Sword

A sword is a melee weapon that in its simplest form consists of a blade and a hilt. This definition includes those weapons that fit the archetype of blade with the additional restriction of a minimum size. For game purposes, weapons are divided into three size/weight classes: light, one-handed, and two-handed. All swords are in either the one-handed or the two-handed class (or both) with the exception of the shortsword which is classified as a light weapon. It is included here mainly because of its widespread use and because it is used by smaller races in the same fashion as the other swords are used by larger races.

Varieties
The sword is one of the most common weapons used in Faerûn. They are wielded by knights, soldiers, and creatures of many realms. Swords come in a great deal of varieties, some of the more common are:
 * Bastard sword
 * Broadsword
 * Greatsword
 * Falchion
 * Khopesh
 * Longsword
 * Rapier
 * Scimitar
 * Shortsword

Famous swords
It is not uncommon for swords, especially enchanted ones, to have names, usually reflecting their origin or abilities. The most famous swords are those wielded by gods or heroes. These blades usually possess considerable magical power. Some examples include:
 * The Crownblades of Cormanthor
 * Feyduster
 * A short sword enchanted with faerie dust.


 * Godsbane
 * The avatar of the deity Mask.


 * Icingdeath and Twinkle
 * The scimitars of Drizzt Do'Urden.


 * Khazid'hea
 * A magical sentient sword used by Dantrag Baenre (Deceased) and Catti-brie Battlehammer.


 * The elven Moonblades
 * Weaveshear
 * The longsword of Erevis Cale, weapon of the First Chosen of Mask.

Non-canon

 * Carsomyr
 * A powerful Holy Avenger from the game Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn.


 * The Silver Sword of Gith
 * The first and most powerful of all silver swords (Demon Stone, Neverwinter Nights 2, Neverwinter Nights 2: Mask of the Betrayer).

Classes
The most common class that uses the sword most effectively is the Fighter. Other classes that use it effectively include:
 * Paladin
 * Ranger
 * Rogue
 * Specialty classes:
 * Swordmage