- Main article: Imperial Weapons
The Imperial Sword is a one-handed weapon found in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. It serves as the primary melee weapon used by the Imperial Legion in Skyrim.
Appearance
It seems to vaguely resemble the historical Roman Gladius Hispaniensis, (or "Spanish Sword") which was the primary weapon of the Roman Legions until the 3rd Century A.D., a reference the Greco-Roman traits shown by the Empire throughout the series, especially after The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind onwards. The Imperial symbol is carved into the guard.
Locations
The Imperial sword can typically be found wielded by most Imperial Soldiers and Hold Guards in Imperial controlled Holds.
Fixed locations
- On Corrupted Shades at Meridia's Shrine, during The Break of Dawn.
- Can be stolen from the armory in Castle Dour in Solitude.
- Two can be found in Whitewatch Tower on the weapon rack.
- Two can be found in Fort Greymoor, on the weapon rack.
- Any Legion camp contains 5-8 Imperials who all wield a sword.
- Can be found in the Abandoned Prison.
- Sulla Trebatius in Alftand carries an enchanted variant.
- One can be found southeast of Froki's Shack with an closed Imperial Helmet hanging in front of a Talos Shrine.
Smithing
The Imperial sword cannot be crafted, but it can be upgraded with a steel ingot at a grindstone and also benefits from the Steel Smithing perk, which doubles the improvement.
Trivia
- The damage and weight are identical to the Steel Sword, the only difference being its appearance and value.
- In The Art of Skyrim, there are conceptual illustrations of two different types of Imperial swords. However, only one of them made it into the game.
- It bears a strong resemblance to a gladius, a sword commonly used in ancient Rome. This would fit with the parallels the Empire shares with the Roman Empire.