Ironclaw

**Ironclaw** is a renowned sword cherished by House Yarilo, the rulers of Bigos, a nation located on an island in Akire's Chain. This family heirloom is renowned for its magical properties and is believed to be blessed by the native gods of Bigos. According to oral stories, the sword grants its wielder near invincibility in battle and the ability to summon the fury of their Storm God. Crafted from the abundant iron found on Bigos, Ironclaw has been passed down through generations of Yarilo rulers, playing a significant role in the Voivodeship's most significant battles and serving as a symbol of the family's strength and authority. After being lost following the murder of Voivode Moniwid by a usurper, Ironclaw has been reclaimed by Voivode Rymwid, who attributes its return to a mysterious encounter with a poor man whom he believes was a divine emissary.

## Appearance

Ironclaw was a majestic sword and many that have witnessed it in battle claim it to be one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring weapons in all of Alveyra. The sword's blade is made of iron, it has a deep, black appearance, and it has a razor-sharp edge that is said to glimmer in the light. The blade is slightly curved, as is customary with all sabres, and it tapers to a fine point, making it a deadly weapon for any skilled Yarilo swordsman.

At the base of the blade, there is a hilt that is fashioned to resemble an owl, being the symbol of the Yarilo dynasty. The owl's wings stretch out on either side of the blade's crossguard, and the sword stretches out where the owl's claws would be, giving it its iconic name, Ironclaw. The hilt of Ironclaw is made of a dark, polished wood that resembles an owl's feathers but is actually intricately carved with symbols and designs that represent the Voivodeship of Bigos and the Yarilo dynasty itself. However, what truly sets Ironclaw apart from other swords is the intricate etchings that cover the blade. The etchings tell the story of the Yarilo family's history and achievements, and it is said that the sword had a certain power that if a Yarilo wields it, they won't be merely fighting in a battle, it'll almost be as if the sword possesses them and makes them "dance".

Overall, Ironclaw was a stunning weapon that commanded respect and awe from all who beheld it. Its beauty was matched only by its power, and it had played an important role in the Kingdom of Bigos' long and proud history

## Oral Story

Numerous generation ago in Bigos, after the Voyage of the Three Brothers, when the Yarilo dynasty still lived in humble longhouses near their people, the people of Bigos were already very much so proud of their heritage and their cultural symbol, the owl, which is also the symbol of their dynasty. They were known for their iron mines, which were found all across their island in Akire's Chain, and they claimed that the iron mined from Bigos was the finest in all of Alveyra.

The Yarilo dynasty had ruled most of Bigos for generations, and their power was unmatched. The Yarilo family had always been proud warriors and possessed a weapon that was a symbol of their family's strength: a sword known as "Ironclaw." This sword was a family heirloom that had been passed down through generations of Yarilo rulers.

Legend has it that during a great war that raged across the island of Bigos, a Yarilo ruler named Voivode Rydan led his armies into battle against a rival clan on the island the claimed to be the true rulers of the island . Over the course of many months, numerous battles were held, smaller clans swayed with their allegiances almost daily and the Yarilo forces were stretched thin. The two voivodes of the opposing clans agreed on a duel to settle the matter, and the night before the duel as Voivode Rydan lay awake in his tent, he prayed to the God of the Sky and Storms, asking for guidance and strength in the battle to come. And so his prayer was answered; a storm began to brew outside of his tent and the clouds began to shout. As Rydan ran outside, he saw right as the darkness was illuminated by a blinding, bright blue light and saw that the lightning had struck a nearby tree, splitting it directly in the centre. In the debris, he noticed a sword, unlike any he had ever seen before. The blade was made of a deep black metal, and it was adorned with intricate etchings that glowed with a faint blue light.

As Rydan approached the sword, he heard a voice, booming from above. It was the voice of the God of the Sky and Storms, watching him from the clouds. The God told him that the sword was a gift, given to him as a symbol of the God's favour and protection over the Yarilo family.

The God went on to explain that the sword, which Voivode Rydan named Ironclaw, was blessed by himself and would make the Yarilo family nearly invincible in battle. As long as Ironclaw remained in the hands of the Yarilo rulers, the God promised that they would never fall to their enemies.

With Ironclaw in his hands, Voivode Rydan led his army to meet the opposing leader on a field, and to duel to the death. The sword proved to be more than just a weapon - it was a symbol of the Yarilo family's strength and resilience in the face of adversity. With Ironclaw in his hands, Voivode Rydan exploded into a flash of slashes and cuts, swiftly ending his oponnent.

The war eventually came to an end, with the Yarilo forces emerging victorious. Ironclaw had played a pivotal role in their success, and it became a treasured possession of the Yarilo family. The sword was passed down from ruler to ruler, and it continued to play a central role in the Voivode of Bigos' history for many years to come. Today, Ironclaw remains a symbol of the Yarilo family's strength and courage in the face of adversity.

## Loss

However, as the years passed, the Yarilo dynasty faced many challenges, both from within and outside their Kingdom. There were many times when the Voivodeship was threatened, and the Yarilo family had to fight to keep their power. However, they always prevailed, thanks in part to the mighty Ironclaw. The sword had been wielded by the greatest warriors of the Yarilo family, and its power had always been a source of strength for the Kingdom. Many of the Yarilo rulers had used the sword in battle, and it was said that it had never once failed them.

As time went by, the Kingdom of Bigos grew more prosperous, and its people enjoyed a time of peace and prosperity. However, this peace was short-lived. Eventually, a rival clan that claimed the throne attacked once more. The enemy army was led by a powerful warlord who had long coveted the iron mines of Bigos. The Yarilo family knew that they had to act quickly to defend their lands, and they rallied their army to face the enemy. The battle that followed was fierce, and many warriors on both sides lost their lives. However, the Yarilo family had a secret weapon: Ironclaw.

The Yarilo ruler at the time, a brave and wise leader named Voivode Moniwid, wielded the sword in battle, and its power was unmatched. Ironclaw cut through the enemy ranks like a hot knife through butter, and the Yarilo army emerged victorious, however Moniwid was eventually killed by one of his own clan members, who coveted his sword and position. The sword was lost on the battlefield and has not been recovered since.

From that day on, the Yarilo dynasty became weakened and always feared the outcome of the next battle. It was said that the sword had magical properties that made it indestructible, and it was believed that as long as Ironclaw was in the hands of the Yarilo family, the Voivodeship of Bigos would never fall, but now, the people stay in their homes hoping that no foreign nations seek to attack them. However, if the sword were to be rediscovered, it would usher in a grand revival of Bigosi culture and power, but it is yet to be seen if the sword will be found.

## Recovery

And so it happened; the sword was recovered by Voivode Rymwid, who now proudly wields the sword of his ancestors. Voivode Rymwid currently faces a challenging position with two tribes that have migrated onto the Bigosi island and claim the island to be theirs. It is unknown whether Rymwid will prevail against these tribes, but if he were to force them off of the island, with Ironclaw in his hand, he would be able to empower the Bigosi people and lead the nation out of the period of stagnation called the Long Night.