Flail (Weapon)

By Crusader1307

Often confused with one another, The Flail developed (depending on the Region), around the 11th Century. The handle, made of wood or metal, and could be between 2 and 4 feet in length. This depended on the User's tastes. Affixed to the rope or chain was a solid Metal or Iron Ball between 8 and 15-pounds. The Ball could be plain, fixed with studs or spikes (Hollywood has over-produced the spike as being the only type). The Flail's primary use was to cause crushing injuries (at best) or blunt force trauma. Giving the state of medieval medicine, either injury was a death sentence. Flail's had good success against shields, allowing the user to unshield an attacker (or at best, breaking his arm!)