Wakizashi
The wakizashi is a samurai’s sidearm, acting as a short version of the more popular katana. An attacker can use the wakizashi one-handed, as opposed to the katana, which is generally held in a two-handed grip.
Of particular note is the weapon’s history in ritual suicide. Dishonored samurai used these short swords in the act of seppuku. This requires the samurai to withdraw the sword from its sheath (saya) and thrust the blade deep into his belly. From there he would make a number of cuts across the original cut, opening his abdomen and literally spilling his guts. From that point, a friend or master would decapitate the shameful samurai with his own wakizashi’s companion katana. Some women were allowed to kill themselves with the wakizashi as well, but they were expected not to disembowel themselves, only to slit their throats.
These short swords tend to feature the same foldedsteel technique as the katana. As such, the wakizashis are Durability 4.
Of particular note is the weapon’s history in ritual suicide. Dishonored samurai used these short swords in the act of seppuku. This requires the samurai to withdraw the sword from its sheath (saya) and thrust the blade deep into his belly. From there he would make a number of cuts across the original cut, opening his abdomen and literally spilling his guts. From that point, a friend or master would decapitate the shameful samurai with his own wakizashi’s companion katana. Some women were allowed to kill themselves with the wakizashi as well, but they were expected not to disembowel themselves, only to slit their throats.
These short swords tend to feature the same foldedsteel technique as the katana. As such, the wakizashis are Durability 4.
Item type
Weapon, Melee
Size: 2/S
Durability: 4
Cost: •••