RAW, yes, it seems that Axes are better.

But don't overlook the social cost of an axe. For one, Axes cannot be sheathed making them unsuitable as part of a ceremonial uniform (Exhibit A: The US Marines dress uniform). Also, axes are a martial adaptation of a tool, swords are purely martial and ...

You are correct, this is definitely a bit weird - if you defend with a shield, unbalanced isn't an issue, so both axes and maces are objectively better than swords: They do the same damage, cost less money and have either the hack or pummel quality, while the sword has none. So the sword is the ...

[Edit because I made some mistakes]

In short: Rules as Written: Yes. Rules as Intended: No, see edit at the end of the post.

Long version:
Opposing a ranged attack with a shield is a special case since it is not an Opposed Melee/Melee test but an Opposed Melee/Ranged test and I think they ...

Hi everyone, new player here. I have the suspicion that I misunderstood the rules, because strike to stun seems weirdly overpowered to me. It seems to me that I when I use a pummel weapon I would stun enemies on average on every second hit or so (depending on my strength), which would be an insane ...