Sawtooth sabre
Assassins of the Red Mantis use the sawtooth sabre as their signature weapon because it is a cruel but efficient weapon, a perfect combination for the holy assassins.
The sawtooth sabre's blade is curved like a normal sabre, but instead of a straight edge, the cutting edge is serrated, allowing deeper wounds. This grisly weapon weighs only 2 pounds[1][2] and measures about 3½ feet from hilt to point,[3] another advantage for an assassin trying to sneak into and out of a guarded area.
The sawtooth sabre is difficult to master—although those untrained in its subtleties fare well enough by simply wielding it as they would a longsword—but its light weight allows it to be wielded with finesse rather than brute strength.[1][2] Many of the Red Mantis fight with a sawtooth sabre in each hand, in a style reminiscent of a praying mantis,[2] and some Red Mantis assassins can weave the blade in a hypnotic pattern to help them kill their target.[4]
The Red Mantis have no objection to the use of the weapon by non-members. Its presence serves as a useful reminder of the organisation's might, and since not everyone who uses one is an assassin it helps members to keep their identity secret when out of uniform.[5] It is also the holy weapon of the clan's god, Achaekek,[4] and featured on the flag of the Red Mantis-dominated city of Ilizmagorti.[6]
Mantis blade
The mantis blade is a legendary sawtooth saber venerated by the Achaekek-worshiping Cult of the Mantis.[7]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 James Jacobs and Mike McArtor. (2008). Curse of the Crimson Throne Player's Guide, p. 13. Paizo Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-60125-087-2
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 James Jacobs et al. (2011). The Inner Sea World Guide, p. 290–291. Paizo Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-60125-269-2
- ↑ Paris Crenshaw, Ron Lundeen, and David Schwartz. (2015). Melee Tactics Toolbox, p. 16. Paizo Inc. ISBN 978-1-60125-732-1
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Nicolas Logue, & James Jacobs. (2008). The Red Mantis. Escape from Old Korvosa, p. 70. Paizo Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-60125-092-6
- ↑ James Jacobs et al. (2011). The Inner Sea World Guide, p. 115. Paizo Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-60125-269-2
- ↑ Rob McCreary. (2009). Ilizmagorti. Cities of Golarion, p. 27. Paizo Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-60125-200-5
- ↑ James Jacobs, Kevin Kulp, Rob McCreary, and Owen K.C. Stephens. (2010). City of Seven Spears. City of Seven Spears, p. 46. Paizo Publishing, LLC. ISBN 978-1-60125-274-6