Origin:

The mek'leth or "Bridge Sword" [clipped Klingon ] has been around since the early Klingon starships. Though the custom-made varieties available vaguely resemble the original "field-expedient" mek'leths in looks [See Figure 1], they do function much the same, if not better.

The early Klingon cruisers were very Spartan. For the most part everything had a function on the ship. Unfortunately, that function was rarely aesthetics. The ventilation pipes and plasma conduits were not covered by access panels. Such a waste of materials was unheard of; yet the pipes and conduits need support to hold them up.

Located in the semi-circular confines of the bridge were pipe support struts. These oddly shaped "struts" were hastily spot welded into place, and their strange curvature conformed to the domed upper wall and ceiling. [See Figure 1]

It was no secret that a strong concussion would knock these struts loose. In fact, by the time a cruiser was damaged enough to be boarded, there would be several field-expedient mek'leths strewn around the floor.

This gave a surviving bridge complement handy makeshift weapons for accosting a boarding party when they finally made their way to the bridge. These makeshift mek'leths were not unlike the "belaying pins" found on old wooden sea-faring ships of Earth. (Though a boarding party may take bat'leths with them on a raid, it is too cumbersome for a bridge crew to keep bat'leths on them in the confines of the bridge.)

Currently:

Over the years, the mek'leths evolved from a utilitarian "pipe strut" (eventually being relieved of that duty entirely) to the elegant personal weapon that it is today. [ See Figure 2 ]

Each mek'leth is different at first glance [ See Figure 2 ] , subject to the taste of the individual owner and the artistic flair of the armorer that created it. Why, even the name has evolved from meHleH - "sword that comes from the bridge", to mek'leth - "sword for use on the bridge".

Tactical Advantages:
Light, quick, small, medium-concealment, practical when worn/carried in skilled hands- very deadly. (i.e.: one for parry; one for attack; etc.) It is difficult to disarm an opponent that is using mek'leths.

Tactical Disadvantages:
Less surface area for parry; requires medium to high level of personal weapon skill; short reach.

-QeyneH, 1996

 

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