Bastard sword

A bastard sword is any “hand-and-a-half” sword usually between 100 cm (40 in) and 120 cm (48 in) in length. Bastard swords are a hybrid long sword with a longer hilts than broadswords. Its name derives from having the general sense of “irregular sword or sword of uncertain origin”, and the fact that they may be used either one- or two-handed depending on what was required in battle. This latter aspect is the defining characteristic of a bastard sword. Typically a bastard sword is midway in length between an arming sword and a long sword.

Development[edit | edit source]

High quality swords are expensive knightly weapons and they are highly prized. Shorter and less elaborate swords serve as sidearms for the common footsoldier.

In the period up to the Atani wars, most swords were relatively light. By the 6th century BT, larger and heavier swords began to be developed, including the long sword or battlesword. The bastard sword or “hand-and-a-half” sword was developed from, and as a type of, long sword around the mid-200s TR. They typically have slightly shorter blades tips than other longswords.

Originating from the Jarin term epee batarde, early bastard swords included blades with irregular or not easily defined traits. They are hybrid swords which enable blows to be delivered with the power of a two-handed sword but could also be wielded with one hand. This versatile usage, its defining trait, initially gave rise to the term “hand-and-a-half” sword.^[1] However, since it would not fit neatly within the “family” of single-handed or two-handed swords, most weaponcrafters began calling it a “bastard” sword, a term which has become the more common appellation for this type sword.

Bastard swords typically have a cruciform hilt. The pommel, at the top of the hilt, are of various shapes and made from a variety of materials. Richer swords can have pommels made of rock crystal and chalcedony, decorated with precious metal filigree work or have embedded gemstones. Some are left hollow so that they could contain a holy relic.^[2]

Use and effect[edit | edit source]

The bastard sword with its longer grip could be used for thrusting or cutting and has fearsome capabilities on the battlefield.

It is used as close-combat weapon and was capable of striking a massive blow. Its thrusts are deadlier than lighter swords, with its heavier weight improving their effectiveness when attacking plate armour. The blades of such swords could also be acutely pointed, which helps them to find the gaps in plate armour.

The blade could be the same length as a single-hand swords but the tang and the grip are long enough to accommodate two hands, which provided better leverage and more power. When used with two hands it can deliver a powerful blow like that of other long swords or battleswords. When used with both hands the wielder will often grip the pummel with the secondary hand in order to move the hands further apart and thereby generate more leverage when delivering a striking or slashing blow.^[3]

While heavy enough to do damage like other long swords it is also lighter and balanced enough that it can be used with a single hand like arming or broadswords. When welded with one hand it allows the off-hand to use a shield or buckler, or even another secondary weapon. If no secondary weapon was held in the off-hand it still allows for grappling with the off-hand during combat.^[3]

Swords are typically worn in scabbards slung from waist belts, many of which were highly decorated with plaques and heraldic designs.

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Bastard sword

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