Full Item Description
The basic design is that of an imperial sword, a sword a bit thinner and shorter than an European broadsword. The handle is wood with a brass components. The guard and pommel guard are always well crafted and in a dragon’s head motiff. The blade sharp on both sides and with a sharp biting point. Along the blade is 100 ancient characters for luck. These are normally hand carved and inlayed with a tiny amount of brass.  It is said to protect one in combat and to grant them success. It is scabarded in a decorative wood scabbard usually with the same 100 characters carved or burned into it.

(Weight 3 lbs (1.5 kgs) and is 35” long (30” blade, 75 cms)

Magic/Cursed Properties
The 100 characters are said to protect one in combat and to grant them success. It is scabarded in a decorative wood scabbard usually with the same 100 characters carved or burned into it.

Some gamblers like the swords because they are said to bring lucks in other areas as well.

Oriental style weapons

I originally wanted to make this entire post Oriental style but I couldn’t think of that many so here’s the sub-section

PART A: Make believe weapons
1. Abacus
A tool for calculation used in ancient days in China. It is basically a frame with slidable beads that act as counters.

When used in combat, one can use it as a plank or jab opponents with hidden prongs that spring out on the frame when activated.

Optional magical traits:
The beads on the abacus will automatically change positions to reflect the total number of kills that its current owner has made with this weapon.

2. Bamboo scroll
Can be used to trip an opponent up or flung towards an opponent to score a hit.

Optional magical traits:
The scroll is spelled to exude oil on contact with leather that makes the opponent likely to fall if wearing leather boots while tripped up by the scroll

3. Musical Instrument
a. Chinese zithers
A group of stringed instruments, basically a board with strings on top that one plucks to make sound
Again, these might be used as planks. Alternatively, when a string breaks during a performance, a small dart will shoot out from the zither. Most often used by female assassin masquerading as performers

b. Flutes and pipes
Can be used as a sort of staff or used as a sort of blowgun with poisoned darts hidden inside

Optional magical traits:
Can be used to hypnotise people or music performed with these instruments might be a form of offensive magic

4. Folding fan
Used for jabbing, slashing or as a boomerang of some sort. Alternatively, a weapon that shoots out needles steeped in poison or sleeping draught. Can be made of a magnetic material so that the opponent loses any steel weapons carried on their persons.

Optional magical traits:
It might return to the user’s hands upon a command word

5. Needle
To be thrown at the opponent or secretly inserted into someone¡¦s vulnerable spots in the case of assassins

Optional magical traits:
Some assassins might use needles made of Icesilk, a material akin in texture to silk but made of ice, imported from the Land of the Ice Maidens into the Dragon Empire in the Lu dynasty. Such needles are kept in a solid form by a spell that loses potency upon contact with human flesh

6. Chopsticks
Eating utensils for the Chinese. Made up of a pair of sticks. Can be used as a projectile, to jab at people or to trap opponents’ fingers.

Optional magical traits:
Can test for the presence of poisons

7. Ladies’ accessories
a. Hair ornaments
Comes in 2 varieties: a stick with precious stones (might be carved in various shapes) dangling off it or stuck onto the end of it.

A disguise for a retractable blade. Might be coated with poison or other substances. The substance oozes out upon a switch pressed.

b. Bracelets with chiming bells or other sound-making ornaments
Physically, can be thrown at an opponent, resulting in minor damage. Its more frequent and deadly use involves an illusion or hallucination spell that holds the opponent enthrall.

8. Hair
Can be used as a whip. Works well either with long untied hair or long braids. Again, might be coated with poison or other substances.

9. Chess pieces
These are the black and white pebbles of Wei Qi (where Wei means Surround and Qi means Chess in Chinese). The goal of the game is to completely cover the board with pieces of your own colour where you overtake the spot of your opponent’s pieces by completely surrounding a particular piece with your own pieces. A form of projectile.

10. Pen (made up of animal hairs)
Like paintbrushes except ancient Chinese use them for writing. As a weapon, it is about the length of a longsword. Mainly used for poking or hitting an opponent sideways. Can shoot out acid, poison or other substances.

Optional magical traits:
Might be an vampiric weapon, drinking up a victim’s blood, which can then be used as ink to write a message

11. Sash
A clothes strip that goes around one’s waist, an ancient version of a belt

Can be used as a whip, a garrote or more creatively, to trip an opponent up

Optional magical traits:
Will quickly go back to its normal position on the owner¡¦s waist upon a telepathic command or designated word

PART B: Historical weapons
12. Rings
a. Wind Fire Wheels
Two wheels with teeth on the outside (l can’t describe this weapon properly, look at this http://www.shaolin.com.au/weapon2.html).

Can be used to stab and dice, and can capture an opponent’s weapon.

b. Chian Kuan Rings
A variant of the above, looks like 2 huala loops.

Optional magical traits:
Chinese myths have both sets of these weapons associated with a child who became a God in the Shang dynasty. The Wind Fire Wheels can become a set of roller blades that he rides on, with sparks trailing off them. The Chian Kuan Rings are weapons that he’s born with, uncertain whether there are anything special attached to them.

What suggests to me by their form is that they return to hand on call.

13. Three Pronged Double-Edged Blade
The weapon of the Three-Eyed God in Chinese myth. (I put this into the Historical section because I think it’s feasible to make, just a sword with a different look to its bladed part). Is quite long (almost man-height). As its name suggests, its bladed part has three prongs, roughly resembling three flat flower petals (not the roundish type, more like an upside-down trapezium with rounded edges)

Can be used to slash or executive a sweeping attack.

14. Moonteeth Shovel
A weapon with a long handle and a blade in the shape of a moon crescent. Not sure how to use it in real life, probably a slashing or bludgeoning weapon.  Might be able to use the blade to scoop up a goblin-sized opponent.

Optional magical traits:
There might be a light spell attached to the moon crescent part

15. Nine section chain
A whiplike weapon, can also capture an opponent (by hooking one end around him and ‘wrapping’ him up) or trip him up.

Optional magical traits:
The owner can will sections to deattach or reattach at will so as to change its length to suit the current combat situation

——End of Oriential section—-

Hybrid weapons
16. The Hexapolis
A weapon that can switch forms via hidden mechanics. As its name suggests, it has 6 forms:
1st form- it starts off as a staff
2nd form- turn into a bladed staff
3rd form- turn into a pair of scissors
4th form- turn into a crossbow
5th and 6th form- currently unknown

Optional magical traits:
The weapon might be sentiment such that once it has developed a bond with its owner, the owner can ask it to switch form via telepathic commands.
Alternatively, this might be achieved by a spell command.

17. Shuriken Sword
A sword with a pommel stone in the shape of a sheriken. When the owner presses down on the pommel stone, the sheriken can then be used removed to be thrown at an opponent.

Clarifying note: Shurikens are throwing darts used by Japanese ninjas, like a 4-pointed star in shape

Optional magical traits:
Contains a spell that automatically renews the supply of sherikens

18. Sword/Crossbow
A strange sword with wide cross-guards that make it look like half sword, half crossbow, which is what this weapon is.
There is a trigger under the pommel that, when pulled, launches the front half of the blade towards a target.
Optional magical traits:
Contains a spell that automatically replaces the blade head.

Acknowledgements: This post is inspired by Kassy’s scroll of 30 Hammers.

Full Item Description
Antiago spear

The most widely used weapon of the Taklamar soldier was the Antiago spear. It is an excellent hand to hand weapon, having a great advantage in reach over shorter weapons. It has has the simple grace of a practical fighting weapon. The heavy mid ridge gives this spear superior strength for its weight. The ash shaft is mounted into the socketed head of the spear.

Wounds caused by the Antiago spear are particularly devastating, as the pathological damage caused by a thrust is more often fatal than that caused by a cut or percussion. It takes only three-to-four inches of penetration into the torso to achieve a debilitating wound. Slashing/cutting weapons often do not penetrate deeply enough, while thrusting weapons achieve that penetration more effectively. Although the spear is arguably a more deadly weapon than a sword, because of its length and weight, it demands great strength and stamina to wield competently. Nevertheless, on the battlefield, the Antiago spear reign. While the Khartand is considered the "soul" of the Taklamar Holy warriors, the Antiago should perhaps be considered the king of the battlefield.

The head carries etchings of the history of the soldier owning them.
After a greater battle the soldier spends his time etching the outcome of the battle in small Haiku like Poems.
The poems written in a cryptic style and their true meaning is only fully known by the warrior. The poems could be about great love affairs. A lament for a fallen companion, or a great promise. Together these poems tell the story of the warriors life.
Some say that slowly, the spears become a twin of the soldier. A mirror of his life, a pale shadow that will echo
in eternity. When a soldier dies the etchings are removed so that he has the room for his heroics in the land of the dead.

Here are two examples of spear poems.

Without flowing wine
How to enjoy lovely
death as it comes?

*It could be that the owner of this spear drinks a lot before an oncoming battle to deal with the stress. Or it could mean that one should simply enjoy life while it lasts. It can easily be torn away. Or something entirely else.

The moment two bubbles
are united, they both vanish.
A flower blooms.

*This could be a cryptic poem about a child that the owner just gave birth too. And that he feels that he and his loved one is slipping apart. Or then again, the meaning could be totally different.

It is customary among the Taklamar to give high honors to their warriors. Each spring they celebrate their warriors with an "Honor the Warrior" ceremony. At the spear raising ceremony, Taklamar people are invited to bring Antiago spears from the resting places of loved ones. These proudly and gracefully wave for the duration of the ceremony.

Some people bring small religous relics to place at the foot of the flagpole under their loved one’s Antiago spear. Occasionally one might notice a tobacco offering left near one of the spears. These are meant to honor the dead warrior.
Taklamar warriors are honored whether they died in battle or returned home from their war. The honor is their decision to fight, not in their death by another warrior’s hand.

History

The warrior who founded the Antiago spear as the Taklamar army knows it today was Anhdor Gonn. A low ranking warrior in the Taklamar army several hundred years ago.
Tradition has it that from infancy Anhdor displayed an interest in poetry and religion. Alongside with his life as a soldier he meditated and wrote poems. Slowly he became what the Taklamar religion describes as "one with self".
A man who has found the essence of his being, either looking, or not.
His enlightenment, it is said, allowed him to perceive the secrets of integrating the mind and body.
When this happened it slowly changed the way he fought with his spear.
The essence of this "spear dancing" he invented is in the technique of using the Antiago spear to fully thrust out and instantly withdraw the spear with great control. Here, a secret principle is a vital component. Normally, when thrusting with a spear, the shaft and point will go more or less in a straight line to the target. However, in thrusting the spear in this manner, the tip and shaft are manipulated in a manner that causes the spear point to enter the target while twirling in a circle with a diameter of about six inches. The twirling of the point creates an intense striking power and concentrated destructive force, resulting in a gaping wound. This is the secret principle of Andhor Gonn that is behind the deadly effect of the Antiago spear.

