Stormstrike Greatsword

From: Adaptive Cogwheel

Lore: The Stormstrike Greatsword is a legendary weapon that carries the weight of ancient tales and the power of the elements. Crafted by master blacksmiths who harnessed the forces of thunderstorms, this imposing greatsword is a testament to their exceptional craftsmanship. Legends speak of a time when the skies themselves raged with lightning, and the sword was forged to harness that raw energy. It is said that the blade crackles with electric energy, illuminating the darkness and instilling fear in the hearts of enemies.

Use: The Stormstrike Greatsword is designed to channel the power of lightning into devastating strikes. Its impressive size and weight allow the wielder to deliver powerful blows, while the enchantments infused within the blade augment its damage with electrical energy. When wielded against foes vulnerable to electricity, the greatsword deals even greater damage, capitalizing on their weakness.

The crackling electric energy that emanates from the blade not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also serves as a warning to adversaries, signifying the impending devastation they will face. The Stormstrike Greatsword is highly sought after by warriors who seek to wield the forces of nature as a weapon, and by those who have an affinity for lightning-based combat.

Values:

• Level: Tier 1
• Damage: 1d8 slashing + 1d4 lightning
• Versatile: Can be wielded with two hands for increased damage.
• Weight: 6 lbs
• Skills: None
• Cost: 500 gold pieces
• Tags: Weapon, Greatsword, Two-Handed, Lightning, Vulnerability, Thundercharged, Elemental Mastery, Overload, Arcane Forged, High Voltage, Stormborn, Empowered Strikes, Shocking Presence, Energy Conduit, Weatherforged

The Stormstrike Greatsword is a coveted weapon, prized by warriors who seek to harness the power of lightning. Its lore and unique abilities make it a symbol of power and destruction. The greatsword’s electrified strikes and increased damage against foes vulnerable to electricity make it a formidable weapon in combat, particularly against enemies with an elemental weakness to lightning. It is the perfect choice for warriors who wish to unleash the fury of a thunderstorm upon their adversaries, leaving a trail of electrifying destruction in their wake.

In the world of Saṃsāra, the Stormstrike Greatsword is a sought-after weapon, highly valued by warriors and collectors alike for its power and legendary origins. Only certain types of shops and merchants handle such a weapon, given its rarity and the specialized knowledge required to maintain it. Here’s an overview of where it might be bought and sold, along with the approximate cost in each type of shop:

• Elementalist Guild Shops
  • Description: Elementalist Guilds have shops where their members can purchase items specifically infused with elemental powers. These guild shops are typically found in cities where elemental mages and warriors gather to share their knowledge and wares.
  • Atmosphere: The shop interiors are alive with a subtle hum of elemental energy, and each item glows faintly with its respective element. Weapons like the Stormstrike Greatsword are often displayed on ornate stands, with guild mages standing by to answer questions about its lore and use.
  • Cost: 700-900 gold pieces for guild members (1,000 gold pieces for non-members). Guild discounts reflect the collective interest in sharing and preserving elemental artifacts.
• High-End Weaponsmiths
  • Description: Known for their superior craftsmanship, high-end weaponsmiths cater to elite warriors, nobles, and mercenaries. These smiths typically operate in bustling trade cities, where wealthy patrons seek custom-forged or rare enchanted weapons.
  • Atmosphere: The shops have a refined and meticulous setup, with weapons displayed on velvet cushions or behind glass cases. The blacksmith often has assistants running the forge while they personally attend to potential buyers, describing each weapon’s qualities in detail.
  • Cost: 1,000-1,200 gold pieces. Prices reflect the weapon’s rarity and the smith’s expertise, as well as any added services, such as customization or repair.
• Storm Monastery Markets
