Been a while since I last made a story here, working on trying to get back to it. However, that also led me to an idea.
The core concept of Sacred Forge involves forging a magical blade for the hero of a tale. But heroes are not the only ones with magical blades... some villains do, too.
Have you considered doing some kind of 'conversion kit' to Sacred Forge that would allow someone to make an 'unholy' blade for the villain?
And now we have another tale of another forge in Pathfinder. ...I will admit, I took a few creative liberties with this one. My Step 1 rolls got me Religious Figure and island/spring/river. The first one got me thinking a priest of Torag, the chief Dwarven god and God of the Forge... but you wouldn't really find a shrine to Torag near a river. As such, my creative liberties made it a subterranean shrine, next to two rivers, one of water and one of lava.
More details regarding creative liberties after the story.
***
Deep under the surface of Golarion, underneath the Five Kings Mountains, there is a cavern. In one end of the cavern, a river of lava and a river of water run almost side by side. This unusual confluence is home to a small shrine to Torag, the head of the Dwarven Pantheon and God of the Forge. The shrine, which doubles as a forge considering Torag’s domain, has been around since the time of Earthfall, and has long been maintained by a lineage of Dwarven Priests.
The forge saw the most use during the Quest for Sky, when the Dwarves were fighting the Orc Clans on their way up to the surface. The shrine was close to the front lines, so many weapons were forged there, both mundane and magical.
Most of the Dwarves who came to the forge were Warriors, having trained their whole lives for glory and adventure. They had the passion and drive to follow Torag’s directive and seek the surface.
They just needed blades. This is the tale of one such blade’s forging.
Wood 0, Fire 0, Earth 0, Metal 0, Water 0
Destiny: 20
Bones of the Blade
While most Dwarven blades were made of iron or steel, this forge made most of its blades out of special materials. For this blade, the smith made the blade out of the rare and light metal Mithral, which the warrior to wield it brought to the forge.
Rolled 4 Dice: 4 (Metal) +1
Wood 0, Fire 0, Earth 0, Metal 2, Water 0
Destiny: 20 - 4 = 16
Heat and Hammer
The metal now needed to be shaped into a blade. The smith used the river of lava to heat the Mithral, keeping an eye on the metal, and hammered it into the shape of a broadsword with an elegant Damascus pattern along its length.
Rolled 4 Dice: 1 (Wood)x2
Wood 2, Fire 0, Earth 0, Metal 2, Water 0
Destiny: 16 - 4 = 12
Bathe the Blade
Once the blade was shaped and white hot, it needed to be quenched and hardened, to let it stand up to the rigors of battle. The smith quenched it in sacred water from the river near the shrine, water which glittered in the glow of the lava, and the steam from quenching the blade left brilliant rainbows.
Rolled 4 Dice: 5 (Water) +1
Wood 2, Fire 0, Earth 0, Metal 2, Water 2
Destiny: 12 - 4 = 8
Stone and Edge
After the blade was hardened, it needed to be sharpened, a long and arduous task. The smith used an old, reliable stone that was one they had used a long time.
Rolled 4 Dice: 3 (Earth) +1
Wood 2, Fire 0, Earth 2, Metal 2, Water 2
Destiny: 8 - 4 = 4
The Power of a Name
Finally, the blade was almost finished. The smith gave it a crossguard and a hilt. Now, it needed a name, and the magic needed to make it more than just well-forged metal. The Smith used a ritual from ancient texts passed down through the ages, one involving lavish offerings to Torag and magnificent decorations.
Rolled 4 Dice: 2 (Fire)
Wood 2, Fire 1, Earth 2, Metal 2, Water 2
To Battle
Skyseeker was a consecrated longsword with an ornate crossguard. It was mostly harmonious between all its elements, but its Fire was just barely out of alignment to keep it from being a true ‘holy’ sword. Still, the Mithral blade was one of unparalleled beauty, and it seemed to sing joyously through the air.
The warrior who carried Skyseeker into battle used it well, and helped lead the way up to the surface. Their lineage settled in the Five Kings Mountains, and Skyseeker has become an heirloom of the line, held in a place of honor in the Dwarven City of Highhelm.
***
Just barely missed making a proper Holy Sword. If I'd gotten a 6 on The Power of a Name I would have made it. Ah well.
Anyway, further creative liberties. Rolling a 4 on the Bones of the Blade step. At the time of the story, the Dwarves lived exclusively underground and were trying to get up to the surface, so I doubted they'd get access to 'metals fallen from heaven', also known as Skymetals. So, instead, I ditched the 'fallen from heaven' part and used the material known as Mithral instead. It's a form of silver that's just as durable as other metals, but very lightweight.
On another topic, the dice seem rather fond of having my smiths forge broadswords - I have rolled more 1s on the Heat and Hammer step than I care to count.
Anyway, as with the other stories, I hope you enjoy, and I look forward to feedback.
...I also want to see other people's stories here, too. :)
And here is the revised tale of Vyzza and Atria, and the new blade that results. Setup is the same, some of the steps are the same, but others are different, and as a whole I was much luckier with the dice this time, yielding a much better result. Here goes:
***
Somewhere within the borders of the nation of Andoran lies the lair of the Golden Dragon Vyzza. Like most Gold Dragons, Vyzza is known for her wisdom, but she is also renowned as a skilled weaponsmith, having learned techniques from Elves, Dwarves, and many other Ancestries to forge a wide variety of enchanted swords.
However, even remaining mostly secluded in her lair, Vyzza has still been able to keep abreast of current events. The undead sorcerer Tar-Barphon, the Whispering Tyrant, has escaped from his prison, established a base of operations in the Isle of Terror, and nearly took over the city of Absalom. Tensions between Andoran, a newly-freed democratic republic, and the demon-worshipping empire of Cheliax are rising and approaching the brink of war. She has even heard rumors of a cult of demon-worshippers on the move, attempting to set in motion a plot which might threaten all of Golarion.
Then, one day in 4720 AR, Vyzza received a visitor. A humble farmer, one who was guided to Vyzza’s lair in a dream. Atria wasn’t even the one who owned her farm, just one of the hired hands. And yet she held great passion and strength that shone through when talking to Vyzza, and a willingness to fight to defend her home.
She just needed a blade. One Vyzza could provide.
