Macuahuitl

#melee_weapon #Equipment
The Azcelani sword measures three to four inches wide, with one-handed models measuring a yard and two-handed models running five feet or more. Both blade and pommel are made of wood, usually oak. Cutting power comes from the obsidian or flint blades that are glued into grooves at each side of the wooden blade. The edges are sharp enough to decapitate a horse in one blow (as the Conquistadors learned!).

Some varieties provide thongs through which the wielder put his hands. Swordsmen lack scabbards, so they usually carry their weapons, blade down, in the right hand, with an inward grip.

Because most swords lack points, using it most efficiently means slashing downward. Backhand cuts are also possible though not as effective. In this way, Azcelani swords are not as efficient as Conquistadan swords. Rare pointed swords can also impale.

While capable of cutting blows, its obsidian blades are vulnerable to shattering and loosening. If it parries or is parried by any weapon, or is used to strike DR 2+, it suffers -1 to cutting damage until repaired (see Blade Composition). In addition, on any successful attack or successful parry against an armed attack, roll 1d; on 1-2, the edge breaks, reducing the macuahuitl to a club that does swing+1 crushing damage. Fortunately, the weapon has two edges–the user can reverse it (a free action) and use the other side until it, too, breaks! Sizes range from the short-sword-length Macuahuizoctli to the two-handed Macuahuitl.