Aethersteel Swords

From: Aethersteel Foundry

Lore: The Aethersteel Swords are the legendary creations of the Aethersteel Foundry, representing the epitome of craftsmanship and magical engineering in Saṃsāra. Each sword is meticulously handcrafted by skilled blacksmiths and Aether Technomancers, combining the finest Aethersteel with carefully selected Aether crystals. The fusion of these materials results in a weapon that is not only exquisitely balanced but also capable of channeling elemental magic.

These swords have become symbols of honor, valor, and martial prowess, sought after by warriors and adventurers across the realm. Legends speak of knights wielding Aethersteel Swords, their every strike empowered by the elements, capable of cutting through almost any defense. Tales of daring exploits and heroic feats accompany the legacy of these blades, further fueling their demand and prestige.

Aethersteel Sword (Tier One Stats):

• Damage: 1d8+2 slashing damage
• Attack Bonus: +4
• Properties: Finesse, Light, Aether Channeling
• Aether Channeling: Once per turn, when the wielder hits a target with this sword, they can expend a bonus action to channel Aether through the blade, dealing an additional 1d6 elemental damage (choose the element: fire, ice, lightning, etc.). The damage type is determined by the type of Aether crystal embedded in the hilt.

Skills:

• Blacksmithing: Crafting or repairing Aethersteel Swords requires proficiency in Blacksmithing.
• Arcana: Understanding the intricacies of Aether crystals and their manipulation requires proficiency in Arcana.

Cost: 250 gold pieces

Size: The Aethersteel Sword is a one-handed weapon with a blade length of approximately 36 inches, suitable for medium-sized creatures.

Requirements: To wield the Aethersteel Sword effectively, a character must have at least a Strength or Dexterity score of 14 and be proficient in martial weapons. Additionally, the wielder must have completed basic training in Aether manipulation under the tutelage of an Aether Technomancer, attuning them to the sword’s magical properties.

Tags:

• Magical: The Aethersteel Sword possesses innate magical properties, making it highly sought after by those who appreciate the fusion of martial prowess and mysticism.
• Highly Valuable: Due to its rarity, craftsmanship, and demand, the Aethersteel Sword is considered a high-value item and a symbol of status and skill.
• Limited Supply: Crafting these swords is a time-consuming and intricate process, limiting their availability and contributing to their prestige.
• Additional: Elemental Weapon, Aethersteel Foundry Craftsmanship, Status Symbol, Warrior’s Weapon, Collectible Item, Heirloom Quality, Masterwork Weapon, Attuned Weapon, One-Handed, Legendary Blade

Selling Environment: Aethersteel Swords are not mass-produced; each one is an individual work of art. The Aethersteel Foundry produces a limited number of swords each year, and they are usually sold through exclusive channels. The swords are showcased and sold in renowned weapon emporiums in major cities, where wealthy nobles, skilled warriors, and daring adventurers congregate.

Auction houses and collectors’ guilds occasionally hold bidding wars for exceptionally crafted Aethersteel Swords, further driving up their price. Some swords may also be gifted to valiant knights or exceptional adventurers as a mark of recognition and honor, adding to the legend and prestige of both the weapon and its wielder.

Results and Usage: The results of wielding an Aethersteel Sword are legendary feats of combat and elemental mastery. Skilled warriors can harness the power of the Aether crystals to imbue their strikes with elemental energy, making their attacks more potent and versatile in battle. From cleaving through enemy armor with fiery slashes to freezing foes in their tracks with icy thrusts, the wielder’s imagination and proficiency with Aether manipulation are the only limits to the sword’s potential.

In the hands of a talented adventurer or knight, an Aethersteel Sword becomes an extension of their spirit and determination. The sword not only aids them in battles against formidable foes but also symbolizes their dedication to protecting the innocent and upholding the values they hold dear. As stories of their exploits spread, so does the reputation of the Aethersteel Sword, further adding to its allure among those who seek greatness in Saṃsāra.

The Aethersteel Sword is a visually stunning weapon, immediately recognizable as a masterpiece of craftsmanship and magical artistry. Its appearance reflects both its martial purpose and its connection to Aetheric power.

