Kledrad

The Kledrad is the iconic great sword of the Valorîin Royal Marines and the warrior-monks of the Shaikû Order. Universally recognized across Lethurîa, the Kledrad is traditionally forged to match the full height of its wielder, resulting in blades ranging from 2.4 to 6 meters in length.

More than a weapon, the Kledrad is a spiritual companion. Each proper blade is forged in a Voyd Forge, where its proximity to the primordial Voyd invites a Voyd Spirit to inhabit the metal. These spirits bond to a single wielder—forming a relationship that is equal parts mystical, martial, and ancestral.

Description

A standard Kledrad includes:

• a long, elegant blade
• a wide, upward-curving guard
• twin ring guards on either side
• a pointed counterbalanced pommel
• leather or Synth-leather wrapped grip

Despite their immense size, Kledrad are shockingly light due to Voyd-infused metallurgy. Their balance is fine-tuned to allow enormous sweeping arcs, making them ideal for clearing “target-rich environments” where Valorîin warriors wade through large enemy formations.

Voyd Spirits and Bonding

A true Kledrad is forged in a Voyd Forge, where the infant blade is exposed to the currents of primordial emptiness. This exposure invites a Voyd Spirit to settle within the metal. The bonding process includes:

• mixing the wielder’s blood or hair into the molten blade
• a spiritual attunement ritual
• the Spirit accepting or rejecting the wielder

Once bonded, a Kledrad becomes fiercely loyal. Notable behaviors include:

• Autonomous Movement – A Kledrad may strike, parry, or reposition itself to defend a disarmed master.
• Recall Leap – When called, the blade can leap into the outstretched hand of its wielder.
• Master Exclusivity – These swords serve only one master; after retirement, the blade is honored, displayed, and cared for like a sentient relic.

Self-Mending and Vampiric Traits

Modern Kledrad are classified as Self-Mending weapons. They repair themselves by absorbing:

• thermal energy
• ambient kinetic energy
• nearby available matter
• the blood and biological essence of foes

This gruesome efficiency led some militaries to nickname them “Vampiric Blades,” though the term is viewed as melodramatic by traditional Valorîin warriors.

Kledrad are also self-cleaning and capable of shifting color and opacity, turning black and fully opaque for stealth operations.

Blade Colors and Personality

The color of a forged Kledrad reflects the emotional and spiritual state of its wielder during the forging ritual.

Common colors:

• Gold / Silver – Traditional Valorîin colors; signify duty, structure, and clarity.
• Blue / Red / Green / Violet – Associated with selfless or noble natures.
• Black – The rarest color; emerges when the wielder’s personality is in flux, conflicted, or undergoing deep internal transformation.

Drill sergeants often gauge a recruit’s temperament based on the blade’s coloration and adjust training methods accordingly.

Production

There are two broad categories of Kledrad:

True Kledrad (Spirit-Bound)

Forged in Voyd Forges; bonded to a single master; priceless heirlooms. Materials:

• pure Varkest (most prestigious)
• Voyd Steel plated with Varkest (common among noble families)

These blades are typically funded by family collectives before a member enters military service. A properly forged Varkest Kledrad may serve through dozens of generations.

Mass-Produced Kledrad

Functional but lacking a Voyd Spirit. Used primarily by:

• the Valorîin Royal Army Reserve
• non-Valorik species
• ceremonial guards

These blades retain the shape but not the soul of their empowered counterparts.

Users

The Kledrad is wielded by:

• Royal Valorîin Marines
• the ascetic warriors of the Shaikû Order
• Royal Valorîin Elite bodyguards
• independent Valorîin warriors of high standing

All notable members of Clan Teslek and Clan Tetorak have carried legendary Kledrad, including Merik Teslek, Mîra Ûrlek Teslek, Merek Tetorak, and Maira Kûlaron Tetorak.

Cultural Significance

To carry a Kledrad is to carry one's lineage. To forge one is to forge one’s soul. To lose one is a grief rarely spoken aloud.

These blades symbolize identity, honor, and unbroken lineage within Valorîin society.

See Also

• Voyd Spirit
• Voyd Forge
• Voyd Steel
• Varkest
• Self-Mending
• Shaikû Order
• Valorîin Royal Marines