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Sword and Scabbard
A bastard sword, also called a hand-and-a-half sword, is a weapon that is in between a longsword and a greatsword.[1]
Description
A bastard sword can be used in either one or two hands, thus giving it its name. It has a longer grip than a one-handed sword and has a shorter blade than a greatsword for extra precision in the strike. It is also more powerful than a longsword due to its increased weight. An average bastard sword costs 35gp and weighs 6lbs (2.7kg).[2]
Use
Bastard swords are martial weapons normally used two-handed. They require extra training to use effectively with one hand. Therefore they are classified as exotic weapons in 3rd edition and 3.5 edition D&D when used one-handed.[2]
Historical Comparison
Historically, the "bastard sword" was merely a form of Western European sword sized between the single-handed knightly or arming sword, and the larger two-handed longswords. The only functional difference is that the bastard sword could be readily wielded either one or two-handed (whereas the arming sword was designed for single-handed use and the longsword was most effectively used two-handed). Otherwise, these swords were wielded identically to their smaller and larger relations and would require no special training.
Notable bastard swords
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- Fatal Touch, the bastard sword of Kelemvor.
- Ever Watchful / Vindicator, the bastard sword of Helm, Gedrin Thalavar and Kalen Dren.
- The Moonsword of Eilistraee.
- The acidic burst bastard sword of Graz'zt.
- Keryvian, one of the Baneblades of Demron, believed to be the most powerful.