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Gambolcleft, the Vortex Blade, is the magical weapon and symbol of leadership of the Wyvernwind family, created with the help of an ancient wind spirit in order to protect the people of the Silken Squall.[1]

Description[]

Gambolcleft is a +3 magical weapon. When wielded, any hit of 18 or more with it restores a use of Bardic Inspiration, and if it is used with a Blade Flourish, it doubles the damage dealt by it. Moreover, once per day, if the wielder hits an enemy, they can move up to 15 feet and attack again with disadvantage, triggering this same effect if it hits again, continuing until an attack misses; once this property has been used in a round of combat, it can't be used again until the wielder finishes a short rest.[2]

It looks like a beautiful curved shortsword, silver and adorned with golden filigree, wind motifs and runic language. When held, it feels almost weightless.[3]

History[]

At some point in history, presumably during or after the foundation of the Silken Squall, an ancient wind spirit voluntarily sacrificed themselves to create this weapon, which would be used to defend the floating city in the hands of the leaders of the Wyvernwind family for many generations.[4]

In 843 PD the owner of the weapon was Zeru Wyvernwind, one of the heads of the family. After the Red Solstice he attended a meeting in Vasselheim where he learned that his last surviving son, Dorian Storm, was going to be part of a dangerous mission against Ludinus Da'leth. After a tense conversation he gave his approval, and in order to keep Dorian safe he gave him Gambolcleft. So as not to leave his father weaponless in such dangerous times, Dorian gave him his own weapon and promised to return alive so they could exchange them again.[5]

Trivia[]

  • Mechanically, the abilities granted by this weapon empower Dorian's abilities as a bard of the College of Swords. Whether this means most of its previous owners have also been College of Swords bards is unknown, though the blade might manifest abilities in specific ways depending on the abilities of its wielder.

References[]

  1. See "Collecting Legends" (3x105) at 2:22:01.
  2. See CR Cooldown | C3 E105 (subscription required). (Transcript).
  3. See "Collecting Legends" (3x105) at 2:23:19.
  4. See "Collecting Legends" (3x105) at 2:22:16.
  5. See "Collecting Legends" (3x105) from 2:22:01 through 2:24:32.

Art:

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