Greatsword

Greatswords were a type of two-handed, martial sword.

Description
A derivative of the longsword, the greatsword was the largest member of the sword family, requiring two hands to wield it. The hilt was elongated to accommodate this extra grip and the blade was doubled-edged. Some versions had parrying hooks (Parierhaken) on their blade, about away from the guard. The blades were typically dull between their parrying hooks and guard so that they could be gripped there.

Weaponology
Due to their size and weight greatswords required a good deal of training in order to wield effectively. Thus, they were classified as a martial weapon. Greatswords with parrying hooks could be gripped with one hand between the hooks and the guard, and the other on the hilt, allowing the weapon to be used in a pole arm fashion. The greatsword was generally recognized by adventurers as a reliable, powerful weapon.

Availability
Business and merchants in the Realms where one could purchase greatswords from included:
 * A number of merchants in Athkatla's market Waukeen's Promenade commonly sold greatswords, including Ribald Barterman from his store Adventurer Mart. In the Bridge district, one could find them for sale at the street-side stall of Bel Dalemark.
 * A number of general stores in the southern districts of Baldur's Gate sold greatswords.
 * Candlekeep Inn.
 * The inn within the hamlet of Friendly Arm sold greatswords.
 * Maheer el Saddith, a traveling merchant.
 * Maltz's Weapon Shop.
 * The Tankard Tree, a tavern in Saradush, sold both mundane and generically enchanted greatswords.
 * Ulgoth's Beard inn's owner sold greatswords on the side, alongside a variety of general adventuring equipment.
 * The Zephir's owner Zakee Rafeha sold greatswords in his inn on the side, alongside a variety of general adventuring equipment.

Varieties

 * Flamberges were a type of greatsword. They were commonly wielded by armanites and in the late 15 century DR, one could find both fighters and paladins wielding ones that were crafted from black iron.
 * Zweihanders were a type of greatsword. In the late 15 century DR, one could find fighters wielding zweihanders that were crafted from blackiron.

Notable Greatswords

 * Ansrivarr: Ceremonial sword of the nation of Cormyr.
 * Carsomyr: The powerful Holy Avenger.
 * Duty's Bond: Favored weapon of Torm, the god of protection.
 * Ir'revrykal: The evil githyanki-forged weapon, said to have been forged in Tu'narath.
 * Sword of Shadows: Favored weapon of Shaundakul, the god of travelers.

Individuals

 * Cattack.
 * Glaicus, the bodyguard of Lord de'Arnise.
 * Shar-Teel Dosan.

Races & Sentient Creatures

 * Greatswords were common among flinds across the Sword Coast and more rarely among flinds in Amn.
 * Ogre berserkers in the Sword Coast commonly wielded greatswords.