Why are short swords in the same weapon family as long swords?
The standard short sword is listed as a “sword” to encourage new characters to use weapons they are trained for. Instead of slash-and-parry, short swords use a thrust-and-stab motion similar to a dagger. If your character can use a sword, and wants to buy a custom short sword, it can be in the dagger or sword category with no change in price or effect. For characters such as magicians, that can’t use “swords” without special training, making a “long dagger” with the same effect is best.