The lord of Taklamar at that time soon heard of Andhor as he was becoming one of the greatest warriors in all of Taklamar. One day when Andhor had become a general in the Taklamar army, the lord invited him to his home.
There he asked Andhor what the great secret of his spear dancing was. Andhor replied that it was faith, faith in himself. And his way of marking the paths he took in life. Curious, the lord asked him to explain. Andhor told him then a secret. That he had been etching his great moments in life into the spear.

The lord considered this of such great value to his realm that he instructed Andhor Gonn to create a school where he tought the principle of the poems and how to "pour life" into your weapon. And ofcourse, being a practical man the lord did not forget to mention that Andhor had to teach the technique of his speardance as well. And thus The Antiago spear and its bearers became the King of the Battlefield.

Magic/Cursed Properties
None.

Full Item Description
The Bat School of Blademaking comes from this Province. There is no one single master the blade makers are descended from, nor are the blades known to be mastered work. Yet the tradition of bladesmithing here is quite strong and all the blades are of above average quality. A scalloping (akin to a bat wing) is seen sharpening pattern along the blades.

In raw design, the blades are imperial in size and shape (Weight 3 lbs (1.5 kgs) and is 35” long (30” blade, 75 cms) - a bit thinner and shorter than an European broadsword. The handle is dark stained wood with a tiny pommel guard resembling a bottle cap. The Guard aways has a bat motif. The guard is wider than most nearly six inches (19cms) instead the standard 4” (10cms), expressing a bat wing shape. The wing is often intricately designed into the guard. The center of the guard has a bat head. Sometimes the blade is coming out of its mouth as a tongue, sometimes the bat is staring at you (with two red stone eyes), sometimes it is just there. 

History
In the North West Province, Bats are considered Evil (as they are creatures of darkness and bring disease), but are still a sign of good luck. The presence of bats around one (as many locals dig out caves or put up bat sheds) shows a Sly Dark One’s Luck. (In reality, Bats eat locusts, locust pupae, and many other disruptive pests, so farmers with bats near by have better crops). The people of this province have a love hate relationship with these creatures.

Magic/Cursed Properties
The blades are said to be bring A Dark One’s Luck to the possessor in combat and the rest of their life. That is to say an extreme, almost unnatural luck. Given the quality of the blades, their lasting sharpness, and the extra protection given by the guard, it could explain the extra edge that Bat Blade Wielders are said to have. Bat Blades are also coveted by Gamblers and Fortune Tellers.

Full Item Description
This sword is unique, made only for the Merchant Prince of (insert city) and his loyal band of mercenaries. The Cruaunte is a hand and a half sword, capable of being used with one or two hands, and from horseback or on foot. Thus, the merchant can save both time and money equipping his men with a universally usefull weapon.

The sword is single edged, for greater strength, and less maintainence time. The sword comes to a blunt point, and is only marginally useful for making thrusting attacks. Its strength comes from the fact that the blade is serrated, or notched in the fashion of a steak knife, or chainsaw blade. While it only incurs moderately more damage (+1 dmg) it leaves nasty wounds that are slower to heal as the flesh is more thoroughly savaged, and it is quite intimidating.

History
The swords are of a uniform average quality, with the officers of the unit recieving blades of higher quality. The Prince himself wields a Cruaunte with gold quillions inset with small garnets and bound with kid leather.

Full Item Description
Also known as Falcon Rapiers, Danamax Rapiers are more elongated than normal rapiers, about two or three inches longer than a normal Rapier. Further, they are also wider, with a very pronounced taper towards the end of the blade. Although meant for thrusting and stabbing, Falcon Rapiers do have a single sharpened edge that can be used sparingly without damaging the blade. Every Danamax Rapier is unique- although all of the hilts is adorned with some kind of reference to Falcons- talons, beaks, and so on. The King’s Seal is also found somewhere on every Falcon Rapier.

History
"Danamax Rapiers have always been sturdy weapons- that was the point after that nasty attack- say, weren’t you there?" Lokatt says, leaning on his sword, which is now pushing into the ground.
I sigh "It was brutal. Turns out they’d gotten newly forged swords out of the highest quality metal while we were fighting with dated equipment."
Lokatt chuckles "Not my fault the king slept well at night."
"After he lost a couple fingers or before?"
"After, of course. The blow upside his head helped that out, I must admit."

For as long as anyone can remember, the dynasty formed by the good King Danamax the First has inhabited the capital city bearing the same name. While their history has been long, the history of the Royal Family has not been entirely peaceful, encompassing multiple love affairs, blood feuds, adventurers running around lighting stuff on fire. wars, rebellions and assassinations. After an exceedingly bloody assassination attempt where the King lost a couple of fingers and the Royal Guard’s weapons were found to be ineffective against the assassin’s more advanced arms, the King (Then Danamax XII)ordered his servants to find the best craftsman in the land (Rumored to be Corran of the Blood Bow legends), to create new arms for the Royal Guard. After a search that culminated in the Royal Warden getting stabbed by a peculiar glove, they finally found Corran in the tavern known as the Black Hangover. Corran agreed to help the Royal Family out of a desire to actually learn blade-smithing, something he had only dabbled in.
The results were astounding. Working with the Royal Warden and the Guard, the Falcon Rapiers were created, so named because the the Danamax royal family had long enjoyed a kinship with such creatures.

Wielding the Rapier in public is a sign of one’s position in the Royal Guard. Rapiers held by a deceased guard are redistributed to a guard member without a rapier. Wielding such a Rapier without being a Royal Guard is not a crime, however in Danamax (the Capital) itself, it will certainly raise multiple inquiries and investigations. Danamax Rapiers are rarely found outside of Danamar.

It is said one Rapier, the one held by the Royal Warden, is even further unique, bearing even better craftsmanship and powers.

Magic/Cursed Properties
Each Falcon Rapier is incredibly accurate, also possessing sharper tips and edges than most similar weapons from the superior craftsmanship used to create the blade, even when used as a slashing or cutting weapon. Each blade once forged can be modified through the use of magic to suit each individual’s tastes for hilts, colors, and so on.

The Royal Warden’s Rapier is even more powerful, acting as a   stronger, magical weapon. The Royal Warden may command the sword to strike enemies within eyesight, prompting the sword to send a stroke of lightning towards the targeted enemy. An enemy hit by such an attack will recall hearing the piercing cry of a falcon right before he was hit.

"You know, I never did like you." The Warden sneers, unsheathing his Falcon Rapier.
I smile "I learned something when I poked around in Danamar’s history. Turns out your great-grandfather lost the Warden’s Rapier quite a while ago."
The Warden’s face pales "You speak heresy. I possess it!"
"Oh really, Warden? I’d say he owns it now." Suddenly a Rapier is thrust into my hands, the man handing it to me gone as soon as he’d appeared.
The Warden’s face is a mask of rage "Give me that Rapier."

A small, sharp knife with only a 5 to 8 inch blade. Attached to the knife’s pommel is a short length of chain, only 4 to 6 inches, depending on the weilder’s hand. The chain only needs to be long enough to streach from the top of the middle finger to the bottom of the pommel when the knife is held normally. A chain too long will cause the knife to slice up the sides of the wielder’s torso and arms. The chain is attached to a ring that is worn on the weilder’s middle finger.

When the Derivish Blade is worn, the kinfe cannot be dropped. In addition, the knife can now be swung about similar to a pair of numchucks. While these fancy moves are impressive, the are usually MERELY impressive. Because the knife is suspended from a chain, it has little impact unless it is held in the hand. Small, shallow cuts would result from being struck by a swung knife, but that could possibly cut a rope that was otherwise hanging out of reach. One very useful move that can be done with the derivish blade is to reverse which way the knife is pointing with a simple flick of the wrist, taking less than a second. This move allows for a change in the style of attacks and can throw an unprepared opponent off gaurd.

Magical Properties:

Various types of enchanted Derivish Blades have surfaced from different sources. They range from the predictible posion blade to some as outlandish as to produce pictures when spun in the air. Some of note are listed here.

Death’s Touch
This pair of Derivish Blades have been enchanted to make thier chains stonger and have the ability to enlarge and shrink. The chains can grow up to 15 feet long. With proper training, the blades on the end of the chains can be used like the weighted chain weapons of china. Even a novice user can simply throw the blades into walls and trees and swing from them.

Traitor
This Derivish Blade has been enchanted to make the user and all his equipment completly silent when it is held point down, the favorite position for stabbing someone in the back.

Silver Lightning
Perhaps the most deadly of all Derivish Blades, this blade has been enchanted to give the wielder haste (doubling speed, attacks and any other applicable actions) while the blade is spun.

Vanguard
This intelligent Derivish Blade has been enchanted to parry ono attack a round by spinning into it’s way. It can parry attacks with the strength of a hill giant, but cannot block area of effect attacks like fireballs and such. It can turn aside attacks like those from axes, arrows, polearms and even small boulders. It’s enchantment allows it to streach around the weilder’s body to reach the attack. The intelligence inside the blade seeks to be at the front of the conflicts around it and will try to defy it’s weilder’s will to be anywhere else, even on a diversionary raid.

There are many types of enchanted Derivish Blades, so this list is by no mean complete. Other types exist, some intelligent, some not, and most blades found are simply knives without enchantment, but a few are cursed. Be careful of the knife you pick up, or you might just give yourself a knife in the back.

Full Item Description
This heavy iron war-pick is a relatively recent creation, possibly from the Pretender Wars in {insert kingdom}- evidence to this use is a string of decade-old {kingdom}ian prayer-beads wrapped around the handle of the pick.

The people of {kingdom} call this weapon a Dogpick because it is usually forged with a howling hound’s head releasing the blade of the pick. The pommel of the war-pick seems to be a wolf or dog’s head, carved with a vareity of artistry. Most are badly scarred or broken off, setting the Dogpick’s balance slightly off.

