The Locksmith

The Locksmith was a magical silver longsword that was used by Johnny Kritz to unlock the Emerald Tower and end the enchantment of the 1,000 Mile March.

## Description

The Locksmith was a magic item intended to be wielded by the current representative of the material plane, which was periodically chosen by the enchantment over the 1,000 Mile March. This selected individual would be magically attracted to seek out the sword, and once they acquired it, would then attempt to use it to enter the Emerald Tower. The sword was made almost entirely out of silver, with a large ruby gem embedded in the center of the hilt. When exposed to darkness, the sword gives off a pale glow, resembling moonlight.

## Abilities

Aside from the aforementioned ability to shed light in the dark, the Locksmith was capable of a great deal more. It had the enchantment of a +3 weapon, allowing it to hit foes more easily and deal more damage. Because of its material makeup, it was particularly effective against enemies with a vulnerability to silvered weapons. Additionally, the weapon seemed to have a rudimentary intelligence, able to influence its wielder to move its arms in such a way that it could deflect incoming attacks with superhuman speed. This greatly increased the survivability of the wielder.

Finally, the Locksmith was as much a utility item as it was a weapon, allowing the weilder to cast the arcane lock and knock spells at will, without any of the usual components. This allowed for easy infiltration into locked areas, as well as protection against thieves and intruders. Its ability to unlock almost anything also includes its ability to unlock the Emerald Tower.

## History

When the Emerald Tower was created, it did not come with a key to unlock it. It was up to those chosen by the tower to try to find a method of getting inside. Little is known about who created it or how, but someone chosen by the tower created the Locksmith to try and get inside. After they failed their trials within the tower, the sword fell into the hands of the gods, who were very pleased with the progress made so far by the mortal beings of the material plane. They decided to extend the magic of the tower into the sword, linking it such that individuals chosen by the tower would first seek out the sword.

Many adventurers came into possession of the sword over many ages, but none succeeded, until it came into the possession of Johnny Kritz. Before he had discovered it, it was in the possession of its previous wielder, who had been petrified within some ancient ruins. A tribe of lizardfolk, whos ancient traditions trace back to the origin of the Emerald Tower, were given a magic box from the gods that had the ability to free the sword from its petrified state if the box was opened near the statue. However, only an individual chosen by the tower could open it, and until then, the lizardfolk guarded the box as a sacred artifact. Though most of the details of their traditions were lost to time, the lizardfolk continued to seek out one who could open the box, and eventually found Johnny Kritz, who could. He used the box to acquire the sword, and then went forth to seek the tower.

The Nobleman was also seeking the sword, but not because they had been chosen by the tower. Instead, they were given the knowledge of the sword's existence from the magic mirror, which identified it as the key to a great power. When Johnny had reached the tower, he faced off against the Nobleman at the top of the tower, using the sword, and was rescued by Colonel Briggs. He then used the sword to unlock the tower, and complete the trials within. After the completion of the trials, the sword remained in his possession as a personal reward for his success on his quest.

During Johnny's adventure with Charles Beaufort, a second Locksmith was given to Johnny that Johnny would later give to a time traveling Charles. This means that there is a second Locksmith stuck in a paradoxical time loop, switching from Johnny to Charles' possession in an endless cycle.

## Trivia

* The Locksmith is based off a sword of the same name and appearance from the fictional setting of Dracarria, created by Stevie, who is also the person portraying Johnny Kritz in the 1,000 Mile March setting. The sword belongs to another similar yet distinct character from that setting also named Johnny Kritz. Though the swords are very similar, the sword in the Dracarria setting is described as being capable of a "sealing move" that "permanently banishes a foe to the realm of the dead." This feature was not included in the weapons incorporation into the 1,000 Mile March, because it was feared that such a feature would cause balance issues during encounters.

## Appendix

### Appearances

* The 1,000 Mile March
* My Name Is Johnny