Bastard sword

The bastard sword, often called a hand-and-a-half sword, is a weapon that is large enough to be used with both hands, but small enough to be effectively used in a single hand. 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. 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.

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.

Game Mechanics

Weapon	AG	Cloth	Leather				Scale				Chain				Plate				RT	Min RT	Damage Type	STR/DU
	AsG	1	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20
Bastard sword	DF	.450	.325				.275				.250				.180				6	4	Slash/Crush	75/200
	AvD	30	31	30	29	28	31	29	27	25	32	28	24	20	31	25	19	13
Bastard sword, two-handed	DF	.550	.400				.375				.300				.225				6	4	Slash/Crush	75/200
	AvD	42	45	44	43	42	41	39	37	35	44	40	36	32	43	37	31	25

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 and the sword defaults to a two handed grip, the 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:

>get bastardsword
You remove a veniom-hilted bastardsword from in your alabaster surcoat.
>put bastardsword in my surcoat
You grip the veniom-hilted bastardsword with one hand.
>put bastardsword in my surcoat
You put a veniom-hilted bastardsword in your alabaster surcoat.

Related Articles

• Forging
• Edged Weapons
• Two-Handed Weapons