defy the tyrannous stars
"Don't resist! Our bodies are unworthy of the majesty."
= OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION =
Intent: To create a cultural melee weapon for use in battle and ceremonial bloodletting by the Sun Guard.
Image Source: Star Trek Database.
Canon Link: Vibro-Arbir Blade.
Restricted Missions: If Required.
Primary Source: Thyrsian Talwaar. Repurposed Canon Articles.
= PRODUCTION INFORMATION =
Manufacturer: The Golden Company, The Thyrsian Hierarchy. (Select, and Contracted Foundries.)
Model: Thyrsian Pentag Blade.
Affiliation: The Golden Company, The Thyrsian Hierarchy, Closed-Market.
Modularity: Yes; Variable Size and Shape, Decorative Hilts, and Ceremonial Accoutrements.
Production: Limited - The Golden Company.
Material: Titanium-Reinforced Durasteel, Thyrsian Steel Edge, Japor Ivory Wood Hilt, Thyrsian Cloth Wrappings, Retractable Photovoltaic / Solar Ionization Panels, Ultrasonic Vibration Generator, Electro-Plasma Energy Filament.
= TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS =
Classification: Long Dagger.
Size: Small Rating.
Length: Variable (~2 Feet or 24 Inches)
Weight: Light Rating.
STANDARD FEATURES
- Ornate Carved Japor Ivory Wood Hilt, Cloth Wrapped.
- Balanced Blade with Forked Edges.
- Electro-Plasma Energy Filament.
- Compact Ultrasonic Vibration Generator.
- Retractable Solar Ionization Panels.
- Utilitarian: The pentag blade is a deadly weapon of war, typically used to slash the throat or disembowel its victims. But warfare is not its only purpose, for the pentag blade has many functions on its world of origin. Thyrsians use it for everything from clan identification to ritualistic bloodletting if there are no crysknifes available as a component of their sun worship. These pseudo-dirks can function as a tool, or the means of issuing an honorable challenge. Their role on Thyrsus is myriad.
- Electro-Plasma Filament: Running parallel to the blade's outer edges is an electro-plasma filament that creates a thin energy blade capable of parrying a lightsaber. A more modern conceit, it makes the pentag blade resistant for a time to lightsaber strikes. This is is not the same as parity, as after enough exchanged blows energy strikes of sufficient force will overload and eventually short out the weapon's generator.
- Ultrasonic: A compact ultrasonic generator causes the blade to vibrate at extreme speeds in excess of three thousand microscopic vibrations per second, exponentially increasing the amount of damage caused by a single strike. At its maximum setting, a pentag blade can generate enough vibratory force to rip through flesh, armor, stone, and even durasteel plating.
- Power Consumptive: Requiring an energy source potent enough to power both its ultrasonic generator and electro-plasma filament, the pentag blade is not designed for perpetual operation. Although it is incredibly efficient, after extended periods of operation the blade will have to be recharged. This is not a complex process, and due to its solar ionization panels in an ideal environment the blade can continue to function more or less indefinitely. However, older pentag blades especially if they are locked away in storage will not immediately function until they are sufficiently recharged.
- Conspicuous: While more compact than say a Thyrsian talwaar, a pentag blade's distinctive shape and prominent clan markings causes it to stand out. Its cultural significance to the Thyrsian people causes instant association with the Sun Guard, which for a time on Thyrsus was enough to earn its wielder a death mark. This can be mitigated somewhat by concealing the weapon, but it is considered dishonorable not to wear it openly according to Thyrsian custom.
- Short Reach: In length resting somewhere between a dagger and short sword, a pentag blade's elongated edge gives it some reach over a common vibroknife, but not much. Against a longer blade by itself, its wielder would be at a disadvantage, although some in the Sun Guard have taken to dual wielding pentag blades with no small success. It is also just slightly too long to make for a precision thrown instrument.
While the talwaar is commonly considered the ultimate expression of ancient Thyrsian tribal culture, in many ways pentag blades are far more ubiquitous and germane to everyday life. The first were crafted as weapons of war, a fact that shows all too well from its ergonomic shape, but over the millennia this long dagger gained prominence not simply for its killing power but because of a deep spiritual association as well as a traditional custom of crafting ornate versions as status symbols.
The design of a pentag blade is just as varied as the talwaar's, although common rules of thumb are that they are approximately two feet in length and have at least two shallow forked tips. In battle they are used as slashing weapons or to disembowel one's foes, but that is not their only purpose. With the electro-plasma filament deactivated these blades are also featured prominently in Thyrsian bloodletting rituals, and it is not an extraordinary sight to encounter natives using them as common tools for menial labor.
Perhaps their primary cultural function however is as a display of status and allegiance. Valued warriors of each clan are bestowed a pentag blade to display openly indicating them as paragons of their people, the greater the achievements the more high quality the design. Thyrsians are not an ostentatious people by nature, so adornments are most commonly muted, yet each pentag blade bears sigils which openly identify them as from one clan or another.
