Partjep

*Part of Weapons of Juhnvechteya*

A Partjep is a sword originating from the Stôrans of central Juhnvechteya. A short, wide stabbing blade similar to the cinquedea dagger of Cinelli, it is the subject of much folklore.

### Appearance

The Partjep is a thick short sword measuring between 16 and 24 inches. The blade is heavy; about 3 inches at the base, and rapidly tapers toward the point of the blade. The wide blade was used for decorative etching of names and images, often the visages and names of demons.

### Use

The Partjep has fallen out of use in the recent centuries, due to its association with demons and other malevolent spirits. During its heyday, however, it was rarely used on the battlefield, being carried primarily as an ornamental weapon by warriors when not fighting, as a symbol of status. It was also carried by nobility and the upper levels of the peasantry. It is now rarely seen, save for in family armories, where they hold a place of respect or fear. When one is seen in public today, the bearer is typically looked upon with fear, for using ancient and evil weaponry in a modern civilized context.

### Superstition

Vast superstition surrounds the Partjep, for but one reason. Inscribed with the names and likenesses of certain demons, the wearer of the blade invites the particular demon to inhabit the blade. When the sword draws blood, the demon then enters the wound, and begins wreak havoc within the victim, cursing the individual, and killing them over time.

The blade is forged, and supposedly, once the process is complete, a ritual is performed, inviting any nearby demons or evil spirits to inhabit the blade. Should one accept the offer, it willl enter the blade in a maelstrom of wind and electricity, and once the process is complete, the ritual’s performer will find the name of the demon engraved unto the obverse of the blade, and the appearance of it enshrined on the reverse side. The blade is then named for the demon which inhabits it.

The process of forging is terrifying, and the prospect of being struck is horrific to any man who knows of the swords.

To add credibility to the folklore, the swords do not seem to rust, nor do they become dull with use. They always maintain their shape and properties perfectly, even when found after being left in the wilds for untold decades. They cannot be destroyed or damaged, crediting the myths in the eyes of the Stôrans

With the introduction of Werranism to Stôrjany, and the abandonment of their old, daemon-worshipping faith, the blades began to take on an even-more-evil connotation, willingly using demons to harm Werrans is considered one of the greater evils.

To add to this, supposedly, those who truly followed Arkhas, (Or Warri, as they call the Werran god) are granted some measure of protection against the demon within the blade; the wound will still be corrupted, though they will not likely die from the corruption alone.

Thus, both becoming viewed as utterly evil, and losing some of its effectiveness, has seen the sword become rarely carried in the modern day. It does find a place at family armories, where it is often a centerpiece, as the most ancient weapon most families possess, or as the weapon of one who purposefully wishes use the weapon to cause fear in their enemies.