Overview

Aza'azor may well be one of the oldest still functional weapons in Empirica Sin, having survived since the days of the Caelestise-Sura War. Created as the personal weapon of Deses, it remained with the Radiant Dawn after his ascension, passed down from one Sword of Paradise to another until the fall of Grigorius Bieloskytes.

The sword itself is large and heavy with an intricately carved golden hilt. Despite being similar in most ways to a broadsword, the blade is similar to that of a cutlass. The guard is designed to resemble wings.

General Information

History

Aza'azor was initially forged by the twins Imladi and Talazor as a gift to Deses during the Caelestise-Sura War. Deses continued to wield the blade throughout the war and in the peace after, until his Ascension at the hands of The Seven. As he no longer needed the blade's strength, he left it in the hands of the Radiant Dawn to serve as the signature weapon of every Sword of Paradise to follow.

The Forging of Aza'azor

A painting depicting the creation of the first parts of Aza'azor by Talazor.

This continued as expected until the fall of Grigorius Bieloskytes, who used the sword to enact revenge against the March of Pyres. As Astrumi law forbids action on the basis of vengeance within the Radiant Dawn, this resulted in Grigorius's conviction for "egregious crimes" and his subsequent exile from Astrum.

Because Aza'azor had been used during the commission of these crimes, the sword itself was considered tainted by association, and thus it was abandoned as the Sword of Paradise's primary weapon. It herefore left Astrum with Grigorius himself, never to return.

A new sword, Tresoulige (Stardust) was then created to replace it, also forged by Imladi and Talazor.

Though it is known that the Sword of Morning was in Grigorius's possession when he left, it has not been seen since. It is not widely known whether he actually still has the sword.

 

Reputation

To this day, Aza'azor remains legendary blade, renown throughout Empirica Sin, but particularly in Astrum. Within Astrumi society, its corruption and loss is considered a genuine tragedy, while opinions about Grigorius himself are varied.

Seriously, Where Is it?

Well. Only one person would know...

So it's best to ask him.

Its fame and its disappearance have, in tandem, led to a great deal of speculation about where the sword is, and whether it still exists. Many believe that he discarded it in Gaean during his walk from Astrum to Incaendium. This rumor has led to a not significant number of people dedicating a not insignificant number of years to searching it out by following what is known of Grigorius's path as he walked it.

There are also plays, songs and stories - primarily Astrumi creations - that build on its myth and disappearance - such as the novel "Sword of Dawn.

Occasionally, rumors and folklore will bubble up around Aza'azor, suggesting that someone's cousin's friend has it in their possession, or that a specific person was seen with it in hand.

Thus far, no one has located the sword.

Abilities and Uses

As an enchanted blade designed and forged by two Dei, Aza'azor is well-deserving of its status as a legendary artifact. A list of the swords abilities follows:

Sword of Dawn

This Astrumi novel follows the adventures of a Fey man, Avardi, as he meets obstacles and adventures in his quest to find Aza'azor.

The novel concludes with Avardi finding the sword, using it to defeat a powerful demon lord on a rampage. In the end, Avardi loses the sword, allowing it to drift into myth once more.

Indestructible: It is said that in it's nearly 30,000 years of existence, Aza'azor has never been broken, never rusted, never even been nicked. There is no need to maintain its sharpness, or clean it, because it always, even after the most difficult and bloody battles, completely spotless.

Nigh Absolute Slicing: Aza'azor can slice effortlessly through nearly any material, including most magical materials or weaponry. There are some limitations, such as certain strengths of magical shield - essentially a spell or enchantment stronger than Aza'azor itself can block its blade.

Light Emission: The ability that gives the sword its name - Aza'azor can cast off light sufficient to replicate the morning sun in its area, and blinding those who look at it directly.

Elemental Channeling & Enhancement: This is likely its signature ability: rather than being tied to a specific element itself, it can enhance and embody whatever elemental abilities its user has, whether the ability runs through Aetheric, Odic or Voidic energies. It will not drain the user's stamina, but will be capable of making use of that element until the user's stamina is depleted. In other words, if Grigorius uses Aza'azor to produce fire, he doesn't need to expend his energy to do so, but if he expends his energy in some other way then the sword's elemental ability will cease to function.

Extension: At the will of the wielder, Aza'azor can extend its grip and blade, morphing from a one-handed to a two-handed sword.