Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 w00f Apr 08, 2009 10:39:16	So this is purely a fluff thing, but I was thinking of making a gnoll Beastmaster Ranger and, in looking at the weapons, it looks like an Executioner Axe would be the best for him. Runner up is the Fullblade. The thing is, I'm tempted to pick the Fullblade for only one reason: I know how you carry a sword when you're not using it. You put it in a sheath. Since it's a very big sword, this sheath would be over his back rather than at his hip. Alright then. But what about a Greataxe? Because that's basically what an Executioner's axe is. How do you "sheath" that? Try as I might, I just can't picture it...the weapon really does work well for him, and it's not like I'm opposed to using it or anything, but I want to be able to see what it looks like when he draws his weapon, for example. I want to know the mechanics of how he keeps it without hurting himself. That kind of stuff. Can anyone tell me how a greataxe can be properly stored on your person when not in use?
#2 drackcove Apr 08, 2009 10:46:09	it is stored the same way as the greatsword, on his back. it doesnt have a sheath its strapped on. in reallity you would need someones help to take it off same as a greatsword, and no you cant "unsheath" a greatsword, or even a longsword, strapped to your back, your arm isnt long enough. Try it youll see i am right.
#3 agentorangina Apr 08, 2009 10:46:43	You don't store it, you carry it. Everywhere. All the time. In this way though you never have to spend an action to draw it.
#4 Darkwolf_Bloodsbane Apr 08, 2009 10:52:15	You don't store it, you carry it. Everywhere. All the time. In this way though you never have to spend an action to draw it. Yup. Characters I have had with 2-handed weapons: Druid with Quarterstaff (Walking Stick.) Duskblade with Halberd (carried various ways, always in hand while awake.) Avenger with Heavy War Pick (Over shoulder, mostly.) Barbarian with Greataxe. (over the shoulder. One blade in the ground when not carrying it.)
#5 w00f Apr 08, 2009 10:56:55	@Drackcove: "Strapped on" how so? As in needing to undo the strap to draw it? Because I don't see it viable any other way and if you need to undo a strap to have it in your hand then you'll have a strap dangling around you all combat. Unless I'm envisioning this totally wrong o.o Also, with regard to greatsword and longsword sheaths on your back, I had always assumed that there would simply be a slit in one side of the sheath going down enough to where you could move the blade out of it as you drew it (pushing it through where the sheath would be rather than just pulling the whole length of the blade out). @AgentOrangina and Darkwolf: I wouldn't want my character to do that really, it seems...clunky to me I guess. The examples Darkwolf gave are good enough, a quarterstaff is super easy to fluff out that way for any class really, but since this is going to be a character who runs through the wilds with his companion at his side carrying his greataxe over his shoulder wouldn't really work too well. Also, I'd like some way to keep his hands free. Especially since he'll also have a bow for his ranged attacks if need be, and it wouldn't be prudent to need to drop the axe in order to fire the bow, which he'd probably use only in rare circumstances, so he'd need to drop the bow to pick up the axe in order to go back into melee, and that's just silly looking
#6 entropy_judge Apr 08, 2009 11:19:00	Frankly, a greataxe is just too big a weapon to really 'carry' in a fashion that won't get in the way. Your best shot would probably be to get some kind of leather covering (like what's used for golf clubs) to fit over the heads, a cord of some kind to fit around the head and attach to a bandoleer or something around your neck (so you can 'drop' it to use a bow or to free both hands and still have it available) and treat it as a half-staff or a walking stick. In reality, one would never carry a greataxe/sword around with it on their person - it'd be packed away, because a 4'+ weapon around without it getting in the way.
