Sword carrying laws of the medieval period: MEDIEVAL MISCONCEPTIONS

[@WDCallahan]

In Texas, just a couple years ago, they announced that it was now legal to carry swords in Texas. My friends and I all had the exact same reaction. "We couldn't carry swords before?!"

[@immikeurnot]

The only knife law on the books in Texas now is that blades over 5.5" cannot be carried into certain places like schools or hospitals.

[@The_Crimson_Fucker]

@@immikeurnot This makes me happy.

[@johnfrancisdoe1563]

immikeurnot So what do doctors use for large scale surgery if they can't carry bone saws.

[@The_Crimson_Fucker]

@@johnfrancisdoe1563 It's a hospital, they don't have to carry bone saws and there's no such thing as large scale surgery. Nobody operates on 50 people at a time.

[@brandtdavis1469]

Oklahoma starting Nov 1st can carry any "firearm or knife" for self defense... kriegsmesser is a knife right... its in the name!

[@Klaaism]

"You wouldn't deprive an old man of his walking stick, now would you?"

[@Pigen_]

"Bruh im not gona take fireball to da face! Give back da Magic stick"

[@kenneth9343]

Lord of the rings.

[@Extrasailor]

The thing is, that nowadays, old men are not safe anymore.

[@Wolfius68]

KENNETH gold star, buddy

[@seriousthree6071]

@@Extrasailor Old men are more likely to have training and are generally left alone. The number of murders tend to focus on late teens/early 20s men. People who are more likely to lack control and more likely to be belligerent.

[@silent_stalker3687]

‘Sword carrying Laws’ Berserk: how big can a sword be until it doesn’t count as a sword?

[@nickkohlmann]

It's a club

[@nimrodthewise836]

Technically a polearm..

[@adrazuel]

when its a house lol

[@Irmarinen]

It's just a slab of raw iron, more than anything else

[@silent_stalker3687]

Benjamin Harman ‘When its a horse’ Technically with the recent releases of Berserk that is true... but it’s also a dog

[@LuckySketches]

Adventurer: Carries a sword in London Guard: Well well, wot's all dis den? Adventurer: Doesn't carry a sword in Germany Guard: Vell vell, vat is all dis den?

[@mrgodliak]

Alexander Carter Made my day

[@PMMillard]

Adventurer: Carries a sword in Paris Guard: *Nopes around the corner*

[@gj4312]

Adventurer: Carries a sword in London Guard: you call that a sword? This is a sword!

[@GECKman88]

@@TheChiconspiracy My how they've changed. Now they just surrender. :p

[@mochithepooh5368]

@Lord Admiral Spire Denmark and Australia: please don't look at us

[@PSASitch]

Oi! You got a loicense for that thumbnail!?

[@adamorick2872]

You got a license for license checking

[@dougthedonkey1805]

@Adam Orick you got a permit for that loicense for loicense checking, mate?

[@username5502]

@DougtheDonkeyTV, you got a license for that permit for that loicense for loicense checking?

[@kylelundgren5133]

@@dougthedonkey1805 is this the EU AK one of the most broken the pseudo government's I've ever seen outside of the first French Republic and the first German Republic.

[@nickpaschentis5284]

@@username5502 Do YOU have a Permit,to check Permits of people who check other people's Licenses,that talk about People who talk about Thumbnails?

[@cliffclark2285]

The laws on carrying swords in medieval Europe actually sound very similar to laws in the "Wild West" where it was accepted as normal to carry a firearm everywhere except in certain towns where the local sheriff or marshal made it illegal to carry within city limits

[@jacobstaten2366]

The problem is that very few towns had a no carry law. Those that did (Tombstone for example) would enforce the law selectively, allowing their friends to but not others and not having a place for you to store them while in town like the medeval version.

[@mackenziethebestbunny2776]

Just as it ought to be.

[@andrewthegeek6522]

No actually most towns during settlement required you let them hold onto your weapon until you leave

[@spacedinosaur8733]

yep, only a fool would travel thru wild/dangerous areas without a weapon of some sort. That's just asking for a bear to eat you.

[@USSEnterpriseA1701]

Typically the restrictions in Western towns only applied to outsiders, as citizens of the towns themselves typically were not the ones that would cause the most trouble. Instead, it was expected that the trail hands, just in from weeks or even a month or two of nothing but directing a massive herd of cattle, upon getting their pay, would head to the local watering hole, get as stupidly drunk as possible, and likely cause some sort of ruckus. For the most part, that was actually the case, though there were other types of incident as well that did involve local citizens, but they tended to be the exceptions.

[@ChrisBryer]

It seems laws in medieval Europe around swords its alot like how guns were treated in the early USA. It depended town by town and city by city. And, like a revolver, it was the best for personal deference and was a side arm in war. And oddly, both weapons are mythologized. Makes you think.

[@USSEnterpriseA1701]

Heck, in one particular episode of an old T.V. series called "The Rifleman", the main character and his son encounter, of all people, a samurai out exploring the world (presumably out of curiosity after the end of Japan's self-imposed isolation). He made more or less the same observation and comparison between his Katana, and the Rifleman's rifle (lever-action rifles are just as mythologized in many cases). Now I certainly wouldn't go by any T.V. series or movie as a guide to how things actually were in the West (because every single one gets things wrong, some worse than others), but that was an interesting 'what-if' scenario.

[@adamcs13]

Not just USA of the past but the present day. More rural areas with slower reaction times have less firearms restrictions and as Sr Shad mentioned, tyrants like disarming the population. Heinrich Himmler, “Ordinary citizens don’t need gun" (1930s)

[@TheJackOfFools]

@@USSEnterpriseA1701 Army of Darkness does a good job of putting a mundane modern firearm into a fantastical setting and making it feel just as fantastical. Shoot the typical "cowboy" is so mythologized that I was able to make a gunslinger magus in a Pathfinder game and it took VERY little effort to adapt all the stereotypical cowboy stuff to a fantasy setting. We basically treat cowboys as so fantastical that its easy to use all the regular cowboy tropes and just change the proper nouns for things. Heck, even some of the very American slang can fit into a fantasy story without any modification. Calling a gun a "big iron" makes just as much sense in the "wild west" as it would in Golarion or Westeros. Stories of bandits and gangs? So they aren't just humans and exactly the same stories fit. Even the revolver and lever action rifle work as a "wand" and "staff". Cowboys are known for ranging far and wide. Kind of like, yanno, a *ranger*. They blow into town, deal with a problem, and leave just as quick. Like any adventurer ever. It was wild to me when I started realizing that cowboys and like old timey firearms are basically styled the same way a lot of fantasy nerds imagine fantasy weapons being styled. Maybe its life informing art or something, but its pretty cool.

[@justnoob8141]

Guard: You there! Dude: Yes? Guard: Where is your sword? Dude: I don’t have it Guard: Then you sleep in jail tonight! *BUSTED* Player: Really!? DM: What?

[@eddard9442]

Guard: Next time get that sworded out

[@dexter1981]

it would be funnier this way: Guard: You there! Dude: Yes? Guard: Where is your sword? Dude: I don’t have it Guard: Here! Take this sword, but don't lose it!

[@Tfin]

Requirement to own and carry a sword = anti-poor law. Can't afford a sword? Get out of our city.

