Tecpatl of Ah-Corel

The native Monumentals of Gyrraholm rarely seek tribute in the form of blood, and thus those native to the world often view it as barbaric practice. The Elves of the Bloodwood, however, practice it regularly in service to the patriarch of their Pantheon, the Monumental known as Ah-Corel. Legends tell of Ah-Corel creating the Elven race from his own flesh and blood, literally carving them from his form, and so Bloodletters of the Elf-Father (the leaders of worship for Ah-Corel) often pay him tribute with the blood of willing sacrifices, or criminals sentenced to death.
The realms are no stranger to Capital Punishment in the cases of severe crimes, so those type of sacrifices are more understandable, but outsiders might find the idea of willing sacrifices unthinkable. But remember, the Elves have a less traditional relationship with death than most races. Their faith teaches that worthy souls will return to the world in a new vessel, so for one who might be old or infirm, can you really blame them? There are far less honourable ways to go out, and a fresh start isn't the least attractive proposal.

Mechanics & Inner Workings

The blade is shaped like a leaf of sorts, and both sharp edges feature intricate channels engraved into them. These channels are designed to literally drink the blood of the sacrifice, which in turn allows it to be used as a focus for divine spellcasting.

Manufacturing process

Unlike common metalworks in Elven society, it's not uncommon to see these blades tempered in blood rather than water, as a show of respect to their God.

Significance

The ceremonial blades carry cultural significance, as they are the primary tools used in performing sacrifices to the patriarch of the Elven pantheon of Monumentals

Item type

Religious / Ritualistic

Rarity

Tecpatls of Ah-Corel aren't necessarily uncommon, but are generally only held by Bloodletters of the Elf-Maker himself.

Weight

>1kg

Dimensions

10 inches

Raw materials & Components

Typical Tecpatl blades are forged from obsidian and shaped to look like a leaf, while the grip is often carved from the red timber harvested from the Bloodwood surrounding the elf capital on Gyrraholm. The blade is often carved with intricate designs of Ah-Corel, or his symbol - A stylized sun featuring an elven face.