So a friend and I have been working on this theory because he wants to RP using one of those Sylvari swords, but we’ve been attempting to figure out just what their qualities are.
We’ve come to the conclusion they might be like mineral or amber in consistency, created from Pale Tree Sap and hardened temporarily, but with the supernatural origin of the tree, likely capable of greater sharpness almost akin to diamonds.
Here’s why.
1. Due to the story quest revolving around Caledbolg [sp], we know Sylvari weapons come from the Pale Tree herself.
2. When the weapon is put away, it has no blade. When it’s drawn, the blade appears. The Sylvari show no evidence of using energy weapons like the Asura, and we know that the Sylvari use plants and stone for all their materials. So the more likely explanation is that the wood of the weapon contains sap that magically hardens when it is drawn.
3. My theory of the consistency being diamond-like is that amber is not strong enough to make a good blade from, while diamond can be extremely sharp. However, diamond is also BRITTLE. It’s easily smashed apart. Let’s take a look at the Sylvari blunt weapons, the kind that would have to absorb impacts.
The Warhammer, seen here: http://www.guildhead.com/item/55097/sylvari-warhammer#model-viewer
It doesn’t even use the crystal for the head. It’s made of rock.
The mace, seen here: http://www.guildhead.com/item/55100/sylvari-mace
Again, the crystal is never used to strike. It floats in the center of the vines.
With the crystalline material so prominent in the blades, it seems to support the theory that the substance is very sharp, but very brittle, well-suited to cutting but not to smash with.
Thoughts? Counter-points? Support?