[@qg786]

How about. Guard 1: Hault! Guy: Yes Sir Guard 1: What are you carrying in that wagon? Guy: Just some perishable goods. Guard 1: Guards check the wagon for anything suspicious. Guard 2: Sir it's as this peasant says nothing but bread and milk. Guard 1: Any swords? Guy: I can e... Guard 1:Silence! Guard 2: Not a single one sir. Guard 1: Sieze him!

[@darkblood626]

Medevil police run up to someone at night "OI he’s got a sword!" 'Starts beating him' They take his sword and turn away just as the sun goes up "OI he aint got a sword " 'Starts beating him again

[@xazelnighthaunterfanboy975]

King: You can't own recreational Trebuchet!!! PEASANT UPRISING INTESIFIES

[@MonkeyJedi99]

Well, you could if you only use pumpkins as ammunition, yeah?

[@VictorLonmo]

Long ago I was an engineering student in Canada. One of my professors was telling us a story about one of his colleagues who had studied in England years earlier. His colleague, a student at the time, was attending one of the traditional English universities. (I think he said it was Caimbridge but it was a long time ago... In any case, I am not knowledgeable regarding universities it Britain and it was one whose name I recognized.) The student somehow obtained a list of rules that applied to life on campus. After class one day he walked up to one of his professors and politely informed him that given their professor-student relationship, the professor was obligated to buy the student a beer. The student showed the professor the rule. The professor, confused, decided to take the student to a bar on campus where he bought them both a beer and discussed classes and engineering. Unfortunately the student had not read all of the rules. The next day after the class the professor called the student forward and promptly fined him for not wearing a sword.

[@munkandbear2818]

Epic!

[@Tjalve70]

I'm guessing the fine was roughly the price of a beer?

[@shanesizemore3654]

Shad, to comment on the laws on additional weapons, one of my professors had a Doctorate in Mideval History and a Master's in Criminal Justice and specialized in the history of policing and laws of Europe. In a passing discussion, we talked about weapons in cities at the time and he had handwritten notes that he had copied from a gentleman who had an enormous library of manuscripts in Germany. (He met him while he was stationed in Germany and their friendship continued until his death) He let me read his overall synopsis and he stated that swords were commonly seen as an okay item to carry but was very unusual unless in small towns where their security was primarily their main concern. However, he found it curious that there were no written laws about polearms, bows, and other weapons so he dug deeper and found that most cities didn't outright ban them by law but wouldn't let anyone carry them unless they were guards or had legitimate business in the cities, ie hunters with bows and whatnot. They believed that anyone else who carried these were often trying to start trouble and asked them to remove them until they left. On the self policing, he found that most people did self police but in a small locality there was an elected leader/sheriff at the time who would oversee the actual arresting or whatever and be in charge until things could be sorted out. A field supervisor in other words. I would PM you his information but sadly he passed away two years ago in a car accident and his family had absolutely no interest in his studies or any of his documents so they threw most of his hand written notes away and sold the original items. I didn't know until roughly 3 months after and regret not talking to him more or contacting his family when he passed. I didn't really enjoy his classes or any history for that matter until now but I did enjoy criminal justice

[@hockeycrafter6086]

Shane Sizemore fuckin hell man. Paragraphs exist.

[@antonfig1865]

I don't know about Germany, but in England, there are enough records of combats with other weapons that it is obvious they were carried about, at least by some people.

[@reinerzufall2192]

Thanks for the comment, and truly a shame.

[@reinerzufall2192]

@@antonfig1865 Owned and trained in use and carrying during everday life are quite different things. Or do these records account to streetfights or likewise (I automatically assumed duels with fighting manuscripts as the records)

[@fnerXVI]

@@hockeycrafter6086 didn't say he was an English major lol

[@adamblakeslee5301]

Instead of a coat check they've got a sword check. Gets really funny when you get That Guy with a half dozen swords.

[@nubreed13]

The weapons check scene in beyond thunderdome......

[@jfalvo]

Aragorn entering Rohan

[@nubreed13]

My in skyrim wandering around with 200 lbs of weapons and armor sets

[@SRosenberg203]

In the most recent episode of Book of Boba Fett, there's a scene where the Mandalorian has to comically stow all his many, *many* weapons before boarding a commercial flight, after his own ship was destroyed back in Season 2 of his own show. It was quite hilarious lol

[@gotisc]

Adventurer: I'm headed out, need my sword back. Here's my ticket. Inn Keeper: Of you mean that mithril sword that does does 50 dmg, 10 fire dmg and heals the user for 5 hp on strike? Adventurer: Yes! That's the one! Inn Keeper: We errr.... lost it. Sorry. Adventurer: What! That sword was worth 1000 gold! Inn Keeper: What! That merchant only gave me....er... I mean, someone must have stolen it

[@dariustiapula]

I predict that inn keeper will have a short life. Considering Inn are supposed to be a place of safty and rest. Yep, that inn keeper is gonna end up dead or in a dungeon.

[@pagansunite4005]

I don't know why, but I read the Inn Keeper as Malory Archer and the Adventurer as Sterling Archer. Lol! I could totally see Malory pulling that over Archer's eyes, but I doubt she would be stooped into giving something away for less than it's worth. She's always looking to bamboozle someone else out of their assets or get extra work for free.

[@davepuxley7387]

This is an entire adventure in nuce! Love it

[@forwarddiscipline]

@@pagansunite4005 you know who that merchant reminds me of? Khajit. You know who the khajit remind me of based on elder scrolls in game history books and the khajit you talk to? Hebrew descents, dealing with argonians... Know who the argonians remind me of? Epstein didn't kill himself.

[@pagansunite4005]

@@forwarddiscipline Damn right he didn't. Truth is finally coming out.

[@FaeChangeling]

9:00 "Guard might get nervous, a man approaches with his weapon drawn"

[@BlackHeartGames]

I've always thought the much bigger obstacle to carrying a sword was probably the cost of buying one and most common people just couldn't afford it.

[@ethanmccormack9561]

Funny enough you make an excellent point, they were really expensive. Here in England what used to happen is when England went to war and men were called by their lords to fight families and communities would come together to buy a weapon or piece of armour such as a shield. Its party why spears were so common in war because 1 they are really easy to use and you dont need any training to jab a spear at someone and 2 because they were cheap.

[@kevinlutz5994]

An arm and a leg. Pun intended.

[@simtexa]

When I heard "blade" in this case I imagine a lot of them were actually things like seaxes and messers. We'll easily see them as "swords" because they are longer than most modern knives, but they were practically simpler and thus cheaper for the average citizen to own. The classic two-edged, cruciform sword associated with knights etc. was a much more refined form and thus far more expensive. The things commoners had were probably closer to machetes; fairly simple, usually single-bladed flat pieces of metal.

[@兄さん]

a cheap, somewhat crappy sword would've been very much in the realm of affordability even for peasants. it would've cost about the same as three pounds of dried fruit, two or three sets of mason's tools, one head of a low-quality animal (castrated ram, goose etc.) or about eight heads of small domestic animals (fowl, chicken, etc.)

[@irontemplar6222]

Me: *Finishes creating a full document with hyperlinks to sections so I can easily access all of this information and add to it easily.* Shad: here is this site that does all of that for you. Me: WHY COULDNT YOU TELL ME THIS SOONER!!!

[@l.o.b.2433]

Well he did. A while ago :P

[@LuffyFanBoy99]

Shad been sponsored before by this company bro bad luck bro

[@irontemplar6222]

@@l.o.b.2433 you know just because I make the comment dosnt mean it's the first time I've seen it.

