What are the differences between the Broadsword and the Longsword?

[Krieg]

In-period, a "longsword" (which was regularly used from horseback...IIRC at the Battle of Bourgtheroulde in the early 12th C one of the few cavalry charges conducted with swords occured) would probably have been referred to as a "sword." When sword design diversified enough -- with "longswords" developing a pronounced point to allow for an armor piercing thrust, but still retaining its slashing capabilities -- "longswords" came to be known as Arming Swords (i.e. the sword you wore at your side when in armor -- your side arm or backup weapon), while "Bastard Swords" were known as War Swords (the weapon you would use in war if that was your primary weapon, i.e. in lieu of a pollaxe or similar).

The term "longsword" (langen schwert or longa spada) dates back to at least the early 15th century and can be found in the fechtbuchs from the time.

The oldest verified source I know of is Hanko Dobringer's 1389 treatsie which was a compilation of Johannes Liechtenauer's earlier teachings.

Heck, the sword type itself only came into common usage 200 years or so prior to that date so I feel pretty safe in saying that it is acceptable period terminology.

 

[Gentlegamer]

The more knowledgable have replied and it seems my instinctive renaming of the two swords wasn't too far from historical accuracy! I'll definitely keep the nominclature.

 

[megamania]

hee- ask a simple question....

I am by no means an expert and came to read what others had to say. It amazes me on many levels. Good question.

 

[Gentlegamer]

By the way, don't ask about the nomenclature of pole-arms . . . Gary doesn't need to be distracted!

 

[swordsmasher]

You guys are simple...amazing.

thanks for all the knowledge!

 

[diaglo]

in OD&D(1974) pre-Supplement I Greyhawk terms. no difference.

all weapons do 1d6 damage.

in 1edADnD (1978 PHB) there was a difference. but mainly vs Large. not much of one statistically vs Small/Medium

 

[Remathilis]

in 2nd ed, broadswords did 2d4/1d6 lg. Longswords did 1d8/1d12 lg.

They were redundant then, and now are lumped under longsword.

which is fine with me.

 

[barsoomcore]

Sometimes, diaglo, you are a beautiful thing.

 

[julius27]

I work with live steel at a renaissance festival and here's what I think is meant in the game. The broadsword is just what the people who invented the term were referring to; that is, a relatively long (roughly 2 1/2 ft. overall) blade, typically with a basket hilt protecting the knuckles from scraping (though not from the enemy weapon; they were usually a softer metal and were meant to deflect inadvertant contact), and solid construction. A longsword would be slightly narrower, slightly longer (closer to 3 ft. overall), more probably with a wire swept hilt rather than the older basket (these better deflect the blade especially when it is moving much faster than previous fighting styles), and with a fuller (also referred to as a "blood groove") which makes the blade both lighter and stronger/less prone to break. As to the bastard sword which also came up in this discussion, it typically has a loger blade than either of the other two, may or may not have a fuller depending on the age of the weapon, has enough room in the handle for both hands comfortably, yet is weighted so that it can be used effectively with one hand.As far as functionality and game mechanics, the difference is so slight between longsword and broadsword that it almost isn't even worth mentioning.

 

[Umbran]

This is not a topic with standardized nomenclature, making discussion difficult. Different authoritative and historical documents use the terms in different ways. Only your swordsmith knows for sure.