#7 Darkwolf_Bloodsbane Apr 08, 2009 11:27:05	@Drackcove: "Strapped on" how so? As in needing to undo the strap to draw it? Because I don't see it viable any other way and if you need to undo a strap to have it in your hand then you'll have a strap dangling around you all combat. Unless I'm envisioning this totally wrong o.o Also, with regard to greatsword and longsword sheaths on your back, I had always assumed that there would simply be a slit in one side of the sheath going down enough to where you could move the blade out of it as you drew it (pushing it through where the sheath would be rather than just pulling the whole length of the blade out). @AgentOrangina and Darkwolf: I wouldn't want my character to do that really, it seems...clunky to me I guess. The examples Darkwolf gave are good enough, a quarterstaff is super easy to fluff out that way for any class really, but since this is going to be a character who runs through the wilds with his companion at his side carrying his greataxe over his shoulder wouldn't really work too well. Also, I'd like some way to keep his hands free. Especially since he'll also have a bow for his ranged attacks if need be, and it wouldn't be prudent to need to drop the axe in order to fire the bow, which he'd probably use only in rare circumstances, so he'd need to drop the bow to pick up the axe in order to go back into melee, and that's just silly looking The problem with a greataxe is the sheer SIZE of the bloody thing. It's easier than the Halberd(You try strapping a weapon taller than you to your back.), but not by much. (And you don't DROP the axe to fire the bow. You sink it ~3 inches into the dirt. That way it's a lot easier to pick back up.) The Strapped to the back can also work, if you can get something approximating a, um, what's the word... Catch? Snap? Clasp? (I think that last one's what I was looking for.) (this is why I hate the internet. I can't just shape my hands to show you.) Ok, envision a pole about the same diameter as a Greataxe's hilt. Envision a Wooden/metal "cap" a little bigger around than the ... You know what, screw it. Better plan. (and by "better," I mean, "easier to describe without pictures.") Hook it through your belt. to keep from accidentally cutting your arm off, have a shaped leather and metal hood that goes over the blade. Or, think of FFXI, where my original idea comes from (sorta): it clasps to your back, but can be easily pulled free. And a greatsword strapped to the back is a LOT harder to get at than you'd think, even with the Slit. And when you consider the effects of running a blade along the sheath every time you use it... EDIT: It's too bad this isn't Desperado. you could carry it in a guitar case. :D
#8 umcorian Apr 08, 2009 11:28:00	In D&D terms, best way to store a Great Axe is using the golf-club cover type thing someone said above, and then shove it into a Bag of Holding. So long as its covered, it won't rupture the bag. As far as one who actually uses the great axe in battle - that's a bit of a logistical nightmare, unless you always wanna walk around with it drawn. If it concerns you, I'd recommend is getting a custom-made one in the model of a White Lion from Warhammer: http://mythicmktg.fileburst.com/war/us/home/images/newsletter/2008_10/he_armor_whitelion_Epic.jpg While still two-handed, it looks much more manageable and you could carry it over your shoulder, with the blade sticking behind you, with your shoulder fitting neatly between the haft and the blade (just make sure the rear of the blade is smooth and blunt) or even hook it to your belt if you're over 6 feet tall (most axe-users tend to be. heh). The length of the pole may drag in the ground behind you a bit, but it probably wouldn't slow you down... and any time you want stealth, you'd probably be carrying it anyway.
#9 drackcove Apr 08, 2009 11:37:19	In real life great weapon are not practical to keep sheathed right before combat. its not weight, its dimensions and size. in real life people who used two handed swords or axes had them drawn long before combat even started.
#10 w00f Apr 08, 2009 11:46:39	you don't DROP the axe to fire the bow. You sink it ~3 inches into the dirt. That way it's a lot easier to pick back up. Now I do like that idea, it's pretty cool =3. I still want to be able to store the greataxe though, mainly because this ranger will have stealth, and it's tough for me to imagine someone being stealthy while actively wielding a greataxe XD Hook it through your belt. to keep from accidentally cutting your arm off, have a shaped leather and metal hood that goes over the blade. That might work, but I'm having a hard time picturing it...maybe I'm just thinking that it would hamper my movement too much o.o Or, think of FFXI, where my original idea comes from (sorta): it clasps to your back, but can be easily pulled free. I'm actually not familiar with much FF, so I don't know what this would be like o.o And a greatsword strapped to the back is a LOT harder to get at than you'd think, even with the Slit. And when you consider the effects of running a blade along the sheath every time you use it... Yea, I know, that's why I was trying to think of a way to carry it that would make sense for drawing it as a free action...I could think og some form of complicated apparatus of snaps and ties and such, but I just couldn't see anyone being able to swiftly ready a weapon that's stored in such a way T_T In D&D terms, best way to store a Great Axe is using the golf-club cover type thing someone said above, and then shove it