Fighting with a Greatsword when Surrounded

Here's a cool little breakdown of Figueuyredo's rule XII composite for fighting against people in front and behind. I tried to explain why I think it works and how it manipulates both space and the very sensible fear of getting hit to stop opponents from exploiting openings, even when you have no choice but to turn your back to them.

#historical #fencing #hema #greatsword #montante #zweihander #guts #eldenring #darksouls

[bercor]

This is why i remain strapped to this day. You never know when three swordmen attack you just when your greatsword is at the dry cleaner

[luminproductions]

I kind of want to learn the greatsword now. Historically accurate greatswords are really cool, and watching the footage, they seem flashy in a realistically grounded sort of way.

[farkasmactavish]

Those spinning actions also swing the greatsword blade a little bit behind him, so even if you do attack his back, you might get hit.

[lanky]

"Why are they afraid?"

... to die?

[insertfunnyhandlehere]

The best way for the three short swords to win is to just tire out the great sword opponent as they have to exert a lot more energy to maintain the advantage of the situation. If the great sword doesn't take out at least two of the other three opponents quickly enough they will be too exhausted to finish the fight.

[burninable]

These explanations and wide shots showing the action in full is just making me think about how this 100% reinforces the fighting styles and battle scenes described in the Stormlight Archives series of novels. Turns out that when you have a Shardblade greatsword that is also able to cut through LITERALLY ANYTHING except other Shards as if it isnt even there, and is also next to weightless, youre able to pretty damn easily handle dozens of opponents at once.

[sinisterswordsman]

you're a genius Oscar 🤘💀 high intensity demonstration with a perfect explanation in less then 60s

[fangsabre]

I really enjoy these videos not just from like a Hema perspective but also as a fantasy writer who wants to incorporate realistic fighting with a variety of weapons.

I was wondering how to go about a greatsword user, and your demonstrations have been fantastic inspiration. The character in question has had their stamina magically augmented, so this style of exertion heavy movement would make sense for someone who takes hours to tire

[deliveryman_dan]

GOD you're just making me want to get a Zweihänder even more and use "Workout equipment" as an excuse to get one...

[sakonan]

These videos are confirming that video games were right in that greats words are powerful and have a lot of range lol. The part they didn’t get right are that they’re slow and unwieldy. The only accurate part is that they can’t be moved as fast (with as much mobility, in general)as smaller swords because they’re heavier and longer.

[Ghastly_Dysphoria]

The trick is every 2nd action is a threat. To everyone. You may seem like you drop your guard, but you dont need one. Fear and power are your guard

[Sturmknecht]

Only that the shortswordsmen don't need to close in, attack, and disengage again - instead they close an either controll a hand/arm of the greatswordsman while striking with their free hand, or just go to grappling, where 3vs1 is a forgegone conclusion.

[Archangel-pdrn]

Post more multiple opponents videos, that was awesome!

[BlazeMakesGames]

I wanna see more choreography like this in films where a guy fends off multiple attacks by actually spinning their sword with a purpose instead of just staring menacingly

[ManmadeChaos]

Like you said, only works as long as all the opponents remain afraid of getting hit.

[iainburgess]

Teamwork, trust and commitment.
You need all three to make x on 1 work, if the 1 can successfully defend at all.
Because the 1 has to track, predict & manage 3, but does Not worry about hurting anyone, and Must stay on the offensive to win.
The 3 must judge timing against a longer, agile weapon, And react to 3 other people, And team up for best odds.
It becomes a mental game, where the longsword has the intimidation, and the initiative (because they die if the Lose the initiative).
As such, the sword users are at a disadvantage. They must out skill, out coordinate, or out commit (all rush at same time, risking death) to win.
The most dangerous time for the greatsword user is actually when he starts "winning". If he gets the blade caught up in a body, or relaxes as it gets "easier", there will be an opening.
The best tactic for a starting group is to play for time; tire the greatsword out; he Must stay active.
A trained, co-ordinated group should have better odds to begin with, but attaining those advantages probably generated team tactics, too.

[yorogo]

The worst feeling is to think there s an opening and getting bonked in the head 😅😅😅😅

[danelo]

I think there is a long gap of time in the back where it goes un defended... he starts to make a pattern of the swing angle from the side the sword is at too.

I think you could coordinate a deflect/stall from one guy to a swing from another whenever he trusts the sword by engaging with it to stop him from moving it to side to side.

Or use a spear. Spears are superior 😊

[jimmy]

Pretty sure you can step in fast and croutch with the shield. Now you don't have to move the shield great distances to block either angle, if you have fast reflexes and a lighter shield strong enough to withstand a swinging great sword Which is always when the backwards attack is only meant to create distance and not with intent nor power only momentum. If you're fast about it you could probably get a strike in

[MansMan]

In fighting game terms, greatswords have crazy frame traps.