Rattlespine
Account One, by Marcus
As this sword has revealed some interesting things it seemed prudent for it to have it’s own page.
This great-sword was in the possession of the Horned King. It is alive and seems to be carved of still living bone. It is still composed similarly with the center red acting as blood producing marrow and the white exterior as the hardened cartilage giving it its structure. Injury to the sword heals almost immediately and it’s regenerative properties are remarkable making one wonder how it was carved in the first place. It it nearly indestructible to breakage but I (Marcus) hypothesize that if needed it could be destroyed with a virulent enough disease or potent enough poison. Because of it’s nature disease seems the more effective route.
It appears to hate the Ounish, or at least Loroshan Longbraid who began to rock slightly in it’s presence, possibly compelled to touch it, at which point doing so killed him outright.
Other information about the sword being carved from the spine of a giant titan when the beastmen came into power in their world are best told by one who experienced the vision themselves.
Account Two, by Ghost Tiger
The sword Rattlespine is an ancient weapon on which dozens of papers could be written and still not properly cover this weapon’s history. I (Ghost Tiger) will say what I know.
This weapon belonged to the one known as the Horned King. As I (Ghost Tiger) can surmise, this is a title specifically conferred to the one who can master the “will” of this sword (more on that later).
Those known to me (Ghost Tiger) as the “Wanderlings of Nexus” were in a battle with the previous Horned King (real name unknown). His possession of this weapon is what confirmed his right to rule his people in general; but there was/is at least one that contested him (Prince Kourath Kell?).
The previous Horned King Waged a four year war against the Wanderlings. Despite overwhelming numbers and ferocity on the part of the Beastmen, the Wanderlings survived; in doing so, begin to drive the previous Horned King mad with anger and spite. This caused the previous Horned King to commit a critical error in strategy in which he committed himself and the bulk of his offense against the much leaner and adaptable forces of the Wanderlings instead of facing the one contesting his throne. [As a side note, it has been suggested that the Horned King had no choice but to put down the threat of the Wanderlings to ensure his right to rule just as he would have had to face Prince Kourath Kell. I submit that his major error was in not ending the threat of Prince Kourath Kell in the first place, thereby being more able to focus his forces and regain a stronger hold on his wayward troops. More on that when I complete my dissertation, New and Advanced Tactics of the Forest; The Fighting of Many Worlds.]
Needless to say, his error cost him dearly as he separated the head from his forces and presented himself to a surgical strike. The battle was long and the Horned King preformed a rite that kept him alive long enough to continue fighting instead of succumbing to death when his body gave out. If not for the Circle of Smoke and Cedar (the 6th of the 13th Harmonious Changes), the Wanderlings would have been slain (this will also be addressed in a later paper). Instead, the Wanderlings were able to deal a devastating blow, while also suffering great loses, and then wait out the end of the ritual therein which the previous Horned King Died. Prior to doing so, he lead his Lieutenants to witness his death and fight over who would bare or wield the sword Rattlespine. They did fight amongst themselves some, but were also focused on the Wanderlings left alive and protected. Many of the Wanderlings shouted concerns and threats of dire consequences if the sword Rattlespine, were not recovered. I (Ghost Tiger), Ji’yun, and Cana the Wall were fully recovered (as I understand it) and I (Ghost Tiger) had decided not to die in the rain. If only to quite the ranting, I (Ghost Tiger) lead Cana the Wall and Ji’yun against those Beastmen who remained. I (Ghost Tiger) had little intention of taking up the sword and the original plan was to allow Ji’yun, friend of Kourath Kell, to take it up. Unfortunately, I (Ghost Tiger) was driven back by foul sorcery, and had planned to dash down a trail where I may face my (Ghost Tiger) opponents on a field of my (Ghost Tiger) choosing, possibly taking them by surprise. Very quickly I (Ghost Tiger) literally stumbled upon the body of the previous Horned King and the sword Rattlespine. Having been convinced that the death of the previous Horned King and the capture of his sword Rattlespine would end not only the battle, but the war, I (Ghost Tiger) picked it up.
At this point, I (Ghost Tiger) must relate this tale in something of a more emotional narrative. I (Ghost Tiger) “felt” the sword in my mind and throughout my body. I (Ghost Tiger) did not want to put it down, but something in the back of my (Ghost Tiger) mind cautioned me that what I (Ghost Tiger) had was bigger than I (Ghost Tiger) could imagine. I (Ghost Tiger) felt both fear and anguish, but my (Ghost Tiger) desire won out. I (Ghost Tiger) would like to say it was the desire to see an end to the fighting, but I (Ghost Tiger) fear it was something more primal and less moral.
As many saw that night, it took a while to return to my (Ghost Tiger) right mind. The feelings that were transmitted were rage, anger, spite, than a feeling of overwhelming confidence and a desire to see my (Ghost Tiger) enemies slain. That night I (Ghost Tiger) have never wielded a sword with such power and might. Nothing could stop my (Ghost Tiger) attacks and I (Ghost Tiger) knew I (Ghost Tiger) could spread fear as the previous Horned King had. The easiest way to explain this is in analogy. Imagine if you will how a child or pet will become agitated and upset when their parent is angry as well, even if they do not understand the why. In this case I (Ghost Tiger) was the child and the sword was the parent whose emotions overwhelmed my (Ghost Tiger) own.
