Best Infinity Engine Greatswords
The two-handed sword is a derivative of the long sword. Weaponsmiths have always looked for ways to improve existing weapons. In an effort to improve the long sword, the blade was lengthened. Eventually, the handle had to be extended and two hands became necessary to properly swing the sword. The primary function of two-handed swords is cleaving mounted knights and breaking up pike formations.
There are many impressive two-handed swords or great swords in Infinity Engine games. The problem with greatswords/two-handed swords is that we forego a shield and dual-wielding. Thus, defense and ApR suffer until we get Hardiness and GWW. Also, with the exception of Carsomyr and ToB Warblades (1d12), katanas match the weapon roll of greatswords (1d10), and are one-handed and backstab-capable. Ergo, that greatsword would want to have some pretty great perks if we are going to wield it (vorpal, level drain, on-hit Dispel etc.)
One largely unknown perk of greatswords (and polearms such as halberds) is their increased reach: wielders of such are able to hit aggro while standing behind allies. Another perk is that we can easily switch between our greatsword and bow (we don't need to unequip our shield or off-hand weapon first).
And yes, there are no greatswords in PS:T (there is only one sword: Dak'kon's Zerth Blade).
Lilarcor (SW2H14, two-handed sword, BG2: SoA): THAC0 +3, 1d10 +3 slashing, Imm: Charm & Confusion, "My brother is a +12 Hackmaster!" (talking sword for Minsc).
Lawrence Lilarcor was well known, not for being brave, but as an idiot. As the tale goes, the boastful Lilarcor left his village at the urging of his friends so that the "great hero" could do battle with a devious Treant. He walked for days in the dead of winter until, feverish, he found his target and began an epic wrestling match. Unfortunately (or perhaps luckily), the "Treant" was nothing more than a craggy old normal oak. His friends had been jesting, not actually expecting that Lilarcor would go fight the fictitiously dangerous tree. That might have been the end of it, but Lilarcor, not really knowing what a Treant was in the first, didn't realize the truth. He eventually uprooted the oak and, marching proudly home, he declared himself a hero. Thus was born a laughing stock of epic proportions, and over time the name of Lilarcor became the sacrificial fool in many tales of "less than brilliance". It is not known whether this enchanted weapon is Lilarcor himself, perhaps imprisoned by an evil mage or some other odd coincidence of fate, but it certainly acts in a manner consistent with his level of competence. If it is he, he has never bemoaned his captivity. He might not realize, or care, that he is no longer a human. As a weapon, Lilarcor has its uses, but many a warrior has eventually given it away. Banter such as "Ouch, that musta hurt", "Oh yeah! Got 'im good", and "Beware my bite for it might...might...might really hurt or something" is a constant barrage on a warrior's psyche.
The immunities are actually pretty useful vs. spellcasters and the likes of Umber Hulks (De Arnise, Spellhold).
***
Didn't make the cut because they are either underwhelming, random drops, or just come too late in the campaign to be considered Top 10:
Flame of the North (SW2H12, two-handed sword, BG2: SoA): THAC0 +2, 1d10 +2 slashing (+4 vs. Chaotic Evil), 10% MR.
The title does not refer to the blade itself, but rather to the woman who originally wielded it in the icy hinterlands of Faerun. Her name was Carerra, and she was a veritable firestorm that swept across arctic trolls and the northern orcish tribes. She was a hated enemy of many a shaman whose magic often floundered against her fury. After a lifetime of raucous battle, it was old age that eventually claimed her. The sword was passed to her granddaughter, an adventurer, who presumably brought it to Amn.
What a disappointment. Itemized on the first level of Spellhold. FFS, at least make it +4 vs. general Evil and give it 2 points of fire damage. Joril's Dagger is far superior and comes much earlier...
Psion's Blade (SW2H21, two-handed sword, BG2: ToB): THAC0 +5, 1d10 +5 slashing, Imm: Psionics and Confusion.
Some believe this massive blade to be of Drow origin, though others dispute this claim. However, all agree this great sword was fashioned with a single purpose... to rid the world of the Illithid. Those who wield the Psion's Blade are immune to the Mind Flayer's psionic attacks. The bewildering gaze of Umber Hulks, often found serving the Illithid, are similarly rendered harmless.
Solid enchantment, solid damage and great vs. mind-flayers/illithid, but it just doesn't see much use.
You will notice I don't list many IWD2 weapons. Reason? They are pretty balanced and rarely combat encounter-impacting as a result. BG2 itemization is more interesting whereas IWD2 is more about the builds (consider its multi-classing potential and its feats such as Power Attack, Cleave, Great Cleave, Improved Critical etc.)
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.