Kaska Arden
black holes, solid ground
OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION
Intent: Make something to expand a little on Pamarthen culture. Because Gil, I guess.
Image Source: Alexander Sharov
Canon Link: N/A
Permissions: N/A
Primary Source: Pamarthe
PRODUCTION INFORMATION
Manufacturer: The Pamarthen People
Affiliation: The Pamarthen People (PCs & NPCs)
Market Status: Open-Market
Model: Sgian-Urram
Modularity: Limited. Engravings and detailing may be added.
Production: Minor
Material: Various. Common examples are made from durasteel and pleekwood, although similar materials of comparable strength and durability are known to be used. Due to the cultural significance, sheaths are traditionally always made from toughened Pamarthen Lion leather.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Classification: Knife
Size: Average
Weight: Heavy
SPECIAL FEATURES
Personalised Engravings
Leather sheath
STRENGTHS
Combat Ready: It is a knife; sharp, pointy and fairly durable.
WEAKNESSES
Close Quarters: Usually only between twelve and fifteen inches in length, Honor Blades cannot be considered reach weapons and require the user to close the distance if they are to be used in a combat situation. It is worth noting that they are also not weighted for throwing, making for a poor substitute if used in that regard.
DESCRIPTION
Unless you have the steel to back it up,
your word is nothing but salt on the wind.
- Pamarthen proverb
your word is nothing but salt on the wind.
- Pamarthen proverb
Said to be a sailor’s best and truest friend, these knives should be seen as more than just practical tools or weapons. To the people of Pamarthe, they are a mark of passage; a token that is presented to a young Pamarthen upon their ascent to adulthood, traditionally symbolizing that they are now old enough to be held accountable for their words and deeds.
Accordingly, Honor Blades are said to owe their name to the historic custom of holding them whilst swearing oaths of fealty or making solemn pledges, which in turn gave rise to the common phrases ‘swear it on your steel’ and a ‘steel promise’ that are still used to this day. It is for this reason that the blades should always be worn on the belt in a visible manner, with the implication being that the individual would ultimately be ready to draw their blade in order to defend and uphold their honor should the sanctity of that oath or pledge ever come into question.
Despite this noble origin, over time these blades have increasingly found themselves used to settle disputes through ritualized duels, a practice that seems to have flourished heavily during the four hundred years of darkness. These duels have rarely resulted in a fatality, however, with victory normally being claimed by the one side drawing first blood, most commonly done so by scoring a small cut on the opponent’s arm. While this practice has also fallen out of use in recent years, it is not uncommon to see the forearms of more die hard traditionalist Pamarthen to be heavily marked with a criss-crossing of thin sliver like scars. Far from being seen as a stigma, they are often placed proudly on display as a testament to just how willing the individual is to back up their convictions should the need arise.
Though the appearance of the knife can vary from family to family, with tastes being heavily influenced by the region they reside or originate from, tradition holds that the blades should only be fashioned from materials sourced from the Pamarthen islands themselves. Reinforcing the ties that the adult will always share with their world, allowing them to always carry a piece of their home no matter how far they sail, with the belief that it will eventually guide them back should they stray too far.
Engravings are a staple feature, with designs ranging widely from the simple incorporation of the individual's family crest to elaborate scenes drawn from legend or even from some bawdy song. Conversely, the sheaths are always left unadorned, letting the tanned hide of the Parmathen Lion speak for itself.