  • Description: Located in remote, storm-laden regions, these monasteries are sanctuaries dedicated to storm deities and elemental forces. Storm Monasteries sometimes hold rare markets where they sell items like the Stormstrike Greatsword, usually to adventurers who have proven their worth through trials or offerings.
  • Atmosphere: The markets are open only on certain days, when the sky darkens, and thunder fills the air. Monks handle the transactions, often reciting the weapon’s history and warning of the responsibility that comes with wielding it.
  • Cost: 800-1,000 gold pieces or offered as a reward to those who complete a specific trial or quest in service to the monastery. Discounts may be given to those who make an offering to the storm deity.
• Arcane Relic Dealers
  • Description: Specializing in rare magical artifacts, arcane relic dealers operate in cities or large towns where magical knowledge is highly valued. They are known for carrying items with potent enchantments, and the Stormstrike Greatsword is a prized addition to their inventory.
  • Atmosphere: The shop is filled with shelves and display cases containing everything from enchanted jewelry to ancient scrolls. Dimly lit, with a smell of old parchment and incense, the shop has a mysterious vibe, and the dealers are often well-versed in the items’ lore and history.
  • Cost: 1,200-1,500 gold pieces. Prices are higher due to the dealer’s expertise in rare items, as well as their connections to magical artifacts.
• Skyship Markets
  • Description: Found in skyports where airships dock, Skyship Markets carry goods tailored to skyship crews, including storm-resistant gear and weapons like the Stormstrike Greatsword. Such weapons are popular among skyship pirates, mercenaries, and adventurers who travel above the clouds.
  • Atmosphere: The markets are lively and open-air, with traders setting up temporary stalls filled with a variety of enchanted items. Buyers can often negotiate prices or trade valuable items in exchange.
  • Cost: 900-1,100 gold pieces, though prices are often negotiable. Bartering with other magical or elemental items can sometimes lower the cost.
• Black Markets
  • Description: In hidden corners of major cities, black markets trade rare and dangerous items, catering to those willing to bypass the laws to obtain powerful artifacts. Here, the Stormstrike Greatsword can be found among stolen relics, cursed items, and other contraband.
  • Atmosphere: The setting is gritty, often with makeshift stalls in dimly lit areas. Dealers keep a wary eye on potential buyers, and transactions are done quickly. There’s always a sense of risk, as the markets operate under constant threat of discovery.
  • Cost: 500-800 gold pieces. The lower price reflects the risks involved, as well as the possibility of deception. Buyers beware; authenticity can sometimes be questionable.
• Wandering Elemental Merchants
  • Description: Rare and elusive, these merchants roam between towns, often setting up shop in response to incoming storms. They carry items aligned with elemental forces and may have the Stormstrike Greatsword available during certain times of year, particularly during storm seasons.
  • Atmosphere: Their temporary setups are covered in strange fabrics and adorned with charms that rattle in the wind. There’s an air of mystery, and the merchants are usually guarded about their origins, willing to sell only to those they deem worthy.
  • Cost: 850-1,000 gold pieces, depending on the merchant’s assessment of the buyer. Bargaining is usually expected, as the merchants enjoy testing the buyer’s dedication.
• Elite Combat Guild Shops
  • Description: These shops are operated by combat guilds who specialize in training elite warriors and adventurers. Located in capital cities or near prominent training grounds, they carry rare weapons as rewards for exceptional guild members.
  • Atmosphere: The shop is typically attached to the guild hall, with weapons displayed in rows, each bearing the guild’s emblem. Only trusted members are permitted to browse the rare inventory, while instructors offer advice on which weapons best suit a fighter’s style.
  • Cost: 600-900 gold pieces for guild members (1,100 for non-members, if sold at all). Guild members often receive favorable rates and perks due to their affiliation.

