The issue is that due to DnD, Greatswords have taken on the role of a two-handed sword, which isn't truly the case. A medieval Longsword is classed as a Greatsword, as it is based on the blade length. The handedness of the sword is determined primarily by the hilt, and weather it was designed for one handed fighting, two handed or hand and a half.
Given the Greatswords we are talking about fall into the two handed category, you wouldn't want to use one in a single hand. It's not designed for it, even if you could carry it due to the weight. The balance wouldn't be correct.
The sort of swords we're likely to see would be a Zweihander or Claymore (literally meaning Great sword in Gaelic), maybe with a Flamberge style blade. These were designed to combat troops not protected by plate, as although the concussive force was great, it wouldn't cut through it. Which is why moves such as the mordstreich where you would use the quillions or hilt to deal a concussive blow to your oponents head.
And one of the reasons why generally a Sword and Shield would come out over a two handed sword?
reach.
Unless you have the space to swing it, a two handed sword is very limited in what you can do with it. Someone within your reach is at a very distinct advantage. That is not to say there is nothing the two handed sword wielder can do, push off against the shield to create room, stab down over the shield to try and catch a gap in the armour. It's just the options are more limited.
Also, your comment about sword and board user 'beating someone with a greatsword without problems just because they can "block everything and kill anything that bleeds"' can be applied to just about anyone. I've heard of someone taking a full on blow from a piercing weapon, to the chest, and only received a scratch.... That shit would have slipped through ribs and pierced a lung.
Given the Greatswords we are talking about fall into the two handed category, you wouldn't want to use one in a single hand. It's not designed for it, even if you could carry it due to the weight. The balance wouldn't be correct.
The sort of swords we're likely to see would be a Zweihander or Claymore (literally meaning Great sword in Gaelic), maybe with a Flamberge style blade. These were designed to combat troops not protected by plate, as although the concussive force was great, it wouldn't cut through it. Which is why moves such as the mordstreich where you would use the quillions or hilt to deal a concussive blow to your oponents head.
And one of the reasons why generally a Sword and Shield would come out over a two handed sword?
reach.
Unless you have the space to swing it, a two handed sword is very limited in what you can do with it. Someone within your reach is at a very distinct advantage. That is not to say there is nothing the two handed sword wielder can do, push off against the shield to create room, stab down over the shield to try and catch a gap in the armour. It's just the options are more limited.
Also, your comment about sword and board user 'beating someone with a greatsword without problems just because they can "block everything and kill anything that bleeds"' can be applied to just about anyone. I've heard of someone taking a full on blow from a piercing weapon, to the chest, and only received a scratch.... That shit would have slipped through ribs and pierced a lung.
Aduu Avagnar, The Wanderer: Wiki
