Stvan

A Stvan (pronounced /tzvən/) was a weapon crafted from a Favoured material, imbued with a Blessed's Aura and used in combat by either a Saint or Heretic. Upon initiation into the Sanctuous Order, or whenever a Heretic pleased, the Blessed would traditionally craft the weapon from scratch (this was a requirement before being named a Saint). Components were supplied to an Apprentice in the Sanctuous Order, but the task of creating a Stvan for a Heretic would involve acquiring the materials oneself. The experience was often described as a core part of finding and understanding oneself, a principle which essentially lay at the heart of both a Saint or Heretic's training or personal journey. Construction was rigorous, done by hand, and was mostly unsupervised by rule. The Favour in the material is said to react to a Blessed individual, which guides one in the process of creation. Once completed, the weapon will become almost part of the Blessed's very being, and loss of a Stvan is known to be tragic. Raw aura can be infused with the Favoured material, giving the weapon special effects depending on the Blessed's natural disposition.