A fascinating quote, given its popularity from the inscription on the condottieri Giovanni delle Bande Nere's statue; himself a man who seemed afflicted with the mindset of a sword:
"From an early age, he demonstrated great interest and ability in physical activity, especially the martial arts of the age, such as horse riding and sword fighting. He committed his first murder at the age of 12, and was twice banished from the city of Florence for his unruly behaviour, including involvement in the rape of a sixteen-year-old boy, Giovanni being about thirteen at the time.[1]"
You've given me the idea that, fiction-wise, in past eras perhaps swords had more power. In the waning days of that reign, swords become less powerful and, thus, maybe more desperate.
well i always saw tools as the intention of its wielders, but sure. also knighthood is too hollywoodian viewed lately. knights had a restrict set of values, but that doesnt imply they would be what we consider good or chivalrous lately.
"The past is a foreign country." We can certainly agree on that!
As one who leans more into the dark fantasy genre, the idea of corrupting influences greatly inspires me. Hence the swords being evil things in general.
I mean no disrespect to history nor those from the past and my writing efforts do come a strictly "entertaining" goal in mind. I leave the truth of the matter with historians. 😉
The swords in the table are wildly flavorful! Each one I read, I could imagine a corresponding mechanic or roleplay element. If I ran a longer term campaign in a game like Shadowdark, all weapons would be reflavoring from this table
cool suplements but real knights know:
“Non mi snudar senza ragione, non mi impugnar senza valore.”
A fascinating quote, given its popularity from the inscription on the condottieri Giovanni delle Bande Nere's statue; himself a man who seemed afflicted with the mindset of a sword:
"From an early age, he demonstrated great interest and ability in physical activity, especially the martial arts of the age, such as horse riding and sword fighting. He committed his first murder at the age of 12, and was twice banished from the city of Florence for his unruly behaviour, including involvement in the rape of a sixteen-year-old boy, Giovanni being about thirteen at the time.[1]"
murder it is a muddy concept when you can also die if you dont defend yourself from young age
You've given me the idea that, fiction-wise, in past eras perhaps swords had more power. In the waning days of that reign, swords become less powerful and, thus, maybe more desperate.
Good inspiration for future writing to be sure!
well i always saw tools as the intention of its wielders, but sure. also knighthood is too hollywoodian viewed lately. knights had a restrict set of values, but that doesnt imply they would be what we consider good or chivalrous lately.
"The past is a foreign country." We can certainly agree on that!
As one who leans more into the dark fantasy genre, the idea of corrupting influences greatly inspires me. Hence the swords being evil things in general.
I mean no disrespect to history nor those from the past and my writing efforts do come a strictly "entertaining" goal in mind. I leave the truth of the matter with historians. 😉
well its a bit anti native the idea that killing corrupts one psyche tbh. just a bit of sensibility check.
The swords in the table are wildly flavorful! Each one I read, I could imagine a corresponding mechanic or roleplay element. If I ran a longer term campaign in a game like Shadowdark, all weapons would be reflavoring from this table
Hey, I really appreciate that Butch! Thanks for the kind words - and let me know if you come up with some in your games!
Really enjoyed this! Super creative and great inspiration. Thanks :)
Thanks James - appreciate the kind words. I'd love to see folks make some weird swords; if you end up doing so, let me know!