Gladius
The gladius was the weapon of the Roman legionaries. This short sword, measuring no more than 26 inches, was meant for quick thrusting and chopping in mass combat formations, where soldiers stood close together and longer blades would have been impractical.
No Roman gladii survive today that could be used in battle. They’re relics aged over two millennia. Using one in a fight is not only a foolish move (the weapons are so brittle they will take more damage than they give), but one that destroys a priceless artifact. Any gladius used in battle today is a replica or re-creation, most of which suffer from the “Decorative Weapons” rule listed earlier in this chapter.
The Holy Damned of the Lancea Sanctum sometimes use the gladius both as adornment and in combat. The gladius was, after all, the weapon that their prophet carried at his hip when he thrust his spear into the side of Christ. In many cases, elder Sanctified actually craft their gladii from genuine relics, borrowing perhaps still-sturdy hilts or instead using antiquated scabbards. The blades, however, are almost always new, carefully forged and obsessively sharpened. Some Sanctified value elaborate ornamentation, to reveal the glory of the Dark Prophet and God the Father, whereas others prefer a humble weapon, unadorned with such intricate embellishment.
No Roman gladii survive today that could be used in battle. They’re relics aged over two millennia. Using one in a fight is not only a foolish move (the weapons are so brittle they will take more damage than they give), but one that destroys a priceless artifact. Any gladius used in battle today is a replica or re-creation, most of which suffer from the “Decorative Weapons” rule listed earlier in this chapter.
The Holy Damned of the Lancea Sanctum sometimes use the gladius both as adornment and in combat. The gladius was, after all, the weapon that their prophet carried at his hip when he thrust his spear into the side of Christ. In many cases, elder Sanctified actually craft their gladii from genuine relics, borrowing perhaps still-sturdy hilts or instead using antiquated scabbards. The blades, however, are almost always new, carefully forged and obsessively sharpened. Some Sanctified value elaborate ornamentation, to reveal the glory of the Dark Prophet and God the Father, whereas others prefer a humble weapon, unadorned with such intricate embellishment.
Item type
Weapon, Melee
Size: 2/S
Durability: 3
Cost: ••