Greatswords were a type of two-handed, martial, melee weapon.[2]
Description[]
Greatswords were the largest member of the sword family requiring two hands to wield. The hilt was elongated to accommodate the extra grip and the blade was doubled-edged. Some versions had parrying hooks (Parierhaken) on their blade about 4‒8 in (0.1‒0.2 m) away from the guard. The blades were typically dull between their parrying hooks and guard so that they could be gripped there.[2]
Weaponology[]
Greatswords were large and heavy for a sword, requiring 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 recognized by adventurers as a reliable, powerful weapon.[4]
Varieties[]
- Flamberges were a type of greatsword.[5][6] They were commonly wielded by armanites[7] and in the late 15th century DR, one could find both fighters and paladins wielding ones that were crafted from blackiron.[8]
- Zweihanders were a type of greatsword.[6] In the late 15th century DR, one could find fighters wielding zweihanders that were crafted from blackiron.[8]
Notable greatswords[]
- Ansrivarr
- Ceremonial sword of the nation of Cormyr.
- Duty's Bond
- Favored weapon of Torm, the god of protection.
- Sword of Shadows
- Favored weapon of Shaundakul, the god of travelers.
- Baldur's Gate series of games.
- Carsomyr
- The powerful Holy Avenger.
- Ir'revrykal
- The evil githyanki-forged weapon, said to have been forged in Tu'narath.
Appendix[]
Gallery[]
Appearances[]
- Video Games
- Pool of Radiance • Curse of the Azure Bonds • Secret of the Silver Blades • Neverwinter Nights (AOL game) • Pools of Darkness • Gateway to the Savage Frontier • Menzoberranzan • Descent to Undermountain • Dungeons & Dragons: Eye of the Beholder • Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance II • Neverwinter • Sword Coast Legends
- Card Games
- Dragonfire
External Links[]
Greatsword article at Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.- Flamberge article at Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
Zweihander article at Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia.
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Mike Mearls, Jeremy Crawford (2014). Player's Handbook 5th edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 149. ISBN 978-0-7869-6560-1.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams (July 2003). Player's Handbook v.3.5. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 117. ISBN 0-7869-2886-7.
- ↑ Rob Heinsoo, Andy Collins, James Wyatt (June 2008). Player's Handbook 4th edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 218. ISBN 0-7869-4867-1.
- ↑ Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams (July 2003). Player's Handbook v.3.5. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 118. ISBN 0-7869-2886-7.
- ↑ Jason Carl (January 2001). Sword and Fist. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 75. ISBN 0-7869-1829-2.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Eric Cagle, Jesse Decker, Jeff Quick, and James Wyatt (March 2003). Arms and Equipment Guide 3rd edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 12. ISBN 978-0-7869-2649-7.
- ↑ Jon Pickens ed. (November 1996). Monstrous Compendium Annual Volume Three. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 103. ISBN 0786904496.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Cryptic Studios (June 2013). Neverwinter. Perfect World Entertainment.
