Two-handed sword

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

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

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.

In Ultima VII Part Two, two-handed swords have a damage of "8" and a reach of "4".

In Ultima IX, the two-handed sword deals damage of 45(min) - 75(max).

In Ultima IX the claymore deals 50(min)-60(max) points of damage.

Variants

Several special two-handed swords did exist throughout history:

The Black Sword

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

Main article: Blade of Striking

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

Lightning Sword

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

“	Swords continue to be the most popular weapon. There are long and short swords, and two-handed swords. – from The Book of Lore (Ultima V: Warriors of Destiny)

“	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 False Prophet)

“	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. – from The Book of Fellowship (Ultima VII: The Black Gate)

“	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. – from Beyond the Serpent Pillars (Ultima VII Part Two: Serpent Isle)

“

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. – from Journal (Ultima IX: Ascension)

Trivia

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

See Also

• Weapon Values

References

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Weapons

Melee Weapons
Basic Melee Weapons	Axe ☥ Bladed staff ☥ Club ☥ Custom sword ☥ Cutlass ☥ Dagger ☥ Decorative sword ☥ Dum‑dum ☥ Halberd ☥ Hammer ☥ Jeweled weapons ☥ Knife ☥ Mace ☥ Main gauche ☥ Morning star ☥ Poison dagger ☥ Saber ☥ Scimitar ☥ Serpentine dagger ☥ Serpentine sword ☥ Silver sword ☥ Spear ☥ Spiked helm ☥ Spiked shield ☥ Staff ☥ Sword ☥ Two‑handed axe ☥ Two‑handed hammer ☥ Two‑handed sword
Enhanced Melee Weapons	Blackrock sword ☥ Exotic Weapons ☥ Fire sword ☥ Glass sword ☥ Great dagger ☥ Lightning sword ☥ Lightning whip ☥ Magic sword ☥ Mystic Weapons ☥ Sword of defense

Ranged Weapons
Basic Ranged Weapons	Blowgun ☥ Boomerang ☥ Bow ☥ Crossbow ☥ Iolo’s bow ☥ Flaming oil ☥ Hawk ☥ Musket ☥ Siege bow ☥ Sling ☥ Throwing axe ☥ Triple crossbow
Enhanced Ranged Weapons	Anachronistic weapons ☥ Fire wand ☥ Infinity bow ☥ Lightning wand ☥ Lightning whip ☥ Magic axe ☥ Magic boomerang ☥ Magic bow ☥ Magician’s wand ☥ Starbursts

Ammunition
Basic Ammuntion	Ammunition ☥ Arrows ☥ Bolts ☥ Cannonballs ☥ Sling stones
Enhanced Ammuntion	Burst arrows ☥ Fire arrows ☥ Love arrows ☥ Lucky arrows ☥ Magic arrows ☥ Magic bolts ☥ Mana arrows ☥ Serpent arrows ☥ Sleep arrows

Non-traditional Weapons
Non-traditional Weapons	Cannon ☥ Cleaver ☥ Death scythe ☥ Fellowship staff ☥ Fishing rod ☥ Hammer ☥ Hoe ☥ Hoe of Destruction ☥ Pick ☥ Pitchfork ☥ Powder keg ☥ Rake ☥ Rock hammer ☥ Rolling pin ☥ Scythe ☥ Shears ☥ Shovel ☥ Tongs ☥ Torches ☥ Whip

Others
Other Weapons	Weapons in Savage Empire ☥ Weapons in Martian Dreams ☥ Gloves ☥ Rope & spikes