• Blade:
  • Shape: Typically, the blade is a straight, double-edged design, though slight variations in curvature exist depending on the smith’s individual style and the intended wielder’s preferences. The blade is neither overly broad nor excessively thin, striking a balance between cutting power and agility. It tapers to a sharp, defined point.
  • Metal: The Aethersteel itself is a deep, dark grey, almost black, with a subtle metallic sheen. It’s not a polished, mirror-like finish, but rather a smooth, matte surface that seems to absorb light. This gives the blade an understated, yet powerful appearance.
  • Fuller: A shallow fuller (a groove running down the center of the blade) is often present, reducing weight and improving balance. Within this fuller, intricate, swirling patterns are etched. These patterns are not merely decorative; they are channels for the flow of Aetheric energy.
  • Runes: Along the blade, near the hilt, delicate runes are inlaid with a shimmering, silver-Aether alloy. These runes glow faintly with the color of the embedded Aether crystal (see below), providing a visual indication of the sword’s elemental affinity.
• Hilt:
  • Material: The hilt is also constructed from Aethersteel, providing a solid and secure grip. It may be wrapped in high-quality, dark-colored leather or a magically treated fabric for added comfort and control.
  • Crossguard: The crossguard is typically a simple, elegant design, often slightly curved or angled to provide hand protection without being overly bulky. It may feature subtle embellishments, such as etched patterns or small, inlaid gemstones that complement the Aether crystal.
  • Pommel: The pommel is substantial and serves as a counterbalance to the blade. It is often shaped to fit comfortably in the hand and may feature a decorative element, such as a stylized animal head or a geometric design.
  • Aether Crystal: The most distinctive feature of the hilt is the embedded Aether crystal. This crystal is typically located at the pommel, or is a large part of the pommel, where it is most protected. It is a faceted gemstone, carefully chosen for its clarity and resonance with a specific element (fire, ice, lightning, etc.). The crystal glows with an inner light, its color corresponding to the element it channels:
    • Fire: Red, orange, or yellow
    • Ice: Light blue, white, or pale turquoise
    • Lightning: Bright blue, white, or violet
    • Other Elements (if applicable): Colors appropriate to the specific element (e.g., green for earth, purple for shadow).

The Aethersteel Sword is a weapon of understated elegance. It doesn’t rely on excessive ornamentation or flashy displays. Its beauty lies in the quality of its materials, the precision of its craftsmanship, and the subtle, yet potent, magical energy that visibly flows through it. It feels substantial and well-balanced in the hand, inspiring confidence and a sense of power. The glowing runes and the pulsing light of the Aether crystal give it an undeniable aura of magic, marking it as a weapon of exceptional quality and capability. It is clearly a weapon meant for a skilled warrior, one who understands and respects the power it holds.

Perception of Activation:

