Sword Arm

“When you really believe that using sword can kill people, that's when you will be subject to the law of the sword, "those who use the sword will die by the sword.” ― Toba Beta, Betelgeuse Incident: Insiden Bait Al-Jauza

Created and Written by Khali A. Crawford

In the Seven Seals Legendarium, the term "Power" stands as a unique concept, distinct from Magic or other abilities. Power is more than the measure of one’s magical energy or raw strength. While Magic is foundational to most powers and abilities within the Legendarium, Power represents the totality of a being's existence and potential. It encapsulates not just their magical abilities but also their physical strength, knowledge, wisdom, and mental fortitude. Power is an expression of the Soul, and since Magic is made possible through the Soul, the two are deeply intertwined. When characters refer to "Power," they aren't just talking about magical prowess—they mean the fullness of one’s soul potential and personal evolution.

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Sword Arms: The Physical Manifestation of Power

Sword Arms are the embodiment of this Power, but they are more than just magical weapons. Unlike enchanted tools or objects imbued with magic, Sword Arms are the full manifestation of a Mage’s Power—formed from a slice of their very Soul. They exist on multiple planes: the physical, astral, and mental, making them versatile weapons that can be wielded in various realms or dimensions. Sword Arms hold a unique place within the Seven Seals Legendarium because they are not merely enhanced items; they represent a Mage’s essence turned into something tangible.
When a Mage creates a Sword Arm, they willingly separate a portion of their Power. This act might seem counterintuitive—why would a Mage willingly reduce their Power? The answer is complex and varies depending on the Mage’s motivations. Some may wish to enter realms that restrict beings of a certain Power threshold. Others may use their Sword Arms to facilitate transformations, allowing them to unlock additional forms or abilities when the weapon is wielded. Sword Arms can also serve as a safety mechanism, preventing a Mage’s mortal body from being overwhelmed by the vastness of their Power. A Mage's body is limited, whereas their Soul is boundless. By externalizing part of their Power into a Sword Arm, they can summon and control it when necessary without risking physical overload.
Moreover, Sword Arms are not static; they grow with the Mage, reflecting their evolving Power. A Mage can even acquire the Sword Arms of others, although the integration of foreign Power is never as seamless as using one's own Sword Arm. Wielding another Mage’s Sword Arm grants a linear increase in Power but lacks the synergistic amplification that comes with one’s Soul energy.

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Demonic Arms and Holy Arms: Supernatural Extremes

Demonic Arms and Holy Arms, on the other hand, are crafted by higher beings and are fundamentally different from Mortal Sword Arms. The Souls of Holy and Unholy beings operate on a level beyond Mortals, imbuing these arms with unique qualities. Demonic Arms, tied to Unholy energy, are particularly effective against Holy Arms, though less so against other Demonic Arms. Similarly, Holy Arms are super effective against Demonic Arms but less so when matched against other Holy Arms. Mortals, however, are limited in their ability to wield these arms; only half-bloods with divine or demonic ancestry can manage it, while full-blooded Holy or Unholy beings can create and wield them with ease.
Interestingly, there is a special category of beings known as the Nephilim, who are the only ones capable of balancing Holy and Unholy energies perfectly within their bodies. These hybrid beings can create Perfect Arms—Sword Arms that harmonize both Holy and Unholy energies, producing a balance known as Equilibrium. Perfect Arms are exponentially stronger than the sum of their parts and can operate at full efficiency anywhere in the Omniverse. This sets them apart from other types of Sword Arms, which might lose effectiveness outside of their native realms.

Mechanics & Inner Workings

• Internal Storage: Most Mages store their Sword Arms metaphysically within their being, allowing them to summon the weapon instantly when needed. This method of storage grants them flexibility in battle, as they can call upon their Power with minimal delay.
• Power Amplification: Although creating a Sword Arm involves a reduction in a Mage’s net Power, once they wield the Sword Arm, their overall strength exceeds the original sum. For example, a Mage with a Power level of 10 who creates a Sword Arm that consumes 3 units of Power will appear to have only 7 remaining. However, upon wielding the Sword Arm, their effective Power can surpass 10, amplifying their capabilities beyond their original limits. This amplification, however, only applies to Mages wielding their own Sword Arms. When using the Sword Arms of others, the increase is linear and lacks the synergy that comes from using one’s Power.

Significance

The Legendarium posits that life is akin to a block of stone, with our choices and experiences serving as the tools with which we carve out our paths. Power is the result of how well we can shape that block in a way that reflects our individuality. Fate, on the other hand, is viewed as an infringement on this process—a predetermined course imposed on a being, robbing them of true self-determination. Characters within this mythos who speak of Power are referring to a personal growth that transcends just magical capacity; they speak of the soul’s enrichment, a deep and fundamental realization of one’s own potential through self-actualization.
The notion of Power is inherently tied to the idea of Dharma, one’s cosmic duty, or life’s path. The Soul’s enrichment enhances not just one’s magic but everything connected to the Soul: physical abilities, mental resilience, wisdom, and so on. In this sense, Power is both a concrete and abstract concept, encompassing the holistic growth of an individual.

As Above So Below As Within So Without Logo by Khali A. Crawford

Grandmaster SixPathsSage

Khali Crawford

   

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