Greatsword of Solitude

Notes

• Requires 27 Strength and 13 Dexterity, and weighs 15.5. Two-handing meets the Strength requirement at 18 Strength. It deals pure Physical damage, with strong Strength scaling and a much smaller Dexterity contribution.
• Its weight is unusually high for a greatsword, but it also blocks unusually well for the class: 89% Physical damage negation and 53 Guard Boost before upgrades.
• Blocking still lets some Physical damage through and spends stamina. The high guard values make it useful for a two-handed guard-counter approach, rather than turning it into a complete replacement for a shield.
• Solitary Moon Slash costs 12 FP for a downward slash and forward arc. Use the heavy-attack follow-up for a rushing finish at another 10 FP, making 22 FP for both stages.
• The arc deals Physical damage through weapon attack power. Its light and moon imagery do not make it Magic or Holy damage, and Intelligence or Faith do not supply unlisted scaling.
• At close range, the blade and initial arc can both hit. The follow-up rush can stagger an enemy, but its damaging finish is the sword swing rather than the body moving forward.
• The opening blade and arc deal 5.5 and 11 stance damage. The follow-up rush and slash deal 5.5 and 27.5 if both connect, so the complete sequence needs enough range and time for all parts.
• Shard of Alexander improves the skill. Godfrey Icon does not because it cannot be charged, and Magic or Holy damage bonuses do not improve this Physical arc.
• Uses Somber Smithing Stones to +10. The skill and affinity are fixed, and grease or weapon enchantments cannot be applied.
• Blackgaol Knight awards the sword and full Solitude outfit together. Spirit Ashes are unavailable inside Western Nameless Mausoleum, so the fight does not allow a normal Spirit Calling Bell distraction.