Gae Assail

Mechanics & Inner Workings

With a cry of ibar (The Eladan word for yew), the spear flies out, striking its target without fail. The word athibar (Re-yew) returns it to the thrower's hand. The spear has a mind of its own, and will attempt to quench its bloodlust with or without its master. It must be stored in a drought of freshly crushed poppy seeds and blood in a special cauldron, lest it ignite. When it flies, fire and lightning shoot out from it, and it cuts through enemy ranks with abandon.

History

The Gae Assail, or Spear of Assail , was a legendary spear created for Uiscias, the poet-King of Findias, in Southeast Emain Ablach. According to legend, the spear is purportedly crafted by the god Pisear, a legendary craftsman from the Shifting Sands from the spine of Ivinenn, the Mother of Yews and goddess of Death.
When the 4 clans of Emain Ablach came together, the Gae Assail was the treasure surrendered by the Rí ruirech of Findias to Lugh, Ard Rí of the Eladan. The spear was used against Balor One-eye, but was lost in the Calamity of Tara.

Significance

The Gae Assail is one of the Four Treasures of the Tuatha de Danaan, along with Fragarach, the Sword of Murias, Lia Fáil, the Stone of Gorias and Coire Ansic, the Cauldron of Falias.
These treasures were granted by the Banrí Ruirech/Rí Ruirech of each city, a symbol of loyalty to the Ard Banrí/Ard Rí. The spear, as well as the other treasures, were lost at the Calamity of Tara.

Item type

Magical

Rarity

Unique

Weight

~2 kg

Dimensions

~ 2 m

Raw materials & Components

The Gae Assail is created from a single shafted of polished yew wood, covered in a delicate vinelike pattern of raised wood.