Scythe

A scythe is a hand instrument used in agriculture to cut grass and harvest crops. It was traditionally employed to chop down or harvest edible grains before the process of threshing. In more sophisticated countries, horse-drawn machinery has mostly replaced the scythe, although it is still employed in many regions where technology lags behind.
A scythe is made up of a 67 to 70 inch long shaft called a snaith, which was historically made of wood but is now occasionally composed of metal. Simple shafts feature offset handles, while others have a "S" curve or are bent in three dimensions to situate the handles in an ergonomic position while keeping them near to the shaft. The snaith features one or two short handles at right angles to it, one towards the top and one in the middle. In most cases, the handles may be adjusted to the user's preference. At the bottom end, a curved steel blade of 24 to 35 inches in length is attached. When using a scythe, the blade nearly usually protrudes from the left side of the snaith, with the edge towards the mower.
A war scythe is a type of pole weapon with a single-edged, curving blade with the cutting edge on the concave side. Although its blade resembles that of an agricultural scythe, from which it most likely developed, the war scythe is a purpose-built infantry combat weapon that bears no relation to agricultural equipment. A war scythe's blade features evenly spaced flats, a thickness equal to that of a spear or sword blade, and a little curvature along its edge as it tapers to its point. Farming scythes, on the other hand, have very thin and unevenly bent blades that are designed for cutting grass but are unsuited as polearm blades.

Significance

When Khydar the Unnatural arrived on Valine, he adopted a bone scythe as his weapon, as much for the symbolism as its use as a weapon. More akin to an agricultural scythe, it reminds the populace of Valine that Khydar is the reaper of souls, in contrast to Astus who sits in judgment of them. However, Khydar's scythe is a potent weapon too, and one often echoed in its use by clerics of Khydar.

Item type

Tool

Weight

4 lbs.

Dimensions

65-76 in. long

Base Price

2 sp