Curved Sword
The curved sword (or “backsword”) is not a single sword but an entire category. The blade features a mild-to-deep curve, and is generally only sharp on the outer edge. The original curved design was meant to be used by riders upon horseback. Warriors found the curved weapons to be better weighted than straight blades toward uneven, roughshod fighting. Atop a horse, any iota of imbalance could send a knight or soldier toppling off his steed and to the ground, which was tantamount to a death sentence. Ancient versions of the curved sword include the Indian talwar, the Persian shamshir and the Greek makhaira. More modern versions include the cavalry saber, used prominently in conflicts such as the Napoleonic Wars and used ornamentally in the American Civil War.
Item type
Weapon, Melee
Size: 2/L
Durability: 3
Cost: ••
Notes: +1 Damage from positions of height