Polearms are always two handed weapons
with the primary attack motion an overarm thrust thus attack tactics with such weapons are
impossible when vertical clearances are less than the weapon length plus one-half the
wielder height.
All polearms are allotted an intrinsic shield defense value.
This is to reflect the dramatic length advantage. It is appropriate to apply this
advantage defensively against weapons 5 or more ft shorter until
the attacker successfully penetrates this defense. Once compromised, the shield
value no longer applies.
† Partisan, Pike, Spontoon and Footman's Lance
must be either discarded, "shortened up" or the wielder must fall back one-half
the weapon's length for each subsequent attack. Shortening up a polearm requires that
sufficient unobstructed space behind the wielder is available for the shaft. This tactic reduces "to hit" percentages by -15%.
The other listed polearms have secondary impact points or edges along the side for use as
a hammer, axe or pick after initial contact, making such adjustments unnecessary.
The effect of such long weapons on attackers is difficult to model in individual melee.
An attacker must pass safely inside the reach of such weapons to make an effective
strike/attack. Skillful use of polearms in phalanx formation often makes this impossible.
Additional difficulty is encountered when a "shield wall" is placed in front of
the polearm wielders inside the polearm points. Fortunately the mass combat where these
situations would be reasonably encountered are unusual in individual role-play.