• User’s Perspective (Aethersteel Sword – Elemental Channeling):
  • Sight:
    • Initial: As the user focuses their intent and expends a bonus action, the runes along the blade flare with a bright, intense light corresponding to the sword’s element. The Aether crystal in the hilt pulses with a stronger, more vibrant glow.
    • Ongoing: The runes maintain a noticeable glow for the duration of the channeling (typically one turn, until the next attack). This glow illuminates the immediate area with a colored light, potentially revealing hidden details or casting flickering shadows.
  • Hearing:
    • Initial: A distinct sound accompanies the activation, specific to the element:
      • Fire: A whoosh and crackle, like a sudden burst of flame.
      • Ice: A sharp, crystalline chime or the sound of cracking ice.
      • Lightning: A sharp crackle or a low, buzzing hum.
      • Other Elements: Sounds appropriate to the nature of the element.
    • Ongoing: A subtle hum or resonance might be heard, emanating from the blade, a constant reminder of the channeled energy.
  • Touch:
    • Initial: A surge of energy flows through the user’s arm, from the hilt of the sword. This sensation varies depending on the element:
      • Fire: Intense heat.
      • Ice: A sharp, biting cold.
      • Lightning: A tingling, vibrating sensation.
      • Other Elements: Sensations appropriate to the element.
    • Ongoing: The hilt remains noticeably warm, cold, or tingly, providing a constant tactile connection to the channeled element. The blade itself may feel slightly lighter or more eager to strike.
  • Smell:
    • Initial: A faint scent might be released, associated with the element:
      • Fire: Smoke or burning embers.
      • Ice: A crisp, clean, almost metallic scent.
      • Lightning: Ozone (the smell after a thunderstorm).
      • Other Elements: Scents appropriate to the element.
    • Ongoing: The scent dissipates quickly, but a subtle trace might linger.
  • Taste: No direct taste sensation is typically associated with the activation, unless the elemental effect is somehow ingested (not recommended!).
  • Extra-Sensory (Intuitive/Magical Awareness):
    • Initial: A feeling of heightened focus and power, as if the user’s will is directly connected to the element. A sense of exhilaration or heightened aggression.
    • Ongoing: An increased awareness of the surrounding environment, particularly anything related to the channeled element (e.g., a user channeling fire might be more sensitive to sources of heat or flammable materials). A feeling of oneness with the weapon.
• Observer’s Perspective:
  • Sight: The observer sees the sudden flash of light from the runes and the intensified glow of the Aether crystal. The blade itself seems to shimmer with elemental energy.
  • Hearing: They hear the distinct sound associated with the element’s activation (whoosh, crackle, chime, etc.).
  • Smell: They might catch the faint scent associated with the element if they are close enough.
  • Touch: If very close, they might feel a slight change in temperature (heat from fire, cold from ice) or a faint static charge (from lightning).
  • Taste: No taste sensation.
  • Extra-Sensory:
    • A sensitive observer might feel a surge of magical energy in the immediate area.
    • With their Mind’s Eye, they will visually see the stats.
• Positives:
  • User: The sensory feedback provides clear confirmation that the channeling is successful. The heightened senses and feeling of power enhance combat effectiveness and confidence. The experience is exhilarating and reinforces the connection between the wielder and the weapon.
  • Observer: The visual and auditory cues are dramatic and unmistakable, signaling the activation of a powerful magical weapon. The display of elemental energy can be intimidating to opponents.
• Negatives:
  • User: The intense sensory input could be distracting or overwhelming in certain situations. The heat, cold, or tingling sensations, while generally manageable, might become uncomfortable with prolonged use. Over-reliance on the channeled energy could lead to recklessness.
  • Observer: The bright flash of light could be momentarily blinding. The distinct sounds could give away the user’s position and intentions. The display of elemental power could attract unwanted attention from other creatures or individuals sensitive to magic.

Recipe: Replicating the Aethersteel Sword — This recipe outlines the steps required to create an Aethersteel Sword, mirroring the craftsmanship of the Aethersteel Foundry. It is an exceptionally challenging endeavor, demanding mastery of both blacksmithing and Aetheric manipulation.

