The bastard sword is a popular choice amongst mercenary alliances because its size—not too long, yet not too short, not too light, yet not too heavy—accommodates a variety of fighting styles, both one- and two-handed.

• Can be purchased from most shop vendors for 1,000 Gil, notably Charon’s Toll.

Even in the hands of an untrained soldier, the broadsword can prove a deadly weapon, which is why it remains a popular choice for armies across the Twins. It also doesn’t hurt that the pig iron blades are extremely simple and inexpensive to forge.

• Can be purchased from most shop vendors for 500 Gil.

Though a savvy merchant would have you believe that through arcane magicks imbued into the sword (at high cost to the supplier), its wielder will experience enhanced strength and dexterity, in truth, it is the reduced weight and increased hardness afforded by the weapon’s narrow blade of folded steel that ultimately provides the illusion of these enhancements.

While common on the southern continent, worship of the land itself as a deity is almost unheard of in Valisthea. That, however, has not stopped the import of fine steel blades blessed by Gaian presbyters, under the claim that they are deadlier and more durable than those forged in the Twins.

• Costs 1500 Gil to buy.

If you can swear you have seen this blade somewhere before, it is probably because you have. Longswords are some of the most common weapons in the realm, so it is no surprise the hot-tempered gate guard barking at you to begone also has one strapped to his back.

• Purchased from the Shop in the Hanged Man in Lostwing for 700 Gil.

Platinum makes for a poor blade, being too soft to withstand rigorous use in battle and too expensive for the common soldier to afford. It does, however, allow for ornate designs on crossguard, hilt, and pommel, where the rare metal is most often employed.

Throughout history, many prominent battle strategists have declared that the best offense is a good defense. So with a name like “Defender” one might assume this blade the best of both worlds.

• Can be purchased from Charon’s Toll and other vendors for 5,000 Gil. The option will become available during the Main Quest.

A cursory inspection of this hefty broadsword will reveal diamonds on neither its hilt nor its blade. So why, then, the use of the precious gemstone in its name? The answer lies in its blade, into which the dust of Fallen ruins has been hammered during its forging, rendering it nigh unbreakable—much like a diamond.

• Can be purchased from Charon’s Toll and other vendors for 3,000 Gil. The option will unlock as you progress the Main Quest.

Long before the Valisthean alphabet became commonplace, early tribes across the Twins used a form of lettering now known collectively as “runes.” While most scholars agree that these runes were merely a crude representation of sophisticated pre-Fall writing, some religious sects believe that the symbols hold power that is unlockable only when used in a specific order—much like those inscribed on the blade of this sword.

• Craft (+1) or buy from Shop vendors for 4,000 Gil after reaching the A Song of Hope Main Quest.