Appendix: Spear Games
They
slowly advance across the causeway, slick with rain. From inside the doorway
Oswulf and I prepare to meet the approaching enemy. As soon as they come within
spear range we let loose. He thrusts high, I thrust low. Our three shieldmen
prevent them from pressing through the door, giving the two of us ample opportunity
to fell the besieging hoard with one spear blow after another.
A
lone spearman is a dead spearman.
Do
not try to face down shieldmen with spears alone. They may hesitate, but youÕll
get trampled. Stay in the company of your own shieldmen. If youÕre being chased
down, run towards your allies. Let them pick off your assailant.
Keep
the point of your spear moving in small circles. This prevents your opponents
from knowing where youÕre going to aim.
Try
to kill targets in the second and third rank. These will be mostly enemy
spearmen and commanders.
When
standing behind a shieldwall try to work at 45-degree angles so your target is
less likely to see you. Shoot at targets five men down the line from you.
If
one enemy on the front line falls dead, go into a Òfeeding frenzyÓ to expand
the opening he just left.
Work
with another spearman on the same victim. Stand several feet apart and shoot at
him at different angles. You can distract a target and open him up so your
partner can stick him.
Use
your spear to either push or hook a corner of an enemyÕs shield. Force his
shield open so your partner can kill him.
DonÕt
cross spear points. If you and an allied spearman are working in the same area,
be careful not to entangle each otherÕs spears.
DonÕt
foul your own shieldmansÕ weapons.
If
an enemy spear or polearm has hooked a friendÕs shield, use your spear to pry
off the offending hook.
If
your unit, or the enemy unit is preparing to charge, back off and let the
shields, polearms, and greatswords handle it.
In
an open field battle, work on the ends of the lines.
During
a hold, drop the point of your spear to the ground before kneeling.
If
you lose an arm, prop your spear shaft up on a friendly shieldmanÕs shoulder
and pretend youÕre playing pool. If youÕre shorter than your shieldman, you may
want to lay the shaft in the crook of his arm between his sword and forearm.
If
you can hit them, they can hit you. Yes, you have a wonderfully long reach with
your nine-foot spear, but remember there are other spearmen out hunting for
you.
If
there are archers in the battle, keep your eyes open. You are more vulnerable
than your shield brothers.
Carry
a small second weapon. Use a short thrusting dagger hanging on a lanyard around
your wrist. This may be your last defense against charging shieldmen. You can
also try a small mace, a sword that you can draw, or an offensive buckler.
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