Traditional Chinese Weapons
From Ancient Times Through the Tang Dynasty (Pre-Song)
Chinese martial arts weapons have a rich history spanning thousands of years. From the Bronze Age through the Tang Dynasty, these weapons evolved from simple tools of war into refined instruments that embodied philosophy, art, and deadly efficiency. In Where Winds Meet, set during the late Tang Dynasty, many of these historical weapons come to life.
十八般兵器 (Shíbā Bān Bīngqì)
"The Eighteen Types of Weapons" - The classical categorization of Chinese martial weapons
四大名器 - The Four Great Weapons
In traditional Chinese martial arts, four weapons are considered supreme and form the foundation of weapons training:
剑 (Jiàn) - The Straight Sword
Period
Zhou Dynasty - Tang Dynasty
Status
"Gentleman of Weapons"
Philosophy
Elegance & Precision
The Jian is a double-edged straight sword, considered the most noble of all Chinese weapons. During the Spring and Autumn period and Warring States period, bronze Jian were the weapons of aristocrats and scholars. By the Han Dynasty, iron and steel versions became standard military weapons.
Characteristics:
- •Double-edged blade, typically 70-80cm in length
- •Designed for thrusting, slashing, and precise cuts
- •Requires mastery of footwork and fluid movements
- •Associated with Taoist philosophy and literati culture
刀 (Dāo) - The Saber
Period
Shang Dynasty - Tang Dynasty
Status
"General of Weapons"
Philosophy
Power & Ferocity
The Dao is a single-edged curved or straight blade, the primary military weapon of Chinese armies for millennia. The Tang Dynasty saw the development of the iconic Tang Dao, one of the finest swords ever made, combining cutting power with flexibility.
Notable Types (Pre-Song):
- •唐刀 (Tang Dao): The legendary Tang Dynasty saber, featuring a slight curve and pattern-welded steel
- •环首刀 (Huanshoudao): Han Dynasty ring-pommel saber, straight and powerful
- •横刀 (Hengdao): Standard military saber of Tang infantry
枪 (Qiāng) - The Spear
Period
Ancient Times - Present
Status
"King of Weapons"
Philosophy
Range & Aggression
Called the "King of Weapons," the spear has been the primary weapon of Chinese infantry since prehistoric times. Simple yet deadly effective, a skilled spearman could defeat multiple sword-wielding opponents through superior reach and speed.
Characteristics:
- •Long wooden shaft (2-4 meters) with metal spearhead
- •Techniques emphasize thrusting, blocking, and sweeping
- •Red tassel below the blade to distract enemies and prevent blood from making the shaft slippery
棍 (Gùn) - The Staff
Period
Ancient Times - Present
Status
"Father of Weapons"
Philosophy
Simplicity & Versatility
The staff is the most fundamental of all weapons—a simple wooden pole that serves as the foundation for learning all other weapons. Monks, peasants, and martial artists alike favored the staff for its accessibility and effectiveness.
Types:
- •齐眉棍 (Qímei Gun): Eyebrow-level staff, the standard length
- •少林棍 (Shaolin Gun): Shaolin Temple staff techniques, famous for their power
长兵器 - Long Weapons (Polearms)
戈 (Gē) - The Dagger-Axe
One of the oldest Chinese weapons, dating to the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BC). The Ge features a perpendicular blade mounted on a long pole, designed for hooking and slashing from chariots. It's the weapon that forms part of the character 武 (wǔ - martial).
Historical Note: The Ge largely fell out of use by the Qin Dynasty but remained culturally significant.
戟 (Jǐ) - The Halberd
Combining elements of the spear and dagger-axe, the Ji is a versatile polearm that can thrust like a spear and hook like a Ge. During the Han Dynasty, the Ji was a symbol of high rank, often ceremonially decorated. Famous wielders include Lü Bu, one of history's greatest warriors.
矛 (Máo) - The Pike/Lance
An ancient thrusting weapon similar to the spear but typically heavier and used primarily for thrusting. The Mao was a cavalry weapon during the Tang Dynasty, allowing mounted warriors to strike from horseback with devastating force.
奇门兵器 - Exotic & Specialized Weapons
鞭 (Biān) - The Whip
Metal segmented or chain whips, flexible yet devastating. Used to entangle opponents' weapons or strike from unexpected angles.
锤 (Chuí) - The Hammer/Mace
Heavy blunt weapons designed to crush armor. The paired hammers (双锤) were particularly popular among strongmen.
斧 (Fǔ) - The Axe
Battle axes ranging from single-handed to massive two-handed varieties. The 大斧 (great axe) required immense strength but could cleave through armor.
弓 (Gōng) - The Bow
Composite bows made of wood, horn, and sinew. Chinese archery emphasized accuracy and power, with the Tang Dynasty producing some of the finest bows in history.
弩 (Nǔ) - The Crossbow
China invented the crossbow during the Warring States period. By the Tang Dynasty, repeating crossbows and powerful siege crossbows were in use.
双钩 (Shuāng Gōu) - Twin Hooks
Paired weapons with curved blades and hooks, used for trapping and disarming. Can link together for extended reach or defense.
Materials & Craftsmanship
Bronze Age (Shang-Zhou Dynasties)
The earliest Chinese weapons were made of bronze—a copper-tin alloy. Bronze swords, spears, and dagger-axes from this period show remarkable craftsmanship, often with intricate decorative patterns and inscriptions.
Iron Age (Warring States - Han Dynasty)
The transition to iron weapons revolutionized Chinese warfare. Iron swords were longer, stronger, and more accessible than bronze. The Han Dynasty developed advanced smelting techniques.
Steel Mastery (Sui-Tang Dynasty)
By the Tang Dynasty, Chinese sword-makers had mastered pattern-welding and steel folding techniques. The legendary Tang Dao employed layers of different steel qualities to create blades that were both flexible and extremely sharp.
唐刀 (Tang Dao) - The Pinnacle of Tang Craftsmanship:
- •Pattern-welded steel with visible Damascus-like patterns
- •Differential hardening for a hard edge and flexible spine
- •Influenced Japanese sword-making after Tang techniques spread to Japan
Weapons in Where Winds Meet
Set during the late Tang Dynasty, Where Winds Meet features many of these historical weapons, allowing players to experience authentic Tang-era combat:
Historical Accuracy
Weapon designs based on archaeological finds and historical records from the Tang Dynasty, ensuring cultural authenticity.
Diverse Arsenal
From elegant straight swords to powerful Tang sabers, spears, and exotic weapons, each with unique movesets and techniques.
Martial Philosophy
Each weapon type embodies different martial philosophies and fighting styles, from the gentleman's sword to the general's saber.
Master the Craft
Players can learn from different schools and masters, each teaching their own interpretation of these ancient weapons.
"兵器者，武人之第二生命也"
"A weapon is a warrior's second life."