The Sunsword

The Sunsword was a legendary weapon possessed by Sergei Von Zarovich, the brother of Strahd Von Zarovich. Over it's long years of use, the Sunsword would be lost, reclaimed and used against Strahd himself, successfully banishing the Vampire Lord from Barovia. The Sunsword was a sentient weapon, making it's will known to the wielder through the use of emotional manipulation.

Description

The Sunsword appeared as a steel longsword, though it was slightly larger than usual, almost approaching great-sword length. Even with its larger size, the Sunsword was incredibly well balanced, with the wielder often finding it lighter than other weapons of comparable size. The sword's hilt was ornate in appearance and was made of a combination of leather grips wrapped over the iron shaping. Covering the hilt were tiny engravings in the shape of Torm's holy symbol; a fiery sun. Though it typically appeared as a normal sword, the blade of the Sunsword possesed the ability to ignite into a blazing fire. Wielders of the Sunsword were able to activate this on command.
The Sunsword itself was sentient in nature, possessing free-will and emotions. Wielders of the Sunsword were subjected to it's whims, and often witnessed random flair-ups or deactivation of flames based on the weapon's own feelings. The Sunsword made use of emotional stimulus to make it's feelings known, often telepathically injecting it's own sentiment into the mind of it's user. Though only a weapon, the Sunsword clearly grasped the difference between happiness, sadness and a variety of other emotions that it was able to convey.
Additionally, the Sunsword granted it's user a unique ability to summon pure sunlight, bathing the surrounding area in radiant energy.

History

A Gift from Torm

In the early years of the Age of Fire, The Eres blessed the people of Naneth with many items designed to help combat forces of darkness. The Sunsword was one such item, itself being passed down to Aramoor in AoF 336 by the Loyal Fury himself. The sword was used to combat creatures from The Red Wastes, whose numbers seemed to be ever growing.
In AoF 341, the Sunsword fell into the possession of a wealthy family; the Von Zarovich clan. The sword would come to be claimed by Sergei Von Zarovich, the youngest of the brothers. The Sunsword would then make it's way into Barovia, carried by Sergei as his family overtook the region.

Lost in Barovia

The Sunsword served Sergei well during the Von Zarovich occupation of the Barovian Valley. The Von Zarovich brother did not display as much ferocity in combat as his older brother; Strahd Von Zarovich, but while aided by the Sunsword, was more than match for most enemies. With the invasion ending, the Sunsword was used less and less, as Sergei preferred to partake in the finer aspects of royal life.
After only a few years in Barovia, the Von Zarovich rule would come crashing down, with events culminating in the murder of Sergei at the hands of his older brother Strahd. As Barovia descended into chaos, The Sunsword would be left without a wielder, and would quickly fall out of memory and reach. It is unknown how the Sunsword found it's way to the The Amber Temple, as the weapon would remain in this dark place until it's eventual discovery in AoR 597.

A New Master

In AoR 597, the Sunsword would once more be claimed, this time by a man known as Colborn Sergeant. Colborne was the leader of the Saviours of Barovia, a group that had dedicated themselves to ridding Barovia of Strahd and his influence. The Sunsword would aid Colborne greatly in this task, the weapon relishing the chance to strike back at the one who had killed his previous wielder.
Upon visiting Krezk, the Sunsword was briefly reclaimed by the spirit of Sergei Von Zarovich, whom the Saviours of Barovia encountered in the corner of the small village. However, Sergei would bless Colborne, allowing the warrior to use his personal weapon, as long as he promised to use it for the purpose of destroying his brother.
The Sunsword found itself journeying across Barovia, banishing dark creatures at every turn. The Sunsword would eventually find itself in Ravenloft, carried in by Colborne with the intent of slaying Strahd. During Strahd's wedding, Colborne would strike out at the vampire, dealing immense damage as the Sunsword burned with vengeful fury. The Sunsword would claim many victims during it's time in Ravenloft, culminating in the defeat of Strahd himself.

Reclamation

Feeling that it's purpose had been fulfilled, Colborne entrusted Ismark Kolyana with the care of the Sunsword and instructed him to escort the weapon back to Krezk. Ismark agreed, and traveled with his sister and Tylus Symshade to Krezk. Upon arrival, the Sunsword was once again claimed by the spirit of Sergei. Alongside Sergei and Tatyana, the Sunsword ascended to Empyrean, returning to it's original home.

Basic Information

Type: Magical Sword, Artifact, Sentient 
Locations: The Amber Temple (Formerly), Empyrean (Currently)
Rarity: Legendary
Wielders: Sergei Von Zarovich (Currently), Colborn Sergeant (Formerly)

Sentient Weapon

Communication: Emotional Manipulation
Alignment: Lawful Good