Wood 0, Fire 0, Earth 0, Metal 0, Water 0
Destiny: 20
Bones of the Blade
Of course, Vyzza couldn’t just make a sword out of thin air, and her hoard lacked any materials suitable for forging a blade for Atria. A special material was needed, and so Vyzza sent Atria out to steal some gold out from under the sleeping Red Dragon Daralathxyl, the ‘sixth king’ of the Five Kings Mountains. It was a harrowing, perilous journey, but eventually Atria returned with the gold - and with two traveling companions, “Mika” and “Lina”.
Rolled 4 Dice: 2 (Fire)x2
Wood 0, Fire 2, Earth 0, Metal 0, Water 0
Destiny: 20 - 4 = 16
Heat and Hammer
Now it was time to work the material into a blade. Vyzza, who was laughing internally from the irony of a Gold Dragon using the spoils of a Red Dragon’s hoard, did not need a traditional smithing fire, instead using her own draconic flames to heat the metal, while still keeping a careful eye on the delicate changes of color in the metal while hammering it into the desired shape. Thinking of the simple longsword Atria had started her journey with, Vyzza shaped the blade into a broadsword, her blows with the hammer engraving an elegant damascus pattern down the blade’s length.
Rolled 4 Dice: 1 (Wood)x3
Wood 3, Fire 2, Earth 0, Metal 0, Water 0
Destiny: 16 - 4 = 12
Bathe the Blade
Once the blade was hot enough and in the desired shape, it was time to quench it, so it was hard enough to withstand the trials that lay ahead for Atria. She doused the blade in blessed water from a nearby enchanted spring that glittered in the light. The steam released from the hot metal cast magnificent rainbows.
Rolled 4 Dice: 5 (Water) +1
Wood 3, Fire 2, Earth 0, Metal 0, Water 2
Destiny: 12 - 4 = 8
Stone and Edge
Once the blade was shaped and forged, it needed to be sharpened to a razor’s edge. Atria frequently peeked in during the process,but Vyzza was a Gold Dragon who had lived for millennia, to the point where some would consider her ancient. Vyzza had the patience, the endurance, and more importantly the tools. She used a simple whetstone which was one that she often used for such purposes
Rolled 4 Dice: 3 (Earth) +1
Wood 3, Fire 2, Earth 2, Metal 0, Water 2
Destiny: 8 - 4 = 4
The Power of a Name
Finally, it was time to finish the blade. Vyzza gave it a hilt and a crossguard, but it needed to be infused with magic to be any more than just a well-made sword. It also needed a name. Vyzza sat in human form with the blade in her lap, meditating for three days and nights. Atria, understandably, was confused and didn’t think it looked like a ritual at all… until an otherworldly creature, an Archon serving Iomedae itself, appeared to touch the blade with a conferred blessing from the Goddess.
Rolled 4 Dice: 6 (Energy)
Wood 3, Fire 2, Earth 2, Metal 2, Water 2
To Battle
Amber Justice is a golden broadsword which has an elegant Damascus pattern running down its length, making it look as if the whispering blade were made of amber. And while it is primarily a Wood element blade, it has enough harmony across all the elements to be a true Holy sword, able to cut through trees and powerful enough to fell a giant… though that power will only grow over time.
It will serve Atria well in her quest to protect her home…
***
And there you have it. My first true Holy Sword with this game. Like Vyzza, I laughed at the irony of a Gold Dragon (Lawful Good) forging a blade with gold stolen out from under a Red Dragon (Chaotic Evil), which was why I chose Fire as opposed to Metal in Bones of the Blade. And as a Wood Element sword, I feel Amber Justice fits Atria better than Lightseeker did, given that she was originally a simple farmgirl (Farmhand background as per PF2E rules).
I hope everyone enjoys, and hope to get feedback. :)
And I have a third story - again set in Pathfinder, though this tale is set on the continent of Tian Xia, aka the Pathfinder 'Asian' equivalent.
***
Deep in the Forest of Spirits, on the continent of Tian Xia, lived a hermit. This Elven blacksmith hailed from the Elven nation of Jinin, but left their lands long ago and came to enjoy the quiet of the forest, where he practiced his craft.
At the same time as the Shining Crusade on Avistan against the Whispering Tyrant Tar-Barphon, another lich had raised up their own army to threaten the continent of Tian Xia. Their forces proved formidable, and it was all the ruling empire of the time could do to hold him at bay.
One day, the hermit was approached by a young girl. A daughter of Tian-Min royalty, who rejected the sheltered, pampered life she was living and sought to protect the land. She was willing to try. She was willing to fight. And the elven hermit could see her passion and drive shining through as they spoke.
The girl just needed a blade.
Wood 0, Fire 0, Earth 0, Metal 0, Water 0
Destiny: 20
Bones of the Blade
No ordinary metal would do for this blade, however. It needed something special. And so, the hermit sent the princess to find a metal with layers of minerals, much like the rings of a tree. It was an arduous task, but she managed to acquire the material.
Rolled 4 Dice: 1 (Wood)x3 - 1
Wood 2, Fire 0, Earth 0, Metal 0, Water 0
Destiny: 20 - 4 = 16
Heat and Hammer
With the metal delivered to the forge, the smith got to work. He used his forge to heat the metal, carefully watching it as he hammered it into the shape. He hammered the metal into the shape of a large heavy sword, with a long, straight blade.
Rolled 4 Dice: 3 (Earth)x3
Wood 2, Fire 0, Earth 3, Metal 0, Water 0
Destiny: 16 - 4 = 12
Bathe the Blade
Once the blade was heated and shaped, it needed to be quenched, so it was durable enough to handle the stresses the princess would put it through. He quenched the blade in the tears of a sea dragon, which the princess gathered for him in the process of acquiring the metal
Rolled 4 Dice: 6 (Energy)x2
Wood 2, Fire 0, Earth 3, Metal 0, Water 1
Destiny: 12 - 4 + 2 = 10
Stone and Edge
Now it was time to sharpen the blade to a razor’s edge, which the elven smith had the patience and endurance to handle as he ground the blade against a shining rock with a seam of mysterious metal running through it. The princess peeked in every so often to check on the smith, but lacked his endurance in the task. She brought him food and drink when needed, though, which he appreciated
Rolled 5 Dice: 4 (Metal)x2
Wood 2, Fire 0, Earth 3, Metal 2, Water 1
Destiny: 10 - 5 = 5
The Power of a Name
With the blade almost finished, the smith gave it a long handle to let the princess wield the heavy blade with two hands, as well as a cross guard. But now it needed a name, as well as the magical power to give it an edge against the lich and his minions. He sat with the blade in his lap, meditating for several days and nights in a process the princess complained wasn’t a ritual at all - until a servant of Shizuru appeared to touch the blade with a conferred blessing.
