Magic swords are cool.

[gridlore]

Doing a little research for my next attempt at an Ars Magica mage, and got distracted into reading about famous swords. One thing that is usually lacking in most FRPG descriptions of magical items is their history. +3 longsword, Flame Tongue is boring. A named sword wielded by a great hero and possessing powers that have yet to be unlocked isn't just more interesting, it's a portal to adventure! For example, let's say the characters recover an obviously magical sword that divination reveals to be Lobera (Wolfslayer). OK, but what does it do? Investigation turns up that this sword was written about extensively in the Chronicles of Atonious the Younger. The only copy of which is held in the library of the Monastary of St. Michael, two months journey away through warring states. Then you have to convince the monks to let you read the book! Bring gifts.

Not all magic swords are in the "bonus to hit and extra or special damage" mode either. Tizona, one of El Cid's swords, (and a Holy Avenger if there ever was one) had the power, when wielded by a righteous knight, to terrify opponents into surrendering. Szczerbiec, the Polish coronation sword, is covered with Kabbalistic markings and invocations of divine power. It was originally used as a ceremonial sword for coronations and displays, but a creative GM could find all sorts of good powers to install in the sword. Go Arthurian and make it that only the rightful King of Poland can even lift the thing.

Of course, hacking and slashing have their place. El Cid's other sword, Colada, is good at that:

Martín Antolínez took his sword in hand,

it lights up all the field, it is so clean and bright,
he gave him a blow, he hit him a glancing blow,
it broke away the top of the helmet,
it cut away all the helmet straps,
it tore off the mailed hood, and reached the coif,
the coif and the hood all were ripped away,
it cut the hairs on his head, and it reached well into the flesh,
one part fell to the ground and the other remained.

When precious Colada has struck this blow,
Diego González saw that he would not escape with his soul,
he turned his horse to face his opponent.
At that moment Martín Antolínez hit him with his sword,
he struck him broadside, with the cutting edge he did not hit him.
Diego González has sword in hand, but he does not use it,
at that moment the infante began to shout,
-Help me, God, glorious Lord, and protect me from this sword!-

Get creative with your magical items. They can be great story drivers.

Comments

[seawasp]

Did Colada have a brother or sister blade named Pina?

Sorry, couldn't resist.

[collie13.livejournal.com]

I am not 100% sure, but I believe the names of El Cid's swords, Colada and Tizon, translate roughly as Tailbiter, and Fang. I loved El Cid stories as a child! ;)