often weapons of opportunity; a tool or farm implement lashed to the end of a stick. Mechanically, these weapons can be considered variants of the Bill, with the following modifications:

• If the there is no blade, just a hook, the weapon does STp and the ATN is 8 for any maneuver except a Hook.
• If the is no hook, and the blade is similar to an axe blade, than the weapon does ST+2c, and is at +2 ATN for Hooks.
• If the blade is scythe like, it can be used either to do STp or ST+1c, and can be used to Hook, with no ATN modification.
• If there is both an axe-like blade and a hook, treat the weapon as a Bill that does ST+2c.
• If the weapon is improvides, increase ATN/DTN by +1, and a fumble probably results in the head coming off, as well as any other effects.

Trident: While rare, tridents were sometimes used by some for hunting; never for battle. A Trident should be treated as a short spear that does +1 damage, but -2 MP if thrown. Hunting tridents are often barbed, and therefore can encumber their target. (Historical Note: There appears to be only one place where this weapon is described from the time period; a wall painting from the Ermita de San Badilio in Aragon.)

Staff Sling: Staff slings while not common, were used by both Christian and Muslim forces in two particular situations. First, during sieges, where their ability to lob heavier projectiles was particularly useful, and second, during naval combat. A staff sling can be treated as a sling, with the following changes:

• 5-8 rounds preparation time: pull stone/ball: 0 in hand, 2-3 (from bag); load and whirl: 5.
• Effective ST: by user, minimum 4.
• DR (damage rating): ST+2b
• Range: +1 ATN per 3 yards.

Armor

Note: the exact areas covered by the armor garments described below is not explicitly stated. Generally, the more expensive the garment, the more it will cover. Players and GM's, however, should make the areas covered explicit on the character sheet prior to beginning play.

Padded or Quilted Cloth: This is the most common type of 'soft' armor for both Muslims and Christians during the 12th century. It generally provides AV of 1 vs. piercing attacks and 2 vs. cutting and bludgeoning attacks. Cloth armour, unless particularly thick, provides no penalty to CP or Move, but increases encumberance as any other thick clothing would. Typically, cloth armor is worn as tunic or jacket (often called a "gambeson" or "aketon"), ending just below the waist or extending to the knee, with either no, short, or long sleeves. Padded or quilted cloth hoods (which protect the neck) or caps (which do not) are also seen, usually among lower quality infantry on both sides. Padded cloth undergarments ("haubergon") are also worn under chain mail (see below), and count as cloth armor on their own, but do not provide any significant increase in armor value when worn under chain.

Leather (Cuirbolli): The typical "leather armour" of fantasy games is simply that, fantasy. But cuirbolli (leather formed and hardened using various methods) was used by both Christians (especially Italians and Byzantines) and Muslims. This armor generally provides AV of 2 vs. all attacks, and no penalty to CP or Move. It generally consists of a breastplate, covering areas IV, III, XII, and XI. It may also be used in the form of greaves or bracers (protecting the lower legs and forearms), shoulder pieces, or in the form of a helmet or hood. It may be used in combination with other armour, but very rarely layered. Layering the armor provides no mechanical benefit. Cuirbolli tends to be somewhat more encumbering than cloth armor.

Chain: The most prevalent armor, at least among those who can afford it, on all sides of the Crusades is some form of chain mail. It consists either of riveted steel links or of rings punched from metal stiched to a cloth or leather backing. Riveted chain mail is essentially the "state of the art" armour of the 12th century. Chain mail generally provides an Armor Value of 4 to any area it covers. The CP penalty for chainmail armor varies depending on how much is worn, but, except for the coif, will never be more than -2 CP. There are several typical chain mail garments, described below:

• Hauberk or Byrnie: This is the equivalent of the gambeson or aketon in chain: a vest, jacket, or tunic of chain mail. Chain hauberks can have either short or long sleeves, and can end just below the waist or extend all the way to below the knee. They are sometimes equipped with a slit, allowing the scabbard for the sword to be worn under the hauberk and the sword to be drawn through it. A long hauberk designed for cavalry will usually be slit so as to allow riding. A short hauberk provides no penalty to CP. A hauberk that stretches to the knees provides -1 to CP. A hauberk is usually worn over a haubergon (see above). A chain hauberk (with helmet and shield) is essentially the minimum armor requirement for any self-respecting knight or Muslim noble; anything less and you are merely infantry.
• Coif: A hood of chainmail, protecting the neck and the head, but not the face. A coif provides an AV of 3 itself, or an extra +2 AV if worn under a helmet. Some hauberks have coifs integrated into their construction. A coif will provide -1 CP unless worn with a helmet, in which case it has no effect on CP beyond the helmets.
• Ventaille: A flap of chainmail worn across the lower face, either tied to the coif or the helmet, integrated into the coif, or simply wrapped around the face and head. It provides AV 3 to the lower face and neck (roll 5 on Cutting zone IV, for example). It can usually be raised or lowered to permit driking, eating, speaking, etc.
• Mitons: Chainmail worn on the hands and forearms, almost always fingerless, and sometimes integrated into the hauberk. Mitons provide -1 to CP, with a maximum of -2 to CP as described above.
• Chausses: Chainmail worn on the legs. It is either worn as stockings (i.e. tubes of chainmail) or as sheets of chainmail which are laced up behind the leg. Chausses provide a -1 to CP, with a maximum of -2 total to CP.
• Boots: Mail foot coverings (either mail "socks" or mail wrapped around other foot wear) protect the feet themselves.

