What can a magic sword do, that a normal weapon cannot?

[Robbert Raets]

Well, bigger and better crafted swords are, as stated by others above here, more useful and less inclined to break when hacking at more sturdy materials/objects. Mages and priests in fantasy games (or stories) imbue magical items with a LOT of power (in D&D, they even sacrifice some of their own experience, iow their 'Life Force'). So a +1 Sword has an exponentially bigger amount of (magical) power behind it than a 'normal' or even masterwork sword. This power can only express itself by increasing the effects the sword has, and most of the sword's effects involve dealing damage to things.

 

[William Ronald]

In Michael Moorcock's novel Stormbringer, Elric's friend Moonglum has an enchantment placed on his blade. Moorcock described the blade as feeling as if it more easily went where Moonglum desired it to be, perhaps almost seeming to do so on its own. So, a magical sword may have the same weight as a non-magical blade but may feel easier to swing.

 

[William Ronald]

In Michael Moorcock's novel Stormbringer, Elric's friend Moonglum has an enchantment placed on his blade. Moorcock described the blade as feeling as if it more easily went where Moonglum desired it to be, perhaps almost seeming to do so on its own. So, a magical sword may have the same weight as a non-magical blade but may feel easier to swing.

 

[William Ronald]

OOPS, double post.

 

[buzz]

Well, 'cause it's *magic*.

It all depends on how you perceive the magical enhancement. The +1 (or any plus) could mean:

• The physical makeup of the sword is bolstered by the magic; it is simply sharper and stronger than conventional smithing allows
• The enhancement causes the blade to seek out the weakest points in a opponent's defense
• The magic actually makes the wielder a better fighter
• The sword causes substances it comes into contact with to become buttery soft, and thus easier to cut
• Any other explanation you want!

In fact, I would vary the explanation from weapon to weapon to make individual swords (or axes, or maces) unique. E.g., this blade is made by mystical elven smiths, this one felled the evil drake Blorg and has resonated with power ever since, etc.