Legendary Weapons of Realmspace

Written by the famed weapon historian Grimbul Forgecleaver, Legendary Weapons of Realmspace is the definitive volume on the most famous weapons found in Realmspace. The 8th edition is deemed to be the best in terms of completeness and style as Forgecleaver got a research assistant named Amity Barbone who kept him sober while he wrote it.

Document Structure

Clauses

"Lost Weapons of Realmspace" is divided into ten chapters, each exploring different aspects of weaponry in Realmspace. The chapter titles are: Introduction: An overview of the purpose and scope of the book.
The Ancient Armaments: An examination of weapons used by civilizations long gone in Realmspace.
Alien Arms: An exploration of weapons used by extraterrestrial beings in Realmspace, such as neogi and illithids.
Artifacts of Legend: A study of legendary weapons with mythical properties, such as Blackjammer's Cutlas.
Magical Modifications: A chapter on the enhancement of weapons through magical means, including the creation of intelligent weapons.
Siege Engines: A discussion of the powerful machines of war used in Realmspace, such as trebuchets and ballistae.
Conclusion: A summary of the information presented in the previous chapters and a call to arms for weapon enthusiasts to continue the search for lost weaponry in Realmspace.

Historical Details

History

Grimbul Forgecleaver was devastated after his family's forge was lost to a rival clan. He turned to drink to cope with his loss, but soon realized that he needed a distraction to keep himself from spiraling further into despair. This is when he began researching lost weapons of Realmspace. His research proved to be both a fascinating and sobering journey. Grimbul discovered that many of the weapons used by the great warriors and heroes of Realmspace had been lost to time or destroyed in battle. He also found that the weapons played a crucial role in the history of Realmspace and were a testament to the great feats of strength and courage displayed by its people.
As he delved deeper into his research, Grimbul became more and more passionate about preserving the knowledge of these lost weapons. He began compiling his findings in a book, "Lost Weapons of Realmspace," with the hope that it would serve as a reference for future generations.
The writing process also became a form of therapy for Grimbul. As he worked on the book, he found that his thoughts were no longer consumed by the loss of his family's forge. Instead, he was consumed by a passion for preserving the knowledge of the lost weapons and their role in Realmspace's history.
"Lost Weapons of Realmspace" became a seminal work that was highly regarded by scholars, historians, and warriors alike. Grimbul's work served as a reminder of the importance of preserving the history of Realmspace and the lessons that can be learned from the weapons of the past.
The earlier editions of "Lost Weapons of Realmspace" were infamous for containing various errors, contradictions, and ramblings that suggested Grimbul Forgecleaver was not always sober when writing. It wasn't until the 8th edition of the book that the quality drastically improved. This edition was deemed the best because it was the result of Grimbul's collaboration with his research assistant Amity Barbone. Amity helped keep Grimbul sober during the editing process, which allowed him to focus and produce a much clearer and more organized version of his work.

Read the Document

Legendary Weapons of Realmspace

Introduction

Greetings, fellow scholars and weapon enthusiasts of Realmspace. I, Grimbul Forgecleaver, am proud to present the eighth edition of my seminal work, "Lost Weapons of Realmspace." Over the years, my research and travels have allowed me to compile a comprehensive guide to the weaponry of our vast and wondrous universe.
As a dwarf, my fascination with weapons is in my blood. I grew up in a forge, and I learned the art of weapon-crafting from my father and his father before him. But when I lost my forge to a rival family, I turned to writing as a means of coping with my pain and loss. What began as a personal journey to catalog the weapons of my people soon grew into a passion for exploring the many varied and exotic weapons of the other races in Realmspace.
This work is not just a collection of facts and figures, but a testament to the artistry and ingenuity of the many cultures that have contributed to the rich tapestry of Realmspace. I have scoured the far corners of the universe, braving danger and hardship, to bring you a comprehensive guide to the weapons of Realmspace.
In this edition, you will find new information on weapons discovered in the uncharted regions beyond the Known Spheres, as well as updated information on weapons already covered in previous editions. I have also included chapters on the lost weapons of ancient civilizations, as well as those weapons that have been adapted and improved upon by modern-day craftsmen.
I must also give thanks to my research assistant, Amity Barbone, whose tireless efforts in editing and fact-checking have made this edition the most comprehensive and accurate yet. Her dedication to the task has kept me sober and focused, ensuring that this work is of the highest quality.
So, my fellow scholars and weapon enthusiasts, I invite you to delve into the pages of "Lost Weapons of Realmspace," and join me on a journey of discovery and fascination with the weapons of our universe.

