Cane Sword

Notes

• Requires eight Strength and 11 Dexterity, and weighs only 2.5. Standard scaling favors Dexterity; Keen strengthens that direction, while Heavy changes the physical scaling to Strength.
• Its low weight comes with short reach and low base damage. It is a light straight-sword option rather than a higher-damage reward simply because it is found in the capital.
• Its heavy and rolling attacks use sweeping cuts like Broadsword. Do not assume the listed Pierce attack type means it has the usual straight-sword heavy thrust; compatible skills can provide a separate thrust.
• Square Off costs no FP just to hold the stance. Its light follow-up costs six FP and attacks an enemy's guard; its strong follow-up costs eight FP and is useful for breaking enemy stance.
• Keen affinity has a slightly reduced Dexterity contribution for independently scaled skills such as Thunderbolt or Beast's Roar compared with ordinary Keen skill scaling. Ordinary blade damage follows the sword's own attack power.
• The corpse remains available after Leyndell becomes the Ashen Capital. The West Capital Rampart directions describe the original city approach; it is not necessary to discard the item as permanently missed after that change.
• Upgrade it with ordinary Smithing Stones to +25. Its critical rating is the normal 100.
• Can use compatible Ashes of War. Grease or a weapon enchantment can be applied while using an affinity that allows weapon buffs; elemental and status affinities normally prevent those coatings.