Soul Edge
The Tale of the Legendary Weapon:
Soul Edge
(as told by bosun Wm. Bones at the Fairweather Inn. 1572)
KNOW THIS; these whispered tales of a sword that can cut the very heavens asunder are true! This Soul Edge exists! Many have tried to possess this legendary weapon but all have fallen to a horrible fate. Vercci, the Italian weapon merchant sought out the blade and you know of his grisly end! His agent, the pirate Cervantes de Leon was last said to possess the sword and has not been seen since! That blade is cursed as sure as I sit here! Bewarned, ye are not the only one on this quest! Ten wariors from around the globe seek the blade for their own desires. For some, Soul Edge is their key to salvation; for others, their route to damnation. None of them will back down without a fight! Only the stout of heart and strong of arm can survive. Heed my warnings! They say to hold Soul Edge is to possess true power, but ye cannot hold on to it and your own soul at the same time...
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Cervantes de Leon
The mighty Spanish armada held supremacy over the Atlantic Ocean. But sometimes they were not enough. That is where the privateers came in. Phillip de Leon was one such privateer. He commanded a proud ship with a special commission from the Spanish King to loot in the name of Spain. He once told his son, Cervantes: "A sailor must always be strong and gentle."
Young Cervantes was proud of his father. He was devastated when his father died at sea. Phillip's ship had moved alongside an English ship in order to plunder it. Unbeknownst to him, it was a ruse; an English warship in disguise. Their cannon shells shattered the Spanish galleon. Wiping Captain Leon from history forever.
The young man received his father's hat, his only remains. He swore: "This is where his allegiances to the crown have gotten him! I will be against all countries! I'll become a pirate!" And thus, Captain Cervantes the pirate, was born. He started a reign of terror across the Atlantic in his ship, the Adrian, showing no mercy to anyone, even those in the invincible armada.
One day, a messenger of the "Merchant of Death," Vercci, entered Cervantes' haunt, an inn called the Black Tail. He told the pirate of Vercci's search for the legendary weapon, "Soul Edge."
"This Vercci wants my aid, does he?"
The messenger promised an exceptional reward for the recovery of the swords. But the pirate did not like the idea of working for anyone. What to do?...
Cervantes finally accepted the offer as a lark. For a year, he searched for Vercci. Finally, he came across some information. At a secret antiques auction, an English man made a successful bid on a "strange artifact." The ship carrying the man and the artifact was setting sail when Cervantes made plans to intercept the ship. There was no conclusive evidence that this was "Soul Edge," but then why should a pirate pass up such an opportunity?
The sea was stormy as the Adrian set sail after the passenger ship. "Get ready, me hearties! There she blows! Helmsman, hard to port! Ready the cannons...fire!"
The boom of cannons echoed across the stormy sea. Columns of water surrounded the passenger ship. The Adrian came along side. Cervantes raised his cutlass, rallying his bloodthirsty pirates.
"Soul Edge is our prize! All else goes to Hades!"
Mysteriously, the pirate Cervantes has neither been seen nor heard of since...
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Hwang Seong-gyeong
Hwang Sung Kyung, was born in a poor, yet peaceful family. He grew up strong and healthy despite the warlike age. His childhood memories of his parents were of brave people with a strong sense of justice. However, their righteousness was their downfall. His parents' death was a painful experience to overcome.
Now, he is a man. "I was protected by a lot of people. Now, it is time for me to protect others." He enrolled himself into a dojo to learn the long blade. He had an innate talent for it. He practiced as much as possible. It didn't take him too long to become the best student. At last, he could have a private lesson from the school's master, Seung Han Myong.
Master Seung was happy to have such a talented young student. He had a child who was still small yet very talented. However, one thing worried him about his child. It was a she, instead of a he. Master Seung seemed to be seriously thinking of adopting Hwang as his son.
Master Seung didn't get a chance to talk with Hwang about it. The world was plunged into a dreadful situation. Among the Asian countries, Japan first settled its civil war and started invading the main land.
It is not too late! People rallied under the Sea Force admiral Lee Sun Shin and prepared to defend their mother land against the coming invasion. They started building fortresses along the coast lines. A Coast Guard was formed and Hwang was first to volunteer.
Those who were eager to devote their lives to the savior of their mother land, were fervently talking about the Legendary Patriot Sword, "Soul Edge," that they had heard of from the West.
When the rumor spread to every part of the country, Hwang was ordered to search for Soul Edge.
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Li Long
After the death of the great Eirakutei, the Ming Dynasty suffered plundering by Southern Japanese pirates called the "Wakou." The emperor finally took action and sent Li Long to assassinate the leader of the pirates. The secret mission also included an order to retrieve the valiant sword, "Soul Edge."
However, the assassin, Li Long, did not care about "Soul Edge." Taking advantage of war-torn Japan, he decided to not only target the Wakou leader, but also the Daimyo feudal lords. This action was, of course, outside the limits of his mission, but he had no doubts as to his success. His iron will would see him through.
However, man is not made of iron. His attack on the head of a powerful family in Honshu went awry, leaving him badly wounded. Fortunately for him, he was rescued by a beautiful girl named Chie.
Chie was a daughter of the innkeeper Yahei. As a child, she was traumatized by her mother's death and lost her ability to speak. Even without words, Chie is capable of understanding people's sorrow. She devoted herself to the care of the wounded man.
Li Long gradually opened his heart to Chie and the two began to love each other. Li Long stayed with Chie even after his injuries healed.
But, destiny did not treat him kindly.
While he was away, a fight broke out at the inn. In the confusion, his lover was thought to have been killed. "Who! Who did this? Why?" The wounded Yahei told grief-stricken Li Long that a wandering swordsman had started it, then fled.
