Longsword

Description
The longsword is an extremely common and very versitle weapon. It is typically of western design, though all Faerunian cultures exhibit weapons of similar design and intent. The classic, straight blade is a favorite of many paladins. It is generally laid out in a cruciform pattern with four major sections; the blade, the crossguard, the handle, and the pommel. It has a long, straight, double-edged blade and is typically wielded with one hand by creatures of roughly human size. Some varying designs have a handle large enough for two hands, or at least most of the second hand, which allows warriors who use two hands to wield a longsword to put additional attack power behind their blows.

Weaponology
Though primarily designed to attack opponents by slashing at them with the edges of its blade, the versitle nature of the longsword cannot be disputed. Various combat manuals and the design of historical, real-world weapons lend credence to the thought that the entire sword was considered a weapon. Combat techniques taught wielders to slash with the blade, thrust with the tip, bludgeon with the pommel, and in at least one manual, use the crossguard to snare the leg of an opponent and trip or over-balance them. As the tactics to use the weapon evolved into "half-handing" the weapon design began to morph itself gradually into what is now considered a Bastard Sword and eventually into a Great Sword.

In 3rd/3.5 Edition, for game purposes, the primary focus of the weapon is used and the historically earlier, smaller, single-handed, slashing-focused varient is the standard after which these weapons are patterned.

Need 4th Edition Information.

Realmslore
This weapon can be found in use throughout Toril in Faerun, Kara-Tur, and Zakhara. As usual, it has various regional names depending upon location. It is most common in Faerun and less common in Kara-Tur and Zakhara.

Specific Examples

 * Cormanthyrian elfblade : A +1 magic longsword with the keen quality.
 * Stealthwhisper and Shadowblade : A pair of magical longswords belonging to the deity Mask.