The combat prototype will be a single arena with some objects in it where players can login and swing swords at each other. Presuming I get that far. Prototyping control systems is time-consuming at the best of times.
PLEEEAAASSEE (I usually don't talk like that, but situation demands it)
Could you implement something like Mount & Blade: Warband combat? or would it be too laggy?
When it comes to FPS medieval combat, M&B has the most realistic experience, since blocking sword v sword for example needs to be made with the same opposite angle the attacker is swinging the sword.
http://www.youtube.com/embed/RUTIVoZOj1g