Rolled 5 Dice: 6 (Energy)
Wood 2, Fire 2, Earth 3, Metal 2, Water 1
To Battle
Tsuchi no Mamoru (Guardian of the Earth) is a Consecrated Greatsword with a heavy blade that never dulls. It is not quite harmonious enough to be a proper ‘Holy’ blade, but is greater than most other magical blades, and will never allow its edge to harm the innocent.
The princess used Tsuchi no Mamoru to great effect to end the lich’s campaign of terror, and it became an heirloom of her family line. On the topic of said family line, the princess was found to be with child soon after she put an end to the lich. She never named the father, only stating that he was very important to her, and of appropriate standing to be a father to royalty. Much speculation was had, especially as the child was revealed to be a Half-Elf upon birth, but none ever determined the child’s paternal parentage.
***
Getting three 1s on Bones of the Blade was... well, I wasn't expecting it. Then came Heat and Hammer where I got three 3s, and I was on a roll. I was truly expecting to make an actual Holy Sword... then I got two 6s, a 4, and a 3 on Bathe the Blade. If ANY of those had been a 5, I might have actually made a proper Holy Sword for the first time. Instead, I had to go with Energy, which at least helped me with the last two steps.
I hope you enjoy, and I look forward to feedback. Though please, no flames.
And here's my second Sacred Forge Tale for Pathfinder - this one is set around the timeframe of Pathfinder Second Edition, and ties into a unique storyline a friend and I are working on.
***
Somewhere within the borders of the nation of Andoran lies the lair of the Golden Dragon Vyzza. Like most Gold Dragons, Vyzza is known for her wisdom, but she is also renowned as a skilled weaponsmith, having learned techniques from Elves, Dwarves, and many other Ancestries to forge a wide variety of enchanted swords.
However, even remaining mostly secluded in her lair, Vyzza has still been able to keep abreast of current events. The undead sorcerer Tar-Barphon, the Whispering Tyrant, has escaped from his prison, established a base of operations in the Isle of Terror, and nearly took over the city of Absalom. Tensions between Andoran, a newly-freed democratic republic, and the demon-worshipping empire of Cheliax are rising and approaching the brink of war. She has even heard rumors of a cult of demon-worshippers on the move, attempting to set in motion a plot which might threaten all of Golarion.
Then, one day in 4720 AR, Vyzza received a visitor. A humble farmer, one who was guided to Vyzza’s lair in a dream. Atria wasn’t even the one who owned her farm, just one of the hired hands. And yet she held great passion and strength that shone through when talking to Vyzza, and a willingness to fight to defend her home.
She just needed a blade. One Vyzza could provide.
Wood 0, Fire 0, Earth 0, Metal 0, Water 0
Destiny: 20
Bones of the Blade
Of course, Vyzza couldn’t just make a sword out of thin air, and her hoard lacked any materials suitable for forging a blade for Atria. A special material was needed, and so Vyzza sent Atria out to find adequate supplies of Orichalcum, the rarest and most valuable of skymetals and easy to enchant. It took Atria some time, but she returned with plenty of the metal.
Rolled 4 Dice: 4 (Metal) +1
Wood 0, Fire 0, Earth 0, Metal 2, Water 0
Destiny: 20 - 4 = 16
Heat and Hammer
Now it was time to work the material into a blade. Vyzza did not need a traditional smithing fire, instead using her own flames as a Gold Dragon to heat the metal, while still keeping a careful eye on the delicate changes of color in the metal while hammering it into the desired shape. Thinking of the simple longsword Atria had started her journey with, Vyzza shaped the blade into a broadsword, her blows with the hammer engraving an elegant damascus pattern down the blade’s length.
Rolled 4 Dice: 1 (Wood)
Wood 1, Fire 0, Earth 0, Metal 2, Water 0
Destiny: 16 - 4 = 12
Bathe the Blade
Once the blade was hot enough and in the desired shape, it was time to quench it, so it was hard enough to withstand the trials that lay ahead for Atria. She covered the blade in melted salt that cooled it slowly and evenly, letting the metal within solidify with a much greater durability.
Rolled 4 Dice: 3 (Earth)x2
Wood 1, Fire 0, Earth 2, Metal 2, Water 0
Destiny: 12 - 4 = 8
Stone and Edge
Once the blade was shaped and forged, it needed to be sharpened to a razor’s edge. Atria frequently peeked in during the process,but Vyzza was a Gold Dragon who had lived for millennia, to the point where some would consider her ancient. Vyzza had the patience, the endurance, and more importantly the tools. She used a stone seamed through with crystal particles that hummed musically, resonating with the blade and producing a calming melody.
Rolled 4 Dice: 6 (Energy)
Wood 1, Fire 0, Earth 2, Metal 2, Water 1
Destiny: 8 - 4 + 1 = 5
The Power of a Name
Finally, it was time to finish the blade. Vyzza gave it a hilt and a crossguard, but it needed to be infused with magic to be any more than just a well-made sword. It also needed a name. Vyzza sat in human form with the blade in her lap, meditating for three days. Atria, understandably, was confused and didn’t think it looked like a ritual at all… until an otherworldly creature, an Archon serving Iomedae itself, appeared to touch the blade with a conferred blessing from the Goddess.
Rolled 5 Dice: 6 (Energy)
Wood 1, Fire 2, Earth 2, Metal 2, Water 1
To Battle
Lightseeker is a consecrated broadsword with an elegant Damascus pattern along its length. While it lacks the harmony of a true ‘Holy’ blade, it still has a decent harmony between Fire, Earth, and Metal. It is a blade of radiant purity and light, which sings joyously when it is swung through the air.
Hopefully it will serve Atria well in her quest to protect her homeland from the dangers that are to come…
***
Again, my rolls weren't as lucky as I could have wanted. At least I got a Consecrated Blade this time as opposed to an Ordinary one like Earthshaker from my last tale.
