Two-handed sword

From Ultima Codex
(Redirected from Two-Handed Sword)
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Two-handed sword

The two-handed sword appears in Ultima I, Ultima II, Ultima III, Ultima V, Ultima VI, Ultima VII, Ultima VII Part Two, Ultima VIII and Ultima IX.

Description[edit]

This weapon is the logical development of the normal, one-handed sword. While more difficult to wield, needing more strength and both hands, its destructive power has been enhanced significantly. One strike of this weapon can sever limbs, cut open heads, and ruin armour. It is a weapon closely associated with Knights and the greatest warriors, and has no trouble proving its worth in battle.

The great sword first appeared in Ultima I. Around the time of Ultima III, it was rechristened as the two-handed sword, and has been in the series ever since, although it was missing from Ultima IV.

Efficacy[edit]

In Ultima V the two-handed sword has a damage rating of "20".
In Ultima VI the two-handed sword has a damage rating of "20".
In Ultima VII the two-handed sword has an "11" effectiveness rating, thus being the most destructive, non-magical melee weapon available.[1]
In Ultima VII Part Two, two-handed swords have a damage of "8" and a reach of "4".[2]
In Ultima IX, the two-handed sword deals damage of 45(min) - 75(max).[3]
In Ultima IX the claymore deals 50(min)-60(max) points of damage.

Variants[edit]

Several special two-handed swords did exist throughout history:

The Black Sword[edit]

Main article: Black Sword

Made from blackrock and inhabited by a daemon; a unique weapon found in Ultima VII and Ultima VII Part Two.

Blade of Striking[edit]

Main article: Blade of Striking

A magical two-handed sword from the island of Pagan in Ultima VIII.

Lightning Sword[edit]

Main article: Lightning Sword

Instead of a metal blade, this rare sword has an arc of electricity; two were known to exist in Ultima IX.

Lore[edit]

Swords continue to be the most popular weapon. There are long and short swords, and two-handed swords.
Two-HandedSwordU6.PNG
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.
Two-HandedSwordU7.PNG
Many weapons such as pole arms and the larger swords are heavy enough to require the use of both hands. If one not of sufficient strength, attempting to wield a two-handed sword could be worse than fighting unarmed.
Two-HandedSwordU7.PNG
As far as I can see, many of these weapon types do overlap. Most swords can cut and pierce; a two-handed sword can bludgeon and cut; an arrow is a piercing missile weapon; and a slung rock is a bludgeoning projectile.
U92-HandedSwordIcon.png
Among those who fight for a living, the two-handed sword is a totem of honor. Yet, legion are the rash innspeople who have raised this weapon with neither strength nor training to do so. Heavy as the day is long, the two-handed sword demands a graceful rhythm from its wielder, as blows must be timed and shaped so as not to overly expose the flanks. A purchase of such a weapon should include focused training with a master.

Trivia[edit]

  • In Ultima II, an Agility of 31 was required to wield a great sword.

See Also[edit]

References[edit]

  1.  Vetron's Guide to Weapons and Armour (Ultima VII: The Black Gate – in-game).
  2. Hobbs, Sherri G. Ultima VII Part Two Clue Book (Ultima VII Part Two). Origin Systems, Inc.: 1993. Page 63.
  3. McCubbin, Chris et al. "Weapons". Ultima IX Strategy Guide (Ultima IX). Prima Publishing: 1999. Pages 56-61.

Weapons
Melee Weapons
Basic Melee Weapons AxeBladed staffClubCustom swordCutlassDaggerDecorative swordDum‑dumHalberdHammerJeweled weaponsKnifeMaceMain gaucheMorning starPoison daggerSaberScimitarSerpentine daggerSerpentine swordSilver swordSpearSpiked helm ☥ Spiked shield ☥ StaffSwordTwo‑handed axeTwo‑handed hammerTwo‑handed sword
Enhanced Melee Weapons Blackrock swordExotic WeaponsFire swordGlass swordGreat daggerLightning swordLightning whipMagic swordMystic WeaponsSword of defense
Ranged Weapons
Basic Ranged Weapons BlowgunBoomerangBowCrossbowIolo’s bowFlaming oilHawkMusketSiege bowSlingThrowing axeTriple crossbow
Enhanced Ranged Weapons Anachronistic weaponsFire wandInfinity bowLightning wandLightning whipMagic axeMagic boomerangMagic bowMagician’s wandStarbursts
Ammunition
Basic Ammuntion AmmunitionArrowsBoltsCannonballsSling stones
Enhanced Ammuntion Burst arrowsFire arrowsLove arrowsLucky arrowsMagic arrowsMagic boltsMana arrowsSerpent arrowsSleep arrows
Non-traditional Weapons
Non-traditional Weapons CannonCleaverDeath scytheFellowship staffFishing rodHammerHoeHoe of DestructionPickPitchforkPowder kegRakeRock hammer ☥ Rolling pin ☥ ScytheShearsShovelTongsTorchesWhip
Others
Other Weapons Weapons in Savage EmpireWeapons in Martian DreamsGlovesRope & spikes
Specific Weapons
Specific Enchanted Weapons Axe of Fire DoomAxe of Life StealingBlade of StrikingBone CrusherCudgel of EntryCrook of CharmingDeceiverErinon’s axeFiredoom staffFlame StingFrost swordGringoletHammer of DedicationJuggernaut hammerMace of Undead BaneMagebaneProtectorKorghin’s FangScimitar of Khumash‑GorSlayerSword of Poison WeaponSword of Stone StrikeStaff of the DeadWar Bow of Blood
Other Items Black swordCaliburnOphidian swordPractice swordQuickswordSerpent artifactsSerpent Staff