Other than early firearms, what can we expect for weaponry?

Swords, spears, standard par for the course? I expect spears/halberds to be a favorite pick for infantry. Cuirasses and scimitars and what not for flavor.

On the topic of characters, would hired crew muscle on board a trading ship be a good basis for a reason to be in Portugal? Wes should adapt to the setting pretty well. I plan on having him be left behind for something, thus sparking his reasons to go on a quest.