Chapter 1:

Ancient Armaments

Khopesh of Ptah

A Khopesh of Ptah is an ancient sword originating from the Mulhorandi Empire on Toril. It is a curved, single-edged blade with a distinctive shape that resembles the head of a bird with a hooked beak. The blade is made of black iron, with hieroglyphics etched into the metal that glow with a faint blue light when the sword is wielded in battle.

The hilt of a Khopesh is made of gold and is adorned with precious gems, including rubies, emeralds, and sapphires. The pommel of the sword is shaped like a stylized falcon, with wings outstretched as if in flight. The grip is wrapped in fine leather that has been embossed with intricate designs.

Legend has it that a Khopesh of Ptah was forged by the god of craftsmen, Ptah himself, and the secret of making them was given as a gift to a legendary Mulhorandi warrior who used them to defend the empire against invading armies. It was said that the swords were imbued with the power of the gods, granting its wielder immense strength and invincibility in battle.

The last recorded Khopesh of Ptah was last seen in the possession of a priest of Ptah who used it to protect the fabled temple world from a raiding dragon. It is rumored that the priest was killed in battle with the dragon, but the sword's whereabouts since then are unknown. Many believe that it lies hidden in the priest's tomb.

Antillian Soulblade

Soulblades are rare and powerful weapons crafted by the Antilan Empire in the Astromundi Cluster. They are created using a combination of powerful magic from the Sun Mages. They are usually reserved for the dreaded Warlocks of the Antilan military.
A soulblade resembles a short sword or small khopesh carved from shadowstone, a lustrous black gemstone unique to the Astromundi Cluster. Each individual blade has a unique design and decorative pommel, and constantly flickers with cold white flames. Strikes from a soulblade are empowered with flames that burn through most cloth with the lightest touch.

Titanslayer of Gwydion the Quick

The Titanslyer is a legendary weapon in the tales of Gwydion the Quick, a renowned hero of the ancient times. It is said that the sword was crafted by the gods themselves to aid Gwydion in his battle against the titans, who had threatened to destroy the world of mortals. The Titanslyer is a longsword made of a strange and unknown metal that glows with a faint blue light. The blade is sharp enough to slice through any material with ease, and it is said that it can cut through even the toughest of the titans' hide.
The hilt of the sword is encrusted with precious gems that seem to shine even in the darkest of nights. It is also said that the sword emits a powerful aura that can inspire courage and strength in those who wield it.
The sword's most famous feat was when Gwydion used it to strike Dendar the Night Serpent during the battle of the gods and titans. The blow was so powerful that it left a deep wound on the serpent's body, and it is said that the wound never fully healed, causing Dendar to forever remain in a weakened state.
The Titanslyer was eventually lost to time, but its legend lives on as a symbol of heroism and bravery in the face of impossible odds. Many adventurers and treasure hunters have sought to find the sword over the years, but none have been successful so far.

Gemsword

A Gemsword is a very rare, ancient magical longsword developed by the earliest spacefaring Elves. Over the years the secret to making or repairing them have all but been lost. Only the Arcane, and certain archmages known how to recharge them. Each gemsword is set with several decorative gemstones, including up to three so-called power stones. A power stone is a blue-green gemstone of uncertain origin, which is enchanted to duplicate the effects of a particular spell, identified by its cut.
Activating a hemispherical power stone cures the wounds of any one person touching the gemsword's blade. Activating a crown-cut power stone produces a lightning bolt from the tip of the gemsword's blade. Activating a square-cutpower stone casts teleportation magic upon the sword-wielder and others also touching the blade. The gemsword will teleport the sword-wielder and their passengers to a solid surface in any known location within the same sphere. The gemsword cannot teleport the sword-wielder from one sphere to another.