[@WardOfSouls]

I am just starting to put together a Starfinder campaign, and I may wind up using the site for this exact purpose.

[@Tennouseijin]

Though it doesn't hurt to have a document independent of the World Anvil one. I haven't looked into World Anvil much yet, but judging by what it looks like, it's an online service, so: a) If you don't have internet access at the moment, you don't have access to your stuff either, unless you make an offline backup. b) If at some point you decide to move your stuff from World Anvil to a different website, well, dunno how much work would that be. c) You only have access to tools and functionality provided by World Anvil. If there are any features you'd like to see, but not implemented yet... well, there probably ain't much you can do about it. And so on. In any case, I'm not saying not to use World Anvil, I'm saying keeping a local copy of your documents is always a good idea.

[@thelonelyrogue3727]

This isn't a sword, it was made by the knife makers guild!

[@johnkiezulas7439]

Sorry sir, your knife is too long, please have it sent to the inn your staying at.

[@JohanDanielsson8802]

@@johnkiezulas7439 "Sir" would only be used about knights, though...

[@emmeaberg]

@@JohanDanielsson8802 well you don't know if he is one or not, do you? :D

[@shryggur]

Exactly a Kriegsmesser!

[@thelonelyrogue3727]

@@JohanDanielsson8802 I do indeed have a knighthood, even though it could cost me my US citizenship.

[@ElGringoCastellano]

What about dragons? Could they legally carry swords?

[@brandonogden3498]

Legally? Yes. Practically? No.

[@taikajorma7276]

ElGringoCastellano Im sure that got will do this xD

[@taikajorma7276]

Brandon Ogden r/whoos

[@pRahvi0]

I guess they might go with that "enough power to ignore the restrictions". Also, if a dragon is going to enter the town, I'd be fine with him/her holding a sword in his/her mouth. I mean, at least (s)he won't be breathing fire everywhere while doing that... or so I hope.

[@taikajorma7276]

pRahvi0 r/whoos holy fuck these people trying to act smart are annoying lol

[@darknessml6145]

"They would police themselves" Everyday the medieval period seems more and more ¡¡¡FUN¡¡¡

[@Erowens98]

Until the local townsmen arrest you for "worshipping the devil" because they don't like you.

[@Phantom_Zer0]

Birki gts - Buhrn tha which, she's o the devil i tell ye, jess look at that pink hair, thas witchcraft, ooh we guna have fun with the lil witch we will. I think i got carried away...

[@sorrowandsufferin924]

The perks of de-centralisation

[@superfluous9726]

*Cholera has joined the game*

[@nyanrapier7838]

Vibing in chain-mail seems like fun and insulating.

[@ThreeFlatDucks]

“It’s that geeky nerdy fantasy side of me” There’s *another* side of you

[@starr_shine3060]

This isn't a great sword, it's an Australian knife.

[@TheDraco877]

that's not a knife. *pulls out something even bigger* THIS is a knife!

[@cdgonepotatoes4219]

so is "knife" and "sword" an inverted meaning or are Australian swords even bigger?

[@TheDraco877]

@@cdgonepotatoes4219 you aren't getting the reference are you?

[@jackelegman2101]

@@cdgonepotatoes4219 It's supposed to joke about how Aussies tend to have Bowie knives as their smallest knife, and they like to go for bigger as well.

[@stvdagger8074]

@@cdgonepotatoes4219 See : kzbin.info/www/bejne/hoCtpZSFZ911ldE

[@eatenbyghouls1849]

How about hygiene in the medieval times? Ik it's not swords or castles but could be a cool video Bathing, washing clothes, teeth and breath care, toilets, cleaning armour, masking smell (if there was anything for them to do that, like today we would use deodarant but obvs they didn't have anything like that),

[@tyrannicfool2503]

Or medicine, or both!

[@benm5913]

Excellent topic for this series.

[@Draylin41]

There's a KZbin channel called Modern History that covers a lot of those kind of topics about the middle ages. They even go as far as to try and demonstrate what it would be like to live in the lower class of that time period.

[@80krauser]

I know people used to put fragrant dried flowers where they stored their clothes and some even do it today. Only problem with bathing is when its very cold in the winter but you can still clean yourself with a washcloth and a basin of hot water and soap. Not as good as a modern full bath but it's better than nothing. People liked to carry around bundles of fragrant herbs and flowers or perfume if they could afford it.

[@andyf4292]

and the other part.. everyone pre-darkages STANK. NOBODY HAD A RECIPE FOR SOAP

[@ammarmar3628]

A fun fact: in XVII century Poland, every nobleman carrier a sabre. It was basically a part of the traditional attire. They were completely acceptable, even in church or at a local nobleman assembly. But noblemen also very often carried "obuszek", a kind of hammer/horseman's pick which was commonly used as a walking cane. These were strictly forbidden in many places. That is because, in case of a fight (and those were very common these days, noblemen would happily draw their weapons for any reason), wounds caused by these weapons were much more dangerous than those cased by sabres. And the purpose of fighting was often to disgrace and humiliate an opponent, not kill him. A sabre could slash your nose or ear off (very humiliating) but "obuszek" could bash your skull in causing instant death :)

[@SamuraiAkechi]

Well, about the same time rapier carry was outlawed for spanish commoners, if I'm not mistaken. And this was the time when they began carrying huge knives.

[@TheManofthecross]

ic but used against muslems though the obuszek is fair game.

[@ammarmar3628]

@@Avatrass Both were eventually banned, the second was created in an attempt to circumvent the law :) To be more precise, "nadziak" was strictly restricted for military use, while "obuszek" could be owned by civilians but they were not allowed to carry it in public places.

[@vregile]

Similarly in Hungary. A sabre by your side simbolized your gentlemanhood.

[@vregile]

@meaturama Same here

[@stevenn1940]

I think I will be using this concept in my dnd campaign... A very large city, anyone entering or leaving must be checked by the guards. I can hear it now (completely bored and monotone voiced guard) "Any weapon with a blade that has a total length over (X feet. Probably 3? I would have to do research. This is to also exclude axes, etc, weapons of war.) cannot be carried around town. Weapons can be checked in at the guardhouse, or secured at the inn you are staying in for the duration of your stay. Have a nice day"

[@rollingthunder1043]

I can just hear the "public servant patiently awaiting the sweet release of death" voice.

[@ala5530]

I've come across ones that limited blade length to 24", 27" and 34". Anyone found carrying such within city walls was to be charged with "Conspiracy to Commit Mayhem"

[@SRosenberg203]

I forget which Wheel of Time book it appears in, but in that series there is a city where foreigners are required to either turn in their swords to the guards for storage when they enter the city, or have them "peace-bonded" whereby they are wrapped with wire at the gates in such a way that they cannot be drawn from the scabbard without untangling all the wire or cutting it. So you can carry your sword with you if you don't want to leave it at the gates, but any guard can check relatively easily if you've tampered with the wire illegally. I always found that to be a very interesting device.

[@guano524]

@@SRosenberg203 I believe that would be Far Madding.

[@SRosenberg203]

@@guano524 Correct, I just didn't want to seem too nerdy by providing *all* the details haha. Though I honestly don't remember which book Rand first goes there and we learn about that custom. Maybe Crown of Swords?

