Zetsumei
From Valwiki
"The End of Life"
Contents |
History
Zetsumei, The End of Life, gained notoriety as a merciless defender of the Kokusho's claim of dominion. When his blade was drawn, thus came blood, thus fled life. His name was eventually passed onto the blade he wielded. Though the Kokusho is no more, Zetsumei lives on.
Description
Zetsumei is an ordinary-looking Tachi sword. Its blade is old and chipped; while seemingly dull, it doesn't lose any of its former edge. Thick purple prayer beads are wrapped around the hilt.
Omen
When the sword is picked up, the name is whispered four times to the user, each louder than the one before.
Legacies
In the Footsteps of Ten Thousand Things
--In the Footsteps of Ten Thousand Things requires the wielder to spend several months wandering - without any set course - through Lands within and outside his birth. During this sojourn, he must adopt a new role and persona wherever he rests. Further, as the warrior travels, he must consider the world around him. He is obligated to pay attention to the minutest details of the Daily Rhythm. The buzzing of dragon flies, the glinting of starlight on a dwindling river, the casual poverty of country villages.
Knowing the Soul's Price
--Knowing the Souls price involves coming to terms with the loss of oneself as an ordinary, mundane person and progress of oneself towards an ender of life. The wield of Zetsumei must spend time in a graveyard or memeorial, meditating on the idea of loss, its role in existance, and its necessity. After a sufficient ammount of time, he must venture out into society, and end something which is no longer worthy of life or implementation.
Extension of the Darkened Will
--Extension of the Darkened Will represents previous lessons taken to the logical extreme. Though this rite unlocks the truest potential of Zetsumei, the wielder loses a part of himself in the process. He assumes the mantle of the blade's first wielder, losing all sense of mercy for opponents and ideals he finds unworthy. To initiate this final, terrible lesson, the would be Ender must first commune with an emissary of Death and Endings. This may only occur after the wielder has been ritually purified and has personally retreated into a deep, lightless cavern. There, he waits and wanders, blinded by the end of light itself. At some point, for here, time is meaningless, the wielder of Zetsumei will be approached by the emissary. This godling will show the wielder the horrors and unworthy active during his life time; when presented with these travesties of humanity and human existence, he will be given a choice. He may, if he so choses, take up his sword and fight against these waking nightmares. Alternatively, he may cast away Zetsumei, forgoing evermore the path of the Ender. Should he take the former option, Zetsumei's true power is unlocked and the emissary leaves with his mercy and compassion. Should he take the latter option, the Emissary relieves him of Zetsumei, casting him to the mouth of the cave.
Unlocked Legacies
In the Footsteps of Ten Thousand Things:
Reaction sense similar to a short range spider sense, or monk ability.
Knowing the Soul's Price:
By Focussing Chi, Zetsumei's edge is fortified and keened,instantaneously sharpening the blade for a single strike. Western Iron/Steel Armor remains effective against it, as does Great Armor crafted with imported metals. The weapon is treated like an axe or falchion, but wielded like a katana.
Extension of the Darkened Will:
Those who chose to take the final step in unlocking the legacy of Zetsumei gain access to a miraculous technique. By channeling chi through the entirety of Zetsumei's blade, the wielder refines the force of his blows. His strength fully extends along the length of the blade. In doing so, the effects of the blow grow beyond the physical boundries of the sword, stretching (without any loss of impact) some four feet beyond the tip of the blade.
OOC Disclaimer: Zetsumei's unique story and legacies are the genius of Kaze.
