You know how Top Trumps work, right? A pack of cards for a whole range of subjects from the Wonders of the Ancient World, to Anime Movies and classics like Deadliest Predators, and you then read off a stat from your top card, hoping it’ll beat your rival and win you the card.
Ecommerce site Swordis has their own (and I’m sure entirely original) print-and-play game with similar rules for blades.
This historic weapons have four scores and an estimated value. The scored attributes are;
- Discovery Index
- Deadliness
- Aesthethic Score
- Sword Mystery Score
Swordis specialises in premier blades and have a collection of over 1200 replicas of some of the world’s most impressive weapons. As a result, so many of these swords are rated as “Priceless”. It’s not a good battle stat.
There’s some balance in their rules as a sword that’s easy to find will have a high “Discoverability Index” but that will likely depress their “Sword Mystery Score”. The other axis, of course, is formed over function with Aesthetic Score versus Deadliness.
Greatest Sword game cards
What’s the world’s greatest mystery blade?
You can read more about some of the free-to-download printable sword Top Trumps on Swordis, but I can paraphrase what they say about their top-rated mystery sword.
Swordis give the honour of being the world’s greatest mystery sword to Guan Yu’s Green Dragon Crescent Blade.
In the vibrant tapestry of Chinese history, few figures loom larger than Guan Yu, the embodiment of loyalty, righteousness, and martial prowess. His weapon, the legendary Green Dragon Crescent Blade, stands as a testament to his might, shrouded in an aura of myth that transcends the battlefield.
Hailing from the tumultuous Three Kingdoms period, Guan Yu’s historicity seamlessly blends with myth, leaving the origins of his colossal guandao veiled in mystery. Legends whisper of its forging, imbued with the miraculous essence of 1780 drops of blood from the mythical Chinese Emerald Dragon, imbuing the blade with an otherworldly mystique.
Deadly Dance of Steel:
The Green Dragon Crescent Blade earns a fearsome deadliness score of 9. Its crescent-shaped blade, adorned with menacing flame-like hooks, carved a path through countless battles, leaving a trail of fallen foes in its wake. Witness its devastating dance in depictions of the Three Kingdoms era, where Guan Yu wielded it with unmatched skill and ferocity.
Aesthetics Forged in Legend:
Beyond its battlefield prowess, the guandao boasts an aesthetics score of 8. Its design harmoniously blends functionality with artistry. Intricate dragon motifs adorn the blade, echoing the awe-inspiring imagery of Chinese mythology. Each flourish is a tribute to Guan Yu’s legendary stature and the mythical creature said to have contributed its essence to the weapon’s forging.
A Weapon Cloaked in Time:
However, the blade’s discoverability score remains a lowly 1. Historians question its physical existence during Guan Yu’s lifetime, as advancements in metallurgy suggest the guandao’s design may have emerged centuries later. This anachronistic nature adds a layer of mystery to the weapon, further blurring the lines between reality and myth.
Priceless Legacy in Steel:
Despite the historical ambiguity, the Green Dragon Crescent Blade’s estimated value transcends mere monetary worth. It earns a priceless status. Culturally and historically revered as a symbol of Guan Yu’s virtues, the blade embodies loyalty, valour, and the enduring legacy of Chinese mythology and martial prowess. Its legend inspires awe and captivates imaginations, forever etched in the annals of Chinese history.
The Green Dragon Crescent Blade is more than just a weapon; it’s a cultural icon, a symbol of heroism, and a testament to the enduring power of myth in shaping historical narratives. Its legacy is a reminder that even the mightiest weapons find their value not in the clang of steel but in the ideals they represent.
Quick Links
- Swordis: Game of Legendary Blades
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