The Stormstrike Greatsword is highly prized in Saṃsāra, with prices varying based on the shop’s atmosphere, clientele, and reputation. Each of these unique shops offers not only a chance to obtain the greatsword but also an experience steeped in the culture of elemental power, lore, and the art of the storm.

The Stormstrike Greatsword is a formidable weapon, crackling with electrical energy and ideal for warriors who wish to harness the power of storms in battle. Its unique properties make it adaptable to various environments, allowing for both powerful offensive strikes and strategic defensive maneuvers. Here’s how it might be used in different settings for offense and defense:

• Mountainous Terrain
  • Offensive Use: On rocky slopes or cliffs, the Stormstrike Greatsword’s lightning-enhanced strikes are amplified by the thin air and proximity to the skies. As the wielder swings, electricity arcs through the air, striking multiple foes with ease. A heavy downward strike can split rocks, sending boulders tumbling down to crush enemies below.
  • Defensive Use: The sword can create a lightning barrier by striking it against the ground, electrifying the area around the wielder. This is especially effective in tight mountain passes, as enemies who approach are at risk of being shocked or stunned. The bright flashes of electricity can also disorient foes, giving the wielder time to reposition on safer ground.
• Dense Forest or Jungle
  • Offensive Use: In the forest, the Stormstrike Greatsword’s crackling energy is perfect for clearing dense foliage or igniting dry underbrush, creating a barrier between the wielder and pursuing foes. When facing beasts or ambushers in the thick brush, the wielder can use sweeping strikes to channel electricity, shocking multiple attackers hiding within the trees.
  • Defensive Use: In a jungle filled with lurking threats, the wielder can embed the sword into the ground, sending small jolts of electricity through the soil to create a perimeter. This can discourage creatures from getting too close, as they’ll receive painful shocks upon contact. Additionally, the light from the blade helps illuminate the darkness, exposing potential threats hidden in the shadows.
• Desert or Open Plains
  • Offensive Use: In open areas, where enemies often have nowhere to hide, the sword’s electrical energy is maximized. When fighting in dry, dusty conditions, a powerful swing can send dust clouds into the air, while lightning discharges within them make them glow eerily, creating a visually intimidating effect. The wielder can perform wide, sweeping arcs to strike multiple enemies, releasing bursts of electricity that ripple across the ground.
  • Defensive Use: If surrounded, the wielder can strike the ground with the greatsword to send a shockwave of electricity in all directions, forcing attackers back and creating a momentary protective field. The electrical charge can linger in the sand, creating a static barrier that deters foes from advancing too quickly.
• Swamp or Marshland
  • Offensive Use: In swampy or waterlogged terrain, the Stormstrike Greatsword’s lightning effects become particularly potent. A simple swing through the water can electrify it, causing severe damage to all creatures within reach, especially those lurking below the surface. Against amphibious or water-dwelling creatures, the sword’s electrical damage is especially deadly.
  • Defensive Use: The wielder can plunge the sword into the swamp water, creating an electrified zone around them. This is useful for fending off enemies that rely on ambush tactics in shallow water. The electricity illuminates the water, exposing hidden threats, and the current acts as a deterrent, preventing creatures from approaching.
• Urban Setting
  • Offensive Use: In a city or narrow alleyway, the wielder can use the Stormstrike Greatsword to destroy barricades or disable mechanical traps with controlled bursts of electricity. Against multiple enemies, swinging the sword in tight quarters can send arcs of lightning bouncing off nearby walls, potentially hitting foes who thought they were out of range. The sword’s crackling presence alone may intimidate or scatter street-level attackers.
  • Defensive Use: When pursued in an urban area, the wielder can swing the greatsword at metallic structures, such as railings, creating a charged field that spreads along the metal, blocking passage and deterring foes. The electric energy can also disable devices like gates or traps, granting the wielder a tactical advantage in controlling their environment.
• Seafaring or Coastal Setting
  • Offensive Use: On the deck of a ship, the Stormstrike Greatsword is especially effective. A powerful swing releases lightning arcs that can incapacitate multiple enemies, with a single slash sending a jolt through anyone standing on the same metal surface. The sword’s power can be channeled to electrify nearby water, dealing devastating damage to enemies attempting to board from the sea.
  • Defensive Use: In close-quarter ship battles, the wielder can strike the deck with the sword, sending pulses of electricity throughout the planks, shocking all enemies who attempt to close in. Against ranged attackers, the wielder can hold the blade aloft to attract and disperse lightning, creating a localized static field that disrupts arrows and projectiles.
• Cave or Dungeon
  • Offensive Use: In enclosed spaces, the sword’s electrical discharges can amplify sound, creating thunderous echoes that intimidate foes. By striking the sword against the stone walls, the wielder can cause arcs of lightning to ricochet, striking multiple targets or triggering traps. The light from the sword illuminates dark corridors, providing a tactical advantage.
  • Defensive Use: In narrow dungeon hallways, the wielder can swing the sword to create a barrier of electricity, warding off advancing enemies or protecting against traps triggered by proximity. The electrical energy can also illuminate hidden runes or pressure plates, exposing hazards before they can be triggered. If cornered, the wielder can charge the sword to release a flash of lightning, temporarily blinding foes and buying time for escape.
• Frozen Tundra or Arctic Environment
  • Offensive Use: In icy landscapes, the Stormstrike Greatsword’s heat and lightning effects are especially powerful. A swing through the air creates steam and static, while strikes against frozen enemies or icy structures can shatter them with a mix of physical and electrical force. The sword’s electrical charge may attract any latent storm energy in the sky, amplifying its power.
  • Defensive Use: In the bitter cold, the wielder can swing the sword to release bursts of heat, melting patches of ice to prevent slipping. By driving the blade into the ground, the wielder can send electric pulses through the ice, revealing cracks or thin spots. If pursued across a frozen lake, the wielder can charge the sword to create cracks in the ice, slowing or halting foes in pursuit.

The Stormstrike Greatsword is versatile across many environments, with both offensive and defensive applications that capitalize on its electrifying nature. Whether creating barriers of crackling energy, illuminating dark areas, or enhancing attacks with powerful electric charges, this weapon embodies the destructive beauty of a storm and allows the wielder to adapt to their surroundings.

Perception of Activation:

