Reverse-Bladed Sword

Notes

• Requires 9 Strength and 11 Dexterity, and weighs 3. Standard Physical scaling favors Dexterity, with a smaller Strength contribution.
• Two-handing draws its matching blade and gives the paired Backhand Blade moveset. A second copy is unnecessary.
• Compared with Backhand Blade, it has higher starting damage and lower requirements, but weaker scaling and one more point of weight. It provides the class without needing to enter the Realm of Shadow.
• Blind Spot costs 9 FP and moves around the target before the strike. Directional input chooses the side, and the angled attack can get through a guard.
• The evasive part does not make the entire skill invulnerable. Walls, ledges and a moving target can spoil the repositioning.
• Ordinary attacks mix Slash and Pierce contacts. Spear Talisman helps a qualifying Physical Pierce counterhit rather than every spinning slash.
• Has no innate Blood Loss. Blood or Cold can add status, but paired contacts have their own buildup modifiers instead of automatically applying twice the displayed amount.
• Uses ordinary Smithing Stones to +25. Can use compatible Ashes of War. Grease or a weapon enchantment can be applied while using an affinity that allows weapon buffs.
• The Twin Maiden Husks sell it for 1,000 runes in their regular shop. No special bearing or companion death is required for that purchase.
• Requires the additional weapon content. Its availability outside the Realm of Shadow does not mean it appears in an installation without those additions.