Chapter 2:

Alien Arms

Illithid Mind Weapons

Illithids are known for creating unique weapons for their own defense, typically swords to fight stronger opponents and whips upon their slaves. A mind blade is a unique weapon created through a dark process involving the infusion of an illithid's psionic essence into the very material of a sword. The result is a blade that glows with a dark purple aura, and possesses the ability to bypass most forms of mundane armor. The illithids are known to create mind blades to arm their thralls or for their own personal use.
A mind lash is similar to a mind blade, but is a whip imbued with the same psionic essence. When wielded by an illithid or a thrall, a mind lash can be used to not only strike at opponents from afar but also to ensnare their minds, inflicting psychic damage and potentially even taking control of their actions. The whip is usually made of a flexible, yet strong, material such as leather or tentacle fibers, and can extend to reach targets up to 30 feet away.

Negoi Poisoned Blades

Knowing they are too weak to take on most opponents in an even fight, the Neogi compensate. One way they do this is shameful, though not something dwarves need worry about.
The Neogi are known to use various types of poisoned weapons to immobilize their enemies in combat. One of the most common is the paralyzing poison, which they typically apply to their sharp, needle-like claws or other bladed weapons.
The poison itself is a potent neurotoxin that quickly paralyzes the victim's muscles, rendering them unable to move or defend themselves. The paralysis can last anywhere from several minutes to several hours, depending on the potency of the poison and the victim's constitution.
Neogi assassins and hunters are particularly skilled at using these poisoned weapons, often relying on stealth and surprise to catch their prey off-guard. They may also use specialized traps or poisoned darts to deliver the paralyzing poison from a distance.

Chapter 3:

Artifacts of Legend

The Gauntlet of Tamus

The Gauntlet of Tamus is an a heavy steel gauntlet is named for Colonel Tamus Ewdun, the giff mercenary who first discovered it. The origin of the gauntlet of Tamus remains unknown, despite claims to the contrary by many sages. It was first discovered by a giff mercenary, named Colonel Tamus Ewdun, within a cave on an asteroid in the Calotian system. Tamus wore the gauntlet into battle against some very surprised elves in an isolated skirmish during the Unhuman Wars, and found the gauntlet's ability to generate explosions of tremendous force much to his liking. Though he soon succumbed to excessive damage in battle (mostly caused by the gauntlet), Tamus secured a place for himself in giff folklore. The gaunlet of Tamus is the perfect giff weapon: it looks impressive when worn with a uniform, it does tremendous amounts of damage, and the explosions are fantastic displays of thunder and fury. It matters very little that the wearer is subject to damage as well; any true giff would laugh in the heart of such an explosion the mark of a great warrior.

The gauntlet of Tamus is a heavy steel gauntlet made of light chain mail and sheathed with metal plate. The gauntlet has become a much-prized weapon for the giff, an item so great in power and danger combined that it would suit no other race. The gauntlet of Tamus was worn by General Saerlg Tomojak, a giff diplomatic envoy to the Rock of Bral. His violent temper, untamed even after years of military discipline, made him a poor diplomat; nevertheless, people considered what Saerlg's angry fist can do and conceded to his wishes. As such, the giff received many "favors" from Prince Andru in return for keeping Bral's terrain intact.
Saerlg's anger eventually got the best of him. One day, he was fighting in an alley with some brigands and he invoked the power of the gauntlet. The brigands were dead, but so was Saerlg. In 1385 DR, the military funeral for such a famous giff brought representatives from all over the Known Spheres. The giff have been tight lipped about who inherited the Gauntlet of Tamus. Some say that it was placed in the tomb-skiff of General Saerlg Tomojak and currently wonders Wildspace to this day, waiting for one worthy to be the champion of the giff.

