Sword of Khaine
The Sword of Khaine, known more poetically as 'The Widowmaker' or 'The Godslayer', is a cursed magical sword that was said to be forged from a fragment of the greatest weapon forged for the Elven war god Khaine by the smith god Vaul.
It is sometimes considered the most powerful weapon in the Warhammer World, even more than Ghal Maraz or the Axes of the Dwarf Ancestor God Grimnir, it is even capable of killing the gods. The weapon is considered so powerful that if it were wielded again it could change the course of Elven history and of the whole world.
While often referred to as a sword has no fixed shape, changing itself to fit those who would wield it. It has appeared as a scepter, a lance and as a spell book
After The Great Cataclysm when the polar star gates were destroyed flooding the world with arcane power the Elven race were on the verge of annihilation. During the struggle Astarielle, the wife of the first Phoenix King Aenarion, was killed by N'Kari a Greater Daemon of Slaanesh and in his grief Aenarion travelled to the Blighted Isle and drew the Sword of Khaine, which cursed his blood line forever. The blade exerted its influence and Aenarion's mood darkened, turning callous and cruel. Bloodsports became common in the kingdom of Nagarythe where Aenarion ruled. Aenarion even contemplated attacking his friend and ally Caledor Dragontamer, who took issue with his course of action after drawing the blade, but the Daemons returned before it could be done.
The History of the Sword
After The Great Cataclysm when the polar star gates were destroyed flooding the world with arcane power the Elven race were on the verge of annihilation. During the struggle Astarielle, the wife of the first Phoenix King Aenarion, was killed by N'Kari a Greater Daemon of Slaanesh and in his grief Aenarion travelled to the Blighted Isle and drew the Sword of Khaine, which cursed his blood line forever. The blade exerted its influence and Aenarion's mood darkened, turning callous and cruel. Bloodsports became common in the kingdom of Nagarythe where Aenarion ruled. Aenarion even contemplated attacking his friend and ally Caledor Dragontamer, who took issue with his course of action after drawing the blade, but the Daemons returned before it could be done.
Mechanics & Inner Workings
The Sword of Khaine is fused to the Altar of Khaine on the Blighted Isle north of Ulthuan. According to the Elven myth, the sword was forged by Vaul, expressly for the use of Khaine, the elven god of war and murder. This would mean that the sword was not designed to be used by mortals, as it is a power beyond their control.
Although traditionally regarded as a sword, Khaine's blade appears as a different weapon to every individual who sees it, but always dripping blood. Even against the dark of the sky it is visible, a deeper blackness obscuring the fearful stars. Along the blade red runes glow sensuously. Blood condenses from the air about them, dripping down the channel in the centre of the sword.[3a]
The Sword is supposed to look different for every wielder; when Aenarion arrived at the Shrine of Khaine, the weapon shifted multiple times, appearing as a blur of sword, knife, axe, bow and strange weapons unknown to elfkind, before settling in the form of a long-bladed sword, its black blade etched with red runes of woe and destruction.[6a]
Upon Malekith's first journey to the Isle, it flickered between axe, sword, and spear before settling on a sceptre of rule — a symbol that he could destroy the world with all of elvenkind as his weapon. During the End Times, Malekith once more gazed upon the weapon, now a spear with a head of crimson lightning and a shaft of bone.[6a]
For Caledor I it was a lance — no one knew what Tethlis had seen, he did not live long enough to tell. Thus it surprised Tyrion, as it was a sword for him, as it had been for Aenarion.
It is said that the sword is always hungry for the destruction and blood of others, exerting its influence and appearing in the dreams of all the Elves (in particular warriors), calling out to them. Tyrion, being the greatest warrior of the elves and of Aenarion's blood, is the Sword's favored bearer, but has rejected it several times.
To get to it, a High Elf, Dark Elf or Wood Elf hero must first reach the island, secure access to the shrine and reach the altar. The sword will seek to encourage the elven hero to draw it from the altar using the sirens song described. If the sword is drawn it will fill the wielder with a feeling of imense power.
If the wielder is ever killed in battle the sword will immediately call the victor assuming it is another elf or to the most powerful elf in the vicinity to take it up.
Whoever weilds the sword gains all the power of the sword, but their faction gains faction-wide penalties to public order, diplomatic relations and upkeep. These effects are increased in 3 stages (Thirsting, Thriving and Dominating) which progress over time.Armour -2 AP
Melee attack WS +25
Ward save +2 Armour all Body Area's
Enables magical attacks Ability: Sword of Khaine (see below)
Attribute: Unbreakable
Curse of the Sword (Thirsting) Hostility all mortal creatues Willpower -20
A darkness lurks on the fringes of your soul.