into a Bag of Holding. So long as its covered, it won't rupture the bag. I expect to be starting at 1st level though, so I doubt I'll have a Bag of Holding o.o If it concerns you, I'd recommend is getting a custom-made one in the model of a White Lion from Warhammer: http://mythicmktg.fileburst.com/war/us/home/images/newsletter/2008_10/he_armor_whitelion_Epic.jpg While still two-handed, it looks much more manageable and you could carry it over your shoulder, with the blade sticking behind you, with your shoulder fitting neatly between the haft and the blade (just make sure the rear of the blade is smooth and blunt) or even hook it to your belt if you're over 6 feet tall (most axe-users tend to be. heh). The length of the pole may drag in the ground behind you a bit, but it probably wouldn't slow you down... and any time you want stealth, you'd probably be carrying it anyway. That actually makes me think...how about carrying the axe over the shoulder facing backwards as you suggested, but have the haft strapped tight to the character's chest? Either bringing it straight down or crossing the chest. Gnolls are +7ft after all, and that would allow him to just undo the snap and lift the axe off of his shoulder to draw it, no? Or would that look a little awkward? 0.o. @Darcove: Well yea, but in real life people also don't throw magic spells or shoot arrows at each target in range in the span of four seconds ;) . I know that I'm trying to be realistic with the weapon storage, but I'm willing to bend the laws of reality a wee bit to explain how a weapon is being held. Due to game mechanics I don't really need to, but I'd prefer to have a visual of it really. In fact, I'd prefer it to the extend that if I didn't I'd rather use the suboptimal Fullblade o.o
#11 person34 Apr 08, 2009 11:51:12	Yeah, if you are looking at a logistical type of thing, a fullblade and a great-axe are just as likely to cause problems. If it were my game, I would have you spend 20 gold on a specialized sheath that has a clasp on it that you can snap open and closed by twisting your blade into it. This would go on your back. Other than something that is highly highly specialized for what you want, the normal thing to do would be to put it in a box, and carry it with you. Then before you think you are going to get into battle, open the box take out your weapon and continue on your way while carrying it. Then, in battle you would have to drop your weapon (axe or fullblade) to draw your bow. Or, if you are feeling especially daring get, I think they are called, brawlers gloves, and then you can throw your weapon, and then draw your bow.
#12 w00f Apr 08, 2009 11:56:20	For the Fullblade, what's wrong with the sheath I suggested earlier, cut to allow the blade to be moved out to the side when it becomes impossible to pull the rest of it out? o.o As for the specialized sheath thing, I'd totally spring the extra gold for it. Would that work for a Greataxe though? And if so, how? I guess I might be having trouble picturing it.
#13 umcorian Apr 08, 2009 11:57:33	That actually makes me think...how about carrying the axe over the shoulder facing backwards as you suggested, but have the haft strapped tight to the character's chest? Either bringing it straight down or crossing the chest. Gnolls are +7ft after all, and that would allow him to just undo the snap and lift the axe off of his shoulder to draw it, no? Or would that look a little awkward? 0.o. It would look a bit odd, but probably not all that awkward to wear. It could be like a narrow leather pouch on the right side of your armor, about a foot deep. To "sheath", cradle the axe around your shoulder between the blade and the haft, and then slip the pole into the pouch - and both hands are free. You can even sit down if you wanted. To draw it, simply grab the haft beneath the head and hoist up and out, then turn the axe around in your hands. Logically sound, I think.
#14 w00f Apr 08, 2009 12:02:53	Yea I think it would work. Though if I can find a less awkward looking way that would probably be preferable. Speaking of... Some digging on google images has yielded this: Seems viable, right? If the leather pouch you were talking about was on the back instead, and there was a leather loop with a snap on it on the back near the axe head then he could just unsnap and unsheathe just like with it being in front, yes?
#15 inigocarmine Apr 08, 2009 12:02:59	Don't be too drawn in by the usual fantasy/anime art; a greataxe isn't necessarily a 6-ft long weapon with a 4-ft wide head weighing 60 lbs. It's an axe that's too big to effectively use 1-handed...I'd qualify the usual "fire axe" (never seen one in real life, but movies always have them) as being pretty close to this size. It should be possible to "sheath" one on your back or at your hip. I imagine a series of leather hoops about 1.5-2x the diameter of the axe haft..or maybe leather-wrapped metallic hoops you would slide the haft through. The hoops are fixed but rotatable at one end and free on the other. The weight of the axe forces the free end of the hoop down down so the two interior surfaces of the hoop end up flush with the axe haft (the leather provides friction to reduce slippage). Add some reinforced leather/hide to the armor/clothes of the wearer to prevent motion of the axe head from cutting , and a flap that goes over the head of the axe preventing any upward motion (and further wearer protection) for travel storage. Sheathing the thing would take a few seconds and some concentration, but drawing it is simple enough.