A few notes: First, the story of this tale's Hero, Atria, will be expanded upon in the story with my friend. We have some interesting items planned for it.
For the second note, choosing Metal in Bones of the Blade gives you 'a legendary metal, fallen from heaven'. In Pathfinder, there are several metals 'fallen from heaven' that can be worked with in weaponry, under the collective term of 'skymetals'. Orichalcum is the rarest and most valued, easy to enchant and with temporal properties, giving anything made with it limited self-repair. It made a good choice for Lightseeker.
Who knows where I'll go from here. I might do more Pathfinder-based tales, or I might go for settings like Dragon Age or Legend of the Five Rings.
OK, so, I decided earlier today to try the rolls for this one again. I honestly felt that Atria was going to need a proper 'Holy' sword for her task, and so I set about doing so.
OK, so, I have done two rounds of this thing so far, both set in the Pathfinder universe. Here's the first one, a blade forged in the past, to potentially be found and used again in the current timeline:
***
Deep within the former nation of Lastwall, within its former capital city of Vigil, lays the ruins of a forge. This forge was founded by a skilled swordsmith who fought in the Shining Crusade, and his descendants upheld the tradition of making durable blades, often imbued with magic.
In 4516 AR, the Orcs of Belkzen were assaulting the borders of Lastwall, and the nation’s defenses were only barely holding against them. The forge continued operating, the latest descendant of the operating bloodline a former adventurer named Casina. Casina was well-known in her adventuring days - She began her journeying a master of the blade, and in her travels began to supplement her bladecraft with the spellbook, learning the ways of arcane magic. When she retired to the forge, she applied her arcane knowledge to the hammer, forging powerful magic blades for Lastwall’s Knights.
In the fall of 4516, a young warrior came to Casina’s forge. The young man had trained his entire life for war, and sought glory against the Orcs assailing Lastwall. He had a passion and drive that shone through as he talked to Casina, and a willingness to fight. All he needed was a blade.
Wood 0, Fire 0, Earth 0, Metal 0, Water 0
Destiny: 20
Bones of the Blade
While any blade made of simple iron and steel can hold enchantments, The strongest enchanted blades require something more. The young warrior brought Casina crystals from a secluded sea cave which glowed a brilliant blue.
Rolled 4 Dice: 5 (Water)
Wood 0, Fire 0, Earth 0, Metal 0, Water 1
Destiny: 20 - 4 = 16
Heat and Hammer
Casina took the crystals to the forge, along with steel, and set to work, carefully watching every tiny change of color as she hammered the metal into the shape of a blade. Years of experience and the instinct of forging guided the blade into the shape of a bastard sword with a series of dramatic curves running down its length.
Rolled 4 Dice: 2 (Fire) +1
Wood 0, Fire 2, Earth 0, Metal 0, Water 1
Destiny: 16 - 4 = 12
Bathe the Blade
Once it was shaped, Casina heated and quenched the blade to make sure it could withstand the battles the warrior would take it into. She used arcane instruments and spells to determine exactly when the blade was ready for quenching, and then doused it in melted salt that cooled the blade slowly and evenly.
Rolled 4 Dice: 3 (Earth)x2
Wood 0, Fire 2, Earth 2, Metal 0, Water 1
Destiny: 12 - 4 = 8
Stone and Edge
Once the blade was heated and quenched, it was time for Casina to grind and sharpen the edge. The warrior often peeked in on the process, but lacked the endurance and patience Casina did on this matter. She ground the blade on a chunk of petrified wood, said to belong to a species of tree that had long since gone extinct.
Rolled 4 Dice: 1 (Wood)
Wood 1, Fire 2, Earth 2, Metal 0, Water 1
Destiny: 8 - 4 = 4
The Power of a Name
The blade was nearly ready. Casina gave it a handle of wood wrapped in leather, a crossguard and set some leftover crystals in the pommel. However, it also needed to be given a name and infused with magic, otherwise it would just be an ordinary sword. She used an ancient ritual calling blessings from Gorum and Aroden to bless the blade, passed down from master to apprentice for ever since the forge existed. When testing it, the warrior accidentally struck the ground with it and caused a minor tremor, and so Casina called the blade Earthshaker.
Rolled 4 Dice: 3 (Earth)x2 -1
Wood 1, Fire 2, Earth 3, Metal 0, Water 1
To Battle
Earthshaker was a heavy bastard sword with dramatic curves running the length of the blade and a glittering blue gem in the pommel, with an edge said never to dull, and one that would never hurt the innocent. And while a magical weapon, it lacked the elemental harmony to be much more than ordinary.
In 4517 AR, the Belkzen Orcs breached the borders of Lastwall. No one knows of the final fate of that warrior or of Earthshaker. The forge continued down Casina’s bloodline, continuing to forge blades for Lastwall, until the Whispering Tyrant escaped his prison and destroyed the country in 4719 AR. The forge was destroyed in the carnage, and the last of Casina’s bloodline slaughtered by undead. Deep in the Gravelands, one might still find the remains of the forge, and possibly the secrets of forgework Casina left behind. And Earthshaker might still be laying around somewhere on Golarion, waiting for a new wielder to claim it…
***
Honestly, my dice rolls in this one were kinda unlucky. Bathe the Blade was the only step I rolled multiples on that weren't of an opposed element to the step.
Still, I soldiered on, and I hope this is a good story for you all to read.
A wonderfully considered game wherein you construct a magical sword. Excellent both as a game itself, and to generate the story behind a magical sword.
Sacred Forge is a wonderful game that brings character to your blade. This will be my go-to supplement for any game I'll play to give the weapons my character uses a personal touch!
Thank you for this game! It shows such great attention to detail to the inner workings of the Element Dice System! Reading it alone made me very happy and I can't wait to have time to sit down and appreciate every detail of it playing it!
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Got around to playing this tonight for quest writing inspo, was very fun and has a lot of replayability. 🖤
Been a while since I last made a story here, working on trying to get back to it. However, that also led me to an idea.
The core concept of Sacred Forge involves forging a magical blade for the hero of a tale. But heroes are not the only ones with magical blades... some villains do, too.
Have you considered doing some kind of 'conversion kit' to Sacred Forge that would allow someone to make an 'unholy' blade for the villain?