[@MrAnihillator]

Not being able to carry a sword... in London. War, war never changes.

[@tyrannicfool2503]

Shad is there any chance you will review the terrible tactics and castle use at the battle of Winterfell?

[@shadiversity]

indeed ^_^

[@noellewood-warriorposephot9922]

Ok I love this idea

[@Masra94]

Left click drag Select all cavalry Right click a random direction Forget about the cavalry ??? Profit

[@tyrannicfool2503]

Masra94 Don’t forget they apparently were thinking of sending them with useless non Valyrian steel or obsidian weapons

[@tyrannicfool2503]

Shadiversity Hope is rekindled

[@RainMakeR_Workshop]

Shad Mordhau is out fully, would love to see your impressions on the full version. also there is a mod for Conan Exiles that ads MACHICOLATIOOOOONS.

[@chromarush1749]

krulty I’m pretty sure that’s not a mod, it’s an update thats not fully released.

[@RainMakeR_Workshop]

@@chromarush1749 its part of the Glass Constructions and more mod by I-emerge

[@handlesarecringe957]

Especially shirtless knight with a frying pan

[@notoriouswhitemoth]

@14:35 "your blade must be at least this short to enter" ... oh come on, someone had to! It's easy to forget that when we're talking about medieval Europe, we're talking about an area of about ten million square kilometers (or four million square miles) over a poorly defined period of several centuries, that arguably ended when the modern concept of what a government is began - so there's no way any one blanket statement *can* meaningfully describe the entirety of medieval Europe.

[@joschr110]

"Guard might get nervous, a man approaching with his weapon drawn…" Guard, Skyrim -The Elder Scrolls

[@lolroflpmsl]

Biggest hindrance to owning a sword (early medieval anyway) - cost! They're damned expensive!

[@DFX2KX]

I mentioned a comparison above: But 'peasant buying a sword is like Me buying a Holland and Holland rifle' came to mind. Something that costs ten times what I bring home in a year.

[@disorganizer86]

Not really. A high quality sword, especially if its ornate, is unquestionably out of reach, but most peasants COULD afford a low quality one, and that usually enough to deter equally armed aggressors. A better comparison would be between a normal wristwatch and a rolex. If you are struggling with badic survival needs you wouldn't buy a watch for 30 bucks either are, but any sane and normal person would if he wasn't fuckng starving. At least that was the case before smartphones..

[@ScottKenny1978]

Not 10x what you make in a year, but definitely about the price of a new car if you're looking for a guesstimate of relative cost. A good sword was about the cost of a good horse then.

[@JasonMBroyles]

And the cost of paying someone to teach you how to use it.

[@andrewstambaugh8030]

Not historically true. In different areas and times, the cost of a cheap sword was the equivalent of $80-3,000, with quality varying a lot. That isn't to say they had piles of swords lying around all the time, but a soldier could go to a blacksmith and probably buy a premade cheap sword for a few months pay. This is true even for japan, but of course all the attention goes to the family heirloom swords that were saved up for and bought from a more skilled craftsman, complete with embellishments. There are lots of recovered swords that are way too soft and bendy, too brittle and snap easily, poorly balanced, too straight or too curved, weren't folded more than a few folds, etc. People generally don't heirloom a cheap disposable item (you're not going to save that ford escort special for your great grandchildren, but you might if you bought a corvette). Very comparable to modern firearms: most people in America have something that costs less than $900, with quite a few very good options in the $250-400 range. A lot of people who have an incident and suddenly go from uninterested to feeling the need for protection end up getting cheap old ww2 leftover police or military pistols for $300-500 from small countries that built them on the cheap. There are so much better guns for the price, but the purchaser doesn't use guns enough to know any better, and they still work and serve the purpose for a moderate expenditure. There are plenty of people who own firearms in excess of $3,000 for a single gun, some are easily more than $10K. Those are what get taken care of, get attention in magazines and shows. So people looking back will remember the mp5, the p90, the Gatling gun, etc, not the Taurus tcp that can sometimes be found for $200.

[@nickkohlmann]

Greetings! I'm not Shad, just a fan.

[@FourElemental]

@Little Biscuit fans don't make air

[@nickkohlmann]

@@FourElemental Oh, I am fully capable of producing hot air.

[@FourElemental]

@@nickkohlmann Yeah, im sure you can, because your piping hot.

[@Pigen_]

*wait... THATS ILLEGAL*

[@nickkohlmann]

@@FourElemental Wait what

[@ericjohnson7234]

My god medieval societies allowed individuals carrying zweihanders? NIce!

[@edward325]

Sorry to be that guy but technically Zweihanders didn't come into use until after the Medieval Period, so that would actually never happen.

[@ericjohnson7234]

@@edward325 (understandable uncontrolled sobbing)

[@ericjohnson7234]

@The Spoiled Commie id rather go with an arming sword, i can use a shield with it and they are cheap... mostly.

[@Hypastpist]

dunt fukin forgit ur CHAOS TWO HANDER

[@danthiel8623]

Indeed

[@RifeXD]

At this point, aren't the entire Middle Ages just one big misconception? My journey is that a long time ago, I wondered "So who is the big hero that proved the earth is round when the Evil Church said it was flat and killed everyone who disagreed - Columbus or Galileo? Why do I hear different versions of the story?" Since then I've learned that the entire premise of the question is completely wrong and most all generalizations about the Middle Ages originally stem in part from the Flat Earth Myth. From the overarching Conflict Thesis stating that the Church "killed off science" or whatever to the Black Legend and its overexaggeration of the Spanish Inquisition which was applied to just "The Inquisition" and that somehow being conflated with the witch trials and the witch trials being conflated to supposedly taking place throuout the entire Middle Ages to the Pope supposedly banning arabic numerals/the number zero/dissections (not any particular pope. Just "The Pope"). Sure, bad stuff happened and "the Church" did bad stuff occasionally, but man, it's difficult to get away from the cycle of generalizations based on misconceptions and misconceptions based on generalizations. I for one consider it today's Mythology on par with, say, Ancient Greek or Japanese Mythology. OK long rant over. Great video, it's nice to learn about the more weapon-specific myths.

[@echocox5418]

RifeXD I have done extensive research on this and I think you are trying to seriously downplay what they have done. The church was highly corrupt and did do terrible things.

[@RifeXD]

@@echocox5418 I agree, the Church did a lot of bad things and there was corruption, I'm not trying to downplay that, it's just that I often meet people who base their generalized claims against the Church on the above-mentioned myths. When, every time someone critisizes the Church, they mention Flat Earth and witch trials, it makes me question the "Church=bad" sentiment entirely. Right now, I'm trying to go on a more specific case-by-case basis ("Which Pope did that? Which Bishop did that? Was there critisism of these actions from other Bishops?") instead of saying the entirety of the Church was 100% evil for the entire Middle Ages. Before I can it them on a large number of verifiable facts, I won't make sweeping judgements like that.

[@sethlindgren1067]

I do think you make a good point. I think something people tend to forget, myself included, is that the Church back in the day was not an option, it was The Reality. There wasn't an option to not be part of it up until the Renaissance. This means all the evil things committed by men are looked at retroactively as being done by Catholics or Christians, where it was actually people who were commiting their various acts, and were part of the church because there was literally no other option. That being said, the hierarchical structure of the Church, combined with it's spiritual nature, lent itself to abuse extremely easily. The system was set up so anyone who was even slightly narcissistic or opportunistic could dominate others.

