#odyssey

"I am honored, again." and he unbelts his weapons, offering it on two open palms to the Duke.

The Duke takes it, and admires it despite the fractures "Fine blade, strong enchantment. And tonight it's gift of speed made the difference."

"This welder does not deserve this weapon." August observes ruefully.

"THAT is an untruth" The Duke frowns at August "Everything you have done has been for the preservation of life. At every turn you have tried to preserve, even, I am told, your enemies. In that regard, you are a rare man of uncommon worth. You saved my heir. You ended a threat against my Duchy. You stopped abduction all over Concordia. Aye, with help, but you were there and you put yourself to the Hazard again and again. There are better swordsman. There are more powerful magickers I am sure. But in the end, Baron, I do not know if I have met any others who surpass you for resolve and perhaps even.. purity. I do not do this just on meeting you, but by the research I did as things cleared up... and, most of all, by your deeds. It is a fine blade, but it knows you and I think if a sword can be fond, it is, of you."

Tziporah nods "I will be telling his tale a LOT.. And he's not going to be 'unworthy ' in it. " Added "Zara would kick my ass"

"You are both very kind." August says. "Thank you."

"We shall see if my kindness is mere talk. You'll be given another blade to use while this one is in my charge" The Duke says "Indeed, while our young Cauly picks out a spare arm to use while a better is made, I will guide you to our armory where you shall pick out a weapon to use in the interim."

"New arm!" The dougal girl grins "Can this one have a flame thrower?"

"It could," The Duke tells her and she lights up "But it won't." She pouts, "Maybe a taser" he says as a compromise, and she beams again.

"If you'll follow me, Baron?" The Duke goes on "And you, Tziporah, might as well pick out a weapon to your liking as well."

Tziporah perks "Interesting your grace. I'm no warrior but I'd be a fool to say no. Thank you" And she takes August's arm with her unwounded hand and guides him along "Come on, August"

Poor August does not, apparently, get a vote.

...

When they get to the armory, the Baron notes it is well guarded, has a complex lock , and once they go inside, that it is extensive. Along one wall there are newer weapon dreams, blunderbusses of nocker make for example. The others are more traditional. One dedicated almost entirely to swords, daggers, and other blades. The Duke takes August's damaged blade and puts it in a case for safe keeping until repairs can begin, then goes to that wall and says "Take a moment to look them over, Baron, or try a few swings with one."

(Perception plus kenning if you wish)

/roll 5

OOC Ok, good, lovely..... picking up where we left off......

((Don't worry, you have 1122 and Tziporah to back you up)

August tries to ken, but it's just too many swords of magic to sort it out and for a moment he is dazed, but it passes quickly.

The Duke looks apologetic, "Ah, it can be overwhelming. Here, perhaps I should introduce you to a few of them?" He takes lead and says "Do you prefer to work with rapiers, sabres, long swords or any particular style of blade?"

"Something light that allows distance." August says "I've trained with many different blades but... well, as you've seen, they are my last resort."

"Well, most swords don't work at range" Tziporah looks at him confused "you want a gun Or a bow instead?"

"Actually" The Duke says "There are swords that work at range. At least, a little" he moves to three different blades. "Allow me to introduce these?"

He gestures to on rapier first "This is Tango, it is bright and flourishing, and can fight on it's own from a distance from you...before returning to your hand. The maximum range appears to be twelve feet."

August observes the blade, impressed.

"This is Zephyr" He gestures a long/broad sword that seems to have a breeze about it "As the name might hint, it can summon winds, mostly minor ones ,but while not damaging too often, it can project, so many times a day, a hard wind that tends to knock foes away and over.Rendering them vulnerable, particularly near ledges" He admits "Also great for hot summers."

"And... not a range weapon, but this odd fellow is Blink" He says pointing to a short sword "He causes one to be very hard to hit. You make small vanishing left or right seemingly randomly. Makes even a clumsy fighter much harder to strike"

Tziporah looks over other weapons for herself.

"These are marvelous weapons, Your Grace, I am honored at the offer. Do you think I might hold Blink?"

"Of course. Try it out" he nods "Test any of them you like before you decide"

He tries Blink first, taking it gently in his hand and feeling the balance.

The balance feels fine. It's lighter than it looks but still has enough omph to it to matter. The 'eye' design is a bit odd but hardly distracting in a fight he's sure.

It seems better on the thrust than the slash but can do both.

"Are there, ah, is there a balance to each benefit of these blades?" as he puts down Blink and tries Zephyr.

"I suppose it depends in what you value, but I believe so" he says

Zaphyr is a more traditional sword in some way, save for the breeze about the wielder.

Again, good balance. More for slashing than thrusting but can do both

Where Blink felt almost frantic and on guard, Zephyr feels more assertive.

He does not attempt to activate the magic in any of the blades, but does notice the different 'vibes.' And of course, the physical, technical elements of the blade's use; balance, so on.

Balance in each appears excellent so far. Even if they were not magical, they'd be good blades.

Tziporah looks over "Got a preference so far?"

"I would like to meet Tango before I speak on that." and August suits his actions to his words.

Tango feels...down right playful, and up to the challenge. Not as sturdy as the other two blades it is not meant to parry directly save at the guard, it clearly is quick. It seems eager but in a good way.

August smiles to himself at that, and then handles each blade again, in the same order.

He can feel Blink's power ready to frustrate any attacker. It's a bit of an anxious thing but it seems ready to do the worrying FOR You.

Experimenting with Zephyr shifts the breeze. It's a commanding blade despite its gentle name.