• Materials Needed:
  • Aethersteel Ingot (x3): High-purity Aethersteel, imbued with a stable connection to the Aetheric plane. Sourcing this material is crucial; inferior Aethersteel will not withstand the forging process or channel energy properly. The quantity ensures enough material for the blade, hilt, and potential mistakes.
  • Refined Aether Crystal (Medium, x1): A flawless Aether crystal of the desired elemental affinity (fire, ice, lightning, etc.). The crystal’s size, clarity, and resonance determine the potency of the sword’s elemental channeling. This should be pre-attuned to a specific element.
  • Silver-Aether Alloy Wire (x10 feet): Thin, highly conductive wire made from a precise blend of silver and Aethersteel. Used for inlaying the runes and creating the energy pathways within the blade.
  • High-Quality Leather (x1 square foot): Durable, yet supple leather for wrapping the hilt. This should be treated to resist wear and tear, and potentially imbued with minor enchantments for grip and comfort.
  • Polishing Compounds (various): Specialized compounds, often containing trace amounts of Aether, used to achieve the Aethersteel’s characteristic smooth, dark finish.
  • Flux (Aetheric): A specially prepared flux, often containing powdered Aether crystals, used to aid in bonding the Aethersteel and preventing impurities during forging.
  • Binding Agent: Used to hold the crystal in place.
• Tools Required:
  • Aetheric Forge: A forge capable of reaching and maintaining the extremely high temperatures required to work Aethersteel. This forge must be fueled by a combination of conventional fuel and magically enhanced flames (often requiring a dedicated spellcaster or a complex magical apparatus).
  • Masterwork Smithing Hammers (various sizes and shapes): Hammers of exceptional quality, perfectly balanced and hardened for working with Aethersteel. These are often made of Aethersteel themselves.
  • Anvils (various sizes): High-quality anvils, preferably made of Aethersteel or another incredibly dense material, to withstand the force of forging Aethersteel.
  • Tongs (various sizes and shapes): Specialized tongs designed to securely grip hot Aethersteel without damaging it.
  • Crystal Shaping Tools: Precision tools (diamond-tipped saws, grinders, and polishers) for cutting, shaping, and faceting the Aether crystal without causing fractures or flaws.
  • Rune Engraving Tools: Extremely fine tools for etching the intricate runes onto the blade and hilt. These tools are often magically enhanced for precision and control.
  • Aetheric Focusing Lens: A device used to channel and direct Aetheric energy during the infusion and attunement processes. This is a delicate and complex instrument.
  • Safety Goggles (with Aetheric shielding): Essential for protecting the eyes from the intense light and potential sparks generated during forging and Aetheric manipulation.
• Skill Requirements:
  • Master Smith (Aethersteel): Requires years of dedicated practice and a deep understanding of Aethersteel’s unique properties. This includes forging, shaping, tempering, and finishing techniques specific to this rare metal.
  • Expert Aetheric Manipulation: Requires extensive knowledge of Aetheric theory, crystal resonance, and the safe handling of potent magical energies. This skill is essential for attuning the crystal and infusing the sword with elemental power.
  • Journeyman Rune Scribe: Requires proficiency in engraving intricate runes with precision and accuracy. This includes knowledge of the specific runic language used to channel Aetheric energy.
  • Mind’s Eye: Use is needed to check and adjust to the original.
• Crafting Steps:
  • Prepare the Aethersteel: Heat the Aethersteel ingots in the Aetheric Forge to the precise temperature required for forging. This temperature is significantly higher than that needed for conventional metals and must be carefully monitored.
  • Forge the Blade: Using the masterwork hammers and anvils, carefully shape the heated Aethersteel into the desired blade profile. This requires repeated heating, hammering, and folding to achieve the correct shape, balance, and strength. Apply the Aetheric flux during forging to prevent impurities and ensure a strong bond within the metal.
  • Create the Fuller: Carefully forge or grind the fuller (the groove) down the center of the blade. This reduces weight and improves balance.
  • Shape the Hilt Components: Forge the crossguard and pommel from separate pieces of Aethersteel. These components should be designed to fit together perfectly and provide a secure and comfortable grip.
  • Prepare the Aether Crystal: Using the crystal shaping tools, carefully cut, facet, and polish the Aether crystal to the desired shape and size. This is a delicate process; any flaws or imperfections can disrupt the crystal’s ability to channel energy.
  • Engrave the Runes: Using the rune engraving tools, meticulously etch the channeling runes onto the blade (within the fuller) and the hilt components. These runes must be precise and accurate to ensure proper energy flow.
  • Inlay the Runes: Carefully inlay the silver-Aether alloy wire into the engraved runes. This creates the pathways for the Aetheric energy to flow through the blade.
  • Assemble the Hilt: Fit the crossguard, grip (wrapped in treated leather), and pommel together, ensuring a tight and secure fit. The Aether crystal should be carefully positioned within the pommel, where it will be protected and can channel energy efficiently. Secure the Aether Crystal using a specialized binding agent, ensuring it is held firmly in place without disrupting its resonance.
  • Infuse the Blade: Using the Aetheric Focusing Lens, channel Aetheric energy into the assembled sword, focusing on the runes and the Aether crystal. This is the most critical and dangerous step. The smith must carefully control the flow of energy, attuning the blade to the crystal’s elemental affinity and binding the components together into a unified whole.
  • Temper and Harden: Carefully heat and quench the blade multiple times, using precise temperature control to achieve the desired hardness and flexibility. Aethersteel requires a unique tempering process, often involving specialized quenching liquids or magically controlled environments.
  • Polish and Finish: Polish the blade and hilt to a smooth, dark finish using the specialized polishing compounds. This enhances the Aethersteel’s natural beauty and provides a protective layer.
  • Final Attunement: Conduct a final attunement ritual, focusing the wielder’s intent and will through the sword. This establishes a connection between the wielder and the weapon, allowing them to channel elemental energy more effectively. Use of the Mind’s Eye is essential for comparison.

This crafting process is incredibly demanding, requiring not only exceptional skill but also access to rare materials and specialized tools. The resulting Aethersteel Sword is a testament to the crafter’s mastery and a weapon of unparalleled power and beauty.

Lay of Emberstrike, the First Forged Flame

Hearken now, ye seekers of lore, to a fragment of song, chipped and worn by the ages, a tale carried on tongues twisted by time. It speaks of Emberstrike, the first of the Aethersteel blades, though such a name is but a crude approximation of its true essence.