Lamellar Armor: Lamellar (or scale) armor(metal pieces sewn to each other, onto a cloth or leather backing, or both) is also somewhat common during the period, mostly among non-Frankish warriors. In terms of armor value, while there are differences, from a game mechanic standpoint this armor is essentially identical to chain mail. It is typically only worn in the form of hauberks, or equivalent garments. Its use is common among Eastern Europeans and peoples from central Asia (for example, Alan cavalry). (Historical Note: Bishop Odo is shown in the Bayeaux tapestry as wearing a strange garment that could be scale mail, but I have chose to take the interpretation that is actually a kind of quilted cloth armour, and to make scale/lamellar armour essentially used only by non-Franks.)

Helmets: Helmets are the only form of true plate armor worn in the 12th Century. The most common form of helmet on the Frankish side is a concial helmet worn on the top of the head, and provides AV 4 (AV 5 if worn over a coif). It often has an integral nose guard (which has no game mechanical function). Occasionally it will also be equipped with hinged or otherwise attached side plates that hang down over the ears. In addition to these conical helmets, some helmets are more flattened on the top, with a brim, giving them appearance similar to that of a small brimmed bowler hat. Others have more of a fluted shape, with an extension of the conical shape that comes down onto the back of the neck. On the Muslim side, conical helmets of one variety or another are also the most common form of helmet. All of these helmets are treated as "pot helms" per the TROS main rulebook.

Shields: On the Frankish side, by far the most common type of shield is the kite shield, shaped roughly like an inverted tear drop, and often with a metal boss (knob) in the center. However, whether the shield is treated as a "large 'kite' shield" or a "medium 'heater' shield" per the TROS main rulebook is a matter of its physical size; some are larger than others. The idea of placing ones colours or coat-of-arms on one's shield is a relatively recent innovation, although shields have been decorated before this time. Among non-Frankish warriors, the round shield is the most common, especially among cavalry, although some infantry will use very large shields that will be the equivalent of the "large 'kite' shield" in the rule book.

Proficiencies and Maneuvers

The following TROS main rule book maneuvers are available to any person with at least 2 proficiency in a combat style.

• Stop Short
• Toss

(Note: I'm not sure how historically accurate this is, but they are simply too cool not to allow.)

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The following are NOT available proficiencies.

• Greatsword/Longsword
• Cut and Thrust
• Rapier
• Case of Rapiers
• Doppelhander
• Pole-axe

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The following are the available proficiencies, with their associated maneuvers and activation costs.

Sword and Shield As described in the TROS rule book, except add Beat (1) and Shield Bash (1) (from the TROS Companion) to offensive maneuvers, add "Spear and Shield -3" to the defaults, and ignore defaults to unavailable proficiencies.

Pole-arms As described in the TROS rule book, except add "Spear and Shield -2" to the list of defaults and ignore defaults to unavailable proficiencies.

Mass Weapon and Shield As described in the TROS rule book, except add Beat (1) and Shield Bash (1) (from the TROS Companion) to offensive maneuvers, add "Spear and Shield -3" to the defaults, and ignore defaults to unavailable proficiencies.

Dagger, Pugilism/Brawling, Wrestling As described in the TROS rule book.

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The following is an available proficiency not found in the TROS main rule book.

Spear and Shield This proficiency is one of the most common proficiencies among the common infantry of the 12th Century.

Offensive Maneuvers

• Thrust (0)
• Simultaneous Block/Strike (0)
• Bind and Strike (1)
• Shield Bash (1) (from the TROS Companion)
• Beat (1)

Defensive Maneuvers

• Block Open and Strike (2)
• Block (0)
• Counter (3, 2 w/o Shield)
• Parry (1, 0 w/o Shield)

Defaults

• Dagger -4
• Mass Weapon and Shield -3
• Pole-arms -2
• Pugilism/Brawling -3
• Sword and Shield -3
• Wrestling -4

See Also

The Riddle of Steel

References

Devries, K. Medieval Military Technology. Broadview Press, Lewiston, NY. 1992.

Edge, D.; Paddock, J.M. Arms and Armor of the Medieval Knight. Crescent Books, NY, NY. 1988.

Wikipedia (www.wikipedia.org)