Legend has it that when the first sword was forged, Guthix wept. Given that Guthix commissioned warriors and soldiers and, at times, encouraged war, this is perhaps not a truthful statement. Yet, the sword is a weapon with a singular purpose: to end the life of another. Of course, this is true of all weapons, but none so iconic as the blade.
Children would play in the street, striking one another with wooden blades rather than clubs or daggers. They would pretend to be knights rather than brigands or priests. To wield a blade was a sign of bravery. To draw a sword was the hero’s stance.
War shatters all childhood dreams.
Nothing removes the nonsense of chivalry more than seeing the life leaving the eyes of a terrified foe. A sword puts the wielder in that moment, forcing them to face what it is they destroy. To understand that there are no such things as heroes, only warrior against warrior and knowing that one of them will fall.