Before cities rose, before empires crumbled, when the world was a tapestry woven of raw magic and untamed elements, there walked a warrior named… ah, the name is lost, swallowed by the mists. Some call her simply the “First Blade,” others, the “Dawnforger.” She was of a people who understood the dance of fire, not as a destroyer, but as a shaper. They were not smiths, not as you know them, but… weavers of heat and metal.

But a shadow fell upon their land – a creeping cold, a silence that devoured flame. The histories call it the “Great Frost,” a being, perhaps, or a force of nature, born of the deepest winter. It snuffed out hearths, froze rivers solid, and turned living flesh to brittle ice. The First Blade’s people dwindled, their fires fading, their warmth stolen.

Driven by grief and a spark of defiance, the First Blade journeyed to the heart of the world, to a place where the earth bled fire – a volcano, yes, but more than that. It was a wound in reality, a place where the veil between the mortal realm and the raw stuff of creation was thin. There, amidst the roaring flames and molten rock, she found it.

Not metal, not stone, but… solidified potential. Aethersteel, you call it, but to her, it was the tears of the world, wept in the face of the Great Frost. It was cold to the touch, yet it burned with an inner light, a defiance of all that sought to extinguish flame.

She did not forge it, not with hammer and anvil. She sang to it. She sang the songs of her people, the songs of fire and resilience, the songs of defiance against the encroaching cold. She sang until her voice was raw, until her throat bled, until the very air around her shimmered with the power of her grief and her hope.

And the Aethersteel… responded. It flowed like water, it shaped itself like clay, it became an extension of her will. It formed a blade, yes, but not merely a blade. It was a conduit, a vessel, a promise. Into its heart, she poured the last ember of her people’s sacred fire, a spark she had carried, hidden, from the Great Frost. It was not mere fire, but the memory of fire, the essence of warmth and light.

The blade… awakened. It pulsed with a heat that was not heat, a light that was not light. It was the embodiment of defiance, of the will to survive, of the refusal to let the flame be extinguished.

With Emberstrike in hand, the First Blade confronted the Great Frost. The details are lost, obscured by metaphor and fragmented memory. Did she slay it? Did she banish it? The tales disagree. Some say she carved a path of fire through its icy heart, others that she melted its frozen domain, still others that she simply… persuaded it to retreat, showing it the enduring power of warmth and life.

What is known is that the Great Frost receded. The world, scarred but not broken, began to heal. And the First Blade… vanished. Some say she ascended, becoming one with the flame she had wielded. Others say she simply walked away, her task complete, leaving Emberstrike behind as a legacy, a reminder.

The blade itself was lost, found, lost again, countless times throughout the ages. Each time it resurfaced, it brought with it both triumph and tragedy, for it was a weapon of immense power, but also a burden, a responsibility.

Moral of the Story: Even in the face of overwhelming darkness, the smallest spark of hope, when nurtured and wielded with courage, can ignite a flame that changes the world. But power without purpose is a dangerous thing, and the greatest victories are often those that leave no lasting scars. True strength lies not in domination, but in resilience, and the will to endure.

Suggested conversions to other systems:

Call of Cthulhu (7th Edition)

    Item: Aethersteel Sword

• (Unique Artifact)
• Description: A blade of impossibly dark metal, etched with faintly glowing runes. It feels strangely warm or cold to the touch, depending on its imbued element.
• SAN Loss: 1/1D6 Sanity points upon first wielding the sword (witnessing its unnatural properties and feeling its power).
• Stats:
  • Damage: 1D8 + db + 1d6 (elemental) +1. The 1d6 elemental damage type is determined by the sword’s specific Aether crystal (fire, ice, lightning, etc.).
  • Attacks per round: 1 (or as per fighter’s skill)
  • Build: 1
  • HP: 20
  • Malfunction: 96-100 (On a D100 roll, when using the elemental channeling, the sword malfunctions. This could result in the energy backlashing on the wielder, the sword temporarily losing its power, or some other strange and dangerous effect.)
• Skills:
  • Melee Weapon (Sword): Used for attacking.
  • Occult: A successful roll might grant insight into the sword’s history, its connection to the Aether, or how to better control its elemental power (at the Keeper’s discretion, and likely at a SAN cost).
  • Cthulhu Mythos: A successful roll might reveal the sword’s true nature, possibly linking it to entities or forces beyond human comprehension (at a significant SAN cost).
• Mechanics:
  • Elemental Channeling: Once per round, as a bonus action, the wielder can channel the sword’s elemental power, adding 1D6 elemental damage to their next successful attack. This channeling, however, carries a risk (see Malfunction).
  • Unnatural Sharpness: The Aethersteel Sword ignores mundane armor that is not magically enhanced. Against creatures with magical protection or unnatural toughness, the sword’s +1 to damage is a significant advantage.
  • Sanity Drain: Prolonged use of the sword (especially its channeling ability) might lead to additional SAN loss, as the wielder is exposed to the raw power of the Aether (Keeper’s discretion).

