| Attack bonus if proficient | +3 |
| Weapon die ([W]) | 1d6 |
| Type | melee |
| Range | — |
| Handedness | one-handed |
| Proficiency category | military |
| Weapon group | |
| Weapon property | off-hand |
| Price | 10 gp |
| Weight | 2 lb. |
A short sword is a military one-handed melee weapon in the light blade weapon group.[PH:218]
A short sword is an off-hand weapon. A character can use a short sword to make attacks even while holding another one-handed weapon in the other hand, and can use the other one-handed weapon to make attacks even if it isn't an off-hand weapon.
Ardents, avengers, barbarians, battleminds, fighters, paladins, rangers, wardens, and warlords are proficient with all military melee weapons, including the short sword. Assassins and swordmages are proficient with military light blades, including the short sword. Bards and rogues are also proficient with the short sword.
Other classes do not have proficiency with the short sword as a class trait, but any character can become proficient by taking a Weapon Proficiency feat.