Close Combat weapons are just that…weapons which are used in close combat. Most warriors carry at least a hand weapon of some kind and many carry something more potent in addition. In close combat, warriors fight using their own Strength characteristic to resolve hits, but modified as indicated for the weapon they use.

The term 'hand weapon' is used to describe any stabbing, cutting or bludgeoning weapon held in one hand and not otherwise covered by the rules. As such it includes swords, axes, clubs, maces and long daggers.

Rules: No special weapon rules apply to hand weapons but they do have the advantage that they can be used in combination with each other (see 'Fighting with a weapon in each hand') or with a shield (see 'Fighting with a hand weapon and shield').

Great Weapons are especially large and heavy weapons that are wielded with both hands. As well as Great Swords this includes the similarly heavy Great Hammer, Great Axes, and such like. A blow from a Great Weapon can cut a foe in half and break apart the thickest armour.

Rules: +2 Strength bonus; requires two hands; strikes last.

The flail is a cumbersome and heavy weapon that is wielded with both hands. It consists of heavy weights, often spiked, attached to a pole or handle by means of heavy chains. A flail drains the user's stamina quickly, but is very destructive in the hands of a skilled warrior.

Rules: +2 Strength bonus in the first turn of combat; requires two hands.

This is a single-handed weapon that consists of one or more spiked balls on a chain. Like the larger flail that it resembles, a morning star is a tiring weapon to use so its advantage likes in the first round of combat.

Rules: +1 Strength bonus in first turn of combat.

The halberd is a heavy bladed weapon mounted on a sturdy shaft. The steel blade has a point like a spear as well as a heavy cutting edge like an axe. It is held in both hands and used to chop as well as thrust, so it is a very adaptable and extremely effective weapon for infantry.

Rules: +1 Strength Bonus; requires two hands

Spears are used by troops on foot to form a solid mass of spear points. Because stationary spearmen can fight in two ranks they are ideal defensive weapons.

Rules: Fight in two ranks.

All cavalry, monster riders and chariot riders armed with spears can employ them to ride down enemy troops with, spitting them as the horsemen ride into their ranks.

Rules: +1 Strength bonus in first turn of combat when charging.

All cavalry, monster riders and chariot riders armed with long lances can employ this deadly weapon with devastating effect.

Rules: +2 Strength bonus in first turn of combat when charging.

A pistol is an exceptional weapon in that it can be used both in close combat and for shooting at a distance. For this reason it is included in both the Close Combat and Missile lists. Pistols are primitive weapons that employ a noxious and rather unreliable form of gunpowder to propel a small lead or stone bullet.

In close combat, a pistol can be used in one hand whilst the other hand holds either a hand weapon or another pistol. In this respect the pistol acts like a hand weapon and used the 'Fighting with a weapon in each hand' rule, conferring +1 additional Attack.

In the first turn of combat engagement, a pistol counts as having Strength 4 and also has an Armour piercing attack, reducing the enemy's Armour save by a further -1. This applies to all attacks if a model carries a pistol in each hand, but only to the single additional attack if a warrior is fighting with a hand weapon and a pistol. This represents the pistol's shot. In second and subsequent rounds of the engagement the wielder uses the heavy butt of his pistol/s like a club, so after the fist round, a pistol is considered to be equivalent to an ordinary hand weapon (see rules above).

For example, a warrior who is fighting with a pistol in each hand fights with Strength 4 and the Armour piercing modifier in the first turn of combat and fights as with hand weapons thereafter. However, a warrior with a sword in one hand and a pistol in the other strikes on Attack with the pistol (Strength 4/Armour piercing) and remaining Attacks with the hand weapon in the first turn of combat, but in subsequent turns he counts as having only had weapons.

Rules: Strength 4 in the first turn of combat, Armour piercing in the fist turn of combat.