Blades in the Dark

    Item: Aethersteel Blade

• (Unique Weapon, Quality 6)
• Description: A blade of impossibly sharp, dark metal that hums with barely-contained energy. Runes glow faintly along its length.
• Effect:
  • Tier: VI (Reflects the extreme rarity and power)
  • Damage: Deadly (Inflicts level 3 harm on a hit). The harm type can be chosen by the wielder each time they attack, corresponding to the sword’s element (e.g., “fiery,” “freezing,” “electrifying”).
• Qualities:
  • Fine: The blade is exceptionally well-made, granting +1d to attack rolls.
  • Aether-Charged: Once per downtime, the blade can be recharged with Aetheric energy. While charged, the blade inflicts +1 harm. Recharging requires access to a skilled Hull or a source of Aetheric power.
  • Dangerous: If the wielder rolls a 1-3 on an attack roll with the Aethersteel Blade, they suffer level 2 harm of the blade’s chosen type (e.g., “burned,” “frozen,” “shocked”).
• Mechanics:
  • Acquisition: Acquiring an Aethersteel Blade would be a major undertaking, likely the culmination of a long-term project or a significant score.
  • Devil’s Bargain: A player might take a Devil’s Bargain related to the blade, such as attracting the attention of a powerful spirit tied to the sword’s element, or risking a catastrophic overload of the blade’s energy.

Dungeons & Dragons (5e)

    Item: Aethersteel Sword

• (Weapon, Longsword, Legendary, Requires Attunement)
• Description: A blade of dark, shimmering metal, etched with glowing runes. It feels perfectly balanced and hums with a faint energy.
• Stats:
  • Damage: 1d8 + 2 slashing damage (1d10 + 2 versatile)
  • Properties: Finesse, Versatile
  • Magic: +3
• Abilities:
  • Aether Channeling: Once per turn, when you hit a creature with this sword, you can expend a bonus action to deal an additional 2d6 damage of a type determined by the sword’s Aether crystal (fire, cold, lightning, acid, or thunder). You choose the damage type when you attune to the sword, and it cannot be changed.
  • Aethersteel: Attacks with this sword ignore resistance to nonmagical slashing damage.
• Mechanics:
  • Attunement: Requires attunement by a creature proficient with martial weapons.
  • Versatile: Can be wielded with one or two hands.

Knave

    Item: Aethersteel Sword

• (Unique Artifact)
• Description: A black blade that whispers with power. Runes glow when it strikes.
• Stats:
  • Damage: d8 + 1 Quality: d10
  • Properties: Elemental, Sharp
  • Slots: 1
• Abilities:
  • Elemental: On a successful hit, the sword deals an additional 1d4 damage of a specific type (fire, cold, lightning, etc.). The type is determined when the sword is found.
  • Sharp: The sword ignores any armor bonus of 3 or less, unless that armor is magical.
  • Unstable: When the damage is rolled for this weapon. On a roll of 1, it malfunctions in a spectacular and potentially dangerous way (GM’s discretion).
• Mechanics:
  • Simple and straightforward, in keeping with Knave’s design philosophy. The Elemental and Sharp properties make it a powerful weapon, but the Unstable quality introduces a risk.

