Glaive

A glaive is a polearm that serves as the standard weapon for Centurion support staff. It has a large blade similar to an oversized butcher's knife with a barb on the back. The blade can be used for stabbing like a spear or chopping like an ax. The barb on the back is used for hooking a shield on pulling it out of the way or hooking a rider and pulling him off of his horse. 
Everyone in a Centurion stronghold must be prepared to fight, but many do not have the time to invest 6-8 hours a day training like the knights and shieldmaidens do. In order to prepare Centurion servants and artisans to help defend the castle in a crisis, they are trained for an hour a day with their own glaive. Glaives are considered to be excellent, all-around weapons, especially for unarmored or lightly armored fighters (who need to be able to fight at a distance) to use against armored or mounted opponents. Traditionally, many Centurions name their weapon and decorate the shaft in some way so that it is easy to tell them apart.

Significance

Standard weapon for Centurion support personnel. EVERYONE has one and EVERYONE is trained in its use.

Item type

Weapon, Melee

Manufacturer

Centurion Artisans

Related ethnicities

• Centurion

Owning Organization

The Order of the Centurion

Rarity

Very common in Centurion strongholds, fairly common elsewhere.

Weight

8-10 lbs

Dimensions

18" blade on a 7'shaft for a total length of about 8.5 feet.

Raw materials & Components

Durum steel head approximately 18 inches long with a small barb on the back. The 7-foot shaft is made of ash or oak.