[@SonsOfLorgar]

@@RifeXD what makes every organised religion 100% evil is the fact that they are all based on brainwashing children into viewing a false threat/damnation-promise/deliverance dynamic reliant on appeasing an abstract, all knowing, all seeing, all judging entity that also sets the rules of conduct in the alleged contract of existance and servitude as fact and thus compel them to perpetuate the same lies to their own children in the delusional belief that it's the only way they can attempt to save their offspring from damnation... when all they actually do making their children psychologicaly dependant and vulnerable to whims of their respective religion's clergy and other people of self-appointed religious authority...

[@nuclearjanitors]

@@echocox5418 went right over your head lmao athiest

[@jaspermervin5204]

Local Lord : "Any one can have sword as long as it's not longer than mine"

[@richardwright359]

Get that man Sephiroth's masamune!! 😇

[@RonW4684]

London's sword laws sounded like Arizona's gun laws in the 1890's - 1900's: You could carry a gun outside of incorporated towns or cities, but once you entered the town or city, you had 30 minutes to store it at a hotel, saloon, sheriff's office, etc.

[@JNPro]

Shad, im taking into account a lot of your videos for this medieval fantasy book series im beginning to write. Im going to mention you and this channel in the acknowledgement part of it. I'm writing it in spanish because I'm from Mexico, though, but still im hoping to get it translated eventually. Thank you so much for these videos

[@dylancasey1702]

What are you calling it?

[@JNPro]

@@dylancasey1702 I still don't know yet. The naming part is usually the last one in my style of writing.

[@dylancasey1702]

@@JNPro let me know when you have a name because you book seems interesting

[@XxLeggZxX]

Just carry an axe and a long knife, no questions asked. All jokes aside, I love these educational videos dispelling misinformation, and I was wondering if you could ever do a video series specifically geared towards "short swords"? The different types, uses, pros & cons, and maybe even comparisons with other swords with similar/ close dimensions? It would be really cool to see your take on this subject.

[@nasserfirelordarts6574]

Technically a messer is knife...you know... A sword sized knife...

[@CommanderJonny]

Would a seaxe be considered a short sword or a long knife (because I've seen it described as both)? Either or, I support a series on 'short swords'.

[@XxLeggZxX]

@@nasserfirelordarts6574 As is a langseax from what I understand.. =) but with the axe, you'd never catch a 2nd glance

[@XxLeggZxX]

@@CommanderJonny A langseax from my understanding is a "long knife" (length of most short swords), a scramseax is a very short utility knife, while a seax is right in the middle. (IF I got all of that correct)

[@wyvernquill2796]

@@CommanderJonny Seaxe spelt a few ways across the old Germanic world just meant knife and there are words for both Short Seaxe and Long Seaxe (and Narrow and Broad) the divider between long and short seems to be 20 inches. The shape varied and they could be one or two edged but every one thinks of a later type from England with clip point end.

[@cas9656]

"You got a loicense for that sword, bruv?" Nice one Shad.

[@shadiversity]

Credit goes to Oz, my editor.

[@cas9656]

@@shadiversity Aight then, Nice one Oz

[@ltsecondincomand]

Guard: Sir you cannot enter the city limits with that sword! Byakuya: Scatter, Senbonzakura . Byakuya: What sword?

[@turinturambar1688]

Growl haineko”

[@lewwho1647]

This? Oh no zangetsu is a butchers knife I am merely a butcher of meats

[@SuperCobra011]

"¿Tienes una licencia para portar esa espada, amigo?" Do you have a license to carry that sword, bruh?

[@username5502]

So you have a permit for that sword license?

[@KorporalNoobs]

"Oi mate ya got a loicence for this do ya?" cue tumbnail Shad.

[@Toastrackman]

So stereotype. Why do Americans always think that the British either talk like a cockney chimney sweep from hell or prince Charles lol Its as bad as us thinking you all talk like slack jawed hicks lol. Oh just to edit, the other one we often get thought of is the straw chewing yokel with the shotgun, 'Ged orf my laaand you b#$tard lol.

[@konstantin.v]

@@Toastrackman , I'm not sure this meme is about all the British. I've mostly seen it in reference to bobbies :^)

[@Toastrackman]

@@konstantin.v Think of the roman centurion in the movie 'the life of Brian' played by John Cleese. When he catches Brian painting anti Roman slogans on pilots palace! "YOUR F#Ck!N KNICKED ME OL SON' Thats our bobbies lol

[@elfbait3774]

Enjoyed the video. I love learning the little fine points of history. In my own D&D games, many cities deal with weapon restrictions simply by imposing a "Sword Tax" which must be paid by any armed person entering the city. It does not restrict weapons as much as it does make money off of them which goes, at least in part, to pay for the city watch.

[@blade24liger]

For once I think I found a video with a sponsor I'll actually use

[@jamessarvan7692]

I first came upon your channel by chance when you had like 15-20 thousand subs, and I was hooked right away. It became my favorite youtube channel pretty quickly and now when I have a pretty busy scheduele in my life it is one of the few channels I still watch every video from. I appreciate what you are doing, you have given me so much knowledge and ideas for my book series I am writing and I will always be thankful for that.

[@shadiversity]

You're a channel veteran then, a pleasure to have you and thank you for watching ^_^

[@tehufn]

10:39 "Male citizens" Medieval lawmakers: "Is there another sort of citizen?"

[@shovelmastaflash]

Dude, just stop.

[@ayandragon2727]

shovelmastaflash ?

[@shovelmastaflash]

@@gamecavalier3230 Lol the democrats just call them "tramps".

[@RealYsaacs]

@@shovelmastaflash Why did you say "dude, just stop", in Medieval times women werent counted as full citizens, just because you tell this guy to not say it doesnt change the fact that its true, no matter what opinion you have about it lol.

[@shovelmastaflash]

@@RealYsaacs No one cares tho. You're just dragging up a bunch of shit from the past that's going to piss people off and make shit worse.

[@Lorand0O]

So, Medieval Misconceptions is teaching me yet another thing!

[@lowlandnobleman6746]

*knowledge intensifies*

[@betelguse16]

knowledge +5

[@ZarlanTheGreen]

...except that Shad's source, is a book about the Early Modern Era. (i.e has absolutely nothing to do with the Middle Ages) ...and even then, laws that require those *serving in a militia* to carry arms, has no bearing on what you're allowed to carry, as a normal person, at any time when you're _not_ actively serving in a militia, so...

[@jonharker9028]

​@@ZarlanTheGreen Did you pay attention to the bit where it covers "the 1400s to 1700s", beginning comfortably within the Medieval period that Shad had defined at the beginning of this video [1000 to 1500]? Or are you trying to poke holes where there are none to be found? Further, serving in a militia was hardly the only reason to mandate bearing swords-there was general self defence [as he mentioned, in many places the only enforcement of law was oneself or another person] and the desire to ensure that no more dangerous [or more ungainly] weapons [such as polearms] were carried instead. I'd hope that this explains everything; if not, there are always those more informed commenters, and the wonderful world of research [Google Scholar is free to use].

