Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Giantslayer 08-14-05, 11:16 AM	'lo again all =) I'll be playing a swordmaster weilding a 2handed sword once we start up again in a week or two. Background, how to act and all is now sorted up, but alas, I now have one slight problem remaining. I can't visualize somebody veilding a frikkin BIG sword, 2 handed, gracely. I've searched both on google and altavista, but I can't seem to find decent inspiration for it. So, if anybody know any good URLs to pages with short videos of people weilding big swords gracefully, I'd like you to post some for me, since I'm the kinda person who can't play something I can't visualize. I heard that the shao-lin monks had some kind of 2 handed sword, and they sure as 'ell are gracefull, I know they've put up exhibitions and such with it, but alas I cannot find any... Cya -Me
Sluagh 08-14-05, 01:20 PM	Generally, big swords are not graceful... at all. The two handed swords that are graceful are generally light/small wielded two handed for control/balance (ie Katana) more so than because the sword is large and REQUIRING two hands to lift. Most two-handed swords are chopping swords and sacrifice manoeuverability for range and damage. If you want grace, I suggest dropping the two-handed sword idea. Other than the inherent danger in the actual design of the weapon, the double sword might allow some graceful motions... if a person could actually wield it without injury, that is.
Griffin34 08-14-05, 03:30 PM	If you picture the weapon, like Slaugh said, Oriental-style (curved blade and light), it helps with the graceful thing. Also, if you've ever seen someone use a halberd you might picture it like that. Or better yet, think of Star Wars, and their graceful use of lightsabers in Episode III. That's prolly the best example.
JohntheDM 08-15-05, 11:07 AM	My suggestion would be to opt for a look of "graceful clumsiness"...if that makes sense. Picture this...a large man wielding an even larger sword...he swings downward-you think he'll fall face first into the ground...but pivots and swings in to the side. Picture your swordsman doing the exact same thing-from what I understand most swordsmen use their arm(s) to control the blade their wielding-picture your character using his entire body...mass and all to control gracefully a 6ft long 20 lb piece o steel. :D The other suggestions are good too, although a lightsaber's blade doesn't really weigh anything so I don't think the analogy is an exact fit...still a big sword though :D
Laranis Callirr 08-15-05, 03:09 PM	Something like what everyone else has said. I built a prestige class (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=142749) around this, in case you're curious. Anyhow, think of it like this: he uses the momentum of the sword's swings to propel himself, and links his movements into one swift, and graceful action.
Otogi 08-15-05, 05:05 PM	Ever hear of the Elven Courtblade? Not very powerful, but I think it work with Finesse, Weapon feat. It looks preety graceful to me. Other wise, I wouldn't know what else to go for.
Wellby the Fountain 08-16-05, 12:41 AM	if you saw the "king arthur" movie, you see tristan wielding his sword in a unique way... very subtle, short efficient attacks. he wields his sword two handed, and although it seems slow, its also smooth and deliberate. HAHA, im reading my own post and i realize im not doing a good job at describing it. if you've seen it, you'll know what im talking about. just a suggestion.
BadCatMan 08-16-05, 09:54 AM	In the movie Ladyhawke, Rutger Hauer's character wields a 2-handed sword. I can't remember the details of his fighting style (there wasn't much), but at one stage he did throw it through somebody. Which is almost impossible, I imagine. :confused:
Giantslayer 08-16-05, 11:05 AM	Hmm, I've seen King arthur.... Tristan... one of the knights I presume?? Can't remember it.. Better rent it again. John the DM My suggestion would be to opt for a look of "graceful clumsiness"...if that makes sense. Picture this...a large man wielding an even larger sword...he swings downward-you think he'll fall face first into the ground...but pivots and swings in to the side. Picture your swordsman doing the exact same thing-from what I understand most swordsmen use their arm(s) to control the blade their wielding-picture your character using his entire body...mass and all to control gracefully a 6ft long 20 lb piece o steel. Aye, that's what I'm looking for inspiration on how it looks, the whole momentum thing. A decent example of this, are the elves at the beginning of the LOTR movie, they weild 2 handed swords, though sleek and slender 2h swords... Too bad one doesn't see much more of their moves besides the opening slash. They are akin to the "moves" I'd like to see, standing there like bloody statues, then start swinging VERY fast, and apparently do so with the momentum of the blades weight... Sorry I haven't replied earlier, IRL has been heavily in the way lately :weep: Any other suggestions of movie characthers using 2h swords? prefferebly with grace, not Kurgahn from Highlander.... //Me
Morka 08-16-05, 12:08 PM	Sephiroth. Search on Yahoo or Google for pics of Sephiroth, you'll see a guy with grace, almost effeminate, wielding the longest sword ever.