#16 Fireclave Apr 08, 2009 12:07:42	STOP....Hammerspace! Actually, I'm pretty sure there's a summoning weapon enchantment in both 3e and 4e which would litterally allow you to pull your weapon from hammerspace. I could also see a greataxe stapped to one's back and still be easily drawable with its one that's big on blade and short on haft. As for covering the blade with not in use, there are such things as axe sheaths.
#17 umcorian Apr 08, 2009 12:08:44	Yea I think it would work. Though if I can find a less awkward looking way that would probably be preferable. Speaking of... Some digging on google images has yielded this: Seems viable, right? If the leather pouch you were talking about was on the back instead, and there was a leather loop with a snap on it on the back near the axe head then he could just unsnap and unsheathe just like with it being in front, yes? That does look very nice, yes, and would be viable for storage... but not really for drawing. I'm trying to imagine how he'd draw it... best I can come up with is reaching over his shoulder with his right-hand, twisting his arm back in an almost impossible angle, while squatting over to reduce the distance between his hand and haft, then pulling it over his shoulder. This will reverse the direction of the blade, so the axe head is facing the ground, so then, he has to spin the blade end over end before he can use it. And yes... I know pointing this out certifies me as a complete, irredeemable dork... but I think me and OP are good company. All I know is I stick to greatswords - this is my Hexblade (can't claim credit for the artwork though - a friend found it for me): The only thing wrong is the fat head at the end of the blade (would make sheathing near impossible), but the picture was so damn cool as is, I didn't bother photoshopping it.
#18 person34 Apr 08, 2009 12:10:47	The way I have it imagined is it is just an arc of metal that one end of the blade can sit in that is lined with leather. Then there is a metal contraption is attached to this, that when you put the axe head into this arc (that is form fitted to the blade) and twist the shaft of the axe, the rest of the device (since thats really what it is now) snaps to cover the rest of the head. So it is sort of like a mouse trap in the way it works, only instead of being spring loaded it snaps into place. If I had a scanner I would draw a picture and upload it... its hard to describe.
#19 w00f Apr 08, 2009 12:17:51	I like the ring idea, but I think it might still need to be angled with a snap at the very end. I'm not just snap-happy either, lol, I just think that you'd have the same trouble unsheathing a greataxe as you would a greatsword if the loops supported it all the way. Unless you sorta tossed it as you drew it or something... Also, the point UMCorian makes is a good one: drawing it would be pretty difficult (*shares a beer with UMCorian* XD). The summoning weapon thing would be nice, but, unless I'm misinterperating the way weapon enhancements work in 4e, that would be the only enhancement I could get for my weapon, which would leave my character sorta underpowered. And while axe sheathes might exist, they're not too practical in the quick draw sense ;) Edit for ninja post: The way I have it imagined is it is just an arc of metal that one end of the blade can sit in that is lined with leather. Then there is a metal contraption is attached to this, that when you put the axe head into this arc (that is form fitted to the blade) and twist the shaft of the axe, the rest of the device (since thats really what it is now) snaps to cover the rest of the head. So it is sort of like a mouse trap in the way it works, only instead of being spring loaded it snaps into place. If I had a scanner I would draw a picture and upload it... its hard to describe. Yea this makes me curious now, hehe. How would it support the haft, since it seems like this contraption focuses entirely on the blade? And how would one draw the weapon in combat?
