Swordsway

*See also: Swaybrand and Swordswayer Brotherhood.*

Swordsway is one of the many sword martial arts presently used in Vanquera. It involves the use of Mana-infused blades that can float and be persuaded and influence by the sword's owner.

A Swordswayer's sword is specialized to the individual, marked with identifying symbols pertaining to the owner, who will share many of the same symbols on their own skin. They vary greatly in a number of ways, having differing sizes, shapes, and weights, but they all have one common symbol; The Swordswayer's Mark, which is branded on the skin of every Swordswayer. These swords are called "Swaybrands".

## The Precepts

The origins of this ancient art have been lost to time. The only remnants of the original artform are the 15 Precepts, orally passed down from Swordswayer to Swordswayer. The Precepts are often marked on Swaybrands, but every Swordswayer has at least one Precept marked somewhere on their skin. A Swordswayer will often be given Precepts best pertaining to the aspects of themselves they struggle with the most.

To Swordswayers, their blade is more than just a weapon used to smite one's foes. They see their blade as a tool, as a utensil, and as an instrument. The Precepts are used as a guide to teach Swordswayers not only how to treat their blades, but how to live their lives. They serve as metaphors meant to remind Swordswayers of the one, true path.

1. The Blade is clean and polished
	* Just as the Blade tarnishes, so shall its legacy.
2. The Blade is sharp and poised
	* The Blade cannot cut without a well-kept edge.
3. The Blade is unique and special
	* Every Blade is different from the last, no matter how much they may be alike. For some you just have to look closer
4. The Blade is just and worthy
	* The Blade
5. The Blade is fluid and malleable
	* The Blade adapts and changes as it needs to.
6. The Blade is rigid and firm
	* The Blade will stand its ground for those who rely on it.
7. The Blade is swift and agile
	* Quick to make corrections, the Blade enacts on commands instantaneously.
8. The Blade is calm and steady
	* No decision can be made without first gathering all possible routes.
9. The Blade listens and understands
	* The Blade
10. The Blade follows and obeys
	* The blade
11. The Blade leads and commands
	* When a people is left without hope, it is up to the Blade to become their hope.
12. The Blade lives and dies
	* In the end, nothing lasts forever, all things pass eventually.
13. The Blade protects and saves
	* The Blade is an implement that serves as a means to protect others from harm.
14. The Blade changes and transforms
	* The Blade seeks to change what needs to be changed, and will change itself in turn to perform such a task.
15. The Blade creates and destroys
	* When something is created, something must be destroyed. And when something is destroyed, something else is created in its stead. This is the nature of change, and is the only constant in the world.

* There is unity and control under the Blade
	+ In addition to the 15 Precepts, this is one last ideal that all Swordswayers must adhere to.

## History

How Swordsway came to be has not managed to be passed down. However, more recently recorded history has been managed and maintained by the Swordwayer Brotherhood to this day.

Swordsway most likely originates in the Era of Adversity. When Invardia establishes itself, the Swordswayer Brotherhood makes their home there. In secret, they serve alongside the Jadeth Council to protect the people and fend off all opposing the growth of the empire.

Despite its more recent history, Swordsway is not an art exclusive to Invardia. There are a great many outside of the Swordswayer Brotherhood that continue to practice the art, including many without allegiance to any nation or organization of any kind. Just as there are those Swordswayers who protect, there are those Swordswayers who kill. With the right resources and avenues, one may be able to hire an assassin Swordswayer.