Ándlar, Gatekeeper of Bev, is a greatsword or claymore made of Zenith Silver, an extremely rare metal thought long lost to the world, with ancient Velheim meaning and religious uses for the Fornoss faith. Ándlar is one of a handful of incredibly powerful weapons capable of opening the ancient, long-dormant gateways to Volaheim, the land of plenty and pestilence, of demons and desires, and many other such contradictory statements. The blade is also associated with bringing an end to the Undead. It remains one of the most important artifacts among Fornoss worshipers, and even though its actual legacy and reputation has waned in Corontium, the weapon remains famous outside of this region.
Origins
Ándlar’s creation is mostly a mystery, but is commonly believed to have been forged by the Fornoss gods. The material used to make it, Zenith Silver, is associated with the divine works of Dáuw, forged in the fires of Mount Storgud within raging magma, and blessed by the swiftness and skill of several of the gods, so that no wielder would falter. However, others believe Bev themselves directly conjured it from a shipwreck featuring the material, and some even say it was one of the darker Fornoss gods who forged it, only for the others to purify and repair it. Its history after this point is also obscure, with myths claiming it to have sat in the possession of many great warriors in the realm of Volaheim before it somehow made its way into the mortal world, and was lost. Some believe the blade is far more recent than once believed, and was forged as a replacement, or new iteration on a much older blade now forever lost. However, one fact has remained crystal clear: Ándlar is one of Bev’s Keys, great weapons which can be used to open their associated Vaarda Gate, and the greatsword in question is able to open the Gate on Nordskag in the Northbelt. Despite this, the sword was lost for decades in the wake of the Skagger Wars, only recently being recovered from a Helbolwen in Irvainvik (one of the few cities in Drixagh) and brought to the City of Regalia by the Velheim who discovered it.
Appearance
Ándlar appears fairly simple, but its details are intricate. The weapon itself appears like a greatsword, with a twisted handle that forms into a tree-like shape with engraved grooves, and four branches on the end to represent the four Unions. The blade itself is made of Zenith Silver, a metal that appears Silver at first glance, but has a light blue glow at all times. Additionally, the weapon seems to give off faint sparkles and floating lights, which give off an effect like a gentle snow-fall from the blade itself as it is wielded or moved around. Ándlar gives off a glow even when sheathed or covered in cloth, and its presence is made known to especially the Undead who can feel its existence.
Artifact Mechanics
Ándlar is a Fornoss God Magic Artifact. There are rules associated with Artifact Ownership, see the Artifact Page. Artifacts also provide Mechanics.
Permanent Mechanics
Ándlar holds a special place to Fornoss followers, who respect the holder more, due to its relation to the God Bev who made them, and Rand whose realm they guard.
Artifactspark Mechanics
Ándlar can be used to contact the Fornoss God Bev, or the Fornoss God Rand with varying results. Make a Ticket with a clear statement of the person's request, which may be granted.
Ándlar can fake-kill someone who appears entirely real, like the person it impaled/decapitated was killed, but can be revived again with a simple touch of the sword anytime later.
Ándlar grants the wielder +1 Main Combat Stat while they are standing on a snow layer or snow block, except in winter (when Regalia is fully covered in snow) during which it only applies to Fornoss Temples/Shrines.
Ándlar's wielder may apply frost/frozen/aesthetics such as armor made of ice, white frozen pupils, gentle snow falling from their clothes and hair, or cold breath and coldness to the touch.