Fate (Core)

    Item: Aethersteel Sword

• Description: A blade of impossibly dark metal, etched with faintly glowing runes. It feels perfectly balanced and hums with contained power.
• Aspects:
  • High Concept: Elemental-Charged Aethersteel Blade
  • Trouble: Draws Attention from Those Who Seek Power
  • Other Aspects: Razor-Sharp Aethersteel, Bound to [Element], Legacy of the First Blade
• Skills:
  • Fight: Used for attacking with the sword. The Razor-Sharp Aethersteel aspect can be invoked for a bonus.
  • Lore: Used to understand the sword’s history and properties.
  • Will: May be used to resist any unwanted influences from the sword’s elemental nature or past.
• Stunts:
  • Elemental Fury: Spend a fate point to add +2 to a Fight attack roll and change the damage type to the sword’s associated element (fire, cold, lightning, etc.).
  • Aethersteel Defense: Spend a fate point to invoke the Razor-Sharp Aethersteel aspect when defending against a physical attack, even if it wouldn’t normally apply. This represents the blade’s ability to deflect blows.
• Mechanics:
  • Elemental Damage: The sword’s associated element ([Element] in the aspect) can be used to create advantages or overcome obstacles related to that element.
  • Compels: The Draws Attention from Those Who Seek Power aspect can be compelled to create complications involving rivals, thieves, or powerful entities interested in the sword.
  • Legendary Weapon: The Legacy of the First Blade aspect can be invoked to justify actions that are heroic, defiant, or in line with the sword’s history.

Numenera & Cypher System

    Item: Aethersteel Sword

• (Artifact, Level 6)
• Description: A one-handed sword crafted from a dark, incredibly dense metal. Runes etched along the blade glow with an internal light.
• Level: 6 (Indicates the item’s power and complexity)
• Form: One-handed sword
• Effect:
  • Adds +2 to attack rolls. Inflicts 6 points of damage (base) + elemental damage.
  • The sword is imbued with a specific element (fire, ice, lightning, etc.). On a successful hit, it deals an additional 2 points of damage of that element.
  • Depletion: 1 in 1d10 (check after each combat). When depleted, the sword loses its elemental damage bonus until it can be recharged (a difficult task requiring specialized knowledge and resources).
  • Minor Effect Suggestion: +3 damage.
  • Major Effect Suggestion: Attack all enemies within short range.
• Mechanics:
  • Attacks: Use the standard rules for melee attacks. The sword’s level modifies the difficulty of attacks against creatures with Armor or special defenses.
  • Repair: Repairing a damaged Aethersteel Sword requires specialized knowledge (Understanding Numenera) and rare materials.

Pathfinder (Second Edition)

    Item: Aethersteel Sword

• (Unique Weapon, Longsword, Magical, Artifact, Level 12)
• Description: A perfectly balanced longsword crafted from dark, shimmering Aethersteel. Runes of elemental power glow faintly along the blade.
• Stats:
  • Weapon (Longsword)
  • Price: Priceless
  • Damage 1d8+3 S; Bulk 1
  • Hands 1 or 2
  • Group Sword; Category Martial
  • Traits Artifact, Magical, Versatile P, [Elemental Trait]
• Properties
  • +3 weapon potency rune (to attack rolls)
  • +3 striking rune (+3 damage)
  • Elemental Strike: Once per round, when you hit a creature with this sword, you can deal an additional 2d6 damage of the sword’s associated element (fire, cold, electricity, acid, or sonic). The damage type is determined when the sword is found and cannot be changed.
  • Aethersteel: The sword ignores resistance to nonmagical slashing damage. It is also exceptionally durable.
• Mechanics:
  • Versatile: Can be used one-handed (d8 damage) or two-handed (d10 damage).

Savage Worlds (Adventure Edition)

    Item: Aethersteel Sword

• (Relic)
• Description: A blade of dark, impossibly sharp metal that hums with contained energy. It feels light and responsive in the hand.
• Stats:
  • Damage: Str+d8+2 (AP 4)
  • AP: 4 (Armor Piercing – reduces target’s Armor by 4)
  • Parry: +1 (Due to its balance and responsiveness)
  • Notes: Elemental, Heavy Weapon
• Abilities:
  • Elemental: On a successful hit, and with a raise on the attack roll, the sword deals an additional 2d4 damage of a specific type (fire, cold, lightning, etc.). The type is determined when the sword is found.
• Mechanics:
  • The +2 is the magic bonus.
  • Heavy Weapon: The Aethersteel Sword is treated as a Heavy Weapon, meaning it can damage heavily armored targets.
  • Wild Die for attack.

