The Sergeant's Sword
"So you have burned down the village?"
"But, but..."
"Speak no more! I see the guilt in your eyes. Prepare for your punishment!"
Full Item Description
A sturdy broad sword of whatever kind fits you, it is simple, almost crude, but a well-made piece if you know weapons. The handle ends with four separate protrusions (resembling http://filmswords.com/images/conan/fathers03.jpg, but far less elegant). It may not be ideal for knocking enemies out, but it is guaranteed to leave nasty marks. Due to the raw metal that was not properly polished, its wearer can easily scratch or cut himself if leaning on the end (not likely in battle). This is a tool for war, not for fancy. The only ornament's on the blade's sides are very thinly carved letters L and B, initials of the first owner.
History
The sword was commissioned some fifty years ago by a drill sergeant of his Majesty's army, as something to embarrass fresh recruits with. The crudeness was intentional, and it was forged and blessed to remain sharp and true for a long time.
The original sergeant is long out of service, but he passed the blade to his successor, and he to another, and he to another. It became a sort of symbol of the low office, and would be still worn now, were not one of the recruits more pissed than usual. It was a matter of time until the then-sergeant would drop his guard, and the sword vanished, sold for precisely one copper (due to an unusual punishment, but that is not of interest here).
The buyer, a shrewd merchant, has noted the good quality, but smelled right away it was stolen. Passing it onto one of his contacts, the sword was eventually sold to a group of adventurers on the way out of town.
Magic/Cursed Properties
The sword will remain in a good shape for a long time. A seasoned warrior that doesn't waste time on beauty will come to appreciate it.
If the wearer grasps the handle, or leans on it while carrying it on the side (a natural gesture when one wants to stress something), it will be hard to interrupt him. This effect rises if the wearer is agitated, and even more if he happens to cut his hand on the handle, leaving some blood behind. As long as this condition lasts, and the wearer has the breath the continue his tirade, the opponent will have a great difficulty to reply in a consistent manner.
The magic stems from the wearers in one line of work, that controlled the daily lives, and indeed changed the fates of many men under their command. The wearer may have a slight tendency to become harsh and critical of anyone around, pointing out their errors, or literally interrogate them. Sadly, few are able to find the right words when he has 'that moment again'.
Note: The wearer may not be particularly loved, but if some of the sergeants happens to see the sword, he will get into some _real_ trouble.
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? Responses (8)
Hey, look, a quickie!
Not bad - a good background piece.
Well done. Items like this will exist wherever magic is common.
Private Pyle, I'm gonna give you three seconds; exactly three-f*****g-seconds to wipe that stupid looking grin off your face or I will gouge out your eyeballs and skull-f**k you!
Hartman would approve.
Yes, any soldier type would find use for it.
But think what if a politician were to get it into his hands...
An interesting sword with an odd property.