Sword of Dessalines
Quote
"For thy heart, for thy heart, who hast wronged me". -- Farslayer -- Book of Swords
Appearance
A rarely beautiful cutlas of 34 inches in length. Made of high grade steel, the blade is etched with beautiful scroll work and cherubim along it's top edge. The blade was worked with a rare steel mix, and in the right light holds a reddish tinge. The tang is full steel, with a angled tang piece holding the handle on in front of the hand cover. The scabbard is a dark African wood that was shaped and polished to a dark glow. The wood is carved with figures dueling on a ships deck. The belt hooks are gunmetal brass, etched with vine leaves.
Background
Forged in the 1600's in Spain for the Commandant Jean-Jacques Dessalines by famous sword smith Minos Iban Arriola. The cutlass was gifted to the Commandant as he went to the new world to oversee the colony of Hispaniola. The Commandant was part of the military force that held the island. While serving there Commandant Dessaline is said to have burned a whole village of servants and natives in an effort to put down a small rebellion over food. The Commandant is said to have walked the length of the village stabbing women in the belly and hacking men in the groin, telling the people of the village that should they decide not to submit, he would surely see to it they never propagated, New Spain didn't need to breed rebels. Commandant Dessalines was also part of the force that fought to put down the Haitian rebellion in 1803. Jean Jacques was drawn and quartered by the surviving slaves when captured. Haitian legends say he still wanders the island looking for his arms and legs. After his death legend said that those who took up the blade in anger had a hard time not killing those around themselves and shouting in French.
Effects
The blade is wickedly sharp, and holds and edge very well. To those with arcane eyes the edge can be seen to glow red from time to time. If the wielder loses control the blade (roll for self control -2) the blade does aggravated damage, and gives the wielder a temporary Fortitude of 2. Holding the blade brings the Commandants Specter to the area. Anyone who can see the dead will see him grinning evilly at the sword.