• User’s Perspective: When activating the Stormstrike Greatsword, you experience an intense rush of sensory and extra-sensory impressions:
  • Sight: As you grip the hilt and activate the sword, vivid blue lightning surges through the blade, illuminating the air around it with a sharp, crackling glow. The etched patterns on the blade pulse and shift like thunderclouds, flashing with the rhythm of a distant storm.
  • Sound: The sword begins to hum with a deep, resonant sound, similar to the low rumble of thunder. As it charges, crackles of electricity punctuate the hum, and faint echoes of storm winds can be heard swirling around the blade, amplifying your own movements.
  • Touch: Your hands vibrate as energy flows through the hilt. The metal is warm to the touch, pulsing with raw power. You feel a light tingling sensation up your arms, as though holding onto a live wire, but it’s controlled and thrilling, heightening your awareness.
  • Smell: The sharp, metallic scent of ozone fills the air around you, mingling with a faint smell of scorched earth and rain. It’s a scent that brings to mind a fresh storm, raw and untamed, enhancing the sense of power coursing through the weapon.
  • Taste: You sense a faint, electric tang on your tongue, almost as if tasting the air just after lightning strikes. It’s subtle but refreshing, leaving a cool sensation that sharpens your focus and enhances your alertness.
  • Extrasensory Perceptions:
    • Storm Sense: You feel an instinctive awareness of electric currents nearby, as if you can sense how electricity moves through the air and across the ground. You are more attuned to changes in the atmosphere, especially if there’s a storm approaching.
    • Elemental Kinship: A feeling of deep connection to elemental forces fills you, as if you’re tapping directly into the power of a storm. You sense a presence in the sword, an echo of the ancient storms that once raged.
    • Electric Resonance: A faint pull draws you towards sources of electricity, and your movements feel lighter and more fluid, as if your body and the blade are in perfect harmony.
  • Positives:
    • The surge of energy fills you with confidence and clarity, empowering you to act decisively. You feel a sense of control over the elements, as if wielding the power of a storm itself.
    • Your senses are heightened, and the electric charge enhances your reflexes, making you more attuned to the flow of battle.
  • Negatives:
    • The intensity of the activation can be overwhelming, creating a slight over-stimulation that may tire you out after prolonged use.
    • If you’re not careful, the weapon’s energy can lead to minor electric shocks, leaving your arms slightly numb after use. Its pull towards electricity may also create a distraction in electrically charged environments.
• Observer’s Perspective: Those witnessing the activation of the Stormstrike Greatsword experience a striking and powerful display:
  • Sight: Observers see the sword come alive with blinding arcs of blue lightning. The blade itself seems to crackle with life, and every movement leaves faint trails of electric light. The runes glow intensely, making the sword appear larger and more formidable as it’s wielded.
  • Sound: The air around the wielder is filled with the ominous hum of thunder, and crackling electric sounds add to the intensity. There’s a distinct, roaring undertone, almost like the distant sound of a storm closing in, making the wielder seem like they carry the storm within them.
  • Touch (Proximity): Standing close to the wielder, one feels a faint prickling sensation on the skin, as if static electricity fills the air. The closer someone stands, the more noticeable the charged atmosphere, causing hair to stand on end and creating a subtle sense of pressure.
  • Smell: Observers catch the unmistakable smell of ozone, reminiscent of fresh rain and a nearby lightning strike. There’s a faint smokiness that adds an edge, reminding them of scorched earth, hinting at the weapon’s destructive potential.
  • Extrasensory Perceptions:
    • Atmospheric Disturbance: Sensitive observers feel a shift in the air, as if the environment itself is reacting to the sword’s activation. It’s a tangible sense that the weapon is not just a blade but a conduit for elemental forces.
    • Primal Intimidation: Magic-sensitive onlookers may feel an ancient presence within the sword, as if the storms of old were momentarily reborn. This presence creates a sense of foreboding, leaving many on edge or hesitant to approach.
  • Positives:
    • Observers may feel a sense of awe or fear, inspired by the weapon’s power and the wielder’s command over it. Allies may feel emboldened by the display, while enemies might feel intimidated or unnerved.
    • The flashing light and sound create a powerful, unforgettable image, leaving a lasting impression on those who witness it.
  • Negatives:
    • The charged atmosphere may create discomfort or mild irritation for those standing too close, particularly those wearing metal armor or carrying conductive objects.
    • Observers may feel apprehensive or threatened by the weapon’s power, creating a sense of unease, even among allies. In confined spaces, the light and sound can be overwhelming, making it difficult to focus or communicate effectively.

The Stormstrike Greatsword, when activated, carries the essence of a storm and evokes a primal fear and respect in all who see it. The wielder and observers alike are impacted by its raw power, feeling as if they are in the presence of something both ancient and immensely powerful.