Oh dang, a cursed sword version sounds incredible!
It certainly does, doesn't it?
And now we have another tale of another forge in Pathfinder. ...I will admit, I took a few creative liberties with this one. My Step 1 rolls got me Religious Figure and island/spring/river. The first one got me thinking a priest of Torag, the chief Dwarven god and God of the Forge... but you wouldn't really find a shrine to Torag near a river. As such, my creative liberties made it a subterranean shrine, next to two rivers, one of water and one of lava.
More details regarding creative liberties after the story.
***
Deep under the surface of Golarion, underneath the Five Kings Mountains, there is a cavern. In one end of the cavern, a river of lava and a river of water run almost side by side. This unusual confluence is home to a small shrine to Torag, the head of the Dwarven Pantheon and God of the Forge. The shrine, which doubles as a forge considering Torag’s domain, has been around since the time of Earthfall, and has long been maintained by a lineage of Dwarven Priests.
The forge saw the most use during the Quest for Sky, when the Dwarves were fighting the Orc Clans on their way up to the surface. The shrine was close to the front lines, so many weapons were forged there, both mundane and magical.
Most of the Dwarves who came to the forge were Warriors, having trained their whole lives for glory and adventure. They had the passion and drive to follow Torag’s directive and seek the surface.
They just needed blades. This is the tale of one such blade’s forging.
Wood 0, Fire 0, Earth 0, Metal 0, Water 0
Destiny: 20
Bones of the Blade
While most Dwarven blades were made of iron or steel, this forge made most of its blades out of special materials. For this blade, the smith made the blade out of the rare and light metal Mithral, which the warrior to wield it brought to the forge.
Rolled 4 Dice: 4 (Metal) +1
Wood 0, Fire 0, Earth 0, Metal 2, Water 0
Destiny: 20 - 4 = 16
Heat and Hammer
The metal now needed to be shaped into a blade. The smith used the river of lava to heat the Mithral, keeping an eye on the metal, and hammered it into the shape of a broadsword with an elegant Damascus pattern along its length.
Rolled 4 Dice: 1 (Wood)x2
Wood 2, Fire 0, Earth 0, Metal 2, Water 0
Destiny: 16 - 4 = 12
Bathe the Blade
Once the blade was shaped and white hot, it needed to be quenched and hardened, to let it stand up to the rigors of battle. The smith quenched it in sacred water from the river near the shrine, water which glittered in the glow of the lava, and the steam from quenching the blade left brilliant rainbows.
Rolled 4 Dice: 5 (Water) +1
Wood 2, Fire 0, Earth 0, Metal 2, Water 2
Destiny: 12 - 4 = 8
Stone and Edge
After the blade was hardened, it needed to be sharpened, a long and arduous task. The smith used an old, reliable stone that was one they had used a long time.
Rolled 4 Dice: 3 (Earth) +1
Wood 2, Fire 0, Earth 2, Metal 2, Water 2
Destiny: 8 - 4 = 4
The Power of a Name
Finally, the blade was almost finished. The smith gave it a crossguard and a hilt. Now, it needed a name, and the magic needed to make it more than just well-forged metal. The Smith used a ritual from ancient texts passed down through the ages, one involving lavish offerings to Torag and magnificent decorations.
Rolled 4 Dice: 2 (Fire)
Wood 2, Fire 1, Earth 2, Metal 2, Water 2
To Battle
Skyseeker was a consecrated longsword with an ornate crossguard. It was mostly harmonious between all its elements, but its Fire was just barely out of alignment to keep it from being a true ‘holy’ sword. Still, the Mithral blade was one of unparalleled beauty, and it seemed to sing joyously through the air.
The warrior who carried Skyseeker into battle used it well, and helped lead the way up to the surface. Their lineage settled in the Five Kings Mountains, and Skyseeker has become an heirloom of the line, held in a place of honor in the Dwarven City of Highhelm.
***
Just barely missed making a proper Holy Sword. If I'd gotten a 6 on The Power of a Name I would have made it. Ah well.
Anyway, further creative liberties. Rolling a 4 on the Bones of the Blade step. At the time of the story, the Dwarves lived exclusively underground and were trying to get up to the surface, so I doubted they'd get access to 'metals fallen from heaven', also known as Skymetals. So, instead, I ditched the 'fallen from heaven' part and used the material known as Mithral instead. It's a form of silver that's just as durable as other metals, but very lightweight.
On another topic, the dice seem rather fond of having my smiths forge broadswords - I have rolled more 1s on the Heat and Hammer step than I care to count.
Anyway, as with the other stories, I hope you enjoy, and I look forward to feedback.
...I also want to see other people's stories here, too. :)
Also, the Step 1 intro is written in such a way that I can forge many more blades in this scenario.
And here is the revised tale of Vyzza and Atria, and the new blade that results. Setup is the same, some of the steps are the same, but others are different, and as a whole I was much luckier with the dice this time, yielding a much better result. Here goes:
***
Somewhere within the borders of the nation of Andoran lies the lair of the Golden Dragon Vyzza. Like most Gold Dragons, Vyzza is known for her wisdom, but she is also renowned as a skilled weaponsmith, having learned techniques from Elves, Dwarves, and many other Ancestries to forge a wide variety of enchanted swords.
However, even remaining mostly secluded in her lair, Vyzza has still been able to keep abreast of current events. The undead sorcerer Tar-Barphon, the Whispering Tyrant, has escaped from his prison, established a base of operations in the Isle of Terror, and nearly took over the city of Absalom. Tensions between Andoran, a newly-freed democratic republic, and the demon-worshipping empire of Cheliax are rising and approaching the brink of war. She has even heard rumors of a cult of demon-worshippers on the move, attempting to set in motion a plot which might threaten all of Golarion.
Then, one day in 4720 AR, Vyzza received a visitor. A humble farmer, one who was guided to Vyzza’s lair in a dream. Atria wasn’t even the one who owned her farm, just one of the hired hands. And yet she held great passion and strength that shone through when talking to Vyzza, and a willingness to fight to defend her home.
She just needed a blade. One Vyzza could provide.