Alignment +2 Chaotic per kill
Reputation -10 with everyone.
Armour -5 AP
Melee attack WS +30
Ward save +2 all areas
Enables magical attacks Ability: Sword of Khaine (see below)
Attribute: Unbreakable
Curse of the Sword (Thriving)
The darkness is consuming your soul.
Alignment +5 Chaotic Alignment per kill
Reputation -20 with all factions
Upkeep +5% per day
Stage 3 DominatingIgnores Armour -6 AP
Melee attack WS +35
Ward save +3 AP all areas
Enables magical attacks Ability: Sword of Khaine (see below)
Attribute: Unbreakable
Curse of the Sword (Dominating) Darkness now dominates your soul, only death can release you from its grasp!
Alignment Chaotic +8 per Kill
Reputation -40 with everyone
Upkeep +10% per day
Curse of the Sword of Khaine Darkness now dominates your soul, only death can release you from its grasp!
Leadership LD -5
Causes fear when fighting against High Elves
Causes fear when fighting against Wood Elves
Spell Type: Vortex
Duration: 11 seconds Target: Ground within 150m Cannot target if: Climbing, on a wall Cooldown: 120 seconds Recharge if: Engaged in melee Effects: Causes massive magical damage Huge, randomly moving area of effect Strong vs multiple units Good vs armour
How it works in the game
The blade is initially located in the Shrine of Khaine settlement in Nagarythe (province).To get to it, a High Elf, Dark Elf or Wood Elf hero must first reach the island, secure access to the shrine and reach the altar. The sword will seek to encourage the elven hero to draw it from the altar using the sirens song described. If the sword is drawn it will fill the wielder with a feeling of imense power.
If the wielder is ever killed in battle the sword will immediately call the victor assuming it is another elf or to the most powerful elf in the vicinity to take it up.
Whoever weilds the sword gains all the power of the sword, but their faction gains faction-wide penalties to public order, diplomatic relations and upkeep. These effects are increased in 3 stages (Thirsting, Thriving and Dominating) which progress over time.
Stage 1 Thirsting
The mighty Sword of Khaine, a weapon of untold power - think of the greatness that can be achieved!Stage 2 Thriving
Khaine's sword has bonded with its owner, together they are one. Now ambition turns to dominance.Stage 3 Dominating
Sword of Khaine (Dominating)
The wielder of the Sword of Khaine is the ultimate warrior whom none dare challenge. Be they friend or foe - all will kneel!Magical Effects
Spell Type: Vortex
Duration: 11 seconds Target: Ground within 150m Cannot target if: Climbing, on a wall Cooldown: 120 seconds Recharge if: Engaged in melee Effects: Causes massive magical damage Huge, randomly moving area of effect Strong vs multiple units Good vs armour
Spell Type: Madness of Khaine! (15 seconds)
Upon Contact -10 WS -20% M Rampage!Significance
The Sword of Khaine is the physical manifestation of the emotions of murder and violence in the mortal realm. It seems to possess a malign intelligence and constantly lusts for blood. The blade calls to Elven warriors, whispering in their minds and urging them to draw it, promising endless power in exchange for bloodshed. To draw this weapon is to invite Khaine into your very heart and soul.
The blade has a corrupting influence not just on its wielder, but on all who are in close proximity to it. The malign forces emanating from the Widowmaker change personalities, replacing empathy with callousness, reason with hatred, and mercy with ruthlessness.
The weapon appears to take on different forms to suit the personal preferences of the wielder. To Aenarion the Defender it appeared as a sword. For Malekith, it was a sceptre, and for Caledor the Conqueror it was a lance. In all cases, the weapon perpetually drips blood.
The Sword of Khaine was forged by Vaul, the smith god of the Elven Pantheon. During its forging, it was heated using the fiery breath of Draugnir, father of Dragons. However, the bloodthirsty blade took more from Draugnir than was given, and as a result the fate of the Dragons and all of Draugnir's descendants was forever bound to that of the elves.
The Widowmaker is embedded in the Altar of Khaine, within the Shrine of Khaine located on the Blighted Isle (off the coast of northern Ulthuan).
The Blighted Isle is currently under control of the High Elves, who generally seek to prevent anyone from drawing the blade again. However, this does not stop the Dark Elves from attempting to capture the island, and many battles have been fought there.
Related ethnicities
Rarity
Unique
- Godslayer,
- Widowmaker,
- Doom of Worlds,
- Spear of Vengeance,
- Deathshard,
- Icefang,
- and Heavenblight
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