Magic/Cursed Properties
None

Full Item Description
The Dragon Crossbow is a mundane weapon, a steel reinforced arbalest, or metal crossbow. It is a large and ungainly weapon weighing nearly 50 pounds and with the exception of the string and stock, is made entirely of high grade steel. The power of the weapon is provided by no fewer than 8 alchemically treated bowstrings each of which has a general pull of 80 pounds, giving the crossbow roughly 640 pounds of pull strength. This power is used to fire a finger thick quarrel roughly two foot long at great velocity. At medium to close range, the weapon is in theory able to penetrate even dragonscale, though this has never been substanciated.

The weapon has a signifigant forward pulling recoil when the bolt is released, the weapon almost wanting to lead out of the hands. Reloading is a simple, if slow and tedious process. The 8 bowstrings are pulled back via a geared pulley that is worked by means of a foot pump under the nose of the weapon. The crossbow is placed nose in the dirt, the foot pedal is folded down from its locking position and pumped in a manner similar to a bicycle airpump. Each pump moves the strings a short distance, so frantic pumping will pull the strings all the way back in five minutes or so. Placing the next round only takes a few seconds, and resetting the weapon to fire a few more.

It’s expense at several thousand pieces of gold, as well as its very slow rate of fire have made the weapon more of an oddity than a mainstay in any military force. The most common use of this mundane weapon is by a small number of aristocratic big game hunters.

Original name was the elephant crossbow, an emulation of the old British elephant gun, changed name in light of the scarcity of elephants as compared to dragons in fantasy.

Full Item Description
The weapon, guard, and pommel guard, are fairly standard in nature for the region. (In most cases it weighs 3 lbs (1.5 kgs) and is 35” long (30” blade, 75 cms) and has mildly decorate guards with appropriate beasts for the region). 

The weapon has the family name engraved on the blade in a beautiful calligraphy. The family name is inscribed four places on the blade (right and left side on both sides of the blade). If there is a family motto, it is inscribed along the center of the blade on both sides. The engravings are often inlayed with brass, but gold, silver, pewter, and other metals can be used.

History
In martial households, this weapon is used to teach family sword techniques, those special tricks and bits that have been passed down from successful warrior ancestors to the current generation. The Head of the household wears the sword as a “daily sword” for around house and town/ country, when they are not expecting trouble. They use more “serious weapons” when they are expecting to actually use a weapon.

When not in use or with non martial households, it is hung in the family room to protect the family from Evil. Those of the family within the “reflection” of the blade are safe from spiritual evil and supposedly the Evil that men do.

Magic/Cursed Properties
None, but might give pluses to “speaking with the ancestors”

The firebow (also called the Nail of God, comet-bow, or forge-bow) was first produced in 1224, during the Xhiklus Trade-War. The first, prototypical firebows were seen in the hands of the famously skilled and innovative 3rd Contract Rangers, a skirmishing and marauding unit of the Xhaussapus Trade Union, under the command of General Heprion Anavunculax. These early firebows were not as precise and elegant as modern ones- they were modified crossbows with jury-rigged heating-elements which were generally tacked (or in some rare cases, tied!) onto the body of the bow, and which were imprecise in their heating of the bolt, rendering shots of motley quality. They were, however, a powerful and quick weapon, one which (along with the skill of the 3rd Contract Rangers) led to many victories in the early days of the War.

By the middle of 1225, however, the soldiers of the Trade Union were discouraged to find that fighters in the opposing Xhiklus army began to enter the battlefields of the war armed with these accurate and deadly weapons (It was later revealed that a Xhiklusian war technician had purchased one from a captured Xhaussapus soldier in exchange for said soldier’s freedom). The new and improved model of firebow (made more efficient and effective by the renegade Battle Scientists, who had in that year taken refuge in Xhiklus and were being payed by the High Kommanders to develop new weapons) largely spelled the difference in the Trade-War; almost every Xhiklusian troop was issued one of the terrible weapons, and by the end of spring in 1226, the Xhaussapus Trade Union was overwhelmed, and it’s blockades on Xhiklus and it’s rail-lines were dismantled.

Evidence points to a Xhiklusian soldier-turned-mercenary named Arkhuv Kheshpoth as the one who brought examples of the firebow to production factories throughout the Hundred. The disgruntled warrior had been stripped of a sizeable inheritance by the High Kommanders of Xhiklus for acts of treason and cowardice during the war, and it has been suggested that his actions were partially motivated by this. But whatever the reason, it is apparent that by 1229, nearly every army among the cities of the Hundred had access to firebows, and the secrets of the firebow’s construction were no longer so closely guarded.

The advent of more accurate and faster-loading firearms (facilitated by the discovery of Delayed Agents and gunner’s mercury in 1376) has made the firebow less useful today than it was in those times. However, though no longer the staple weapon that it was during the era of it’s modernity, the firebow is still a powerful and versatile weapon in it’s own right, albeit one that has become more popular among today’s adventurers than among the soldiery.

————————————-

The firebow is a large, heavy-stocked winching crossbow, generally constructed of metal (to better withstand the rigours of use and the wear-and-tear caused by the heating element). Most firebows have a shoulder-stock (in order that the user is not thrown back or does not drop the weapon from the kick of the firing). Functioning like a normal crossbow, a firebow utilizes long, straight, metal bolts or rods (iron nails and heavy retainer pins can be used in place of proper bolts if necessary; the bolt must be metal, due to the nature of the weapon). The bolt is placed in the normal position for a crossbow.

The user then proceeds to wind the winch; in a normal crossbow, this prepares for firing, but on a firebow, winching serves a second purpose- it activates and charges the heating element, a long battery made of copper, filled with thermic sciofluid (in slang parlance, “fire-oil”). Water is then poured into the battery. The sciofluid, excited by the movement of the winch, mixes with the water, causing a powerful alchemical reaction generating extremely intense heat along the length of the battery, and heating the bolt to an even, red-hot glow. When the shot is fired, the fluid in the battery explosively evaporates. This, along with the natural action of the bow, sends the red-hot length of metal launching at terrific speed toward the target; this has created a second name for the weapon among users, who call the thing “the Nail of God”.

A firebow has a more powerful kick and much more speed off the shot than it’s conventional cousin, the crossbow, due to the energy generated by the exposive evaporation of the battery fluid and the strong crossbow-action. In addition, the red-hot bolts used in firing (quite obviously) are far more effective than regular quarrels, and there are many cases of victims of the firebow being pinned against walls and other objects by the missile.

Firebows require water and the special thermic sciofluid to function, and those armed with these powerful weapons will generally carry supplies of both. Fire-oil (the sciofluid) can be easily synthesized from substances readily available from street chemists and alchemists, and some even use natural ingredients, though this is considerably more time-intensive.

Firebows, due to their nature, become extremely hot during use. Older varieties and battlefield models generally are simply embossed with warnings to handle with gloves and padding, while later models and custom firebows generally have shoulder padding and insulated grips.

Most firebows are relatively simple and utilitarian, and generally lack decoration. Many firebows created in the 1270s were created by the infamous Blackbird Company, and have inlays of black iron and attached sightfinders; these are highly sought-after, not only by weapon enthusiasts and adventurers (for their high quality) but by collectors and museums (for their historical value). From the 1360s, firebows began to become more ornamented and decorated; some produced in Simblios during 1390s are extraordinarily baroque in decoration, and many find it amazing that they are still fully functional under layers of embossings, carved, hinged reliefs, and interlocking puzzle-chips.

Magical Properties:

Full Item Description
This axe {though identical in game stats to any other axe} resembles and especially wide double-headed axe with a stubby, curved handle wrapped in leather. The blade is sturdy, heavy-duty, and worked with a stylistic bear or other predator of some sort. The weapon is unusual in that it has some gold leaf inlayed on the haft; most makers of this type of axe were peasants of the Sickle of Justice and favored undecorated weapons which would set them apart from the ornately-bedecked nobility who they fought against.

History
The Ghollish Wide-axe was a design of axe popular a few decades ago in the southern provinces of (insert kingdom), especially among peasants involved in the Sickle of Justice rebellion (though these favored sickles to axes).

Magic/Cursed Properties
None

Full Item Description
The Ghorish Maw is used by the Ogre Tribes which live in the Ghor Mountains, named after a legendary Ogre Chieftain who once resided there. Known for his love of eating, these are the weapons he armed his warriors with.

The Maw is effectively a combination of a pair of scissors and a beartrap (the ones with teeth.) The wielder holds it by the handle, with his arms crossed. Bringing his hands together slams the weapon shut, opening the distance between his hands opens the weapon again. While open. the weapon is large and solid enough to make an unwieldy shield. When slammed shut, the weapon does a small amount of damage. However, as the weapon does almost 100% of its damage via the slam of the weapon, it ignores supple armor, and has a decent chance of breaking armor which isn’t supple.

Full Item Description
Green Dragon Crescent Moon Swords come from the Hot Forges of the North East Territories. The steel used seems to have a green tinge to it, almost as if brass or copper or blood has been added to the mix.

The weapon has a full handle with guard. It is made for one handed use by a strong man. A weak man should not use it, as there is not enough length on the handle to use with two if the blade is balance properly.

GDCM swords are of a broad bladed cutlass/ scimitar design. Take a regular slightly curved cutlass and mutliply the blade width by an average of 1.75 times (3” 7cm to 5” 12cm wide), with extra width and curve at the slashing end. This gives the crecent component of the design.

The Claw component comes from the jack claw the blade has. The shape of the blade is like that of a lobster, if one could elongate and thin said claw. The jack claw seperates out about halfway up the blade and only goes for another 4” 10cms. The “jack claw” is mostly there for balance and to add stability and weight to the slashing blade. (Plus it adds to the appearance and mystique of the weapons). It is said, those with skill can utilize it to catch smaller weapons (or thin stock polearms) for a locking parry or a disarm.

The outside edge of the main blade is true sharp. There is an attempt to make the inside edges and the point of the jack claw sharp, but these are not normally striking edges. This is a slashing weapon, as stabbing with the curved blade is awkward at best. Of course, with the mass of the weapon, the swing packs quite a punch.

To be a proper Dragon Swords requires either a stamp or cut out on the blade. Done in the thickest part, just south of the where the jack claw exits, there is a traditiona gen (pierced coin) pattern is either embossed (in cheaper blades) or cut out (in more expnsive blades… as it takes better steel to make said weapon).

A gen (pierced coin) pattern is a circle, with four quarter arc circles inscribed inside of it (a rounded diamond inside a circle). The cut outs remove the areas between the rounded diamond and the outer circle and the interior of the rounded diamond.

