The broadsword is a powerful weapon in Brogue, dealing 14-22 damage (avg. 18) and requiring 19 strength to wield without penalty.
Broadswords have the highest amount of total damage per turn of any weapon in the game, so finding one can be a large help in any seed. Their high strength requirement means that in upper depths, broadswords must be enchanted to be used effectively. Broadswords are never found with positive runics.