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Greatswords were a type of two-handed, martial sword.[2]

Description[]

A derivative of the longsword,[4] 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 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[]

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.[5]

Availability[]

Business and merchants in the Realms where one could purchase greatswords from included:

Varieties[]

  • Flamberges were a type of greatsword.[10][11] They were commonly wielded by armanites[12] and in the late 15th century DR, one could find both fighters and paladins wielding ones that were crafted from black iron.[13]
  • Zweihanders were a type of greatsword.[11] In the late 15th century DR, one could find fighters wielding zweihanders that were crafted from black iron.[13]

Notable Greatswords[]

Notable Users[]

Individuals[]

Races & Sentient Creatures[]

Appendix[]

Appearances[]

Gallery[]

External Links[]

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the following links do not necessarily represent the views of the editors of this wiki, nor does any lore presented necessarily adhere to established canon.

References[]

  1. 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. 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.
  3. Rob Heinsoo, Andy Collins, James Wyatt (June 2008). Player's Handbook 4th edition. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 218. ISBN 0-7869-4867-1.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 BioWare (December 1998). Designed by James Ohlen. Baldur's Gate. Black Isle Studios.
  5. 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.
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 BioWare (September 2000). Designed by James Ohlen, Kevin Martens. Baldur's Gate II: Shadows of Amn. Black Isle Studios.
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 Black Isle Studios (June 2000). Designed by Matt Norton. Icewind Dale. Interplay.
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 BioWare (June 2001). Designed by Kevin Martens. Baldur's Gate II: Throne of Bhaal. Black Isle Studios.
  9. BioWare (May 1999). Designed by James Ohlen. Baldur's Gate: Tales of the Sword Coast. Black Isle Studios.
  10. Jason Carl (January 2001). Sword and Fist. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 75. ISBN 0-7869-1829-2.
  11. 11.0 11.1 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.
  12. Jon Pickens ed. (November 1996). Monstrous Compendium Annual Volume Three. (Wizards of the Coast), p. 103. ISBN 0786904496.
  13. 13.0 13.1 Cryptic Studios (June 2013). Neverwinter. Perfect World Entertainment.
  14. Beamdog (November 2013). Designed by Philip Daigle, et al. Baldur's Gate II: Enhanced Edition. Beamdog.
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