Dungeon Master: Ceremonial Swords

It's easy to start to get fascinated with weapons such as swords. However, not all swords have to be magic to be special. On that thought, I will list a few ceremonial, mundane swords that could be used in different games to add flavour to various regions. Take as little or as much as you want. These types aren't completely separate as well, so feel free to combine elements (fancy pommel on a utilitarian sword, etc.)

Really Fancy Sword

Description

This kind of sword is as exquisite as they can be. Everything from scabbard (it is uncommon for such a sword to be kept in a sheath) to the sword itself is usually decorated with engraving and on the upper end of the quality spectrum, gold. Still, practicality is considered in the making of such swords (high quality materials are usually used, though counterfeit are known to exist and lower quality weapons often used by lower nobles) and as such they can still be used in combat if needed. However, the decorations can be scratched or chipped when used in the way a sword normally would be.

In the World

“One's possessions reflect on their owner.”

In a culture where such swords are present, they are a way of showing off wealth and success. For this reason, it is considered important to fix the damage that occurs from use. While it isn't uncommon to see such swords with damage, it reflects on the owner. While having a sword of this quality, even when damaged, puts the owner above normal people, being seen with a damaged sword tends to give the impression of the lowest rank of noblemen (though damage to some parts can easily be hidden).

Utilitarian Swords

Description

While the overall design of these weapons is simple, every part of their construction is meant to be used in combat. The overall quality of these weapons ranges, but on the upper end of the spectrum the quality is as good as any other, if not better. Since no consideration is given to appearance, these weapons have no weaknesses or extra weight created by cosmetic work.

In the World

“A weapon is meant to be used.”

Weapons of this type are worn by those who actually use them in. For this reason, if a sword is seen at the side of a noble, it is almost a given that they know how to use it (exceptions occur with young nobles from army backgrounds). It is also not uncommon for people to wear the under-padding from their armour as clothing. However, like the sword, the under-padding is expected to be exactly as used in battle. The beauty in these items is their simplicity and effectiveness and any addition purely for cosmetic reasons is seen as ruining the weapon.

Decorative Sword

Description

There are places where having a real weapon is frowned upon, but where the association with the sword may be desired. In such cases, other items such as pins can be used to suggest the background of the individual. If, however, the image of the sword wielding noble is needed, a purely decorative sword is acceptable in some places. These kinds of swords can range from simple pieces meant to signify that the owner knows how to employ weapons of war to elaborately adorned pieces. They are artistic pieces that look like a sword in its scabbard or sheath, but are incapable of actually being used as a sword since they are a single piece.

In the World

“There is a place for weapons, but my home is not it.”

Swords of this type are often seen in cultures where having a weapon outside of war is seen as aggressive and bringing a weapon into the home of another is a great insult. Such swords would be checked at the door. Though they lack a cutting edge or thrusting point, they are still heavy enough to cause blunt damage when swung, similar to a mace. Since it is meant as a decoration, using such a thing as a weapon is generally not a consideration in the construction and as such damage is possible. Stories regarding nobles who lose their tempers and start fighting with these blunt swords are quite famous but doing so is considered to be the lowest of actions. A few stories do talk about such an action favourably, but in such a case the person who was hit with the decorative sword was extremely hated.