The Queen's Eyes

The Queen's Eyes are a set of artifacts created by the Sazaur beholder nation from the remains of their greatest Queen. The Queen's Eyes consist of the eleven surviving eyes of the Sazaur Mother who led her nation in glorious genocide of other beholder nations. The central eye measures two feet across, and the smaller eyes are each the size of a handball. All are smooth balls of crystal, amber in color like aged honey, with hairline wrinkles within the crystal appearing like veins. The irises of the eyes are a faded to the point they cannot be seen directly but sometimes glow with a faint red color.
About a 1,200 years ago, the Sazaur beholder nation came to dominate their crystal sphere due to the leadership of a powerful and influential Hive Mother and had virtually exterminated all other beholder nations from their sphere. However, when the Queen died in battle, the Sazaur nation’s fortunes went into decline. The Sazaur ruling caste resolved to regain their supremacy by creating a powerful artifact, known as the Queen’s Eyes, using the eyes of the deceased Queen as their template relics. The Sazaur focused their entire nation’s resources to this task and enlisted the mysterious Arcane to assist them.
Over the next two centuries, the Sazaur hollowed out an asteroid to create a huge "incubator" called the Hive. Since the artifact creation process called for the lives of a billion creatures, the Sazaur also decided to house within the Asteroid a weapon of mass slaughter known as the Ravager. The Sazaur never got to create their artifact, but they did manage to use their ultimate weapon - once. In a massive ritual, the Sazaur animated the Ravager for the first time. The weapon immediately began to fulfill its function by engulfing and destroying the entire Sazaur nation. Without its creators to control it, the Hive drifted through wildspace on a random course, eventually passing from the Sazaur's sphere and disappearing into space.
Apart from being the controlling nodes for the Hive and the Ravanger, the Queen's Eyes were said to produce the effects of beholder eyestalks.

Blackjammer's Cutlass

Blackjammer's Cutlass was reputedly forged in an old port hidden in the Tears of Selûne of Realmspace. Its first owner was a pirate now known only as Captain Blackjammer, his own name forgotten in favor of his sword. Whatever his name once was, Blackjammer is still held up as a paragon of piratical ruthlessness and skill. Since Blackjammer's death (if he is dead, for there is some argument about this), the Cutlass has passed through the hands of many other captains and mates. The last known owner of the sword was Elsun of the Dragon Claw. Killed when her ship ran afoul of an elven man-o'-war, the story claims that the Cutlass fell overboard and is now drifting through space.
Blackjammer's Cutlass is a distinctive weapon of an outdated style. The blade is fashioned from a non-reflective black crystal similar to onyx. The hilt is made of silver and is fitted with an elaborate basket depicting a sailor being keel-hauled. For all of its apparent size, it is far lighter than an ordinary cutlass.

The Moonblade of Frindoril A'Hab

The moonblade of Frindoril A'Hab is a legendary weapon known throughout Faerun for its incredible power and storied history. It is said to have been forged by the elves of Myth Drannor during the height of their power, and was crafted specifically for Frindoril A'Hab, an elven monster slayer who fought bravely during the Weeping War.
According to legend, the moonblade was imbued with magical properties that made it particularly effective against demons and other monstrous creatures. Frindoril A'Hab wielded the blade during many of his most legendary battles, using it to defeat countless powerful enemies and protect the people of Faerun from harm.
After Frindoril A'Hab's death, the moonblade passed down through his family, becoming a treasured heirloom and a symbol of elven strength and courage. Over the centuries, House A'Hab died out. The blade has been lost, though rumored to await one who is ready to slay the greatest beasts of the Known Spheres.

Chapter 4:

Magical Modifications

Helmseeker

A Helmseeker is an enchanted projectile fired by one of the heavy weapons typically mounted on a spelljamming ship. Because a helmseeker locks onto the magical energy of an active helm, it is unaffected by obscuring vapour such as fog, gas or smoke. A favorite tactic used by captain's targeted by helmseekers is to move behind a slower vessel, causing the missile to lock onto the other ship's helm, or to hide in a debris field. These imbued projectiles could be ballista bolts, cannon balls, mangonel stones, or any other projectile enchanted to seek a helm.