The common sizes has these measurements.
Total Length 71cm 28”
Blade Length 56cm 22”
Weight 2.5kg 6 lbs

There are units made that are larger and heavier. Some will even mount these blades on metal re-enforced poles and use them as Kwan Dao/ Asian Halbard.

History
This weapons has been made popular by several heroic and near mythical adventuring types that have served the Empire over the last three centuries. They are large, powerful weapons, with a distinctive look to them, suitable for Heroes and those who think they are heroes.

Full Item Description
Literally meaning “A shark’s lei,” these Ankorillian weapons are particularly effective and devastating. They are fashioned in many shapes and sizes. Some Haio-Mano’s are designed for use as daggers, some are more club-like and others are strictly designed for cutting and slashing. Haio-Mano’s are made utilizing one to many shark’s teeth. The teeth is usually attached to wood, but could be affixed to bone (human or animal), cordage, turtle shell or other materials. The teeth are secured by lacing, pegging or sewing.

The Haio-Mano, combined with other weapons such as a bone dagger, provided its owner with additional stabbing and slashing features. The cutting and tearing effects of the very sharp teeth of the shark, makes the Mano a very formidable close combat weapon

Magic/Cursed Properties
Given the right rituals, one can invoke the Shark Spirits. This could give one supernatural abilities, if one believes the legends.

Full Item Description
This metal staff styled weapon is a total of 54” long (120cms).

This weapon consists of a metal bar (which is a flat oviod, rather than a round pole), with two nine inch curved blades jutting from either end. Two crescent-moon blade hand guards are equidistant from the center. This is the best placement for hands on a staff weapon.

The weapon is used as a two handed quarterstaff, with hands held underguards. These guards are bladed with crescents. This combination allows for swivel swings, push attacks, hooking strikes, along with a full compliment of staff related attacks, parries, and feints. 

History
Developed by a number of kung fu stylists, it has been formalized to these dimensions and shape.

Additional Info
If you want to see a picture of the weapon
http://www.martialartsmart.net/4543.html

Full Item Description
Khartand is the oldest and most characteristic of the Taklamar knife weapons. The perculiarity lies in the handle which is made up of two parallel bars connected by two, or more, cross pieces, one of which is at the end of the side bars and is fastened to the blade.The remainder forms the hadle which is at right angle to the blade. The blades are always double-edged and are generally straight and with lenghts from a few inches to about 3 feet. The blades of southern Taklamar are often made broad at the hilt and taper in straight lines to the point, and elaborately ribbed by grooves parallel to the edges.

Khartand’s are often thickened at the point to strenghten them for use against mail and are often forged in one piece with the hilt. The blades are sometimes forked at the point, and Khartand’s with two, and even three blades occor. The Taklamar armorers occasionally made katartand that were hollow and served as a sheaths for smaller ones: or with three blades that folded together, appearing to be one, until the handle bars were pressed together, when they opened out.

History
The Khartand is a purely religous weapon. It is used by the Holy warriors of the Taklamar God of War. In fact the word Khartand, Khart-And means Fist of God. The weapon was thought of by the founding priests of the religion which saw it as a neccecity for their warriors to have unique weapons. And so they hired the finest smiths in the Kingdom.
After years of trying and failing they came up with the Khartnand.

The holy warriors developed a new style of fighting using this weapons advantages. It became legendary in the Religious wars to come and remains so to this day since no one else seems to master this strange weapon but the diciples of the God of War.

Full Item Description

The Khawarezmians live on a rocky jungle peninsula which is covered almost entirely by incredibly thick, primordial jungle, filled with strange things which are not seen anywhere else, throwbacks to a time when jungles such as this covered the entire world, and were filled with the magic of the Outer World.

The Khawarezmian jungle is also very lacking in a resource which is extremely common in lands north of it in Ageratos proper- iron. The Khawarezmians ration what iron they have for very special purposes. For many things such as armor and weapons, the Khawarezmians do not use iron, instead using the pliant yet strong bone of a gigantic beast of the deep jungle known as the Root Behemoth.

To make paperswords, the Khawarezmians take splintery sheets of the bones of the Root Behemoth, and, through special processes, pare them down to paper-thin, translucent sheets (hence, papersword), gluing them together into bone-yellow blades of extremely thin bone.  These swords are extremely light and fast to the hand, but they are also fragile, and used as slashing weapons rather than as blocking tools.

Magic/Cursed Properties
None. This is in the Special Weapons, Non Magical thread.

Full Item Description

The Maul Shank is a short, hiltless one-and-a-half-edged weapon, wickedly curved and with handle and blade all one piece. The length of the blade varies between 4 and 8 inches and the handle is usually wrapped in cord to provide a better grip. The wrapping is intricately done, and differs subtly between different makers.

Many Maul Shank users engrave their blade with their name or their personal sigil, if they have one.

The materials used in the construction of a Maul Shank is usually impure, second-hand metal forged together under insufficient heat, giving the blade a damascine-like finish. It is traditionally worn horizontally on the belt at the small of the back, like a scramasax.

In the context of modern warfare, with breach-loading muskets and cannons, the Maul Shank is strictly a last-ditch back-up weapon, but also has significant symbolic value.

History

The Maul Shank was the traditional weapon of the gangs of the Old Maul, before the Great Fire scattered the few surviving people of the Old Blood like leaves in the wind. The Maul Rats, the counter-revolutionary Maul milita (and later official Regiment of Locastus) adopted the weapon to commemorate their origins.

When a new recruit joins the Maul Rats, he (or she; the Maul Rats is the only Regiment that recruits women) is given a probation period to prove himself, before he is given his Maul Shank and accepted as a full member.

Special Properties

Absolutely none; the weapon is a crudely made, ugly piece of equipment. The Maul rats, however, revere it as a holy symbol, and wear it with pride. It also serves to mark the wearer as affiliated with the Maul Rats, which can cause problems in interacting with members of the ruling classes of Locastus - The reputation of the Maul Rats is less than good.

Plot Hooks

The PC´s are asked by representatives of the Maul Rats to locate and assassinate a renegade from their own ranks. To prove that the job is done, they have to bring back the target´s Maul Shank.

The PC´s are sent to an old battlefield to locate and dig out the Maul Shank of a former Maul Rat hero. To do this, they have to study the layout of the battlefield, to determine where the hero fell, and then dig him up. Once they have the prize, they have to defend it against the scavengers of the battlefield and grave robbers, who violently defend their turf.

Interesting Weapons- Non-Magic

Full Item Description
Middle Swords are often called elongated short swords or narrow broadswords. They are one handed weapons, often used with a shield. They use a single cross bar hand guard. Traditionally the cross bars were simple flat affairs, slightly curled at the ends (flattened U). The grips were normally leather wrapped or wooden handles. Only late period replicas OR magic weapons have decorations on their cross bars or hand wraps. 

The blade runs approximately 33" (82 cms) and is sharpened on both sides. The blades taper ever so slightly from the 2.2 inch (6cm) width, but come to a pronounced point within the last two" (5 cms) of the blade. The weapons is used to slash, chop, and stab. 

Most of them are made of "early steel", thus will either be inhumanly strong (the lost techniques of the Elder) or weak (The brittle first steels).

Mechanically they should count as broadswords that do a point less damage (or one half step or step down of damage 2d6-1 or 1d6+1 from a 1d8). Their mass is one lb (.5 kgs) lighter than a broadsword (4 to 4.5 lbs or 1.8 to 2.2 Kgs).

History
Middle Swords were a common weapon in a previous era (Insert historical era in your world’s history). They were based off earlier bronze blades of a great warrior empire, but adapted to the needs of the times and materials. This is much like the Roman Spathica was adapted to later European sword design).

Magic/Cursed Properties
None.  This is a "common weapon", a class of swords, from age gone by. This weapon’s game purpose is to show "age".
A GM would use a "Middle Sword" to show a weapon of great age, to show a warrior bound to a near obsolete tradition, or to date a treasure.

Full Item Description
A monk’s spear is a more martial version of this basic farm tool. The monks, always wary of attacks from the local governments, barbarians, or even bandits, might of even used these spades (or ones like them) as actual farm tools. However, most of these spades are really weapons. The head is still cast iron, with a decorated brass fitting added onto extension to facilitate more secure fastening. The curved edge is extremely sharp. What would of been the straight side of the half circle is curved to allow for hooking and cuffing with the weapon. The shaft is a good six and a half feet long.  The back end of the weapon has a crescent blade with brass decorative mounting. The entire weapon weighs about 35 lbs (15 Kgs). It requires a good deal of strength, stamina, and speed to wield this weapon properly. However its reach and its mass can make it quite effective.

History
The Monks are not supposed to be armed. The Government has always seen the Monk’s views of equality of all souls as a threat to the tiered system. That plus their use of martial arts and yoga always made the military nervous. The spade, being both a weapon and a tool, allow the Monks to protect themselves and dig.

Magic/Cursed Properties
None. This is a perfectly normal weapon.

The Axe has long been a ethnic symbol of Ozea, dating back more than a millenium. Being a pragmatic people, the sword was seldom used as it really only has one use, and that is for warfare alone. The axe is an equally lethal weapon that can be used for other tasks, such as wood splitting, construction, and the like.

Peasant Axe
As its name implies, this is the most common weapon/tool found in Ozea and it is a single bladed axe lacking in ornamentation. It is light enough to be swung one handed in concert with the usage of a shield. The handle is long enough for it to be used two handed as a tool. The back is flat, and can double as a hammer.

Long Axe
A weapon of enlisted militias, the long axe is a pole arm that mounts a small axe head with a long spear point, to create a rather intimidating looking weapon that can thrust or chop as the situation requires. Ozian levies often use the long axe in phalanxes when facing mounted foes or foes who lack ranged weapons.

Bailiff Axe
The weapon of landed warriors, knights in more common parlance. It is a hand and a half axe that can be used one or two handed, and from horseback. It has a large cresent moon shaped blade, and many are quite decorated with etchings, carvings, or ornamented spikes at the tip. One Bailiff Ettinbald had a notched axe that was a terror to the tribes of the plains.

Maynor Axe
This large battle axe is notable for its double cresent moon blades. It is a heavy weapon that requires two hands to use and is mainly raised in defence of the home and hearth.

War Axe
A commoner version of the Maynor Axe, the war axe has double blades, but lacks the noble cresent shape, instead each blade has a rectangular profile and some call it a double-cleaver rather than an axe.

