The Black Blade of Sigismund

Though several similar blades exist and are kept in various armouries in various chapels across the region, no such blade is important as this blade. It was wielded by Sigismund during the warAn artefact of significant historical importance to the Order of the Stag, this sword is of exquisite design. Though large, it is surprisingly light and perfectly balanced, allowing a user to wield it with ease. Currently kept in the armoury at Watcher's Keep, it has been used by all of the Order's champions in the last thousand years. To use it is a great honour in the order and one with much reverence. Those who have wielded it say that the sword itself isn't actually light - more that the sword increases the strength of it's wielder, allowing one to use it one or two-handed despite it's impressive size.   The blade is made of a dark and unknown metal which seems to absorb the very light around it. The blade of the sword has never dulled, through years of use it remains razor sharp. Records state that it has cut through the armour of greater demon lords as if the armour wasn't even there. On one occasion a champion, training with the blade before battle overestimated the amount of force needed to wield the blade and slashed it against a stone pillar in the courtyard. Fearing the worst, she immediately checked the blade's edge to find no mark. The stone pillar however was chipped, and remains so to this day. An ever present reminder of Helm's might. In terms of design, the blade is roughly 54 inches long, with two ricassos which come meet at a point. Along the fuller, on either side of the blade, are marked the words "DEI CASTIGATOR". This is High-Ecriovian for "God's Punishment" and has earned the blade the same nickname.   The crossguard and pommel are made of another unknown metal, this being one of shining gold that has never, over a thousand years, tarnished nor faded. A large diamond shaped gemstone is inlaid into the crossguard. This gem is a pale blue, any who gaze into it swear that the inside of the gem seems to be shifting and moving like the sea during a storm.   The hilt of the blade is made of the same metal as the blade, which has been wrapped in what appears to be red leather. Extensive and very careful research into the grain and texture of the leather is inconclusive, but it is believed to be leather from a demon's hide, and not that of common cattle.