Shadowrun (6th Edition World)

    Item: Aethersteel Sword

• (Unique Weapon Focus)
• Description: A blade of incredibly dense, dark metal, etched with glowing runes that shift with the wielder’s magical energy.
• Stats:
  • Reach: 1
  • Damage: (STR + 4)P (Physical)
  • AP: -6
  • Mode: –
  • RC: –
  • Ammo: –
  • Availability: 24F
  • Cost: 45,000¥ (plus the cost of the Force rating)
• Modifications:
  • Weapon Focus (Force 4): The Aethersteel Sword is a bonded weapon focus of Force 4. This means it grants +4 dice to the wielder’s Spellcasting, Counterspelling, and Ritual Spellcasting tests when used as a focus. It must be bonded to a magician to be used effectively.
  • Elemental Attunement: The sword is attuned to a specific element (fire, cold, electricity, etc.). When the wielder channels a spell of that element through the sword, they gain +1 dice to the Spellcasting test and the spell’s damage is increased by 1.
  • Material Enhancement: The Aethersteel construction grants the sword exceptional Armor Penetration.
  • The blade can only be damaged by magical attacks.
• Mechanics:
  • Blades Skill: Used for attacking.
  • Bonding: Requires the standard ritual for bonding a weapon focus.
  • Magical Damage: The sword’s damage can affect astral entities and creatures with Immunity to Normal Weapons.

Starfinder

    Item: Aethersteel Longsword

• (Unique Advanced Melee Weapon, Level 14)
• Description: A one-handed sword crafted from an incredibly strong, dark metal alloy. Runes along the blade glow with the energy of a chosen element.
• Stats:
  • Level: 14
  • Price: Priceless
  • Damage: 6d8+4 S
  • Critical: Corrode 4d6 (or other appropriate critical effect for the element)
  • Bulk: 1
  • Special: Analog, Powered (capacity 20, usage 1), Breach
• Properties:
  • Aetherium Battery: The sword is powered by a small, rare Aetherium Battery. A full battery provides 20 charges.
  • Elemental Infusion: When activated (a swift action), the sword deals an additional 2d6 damage of a specific type (fire, cold, electricity, acid, or sonic) for 1 minute. The damage type is determined when the sword is found.
  • Breach: This weapon can inflict a critical hit on an object, regardless of the object’s hardness.
• Mechanics:
  • Standard melee attack rules apply.

Traveller (Mongoose 2e)

    Item: Aethersteel Blade

• (Unique Weapon)
• Description: A sword of unknown origin, crafted from an exceptionally strong and sharp dark metal. It seems to hum faintly with energy.
• Stats:
  • Damage: 3d6+3
  • AP: 8
  • Tech Level: 16+ (Far beyond the standard TL scale)
  • Traits: Aether-Powered, Elemental (choose one), Unbalanced
• Features:
  • Aether-Powered: The sword requires a rare and potentially dangerous Aetherium Cell for its special abilities. A cell provides 1D6+6 uses.
  • Elemental: On a successful hit, the wielder can activate the cell to deal an additional 2D6 damage of a specific type (fire, cold, energy, etc.). The damage type is determined when the sword is found.
  • Unbalanced: The blade is +1 to parry, -1 to hit.
• Mechanics:
  • Uses standard Melee (Blades) skill.
  • The high AP value allows it to penetrate most armor.
  • The Aetherium Cell requirement makes using the sword’s special abilities a strategic decision.

Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay (4th Edition)

    Item: Aethersteel Sword

• (Unique Magical Weapon)
• Description: A blade of unnaturally dark metal, etched with faintly glowing runes. It feels unnaturally light and well-balanced.
• Stats:
  • Weapon Group: Swords
  • Damage: SB + 6
  • Qualities: Magical, Fast, Penetrating +2, Unbreakable
  • Flaws: Tiring
  • Encumbrance: 1
  • Availability: Unique
• Properties:
  • Aether-Charged: Once per round, the wielder can activate the sword’s power as a Free Action. On a successful hit, the sword deals an additional 1d10 damage of a specific type (fire, cold, lightning, etc.). The type is determined when the sword is found.
  • Magical: The Aethersteel Sword bypasses resistances and immunities to non-magical weapons.
  • Fast: This quality grants a +10 bonus to Initiative rolls when the weapon is drawn.
  • Penetrating: Reduces the effectiveness of armor.
  • Unbreakable: The blade is magically protected.
  • Tiring: Causes fatigue after prolonged use.
• Mechanics:
  • Uses the Melee (Basic) skill.
  • The combination of Fast, Penetrating, and Aether-Charged makes this an exceptionally deadly weapon.
  • The GM might introduce additional rules for the sword’s Aether-Charged ability, such as a risk of magical backlash or attracting the attention of Daemons.