Wood 0, Fire 0, Earth 0, Metal 0, Water 0
Destiny: 20
Bones of the Blade
Of course, Vyzza couldn’t just make a sword out of thin air, and her hoard lacked any materials suitable for forging a blade for Atria. A special material was needed, and so Vyzza sent Atria out to steal some gold out from under the sleeping Red Dragon Daralathxyl, the ‘sixth king’ of the Five Kings Mountains. It was a harrowing, perilous journey, but eventually Atria returned with the gold - and with two traveling companions, “Mika” and “Lina”.
Rolled 4 Dice: 2 (Fire)x2
Wood 0, Fire 2, Earth 0, Metal 0, Water 0
Destiny: 20 - 4 = 16
Heat and Hammer
Now it was time to work the material into a blade. Vyzza, who was laughing internally from the irony of a Gold Dragon using the spoils of a Red Dragon’s hoard, did not need a traditional smithing fire, instead using her own draconic flames to heat the metal, while still keeping a careful eye on the delicate changes of color in the metal while hammering it into the desired shape. Thinking of the simple longsword Atria had started her journey with, Vyzza shaped the blade into a broadsword, her blows with the hammer engraving an elegant damascus pattern down the blade’s length.
Rolled 4 Dice: 1 (Wood)x3
Wood 3, Fire 2, Earth 0, Metal 0, Water 0
Destiny: 16 - 4 = 12
Bathe the Blade
Once the blade was hot enough and in the desired shape, it was time to quench it, so it was hard enough to withstand the trials that lay ahead for Atria. She doused the blade in blessed water from a nearby enchanted spring that glittered in the light. The steam released from the hot metal cast magnificent rainbows.
Rolled 4 Dice: 5 (Water) +1
Wood 3, Fire 2, Earth 0, Metal 0, Water 2
Destiny: 12 - 4 = 8
Stone and Edge
Once the blade was shaped and forged, it needed to be sharpened to a razor’s edge. Atria frequently peeked in during the process,but Vyzza was a Gold Dragon who had lived for millennia, to the point where some would consider her ancient. Vyzza had the patience, the endurance, and more importantly the tools. She used a simple whetstone which was one that she often used for such purposes
Rolled 4 Dice: 3 (Earth) +1
Wood 3, Fire 2, Earth 2, Metal 0, Water 2
Destiny: 8 - 4 = 4
The Power of a Name
Finally, it was time to finish the blade. Vyzza gave it a hilt and a crossguard, but it needed to be infused with magic to be any more than just a well-made sword. It also needed a name. Vyzza sat in human form with the blade in her lap, meditating for three days and nights. Atria, understandably, was confused and didn’t think it looked like a ritual at all… until an otherworldly creature, an Archon serving Iomedae itself, appeared to touch the blade with a conferred blessing from the Goddess.
Rolled 4 Dice: 6 (Energy)
Wood 3, Fire 2, Earth 2, Metal 2, Water 2
To Battle
Amber Justice is a golden broadsword which has an elegant Damascus pattern running down its length, making it look as if the whispering blade were made of amber. And while it is primarily a Wood element blade, it has enough harmony across all the elements to be a true Holy sword, able to cut through trees and powerful enough to fell a giant… though that power will only grow over time.
It will serve Atria well in her quest to protect her home…
***
And there you have it. My first true Holy Sword with this game. Like Vyzza, I laughed at the irony of a Gold Dragon (Lawful Good) forging a blade with gold stolen out from under a Red Dragon (Chaotic Evil), which was why I chose Fire as opposed to Metal in Bones of the Blade. And as a Wood Element sword, I feel Amber Justice fits Atria better than Lightseeker did, given that she was originally a simple farmgirl (Farmhand background as per PF2E rules).
I hope everyone enjoys, and hope to get feedback. :)
And I have a third story - again set in Pathfinder, though this tale is set on the continent of Tian Xia, aka the Pathfinder 'Asian' equivalent.
***
Deep in the Forest of Spirits, on the continent of Tian Xia, lived a hermit. This Elven blacksmith hailed from the Elven nation of Jinin, but left their lands long ago and came to enjoy the quiet of the forest, where he practiced his craft.
At the same time as the Shining Crusade on Avistan against the Whispering Tyrant Tar-Barphon, another lich had raised up their own army to threaten the continent of Tian Xia. Their forces proved formidable, and it was all the ruling empire of the time could do to hold him at bay.
One day, the hermit was approached by a young girl. A daughter of Tian-Min royalty, who rejected the sheltered, pampered life she was living and sought to protect the land. She was willing to try. She was willing to fight. And the elven hermit could see her passion and drive shining through as they spoke.
The girl just needed a blade.
Wood 0, Fire 0, Earth 0, Metal 0, Water 0
Destiny: 20
Bones of the Blade
No ordinary metal would do for this blade, however. It needed something special. And so, the hermit sent the princess to find a metal with layers of minerals, much like the rings of a tree. It was an arduous task, but she managed to acquire the material.
Rolled 4 Dice: 1 (Wood)x3 - 1
Wood 2, Fire 0, Earth 0, Metal 0, Water 0
Destiny: 20 - 4 = 16
Heat and Hammer
With the metal delivered to the forge, the smith got to work. He used his forge to heat the metal, carefully watching it as he hammered it into the shape. He hammered the metal into the shape of a large heavy sword, with a long, straight blade.
Rolled 4 Dice: 3 (Earth)x3
Wood 2, Fire 0, Earth 3, Metal 0, Water 0
Destiny: 16 - 4 = 12
Bathe the Blade
Once the blade was heated and shaped, it needed to be quenched, so it was durable enough to handle the stresses the princess would put it through. He quenched the blade in the tears of a sea dragon, which the princess gathered for him in the process of acquiring the metal
Rolled 4 Dice: 6 (Energy)x2
Wood 2, Fire 0, Earth 3, Metal 0, Water 1
Destiny: 12 - 4 + 2 = 10
Stone and Edge
Now it was time to sharpen the blade to a razor’s edge, which the elven smith had the patience and endurance to handle as he ground the blade against a shining rock with a seam of mysterious metal running through it. The princess peeked in every so often to check on the smith, but lacked his endurance in the task. She brought him food and drink when needed, though, which he appreciated
Rolled 5 Dice: 4 (Metal)x2
Wood 2, Fire 0, Earth 3, Metal 2, Water 1
Destiny: 10 - 5 = 5
The Power of a Name
With the blade almost finished, the smith gave it a long handle to let the princess wield the heavy blade with two hands, as well as a cross guard. But now it needed a name, as well as the magical power to give it an edge against the lich and his minions. He sat with the blade in his lap, meditating for several days and nights in a process the princess complained wasn’t a ritual at all - until a servant of Shizuru appeared to touch the blade with a conferred blessing.