[@ZarlanTheGreen]

@@jonharker9028 _" "the 1400s to 1700s""_ So something that covers *only the very end* of the Middle Ages, is something that represents *the Middle Ages as a whole?* _"Further, serving in a militia was hardly the only reason to mandate bearing swords"_ According to *this video:* Yes it is. Besides which: Where does the laws state that you may carry swords about, in public, when you are (in terms of militia/guard duty) *off duty?* Do any of the laws, say that such a thing is allowed? Shad certainly hasn't shown, or claimed, that they do. _"there was general self defence [as he mentioned, in many places the only enforcement of law was oneself or another person]"_ No one is disputing that you could carry a sword, whilst you travelled *between* settlements. Carrying a sword *in public* however... (and no, the road between settlements, or the middle of a forest, or the like, is not "in public") _"and the desire to ensure that no more dangerous [or more ungainly] weapons [such as polearms] were carried instead."_ People were not allowed, and wouldn't want to, carry such weapons in public. (Shad says he hasn't heard of laws against it. This is because no one bothers to mention such thing, as they are matters of course, not worth mentioning) _"I'd hope that this explains everything"_ It explains that you are very far, indeed, from being particularly intellectual, and are a man of rather shallow thought. Much like Shad himself. You think one or two steps, but no further ...and do not even think to try to control for your own biases and wishful thinking.

[@pekkamakela2566]

Three's a couple of examples of weapon laws. During 6th century private militaries and body guards were not allowed to carry shields in constantinople. Swords, spears, bows and armor was okay. In anglo saxon england slaves could not own weapons. In scandinavia laws recuired everyone to be armed in accordance of ones wealth. Shield and spear for free men, mail, sword, spear and shield for farmers who owned their land. Everyone was also supposed to pay their part of a viking ship.

[@pekkamakela2566]

@Hoàng Nguyên no idea

[@pekkamakela2566]

@White-Van Helsing no shield, so they could not take on imperial troops

[@zvonimirtomac7896]

We all know they were all carried on the backs.

[@Klaaism]

Does the back sheath count as open or concealed carry?

[@Ducaso]

@@Klaaism It's definitely still open carry. Unless the sword and sheath are covered by an over-cloak so as to conceal the entirety of the blade from the tip to the pommel. Overtly printing to the untrained eye is also considered *not* concealed and is generally regarded as a poor practice of concealed carry and deserving of a reprimand for being lazy.

[@casthelion416]

I recently starting writing a novel and my first thoughts was: "how will I build my word?" because I always love it when a story is in a well-written believable world. Then I remembered that you were sponsored by a world-building website not long before that so I started searching through all your video's for that sponsor and I have to say I really love World Anvil and the site helped me a lot already for setting up the basics of my world. So thumbs up for them! speaking about writing, will you be making any 'about writing' video's again anytime soon. I loved the other video's you did and they also really helped me to get started and they let me know where I had to do research in for starting my book. but any more information form you is always appreciated.

[@DZ-1987]

"You got a loicense for owning this sword, Bruv?" And then the same in German. Best thing.

[@DZ-1987]

Make it a meme. "You got a loicense for owning this *insert whatever it is you wish here* , bruv?"

[@username5502]

You got a permit for that sword loicense?

[@AUTOBOTGJB1997]

1400: Law requires you to own swords 2019: Can't own a potato peeler.

[@basicallyhell4150]

time to move to TEXAS

[@slyryan5550]

fro reals tho in Canada you can't own a fking shurikin for crying out loud they aren't even lethal

[@L0rd0fLight1]

@@slyryan5550 You can own guns in Canada though.

[@rwbimbie5854]

1700s: Fed had to compromise and appease States to entice them to join Union 2000s: Fed dictates orders onto helpless states that are held prisoner under claim YOU CANT SECEDE, SUX2BU

[@L0rd0fLight1]

@@n_crowe Not true at all, you can own handguns (need restricted gun licence) and semi-automatic rifles (just need a normal gun licence (depending on the gun)), where did you hear that you could only buy bolt action hunting rifles? www.firearmsoutletcanada.com

[@bigfatminer5590]

Any one else wanting D&D shadiversity series/stream????

[@player5.568]

It is not d&d but look up tabletop time on KZbin. shad and his brother made their own tabletop game and played it there

[@bigfatminer5590]

@@player5.568cool I'll give it a check out love table top stuff

[@photosyntheticzee9915]

I imagine, especially in the early part of the medieval period just coming out of the dark ages, the cost of a sword restricted who could have them more than any law.

[@Kevin-gg2bl]

"The only lords who banned sword, was so the peasants couldn't fight back when you were bullying them." The world changes, but human actions do not.

[@collinspecht6725]

America's founding fathers were very attentive to history

[@sheepdog5799]

Exactly. This the case today.

[@dashiellgillingham4579]

Exactly 43% of the people in exactly one country on modern Earth believe that not being able to commit mass murder means they are oppressed, and put actual military equipment into the hands of their police officers.

[@NODnuke45]

@@dashiellgillingham4579 Exactly 100% of criminals and mass murderers will ignore whatever laws they want to, including those about weapons.

[@dashiellgillingham4579]

@@NODnuke45 Guns do not grow on trees.

[@nathangamble125]

A place where owning a weapon is mandatory, so that the citizenry can form an armed militia to defend if invaded... Switzerland?

[@rabbidninja79]

And there are also 5 cities in the US that mandate each household own at least 1 firearm. A few of them also mandate that its carried at all times.

[@herosstratos]

@@rabbidninja79 Kennesaw.

[@rabbidninja79]

@@herosstratos that'd be the one.

[@charlesbackstrom6571]

i never heard about it until you mentioned it and i started using it right away because it was just what i needed

[@1512125]

Can confirm; Worldanvil is awesome, using it for my DnD campaign world

[@DPSpade4ever]

A hello here from Texas where we can carry a sword. I mix it up along with guns but we rarely do but we can.

[@firestorm165]

Daniel Powers sounds like a cosplay paradise to me

[@alejandrofernandezcastro5421]

What about a sabregun? Shad made a video on it

[@Factory26_]

Carry a dress sword and also have a sidearm, if I was in Texas that would be my EDC.

[@DPSpade4ever]

@@Factory26_ most I ever carry is 9mm two clips extra and a sword cane.

[@sergeantsharkseant]

As a Fun Fakt Wappon Laws are in Germany quite hard. But there is nothing required as to be 18 years old to legally carry a sword quite everywhere just at publik Events and other stuff where now spoon is allowed you can’t carry a sword. The funny thing is long knives are illegal.

[@princeoftonga]

I’ve done some research into gun laws in the 19th century western United States and Interestingly it sounds like there are some strong parralells in the laws. For example most towns and cities in the old west didn’t allow someone to just carry their gun around in town. Or you had restrictions on the times you were allowed to. Most of the time you had to hand your gun in to the sheriff or at your hotel.

[@exodeonsalviej9337]

Your editor is wonderful, Shad. Also, whip blades for Fantasy: Re-Armed. The only reason I ask is because I would love to hear an in-depth analysis that I could apply to my own book series.

[@sinbadsolomon8508]

Glenn Bender Only liars would make such a false claim. *nods*

[@puppetmasterey]

I wish America has an open carry law for swords on the federal level.

[@nickkohlmann]

Y'all got unsecured assault rifles in your barns anyway

[@joshuahadams]

Surely “right to bear arms” extends to weapons beyond firearms?

[@brandonogden3498]

Um. Technically it seems like it *should* be okay in most localities so long as you don't conceal the weapon. If you have a concealed weapon permit, sword shenanigans are a go I think.

