Specimen 1347 Report

Introduced:

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This is the beginning of further experimentation on specimen 1347, known commonly as Jared Kurth. After his defeat at the hands of the Bloodless, he returned to a lifestone properly and showed no ill effect from using Heartbreaker.

He has been equipped with a new weapon, which shall henceforth be referred to as Souldrinker. Although it does not possess the unique characteristics as Heartbreaker, the current experiment does not require that. Rather, its ability - the ability to channel vitae directly from a dying target into the bearer - should yield valuable new clues into the workings of life and death on this world. Plus, slaying a few Bloodless never hurt anything.

-- Count Dardante

Field testing has indicated that yes, a specimen equipped with Souldrinker will indeed be able to direct the vitae of a dying target directly into the specimen, resulting in a corresponding increase in natural ability within the specimen as well as an increase in the capabilities of the sword. It may conceivably be possible to raise a weapon to the stature of Heartbreaker using this technique in lieu of Shade Iron. Further testing will be required to identify the truth of this assertion.

One side effect of Souldrinker is that the wielder seems to regress in actual skill and intelligence. Although the capabilities of the wielder are heightened, it is due to their drastic increase in strength, coordination, and quickness overcoming their loss of skill at the arts of war. This weapon should only be used...with expendable resources.

-- Count Dardante

Unfortunately, this line of experimentation has ended unsatisfactorily, albeit with much valuable information having been gathered in regards to the behavior of lifestones and vitae. Although Souldrinker and the specimen have increased in power, there is a limit to the power which they can absorb. While the actual power of the weapon can theoretically become that of Heartbreaker, it lacks the special quality of final death which was pursued. Alternate methods will need to be sought to continue production of Heartbreaker-style weapons.

This method of upgrading a Viamontian Knight, meanwhile, has some small amount of merit. However, the cost may outweigh the value. My recommendation to His Majesty will be to produce more Viamontian Knights in an attempt to gain numerical superiority rather than attempt to create a small number of high powered knights. Although the small number may hold the field against superior numbers, it is vulnerable to attack from large groups, such as that which the Bloodless have been mounting against it.

-- Count Dardante

Notes

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