Sword of Kas
Template:Greyhawk item The Sword of Kas is the mighty blade once used by Kas the Bloody-Handed, the dreaded lieutenant of Vecna. It was by this blade, some say, that Vecna lost his Hand and Eye.
Description
The Sword of Kas, variously described as a short sword, longsword, or greatsword, was crafted by Vecna. The blade is said to have been magically honed to a razor's edge, enhanced the wielder's strength, and could be used to call down lightning bolts from any stormclouds that might be overhead. The sword itself is intelligent, possessing a vile and murderous spirit.
History
The history of Kas the Bloody Handed is irrevocably linked to Lord Vecna, for his Sword was created by Vecna's own skill. Kas was Vecna's lieutenant, his warlord and assassin, and the Sword was his symbol of authority. The Sword was as evil as its maker, and it whispered dreams of treachery to Kas until finally, blade in hand, he confronted his dread master. The battle between the two was titanic, and both are said to have died in the end. All that remained behind were the Sword of Kas and the Hand and Eye of Vecna.
Publishing history
The Sword of Kas first appeared in the Original D&D supplement, Eldritch Wizardry. It was one of the first artifacts detailed for the Dungeons & Dragons game. The sword has been updated many times and has even been the object of quests as in the adventure Vecna Lives.
Gallery
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Kas wielding his sword. Art by Kevin McCann, Vecna: Hand of the Revenant. (2002)
References
Citations
Bibliography
- Cook, David. Book of Artifacts. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1993.
- -----. Vecna Lives!. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1990.
- Cordell, Bruce, et al. Open Grave. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2009.
- Cook, Monte, Skip Williams, and Jonathan Tweet. Dungeon Master's Guide. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2000.
- Gygax, Gary. Dungeon Master's Guide. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1979.
- Gygax, Gary, and Brian Blume. Eldritch Wizardry. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1976.
- Henson, Dale, and Doug Stewart, eds. Encyclopedia Magica Vol 4. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1995.
- Thorsson, Modi, and Kevin McCann. Vecna: Hand of the Revenant. Iron Hammer Graphics, 2002.
Zavoda Index Entry
The Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index page has a list of sources, abbreviations, and a link to the full index.
Kas the Terrible (the Bloody Handed) (Ftr17) (Vampire) NPC Dragon Magazine #082 58 Kas the Terrible (the Bloody Handed) (Ftr17) (Vampire) NPC Dragon Magazine #272 53, 55 Kas the Terrible (the Bloody Handed) (Ftr17) (Vampire) NPC Dragon Magazine #294 92 Kas the Terrible (the Bloody Handed) (Ftr17) (Vampire) NPC Dragon Magazine #299 103 Kas the Terrible (the Bloody Handed) (Ftr17) (Vampire) NPC Dragon Magazine #348 19, 20, 24, 25, 29, 32 Kas the Terrible (the Bloody Handed) (Ftr17) (Vampire) NPC Living Greyhawk Gazetteer 186 Kas the Terrible (the Bloody Handed) (Ftr17) (Vampire) NPC Living Onnwal Gazetteer 5 Kas the Terrible (the Bloody Handed) (Ftr17) (Vampire) NPC Players Guide to Greyhawk 26, 27 Kas the Terrible (the Bloody Handed) (Ftr17) (Vampire) NPC Vecna Reborn 1-6, 8, 13, 15, 17-21, 26-29, 31, 32, 36, 45, 54, 60-63 Kas the Terrible (the Bloody Handed) (Ftr17) (Vampire) NPC WGA4 Vecna Lives! 3, 5, 7, 22, 47, 51, 54-56, 58, 60, 62-66, 70, 71, 74, 81 Kas, Library of (Tor Gorak) Library Vecna Reborn 5, 27-29, 31, 32, 63 Kas, Sword of (Longsword) Artifact Book of Artifacts, AD&D 2e 100 Kas, Sword of (Longsword) Artifact Dragon Magazine #272 55 Kas, Sword of (Longsword) Artifact Dragon Magazine #299 103 Kas, Sword of (Longsword) Artifact Dragon Magazine #348 23, 26 Kas, Sword of (Longsword) Artifact Dungeon Masters Guide, AD&D 1e 124, 161 Kas, Sword of (Longsword) Artifact Eldritch Wizardry - D&D Book VI 41 Kas, Sword of (Longsword) Artifact Living Onnwal Gazetteer 5 Kas, Sword of (Longsword) Artifact Polyhedron Magazine #025 28 Kas, Sword of (Longsword) Artifact Vecna Reborn 2, 6, 17, 19 Kas, Sword of (Longsword) Artifact WGR4 The Marklands 5, 7, 49, 51, 54-56, 58, 64, 65, 70, 71, 74