I’m seeing a lot of variance in the ratios. Some flails have longer handles, some have short. Some have chains as long or longer than the handle, some have almost non-existent chains. What are the advantages and disadvantages of various handle and chain lengths, and is there an “optimal” ratio?
Really depends. A good shield used correctly can see a mace weilder dead before they’re really bludgeoning much beyond maybe getting some tingles going in the shield arm.