Mageblade

A mageblade appears like the hilt of a longsword, but it has a gem crystal in place of a blade. The gem is most often an amethyst, sapphire, or emerald, but other gems can also be used. The first weapon of this type was made by Esme Dawnstar, and they are highly sought after by spellswords. Constructing a Mageblade is a rite of passage to become a powerful spellsword, requiring both significant skill and considerable resources. Some spellswords have inherited their Mageblade from their teacher, others set out to create their own.

While you wield it, you can use a bonus action to cause a blade of pure magical force to spring into existence from the hilt. The blade sheds dim light in a 10-foot radius. You can also use a bonus action to disperse the blade. While it is active, the sword has the Finesse property and its attacks deal force damage. The properties of the weapon only work while the blade is active.

Crafting a Mageblade requires 1000gp of mundane materials, a gem worth at least 1000gp, and a rare lawful essence. It takes one week of downtime to assemble the blade. The color of the Mageblade is reminiscent of the gem used to create it. Amethysts, the most common choice, emitting a pale purplish blade. Sapphires produce a deep blue blade, and emeralds create a rich green blade. Other gems can also work, but are used more rarely.

Dormant

• You gain a +1 bonus to attacks and damage rolls with this weapon.
• The damage from Arcane Lashing explodes when you use it with an attack from this weapon.
• You can prepare two additional Spellsword cantrips.

Upgrade: Empower the Mageblade with one very rare lawful essences, and one very rare essence that corresponds to the type of gem used to create it.

Awakened

• The weapons' bonus to attack and damage rolls increases to +2.
• The blade can absorb magical effects from spells that target you, granting you advantage on saving throws against spells and magical effects.
• You can prepare two additional Spellsword spells.

Upgrade: Infuse the Mageblade with legendary positive and chaotic essences.

Exalted

• The weapons' bonus to attack and damage rolls increases to +3.
• When you use Arcane Lashing, you also gain Temporary Hit Points equal to the damage dealt.
• You gain an additional spell slot for each level up to the maximum for your Spellsword level.