Sword size

Hypersillyman · May 2014

Why are the one handed swords in this game so short? They aren't full-sized swords. They more closely resemble a short sword or a gladius, not a true sword. Is there some reason for this? Even at higher levels, this doesn't change. I was hoping that higher level swords would be larger and come closer to true sword size. I realize this is purely an aesthetic complaint, but I am making it all the same.

Rotherhans · May 2014

Actually I´m not so sure it´s only cosmetic either.
Recently crafted me a nice Breton double Axe and I´m pretty sure I have to inch a bit closer to the mobs than with my trusty Nord Zweihänder. $:\$

PBpsy · May 2014

From what I have seen in game swords seem to be between 70 to 110 cm that is pretty much what the length of most swords is. Have you tried different motifs?

Delte · May 2014

They are mostly built to scale and are based on their real life versions. Your own perception of them is based from other RPG's that have exaggerated sizes to their weapons to make them "look cool".

I like this art direction ZOS has taken with their weapons and armour to be honest, as I have always found that weapons and armour in other RPG's always seemed unrealistic and looked cartoonish.

DFDelta · May 2014

Fun fact:
Swords the size of the typical real life longsword that most games feature as a one handed sword would actually be considered two handed ones in RL. It can be wielded one handed but doing so is highly impractical.
Kinda like no one with serious gun training would ever use a pistol one handed. It can be done, but during normal situations you wouldn't.

The sizes we see in-game are rather realistic for one handed weapons.
(The one handed maces and axes are actually slightly oversized compared to RL combat axes and maces)

Delte · May 2014

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wezckiWeAAI&list=UUt14YOvYhd5FCGCwcjhrOdA A video about longswords.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwdg6lblKow&list=UUt14YOvYhd5FCGCwcjhrOdA And another.

I like how he explains and demonstrates things in his videos.

DFDelta · May 2014

I'm at work and don't have sound here so I can't really watch the videos, but going from the comments on them I guess he is talking about the viability of longswords as one handed weapons?

Personally I wouldn't use longswords one handed, tough as I said above it can be done. At most I'd go with a buckler or other small shield that leaves some usability (is that even a word? lol) of my secondary arm.

With any bigger type of shield I'd use a shorter sword for flexibility and better stabbing.