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The '''bastard sword''', often called a hand-and-a-half sword<ref name="WP" > Longsword article, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Longsword Wikipedia]<sup>[http://en.wikipedia.org/]</sup></ref>, is a weapon that is large enough to be used with both hands, but small enough to be effectively used in a single hand.<ref> Weapon Guide, [http://www.play.net/gs4/info/armory/edgedweapons.asp#BastardSword Play.net]<sup>[http://www.Play.net/]</sup></ref>  To use the weapon one-handed, the character only needs to train in [[Edged Weapons]], unlike the [[katana]], which requires training in both Edged Weapons and [[Two-Handed Weapons]] to use in a single hand.  Switching between one-handed and two-handed requires the use of the [[GRIP (verb)|GRIP]] verb.  The bastard sword, when used two-handed, does the most raw damage per a minute out of all the two-handed weapons.

The term, Bastard sword, in modern use, and in the context of [[GemStone IV]], refers to a specific kind of [[longsword]], one that is a compromise between a one-handed arming sword and a [[two-handed sword]]. <ref name="WP" />

== Construction ==
The bastard sword is similar in construction to the [[broadsword]], except with a longer, heavier blade, and a lengthened handle that can easily accomodate two hands.

== Other Names ==
;Espadon
:The term, "Espadon," roots from spanish, the original word for sword being, "Espada."  An Espadon, specifically, is a spanish-crafted heavy two-handed, dual-edged sword.  It was often used by foot-soldiers and executioners.<ref>Espadon article, [http://www.answers.com/topic/espadon Answers.com]<sup>[http://www.Answers.com/]</sup></ref>
;Cresset sword
;Warsword

== Game Mechanics ==
{{Weapon table start}}
{{weapon table bastard sword}}
{{weapon table bastard sword 2}}
{{weapon table end}}

The standard bastard sword has a weight of 9 lbs.

Note: To edit this table go to [[Template:Weapon table bastard sword]] or [[Template:Weapon table bastard sword 2]]

== Old Style == 
Before the unique class of bastard swords were released there were a number of bastard swords released which are now called "old style" bastard swords. They were a special scripted weapon that switched between the [[greatsword]] class when held two handed and [[broad sword]] class when held one handed. If the GRIP verb is used on them they are automatically converted into new style bastard swords. When retrieved from a container you use the [[GET (verb)|GET]] and the sword defaults to a two handed grip, the [[PUT (verb|PUT]] verb is used once to change the sword to a one handed style and a second time to place it in your container.

Example text:<br>
<div {{Log}}>
>get bastardsword<br>
You remove a veniom-hilted bastardsword from in your alabaster surcoat.<br>
>put bastardsword in my surcoat<br>
You grip the veniom-hilted bastardsword with one hand.<br>
>put bastardsword in my surcoat<br>
You put a veniom-hilted bastardsword in your alabaster surcoat.<br>
</div>

== Related Articles ==
*[[Forging]]
*[[Edged Weapons]]
*[[Two-Handed Weapons]]

== References ==
<references/>