Rolled 5 Dice: 6 (Energy)
Wood 2, Fire 2, Earth 3, Metal 2, Water 1
To Battle
Tsuchi no Mamoru (Guardian of the Earth) is a Consecrated Greatsword with a heavy blade that never dulls. It is not quite harmonious enough to be a proper ‘Holy’ blade, but is greater than most other magical blades, and will never allow its edge to harm the innocent.
The princess used Tsuchi no Mamoru to great effect to end the lich’s campaign of terror, and it became an heirloom of her family line. On the topic of said family line, the princess was found to be with child soon after she put an end to the lich. She never named the father, only stating that he was very important to her, and of appropriate standing to be a father to royalty. Much speculation was had, especially as the child was revealed to be a Half-Elf upon birth, but none ever determined the child’s paternal parentage.
***
Getting three 1s on Bones of the Blade was... well, I wasn't expecting it. Then came Heat and Hammer where I got three 3s, and I was on a roll. I was truly expecting to make an actual Holy Sword... then I got two 6s, a 4, and a 3 on Bathe the Blade. If ANY of those had been a 5, I might have actually made a proper Holy Sword for the first time. Instead, I had to go with Energy, which at least helped me with the last two steps.
I hope you enjoy, and I look forward to feedback. Though please, no flames.
Oh, feel free to leave feedback on the stories I post. No flames though, please.
And here's my second Sacred Forge Tale for Pathfinder - this one is set around the timeframe of Pathfinder Second Edition, and ties into a unique storyline a friend and I are working on.
***
Somewhere within the borders of the nation of Andoran lies the lair of the Golden Dragon Vyzza. Like most Gold Dragons, Vyzza is known for her wisdom, but she is also renowned as a skilled weaponsmith, having learned techniques from Elves, Dwarves, and many other Ancestries to forge a wide variety of enchanted swords.
However, even remaining mostly secluded in her lair, Vyzza has still been able to keep abreast of current events. The undead sorcerer Tar-Barphon, the Whispering Tyrant, has escaped from his prison, established a base of operations in the Isle of Terror, and nearly took over the city of Absalom. Tensions between Andoran, a newly-freed democratic republic, and the demon-worshipping empire of Cheliax are rising and approaching the brink of war. She has even heard rumors of a cult of demon-worshippers on the move, attempting to set in motion a plot which might threaten all of Golarion.
Then, one day in 4720 AR, Vyzza received a visitor. A humble farmer, one who was guided to Vyzza’s lair in a dream. Atria wasn’t even the one who owned her farm, just one of the hired hands. And yet she held great passion and strength that shone through when talking to Vyzza, and a willingness to fight to defend her home.
She just needed a blade. One Vyzza could provide.
Wood 0, Fire 0, Earth 0, Metal 0, Water 0
Destiny: 20
Bones of the Blade
Of course, Vyzza couldn’t just make a sword out of thin air, and her hoard lacked any materials suitable for forging a blade for Atria. A special material was needed, and so Vyzza sent Atria out to find adequate supplies of Orichalcum, the rarest and most valuable of skymetals and easy to enchant. It took Atria some time, but she returned with plenty of the metal.
Rolled 4 Dice: 4 (Metal) +1
Wood 0, Fire 0, Earth 0, Metal 2, Water 0
Destiny: 20 - 4 = 16
Heat and Hammer
Now it was time to work the material into a blade. Vyzza did not need a traditional smithing fire, instead using her own flames as a Gold Dragon to heat the metal, while still keeping a careful eye on the delicate changes of color in the metal while hammering it into the desired shape. Thinking of the simple longsword Atria had started her journey with, Vyzza shaped the blade into a broadsword, her blows with the hammer engraving an elegant damascus pattern down the blade’s length.
Rolled 4 Dice: 1 (Wood)
Wood 1, Fire 0, Earth 0, Metal 2, Water 0
Destiny: 16 - 4 = 12
Bathe the Blade
Once the blade was hot enough and in the desired shape, it was time to quench it, so it was hard enough to withstand the trials that lay ahead for Atria. She covered the blade in melted salt that cooled it slowly and evenly, letting the metal within solidify with a much greater durability.
Rolled 4 Dice: 3 (Earth)x2
Wood 1, Fire 0, Earth 2, Metal 2, Water 0
Destiny: 12 - 4 = 8
Stone and Edge
Once the blade was shaped and forged, it needed to be sharpened to a razor’s edge. Atria frequently peeked in during the process,but Vyzza was a Gold Dragon who had lived for millennia, to the point where some would consider her ancient. Vyzza had the patience, the endurance, and more importantly the tools. She used a stone seamed through with crystal particles that hummed musically, resonating with the blade and producing a calming melody.
Rolled 4 Dice: 6 (Energy)
Wood 1, Fire 0, Earth 2, Metal 2, Water 1
Destiny: 8 - 4 + 1 = 5
The Power of a Name
Finally, it was time to finish the blade. Vyzza gave it a hilt and a crossguard, but it needed to be infused with magic to be any more than just a well-made sword. It also needed a name. Vyzza sat in human form with the blade in her lap, meditating for three days. Atria, understandably, was confused and didn’t think it looked like a ritual at all… until an otherworldly creature, an Archon serving Iomedae itself, appeared to touch the blade with a conferred blessing from the Goddess.
Rolled 5 Dice: 6 (Energy)
Wood 1, Fire 2, Earth 2, Metal 2, Water 1
To Battle
Lightseeker is a consecrated broadsword with an elegant Damascus pattern along its length. While it lacks the harmony of a true ‘Holy’ blade, it still has a decent harmony between Fire, Earth, and Metal. It is a blade of radiant purity and light, which sings joyously when it is swung through the air.
Hopefully it will serve Atria well in her quest to protect her homeland from the dangers that are to come…
***
Again, my rolls weren't as lucky as I could have wanted. At least I got a Consecrated Blade this time as opposed to an Ordinary one like Earthshaker from my last tale.
