Make it count
Swing for real. A faster swing hits harder, while a light tap only knocks and buzzes in your hand. The edge of a blade cuts and its flat bruises, so turn it the way you swing. A maul is the blunt weapon: it shoves and throws what it hits.
What to hold
Swords are the close weapon, and axes, mauls and bare fists fight too. You can hold something in each hand, and each wears out on its own. Whatever you hold is solid: it never passes through creatures, trees, rock or walls, and blades glide along each other.
Where to hit
A hit to the head counts for more, and a Hollow without its skull is done. Limbs come off after a few good cuts, and a creature missing its legs limps or crawls. Armour turns blades better than heavy blows, so a maul gets through where a sword skips.
Wear a vest
The leather vest, made at the Sword bench, goes on your chest and takes the edge off blows. Learn the rest of the fight in Combat moves.