#20 w00f Apr 08, 2009 12:33:15	Okay, sorry for double post, but I just asked my roommate and he immediately came up with what seems like a really simple solution to the problem: Just have two strong clamps (basically) placed on your back which open if you yank the weapon out of it (think of not entirely complete circles of thick stiff leather) and you carry the weapon with the axe head pointed downwards rather than over your shoulder. The clamps hug its form, so they hold it tightly in place. It would be more difficult to re-sheathe, but unsheathing it should be no problem, especially considering this character will have a high str. Has he just solved our problem? XD
#21 umcorian Apr 08, 2009 12:35:39	Okay, sorry for double post, but I just asked my roommate and he immediately came up with what seems like a really simple solution to the problem: Just have two strong clamps (basically) placed on your back which open if you yank the weapon out of it (think of not entirely complete circles of thick stiff leather) and you carry the weapon with the axe head pointed downwards rather than over your shoulder. The clamps hug its form, so they hold it tightly in place. It would be more difficult to re-sheathe, but unsheathing it should be no problem, especially considering this character will have a high str. Has he just solved our problem? XD Yep, that would be fine as well - maybe steel buttons on one side of the clasps, so when you yank, they just pop free on one side and hang. The help you'd need resheathing it would be minimal... just someone to button the bottom and top while you hold the axe in place. Take about 5-6 seconds. Plus, I find stuff like that's good for camaraderie.
#22 w00f Apr 08, 2009 12:39:16	Well, this character is more of the self-sufficient type, so he wouldn't be one to ask others for help too often. The clamps I mentioned work without help though, since all you need to do is hold the haft in place and pull it back on. If it were another character concept, I'd use the snaps, I think that's a cool way to help roleplaying as well
#23 SourceOfEvil Apr 08, 2009 12:39:47	There are sheaths in RL for large axes. Mostly they are just to keep the edge of the weapon from cutting you while travelling, like the "golf club cover" people were talking about above. They can easily have a quick-draw function with a simple soft-leather thong being pulled or a metal buckle being drawn to release. For swords, there are specialized sheaths for carrying on your back with quick draw capability. Normally this consists of a leather sheath with one side solid and the other side cut low so a quick pull-twist releases the blade. The problem is getting them back in the sheath takes time. Of course, that's after the battle, so who cares, eh?
#24 w00f Apr 08, 2009 12:43:42	I knew about the axe sheaths before, I just didn't know where I'd actually put one on my character for such a big weapon =P And that low cut sheath for the sword is exactly what I was talking about earlier, heehee, I'm glad I'm not the only one who's thought of it I was starting to think that the lack of people confirming that it would work meant that I had overlooked something obvious X3
#25 person34 Apr 08, 2009 13:02:15	The clamp idea is what I was trying to get across. Even the orientation of the weapon is what I was imagining but forgot to explain while trying to explain the actual contraption. Only it has a catch that depending on which way you pull, or twist or whatever, opens or closes it, which allows for easy sheathing and unsheathing. As for the haft, I would imagine a metal bar that goes the length of the haft, that has little rests to put the haft into, and a quick snap on the top, or wherever you would grab to unsheeth the weapon, to hold it in place. So to unsheeth you snap the piece of leather which is super easy, like on a gun holster, grab the haft, twist to unclench the clamp, and lift maybe 2 inches. Swing the axe up and you are ready to go.
#26 arcana_man Apr 08, 2009 13:25:48	May i suggest duel wielding hand axe's. while not being as high damage as great axes you are duel wielding and can make up for lost damage. And you can throw them as ranged woupons instead of a bow. i cant imagine a wild beast type of persona having the calmness and precision to take the time to acuratly fire a bow. but as far as improving your ability to throw the axes, you could pick up a feat that allows you to add your strength to thrown weapons... Only thing you need a a good enough strength and dexterity... good things can come from getting those high... particular feats open up for you. Mayby get your hands on 13 inttelegence and pick up wirlwind attack and spring attack.... and mite i suggest a feat that allows you to do your move actions as if jumping from tree to tree.... great for wild beast characters... it requieres lots of climb and jump stats though... btw all these feats are in between the complete warrior and the complete adventurer... mayby one from the complete scoundrel.... sheesh i got ahead of myself ... is this 4th edition..... if it is.. i still stand by my suggestion to duel weild hand axes and beef your str and dex /edited lol i just imagined you jumping from tree to tree throwing axes while you have like 5 monkeys following you throwing rocks... haha
#27 LordMorbien Apr 08, 2009 13:43:40	What about a sheath for the axe head with an attached shoulder strap; when not expecting combat, you wear it like a baldric, wth the axehandle diagonal across your back. When combat looms, you just shrug off the strap, flip the cover off with a shake of your axe (a pair of actions easily simulated with Quick Draw) and you're ready for action.