Tomb Axe
This is a short handled axe made of high purity copper to be placed with the dead when they are placed in their crypts and tombs. This tradition, and the associated Coppersmiths date back to Ozea’s settlement and the tradition of burying a warrior with his weapons and tools. The tradition has changed, and now the dead are buried with copper versions of their weapons, in homage to their ancestors use of copper before mastering the working of brass, bronze, and steel.

Full Item Description
The basic design is that of an Imperial Sword, a sword a bit thinner and shorter than an European broadsword. The handle is dark stained pear wood. The guard is both functional and decorative (in a dragon motif). The blade has a blackened temper and is sharp on both sides. Along the blade is 100 ancient characters for longevity. These are normally hand carved and inlayed with a tiny amount of brass.

The weapon is normally kept with one, to enhance ones chi and life. It is scabarded in a decorative pear wood scabbard.

(Weight 3 lbs (1.5 kgs) and is 35” long (30” blade, 75 cms)

History
The origins of this weapon has been lost to history.

Magic/Cursed Properties
The use of the sword is supposed to bring a long life, health, and to some degree “good luck” to reach such things. It is not enchanted in any way.

Full Item Description
This is a sturdy axe. It’s blade is wide and heavy, made from a chunk of chipped flint, and is covered in a flaking, rust-colored coating, probably dried blood. It has a haft of some dark, dense wood, with the blade wrapped over with a bundle of dark, dry sinews. The handle is wrapped with soft leather which is stained a dark grey color, most likely from the sweat of a Pictish hand.
The stripes of faded white paint across the blade suggest that it was originally a tool of the Skull Tribe, but the two downy white feathers tied to the handle suggest the Northern Heron Tribe. Perhaps, before falling into your hands, this axe was taken by a Northern Heron Pict from the body of a slain Skull Pict rival.

History
From time immemorial, the Picts have chipped their war-axes in the darkness of Pict-land, and brought them to bear against civilized man and enemy Pict alike.

This axe, bearing the markings of two different tribes (the Skull and the Northern Heron) seems to have been either part of a barter between tribes; or, more likely (since the Skull and the Norther Heron Picts are enemies), it was taken from a slain Pict in intertribal warfare. How it came to be in this relatively civilized portion of the world, far away from Pict-land, no man can know.

Full Item Description
The insides of the net’s mesh are smeared with the paste by Powi warriors wearing crude gloves of dried lizard hide. Absorbed by the texture of the jude fibre,it turns the fibre the color of its murky brown.

When the net is hurled at a foe,the paste present in its mesh reacts with the sweat of the foe’s skin and immediately turns into a sticky, cloying substance as thick as concrete. Within moments, the netted foe is bound by thick coils of solidified Ahal paste.

The Powi usually use the fighting net to trap and ensnare ferocious Black Cats, fearsome large felines that are often hunted for their prized ebony coats. Using the net to ensnare them allows the hunters to remain out of range of it’s rending claws. Neverthless, the net has also proven to be a potent weapon against soldiers armed with steel weapons who underestimate the threat posed to them by this humble net,only to find themselves unable to slash their way out moments after it falls over them.

Full Item Description
A Ryder Spear is a length of Hard Leather two to three meters in length.  It has a point tip, a block, and a hand tip. There are hundreds of variations on the basic design for the weapon. Some wings (and Edges) will have “wing weapons”, so the entire wing will have the same design (assisting in training and standardized tactics). But in most cases, Ryders will have craftsmen carve out weapons to fit their personal needs (and wing colors). 

Since Ryder Spears are made of Hard Leather, that can be molded and shaped (as well as dyed, dye washed, and laquered) before final hardening resins and laquers are applied (granting it iron like hardness, though not the full durability, for a fraction of the weight.) Some master craftsmen will “dapple” certain areas to increase grip traction. This, plus the weight of the material, will allow complexities that are impossible for a wood and metal spear to duplicate. 

Spears can be works of art, with a variety of colors and effects embedded in the laquers. Almost all spears will be a mix of the wing’s colors, with either edges being off colors or a candy stripe pattern. But some will have emblems visible in the blade laquer or metallic sparkles.

The point tip resembles a double broad head arrow point, with a back catch - a curved back arc, allowing the point to catch (useful for hooking and tripping). The broad points will have rivulet cuts, allowing for blood letting while the blade is in place. The broad cut (and thickening blade) makes for a gapping wound, which is more effective against thicker hide megafuana.

About .3 to .5 meters up from the tip is The Block. The Block is a cross bar the prevents the spear from penetrating the creature too deeply. Also it prevents the creature from “climbing up the spear” to get at the Ryder. It is useful for stoping ring captures in tournaments as well. There is often a tiny ring associated with the block, where a spear flag is sometimes mounted. Most Blocks are flattened and curled slightly to be “wings” that will help the spear fly straight and true (with a good spiral).

Many Ryder have tournament spears with a different blocks, if they have any at all.

The hand tip is the end that the Ryder holds. It is a carefully smoothed and grooved area that grants several solid holds. 

1) Lance: There is always a scooped and curved lance guard, to grant a solid grip with small hand protection so a Ryder can hold it as a lance. The Lance handle area is actually thinner than most of the shaft, so the guard is only slightly larger. The lance guard provides little protection for the hand, mostly to deflect knuckle scrapping misses or for catches. 

2) Gripper:  A rippled set of finger holes with ergonomic carvings through the spear, so the ryder can hold the spear as if it was a suitcase - laterally. The gripper hold is used for carrying, but in combat it is used for low straight underwing strafing attacks.

3) Throwing: one to three places on a spear, there will be a set of slight indentures that will enhance the grip for throwing the spear.

4) Tossing Hook: a small point where an Atlatl or throwing stick’s hook is inserted near the back of the spear.

5) Back Spike. A smooth sharp pole point.

There are other options, but these are the most common. There are sometimes back blades, spring loaded firing points, additional gripper or guards- some of which might be Ring Grips or Strap Grips, sling points (so it can be held by a sling, resting in a ready position with the sling over the shoulder and the hand in the lance points), and a few others.

History
This weapon has been enhanced and worked upon for generations now. Every Ryder and Crafter has their opinion as to what makes “the perfect Spear”. 

Many Ryders will have two or three spears, some for tournaments and some for actual combat.

Unlike Western Culture which makes weapons to be efficient and quickly produced, the crafters of Kerren have had a limited choice of materials and weapon styles, they have had more time to tinker and develop their weapon. Is it the “ultimate spear”? No. Is it darn good at what it is used for? Yes, very.

Full Item Description
Scissor swords, when closed, appear much like a normal sword. The main differences being that the blade is twice as thick as a normal sword, the bottom inch of the blade widens greatly, and there appears to be some sort of rivet near the tip of the weapon. Also, upon closer inspection, the blade seems to actually have two edges, almost flush with each other.
There is a trigger in the hilt however that releases a catch holding part of the base in place. It is then that the sword becomes truly unique, with it sliding smoothly in half, hinging at the top. With the extra weight from the widened base, a skilled user can perform a signature scissoring slice, often severing lightly armored limbs if used correctly. Like with many multi-part weapons though, improper use can result in a reasonable amount of self-inflicted injury.
Many models grow narrower as the blade approaches the tip, though it almost never comes to a sharp tip.

History
These blades have never seen widespread use. Finding someone to teach the basics is a bit of a task in and of itself, and actually mastering this peculiar blade is a feat that is rarely accomplished. It usually resides in the realm of stories, there are a number of fables that recount heroes wielding such weapons. It’s not known where the weapon originated, practice of it doesn’t seem particularly concentrated in any one area.
When someone does pick up the art, they usually use one of two disciplines. One seems to be almost pendulous, the blade moving slowly and being swung in very wide arcs. The scissoring action with this form is very powerful, though it is by far the easier of the two forms to anticipate. Also, simply due to the basics of this form, it tends to be slow.
The other form is focused on building momentum with the blade, and keeping it turning as fast as possible. Blows are rarely struck with the anchored part of the blade, most of the damage being inflicted by the top few inches of the free swinging blade. This can quickly whittle down an opponents defense, as it is a particularly fast form. The drawback is it’s also very easy to injure oneself, and the injury per strike is a good sight lower than that of the pendulum form.
Other unique styles are occasionally used, but most don’t work as well as the two primary forms.

Magic/Cursed Properties
None. It is essentially a hinged sword. A skilled user can use it to shear off limbs of people wearing light armor, which is to say that predominantly metal armors are what to wear while facing such things. It can be used as a normal sword as well, simply by not triggering the release. In such a case it doesn’t perform as well, though it is heavier.

Full Item Description

The majority of Scorpion Daggers are simple, thick bladed knives, with small perforations barely visible slightly up from the edge. A small handful have been made for more well-to-do clientele, and are fancier.

The blade itself has been drilled to allow passage of fluid from a chamber within the hollowed handle, controlled by a screw twisted by fore-finger and thumb. 

History

Comissioned first by the Desert Rangers of Pelenor, who sought a sidearm with effect against the strange beasts of the deserts, the Scorpion dagger has spread slowly through the lands, mostly in the hands of those described as ‘undesirables’.

A variety of poisons, potions, and other unpleasant concoctions may be contained in any given knife, and when found on any who do not bear the authority of the government in one form or another, suspicion of roguedom or assassins always springs to mind.

Easily the most savage mer-race to ever stalk the seas of Acqua,the Shura are known for their prospenity towards lethal violence. Just like with the sharks they so revere,a wrong or inappropriate action can provoke a lethal reaction from a Shura. As the other mer-races are so fond of saying among themselves,the only thing more unpredictable than a shark is a Shura. 
 
It comes as no surprise then to one knowledgable of the ways of these folk,that the Shura have developed a varied range of weapons,all of them seemingly designed to shred the un-armored flesh of a foe as viciously as possible. Perhaps the simplest of them all to fashion,is the Shura Fist Of Slaying. 
 
It is a simple weapon, basically consisting of thick twines of kelp and sharp serrated bits of stone and coral. The twine is used to wrap the serrated bits of coral and stone around the fingers on the right hand of a Shura brave, tightly enough to prevent them from slipping off,but at the same time not so tight as to cut off blood flow. The wicked tips of the jagged coral and rock shards point forward as can be guessed. 
 
When slammed into the face of a foe,the wounds inflicted can be grievous,especially dangerous to one’s vulnerable eyes. Many a Shura brave has blinded and then dispatched a foe with this secondary weapon in close melee combat where the classic trident is too cumbersome and tedious to use effectively. In these situations,the Fists can be a frightening weapon as some People of the Coral that have done battle with the Shura, will testify.

