Gunblade

No, we aren't talking about other nations feeble attempts to recreate the genius of Kaechaek. THOSE are not gunblades... they are either a blade that wishes they were a gun or a gun that wishes they were a blade... no, in Kaechaek, we make weapons that recognise they are neither of these things.

• An Honour Blades captain reflects on his mastery of the Gunblade and the unique link he has with his weapon.

The Gunblades of Kaechaek are a relatively new creation, and yet, they have already ingrained themselves in an elite culture of warriors throughout the nation... as well as attracting envy and desire across all of Namarie. 
A Gunblade seems very simple in design. A powerful bladed weapon infused with magic to harden and perfect it's resistance, an enlarged 'trigger', 'Cylinder' and 'barrel' is then attached to the blade giving it an evolved look of a gun. 
However, only the most elite and unique circles of Kaechaek have been able to effectively create Gunblades and utilise them with deadly efficiency, for when used in the hands of those less able, a gunblade is a heavy, slow and volatile piece of machinery that often proves an, albeit very cool, detriment to the one wielding it.
However, those that have focused with and achieved mastery of a gunblade become explosive whirlwinds on a battlefield that prove to be deeply adaptable and talented fighters and warriors capable of being lethal at close, medium and long range. 
The traditions surrounding Gunblades make them very. VERY difficult to master and use and is something that is earned and worked towards with years of training, discipline and proof of skill and ability. Many Kaechaek's wil be apprenticed to a Gunblade and trained from childhood until they are deep into adulthood before they are seen as worthy of the blade. 
When seen as worthy, the apprentice gunblade is taken by their master/sponsor to an Honour Blades blacksmith in Sanctuary where, under the watchful gaze of the blacksmith, a captain of The Honour Blades and Emperor Honour they will complete a series of secret trials that prove their:

• Combat Prowess
• Ability to be flexible and improvise
• Conflict resolution
• Morality
• Knowledge of the Path
• Bonds and friendships.

If a gunblade passes these tests then they will be gifted a red cloak by Emperor Honour and they will be sent to stay for a span with the blacksmith that acknowledged them, this is where they will be taught how to build and maintain their gunblade as well as how to apply their training techniques to their use of it.  The work with the blacksmith will culminate in the student being guided through the process of building their own gunblade by the blacksmith. The student will make the choice for the weapon and build it themselves whilst guided by the smith, ultimately this weapon, with it's choices, imperfections and unique style will be the gunblades one only weapon that will serve at their side and be worked on, upgraded and improved over the course of a user's life. 
This is part of the reason that outsiders who 'come across' gunblades struggle so much in wielding them. The weapons are often personalised with grips and weightings suitable for their creator but very VERY inconvenient for any who are not masters of using the weapon.
Gunblades can be created in the form of any martial weapon but the type of weapon determines the firearm attached to it (for example a dagger would utilise a palm pistol whilst a greataxe would use a musket). This use of both melee weapon and ranged firearm requires the wielder to be both strong and dextrous in order to use the Gunblade to it's fullest extent.

Significance

The Gunblade, despite being recent, is a very important part of Kaechaek's culture and a symbol of their ability to adapt the technology around them and turn it into their own mastered craft. 
A gunblade wielder gains incredible respect and honour in Kaechaek in their day to day activities but also become a clear target for others wishing to prove their mettle against a strong and established warrior.
The Gunblades are a vital and well kept secret in Kaechaek and so, any who attempt to teach the ways of the gunblade to those who are not from Kaechaek are exiled.

Item type

Weapon, Other

Current Location

Sanctuary

Current Holder

Emperor Honour

Subtype / Model

Gunblade

Used by

• Gunblade

Manufacturer

Kaechaek

Related ethnicities

• The Kae

Owning Organization

The Honour Blades

Rarity

Very Rare, gunblades take stringent training to be ready to be tested and then even more time with the chosen blacksmith to perfect the weapon and build it. 
Gunblades are almost exclusively wielded by the honour blades and even then they are reserved for the highest ranked blades who train the squad members in their charge but most honour blades will never have the chance to use a Gunblade. However, the occasional retired master gunblade will take on a student to train and prepare for testing in order to continue their legacy.

Weight

Varies

Dimensions

Varies

Base Price

Priceless