Approved Tech Velok's Orbalisk Cleaver

[Velok the Younger]

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OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION

• Intent: A personal weapon for Velok.
• Image Source: "Weapon Designs" by Ryan Didcote, found at https://www.artstation.com/artwork/mXAKa
• Canon Link: N/A
• Primary Source: Sith Sword (closest equivalent)

PRODUCTION INFORMATION

• Manufacturer: Velok
• Affiliation: Velok
• Model: N/A
• Modularity: No
• Production: Unique
• Material: Orbalisk chitin

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Classification: Sword
• Size: Larve
• Weight: Very Heavy

SPECIAL FEATURES

• Vibrogenerators

DESCRIPTION
Comparable to a classic Sith sword in function, Velok's cleaver is a brutal weapon designed to shear through or bash past armor plate. Velok carved it out of the shell of a large orbalisk using corusca-tipped tools. Orbalisks, an ancient alchemical creature, can withstand and absorb gigantic amounts of electrical current, and can repel the blade of a lightsaber. They also grow throughout their lives. Velok found a tough old one and ground down its shell into a weapon that suited him.

Strengths:

• Lightsaber resistance on par with a decent midgrade Sith sword.
• Can absorb lightning in quantity.
• Advanced vibrogenerators and substantial weight allow it to shear through an awful lot with Velok's strength behind it.
• Retains an amplified echo of the orbalisk's ability to feed on the Force: any Force-sensitive cut by the blade will feel slightly and temporarily weaker in the Force. A somewhat more powerful drain takes place if Velok kills a Force-sensitive with the cleaver. Any siphoned power can be saved up and used in emergencies, within reason, when Velok needs a second wind.

Weaknesses:

• Very heavy for a weapon of its size. Definitely not suited for fencing or knife-fighting.
• Lightsabers will notch the blade and may damage it with sustained contact, making it less unnaturally durable than a good Sith sword.
• Force-null fields (ysalamiri, void stone) will permanently dissipate whatever energy the weapon has stored up.
• A Dark Side presence makes the cleaver noticeable to Jedi senses, unless specially concealed by various means.

 

[Cairyn Midore]

<p>Under Review.</p>

 

[Cairyn Midore]

Loving this.

Can absorb lightning in quantity.

I'm a bit perplexed as to how this is able to absorb lightning, giving that electricity was a major weakness for Orbalisks. Could you clarify?

[member="Velok the Younger"]

 

[Velok the Younger]

[member="Cairyn Midore"]

The Wook article has some vague and contradictory language early on, but later it indicates that the orbalisks could take a gigantic amount of electricity before death. As I understand it, and this is just my take - it's been ages since I read any of those books - orbalisks absorb a big chunk of electricity until the little critters just can't take it anymore. Then they die and release nasty toxins. Since this is a chunk of carapace, there's nothing here to die or release toxins. The electricity-drinking ability is comparable to your average Sith sword, if it's a balance concern - I literally just left the strength there from the template.

 

[Cairyn Midore]

[member="Velok the Younger"]

Taking another look at the wiki page and I see what you mean. I don't think it's a balance concern - assuming you're not going to claim to be the second coming of Darth Bane (and as you pointed out, this is just the shell). As another user of Orbalisks, I truly like what you've done here.

 

[Cairyn Midore]

Awesome. Pending Secondary Approval. Thanks! [member="Jamie Pyne"]

 

[Ellie Mors]

Super cool take on two existing concepts.

 

[Ellie Mors]

Approved.