Full Item Description

A siri dai is a weapon unique to the Medec tribe, also called a “farmer’s flail.”  It consists of a heavy disc of wood, about a foot and a half in diameter.  It’s approximately an inch thick in the middle, and tapers off to an edge around the outside.  A two inch hole is bored through the center of the disc.  (A variant, the siri dai-ka is a little thicker and does not have the tapered edge.) 

A sash (or sometimes a rope) is looped through the center and tied, leaving about four feet of length.  The weapon is used by throwing the disc, then using the sash to control and guide it.  In the hands of one trained in its use, the siri dai can become an effective and lethal weapon, particularly in conjunction with dai thila ohm, a form of martial arts practiced by Medec warriors.

It is carried on the back, with the sash draped over the shoulder and across the chest, laced back through the central hole, then wrapped around the waist.

The wooden discs are usually smooth and unadorned, but are occasionally seen with legends or epic deeds (usually attributed to the current owner or his ancestors) inscribed into them.  The inscriptions are carefully carved into the wood, then filled with a hard colored resin to keep the surface smooth. 

History

The Medec people are a tribe of semi-nomadic farmers living in the grasslands on the extreme border of the civilized lands, and are considered barbarians by most scholars.  The siri dai first arose as a farming implement, used to cut the grain that is still the staple of the Medec diet.  It took this form because of two peculiarities in the Medec religion, which held the circle to be a blessed shape, and forbade the use of metal tools.  (Any knives and other tools are made of bone.)  

The siri dai began to be used as a weapon and was incorporated into the Medec form of martial arts shortly after territory skirmishes between the Medec and other local tribes.  The unique weapons allowed the Medec to dominate most of the area.

When more civilized people pushed further out from the Caellan empire, the weapons proved surprisingly effective against the metal weapons of the settlers.  It was during this time period that the siri dai-ka was developed, and was used solely as a weapon.  After several years of conflict, agreements with the Medec elders were reached and the tribe and the settlers finally achieved a stable, if uncomfortable peace.

Medec warriors are expected to know how to craft their own siri dai.  Each one is apparently customized to each fighter’s height, flexibility, fighting style, and strength.  Siri dais cannot be bought or commissioned from the Medec themselves, and they take great care that the secret of making them without metal tools does not become generally known.  The process of creating them seems to be part of the dai thila ohm training, for even non-Medec fighters who have studied that particular martial art possess them.  Of course, inferior replicas are often bought by collectors.

Full Item Description

The Smatchett is a medium-heavy, machete-like soldier´s tool. It has a 18-inch leaf-shaped, double-edged blade with a sharp point. The spine of the blade is exceptionally thick, giving the weapon great resistance to lateral torque. One of the edges is narrowly ground, with a razor-sharp, but brittle bite, while the other is shallowly ground, giving it an edge much like an axe´s, not so sharp but durable. The contrasting edges gives the blade potential both as a woodcutting tool and a melee weapon - an useful trait for a soldier in the field.

The guard is a simple rectangle of heavy steel, and the pommel is a flattened cylinder of solid metal, suitable for bludgeoning, or to withstand hammerstrokes, if the user would want to drive the Smatchett into frozen ground or wood. The handle is wooden, tooled into a relief pattern to improve grip, and it is not uncommon to see a wrist-loop attached to secure the weapon in combat

Soldiers in training are encouraged to wear their Smatchett on the belt, although veterans seems to prefer to carry them on their pack, horizontally at the small of the back or strapped upside-down between their shoulder blades.

The weapon can also be used as a trench-digging tool, a tent-pick or even (due to the excessive width of its blade) as an impromptu frying pan. It is the Swiss army knife of the Locastrian footsoldiers.

Magic/Cursed Properties

None, although some soldiers, if they have the money, have their Smatchett engraved with lucky charms amd Power Glyphs of varying quality.

Roleplaying Notes

This is my take on the ever-present fantasy sword, which I didn´t really think would fit semi-industralized-era warfare. A soldier of a modern battlefield (cannons, muskets etc.) needs an entrenching tool much more than a long, glittery sword. The Smatchett is a real invention by Lt. Col. William Fairbairn (google him if you want some inspiration from real life), although I´ve expanded the idea beyond a name. The frying-pan idea comes from my own military experience (although brief) - we once had to eat pea soup out of our helmets….

Full Item Description
This is a long thin bastard sword with a razor sharp single edge. It comes to a cut point, so it can stab as well. The handle and full hand guard are made of brass. The guard appears to be a stylized gryphon (symbol of the kingdom), the wings flowing around to form the full guard. The handle itself is a mix of turned brass twine and blue wrapped silk cord. The weapon has a small tassle of blue silk at the base.

History
These weapons were first commissioned upon the creation of the order, soon after the founding war. The original order were the King’s trusted friends and skilled warriors. As time moved on, they became his bodyguards and trusted advisors, people he could count on.  While the inner core of the Sovereign’s Finest (the Gryphon Knights) still are, most of the members are detatched duty military.

Most Sovereign’s Finest know battle magics and have some training in spell, but that is not a requirement. They might be bonded to their weapon or have laid spell matrixes in it (allowing for easy casting of certain effects).

The Weapons of a Grypon Knight is much like a Sovereign Finest’s blade. The Gryphon on the guard is embossed with gold. Their tassel is blue and gold in color. However, may of them still weild their First Weapon on a regular basis, pulling out their Gryphon Knight Blade on special occasions and at court.

Magic/Cursed Properties
None, nope, nada.

If you are found wearing one of these without a really good reason in the kingdom, it is either the death penalty or a lot of hard time in the gaol.

A Spikespear is a long barbed spear made from a type of coral and used mostly by the People of the Coral, allthough Shura have also been known to use it. The *handle* is prefectly safe to hold once it has been properly shaped with stone tools, a process that takes about a day,  but the *blade* is made of sharp and poisonus coral that can rip an Aquan Man of War apart, and do serious harm to other beings too. The wounds from such a weapon often get infected to the point that amputation is nesscessary. As well as a weapon it is a great hunting tool.

Once allowed to dry on land however, the coral blade dies and blunts and the handle becomes brittle and will crumble iif used in combat, so it is used only by the underwater races.

This submission is part of the much maligned Interesting Weapons- Non-Magic scroll

These are a unique style of blades found in China. It is a specific weapon type, like Flambeau or Great Sword. So there are hundreds of thousands of these weapons. They are not magical, except in the means of the static magics inherient in the weapons due to culture.

Full Item Description
This is the largest of the conventional swords for the Chinese. It weights 7 lbs (3kgs) is 36" (90 cms) of solid combat steel blade - 2.5" x.5" at forte (6.3 x 1.2cm). The handle adds another 9" (22cms) to the length of the weapon.

The guard is tradionally of a demonic face cast in brass. This allows it to "scare away" bad luck and spirits, as well as make the weapon more fearsome.

History
Developed in the Han Era, this weapon became popular in the heavy infantry.

Magic/Cursed Properties
It is called the Spring and Autumn sword because it brings new beginings and new endings.

This weapon appears in forms ranging from a simple fisherman’s tool, often just a rock or heavy knot (a monkey’s fist or something similar) at one end, and a loop, ring, or bar to hold onto at the other end; to the weapon it’s used as in modern day Asian martial arts, consisting of a weighted end connected to a spike by a strong, fine chain.  The weapon is roughly 6-9 feet long.

This weapon, due to it’s origins as a fisherman’s tool, would qualify as a peasant’s weapon, and because of this, one could hide it’s purpose as a weapon if one was entering certain “weaponless” towns or cities, or if one was going before nobility.  Of course, in the later case, one might have to figure out a way to disguise the Surujin as jewelry.

In combat one can use the weighted end to attack the opponent directly, or use it to entangle or ensnare the opponent and use the other end to either punch or stab at the now disabled opponent.  One of the advantages of using a long chain/rope weapon such as this is that, if the attack is blocked by a sword or shield, the weapon will still continue it’s motion and either wrap itself up around the item used to block, or hit the person regardless of the obstacle.

Introduction

For a warrior his sword is his life. Often one can hear many fencing instructors and sword masters go as far as to claim that a sword is the warriors soul; a swordsmans ability and character are reflected in his sword.But like all men are not noble and good, so it is with swords. Some blades carry an ill reputation and bring harm to their wielders.

Such is the story of these notorious weapons that most people would be unwilling to know the true nature of these instruments of death. And as some of these people represent powerful, religious organizations they might be even less inclined to learn the truth why these weapons are of such ill repute, and why some people might have had an interest in promoting the emergence of such reputation.

Full Item Description

The Anklar Smith Family made mostly Claymore and great swords. They all have the family sigil in their hilt which is the Sun Hawk. These swords are all excellent craftmanship and were once preferred among generals and nobles.

History

According to old journals and taxation records the Anklar family was forging weapons as early as the two hundred years back. Naturally the weapons of the time were cruder and did not exhibit the traits the swords of future generations would. But from what can be gathered from sources of the time Anklar weapons were considered
endurable and well-balanced even then. All went well for the Anklar family and their blades, but it was not meant to last.

A school was closed down for inappropriate theological doctrine by the church. The students and scholars rioted in protest. A teacher and his wife were in the crowd when the Grand Priest ordered the templars to quench the riot. His wife died under the boots of the Templars before his eyes. Seeking revenge for his wife the teacher sold his horse and all the books and tomes he had been able to take from the College and with this money he was able to buy a genuine Anklar sword. When the priest was having his next public sermon the vengeful teacher was in the audience; he had hidden the claymore under his heavy cloak. At an opportune moment the teacher brandished his sword, attacked, and blinded the priest with a deep wound across the eyes. Before he was able to deliver a killing blow though, templars killed the man.

The teacher was a slender academic man who had neither skill with a sword nor experience with weapons of any kind. Yet he was able to blind and almost kill one of the most influential priests in the Kingdom.

When it was discovered that the claymore he had used was a Anklar blade rumours spread like wildfire that because the unskilled was unskilled and weak it must had been the sword itself that had thirsted for Grand priests blood. It is widely believed that this sword was the first sword
destroyed by the priests of when the edict to ban all Anklar blades was passed.