A few notes: First, the story of this tale's Hero, Atria, will be expanded upon in the story with my friend. We have some interesting items planned for it.
For the second note, choosing Metal in Bones of the Blade gives you 'a legendary metal, fallen from heaven'. In Pathfinder, there are several metals 'fallen from heaven' that can be worked with in weaponry, under the collective term of 'skymetals'. Orichalcum is the rarest and most valued, easy to enchant and with temporal properties, giving anything made with it limited self-repair. It made a good choice for Lightseeker.
Who knows where I'll go from here. I might do more Pathfinder-based tales, or I might go for settings like Dragon Age or Legend of the Five Rings.
I hope you all enjoy! :D
OK, so, I decided earlier today to try the rolls for this one again. I honestly felt that Atria was going to need a proper 'Holy' sword for her task, and so I set about doing so.
The results will be in a fresh new Comment. :)
OK, so, I have done two rounds of this thing so far, both set in the Pathfinder universe. Here's the first one, a blade forged in the past, to potentially be found and used again in the current timeline:
***
Deep within the former nation of Lastwall, within its former capital city of Vigil, lays the ruins of a forge. This forge was founded by a skilled swordsmith who fought in the Shining Crusade, and his descendants upheld the tradition of making durable blades, often imbued with magic.
In 4516 AR, the Orcs of Belkzen were assaulting the borders of Lastwall, and the nation’s defenses were only barely holding against them. The forge continued operating, the latest descendant of the operating bloodline a former adventurer named Casina. Casina was well-known in her adventuring days - She began her journeying a master of the blade, and in her travels began to supplement her bladecraft with the spellbook, learning the ways of arcane magic. When she retired to the forge, she applied her arcane knowledge to the hammer, forging powerful magic blades for Lastwall’s Knights.
In the fall of 4516, a young warrior came to Casina’s forge. The young man had trained his entire life for war, and sought glory against the Orcs assailing Lastwall. He had a passion and drive that shone through as he talked to Casina, and a willingness to fight. All he needed was a blade.
Wood 0, Fire 0, Earth 0, Metal 0, Water 0
Destiny: 20
Bones of the Blade
While any blade made of simple iron and steel can hold enchantments, The strongest enchanted blades require something more. The young warrior brought Casina crystals from a secluded sea cave which glowed a brilliant blue.
Rolled 4 Dice: 5 (Water)
Wood 0, Fire 0, Earth 0, Metal 0, Water 1
Destiny: 20 - 4 = 16
Heat and Hammer
Casina took the crystals to the forge, along with steel, and set to work, carefully watching every tiny change of color as she hammered the metal into the shape of a blade. Years of experience and the instinct of forging guided the blade into the shape of a bastard sword with a series of dramatic curves running down its length.
Rolled 4 Dice: 2 (Fire) +1
Wood 0, Fire 2, Earth 0, Metal 0, Water 1
Destiny: 16 - 4 = 12
Bathe the Blade
Once it was shaped, Casina heated and quenched the blade to make sure it could withstand the battles the warrior would take it into. She used arcane instruments and spells to determine exactly when the blade was ready for quenching, and then doused it in melted salt that cooled the blade slowly and evenly.
Rolled 4 Dice: 3 (Earth)x2
Wood 0, Fire 2, Earth 2, Metal 0, Water 1
Destiny: 12 - 4 = 8
Stone and Edge
Once the blade was heated and quenched, it was time for Casina to grind and sharpen the edge. The warrior often peeked in on the process, but lacked the endurance and patience Casina did on this matter. She ground the blade on a chunk of petrified wood, said to belong to a species of tree that had long since gone extinct.
Rolled 4 Dice: 1 (Wood)
Wood 1, Fire 2, Earth 2, Metal 0, Water 1
Destiny: 8 - 4 = 4
The Power of a Name
The blade was nearly ready. Casina gave it a handle of wood wrapped in leather, a crossguard and set some leftover crystals in the pommel. However, it also needed to be given a name and infused with magic, otherwise it would just be an ordinary sword. She used an ancient ritual calling blessings from Gorum and Aroden to bless the blade, passed down from master to apprentice for ever since the forge existed. When testing it, the warrior accidentally struck the ground with it and caused a minor tremor, and so Casina called the blade Earthshaker.
Rolled 4 Dice: 3 (Earth)x2 -1
Wood 1, Fire 2, Earth 3, Metal 0, Water 1
To Battle
Earthshaker was a heavy bastard sword with dramatic curves running the length of the blade and a glittering blue gem in the pommel, with an edge said never to dull, and one that would never hurt the innocent. And while a magical weapon, it lacked the elemental harmony to be much more than ordinary.
In 4517 AR, the Belkzen Orcs breached the borders of Lastwall. No one knows of the final fate of that warrior or of Earthshaker. The forge continued down Casina’s bloodline, continuing to forge blades for Lastwall, until the Whispering Tyrant escaped his prison and destroyed the country in 4719 AR. The forge was destroyed in the carnage, and the last of Casina’s bloodline slaughtered by undead. Deep in the Gravelands, one might still find the remains of the forge, and possibly the secrets of forgework Casina left behind. And Earthshaker might still be laying around somewhere on Golarion, waiting for a new wielder to claim it…
***
Honestly, my dice rolls in this one were kinda unlucky. Bathe the Blade was the only step I rolled multiples on that weren't of an opposed element to the step.
Still, I soldiered on, and I hope this is a good story for you all to read.
Enjoy!
So... is there a place where we can tell our tales of the forges around? Would it be okay to put them up in these comments?
I'd love it if you would post it here!
OK, then.
Just acquired this thing, and I must say it looks fun. I'm looking forward to seeing what swords I create with it. :)
And it also looks like it'll be a good supplement to things like Pathfinder, Legend of the Five Rings, and even Genesys.
Came back to say, that you should get this game!
the easiest 5 stars I ever dropped on a game!
A wonderfully considered game wherein you construct a magical sword. Excellent both as a game itself, and to generate the story behind a magical sword.
Sacred Forge is a wonderful game that brings character to your blade. This will be my go-to supplement for any game I'll play to give the weapons my character uses a personal touch!
Thank you for this game! It shows such great attention to detail to the inner workings of the Element Dice System! Reading it alone made me very happy and I can't wait to have time to sit down and appreciate every detail of it playing it!