Butterfly Katana

The Butterfly Katana is a sword made by Master Kento in the 730s for the warrior Jio Brightblade.

Specifications

The pommel of this katana is in the shape of a butterfly with wings of malachite, jade, and moonstone set in an ivory handle, with gold detailing throughout. The blade is 40 inches long and made of high-quality Ramdailos steel.

Lineage

Master Kento recovered the Butterfly Katana (as well as Jio's remains) from the Cave of the Sleeping Beasts around Y920. The sword made its way to the Citadel of the Wild and into the hands of Jio's son Tancred Brightblade in Y930. Tancred wielded the blade for the next century, including during his service in the Phalanx of the Wild, until he left for the Feywild on an unknown mission in Y1032. After this, the Butterfly Katana sat dormant for nearly 70 years until it was claimed by his daughter Butterfly in the winter of Y1110.

Swordmaker's Notes

Jio Brightblade is too young for a blade of this quality. As I write this, he is out by the lake, testing the heft of the blade (which is no less than perfect), and it is his ninety-sixth birthday. I know not what spirits moved me to make such fine work, but I believe that somewhere, they are laughing.
But he is extraordinary, this young warrior. He arrived with little but the clothes on his back and the molar of a rampaging stone giant he had slain along the way. His skills were below my standards at first, but suffused with a buoyancy and a joy in the art and magic of the blade I have not seen in many years. I have found joy, too, in honing his skills to the finest point, and in his company as well.
More striking than his bladework is his soul. I do not work with gold, as a matter of principle. It is the favorite of princelings, posturing at a claim to some celestial right to a comfort they do not need and a respect they have never earned. The true spirit of gold is steadfast and heartstrong; it suits the kings of dragons, not the kings of elves. But I cannot deny there is something of gold in the soul of Jio Brightblade. The depth of his generosity and grace would be astounding even for an old soul. For a young runaway, they are nothing short of miraculous.
I loathe the slick sentimentality of the swordmakers who claim their blades are made with love. But, against my better judgment, I do believe some measure of it has alloyed this steel, and both the sword and I are better for it. There is so much potential in this young warrior, so much I have been able to draw out and so much that still remains hidden. He may barely be a man, but he is the right man for this blade.

Weapon Properties (gameplay)

• Basics. The Butterfly Katana is a sentient +1 longsword that requires attunement by a worthy bearer of elven heritage. Its magical properties function only for its bearer. Once the sword has chosen a bearer, it will not choose another one unless its bearer dies, breaks the sword's trust, or is trapped on a different plane of existence from the sword for a minimum of ten years.
• Ripple of Wings. The blade sends out a wave of force that ripples across the air. For 2 ki points, its melee attack acquires a range of 40 ft. The bearer may target up to three creatures with the wave, provided they are adjacent to each other and not obscured by an object.
• Boon of Jade. Once per long rest, the bearer may choose to reroll a failed saving throw or death throw and take either result. When the bearer enters death saves, they begin with one automatic success. They may cast Blade Ward at will.
• Boon of Malachite. The bearer may spend 1 ki point to cast Absorb Elements at first level, or 1 additional ki point per level to cast it at higher levels. While wielding the blade, the bearer and all adjacent allies gain +1 AC.
• Boon of Moonstone. The bearer has advantage on all Insight and Survival checks, and all WIS saves. The bearer can see in any amount of moonlight as if it were bright light. The bearer may use 2 ki points to cast Moonbeam.

Item type

Weapon, Melee