Category:Cleaver

CLEAVER (slashing)
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Weight: ~4 kg
Rank(s): 1st row

        Though the cleaver is a one-handed weapon, its 
longer handle, which gives it good momentum, is not a 
good horseman's weapon, as the wielder has to put a lot 
of his weight into the swing, something hard to do from a 
saddle. It is also useless as a missile weapon. Still, its 
damage is respectable, and it looks nasty, especially the
dwarven styles. A cleaver is good for the foot soldier or 
adventurer who needs to strike at a large creature or at 
someone on horseback.
        Cleavers are good for their percussive and cutting
effects against armor. If adventurers want to use a cleaver
and still gain some measure of protection, it is wise to 
fight alongside a companion who is armed with a sword and 
shield. The companion acts as the cleaver-wielder's defense 
while the latter is busy chopping away. This is a good exercise
in teamwork, which may keep both adventurers alive much longer.
        As for dwarves, their center of gravity is low enough 
that they can swing a cleaver and not topple over from the 
momentum. It is a fine weapon for hewing the legs of a giant 
out from under him, and it is a weapon that lets one put all of 
his or her weight into the swing.

Some skill(s) usable with the weapon:
  Axes, battlecry, bladed Fury, cleave, lure and reaving.

See also:
  Aklys, tomahawk, hand-axe, battleaxe and great axe.