Discussion: Swords, Axes, Or Maces?

[X12TheVampire]

Since im level 81 right now the fact I use war-axes now doesnt matter. I used swords (sometimes certain powerful daggers) when I was playing, so im gonna vote "swords".

Btw why is the one handed axe called a war-axe but the two handed axe is called a battle-axe? arent wars bigger than battles? (btw sorry for possible necro-threading)

 

[Nocte Aeterna]

Swords are swift and precise, and quite practical. Ergo, my vote goes to swords.

 

[Zolo-Shea]

Yeah, I picked swords too. When I'm dual-wielding, I like to go with axes and maces (for the aesthetic--that setup looks particularly nasty running across a battlefield,) but swords are my go-to for every other occasion. If you've got a shield, I feel like a sword is just the obvious choice. Sword n' board, y'know? It's the iconic hero look. Sword in your right hand with nothing else also kicks ass, your character has more of a swashbuckler feel (you need a pirate or Redguard sword for this setup to truly rock.) And then if I'm two-handing it (which I've been known to do,) then I have to have a greatsword. Why, you ask?

Because of the "death-curl."

That's when you impale some fool on your sword--but that's not the end of it! You then lift their carcass up off the ground, seeming to almost power-curl their dead body once before leaving it to the battlefield. It's the first 3rd person kill cam I was treated to, and it's still my favorite. Another reason to be excited about greatswords is the Bloodskaal Blade over in Solsthiem! It shoots lasers, like when you had full health in Link to the Past!! Arrrghhh... SO COOL!i!1!

 

[Adam Warlock]

Stalhrim Mace must be considered as a top 1h weapon.
Same damage as Daedric but lighter than Ebony.
Also the unique benefit of boosting any Frost enchanments placed on it.

I have one with Frost and Chaos Magic enchantments that I call The Blue Meanie.


and yes I realize the Dragonbone Mace does 2 points more damage but Stalhrim`s visual appeal a factor in my choice

 

[Psiberzerker]

Yeah, I picked swords too. When I'm dual-wielding, I like to go with axes and maces (for the aesthetic--that setup looks particularly nasty running across a battlefield,) but swords are my go-to for every other occasion. If you've got a shield, I feel like a sword is just the obvious choice. Sword n' board, y'know? It's the iconic hero look. Sword in your right hand with nothing else also kicks ass, your character has more of a swashbuckler feel (you need a pirate or Redguard sword for this setup to truly rock.) And then if I'm two-handing it (which I've been known to do,) then I have to have a greatsword. Why, you ask?

Because of the "death-curl."

That's when you impale some fool on your sword--but that's not the end of it! You then lift their carcass up off the ground, seeming to almost power-curl their dead body once before leaving it to the battlefield. It's the first 3rd person kill cam I was treated to, and it's still my favorite. Another reason to be excited about greatswords is the Bloodskaal Blade over in Solsthiem! It shoots lasers, like when you had full health in Link to the Past!! Arrrghhh... SO COOL!i!1!

Swords also have Reach, which is nice when you have a shield. Greatswords just have the coolest kill-cams, period. You can do the "Death Curl" dual wielded too, but my faves are either the forward lunge followed by a spinning backhand, or the backstab where you cut their throat, with a Greatsword! Just all kinds of badassedness in that.

The Bloodskal Blade reminds me of the Plus Pulse from Armored Core. It not only looks cool, but the wave adds Stamina to the blade if you connect with both. Massive Stagger on that, my personal record on a Sweep is 4 assorted Draugr, hit the two in front of me, and then two more behind them with the follow-through. Killed one outright, and that's another awesomeness, when the wave carries the body, or bodies off with it...

 

[electricskies]

I prefer axes, they are faster than a hammer but do more damage than a sword. I always think of mace as some sort of spray in a can. Trying to kill a dragon with a can of hairspray would be a challenge even on novice setting. Is mace flammable?

 

[Psiberzerker]

I prefer axes, they are faster than a hammer but do more damage than a sword. I always think of mace as some sort of spray in a can. Trying to kill a dragon with a can of hairspray would be a challenge even on novice setting. Is mace flammable?

Axes have a lot of Stagger over swords, and also the only specialized perks that can actually be worth the trouble. Ok, Crits really pile up on a dual whirly build with something like the Drainspell/Blackblade combo. With Axes, you get Bleeding damage (Assuming it bleeds) which you can stack on other Damage/Time effects to kill them quicker. With a Spellblade, you can just throw Firebolts, and Critical Charges, then come around for another pass about the time they start wearing off. (With Magicka/Stamina recovery.) Or, you can drop a dagger in the other hand, use Elemental Fury, and stack as many as you can. Pairs well with the Targe of the Blooded for blockers.

Swords have Reach, which is awesome, and are also the fastest. (Of the three) There's also lots, and lots of good swords in the game. The best Mace isn't even all that great. (Yeah, Molag Bal's) There's 1 decent enchanted Axe written in the game, it's a 2 hander, and you have to become dang near Archmage to get it.

 

[orca45]

Why daggers were not included ? They are the fastest of the game. By the time the enemy is trying to swing his / her mace, hammer or axe, my dagger will hit him / her 2 - 3 times and he / she will die. In my opinion, the fastest you are with your weapon, the easier to kill your enemy will be. Just my 2 cents, but if dagger are not considered in this thread, then I vote for swords.

 

[Psiberzerker]

Why daggers were not included ? They are the fastest of the game. By the time the enemy is trying to swing his / her mace, hammer or axe, my dagger will hit him / her 2 - 3 times and he / she will die. In my opinion, the fastest you are with your weapon, the easier to kill your enemy will be. Just my 2 cents, but if dagger are not considered in this thread, then I vote for swords.

What they excell at is charge carriers for Enchantments, because you can pile up whatever cast on strikes you have on it. Also, Assassin's Blade make them increadibly powerful on the first strike with a bit of set up. I usually go Sword/Dagger so I have both options, fast striking speed, and Reach. Also, in the offhand, a dagger gives you the fastest dual attacks. I hate them with a Shield, because of the lack of reach, so they dance around all your fast little strikes.