The common sword
Considered by many to be analogous to knighthood and chivalry, the one-handed sword has been in common use since before the first Age of Darkness. A formidable weapon, especially when used in conjunction with a shield, the sword is the workhorse of warriors across the lands. It has given rise to variants, such as the cutlass, the broadsword, the two-handed sword (sometimes called a "great sword"), and even rare magic swords of widely-ranging properties can be found.
According to Vetron's Guide to Weapons and Armour, a one-handed sword has a "6" effectiveness rating.
History[]
The one-handed sword first appeared in Ultima I, and has been in the series ever since. In Ultima VI it was called a "short sword."
It has resulted in numerous special swords, which include:
- Fire sword - Fire damage, doubles as a torch.
- Frost sword - Paralyzes the enemy.
- Glass sword - Kills with one blow, but single-use.
- Magic sword - Enchanted for much better hit chances.
- Ophidian sword - An ancient artifact.
- Sword of Defense - Gives the defensive power of a shield.
- Sword of Stone Strike - A sword that can paralyze a foe.
- Custom sword - This sword is especially well balanced.
This listing is incomplete, as the number of special swords is simply too big to be listed here in its entirety.
Lore[]
Ah, a true fighter's weapon. Four feet of wicked, blue steel will strike fear into the heart of any opponent. The sword is an automatic favorite among Fighters.
- from The History of Britannia (Ultima IV)
Despite their name, short swords are formidable weapons -- a good thing, for only the strongest adventurers can wield the hefty two-handed swords. Always examine a sword closely before buying it, paying particular attention to its weight and the force with which it will deliver a blow.
- from Compendium (Ultima VI)
The first weapon of an acolyte of war, a lively broadsword can afford protection and respect without landing a single blow. The weapon of choice in Britannia, a broadsword can be found as an ornament dangling from the belt of many an untrained dandy. As such, a trained warrior can gird himself with it and surprise the fool who would test him.
The preferred weapon of marauding seamen, the cutlass possesses a lightness of a rapier and the power of a sword. Slightly curved at its tip, a good cutlass is balanced for slicing strokes in close quarters. A man skilled with the cutlass can use its hard guard to parry blows and counter with a sharp lunge.