There are numerous weapons you can use in DnD 5e, one of which is the longsword, which you should only use if you have proficiency in it.
In this traditional tabletop game, Dungeons and Dragons, players can form a party and explore fictitious worlds together. The game focuses on storytelling and adventure, so one party member takes on the role of the Dungeon Master (DM).
The DM is responsible for the campaign’s narrative, and how party members interact with each other. Before the game begins, party members can create and customise a character of their own.
Bear in mind that you have to select your character’s race, class, alignment, and ability scores to round out their backstory. Every class in the game has proficiency in certain weapons.
One of the weapons you can use in DnD is the longsword, however, it is only recommended if your character has proficiency in it.
Weapon proficiency
Proficiency with a weapon allows you to add your proficiency bonus to the attack roll for any attack that you make with that weapon. If players perform an attack roll using a weapon with which they lack proficiency, the proficiency bonus will not apply.
In the game, there are 2 categories of weapons, namely simple and martial. Most players can use simple weapons with proficiency, which include maces, clubs, and other weapons that are generally found in the hands of commoners.
Martial weapons include polearms, axes, and swords. These weapons require more specialised training to use them effectively.
DnD 5e: Longsword
In general terms, a longsword is a late medieval and Renaissance European sword, with a double-edged blade and a cruciform grip. In DnD, the more fitting term to describe the weapon that the Players Handbook refers to, is the bastard sword.
In reality, the longsword was a 2-handed sword and the bastard sword was a 1-handed sword that could be used with 1 hand or both hands depending on numerous factors. Nevertheless, the longsword has been a vital component in DnD since the game’s first edition.
The weapon has similar characteristics in all DnD editions. A sword that can be used as a 1-handed weapon, but it is better when it is used with both hands. According to the Player’s Handbook, the longsword is a Martial Melee weapon with 1d8 slashing damage that has versatile (1d10) properties.
Since it is a martial weapon, you need a certain kind of training before you can use it effectively. This means that you have to add your proficiency bonus to the attack roll. Classes that can take advantage of their training are Rangers, Paladins, Fighters, and Barbarians.
However, Rogues and Bards have proficiency in longswords. There are certain subclasses that offer proficiency in martial weapons, such as Bladesinger for Wizards, Tempest, and Twilight Domain for Clerics and Hexblade for Warlocks.
Players can also gain proficiency for the longsword by selecting a specific race. These races, or subraces, include High Elves, Hobgoblins, Giths, and Wood Elves.
How to use a longsword
As previously stated, the most effective way of using the longsword is with both hands. However, many DnD players choose to wield it with 1 hand, while the other hand uses a shield. If you are interested in using this method, you should note that your character will deal less damage.
When using both hands, you will deal 1d10 with each slash, however, equipping a shield reduces the damage to 1d8. Although your damage is reduced, your character benefits from an additional 2 Armor Class (AC) points.
AC determines how severely your character will be hit. A higher AC means that your character is less likely to get hit by enemies.
Feats
Unfortunately, there are not many feats in DnD that have the ability to boost a longsword’s damage. However, Elven Accuracy can allegedly boost the weapon, as it allows you to reroll one of the dice once whenever you have advantage on an attack roll using Dexterity, Wisdom, Intelligence, or Charisma.
However, there are a few things players must consider before using this feat. This feat only works if players are attacking with advantage. Moreover, you should not be using Strength with the longsword for this feat to activate.
Moreover, players can use Martial Adept, as it offers them a d6 to a single damage roll once per short rest. You can also use the lucky feat, as you have 3 luck points whenever you make an attack roll, and it misses.
Spells
Unlike feats, there are various spells that can benefit the longsword. The Hunter’s Mark and Hex spells both offer bonus action, which can be problematic for certain weapons, but beneficial to the longsword.
However, these spells do not work with all character builds. Players can also use Magic Weapon, Guardian of Nature, Holy Weapon, and Bless, among others.