#28 Aryxbez Apr 08, 2009 16:54:28	I'm surprised some folk are making this to seem somewhat of a big deal. Talking about all these fancy sheaths that I have no clue what they look like, or otherwise unsure as to how they work. As far as I'm aware, I've seen Axes to have been put away effectively. In such cases being in Dragon Quest 8 and in the movie: Kull the Conqueror. In Dragon Quest, the bandit character had it on his back, and would pull it off by grabbing it below the axe head using his back hand, and then reverse it into the appropriate two-handed battle grip. In Kull, he had this whole leather sheath loop thing to carry it on his back, although he tore the whole thing off to pull out his great axe, it still worked. Even if those are both works of fiction, I still think to somewhat cling to realism in some way. I would imagine the axe would just be on this whole leather belt thing ye put on your body. This Leather belt thing that goes around your body, has two loops where the 2-handed axe goes. Ye then pull it out below the axe head, twirl it around and put it in both hands, and work the mighty axe swinging jazz. It might be a small bit awkward, but so is pulling a longsword out of a sheath on your back, as ye have to move your body with it I'd imagine. Thankfully, curved blades like the scimitar could be pulled out much easier. Oh and axes are awesome.
#29 w00f Apr 08, 2009 21:32:09	I'm liking the ideas here, I think I can envision him storing th axe now, which is a good thing, hehe. May i suggest duel wielding hand axe's. ... i cant imagine a wild beast type of persona having the calmness and precision to take the time to acuratly fire a bow. Well, firstly, from an optimization standpoint, a beastmaster ranger should be wielding the biggest, meanest weapon he can get. Although the Pack Attack and Blood Fury racial traits of gnolls would make dual wielding more powerful (since each hit gets the bonus damage). On the other hand, from a character standpoint, this character concept actually is calm and controlled, lol. He's a careful hunter who does things efficiently. So a berserker style doesn't really fit him too much, and since he won't have the two-weapon fighting ranger style (since he'll be taking beastmaster style) he won't be optimized for it. Not that I care a heck of a lot about character optimization, but I'd like him to at least be able to hold his own, and from what I've seen it looks like Beastmaster Rangers are actually a fair amount weaker than TWF or Bow style ones, a least in the damage output field.
#30 trevlac Apr 08, 2009 23:57:50	I personally like the concept of a bandolier with a "pouch" for the axehead. It would basically catch where the head meets the handle and the best way to draw the weapon would be to pull the bandolier off similar to unslinging a messenger bag. Then as you have the weapon in hand, take the bandolier off the axe.
#31 Kerrus Apr 09, 2009 0:36:38	There's actually a 3.5 magical enhancement that costs a couple K gp that allows a weapon to 'fold up' (like a folding boat) on command. Alternatively, get yourself a nondimensional cape, and just pull it out from there.
#32 Psikerlord Apr 09, 2009 7:30:14	I have always thought keeping an axe on your back would be via a couple of hardened leather, but flexible, clamps/clasps, as has already been described. You just yank the axe off your back to "draw" it. When the fight finishes, you (very awkwardly) press the axe back into the clamps. But the main thing is, once it's on your back, you can yank it off easily enough, and keeps it out of your way. I even think something similar for the fullblade, perhaps two flexible metal clips. Flick the bottom one open with your hand, twist the blade to pop the top clip, and fullblade is ready to go. Something like that.
#33 oxybe Apr 09, 2009 8:39:01	the fighter in my sig, Edward, uses a lochaber axe, a kopesh, several throwing axes and a sheild. the sheild is usually strapped to his back, the khopesh to his left and the throwing axes in a bandolier. the lochaber axe? if not held in both hands, it's firmly planted in the ground for immediate use when he's standing his ground with sheild+khopesh or hurling axes at a distance behind the safety of a sheild. if he's going to do long travel by foot, the blade is wrapped in leather hides, tied firmly, and the whole is strapped to his backpack or if he's lucky and manages to get himself a mount and a good riding saddle, it's at his side ready to be drawn. either way, unless he's expecting a long boring travel he's going to have it unsheathed and ready for trouble. if he's expecting a long boring travel, it's properly stowed and can't be readied with great ease.
