The Real Elven Blade

The Real Elven Blade

Classification: The classification of this workshop is close hold level 4.

"I want each of you to raise your forearm up into the air. Go ahead, arms up. Now I want you to sniff your partner’s armpit. Don’t be shy, take a good whiff. The purpose of this exercise is to show that each of you has a unique, if not randy scent. (Laughter echoes in the hall.) It identifies you as surely as your visage, a fingerprint or the membrane of your retina. On the manikins before you are two garments which appear to be cotton. Sergeant Andrews will now conduct a demonstration. Please pay close attention."

The sergeant draws his sword and thrusts into the manikin on the right. The blade passes cleanly through the front and emerges from the rear. The sergeant turns to the second manikin and makes the same thrust. In this case, however, the manikin is torn from its base and the blade is unable to penetrate.

The students whisper in low tones expressing their disbelief and awe.

“What you have just seen demonstrated is one of the Ministries most closely guarded secrets. The two padded garments appear the same but they are different. “

Instructors carry the manikins among the students.

"I want you now to touch and feel the fabric. Each is made with the same material but the difference is that one is activated and the other isn’t. Once activated and keyed to your scent, it becomes impervious to the point or edge of a steel weapon. This is not to say you won’t suffer the trauma of a weapon’s inertial force or get your throat slit, but rather that your upper body won’t be cut or pierced. How this armor works is beyond your need to know. Just understand that when you put it on and have it activated (by a trained armorer), it gives you a decided edge over your enemies. If you are killed or captured and the undergarment is removed it will deactivate once separated from your unique body chemistry. Our enemies will be unable to tell the difference. Be advised that this level of protection cannot be provided to everyone and you must never speak of it outside the confines of an arms room, or certified training facility.”

You have all learned the forms of a short bladed attack. Girded with the armor just demonstrated, your chances of surviving the attack of a knife-wielding assailant are considerably improved. When your attacker closes and grapples they will be surprised to discover their knife is unable to slash or penetrate. The shock of this discover must be turned to your immediate advantage and your counter move will be practiced until it becomes reflexive.

In your daily activities you will wear a standard dagger on your waist. This weapon will be visible for all to see. Many will refer to it as an Elven Blade but the real Elven Blade is shown here.

Martha places her hands on her hips.

“Does anyone have the slightest idea where you will carry the actual Blade?” She turns and reaches behind her back drawing from her belt a long thin triangular steel pick. Almost invisible to the eye she brandishes the weapon and holds it up for all to see. “This is your last line of defense and before you leave this room you’ll be a seasoned practitioner of its use.”