[RQ-Rules] Bastard Sword Damage

[Nick.Middleton at invensys.com]

>A recent discussion in my group has necessitated me taking this question
>to the RQ Rules list:
>
>Bastard Swords - Is it fair that when used one handed, they do the same
>damage as when wielded two handed, vis 1D10+1. In my view, a bastard sword
>can best be described as he "hand and a half" sword which was quite
>popular among the Vikings. (I am sure Bjorn Stollen can clarify this
>further). As such, it would be quite heavy and maybe even a bit hard to
>wield one handed. In my group, we are proposing to reduce its damage if
>you use it one handed, to say 1D8+1. What say the rules listers?
>Tony

"Bastard" or "Hand and half swords" were common in  a number of era's. My
old re-enactment one is still hanging in the hall (sans hilt furniture
alas, keeping company with the crocodile head and my longbow...) and it was
easily wielded one-handed. Hand and a half swords had extended hilts to
allow a two-handed grip _when necessary_ if the sword _required_ two hands
to wield effectively then it's a two-handed sword IMO.

I seem to re-call a rule (RQII? Optional RQII rule?) that wielded
one-handed a bastard sword indeed only did 1d8+1 which is one option.
Another might be to adjust the SR rating (one handed is less controllable
so increase the weapon SR?), or perhaps wielded one-handed there should be
no damage bonus allowed? My personal instinct would be to reduce the sword
damage as you suggest: the sword still has it's reach and is perfectly
usable one-handed (allowing use of a shielded) but this is traded off
against better damage from wielding it fully two-handed.

However this is a compromise: on Wars of the Roses re-enactment
battlefields my (limited) sword experience was that the _most_ effective
use of a bastard sword involved frequent switching between one and two
handed use (Pole arm users always look startled when you pull them in by
grabbing the haft of their weapon with your off hand: the lesson is never
bring a pole arm to a one on one duel unless you are _very_ good). And
switching round by round between one and two-handed grips precludes using a
shield (other than something small like a buckler).

I have a copy of the RQ II game aids at home and I'm sure one and two
handed bastard swords get separate entries. If no-one else can confirm it
I'll try and look tonight...

Cheers,

Nick Middleton