Crafting Recipe: Stormstrike Greatsword

• Materials Needed:
  • Thundersteel Ingot (2) – A rare, highly conductive metal alloy known for its ability to hold an electrical charge. Essential for creating the core of the greatsword.
  • Storm Essence Crystal (1) – Collected during a thunderstorm, this crystal contains raw storm energy that powers the greatsword’s electrical abilities.
  • Electric Sapphire Shards (3) – Blue gemstones that can store and release electrical energy. These will be embedded into the blade to enhance the lightning effects.
  • Drakebone Core (1) – The spine of the blade, crafted from a dragonkin creature known for its elemental affinity, adding durability and enhancing the sword’s magical conductivity.
  • Charged Conductor Wire (2 feet) – A silver-copper alloy wire to channel the energy from the Storm Essence Crystal throughout the blade.
  • Vortex Leather Wrap (1) – Leather treated with a special oil that absorbs electric energy, providing insulation for the wielder’s grip.
  • Runic Inscription Powder (1 pouch) – A fine powder made from crushed arcane minerals, used to inscribe binding runes into the blade to secure the storm energy.
  • Thunderbird Feather (1) – A feather from a mythical thunderbird, to be tied to the pommel, enhancing the sword’s storm affinity and enabling its powerful lightning effects.
• Tools Required:
  • Stormforge – A specialized forge that can draw on elemental energies, necessary for heating and shaping Thundersteel.
  • Runesmith’s Chisel – For inscribing runes along the blade and hilt, channeling magical energy throughout the sword.
  • Gem-Crafting Tools – Precision tools for cutting, shaping, and setting the Electric Sapphire Shards into the blade.
  • Arcane Hammer – Used for binding the energy within the Storm Essence Crystal to the sword’s core, infusing it with the power of a storm.
  • Enchanter’s Rod – A magical tool for channeling and stabilizing the storm energy during the forging process.
• Skill Requirements:
  • Master Blacksmithing (Advanced) – Essential for shaping Thundersteel and working with enchanted metals.
  • Runic Inscription (Intermediate) – For inscribing binding runes that hold the storm energy in place.
  • Elemental Attunement (Intermediate) – Required for handling storm-based materials and directing the flow of electricity through the blade.
  • Gemcrafting (Intermediate) – To set and stabilize the Electric Sapphire Shards within the sword.
  • Enchanting (Advanced) – To bind the Storm Essence Crystal to the sword and activate its electrical powers.
• Crafting Steps:
  • Forge the Blade Core:
    • Heat the Thundersteel Ingots in the Stormforge until they are red-hot and malleable. Shape them into a long blade, leaving room along the center for the Drakebone Core.
    • Lay the Drakebone Core into the center of the blade. Using the Arcane Hammer, carefully fuse the Thundersteel around the core, bonding the two materials. This process strengthens the sword and enhances its ability to channel electricity.
  • Set the Electric Sapphire Shards:
    • Using the Gem-Crafting Tools, create three inset grooves along the blade for the Electric Sapphire Shards—one near the hilt and two along the blade’s edge.
    • Shape each Electric Sapphire Shard to fit snugly within the grooves, then secure them with a few gentle taps from the Arcane Hammer, setting them flush with the blade’s surface.
    • Use the Enchanter’s Rod to activate each shard, linking them to the core so they can hold and release electric energy.
  • Embed the Conductor Wire:
    • Place the Charged Conductor Wire along the sword’s spine, embedding it from the pommel to the tip. This will allow the electric energy to flow evenly from the hilt to the blade.
    • Using the Runesmith’s Chisel, lightly inscribe grooves along the blade and around the Electric Sapphire Shards. Pour the Runic Inscription Powder into these grooves, enhancing the conductivity and securing the wire.
  • Install the Storm Essence Crystal:
    • Hollow out a small chamber in the hilt, and carefully place the Storm Essence Crystal within. Seal the chamber with a fitted cap, forged from Thundersteel to match the blade.
    • Use the Enchanter’s Rod to bind the crystal to the blade, drawing the storm energy up through the Drakebone Core and into the Thundersteel, making the entire sword hum with latent electricity.
  • Insulate the Hilt with Vortex Leather:
    • Wrap the hilt with the Vortex Leather, ensuring that it’s snug and secure. This leather provides insulation, allowing the wielder to handle the greatsword’s energy safely.
    • Use enchanted thread to sew the leather wrap tightly, ensuring that it won’t slip or wear down quickly under the blade’s intense energy.
  • Attach the Thunderbird Feather:
    • Secure the Thunderbird Feather to the pommel, wrapping it with enchanted cord to keep it in place. The feather enhances the sword’s elemental affinity, allowing the wielder to channel lightning more effectively.
    • Use the Enchanter’s Rod to activate the feather’s properties, ensuring that the entire weapon resonates with storm energy.
  • Final Rune Inscription and Charging Ritual:
    • Using the Runesmith’s Chisel, inscribe runes of binding along the blade and hilt. Sprinkle the Runic Inscription Powder into these runes, and use the Arcane Hammer to set them.
    • Place the sword on a stone altar or within the Stormforge and wait for a thunderstorm. As lightning strikes, channel the storm’s energy into the blade using the Enchanter’s Rod, charging it and binding the electric energy within.
    • Complete the ritual by chanting the binding incantation, which locks the storm energy into the sword. The blade should pulse with a soft blue light, indicating that the enchantment has been successfully bound.
  • Test and Attune:
    • Test the sword’s abilities by striking a nearby object, watching for the electric discharge. If the blade crackles with energy, and the Electric Sapphire Shards glow in response, the enchantment is complete.
    • To finalize, the wielder should spend an hour attuning with the sword. This attunement will harmonize their energy with the blade’s, allowing them to wield its power safely.

The Stormstrike Greatsword is now complete. Forged with the essence of storms and bound by powerful runes, this weapon is a fearsome tool, crackling with electricity and ready to unleash the fury of the elements upon any foe.

Tale of the Blade That Called the Thunder

Long, long ago, before the dawn remembered its own light, there was a sky where the storms never rested, and thunder was the breath of the heavens. In this time lived a man, fierce as the winds and strong as the stones, named Aldran. Aldran, he was no ordinary man, but a warrior with eyes that saw the secrets hidden within clouds and ears that knew the songs the lightning sang.