#34 MrCustomer Apr 09, 2009 15:09:21	it is stored the same way as the greatsword, on his back. it doesnt have a sheath its strapped on. in reallity you would need someones help to take it off same as a greatsword, and no you cant "unsheath" a greatsword, or even a longsword, strapped to your back, your arm isnt long enough. Try it youll see i am right. When you carry a Great Sword, strapped on your back, you remove both the sword and sheath, which is hooked on, and then you draw the sword and discard the sheath. or else the sheath would be hung from near the middle of the sheath, just slightly high enough that it's center of gravity would keep it pointed downwards. You would stwist the sheath sideways and then withdraw the blade sideways while sliding the sheath in the opposite dirrection with the other arm (thus obtaining the distance by moving both sword and sheath) With a Great Axe, you would hook the blade end into a looped strap that is looped onm your back with the handle hanging down. You wouldn't slide it in and out of the loop, but rather would unsnap it (the looped strap would have a clasp that is released) Reach back and unclasp the loop, releasing the Axe)
#35 antesse Apr 09, 2009 15:22:32	I'd say have a carrying strap on the axe (like you see on rifles and messenger bags and duffelbags and camp chairs and such). When not in use, you sling it over your shoulder hanging at a tilt (blade up or down, users' choice). When using the axe in combat, he simply grips the axe handle holding the strap down and out of the way (or lets it hang). When pulling it out, you lift the strap over your shoulder. As for accidentally hurting yourself, I'd say you are (a) highly skilled and know how not to move and (b) thick leathers will block slight nicks and (c) it's a game and you are a warrior and you just are magic like that. Found this "example" of what I am describing: http://www.emergencyresponderproducts.com/haaxecast.html And this is an example of what other people have suggested: http://backintimeleatherworks.com/images/backaxe.html Otherwise, I can envision a "cheap" magical item that just holds a weapon an inch from the back in a sort of suspended state until the wielder grabs it and it cushions the sharp edges from cutting the wielder. Obviously, adventurers like big weapons...big weapons are impractical to carry anywhere but the back...and big weapons are hard to carry and draw easily off the back. So, a bit of magic and DM hand-waving...and some retired adventurer mage has designed and mass-produced the Adventurer's Air-Sheath which comes standard with every adventurer's outfit...
#36 kouk Apr 10, 2009 3:10:05	I don't know if this sort of thing was suggested already, but I'd do it with a large, "L-shaped" sheath with a long pole strapped to your back at an angle. Think a leather (and/or wood, metal) hockey stick, with a wide blade and a pocket in the middle. The axe would then go in it like a cradle at an angle: http://imagehost.vendio.com/a/25176246/aview/DSX-STORM01.jpg Normally stays in with gravity, but you can have some of those metal/leather curved clips/clasps you can push the haft into to hold it in place on the "sheath." You draw it up and to a side.
#37 That_Blasted_Somoflange Apr 10, 2009 10:41:32	Think about adapting something like this: It's a figure of Gatsu (Guts) from Beserk. The character has the biggest sword I know. I know you're talking about an axe, but similar principles could work. You could also use the 'guitar' case idea. A pouch/sheath that you can store your weapon in and sling over your shoulder or back sitting horizontal to the ground. It could make going through doors anyway but sideways all but impossible, but that's the price you pay for carrying such an obvious weapon. As to stealth, if you have a PS2, pick up the game the Mark of Kri. It has a big beefy barbarian type that uses a heck of a lot of stealth, and he carries a bastard sword, a bow, an axe and a taiaha (a spear like weapon, generally with a wood or greenstone head - its a Maori weapon). Another option is to get a hireling or slave to carry your weapon. Something like a kobold would be good. It can carry the item, but not use it. Kobolds are also really cheap. If you treat it relatively well, it may even like being your axe carrier.
#38 mock26 Apr 10, 2009 12:23:28	The traditional method of carrying a claymore on one's back was through the use of a baldric. This was in essence a long, flat piece of leather. At the bottom was a traiditional "sheath" that was about 12-16" long and up at the top were two hooks that held the cross piece. This allowed for the wielder to grasp the sword, pull it up a very short distance (at which point the cross piece was free of the hooks and the tip was free of the sheath and the sword could then be swung over the shoulders. Here is an image of a modern repodruction: As for a great axe, you could use a similar type of a baldric with a loose hood for the blade to prevent you from cutting yourself while carrying it. Or just use a simple frog.
#39 kuonji Apr 10, 2009 14:38:33	I would just hire a guy to carry it for me. I'm an important adventurer, I don't have time to worry about the details of carrying and storing my own weapons, that's what minions are for.
