Runeblades

In the Phantasmagoria 'verse

Runeblades are swords, usually greatswords, that are smithed above Ley lines. They do not inherit a soul in the way that a Houseblight does, instead taking on a simple will of its own. Their purposes are typically malicious -- being tools of war -- but a few runeblades actually took on benevolent qualities and would heal more than harm in the field of battle. They were most common during the dark ages, used by warlords and mercenaries because of the qualities that even normal humans can pick up on. After the dark ages many of them were destroyed or buried deep underground in tombs.

Physically, they are very often ornate swords with rune designs upon the sides of the blade, and have been known to make quiet noises that mortal humans swear sound like whispers. Runeblades create Draugr when they need a human to carry them around, or when they want to cause chaos.

Jormungandr

The most powerful runeblade that still exists today; because of its long life, the greatsword Jormungandr has developed a taste for souls. It changed Irenmund Cotter, a viking, into a Draugr and Cotter has been its carrier for five thousand years. Named after the Norse mythological serpent that stretched around the world, Jormungandr is so powerful it causes deep insanity within a few minutes of being held or handled, and even Cotter keeps it locked away rather than handling it every day, confessing that he would lose control and go on killing sprees. Its chief physical characteristic is the snake head, set with sapphires, on its hilt.

Odin

Twin "brother" of Jormungandr, Odin is one of the benevolent types of runeblades; when creatures are within a mere mile of it, they feel a deep sense of peace and balance. Odin, however, was betrayed by its brother, who had Irenmund Cotter toss it into the ocean. It is said to have an eagle's head on its hilt, the eyes of which have long been pillaged of their original gems.