Edict

Henceforth all swords and blades forged by the Anklar family are considered illegal within the Kingdom. Any person in possession of such a sword is ordered to immediately relinquish their weapons to the nearest authorities. Furthermore, all citizens are hereby ordered to notify the authorities immediately when learning of a whereabouts of an Anklar sword. Failure to comply with this edict will be met with most severe judgement for heresy.

This edict, which is printed above, banned the Anklar family from forging any more weapons, and their smithy was torn down. Also, anyone was forbidden to carry or wield a Anklar blade of any kind. Punishments for failing to comply with this edict ranged from severe flogging to burning at the stake.

The Real Deal

What really happened? Many people within the church could have believed that the blade blinding the Grand priest was indeed cursed. But why condemn all blades made by the Anklar family? Corruption is the answer. As simple as that. The Anklar Blades were rising in popularity and a noble family had investments in weapon smithies all over the Kingdom. Except the Anklar smithy, they would not be bought off. As punishment and as a way of ridding themselves of competition they seized the opportunity and fuelled the Church’s rage. Hinting that the Anklar family were cursing their blades. Combined with bribes it worked. The blades were banned and the smithy put down, what happened to the family itself no one knows- they simply vanished. If priests in the church knows the truth today is uncertain.

Current Time

The priests has striven hard to eradicate these weapons from the lands. A set of very strict measures has been developed to ensure the proper destruction of the blades. These measures must be followed every time such a sword is found. To destroy the weapon’s "evil and corruptive influence a priest must perform the following rite. First of all, when a Anklar sword is secured it should be kept in its scabbard at all times. Also, the sword and the scabbard should be covered with a black cloth until it reaches the nearest Temple.

Once there, two High-Priests should be present at all times during the following Rite of Purification and Destruction; no-one is to be ever alone with such an "instrument of evil". The Rite begins with the removal of the black cloth and the scabbard. Then the sword is rinsed with water to wash away any blood. This purification also symbolizes the washing away of the sins committed with the blade.

Then the sword is placed on an anvil. Next, a weaponsmith with a stout heart and purity of spirit is summoned. In the presence of the priests the smith removes the hilt from the blade, breaks the blade in two and finally melts all the metal into one lump. Once the lump has cooled it is taken to a segregated piece of land that has been previously purified with prayers and salts. There the lump is buried. Finally, the priests and the smith ritually wash their hands and feet and then pray together in silence to cleanse their spirits.

Of course, there are also those who believe that such items should not be destroyed but studied to better understand them and their evil. Such individuals quickly attract the attention of witch hunters though. Some nobles also find Anklar blades to be suitably eccentric for collectors items and are willing to pay handsome amounts for a genuine piece.

Magic/Cursed Properties

Anklar swords are not cursed nor are they magical. They are just quality weapons that have a bad reputation. And it is this reputation that might affect the wielder. If the person wielding the blade does not know that he is actually wielding such ill reputed weapon the Anklar acts in his hands just like any other quality sword. But men are often gullible and the mind can deceive itself.

Therefore, if the person knows that he is in possession of a "cursed" Anklar he believes that he is indeed wielding a sword that will bring him bad luck. Furthermore, if his opponents know that they are facing an enemy who is armed with a cursed blade they will become bolder and more confident in their abilities.

Plot Hooks

The Mystery- The PCs are stopped at the city square where watchmen are conducting a search. They want to see everyones swords and confiscate all weapons that look suspicious to them in any way. To any inquiries the sergeant will tell them that according to rumours there is a Anklar blade somewhere in the city. Soon after this incident the PCs are approached by an elderly man who claims to be a collector of antiques; he would be willing to pay them handsomely if they could bring him the rare Anklar blade. Who has the blade, and why? And why does this collector want it so bad?

The Duel- A dispute has arisen between two noble families. They have agreed to settle the matter with a duel both sides using champions to represent them. One of the families hires the PCs as extra protection for his champion until the day of the duel. The champions sword is secretly exchanged for a Anklar blade before the duel. The champion wins using the cursed sword. The truth about the blade is discovered after the fight. If word gets out the nobles reputation will be ruined and he might face the pyres. The noble holds the PCs responsible and demands that they find the real culprits or he will have their heads. The PCs must find the guilty person before the truth is revealed. All evidence points at the other noble family but the real culprit is the noblemans own son.

The Stupid Twist- If the GM has used the Anklar Blades in a plot and they are aware of the truth, you could twist the deal a little- It was a cursed sword after all. I will leave that entirely up to the GM.

Full Item Description
  The Deathbringer is a longsword, about five feet long, the pommel, hilt, and crosspiece using up about a foot of that. The blade is full tang with a blood groove along the length of the finely sharpened blade. The crosspiece is designed with a basket hand guard, and inscribed with various heroic images. A dragon slayer, knight in shining armor, saving the damsel in distress,etc.The hilt is a piece of cherry wood, with a slot cut into it for the tang, and wrapped in worn leather.The pommel is set with a small chunk of rose quartz, roughly round, and about half an inch in diameter. Overall, the Deathbringer is a finely polished,well balanced blade of ingenuous craftsmanship.

History
  The Deathbringer, like all great swords, was forged long ago. As the story goes, a blacksmith by the name of Charles Freet entered a contest to create a fine weapon. The contest was sponsored by a band of adventurers, in the hopes that they would be able to get something really good. The rules of the contest were simple, whoever could craft a fair weapon in the least amount of time, won. For the three days given, Charles worked furiously at his small forge. But, on the day that the contest was to take place, he was there. In his arms, Charles carried a long bundle wrapped in a purple cloth. Reverently, Charles placed the blade before the judges.
  When he unwrapped the Deathbringer, everyone gasped at its splendor. Charles quickly won first prize, and the gold that went with it. the sword, as per contest guidelines, was handed over to the adventurers.
  For years the Deathbringer traveled around the world, in the hands of one hero or another. As it went, its fame constantly grew, and a strong sense of power was said to emanate from the sword. Throughout several years, the rumors of the sword’s power began to become convoluted, and even more widespread. It has gotten to the point that, today, anyone that has heard the tales will most likely cower at the sight of the Deathbringer.
Magic/Cursed Properties

  Absolutely none. Numerous and varying powers have been attributed to the blade, but none of them are actually true. As stated above, most intelligent creatures, that have heard the story, will cower in fear before the wielder of the Deathbringer. Also, owning such a famous sword is seen to be a sign of great power and standing, giving certain benefits within most social circles. Although not magical, the Deathbringer is very well balanced, and facilitates easy use.

Extract from Robinson’s Oriental Armour
(p115)

“The madu or maru was a small fist-shield mounted upon a pair of roebuck horns with steel tips. It was primarily for parrying, and in some instances a pair of flamboyant (that is, flame-like) blades replaced the horns. The shields were of steel, chiselled and gilt, with four small bosses. Pairs of horns were also used, without a shield, for the same purpose. Their use was mainly confined to northern and central India.”

Extract from Stone’sGlossary
(p423)

“MADU, MARU, SINGAUTA. An Indian parrying and thrusting weapon consisting of a pair of black buck horns fastened together with their points in opposite directions. Usually the horns overlap, but sometimes they are fastened to the opposite ends of a short handle. In either case the hand is protected by a small circular shield of leather or iron. The horns usually have steel points on the ends. It was used by the Bhils and other wild tribes and was a favorite with Hindu religious beggars. It was also used by swordsmen for guarding, being held in the left hand.”

When weilded as a secondary weapon in the off-hand the madu can be used to parry, giving the weilder a bonus to his defense. When used offensively the madu acts as a short double tipped spear.

Magical Properties:

The Ducal Retainers of Urania who patrol the ever moving Twilight Zone, carry special swords that only they may legally carry.

The hilts are of glowstone and there are glowstones set in the guard, along with a number and name of the Retainer who was issued with it. The glowstones act as a limited light sworce and provide warmth. Not a lot of warmth, just enough to prevent the hand that holds it from getting numb with cold, should the Retainer enter the Darkside for any reason. The iron blades are a foot long. Should an outsider be found with one of these swords, he or she will at the very least be taken in for questioning as to how it came into his or her possession. At worst the outsider could be slain on the spot.

The Torch Axe appears as an extremely old, battered battle axe. At the top of the ‘shaft’ of the axe, between the blades of the axe, there is a small receptacle filled with oil and tinder. When the oil and tinder are lit, the flames spread from the receptacle onto the blades of the axe.

It was created thousands of years ago by dwarves, who came up with the idea of a flaming weapon by watching weapons come out red-hot from the forge. As they could not always be wielding red-hot weapons, the dwarves decided that flaming would be the next best thing. So they went to the elves and asked them for help, and when the two peoples were finished with the ‘Torch Axe’, as they called it, they had the first ever flaming weapon.

Magical Properties:

No fancy magic words or willpower to light this flaming weapon. You have to do it the old-fashioned way. At the top of the ‘shaft’ of the axe, between the blades of the axe, there is a small receptacle filled with oil and tinder. When the oil and tinder are lit, the flames spread from the receptacle onto the blades of the axe.

Full Item Description
The Tree-of-Blades is best described as a warclub. It is a length of wood, generally 3.5-4.5 feet long (though sometimes as long as 6 feet, in extreme cases; Dragonfighters are known for their enormous stature), with generally a foot or foot and a half of leather-wrapped handle, and heeled at the pommel with metal. Along the length of the club, at regular intervals, there are viciously-curved, leaf-shaped blades, off-setting each other, giving the appearance of the sharpened leaves of a tree (giving the weapon it’s most frequent name); the club is topped with a trio of blades in the form of the crown of a tree. Much of a Tree-of-Blades’ length is usually bound in bronze, and it is a symbol of pride among Dragonfighters to keep the blades of one’s club as sharp and bright as possible.

History
This fearsome weapon is rarely seen beyond the bounds of Dragonfighter territory in these times; since the final defeat of Txarian’s forces by the Mysians at the battle of Mount Phraion, the Tarisians have been seldom seen by any Agera, in fact.

Magic/Cursed Properties
None.

Full Item Description
The Tyrnithi are a shy, retiring folk of the Farther South, who are renowned throughout the Summer Lands (and spoken of by traders to the northerly lands) as the finest archers in the world. Somehow, a bundle of their arrows, very finely-made, has found its way this far north from their homeland.

These arrows are long, thin, made of a dark-reddish wood, and feathered with iridescent green feathers. The heads of the arrows are frog-crotch style rather than the typical “arrowhead” shape; that is, they are shaped like a letter “Y”. They are made of some sort of closely-chipped, light stone which is grey with thin veins of yellow.