[@RealSeanithan]

Unfortunately, no such law is likely to happen. However, here in Indiana, swords aren't differentiated from long knives, and you can carry a knife of any blade length, open or concealed here, as long as you're at least 18. So here, you can carry a sword if you want; you're likely to be stopped by police and asked why you're carrying a sword, but then you'll just be sent on your way unless your carrying the sword is inciting panic.

[@XxLeggZxX]

@@nickkohlmann "Assault rifles" have been banned since 1986 here in the states. Some (very limited number) were grandfathered in (meaning if you owned it before the ban took effect, you could legally keep it. registered of course), and only FFLs/ SOTs can own Post-Ban (manufactured after April of 1986) "Assault rifles"/ Machine guns.

[@Bitfire31337]

Text of old drawing at 3:56 is some old German with "U" written as "V". It reads (in slightly more modern writing): "Haust du mich, so stich ich dich.", which translates to "If you punch me, then I'll stab you."

[@orion8981]

Good to see "the only unfair fight is the one you lose" has been around forever.

[@BlackJack21007]

Words to live by

[@Bitfire31337]

@@BlackJack21007 I'd rather not 😄✌️. Though in some places, there's sadly too many people living by that 😕. In others (esp. US), it's more important to remember "never bring a knife to a gunfight".

[@minorantagonist7090]

I think that legally requiring weapon ownership is a very underrated and overlooked idea in modern day- in theory and in the few instances of practice I am aware of, it seems remarkably effective

[@1207rorupar]

Hi Shad! On the topic of legal requirement of owning or carrying weapons, in the city of Barcelona citizens were required to own not only a melee/cutting weapon, but also a crossbow. They were also required to answer the "host" or militia of the city in case of emergency (I think they usually were organized according to Guild and/or neighborhood). The weapons were supposed to be properly maintained, if not there was a fine. I don't know if other cities had a similar requirement for owning not only a melee weapon but also a proyectile one (be it bow or crossbow)

[@GooglyEyedJoe]

5:22 - That's actually an interesting thing I found out, my local village here in England called Cheam is featured in the Domesday Book as having 42 households consisting of 25 villagers, 5 slaves and 12 cottagers but it was owned by the Archbishop of Canterbury whilst nearby Sutton (Interestingly its a bigger town than Cheam now but at the time it was quite a bit smaller than Cheam) was owned by the Abbey of Chertsey (St Peter) so we had quite a lot of church owned land around here, it would be interesting to know how the villagers or "cottagers" purchased or rented land from the Archbishop or the Abbey.

[@leobriccocola8141]

So I was playing Dwarf Fortress and thinking about whether I should use leather armor or go straight to metal and a thought occurred, What would dwarven armor even be like? How would say, dwarven plate mail look and function compared to their taller humanoid counterparts? Would dwarves have different types of armors depending on what enemy they're fighting? (Dwarf vs humanoid, Dwarf vs Dwarf, etc) Like how you looked at what kind of weapons different species would use, Doing the same for armor could be quite interesting.

[@Vagabond671]

Very interesting question!

[@bretalvarez3097]

I would assume they would just scale down human armor to fit themselves effectively, but if they have different body proportions relative to humans than they couldn’t just size down human armor. So the answer would depend on the physiology of the dwarves in question which varies from fiction to fiction.

[@spacedinosaur8733]

@meaturama Their are several types of "little people" in fantasy setting that would be horrified that you grouped them together just by size. From traditional AD&D we have Dwarves, Halflings, Gnomes, Goblins, Kobolds, just to name a few. In my favorite game Talislanta, we have Darklings, Ferran, Gnomekin, The Green Men, Weirdlings & maybe the Whisps (though like their larger cousins the Muses of Astar, may be considered a type of Fae or mini-elemental).

[@zarlsalamandersspacemarine302]

Thanks for the video shad!

[@chaosheaven23]

I feel like Shad's dropping some hard metaphorical insight on modern problems revolving around the ownership of weapons. Good stuff, man.

[@volatiledawn5888]

I'm really glad you defined the medieval period and area you are talking about at the beginning of the video, it makes the whole video less nebulous and more reputable.

[@MikMoen]

"If it was really bad, just straight execution." Funny how with today's Law you'd be charged as a Murderer for Murdering a Murderer.

[@saberserpent1134]

Hideyoshi: "Being able to wield a sword and rise through military ranks allowed me to escape poverty and climb to the highest rung of power." Also Hideyoshi: "Poor people can't have swords anymore, SORRY."

[@philplessis]

Hello Shad, some precisions here from a very specific part of medieval Europe : during the XIIIth century, Louis the IXth king of France (to become Saint Louis) enforced a general ban on commoners carrying weapons; the purpose was to limit misdeeds and make sure that only the army, law enforcement and nobles were allowed to carry. These regulations have not really been altered since by the governments that came next. on a side note, you said something about "a noble knight", which is redundant as when some guy is "knighted", he instantly becomes a noble person ;) thanks for the videos and all the historical info :)

[@danthiel8623]

Phil Plessis it seems to me that this example is a single case and it is because the law enforcement is more prevalent.

[@andrewkelleher2415]

Also to the best of my knowledge knights were cavalry, not ALWAYS noble but usually affluent as to afford horses and nicer arms. I believe knighthood in england was only available exclusively to nobility but please correct me if im wrong

[@reallunacy]

So a lot of people don't realize how new the idea of a police force is. Back in the day you policed your own area and if someone was "arrested" you'd keep them until the "judge" who would travel between towns in a circuit arrived in town.

[@ethanmccormack9561]

Some people in England actually went to court to prove they were a surf and not a freeman. There was pros and cons for being both a surf or freeman and some freemen actually gave up being a freeman to become a surf.

[@kinglouiev9530]

What weapons would killer bunnies carry? I know it’s weird, but they are in medieval artwork.

[@lhdl3870]

Maces to deal with those miserable human armors

[@CyrusOfNaias]

4:15 Let me guess, Shad. Someone stole your sweet roll?

[@bspeers76]

Excellent summary of this interesting topic! Keep up the good work.

[@SuperRoboPopoto]

Shad... Mad props of being the first youtuber to be sponsered by something I'd actual use. As D&D player I do a lot of world building for my DM. Loreing out civilizations, towns, many artifacts, etc.. Gonna check this worldanvil out now... Sounds like something I do need.

[@shanejarry1978]

"You didn't own the land" Almost like now in America with property taxes....

[@nunyabusiness9307]

I like to think of swords as comparable to modern pistols. You don’t carry around an M40 assault rifle for self defense, because even though it’s a more effective weapon, it’s difficult to carry around. Instead, you carry your pistol with you. In the same way, you don’t carry a massive polearm, because that’d get in the way. You carry a sword.

[@catfishcave379]

"...Geeky nerdy fantasy side of me." You mean you have another side??

