Seven Swords of Power
By Fenric (fenric@aol.com)
"Listen student and learn. You wish to learn about artifacts then do you ? I would like to know why. Ahh, I see mere curiosity then? Or do you wish to revive the 10th tradition The Artificers? You do don't you? Well, that's harmless enough I suppose. Let me tell you then of the Seven Swords of Power...."
Author's Notes
Feel free to change and indeed elaborate on these and correct any mistakes I may have made concerning dates. Indeed, the details are left sketchy as I hope that others may be compelled to clean up the blades' history. I hope you like it!
Introduction
The Seven Swords of Power were created in a darker age. The Holy Crusaders were either converting heathens or slaying those who would not embrace their God. During this time, a council of Mages formed. Their task was a daunting one: to ensure that Mages themselves were protected from the Crusades. Surely they would be put to the sword if their power became known. Secondly, they enforced Order where there was Chaos. With the Churches launching pogroms against those who didn't conform, times were perilous indeed.As a symbol of this Council, known as The Guardians, seven swords were forged. and imbued with power. Time passed and the Council disbanded when it became apparent that not even the Traditions could agree to work together. The Swords, however were scattered throughout the world and indeed the Umbra. Their whereabouts are currently unknown, but it is rumored that House Titaelus wishes to recreate the Council. Perhaps the swords should be located now before they fall into the wrong hands....
Albian
Rumored to actually be the famous sword, Excalibur, were it not for the fact that the swords were commissioned after the Arthurian period, one would would almost believe it. There is another persistent rumor that only six swords were made, modeled after the first and original, Excalibur. Indeed, old documents strangely immune to Time scans exist that support this claim.The sword is imbued with the Life Sphere, making it easier for wielders to enhance their own physical attributes (Difficulty of Life magick is reduced by 2). Ironically, it can also be used to help heal others. When it is placed on a wound within 24 hours of the injury occurring, then healing it with rituals is easier (Difficulty reduced by 1). It cannot, however, heal the injuries infliected by a Kindred's fangs or Garou's claws (i.e., supernaturally inflicted aggravated damage).
Cervantes
Forged in Spain, Cervantes is a large two-handed sword that, for an Awakened user, is lighter and easier to wield than it would appear. It is believed that a person wielding this weapon finds Time stands still for his enemies and passes quicker for the wielder. It is also believed that it enhances the Mage's abilities with that sphere (although the player shouldn't know it, characters who already have the Time sphere gain an additional dot) The blade is said to shimmer with a pale blue luminescence when wielded.
Wolf's Bane
Forged in Ireland around 1250 A.D., Wolf's Bane is a silver edged blind primarily used to destroy tainted Garou. Though wielded by Mages traditionally, the Garou would give anything to have this mighty sword in their hands. For reasons unknown they claim it should belong to them. The blade is a Rapier with an ornately decorated hilt guard, and for reasons unknown seems to be made to be wielded only by a woman. Its power include the ability to sear the Flesh of any tainted creature, be it Kindred or Garou, which leads me to believe that it is empowered with the Sphere of Forces. It radiates great heat whilst in combat and any tainted creature as will shy away from the wielder (Willpower Roll difficulty Seven, a botch means that the creature will flee). Legend says that the woman wielding it must be pure.
Omaran
Thought to have been forged in Turkey in 1251, Omaran is a huge Scimitar that reputedly vanished from sight along with the Ahl-i-Batin Tradition. It was wielded by a Turkish warrior after the Crusades, apparently in a war with the Setite Vampires of Egypt. Little is known of the powers of this sword except that man's perceptions of his own existence and that of things around him are greatly enhanced (basically, Correspondence 3; even a Mage without this Sphere can benefit a little from this blade if he concentrates).
Reaver
This Scottish blade is a claymore of great power and beauty. It reputedly enhances a warrior's luck in combat (Entropy sphere is increased by 2), which is unusual for a blade fashioned outside of India. It is said this that this blade can never have its edge dulled and indeed is alleged to to be able to cleave rock.
Fang
Little is known of this blade except that it is thought to be the same size and weight as a Roman Gladius. It is believed to be a veritable pool of Quintessence in its own right and indeed charged with enough Prime that you don't have to try to hard to see its aura. If the stories are true, then something of each Sphere has been granted to this blade although that would make it more powerful than the sword that spawned them all, Excalibur!
Night Bane
Forged in South America during the 13th century, one account suggests that something went wrong during its making. It is said that in battle it was wielded against Nephandi or demons and was plunged into the heart of one of the foul things. The blade being imperfect, was tainted and the wielder driven insane. He went on a killing spree and thereafter, the voices of those innoncents slain could be heard whispering constantly in the head of the wielder (Mind 3, Willpower roll difficulty 8 must be made once every 4 hours to resist the blade's call). Of all the swords of power, this is the only one marked for destruction if it located.