Magic/Cursed Properties
None, though people swear they are magical in the way they fly.

This weapon can be seen in the hands of giants, large orges, while only slightly diminished versions can be witnessed weilded by mentally questionable dwarves.

The war cleaver has it’s roots as most weapons do: As common peasant tools. It is, simply, a big cleaver; although that is a bit of an understatement when one witnesses a three foot long, foot and a half wide slab of sharpened steel whistling through a battle. It’s size makes the weapon unpractical to the untrained soilder, but when a properly trained creature weilds it, they become a force to be reckoned with.

Since it is a large flat sheet, it can be used as a shielding weapon rather than parrying weapon. One on the primary tactics used by trained regulars is to block a blow, then deliver a short counter-blow with the massive weapon. This tactic is counter intuitive of what most soilders expect and catches a fatal many off gaurd. Of course, when the situation is suitable for it, swinging it in wide arcs is devestating.

Most War Cleavers have blades about three feet by two feet, but giants typically weild larger ones, up to one reported at eight feet long and four feet wide, and dwarves often cut captured war cleavers down to a managable size around two feet long and one foot wide. Whatever size, a properly weilded War Cleaver is impressive.

Full Item Description

Simply put, a war forbici resembles a very large pair of scissors.  The twin blades are 5-inches wide at the forte and taper to a quarter inch at the feeble.  The blades are metal, usually iron or steel, and are about 3 feet long.  The handles of the weapon are oval-shaped, about 10-inches long, and usually wrapped in leather.  The backs of the handles are much thicker than the grip to act as a counter balance to the blades.  The blades are fastened 6 inches from the grips by a wide bolt; this bolt is often engraved or embellished in a quality pair.  The inner edge of the blades is sharpened, while the outer edge is left dull.

History

The origins of the war forbici are uncertain.  Many suspect the weapon originated in circuses and coliseums where they were a novelty weapon used by gladiators to entertain the masses.  Trainers in gladiator combat schools probably taught curious nobles on how to properly wield the forbici.

Due to the unusual nature of the weapon, and its difficulty to wield, it is rare among even well-trained warriors.  Most fighters who are at least mildly familiar with the weapon do not bother with it simply because it is impractical in normal situations.  War forbici are heavy and large, requiring impressive strength to wield properly.  They also require a great deal of maintenance, as the blades and bolt joint must be cleaned frequently to prevent jamming.

Despite its drawbacks, the war forbici is a fairly versatile weapon.  Unopened, the forbici can be used as a crushing weapon by swinging the unsharpened outer edge of the blades at an opponent.  The pointed tip also makes for a quality thrusting weapon.  When the blades are opened, the forbici becomes a bladed weapon that is capable of short (albiet somewhat clumsy) slashes.  The most effective use of the blades are to chop and grab, achieved by closing the blades around an opponent.  Above all, the war forbici draws attention wherever it goes, and most warriors do not know how to regard such an unusual weapon.

War forbici aficionados are admittedly rare, but they have produced at least one famous soldier: Prince Kestor le Vesre, former crown regent of Radania.  Prince Kestor was very fond of the forbici after reading about them in weapon enthusiast gazettes.  As a young man, he insisted that his combat teacher, General Doras Muroe, train him in the weapon.  Muroe had been a former gladiator and was familiar enough with the forbici to instruct on it use.  He refused the prince’s request at first, in fear that the king would think him wasting valuable training time on such a ridiculous weapon.  Kestor relented, however, and the general eventually agreed to teach him.  Kestor proved to be a natural for forbici, his strong upper-body well suited to wielding the unusual weapon.  During the Radanian Silver Wars, Prince Kestor led the royal armies to victorious combat, his men inspired by the impressive sight of their regent downing foes with the forbici.  Legend says that the prince ended the life of the enemy army’s leader by beheading him with a sharp stroke of the forbici.  Kestor’s fame led to many copycats who took up the weapon, though most proved to be utter failures in actual use of it.

This is an article about designing and creating new weapons and armaments that are nonetheless realistic. If you’ve ever wanted to make your own unique medieval weapon for a campaign, this will hopefully come in handy.

Step 1: Materials

Historically, swords have been manufactured from iron and steel, as well as bronze. This is usually because of the fact that iron is relatively easy to find, and is durable. The amount of iron available to a particular civilization usually dictated the quality and rarity of swords- in Medieval Europe, it was common enough that swords were mass-produced. In Japan, it was rare enough that every sword had to be an excellent example of the weapon- hence, the birth of the katana. Other materials, however, can also be suitable in an exotic campaign. Some examples are-

- Flint- Flint blades tend to be very sharp and very easy to make. They also break easier than iron or steel, but can cause very nasty wounds.
- Rock- Simple, effective. Very difficult to sharpen though.
- Obsidian- Sharp but brittle. Similar to flint in this respect.
- Quartz- Very rare in realistic settings. A quartz blade would be incredibly difficult to make, but would last for a long time. It would also have to be placed on a small weapon, due to the fact that it’s difficult to find quartz 3 feet long.
- Bark- Wood transfers little shock from impact to the arm, making a wooden weapon superb at parrying. Unfortunately, it does not keep an edge well, and can be sliced in two with a powerful enough blow.

Step 2: Size and Shape

How big is your weapon? Chances are, if it’s a sword longer than five feet, or an axe with a head that’s longer than 6 inches, you’re stepping into the boundaries of unrealistic usage. There are obviously examples of weapons this large (the claymore, for example) but these also tend to be inferior when faced with standard weaponry.

The shape of the weapon matters as well. A curved sword has better slashing capabilities, the ability for more heft, and allows for feared drawcuts. A straight sword is simpler to make, better for defensive purposes, and allows thrusting attacks. Making a curved sword makes little sense in a society that uses plate mail regularly makes little sense.

Step 3: Purpose

What’s the point of the weapon? To hinder? To use from a horse? To terrify the enemy? A quick, razor-like blade can be just as dangerous as a massive bastard sword is used correctly. Remember, a weapon should compliment the user. A weapon based for a mounted knight should capitalize on his momentum and strength (lance) and be specifically designed so as not to harm his steed (Japanese war bow).

Step 4: Aesthetics over Purpose

Making a gold-chased saber is very pleasing to the eye, but often decreases the overall power of sword itself. Similarly, a typical war axe looks unassuming, but is fully capable of removing someone’s face with a swing.

If a sword is designed to look good, it should only be used by someone who can afford either the artistic cost (aristocracy) or who intends to use the weapon as a badge of office as opposed to a deadly tool (aristocracy). Generally, only the very rich can afford weapons that are as beautiful as they are deadly.

Step 5: Stuff Breaks

In real life, swords, bows, and other weapons break all the time. Welsh longbowmen could go through several longbows in the course of a battle, due to the fact that the bows were constructed quickly in large numbers. After a few blows, a sword should begin to acquire notches where it has struck other edges. An axe may become loosely attatched to the haft. A bow may begin to show fracture lines along its body.

Full Item Description
The blade is 27.5” long, with 20.5” being the blade. This weapon is a hybrid of Chinese and Japanese styles. The blade is long, thin, and slightly curved. The guard is a simple oval with an intricate dragon pattern embossed upoin it. The handle is metal. The scabard is of Japanese design, but with Chinese decorations.

History
The Wei-Jai were carried by Chinese soldiers during the anti-piracy campaign in the mid sixteenth century. Chinese sword blades were inferior to the Japanese blades, so there was a period when the Chinese government purchased Japanese made blades fashioned in the Chinese design.

These weapons have a clearly Japanese blade in make and style (thin, tapered and slighlty curved) mounted in Chinese fittings. The blades were made in Japan and mounted and fitted in China.  Most of the blades have a set of unknown characters stamped upon the blades.

Magic/Cursed Properties
None

Additional Information
It is said several famous masters developed a form of Chinese swordplay based upon these weapons.

Full Item Description
The basis of the weapon is a bladed ring, approximatrely 12” (30cm) in diameter and 1” (3cm) thick. There is a handle area, wrapped in cloth or leather, with a inset guard with a crescent cross piece. Off the bladed ring are short sharp blades (4” - 10cm), like the wiggly rays of the sun of a child’s drawing.

History
The weapon was created to incorporate the elements of wind and fire into a fighting weapon. The blades allows for a variety of “swooshing” swinging motions, as well as punching/ shabbing motions (enhanced by a martial art- fire). They are supposedly throwable, but that requires a very special skill to do. The weapon was designed to enhance certain Chinese martial arts manuvers, allowing for weapons blocks and more enhanced damage. There are a few stories about their origins, but the most substantiated ones come from T’ai Chi Ch’uan.

Magic/Cursed Properties
None:

Additional Info
If you want to see what these weapons look like, check this link:
http://www.martialartsmart.net/4546.html

If you want to see some of the philosophy behind it
http://www.universal-tao.com/article/cultivating.html

Full Item Description
It has a strong wooden handle with a leather wrist lanyard. The basic shape is that of machete. Smaller versions have 12" blades, but the size can go up to 28". This makes for a blade with a slight curve that broadens towards the tip. This adds efficiency to the strikes, as it makes the leading edge strikes faster and more efficiently. The Woodsman Blade is more than a mere machete.

On the backside of the blade, at the top, is an small hatchet blade.  This can be used as an axe to cut trees, branches, and such. It also adds heft to any strike with the bladed side.

This hatchet has an underblade, a sickle hook. While suited for taking on brambles and vines, can be used as climbing tool and ice hook. (It can also be used for weapon hooking).

The line of balance runs precisely from the grip through the sickle edge creating a natural momentum for efficient, accurate, and comfortable swinging motion.

The weapon can not be used for stabbing, as there is a blunted area for safety because the weapon is used as an axe most often.

In its traditional incarnation, it has the flaw of lacking a hand guard. However, hand guards are mostly there for fighting other swordsmen. However, since that happens more and more often as people encrouch upon the wilds, some Woodsmen Blades are being made with knuckleblade guards.

History
This is a weapon adapted from an appropriate wood’s blade. Similar weapons have been developed in various times and places, when ever there is deep firm and hardwood forests.

The Order of the Oaks would use such a weapon. Many Ranger or Jaeger like organization would be happy to use such a tool.

Magic/Cursed Properties
None.

Notes
Note: Real world equivalent: This is smaller than the fantasy version presented here. However, I discovered it when looking for similar weapons. I expanded my weapon (which was effectively a machete with an axe head) to better match this one.
http://www.woodmanspal.com/features.html