Mage Shot

Mage shot is a generic term used for ceramic shot that is either enchanted or filled with some volatile potion, and can be fired by an a cannon or mangonel. Only one mage shot can be fired at a time, and if it misses its target, it dissipates harmlessly. Mage shot is made of a light ceramic that is quite strong and will not shatter while in storage or while rolling loose on deck. Only high-speed impact with its target causes the shot to break open, releasing its magical contents. Mage shot is either enchanted or can be filled with any potion that has an external effect, such as oil of impact or oil of fiery burning.
Dust shot causes a cloud of incredibly fine white particles to spread throughout the air envelope of the target ship. The cloud of dust causes all attacks made from the target ship to be difficult. However, due to the fact that the dust cloud conceals the target ship, all attacks made against the target ship are also difficult. The dust is non-flammable, and dissipates eventually.
Ring shot causes any target ship partially or completely constructed of metal to ring for 1 minute. The target ship's crew may be incapacitated by the ringing sound.
Shatter shot is filled with a mixture that explodes upon impact. The liquid expands rapidly when it comes into contact with air, and essentially blows the shot apart when it hits. Crew within 30 feet of the impact area are engulfed in flames. If a shatter shot hits a ship's hull, it causes fire damage.
Shrapnel shot is very rare. When fired at an enemy ship, it explodes on contact, sending razor-sharp, red-hot splinters of metal shavings throughout a 50-foot radius. All crew within range suffer risk being blinded.
Skunk shot is filled with a liquid that evaporates quickly in open air. The thick green fluid combines with the air in a ship's atmospheric envelope and generates a greenish, billowing fog. The fog expands, duplicating the effects of a stinking cloud spell, and obscuring all normal vision within the cloud. This malodorous fog dissipates eventually, but its stench lingers. The cloud mingles with the atmospheric envelope of the ship, reducing the fresh air in the atmosphere by one weeks worth and possibly causing premature fouling of the atmosphere. The effects of skunk shot will not worsen the quality of air in an atmospheric envelope that is already fouled.
Snow shot causes a large snow storm, with clouds forming above and below the target ship's gravity plane. The snow storm is so fierce and cold that it deals damage to crew who remain on the exposed decks, unless winter clothing is worn. The snow storm obscures the target ship. When the snow dissipates, it leaves behind a water logged and damaged ship.
Termite shot releases a brown, viscous, molasses-like syrup upon impact. The syrup immediately bubbles and spreads out, eating away at the wood of the target ship. The viscous syrupy substance dissolves and weakens the wood. No known substance will prevent this effect, but a dispel magic spell will halt its progress after one round. There are rumors that the creators are working on a variant of termite shot that is equally effective on the rock and ceramic ships of the mindflayers and the neogi. The progress is slow, since the blood of purple worms and umber hulks are not commonly found without great risk.

Glass Grenade

Glass grenades are sealed glass containers loaded with a variety of hazardous substances and employed by various races as missile weapons. They are typically used during close-quarters fighting, on and below decks on ships, where the grenades are sure to shatter against bulkheads, decks and ceilings; though in rare instances, they have been known to be strewn in wildspace to serve as mine fields.
Glass grenades may be loaded with a variety of unusual substances, from rusty nails to smoke powder. For example, lizardfolk and other reptilian races are immune to the effects of certain spaceborne gas spore rhizomes - and actively hunt the balloon-like fungi. Their toxic spores affect non-reptilian humanoids in much the same way that standard gas spores do, and most lizardfolk ships carry caches of rhizome-filled gas grenades for use against attackers. Glass grenades are generally not popular with prudent spacefarers, especially since they pose an active threat to their own ships: even accidental breakages can have deadly results. In combat, a direct hit on a cache of glass grenades may result in more casualties than those caused by enemy weapons.

Chapter 5:

Siege Weapons

Dual Mounted Ballista

A dual-mounted ballista is designed to fire two ballista bolts at the same time The ballista's frame, table and arms have been widened to allow for two ballista bolts to be loaded along the weapons' main beam. The firing cord is firmed and specially coated across the pull's apex to allow for two bolts to be fired at the same time without striking each other as they leave the weapon. These became a favored weapon of lighter Imperial Elven Navy ships to increase their firepower during the Second Unhuman War.

