Thac0 the Barbarian
Explorer
.o.
I just realized that no one complains about the disappearance of the broad sword. That's probably just as well, though, since (IIRC) the broad sword was only broad compared to the rapier.Fact is, these categories have been largely artificial since day one, anyway. "Longsword" is a remarkably broad descriptor. (Insert, "No, that's a broadsword!" joke here.)
Historically the bastard sword was a slightly heavier longsword with an extended hilt to allow it to be gripped with two hands or still wielded one handed with a shield. It was a compromise weapon between a heavier two handed weapon and a longsword for the Knight too poor to afford both weapons, such as a "bastard" son, hence the name bastard sword. Not as good as either one but capable of doing both jobs until you could afford proper weapons.
Historically the bastard sword was a slightly heavier longsword with an extended hilt to allow it to be gripped with two hands or still wielded one handed with a shield. It was a compromise weapon between a heavier two handed weapon and a longsword for the Knight too poor to afford both weapons, such as a "bastard" son, hence the name bastard sword. Not as good as either one but capable of doing both jobs until you could afford proper weapons.
Aren't they called 'bastard swords' because they're the bastard children of one-handed and two-handed swords?
That was in the days before interhanded marriage was legal.Aren't they called 'bastard swords' because they're the bastard children of one-handed and two-handed swords?
It's called a long sword. Use it two handed if you like. The range in my party does so. At first I thought it was kind of silly, but it provides him with flexibility and has been an effective tool for him/us.