Sandha[1] (pronounced: SAND-HA; translation: one equipped with a sword) also referred to as a Chaos-Sword by those who were unfamiliar with it is an aṣhẹ-based weapon used by the Taurari, Kasairi, Masabai, Kunamu, Mai Karatu, Ja Jiki, Katarfala, Bokanya, Mai Iska, Machijai and others able to use aṣhẹ. The Sandha uses a wooden hilt as a conduit to power itself and takes the shape of various weapons. The Sandha, visually is a simple weapon by design. It consist of a wooden hilt that when held can be powered and infused with Source from the wielder creating a sharp blade that mirrors and cuts like a sword.
History[]
The Third Ancestor's ignited Sandha with a curved blade, illustrated by Katlego Motaung. (Note his aṣhẹ hugs his hilt a lot less refined).
The origin of the weapon is believed to have been created by the Masabai.[2] The Sandha is seen as early as the Eight Ancestors, the Third Ancestor is seen wielding a Sandha. His hilt uniquely designed with a "tray" at the bottom.
Creation process[]
Harnuphis's Sandha, more defined and ignited.
During the Blue Madjai arc Harnuphis is seen with a more carved and defined Sandha hilt.
Aesthetics and Design[]
Each hilt was unique to the aṣhẹ-user who created it, it appears that Sandha hilts can have various size, designs and lengths. The Eighth Ancestor added clear jewels to his hilt from an unknown planet to amplify the power of his Sandha.[3] Whereas the Sixth Ancestor's Sandha is crafted from exquisite Ōjukwo wood from his homeworld with a metal hook that adorns the base of the hilt, enabling the Sixth Ancestor to securely fasten it onto any surface.[3]
Cutting Power[]
While wielding his Sandha, the Third Ancestor showcased the power of the weapon by raising the water around him with each swing and using the chaos the weapon presented as powerful swings lift waves of water up in synchronicity without touching it, displaying its chaotic nature and pull on the world around it. In the case of the Third Ancestor, each powerful swing lifted the waves of water up from around him in synchronicity without touching it.[4]
Combat[]
Sandha combat was an integral part of the existence of aṣhẹ users. The blade of the Sandha is able to be extended by the wielder of the sword to attack an opponent out of reach.[5]
Creation and conception[]
The Sandha concept was originally drawn and created by Marcus Orelias in the final page, The Album Booket: 20s A Difficult Age released March 8, 2021. The drawing features a hand holding the hilt of a Chaos-Sword, the energy from the hand igniting it with source power. As the notes read, a user cannot be cut by their own energy while holding the hilt but it can cut through said enemy. It also showcases that the sword indeed needs energy to power it.
Trivia[]
- The Sandha was originally called the "Chaos-Sword".
Illustration of the "Chaos-Sword" later named the Sandha. Drawn and notated by Orelias.