Hey all. Is it me, or does the sword in this picture ( http://pcmedia.ign.com/pc/image/article/116/1162158/the-elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-20110415033042643_640w.jpg ) look like a one handed weapon which is being used to parry? It could be that it's just in mid swing, but I think it's a defensive stance.

The sword looks the same as this one ( http://pcmedia.ign.com/pc/image/article/114/1149185/elder-scrolls-v-skyrim-20110211094607486_640w.jpg ) which means it is in fact a one-handed weapon we see in the first pic and not a claymore.

So, does this mean that people who combine magic with a one-handed weapon will be able to defend themselves from enemy blows? I certainly hope so.

I wonder how that sword is covered in blood. He's fighting undead isn't he.

Looks like he's using both hands to me. We know you can block when fighting with two hands. Seems like there is a perk to use a weapon two handed even if it's normally used one handed. Either that or it's a bastard sword he's swinging.

The swords are different. Sword 1 has asymmetrical sides. Side 2 has symmetrical sides.

If you only wield a one handed weapon you can block by pulling the left trigger. However, if your other hand is occupied by a spell or other weapon then you have no way to block as LT is now being used to attack with your left hand weapon.

At least that's how I understand it.

You understand it correctly. It's not that you can't block with onehanded weapons, it's just that you can't block if the "free" hand is occupied with anything other than a shield.

A few possibilities.

That might be later down the cave where you fight the Bandits for the Golden Dragon Claw in the demonstration. As such, the Dragonborne might still have blood spattered all over his sword from that.


Or, you know, they're Zombies, not skeletons, Zombies can still bleed.

I find the idea of not being able to use a one handed weapon to block (if my left hand is empty for example) completely unrealistic, makes no sense, and I will be looking out for a mod that fixes this from day one. I would do it myself but my modding skills don't really touch that realm of things.

It certainly DOES look like a defensive stance. I'd hope those that don't invest in a shield have some way of dodging, blocking, or parrying.


They're Draugr, kind of like zombies. They bleed.

I would assume that you would hold down both triggers to block if you had a one-handed weapons and a spell or some such.

That is a 1 handed sword that he is using with 2 hands for increased damage.
Confirmed feature.