The chronicles of the Heathen ranks showcase their strength and resilience, intricately woven into the fabric of El Territorio. Known for their exceptional combat skills and unwavering loyalty, they embodied military might, acting as the stalwart guardians of the sanctity within the realm. This article explores their weaponry, the materials used in their creation, and their profound significance in the defense of El Territorio.
Feared by enemies and revered by allies, the Heathen ranks, under the leadership of the formidable General Heathen Lord, stood as custodians of a dark, battle-hardened legacy. Their weaponry was not mere products of ordinary metals but was said to incorporate elements of divinity, myth, and celestial power. The materials and processes used were steeped in the lore of Arcadia and shaped by the blessings of Niefel, commanding both fear and admiration as objects of veneration.
Legend holds that the swords of the Heathen ranks were meticulously forged from an exotic material known as Stellacite, a material believed to have originated deep within the heart of Arcadia – an area formed from the remains of Annuler, the Goddess of the Void. Stellacite, with its inherent celestial strength, was said to render the swords near invincible. Combined with Aetherium, a rare and esteemed metal prized for its lightweight nature and durability, the fusion produced blades of unparalleled strength and sharpness.
The forging of these swords was a unique and ritualistic process. The Stellacite and Aetherium would first be purified in the sacred flames of Dracos, believed to be kindled by the breath of dragons. Skillfully shaped by the hands of the master blacksmith, the swords were then tempered by submerging them into the freezing, enchanted waters located in the eastern region of El Territorio during the late hours of the night – an opportune time when the water would be exceptionally cold.
Their spears were crafted with long shafts hewn from Arthrimite trees, said to grow in the likeness of Artimia, the forest goddess. Normally, deforesting these trees was considered a sin, but since their use was for the good and protection of the realm, Heathen Lord had to seek blessings from Artimia herself in order to be allowed to chop them down without facing fatal repercussions. These shafts were exceptionally strong yet flexible, allowing for deft movements and accurate throws. The spearheads were made from the same Stellacite-Aetherium blend as the swords and possessed razor-sharp points capable of piercing even the toughest armor.
The Heathen ranks’ shields, the ultimate defense weapons, were crafted from pure Stellacite, thought to have been the scales from Annuler’s body. However, their resilience was enhanced by a special tempering process. After the shield’s rough form was hammered out, it was bathed in pure ichor. According to NeoWorlder’s research, Ichor is a transformative energy source. It is often portrayed as being extremely valuable and sought after. It’s described as a ‘liquid fire’ and a ‘source of life’, potentially capable of fueling war machines and fostering progress and modernization. The discovery or loss of Ichor can have significant impacts on societies and their ambitions, suggesting its central role in power dynamics and resource sustainability in Arcadian lore. This infusion granted the shields an uncanny ability to absorb the energy of enemy strikes, dissipating it without damaging the bearer.
Once the forging was completed, the weapons were imbued with blessings from Niefel, the Goddess of death and despair. In a ceremony led by the highest-ranking commanders, they invoked Niefel’s protection over the wielders of each weapon. These blessings, combined with the already formidable properties of the weapons, transformed the Heathen ranks into a force nearly indestructible on the battlefield.
In this way, the weaponry of the Heathen ranks surpassed mere instruments of war; they embodied symbols of divine favor, cosmic energy, and celestial lore. Their creation represented a harmonious blend of craftsmanship, spirituality, and a deep understanding of the materials bestowed upon them by Arcadia and its gods. Serving not only to safeguard El Territorio, but these weapons also stood as a testament to the Heathen ranks’ profound connection to their land and the divine.
Read More: Dwarves and Drills: The Quest for Ichor
