Power of the Sword

It's said that the pen is mightier than the sword. Now, assuming that you're not in a battle with a vicious ettin or fending off a nose-biting goblin, that's probably true. The problem is, you can't always see where you're swinging with your pen. So, when it's time to take on those tough enemies, we know which tool to turn to. However, "the sword" becomes much mightier when used correctly.

Ok, Are These Battle Strategies We're Talking About?

Uh, not quite. See, what I'm referring to is KingsIsle correctly using a sword to entice us in ways that hadn't previously. Yeah, that didn't make much sense to me, either, but keep reading, and I think you'll see what I mean.

Events Set the Stage

With the introduction of limited-time events like the Lost Pages Quests, KingsIsle creates a sense of urgency - a need to log in and replay that content over and over until it's gone. It's a like a mini-world with a time limit. And so, in search of exclusive badges and rewards (in this case, Dragon's Hoard gear), people set out to complete the content on as many characters as possible, and then continue to farm for the items while they're available.

What Does This Have to Do With Swords?

Well, events aren't uncommon. In fact, in many games, they're a regular. Seasonal quests, limited-time storylines, and more. The difference is that you get a unique reward each year or each event in other games. That means that once it's over with, the reward is gone forever for those who missed out.

This is a huge thing for KingsIsle - some simple tower, or quick quest could be interesting a lot of players to log back in... and they make holidays more exciting than just more things to spend money on. It doesn't have to be a powerful item, just one that looks interesting - purely for cosmetic appeal.

Ideas?

What kind of post would this be without them! I created a sword, one for each school, that would be received from some specific event or quest or holiday, whatever the case may be. I also gave them names and stats, and they're quite unique, and rather powerful in this case. Perhaps it's a late-game, school-only quest?

(Click to enlarge) From left to right: Life, Myth, Death, Storm,
Ice, Fire, Balance

"Harmony's Brand" (Balance)

The Balance sword has various true shades of parchment, a black and organe gem, and a brown handle. The stats are as follows: +7% Power Pip Chance; +5% Accuracy; +3% damage; +70 Critical Rating; +55 Block Rating; +1 Power Pip; Balance School Only; Level 101+; Gives two of each card: Superior Inferno Sting (150 Fire damage), Superior Deathly Sting (150 Death damage); Gives one of each card: Unbalance, Weakness (35%), Heightened Senses (5 pips; 2x 20% weakness on enemy, 50% Storm, Fire, Ice, Life, Death, and Myth shield for self only).

"Inferno Dagger" (Fire)

The Fire sword has various reds and oranges, plus some pinks. It has a gray and orange gem, and a dark gray/blue handle. The stats are as follows: +5% Power Pip Chance; +3% Incoming Healing; +5% Armor Piercing; +65 Critical Rating; +55 Block Rating; +1 Power Pip; Fire School Only; Level 101+; Gives two of each card: Superior Lightning Sting (150 Storm damage), Superior Frozen Sting (150 Ice damage); Gives one of each card: WyldFire (45%), Scald, Fire Within (5 pips; Add an additional 400 Fire damage over three rounds to any spell).

"Frozen Sword" (Ice)

The Ice sword has various light blues and whites. The gem is pink, while the handle is green. The stats are as follows: +5% Power Pip Chance; +2% resistance; +8% Stun Resistance; +20 Critical Rating; +120 Block Rating; +1 Power Pip; Ice School Only; Level 101+; Gives two of each card: Superior Inferno Sting (150 Fire damage), Superior Lightning Sting (150 Storm damage); Gives one of each card: Iceblade (40%), Stun Block, Tri-Tower (2 pips, 3x 35% Tower Shield).

"Cloud Cutter" (Storm)

The Storm sword has various purples that fade into pinks. The gem is green and yellow, while the handle is dark blue. The stats are as follows: +5% Power Pip Chance; +4% Storm Damage; +6% Armor Piercing; +75 Critical Rating; +40 Block Rating; +1 Power Pip; Storm School Only; Level 101+; Gives two of each card: Superior Inferno Sting (150 Fire damage), Superior Frozen Sting (150 Ice damage); Gives one of each card: Healing Current (250, 500, or 1000), Stormblade (30%), Calm Before the Storm (5 pips; 25% Stormblade on self, 25% Storm trap on enemy, 25% Storm damage global).

"Death's Edge" (Death)

The Death sword is black with hints of gray, and fades to red. It has dark red and orange in the gem, and a gray handle. The stats are as follows: +6% Power Pip Chance; +10% Stun Resistance; +3% Armor Piercing; +40 Critical Rating; +65 Block Rating; +1 Power Pip; Death School Only; Level 101+; Gives two of each card: Superior Vital Sting (150 Life damage), Superior Vital Sting (150 Life damage); Gives one of each card: Feint (75%), Poison, Zombify (3 pips; 3x 65% Infection, 2x 25% Death trap).

"Monstrous Cutlass" (Myth)

The Myth sword has a teal color that fades with what is almost a parchment. It has a red gem color scheme and light blue handle. The stats are as follows: +6% Power Pip Chance; +7% Accuracy; +4% Armor Piercing; +50 Critical Rating; +55 Block Rating; +1 Power Pip; Myth School Only; Level 101+; Gives two of each card: Superior Vital Sting (150 Life damage), Superior Deathly Sting (150 Death damage); Gives one of each card: Talos, Mythspear (15%), Hero's Hand (4 pips; 2x 75% Tower Shield, 2x 50% Balanceblade for minion only).

"Lively Blade" (Life)

The Life sword is various shades of green, with a gem of pinks and oranges, and a dark blue handle. The stats are as follows: +6% Power Pip Chance; +5% Incoming Healing; +5% Outgoing Healing; +30 Critical Rating; +70 Block Rating; +1 Power Pip; Life School Only; Level 101+; Gives two of each card: Superior Deathly Sting (150 Death damage), Superior Legendary Sting (150 Myth damage); Gives one of each card: Satyr, Regenerate, Preservation (5 pips, 3x 40% Guiding Light, 500-damage Absorb for self only).

More Fun With Illustrations

You're probably still wondering about the sword in the top photo. I call that one the Golden Blade. I think it'd work well as a Pirate101 (or Wizard101 if it's just too good to pass up) sword. I created a concept for it as well. You can click on it to see it bigger.

Ok... I'm a Musketeer

Understand that I'm just using these as examples. This can be done to guns, gear, spears, pets, etc. Something unique for that specific time only, and after that season or event is over, it's gone. And next time that same season or a new event rolls around, it'll be a new reward.

(Wait, No Watermarks?)

Yes, even though these are my creations, I'd didn't do much more than specify that the concept pictured to the right was created by me. Hopefully I don't trust you all in vain.

Put Your Pen to Good Use

Ok, so technically it's your computer, but still - leave a comment and let me know what sort of thing you'd like to see as a reward for a limited-time event or quest. Would you participate in such events?

Thanks for reading and see you in the Spiral! Special Note: These ideas were based off of Frost Caller's post HERE, and were used and expanded on with his permission.