[Terazel Tenjin]

Then we go back to my idea about martial arts "replacing" swords for Ninji...that would only make perfect sense. -_-

Aliens? I don't know. Maybe they should get something effectively defensive like a taser (I'd call it a shocklance from Tribes 2, which kills instantly if you hit enemies in the back, little damage if you hit them anywhere up front) that CAN kill if you direct it behind the enemy or charge it up, as you said. That'd be their sword. Gnome and hammer, yeah, that would work out nicely. Same with Zorbi.

Should keep all sword replacements close range so they don't get a range advantage over other races, unless they are defensive weapons.

Gnomes should have sufficient defense so they don't get dizzy when they get hit, but Aliens are explorers, so they should due to the fact that they are just scouts not knowing with the expect. ^_~