It is told that Aldran sought a weapon that could wield the very might of the skies, to command both storm and silence. For years upon years, he traveled far, seeking the knowledge of master smiths and speaking with beings older than stone itself. One day, upon the highest mountain where lightning dared to sleep, he found a smith who was not of this world, a being of iron and flame, called by the old tongues as Cindor, Keeper of Stormfire.

Cindor, the smith, agreed to forge this weapon Aldran desired, but spoke these words: “The storm is free as the wind and wild as the beast. If you bind it, you too must be bound.” Aldran, fearless, accepted without hesitation, for he had never known caution nor weariness of heart.

The forging began, and for seven nights and seven days, Cindor worked at his anvil, hammering thunder and lightning into steel. At the seventh night, the skies broke open, and lightning poured down as rivers, mingling with the blade and carving ancient marks upon its surface. When the last strike of the hammer fell, the sword was born, glowing bright as the sun, its name whispered by the winds themselves: Stormstrike.

Aldran took up the blade, and with a mighty cry, he called forth the power of a hundred storms. The earth trembled, and the skies answered, wrapping him in the light of the storm. With Stormstrike, he was invincible, feared by all, a warrior who could split mountains and shatter the seas with a single blow.

But the storm has no master. Each time Aldran wielded the blade, a part of his own spirit was claimed by the tempest within. He grew restless, and soon he found that he could no longer feel the earth beneath his feet nor the warmth of the sun. His heart beat only to the thunder’s rhythm, his soul bound forever to the storm he had sought to command.

In the end, it was said that Aldran became a part of the storm itself, his body vanishing into the clouds, his voice now only heard in the thunder that shakes the skies. The sword was left behind, resting upon the mountain, humming with the lingering power of its creator and the spirit of the warrior who dared to wield it.

Moral of the Story: Power may be sought, but it is not to be held without cost. Those who command the forces of nature must remember that to control what is free is to bind one’s own spirit. To wield the storm is to become a part of it, forever and always.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

    Item: Stormstrike Greatsword

• Description: An ancient greatsword that crackles with the energy of a storm. Said to be forged by ancient elemental forces, the blade holds a primal power that can shake the mind and body.
• Mythos Rating: +10 to Cthulhu Mythos while wielding it, as it is steeped in eldritch elemental power.
• Effects:
  • Lightning Strike: Spend 3 Magic Points to infuse an attack with lightning. The wielder makes a regular attack roll, dealing an additional 1d8 electrical damage on a successful hit. The target must then pass a CON roll or be stunned for 1 round.
  • Elemental Aura: Once per day, the wielder can activate the sword’s aura for one minute, gaining +1d4 to Intimidation rolls and resistance to electricity damage during that time.
  • Electric Resistance: Gain a +2 bonus to all CON rolls against electricity-based attacks.
• Sanity Cost: 1d4/1d8 upon first activation, as the wielder becomes attuned to the elemental essence within the blade.
• Restrictions: Each time Lightning Strike is used, the wielder must make a POW check. On a failure, they suffer 1d3 Sanity loss from the sword’s elemental feedback.
• Cost: 1,500 USD or equivalent, due to its legendary status.

Blades in the Dark

    Item: Stormstrike Greatsword

• Description: A heavy greatsword that channels lightning and thunder, infused with the essence of a storm. Sought after by elite assassins and bounty hunters for its imposing and deadly power.
• Item Quality: Fine (3 Load)
• Abilities:
  • Storm Strike: When the wielder rolls a critical success on a Skirmish roll, they may release an electric surge, dealing +1d6 harm to the primary target and an additional +1 harm to any enemies within close proximity. This effect costs 1 Stress to activate.
  • Thunderous Presence: Once per score, the wielder may activate the sword’s storm power, gaining +1d to all Skirmish rolls for the next three rounds. At the end of the effect, the wielder takes Level 1 Harm due to electrical feedback.
  • Electric Aura: Gain +1d on Intimidate rolls while the blade is crackling with storm energy.
• Attunement Requirement: Using Storm Strike or Thunderous Presence requires a successful Attune roll. On a failed roll, the wielder takes Level 2 Harm due to the weapon’s instability.
• Cost: 7 Coin, or as a reward for completing a storm-related mission or defeating a powerful enemy.

Dungeons & Dragons (5th Edition)

    Item: Stormstrike Greatsword

• Weapon (Greatsword), Very Rare (requires attunement)
• Description: This massive blade hums with electric energy, crafted with ancient magics that draw on the power of storms. It’s a deadly weapon against foes vulnerable to lightning.
• Attributes:
  • Damage: 1d8 slashing + 1d4 lightning (two-handed for 2d6 slashing + 1d6 lightning)
  • Lightning Strike: Three times per day, when you hit a creature with this weapon, you may deal an additional 1d8 lightning damage. If the target is wearing metal armor, they have disadvantage on the next attack roll they make.
  • Storm’s Aura: As a bonus action, you can activate the sword’s storm aura, dealing 1d4 lightning damage to all creatures within 5 feet at the start of each of your turns. This effect lasts for 1 minute and can be used once per long rest.
  • Electric Resistance: Gain resistance to lightning damage while attuned to the sword.
• Attunement Requirement: Attuning to the sword requires a DC 15 Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, the wielder takes 2d6 lightning damage and is unable to attempt attunement again until the next dawn.
• Cost: 4,500-6,000 gold pieces, depending on location and availability.