[@dorkmax7073]

According to Ian Mortimer, in his book The Time Travelers Guide to Medieval England, under the provisions of the Statute of Winchester of 1285, every man of fighting age was actually required to carry a sword or axe, because Hew and Cry required him to essentially be deputized should the shire reeve call on him. "Men with a net worth of 20 marks or more, or £10 income income from their land, must have an iron breastplate, a hauberk, a sword, and a knife. Those with £5 income from the land must have a quilted jacket, breastplate, sword, and knife. Even the poorest men must keep some weapons; a sword and knife with a bow and some arrows, or a crossbow for those who live within forests." (Mortimer pg. 121) And swords were fairly easy to acquire, too. A peasant could definitely afford a sword, or a more practical axe. "The swords which peasants use are cheap- you can buy a blade in some places for as little as 6d- but if you are sensible you will wear a weapon that looks as if it's owner knows how to use it. A serviceable blade with a leather-bound hilt can be bought for 1s to 2s; a good scabbard and belt will be 1s more." (Mortimer pg. 121) However, as you say, many cities restrict bearing your weapons within city limits. Ian Mortimer specifically says that, when you entered the city, it was customary for your host or innkeeper to look after your weapon.

[@Mike_Hogsheart]

Something we did in one of the fantasy roleplaying settings I was playing was to implement a mandatory seal you had to put on your weapon when you wanted to enter town with it. For swords, you would tie a piece of string around the scabbard and crossguard, held in place by a wax seal bearing the town's crest. The moment you drew your sword the seal would be broken. If you were caught with a broken seal, you would have some serious explaining to do. At the same time, you could have your sword with you and draw it in case you had to defend yourself. Similar sealing methods were available for pretty much any style of weapon. The seals had to be bought from the city guard for a modest sum, or you could leave your weapons locked away at the gate you entered through.

[@MalrexMontresor]

For the murder hobos in my D&D campaign, I had the main city "peace-bond" any weapons that were brought in. This was an enchanted wax seal that prevented you from using your weapon to strike anyone. When you left the city, they would remove the wax seal. Now, law enforcement were allowed to have their own weapons unbonded, to which my canny players decided to just steal from the city watch when they needed weapons to murder a rival party. Which turned out to be unnecessary- the city had a system in place for violent disputes. If you wanted to kill somebody, you could just take them to court and "sue" them. In this city, trial by combat was the prescribed method to settle disputes, though people who were not great fighters could hire a "lawyer" to defend them- a lawyer being a duelist well-versed in local law. It was recommended to hire a lawyer since different areas of the law required different types of duels, weapons, and even handicaps. For example, accusing your neighbor of witchcraft required a sword duel with two-handed greatswords. Adultery was a duel by truncheons. Patent infringement was a duel with cat-o-nine tails. If the dispute happens on the religious holiday of Saint Vaush the Blind, both duelists must be blindfolded. And so on. There were hundreds of technical details in the laws that could modify a court case to one's advantage or disadvantage. I give my wife credit for this idea, because she's a lawyer, and when she played D&D for the first time, she wanted to play as a lawyer. Rather than make up a new class, based on the bard or something, I worked with my wife to create a city where "lawyer" meant mercenary killer (i.e. fighter) with a few points in Knowledge (law). She wasn't actually interested in the dice rolling aspect, but she roleplayed the hell out of her character, creating much of the by-laws and regulations I use in my campaign today.

[@moekitsune]

This is such a great concept

[@tinycowboy248]

Before you could finish Shad I msg all my dms to check it out, this will SO help us out. THANK YOU

[@GanoGaming]

I love the Thumbnail. Shad is like: "What? You.. You mean this sword?"

[@JellieBean123]

I already watched the video afew hours ago. Just came back because I just noticed the thumbnail in my sub box. That thumbnail is just perfect. Love it. "Are... Are you talking to me? A.. license...? For this? Uhmm.. You... You know. Yes I do. Buuut... Uhmm... Oh snap, guess I got in my other gambeson... But I totally do have one! I swear!"

[@1066BigDaddy]

Great vid, Shad! The thing I like the most, the thing I'm constantly reminding people of when HEMAvangelizing, is that the Medieval period was very long and very diverse. There is no one clear answer for anything that covers the whole time and the entire continent. Good job!

[@alistergoody6869]

video idea -who would come out on top out of the fantasy rearmed series like the best way each beast/species/character/etc could defeat each other with the weapons you have 're-equipped' them with

[@Obi-Wan_Kenobi]

*I'll have you know my laser sword is protected by the King's Second **-Amendment-** Decree!*

[@Siri.L]

I love Shad’s expression in the thumbnail XD

[@svanevik8407]

Hey. love Your content. you was the one that encouraged me to Get in to history,knights. ect Keep up the god work

[@svanevik8407]

Btw i m 10

[@carrickrichards2457]

In England, there was a 1515 statute that required archery practice every sunday. I am not sure if it was ever specifically repealed. There are other odd 'legacy' statutes (Look up ownership of swans and public pee'ing on your vehicle wheel).

[@dorvinion]

Basically, the more power the governing agent had, the less willing that agent was to recognize the liberties of those within his sphere of power. A good reason to embrace decentralization of Nation States, and especially to oppose any sort of global governance

[@normalguy5953]

Oi You got a license for the sword mate?

[@hydrogenone6866]

If Swords were illegal, then mercenary bands would also illegal.

[@jackwriter1908]

I don't think, that it has to be that way. When the mercenarys are being paid to protect, then... I think you understand what I mean.

[@TrueMentorGuidingMoonlight]

If you want to get rid of a mercenary band, just wait until the next solar eclipse.

[@OriginalSoulbourne]

Unless, you know, the mercenary bands are recognized by the lord and thus members are not considered private citizens and thus not bound by the private citizen restrictions. The military and the police were not as restricted when doing their duty. This is true even today, a lot of PMCs have military hardware in countries where it's heavily illegal to own such equipment, but they're free to own and be trained with the stuff because they're a registered PMC and thus have the needed paperwork to have such stuff that their members would never individually be allowed to own. Course, especially in the medieval period free companies were pretty hard to police and often given a free hand by local lords outside of war. While they essentially became encamped bandits, as long as they were kept nearby and observable during downtime, the lords would have first dibs essentially to hire these professional soldiers when war broke out, even if they caused some strife in between. Any attempt to dislodge them would in turn be an active military campaign against an established and potentially fortified camp of professional soldiers, which could be costly and would also eliminate potential resources for war.

[@Incurafy]

"It's that geeky, nerdy, fantasy side of me." Shad, you mean it's just you, right?

[@bri5490]

I know in France the feudal peasantry and burghers were forbidden to carry swords, because they were seen as instrument of warfare and belonging to the warrior class. This also applied in England although it wasn’t largely enforced. The English peasantry were encouraged to practice archery. Edward I introduced compulsory archery practice on Sunday’s and holy days and forbade other sports. During the reign of Edward III the Archery Law 1363 was introduced, commanded obligatory practice of archery.

[@cdgonepotatoes4219]

A line of thought we can follow on "ethicacy" of sword carry in the city would be like how nowadays even in the more lax (stable) countries on gun law you don't see people going around with rifles and shotguns, why? because they're cumbersome for everyday life, so unless that person just got in the city or is going out you'd start asking yourself "what's that bloke doing lugging around that thing? surely he's not going groceries" and the local guard is asked to approach the carrier to make them a couple questions. At night some cities I believe had a curfew so by default you may be taken in the guard house by default if you're seen going around and the possible combination of both having a longsword and not signaling themselves with a source of light can make one very suspicious, so it's clearly stated "please don't be that guy" in the law.

[@dracone4370]

There's a decent resource for looking into academic materials online that I was introduced to back in college, jstor.org and I think a visit and proper search there might help you out in your studies going forward if you haven't made use of the site just yet