The Aetherblades


The Aetherblades

Freeguild Greatswords of the Free City of Hallowhold

In the darkness, we are the guiding light.
In the sun, we are the blinding beacon.
We shine in the dark, to distract the foe.
We blind in the light, to protect our allies.
-Excerpt of the swearing in oath of an Aetherblade cadet
               The Aetherblades of Hallowhold are the elite defenders of the city. Only the most daring, courageous, and fearless individuals are ever allowed to carry a Great Aetherblade into battle. Comprised of the citizens of both Hallowhold-Hysh and Hallowhold-Ulgu, the Aetherblades know that all eyes, both allies and foes, are on them when they take to the battlefield. Whether focus is due to adoration, or because it is all the enemies can see, it is by design. No matter what realm they fight in, the Aetherblades always keep their armor on. The armor of an Aetherblade soldier is specially made to reflect the light of Hysh directly forwards, regardless of where the light source is coming from. The soldiers use this to their advantage, whether they are fighting in Hysh or Ulgu.
               Aetherblades consider themselves to be the light that shines in the darkness, and the beacon that blinds in the light. Unlike other units of the Hallowhold, the Aetherblades never remove their armor to fight. In Ulgu, they carry with them shards of Hyshian light, that causes the armor to glow. This directs the enemies attention onto them, allowing for the Aetherblades to bear the brunt of the fighting, and for their allies to set up in tactical positions unseen. When they fight in Hysh, the concentration of light causes the eyes of their enemies to burn upon inspection, allowing for the Aetherblades to reap a bloody toll on the blinded foes.
               All Aetherblades are recruited, trained, and armed by the Guild of the Bright Tower. Located at the very tip of Hallowhold-Hysh, the Bright tower uses Light Mages to identify infants that are blessed by fate to be courageous and to be exemplars of the seven traits of Sigmar. These infants are then rounded up and trained all their lives in swordplay, philosophy, intrigue, and various other forms of academic pursuit. This makes them utterly devoted to those in charge of the Bright Tower, as well as ideal body guards for any freeguild general that is taken under their wing.

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