Knave

    Item: Stormstrike Greatsword

• Inventory Slots: 3 slots
• Description: An ancient greatsword that holds the fury of a storm. It hums with electrical energy, and its strikes have the power to stun enemies.
• Attributes:
  • Lightning Strike: When you roll a critical success on an attack roll, the sword deals an additional 1d8 lightning damage. Nearby creatures within a 5-foot radius take 1d4 lightning damage as the storm energy arcs outward.
  • Electric Aura: The wielder may activate the sword’s electric aura as an action, dealing +1 to Intimidation checks for the next hour and gaining resistance to electrical attacks. This ability has 3 charges, which recharge after a full night’s rest.
  • Thunderous Blow: Three times per day, the wielder may expend a charge to force the target to make a Strength check. On a failure, the target is stunned for one round.
• Drawback: Each time Lightning Strike is activated, the wielder takes 1 damage due to the feedback of the storm energy.
• Cost: 800-1,000 silver pieces, or obtained through a storm-related quest or barter.

Fate Core

    Item: Stormstrike Greatsword

• Description: A mighty weapon that channels the raw power of storms. Its electric energy can enhance the wielder’s attacks, bringing fear to those who face it.
• Aspect: Weapon of Thunder and Lightning
• Abilities:
  • Lightning Strike: Once per scene, spend a Fate Point to strike all nearby enemies with a wave of electricity. Gain +2 to the attack roll, and on a success, deal +2 shifts of electrical damage. Any targets hit are forced to take the consequence Stunned if they fail to defend.
  • Storm’s Fury: Once per session, activate the Storm’s Fury to gain +2 to Physique rolls for three rounds and become resistant to electrical damage. At the end of the effect, the wielder must make a Will roll (Difficulty +2) or suffer one mild consequence due to energy drain.
  • Stunt: Intimidating Presence: Gain +2 on Intimidate rolls while wielding the sword, as the crackling energy creates an aura of menace.
• Drawback: After using Lightning Strike, the wielder must make a Will roll. On a failure, they take 1 stress as they feel the sword’s volatile power coursing through them.
• Cost: 2 Refresh to acquire, or 1 Refresh with the GM’s permission if bound to a character’s Aspect.

Numenera & Cypher System

    Item: Stormstrike Greatsword (Level 6 Artifact)

• Description: This greatsword harnesses the fury of a storm, capable of channeling lightning and thunder into powerful attacks.
• Attributes:
  • Lightning Strike: As an action, the wielder can strike with a bolt of lightning, dealing 6 points of damage to a single target and 3 points of damage to all creatures in immediate range. Targets must succeed on a Might defense roll (Difficulty 6) or be stunned for one round.
  • Storm Aura: Once per day, the wielder may activate the Storm Aura, gaining +2 Armor against electrical attacks for one minute and adding +2 to all Might checks. This aura lasts for 1 minute.
  • Electric Resistance: While wielding the Stormstrike Greatsword, the wielder gains +3 Armor against electrical damage.
• Depletion: 1 in 1d10 each time Lightning Strike or Storm Aura is activated.
• Attunement Requirement: Upon attuning, the wielder must make an Intellect defense roll (Difficulty 5). On a failure, they take 3 points of Intellect damage due to the blade’s volatile nature.
• Cost: 30 Shins or the equivalent in barter, or as a reward for slaying a powerful elemental creature.

Pathfinder (2nd Edition)

    Item: Stormstrike Greatsword

• Type: Magic Weapon, Level 12, Greatsword
• Usage: Two-handed; Bulk 2
• Description: This greatsword crackles with electrical energy, its blade glowing faintly with power. It is said to hold the spirit of a storm, and it strikes with thunderous force.
• Effects:
  • Damage: 2d6 slashing + 1d6 lightning
  • Lightning Strike: When you hit with a melee strike, you may add 1d8 additional lightning damage. On a critical hit, it deals 2d8 lightning damage and forces adjacent creatures to make a DC 24 Fortitude save or be stunned for 1 round.
  • Electric Resistance: Gain resistance 10 against electrical damage while wielding the sword.
  • Thunderous Roar: Once per day as a free action, you can unleash a roar of thunder, gaining +2 to Intimidation checks and dealing 1d6 lightning damage to all enemies within a 10-foot radius.
• Attunement Requirement: To attune, make a DC 18 Will save. Failure results in the wielder taking 2d6 electricity damage from feedback.
• Cost: 2,800 gp, with an increased price if found in regions where elemental items are rare.

