Additional Melee Weapons for Traveller (MgT2)

Melee weapons fall out of fashion as primary battlefield weapons quickly after TL4, though small blades remain in use long after that. Swords and other such weapons tend to be carried as sidearms or in a ceremonial role by royal guards, parade units, or nobles. Pirates and other thuggish criminals often carry them for their intimidation value, even at higher tech levels. Below is an assortment of melee weapons not described in the MgT2 Core Rules or in the CSC. 

Polearm - Any of a variety of long-hafted weapons such as Halberds, Glaives, or Pollaxes, capable of delivered powerful cutting, slashing, or stabbing blows. There are so many varieties throughout history as to almost defy categorization. Most sorts are generally equipped with a stabbing spike, a cutting blade, or a hammer-head of some sort. Smaller polearms are fairly nimble and versatile, while larger and heavier ones are capable of a variety of special effects depending on their specific construction. 

Weapon         TL Range Damage Kg Cost Traits

Polearm         2 Melee 3D+2 3 Cr250 -

Heavy Polearm 2 Melee 3D+2 6 Cr400 Bulky, AP2 or Smasher

Advanced Blade Materials - Nearly any melee weapon with a cutting edge on it can be improved using better materials at higher tech levels. Though melee weapons become less and less commonly used in combat above TL4, there is still a place for them. As material technology advances, the armor worn by soldiers will become ever more resistant to the cutting power of a hand weapon. Fortunately, this is also true of melee weapons to a certain extent. Blades made out of "Hypersteel" at TL9+ are capable of holding unimaginably sharp edges. "Thermal" blades at TL10+ are capable of instantly becoming white-hot at the moment of impact, giving a terrifying incendiary effect thanks to an internal rechargeable power cell. "NanoEdge" matter at TL14+ allows the creation of cutting edges that actively degrade the molecular bonds of the target along the edge, doing additional damage.  

Apply the following modifiers to any TL0-5 bladed weapon to create more futuristic hand weapons:

Technology         TL     Cost Increase     Effects

Hypersteel         9     +Cr750     AP5

Thermal*                 10     +Cr1500     +1D damage, Fire 

NanoEdge         14     +Cr3000     +1D damage, AP10