Edged Hope
A gift from the A'arden God of Spring, Auster, Edged Hope is an Artefact weapon used during the Age of Darkness to purge and purify residual Fiendish energies from former forest and woodland sites, allowing them the chance to regrow. It was wielded by Auster's Chosen, Ruana Dairyrrius, a Human from the central part of the continent of Duraloth. The sword now resides in the Temple of the Hopeful Dawn in the Vilihtis region of Lafellia.
Edged Hope is a sabre whose blunt edge is decorated with carved and engraved images of blooming flowers. The grip is wrapped in green leather stitched with gold thread. The ornate knuckle-bow is crafted in the shape of twisting vines with tiny flowers detailed using glittering gemstones and a green tassel hangs from it. The pommel is engraved with an image of a dawning sun.
As an Artefact, Edged Hope is known to have Divine essence infused within it. It glows with a faint golden light and has the ability to purify or purge energies. It is known to be particularly effective against Fiendish magics, and does additional radiant damage when used against Fiends and Undead. As a weapon, it is keened and has magical enhancements that improve effectiveness and damage output.
History
Ruana Dairyrrius had been Auster's Chosen for several years before she was gifted the sword to aid her in the process of restoring the balance of nature within A'arde, some time during the middle of the Age of Darkness. She received the blade from Auster's Avatar, Callahan Maemiyan, after stumbling across him while out scouting for food for her companions. She then used the blade to clear a large swathe of corrupted land and bring back its fertility. She travelled through Duraloth until her retirement, when she set up the Church of the Hopeful Dawn in Vilihtis region of Lafellia.
Ruana was given the title of Dawnblade, which is still used today by those named as "Keeper" of the blade, though nobody has claimed to be able to wield it since Dawnblade Ruana. Only the most skilled of Auster's dedicated can be named "Dawnblade", as it carries with it the sole responsibility of caring for and guarding the holy relic.
Edged Hope has not left the Temple of the Hopeful Dawn since Dawnblade Ruana's death. It hangs in pride of place on the wall behind the altar of the Temple, and is only take down for holy ceremonies. It never leaves the walls of the Temple, and it is rumoured that if it is taken outside by anyone other than its destined wielder, calamity will befall the region.
Significance
Edged Hope is considered a Holy Relic and has stories of calamity attached to it. It is therefore fiercely protected by its guardians, the Dawnblades, who will apprehend and ultimately execute anyone who tries to steal it. It is considered an item of great importance to those who follow the Church of the Hopeful Dawn.
Unique
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