#40 Mad_Jack Apr 10, 2009 20:46:13	The traditional method of carrying a claymore on one's back was through the use of a baldric. As for a great axe, you could use a similar type of a baldric with a loose hood for the blade to prevent you from cutting yourself while carrying it. Or just use a simple frog. Either of these two methods would work... Show
#41 mobow213 Apr 10, 2009 21:37:04	How about just using gloves of storing. Boom axe in hand when you need it.
#42 lanfranc Apr 13, 2009 8:29:46	Another option is to get a hireling or slave to carry your weapon. Something like a kobold would be good. It can carry the item, but not use it. Kobolds are also really cheap. If you treat it relatively well, it may even like being your axe carrier. That'd be my suggestion as well. You could train it to grovel a bit from time to time, too. And to fetch beer for you.
#43 propane Apr 13, 2009 9:37:10	It's called a big belt with a metal hoop on the side.
#44 mock26 Apr 13, 2009 12:59:16	It's called a big belt with a metal hoop on the side. That metal loop is known as a frog.
#45 themocaw Apr 14, 2009 15:14:16	This reminds me of an old joke. You're an Army Lieutenant. You have a flag, the top half of a 10 foot flagpole, the bottom half of a six-foot flagpole, some string, and some duct tape. How do you put up the flag? Show Answer: You say, "Sergeant! Have the men put up the flag."
#46 ORC_Yawgmoth Apr 14, 2009 20:48:24	I've removed content from this thread per the Code of Conduct, which can be found here. Please keep your posts polite, respectful, and on-topic, and refrain from making personal attacks.
#47 stormbrand Apr 14, 2009 23:40:41	On the subject of drawing greatswords, the easy way to draw one from a back sheath is to draw it by the ricasso. The blade beyond the ricasso generally is not that much longer than the blade of most other swords. As for great axes, in theory you can just carry them in a frog loop on the back, although it would need to be well secured to stop the blade cracking the back of your skull or something similar. In practice, it depends what your "great axe" is. Most weapons I would call "great axes" are in many ways like polearms, a bardiche, a dane axe, a lochaber, etc. These would simply be carried all the time, and probably leant on when you get tired.
#48 _jayne_cobb_ Apr 20, 2009 11:04:24	it is stored the same way as the greatsword, on his back. it doesnt have a sheath its strapped on. in reallity you would need someones help to take it off same as a greatsword, and no you cant "unsheath" a greatsword, or even a longsword, strapped to your back, your arm isnt long enough. Try it youll see i am right. Sorry, but you're not right. The solution is simple, and one used by many people: the scabbard is only full for the bottom half or third of the blade, the top portion is open on top. You only need to pull the blade up as far as the open portion, then you can pull it free easily. For a greataxe, the easiest solution is a harness with a scabbard down near your butt to hold the blade with the axe itself angled across the back with the end of the haft resting in a hook or stirrup at the top on the opposite shoulder. Or you could just use it as a walking stick.
#49 xanadu Apr 20, 2009 16:31:25	Good thing the OP didn't have ideas of using a halberd or greatspear ;)
#50 themocaw Apr 22, 2009 12:09:31	Good thing the OP didn't have ideas of using a halberd or greatspear ;) I usually houserule polearms to be collapsible weapons if they are at all magic. If you've ever seen the Ark the Lad anime, think Elk's switchblade-halberd.
#51 nightwyrm Apr 22, 2009 12:41:46	Sticks to the Back :D
#52 vinja Apr 22, 2009 15:41:47	my half orc barb's great axe just has a sling thats hooked to the side of the head and at the end of the shaft, he just pulls off the whole kaboob.
#53 friendofthedork Apr 24, 2009 1:57:14	Most axes are stored in your belt, maybe with a special leather loop to keep it from banging into you. And covers for the blade of the head would be reccomended for travel. Also keep in mind that fantasy art axes are impractical, unrealistic and oversized - a historical viking two-handed axe need not be any longer than sword, and only has one edge, slightly larger and heavier than a fire axe. That said, i doubt soldiers would wear these unless readying themselves for a raid or combat. A sword however was a status symbol and could be worn on many occasions and especially on campaigns. However, if you insist on using fantasy weapons of ridiculous proportions, you might as well throw concerns of logistics out the window and just assume your hero manages it somehow.