After a couple hours of steady meditation, I (Ghost Tiger) was able to reclaim my (Ghost Tiger) inner calm and with the help of Tyrsia, Ji’yun, and Yang Lei we made an initial study of the sword. Here is what we learned that first night in the rain:
The sword is alive in the same sense that a tree or person is alive.
It is not indestructible so much as it regenerates at such a rate as to appear so (a nick on the blade will re-grow near instantly).
All my (Ghost Tiger) powerful attacks are so mighty as to be unstoppable and twice as deadly.
I (Ghost Tiger) can emote fear to all in my (Ghost Tiger) presence (as we witnessed the previous Horned King do).
The sword Rattlespine could project its “feelings” to me (Ghost Tiger).
Anyone else who tried to grasp or take the sword risked death or at the very least extreme pain.
The sword Rattlespine chose me (Ghost Tiger) to “bare” it.
Presently, I (Ghost Tiger) am not in harmony with myself as the sword seeks a true master/king, thus I (Ghost Tiger) could not keep this sword permanently without long term harm (thus I Ghost Tiger am cursed at the moment).
In times of strife (such as combat, but not limited to) the sword Rattlespine can and likely will exert more changes on me and those I (Ghost Tiger) fight.
If I (Ghost Tiger) have left anything out, it is unintentional. The events of that night are imprinted on my (Ghost Tiger) mind, but almost as if I (Ghost Tiger) was reading about them. I (Ghost Tiger) invite those that examined the sword with me to extrapolate or correct anything incorrectly stated above.
The next time the sword was examined was at the event (Fete of Worlds) sponsored by Princess Madelyn. In between the night of capture and that event, I (Ghost Tiger) spent most of my (Ghost Tiger) time in study or travel attempting to acquaint myself with Forest and its inhabitants. Apologies if I (Ghost Tiger) seemed out of touch.
At the Fete of Worlds (as I Ghost Tiger understand it to be), the sword had to pass with me as the guards were unable to bare it. There were many who looked upon and inquired about the sword. But none “felt” anything other than wonder, awe, or their own indifference. I asked Crimson Anvil, the greatest weapon-smith in the Empire, and arguably the Forest to examine the sword. He did so, and was able to state this:
The blade is not any type of metal.
The blade cuts sharper than any type of metal.
The Blade is not made according to the 1000 Acceptable Ways.
The center handle is a type of sinew (still living) and the center of the blade that we see as red is a sort of circulatory system.
The design is longer than any normal blade could be and still be wielded [Note, Crimson Anvil stated it was not the longest blade he had known, but stating so caused the sword Rattlespine to emote feelings of jealousy to me].
Crimson Anvil touched the blade and it was only due to his great toughness that he was unwounded. Yet he was greatly pained.
Only sorcery could determine anything else about the blade.
I (Ghost Tiger) had every intention of allowing an open investigation into the nature of the sword when the night had settled down and those that had such occult and sorcery knowledge could do so. Unfortunately (and I Ghost Tiger still regret and apologize for this), I grew lax in my (Ghost Tiger) watchfulness of the blade. The one known as Laroshen Krell known as Longbraid (please verify name) felt an overwhelming sensation of hatred very old. Apparently he (Laroshen) also felt on overwhelming desire to touch or grasp the sword. Earlier that evening, I (Ghost Tiger) had a chance to speak to him (Laroshen). He stated that the sword was “… a bucket of all kinds of badness.” He (Laroshen) seemed to be able to sense that there was“wrongness” about the sword but could not or would not explain further. I (Ghost Tiger) unsure if this was due to him (Laroshen) not knowing how to express this, or if there was truly something beyond his (Laroshen) kenning to express. As those who were there witnessed, Laroshen succumbed to an overwhelming desire to touch the sword and was killed instantly. Only through miraculous healing efforts (by Breezy) was he returned to life and even than he (Laroshen) was scarred and disturbed by his (Laroshen) encounter.
I (Ghost Tiger) would like to pause here and express my (Ghost Tiger) most sincere apologies for what transpired. Since then, I (Ghost Tiger) have determined never to leave the sword unguarded by either myself or one of my (Ghost Tiger) men. If Laroshen should determine that there is some compensation that I may repay him for what happened I will humbly and gladly do so.
After the incident with Laroshen, all that could and would were invited to investigate the Sword. Many attended and I (Ghost Tiger) not familiar enough with the residents of Nexus to know who was in attendance and invite those that performed this investigation to say so here. Most (or all) of those present received a vision as well as learning some more qualities about the sword. The sword did not seem at all concerned or upset upon examination and I (Ghost Tiger) surmise that it is a bit vain and enjoys or prefers being the center of attention (that is speculation on my Ghost Tiger’s part).
