The Broken Blade

In the days that followed, our bastions fell and armies were routed. The Daig slaves were slaughtered, as if they were complicit in our rivalry. The storm clouds continued to follow them wherever they marched.
As the Weirr carved their way into Yordenheid, we rallied our defenses and prepared to die with the sun at our backs. But Ainen, First of the Blades, stepped forward. With nary a doubt in his heart, he took to the field with blade in hand, and with one effortless swing, he split the world apart.

Mechanics & Inner Workings

From recordings of its use under Ainen, the blade is operated using the jagged gemstone situated in the middle of the crossguard, between the blade and hilt. Pressing one's hand into the protruding point and drawing blood causes a surge of arcane energy to manifest. This energy launches up along the blade, creating a fully formed blade with a spectral appearance. This 'spectral blade' is translucent, with the original broken blade clearly visible underneath. While not made of a physical material, the spectral blade is far more sharp than the original. Additionally, it appears to be capable of transfering extra amounts of kinetic energy when swung, although from where this energy originates is unknown.
The spectral blade is coloured with a mix between light red and violet. Its texture is constantly swirling downwards, with drops of energy falling from it before fading away. This gives the impression that the spectral blade is made of blood, forever bleeding from the tip of the blade and streaking down to the crossguard.

Manufacturing process

Unknown. The weapons within the Vault appear to have been created somewhere further within, but are out of access.

Significance

The namesake of both the Broken Blades and the Broken Vault. The first weapon found within when the vault was discovered, located in a central pedestal within the entry hall.
Wielded by Ainen, First of the Blades. Used to carve the land in twain, creating Ainen's Cleave.
Has chosen no wielders since Ainen's death.

Item type

Weapon, Melee

Rarity

Only one such weapon in the vault.

Weight

0.7kg

Dimensions

27'' blade. Estimated to have been originally longer, but the top third of the blade is missing, as it it had been broken off violently. 38'' when activated.

Raw materials & Components

• Iron Blade & Crossguard.
• Unknown red gem embedded in the crossguard. Similar to garnet.
• Leather-like material wrapped around an iron hilt. Upon closer inspection, the material appears to be a type of crafted fabric, but matches no currently developed fabrics.