Brightblade

D&D 3e (3.0/3.5) Rules

by Tobin Melroy

Game Statistics

The Brightblade acts as a bastard sword, +3. It also adds a +2 modifier to all reaction checks.

Description

The Brightblade is an exquisite hand-and-a-half sword. It is old fashioned with a beautiful golden dragonhead carved into the hilt and powerful dwarven runes of friendship and peace down the entire length of the blade. It is considered to be one of the finest swords dwarves have produced for humans. The Brightblade is approximately 2900 years old, but the blade is still as un-marred as it was the day it was forged.

Unique Properties

The dwarves that forged the Brightblade placed magical runes on the blade, which allows the wielder of the sword to emulate a Daylight spell and a Protection From Evil spell once per day. According to legend, if anyone not of good heart, noble virtue, and courage were to wield it, the blade would shatter. As Sturm put it, "This blade will only break if I do."

History

The Brightblade has a past obscured in legends. This obscurity is due largely in part because the Brightblade family has been fairly closed mouth about it's past and it's powers. What little is known, however, is largely in thanks to Solamnic records. It is known that a dwarf forged the blade about 2900 years ago. The purpose was to commemorate the nobility of a man named Berthel. This knight defended a dwarven traveler from marauding hobgoblins. After dispatching their foes, the dwarf swore an oath to reward Berthel for his bravery. True to his word, the dwarf returned a year later and presented Berthel with the Brightblade. Berthel took the name of the sword as his own, and passed on the blade from generation to generation.

Eventually it came in the hands of Sturm Brightblade, whose exploits are well known. Sturm used it to defend the Tower of the High Clerist from a flight of blue dragons, but unfortunately died in the process. The blade was buried with him in the catacombs of the tower. Years later, the ghost of Sturm Brightblade would pass on the blade to his son, Steel Brightblade. Steel was a Knight of Takhisis, and why the blade never shattered when he wielded it, it is unknown. However, it is speculated that the magic of the Starjewel that Steel wore (which was the symbolic relic of the love of an elf for Sturm) kept the blade from breaking. Steel used the Brightblade to wound the all-powerful god, Chaos. Unfortunately, Steel died shortly after the battle from his wounds. The Brightblade was buried with Steel in the Tomb of the Last Heroes and remains there to this day.

Owners

Berthel Brightblade
Bedal Brightblade
Bayard Brightblade
Galen Pathwarden di Caela Brightblade
Angriff Brightblade
Sturm Brightblade
Steel Brightblade

Reference

The Chronicles Trilogy, The Second Generation, Dragons of Summer Flame by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman
Weasel's Luck, Galen Beknighted, The Oath and the Measure by Michael Williams
Knight's Sword by Colin McComb with Thomas M. Reid
Leaves from the Inn of the Last Home edited by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman

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