Red Blades of Wendar (the making)
by Bruce HeardNow a brief history behind the Red
Blades/War Blades, again comments or questions are welcome.
Hopefully not too many glaring errors. :)
The Red Blades
In 598 AC a human named Henry was born in the town of Wendar. He
was apprenticed as a mill worker at the local mill. During his free
time he liked to carve. He was fascinated with the work of Galinith
BlackOak (the Black Blades). Eventually he tried to imitate some of
Galinith's work. It sold and eventually Henry got his own shop
making carvings. He even made a couple of swords, however lacking
the spell to turn them into oaksteel they were just curious
trinkets. In about 647 AC a elven friend of the family stopped in
and saw the blades. He liked them and the red stain that Henry
used. The blades weren't as good as the Black Blades, but were
better than the Green ones.
The elf, whose name is Melthar the Younger convinced the druids of
one of the sacred groves that a good deal could be struck. The
druids were somewhat reluctant in that Henry worked with some rare
woods. In the agreement Henry would only use the nearby Red Oak for
his blades, one out of ten blades would be given to the druids and
Henry would hire and pay for a unit of 40 guards to help protect
the sacred grove. In exchange every month a druid would come and
cast oaksteel on however many swords Henry and his apprentices had
completed during the month.
Melthar had an idea as well. He had several oils of sharpness that
he never used. If they could be added just before the blades were
changed with oaksteel it could be possible to make blades that
would not need sharpening. Henry decided to stain the blades with a
red preservative. This preservative mixed with the oil of sharpness
had two results. One the blades never needed to be sharpened and
second they never rotted. Methar's cut of the deal was one blade
out of ten, and would have first pick of the remaining blades for a
unit of soldiers he was recruiting to help guard his lands. Other
towns soon decided to invest in some of the Red Blades for militia
units. Since they didn't need to be sharpened and didn't rot the
blades required less work and could be stored easier for times of
need. After some experimentation they discovered that one dose of
oil of sharpness could ready up to 10 blades.
Over time the deal with the druids became very profitable, as
Henry's family also put up a rest stop for the guards patrolling
the sacred groves. A tavern soon followed. The family eventually
came to be known as RedOak as that is the only wood they use. Henry
died in 676 AC but his sons carried on making the now famous Red
Blades. The small village of RedOak is known for the fine blades
and an interesting brew that tastes of apples.
The War Blades
These weapons are made by the RedOak family and further enchanted
by Melthar the Founder of the Red Blades Company. The best blades
produced by the RedOaks were selected. It seems that because of the
oil and the preservative these blades may receive further
enchantment up to 2 months after the oaksteel spell is cast, so
long as the weapon is not used.
They vary in power from +1 to +3, depending on how much time
Melthar has available (remember he also makes the oil of sharpness)
and how many weapons of excellent quality are made during the
month. Most of these weapons are given to experienced army
commanders, and a few may be purchased by those who petition
Melthar. Some of them have additional properties for war
leaders.
These can powers include one of the following (only once per day
all at 10th level of ability).
Haste on those nearby
Dispel Magic
Protection from Evil 10' radius