Swords were designed for killing people and are the handguns of their day.
Methinks crossbows would be the handguns of their day, not swords. Swords were a nobleman's armament, and certainly not a ranged weapon.
I meant in that they were designed as man killing tools first and foremost not in their method of killing. A crossbow is a perfectly decent hunting weapon from what I gather where as you'd not want to use a sword.
Working backwards through your post I'll start by pointing out that javelins are a type of spear. When I said spear I really meant pole-weapon(think Morrowind) but I should have been clearer.
I wasn't thinking of horses. I suppose I might be unfairly associating spears with fighting beasts larger than a man because of their advantage in hunting large game, perhaps it wouldn't be so advantageous against dragons, however, a spear in skilled hands could launch several strikes with a chance of penetrating armour. It could arguably penetrate deeper than a sword and depending on the type of spear more force could be marshalled onto a smaller point. I stand by it being a decent choice and at least better than a sword.
Axes are a possibility but you've mentioned speed being important and it's a valid concern.
I wonder if we'll be able to punch them to death?