Savage Worlds (Adventure Edition)

    Item: Stormstrike Greatsword

• Type: Legendary Magic Weapon
• Description: This greatsword crackles with electrical energy, and it is said to contain the spirit of an ancient storm. It can deliver devastating strikes and create a fearsome aura.
• Attributes:
  • Damage: STR + 3d6
  • Lightning Strike: When the wielder rolls a Raise on a Fighting roll, they may activate Lightning Strike, dealing an additional 2d6 electrical damage to the primary target and 1d6 electrical damage to any adjacent targets. All affected creatures must make a Vigor roll or become Shaken.
  • Storm’s Wrath: Once per encounter, the wielder may activate Storm’s Wrath to increase their Strength by +2 and gain +2 to Toughness against electrical attacks for three rounds. At the end of the effect, they suffer a level of Fatigue due to the energy drain.
  • Intimidate: Gain +2 to Intimidation rolls as long as the blade is crackling with energy.
• Drawback: Each time Lightning Strike is used, the wielder must make a Spirit roll. On a failure, they suffer a level of Fatigue as a result of feedback from the sword’s power.
• Encumbrance: 2
• Value: $1,400 or equivalent, often as a reward for completing quests tied to storm or elemental themes.

Shadowrun (6th Edition)

    Item: Stormstrike Greatsword

• Type: Melee Weapon, Exotic, Enchanted, Wireless Capable
• Description: A massive greatsword that hums with an otherworldly, crackling energy. It contains elemental storm power, devastating against both foes and electronics.
• Attributes:
  • Damage: Physical, STR +3P, plus +2DV (Electrical)
  • Lightning Strike: For 3 Edge, you may infuse a melee attack with an electric shock. On a hit, add +3DV in electrical damage, and the target must make a Body + Willpower (4) Test or be Stunned for one round.
  • Storm Aura: Once per day, you can activate the sword’s aura, gaining +2d6 to Initiative for three rounds and +2 Armor against electrical attacks. After the effect ends, take 1 Physical Damage from energy feedback.
• Wireless Bonus: When active, the weapon creates a faint electrical field that disrupts electronics within a 5-meter radius, imposing a -2 penalty on electronic devices and drones.
• Availability: 14F, 9,500¥

Starfinder

    Item: Stormstrike Greatsword

• Type: Hybrid Weapon, Level 12, Advanced Melee Weapon
• Description: Forged with the essence of a storm, this heavy greatsword pulses with electrical energy and is particularly deadly against robotic and armored foes.
• Attributes:
  • Damage: 3d8 Slashing + 1d8 Electrical
  • Lightning Strike: As a standard action, you may activate Lightning Strike to deal an additional 1d10 electrical damage on your next melee attack. Targets must succeed on a DC 21 Fortitude save or be stunned for one round.
  • Storm Aura: Once per day, as a swift action, you can activate Storm Aura to gain DR 10/— against electrical attacks and +10 feet to movement speed for 1 minute.
• Electric Resistance: Gain resistance 15 against electrical damage while wielding this weapon.
• Cost: 20,000 credits

Traveller (Mongoose 2nd Edition)

    Item: Stormstrike Greatsword

• Type: Ancient Relic, TL 15 or higher
• Description: A powerful relic weapon, said to be crafted with the spirit of an elemental storm. It hums with electricity and is feared for its devastating effects on machinery.
• Attributes:
  • Damage: 6d6 Slashing, plus 2d6 Electrical
  • Lightning Strike: When attacking, you may activate Lightning Strike to add +2d6 Electrical damage. All targets within 2 meters must make an END + STR roll (DM-2) or be stunned for 1d3 rounds.
  • Storm Aura: While wielding this weapon, you gain +2 DM to attack rolls in stormy weather due to the sword’s elemental resonance.
• Electric Resistance: Gain +2 DM to any roll to avoid electrical damage and halve all electrical damage taken.
• Cost: Cr100,000, or found in an ancient alien vault or elemental site.

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (4th Edition)

    Item: Stormstrike Greatsword

• Type: Rare Magical Weapon (Greatsword)
• Description: This enchanted weapon crackles with electric energy, rumored to hold the spirit of an ancient storm. It is capable of stunning foes and delivering devastating electrical strikes.
• Attributes:
  • Damage: Strength Bonus + 5
  • Lightning Strike: On a successful hit, you may add +2 Electrical Damage and target all enemies within 2 yards. All affected must pass a Toughness Test or be Stunned for 1 round.
  • Storm’s Call: Once per encounter, you can unleash the Storm’s Call, granting +10 to Initiative and +10 to Toughness against electrical damage for two rounds.
  • Electric Resistance: Gain +1 Success Level on Toughness Tests against electrical attacks.
• Drawback: Each use of Lightning Strike requires a Willpower Test. On a failure, take 1 Wound due to the elemental feedback.
• Encumbrance: 2
• Value: 2,800 Gold Crowns, typically only found in ancient tombs or in the possession of legendary adventurers.