The vision was as follows: A great titan or god or both on a distant world in a time far removed, before time was recorded or even counted. This Titan was larger than could be described. It was hunted by strange creatures/humanoids (proto-beastmen?) for age upon age. It was wounded, and trapped until at some point it was killed. The creatures that hunted and killed it, feasted in celebration/ritual upon the titan’s flesh. The spine was taken and shaped and great “sorcery” was worked upon it. Sorcery that was both primal and long since lost gave life to the sword Rattlespine. The people who feasted upon the titan were transformed and this sword became part of them and they a part of it (Beastmen origin?).
If I (Ghost Tiger) am wrong or mistaken in any part of this, it is by accident and I (Ghost Tiger) invite those that know to post corrections but please do not erase what I (Ghost Tiger) wrote as the vision may actually prove slightly different and yet all true to each of us.
We learned 5 things listed below in no specific order other than what I (Ghost Tiger) can recall:
The sword Rattlespine, while alive does not have a soul. It has echoes of emotions, feelings, thoughts. I (Ghost Tiger) surmise these are related to those that bore the sword in the past. Thus it may have emotions, but no moral to guide it (that is speculation on my Ghost Tiger’s part).
The sword Rattlespine is a “King-maker.” It was unclear what this means, but I (Ghost Tiger) suspect that there are two designations for obtaining the sword. One, as the barer (which is what I Ghost Tiger am) who may use the sword but only until one, presumably a Beastman, can infuse/in-part/enforce their will upon the blade; Two, the king, presumably the “Horned King” who bonds with the sword so that their destiny may be fully realized (that is speculation on my Ghost Tiger’s part).
A sense of Fertility, but primal and not at all human. As a spider feels compelled to spread its offspring across a field thus would the sword/wielder feel compelled to spread ever further.
The sword is indeed living thus 2 methods of destruction are suggested; poison or disease and a truly grand scale, but this is speculation.
It has powers and/or aspects that are so old as to be forgotten or atrophied by the blade itself. It can and does hate but whether this is due to the wielder, or the conditions for which the sword moved or experienced are unknown. This is when we received the vision.
There is also more to the sword in the very aspect of how it was created and is maintained that we do not know and is possibly beyond our grasp not being a part of those that created/wielded it.
After this investigation, the sword was placed out of site and kept under my (Ghost Tiger) personal guard. What was further discussed was the effect the word would have on whoever held it with the intention of being “king.”
The rest of this is speculation on my (Ghost Tiger) part. I (Ghost Tiger) am unsure if the wielder must be of sufficient will to enforce their own purpose or if the sword will not allow those it cannot control to bare it. I (Ghost Tiger) realize this means that I (Ghost Tiger) may not always be in possession of my (Ghost Tiger) own will. I (Ghost Tiger) refuse to burden another with this, as it is clear the sword can and will mean instant death for any it does not permit to touch. I (Ghost Tiger) intend to speak directly and at great length to this Prince Kourath Kell in order to learn more about the sword’s nature, history, and potential. I (Ghost Tiger) also intend to learn the nature of Prince Kourath Kell as the power imbued in and by this sword can cause great harm. I (Ghost Tiger) will not name who, but it was discussed with me (Ghost Tiger) that perhaps it would be safer to destroy the sword now rather than risk the possible machinations of another Horned King. This is not bad advice and I will see the sword destroyed or myself (Ghost Tiger) dead before I hand over the sword and start a war on the scale the previous Horned King waged. I (Ghost Tiger) mean no disrespect to Prince Kourath Kell and only consider the eventual safety of my (Ghost Tiger) own home. Yang Lie, my loyal friend, soldier and sword brother knows me better than anyone here in the Forest. I will rely upon him to help me keep my own thoughts and feelings separate from that of the sword Rattlespine. I recommend others that may travel or meet us, also heed his advice. I (Ghost Tiger) hold no ill will for what may need to be done in order to ensure this sword cause no further harm.
Penned by the 3rd rank Scholar, Explorer Bai Guey-hu,
called the Ghost Tiger
Account Three, follow-up by Ghost Tiger
I (Ghost Tiger) am adding to this, that the Sword Rattlespine has been given to (now) Horned King Kourath.
I (Ghost Tiger) tested him on five qualities:
1) Nobility and honesty
2) Personal will and confidence
3) Good humor
4) Decorum
5) Patience
While all he was unaware of the nature of these test, he passed them all, some more readily than others. I (Ghost Tiger) feel confident and comfortable in this action. I (Ghost Tiger) freely confess, that with no precedents, I (Ghost Tiger) did as well as I (Ghost Tiger) could do. Being the “Bearer” of the blade seemed to lead some insight.
Transference of the sword caused an instant change of “Prince” Korath Kell,” into the Horned King.
May the ancestors guide us all in peace and harmony. I (Ghost Tiger) will write more when and if there is more.
Penned by the 3rd rank Scholar, Explorer Bai Guey-hu,
called the Ghost Tiger