Accelarator

The accelerator is a magical rapid-fire weapon developed by the arcane for use on spelljamming vessels of all types. An accelerator resembles a huge sextant, with a 4-foot (1.2 meter) long, 6-inch (15 centimeter) diameter hollow main tube with a hand-sized cup at one end. Once the accelerator has been mounted in place, the tube can be elevated and swiveled side to side as required. Items placed in the cup are seized and accelerated at great speed along the tube's length and fired out of the far end.
An accelerator operates by drawing magical energy from an active spelljamming helm. Without an active helm, the accelerator remains inert, and does not even detect as magical. Only when brought on board a ship with an operational helm, does it radiate a detectable magical aura. Because the accelerator is drawing energy directly from a ship's helm, it decreases the ship's speed, even if it isn't mounted or in use. The accelerator merely has to be on board a ship with an active helm for this effect to occur. There is no way to prevent the loss in speed, short of removing the accelerator from the ship.
The accelerator remains active at all times, and as such poses a risk to its operator. Anything placed in the cup will be shot out the other end, including knives, daggers, loose change, stone shot, mage shot, helmseekers, sleeves, hands, fingers and toes. Anything. Anything alive, including any of the vast number of slimes, jellies and molds, will die when fired by the accelerator.

Globe Gun

A globe gun is a type of ballista designed to fire a specialised bolt incorporating a glass sphere which can be loaded with a variety of substances, including alchemical fire, black puddings, ochre jellies and grey oozes. The glass sphere breaks readily, dispersing its harmful cargo onto the opposing ship and its crew. Because of its design, the globe gun has a shorter range than a normal ballista, and the bolt itself does half the impact damage; though the resulting glass shards and the harmful substance loaded into the sphere all pose a danger to the ship and its crew.

Spark Dart

A spark dart is a long wooden bolt that can be fired by ballistae. The head of the bolt is covered in an alchemical substance similar to that of a self-striking match head. When a spark dart strikes a target, it will hopefully ignite, producing a flame. About 2 in 10 spark darts are duds and will not ignite. Unfortunately, there is no way to test the viability of a spark dart before firing: once the flammable coating ignites, it will flare up and be consumed. The flame produced by a spark dart causes fire to engulf any creature hit, and will ignite all flammable materials.

Gnomish Sweeper

A gnomish sweeper is an experimental gnomish weapon based on a dual-mount ballista, and is designed to fire two bolts linked by a heavy chain. The chain is meant to be used as an anti-personnel weapon against enemy crews. Early versions of the sweepers used light chains, long and thin enough to capture a couple of gnome-sized opponents. However, the current generation of sweepers are robust enough to be used against human-sized opponents. Unfortunately, the main problem with the sweepers remains unresolved - as soon as a chain strikes something heavy, like a mast, or a weapon turret, or some other piece of deck furniture, the chain immediately becomes entangled and useless.
A gnomish sweeper is designed to affect all targets within a 10 foot square, sweeping them off their feet or entangling them in the chain. The bolts and chain will continue their flight past the initial targets, unless they strike a large, immovable object, which will immediately cause them to drop to the deck.
A supersweeper is nominally an improved version of the gnomish sweeper, a dual-mounted ballista that fires a pair of ballista bolts linked with a length of chain. However, the term also refers to the supersweeper's ammunition, which consists of magically-electrified bolas which are fired across an opposing ship's decks to destroy equipment and sweep away defenders.
The supersweeper's bolas consist of a pair of iron or stone balls, linked to a central hoop of thick steel by massive steel chains. The supersweeper deals physical damage as well as electrical damage, and may also be enhanced with spikes or blades which deal additional physical damage. The central hoop is fixed to a ballista bolt's shaft, meaning that the bolas may be fired from any type of ballista.

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Type

Manuscript, Historical

Medium

Paper

Authoring Date

1489 DR

Location

Realmspace