Ryyyk Blades

The Wookiee Knife, or Ryyyk, is the traditional knife of the wookiee people. The actual design of the Ryyyk varies from clan to clan, but some generalities can be made. The handle is almost always of wood, with wroshyr being the most popular, to remind the wookiees of their connection to the mighty trees of their world. Of the other handle materials used, bone is the most popular, often those of the kroyie bird, or the powerful katarn, with layers of organic resin impregnated leather washers following in a very close third. If made off Kashyyyk, local materials would be used. For example, on Tattooine, a piece of Dewback rib could be used. About the only materials never used are synthetics. This is because polymers and carbon fiber and so forth have no connection with nature.

The blade design varies from clan to clan. Some clans use a utilitarian, single-edged, curved blade. Others use wickedly sharp chisel- like tips, "clip"-patterned blades, partial false edges, even dagger-like blades. Some clans even use a wavy dagger design, called a kkryyys. There are even combinations of all the above. Blades range in length anywhere from 20 to 40 centimeters, depending on the clan, and the wookiee him or herself. The blade itself is usually made from a high-carbon steel, but more advanced alloys, such as stainless steel, titanium alloys, and even organic ceramic blades have been made. Blades that are totally synthetic, such as carbon fiber or synthetic diamond crystal, are never used, and the thought of using virboblade technology is utterly horrifying to many traditionalists. This is because the blade reminds the owner that he was once a part of the ground, and shall return to it at one day.

The guards are very slender or non-existent. The sheaths are made of a wide variety of materials, with natural leather being the most common, but sheaths of fitted wood are popular in some sections. Many clans decorate the sheath, with it taking a nearly ceremonial appearance. These are carried in a wide number of places, including the baldric and strapped to the forearm, where it is often well concealed by wookiee fur.

Many wookiees carry several, so that they may be used in pair. Again, the style of fighting often is based on the wielders tribe of origin. Most ryyyks are balanced for throwing, and when used in that manner, making them a convenient middle ground between the bowcaster and close quarters.

The ryyyk is a personal weapon. Even if another forges the blade, or makes the sheath, the final finishing process is done by the owner. They were often improvised out of smuggled materials in the slave camps, and because of their slimness, they were readily concealed. They are rarely found in the possession of non-wookiees. To be given one by a wookiee is even rarer, as it is a sign that they trust you with a part of themselves. Among Imperially backed slavers, it has become a badge of honor to carry a ryyyk. Among the less scrupulous (remember, this is among slavers), counterfiet ryyyks have been made and sold to increase one's prestige. Among collectors, they can fetch quite the pretty price.


type:  traditional edged weapon
skill:  Melee Combat: ryyyk blade, Thrown Weapons: knife
	note:  it is assumed that any wookiees who carry ryyyk blades have
	the proper specialization.
availability: 3
cost:  1000+ per for origionals from collectors
             as little as 50 per in slaving camps for the fakes (double for origionals)
difficulty:  (melee)  Easy 
range: (thrown)  1-3/6/12
Damage:  STR+1D+1, max 7D+1
	thrown: STR+1D, max 6D
note:  If used without the ryyyk specialization, damage only STR+1D (max 6D), increase
the difficulty of using a pair by +3. (It is assumed that the ryyyk specialization includes
paired styles.)  


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