Eyewitnesses thought it might be the lone swordsman, Heishiro Mitsurugi. However, Mitsurugi was not the only swordsman wandering the land.
"When I find who did this, I will show no mercy!"
Remorse filled Li Long until he had a revelation. "I will not rest until I have hunted down every single swordsman."
Li Long discovered that Heishiro Mitsurugi was searching for Soul Edge, and decided to follow him.
"If I find Soul Edge, first, Mitsurugi will come to me and his death. If Mitsurugi is not Chie's murderer, I'll just continue hunting criminal swordsmen. I will also have the sword for Eirakutei."
Li Long started to pack up for a journey to trace Mitsurugi, hoping to take revenge for his dead lover Chie.
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Mitsurugi
This young Samurai known as "The Guardian in this age of civil war." He is also called "The Great Swordsman." Although he is feared for his fierce fighting, he was born a farmer's son in Bizen. The strong young boy enjoyed farming, however after many years of seeing his beloved farm ravaged by war, he became angered and discouraged. "It's better to raid than to be raided," he said.
In the winter of his 14th year, He threw down the hoe and took up the sword. Studying swordsmanship under a powerful clan-lord, he was eventually hired as a "mercenary for the advent of war." It was then when he took the name "Mitsurugi." His original fighting style and tremendously powerful attacks during battle made him quite feared. "He has been known to mow through foes as if they were like a field of wheat," some say.
He has a spectacular battle-field record with several commendations to the rank of officer. Having rejected his military commissions, Mitsurugi's only desire is that of a worthy adversary. Mitsurugi eventually leaves the Urakami Clan, much to their regret, to pursue a career as a freelance mercenary. He fights in every war in the land, thus earning his nickname "The Guardian in an age of civil war." It is during this time that he hears of a new weapon "Tanegashima" - a matchlock rifle.
"What is this? A firearm? It cannot be so powerful. It looks like a pipe!" Mitsurugi stared in disbelief. However, even the mighty Takeda cavalry was wiped out by this weapon. For Mitsurugi, who has fought with a single sword, this is an urgent matter. "If this weapon is allowed in the world, wars will not be won by the strong and I will lose my job as a mercenary!"
"I must find a weapon stronger than that rifle!"
A rumor about the legendary sword "Soul Edge" reaches his ears.
"That's it. This weapon can overpower the fire arm."
Without a second thought, Mitsurugi starts his search to find the blade. "Somewhere in the world, this "Soul Edge" exists!"
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Rock
He it a giant living on the Savannah of the New World.
He was born "Nathaniel William Adams" in England. He was nicknamed "Rock" because of his strength. His father ran a curio store specializing in rare weapons and was always taken with strange antiquities. He had a loving mother and with it, an idyllic childhood; until that fateful day...
"Rock, look at the 'Soul Edge'. Isn't it a beauty?"
His father's wish had finally been fulfilled. He showed his son the sword in the ship's cabin. "At last, 'Soul Edge', the hero's sword..."
The storm that buffeted the ship scared young Rock to the point of tears. His Father was too excited to even notice. His mother, frustrated, led Rock to the hammock. Just then, cannon fire sounded and the ship rocked from a direct hit! Rock screamed in terror. His Father and Mother held him tight as the cries of the crew echoed: "Pirates!"
The Spanish pirate Cervantes, confederate of Vercci, the Italian "Merchant of Death," had started his attack. His goal was none other than "Soul Edge." Father ran to the ship's storeroom to hide the"Soul Edge," After another explosion, Rock's Mother ran after to stop him.
"Rock, stay here until we return!" His parents never did. Before they could, the ship sank. Rock awoke on an unfamiliar shoreline, alone
At first, Rock cried out, looking for his parents. Eventually he learned to live off the land to survive; discarding former habits and language.
It was at this point that he first came upon other living people, a tribe native to the area. Afraid of the "white giant," they would not approach him. The child Bangoo, an orphan of tribal warfare, was the sole consolation for Rock, who was now an adult. From the natives, Rock re-learnt about the "people across the ocean." Faded memories of his parents and even "Soul Edge" returned.
He remembered having heard the words "Soul Edge." It was a word he had heard often as a child. At bedtime, mealtime, while being held in someone's arms ... a hazy image formed in his mind. If he could find the "Soul Edge," perhaps he could recover his own past. He might even find his parents!
With his giant ax in hand, Rock set out for the land across the sea.
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Seong Mi-na
"Leave me alone Father! I am determined to find the sword." Seung Mina struggled against her father's grip as she tried to leave his school at Chii mountain in Korea.
"Stupid girl! Get back inside now!"
"You treat me like a baby! I'm doing this for our country!"
Having been born into a strict family of martial arts teachers, Mina grew up surrounded by weapons. She has excellent knowledge of martial arts and her horse-sword technique is superior to even her father's. However, because of her cute looks, she had been teased by the neighberhood boys and treated like a girl.
"If you ever call me 'cutey' again, I'll beat you with something harder than this stick!"
There were a lot of beaten boys in Mina's neighborhood. Her father, Han Myong taught her to be well disciplined and always to be faithful and true. She grew up healthy and strong. Han Myong thought "She's strongwilled, but it's all right if she stays here and obeys me."
However, the independent girl has other thoughts on her mind. The ever-changing political situation in Korea had become serious, too serious to be called peace. War and invasion was avoided only by the fact that other countries were embroiled in their own problems. However, neighboring Japan geared up for outward expansion and conquest.
In these troubled times, suppression was turned to as a means of control. Everyone living in that difficult period knew what that meant, "You could be next...". In preparation for invasion from neighboring countries, the patriotic people of Korea begin to build fortresses along their shores. Their leader is Le Shin Jin, the admiral of the coastal defense force.
Then a rumor emerges of the "Patriot Sword - Soul Edge". The rumor spreads faster than the blink of an eye and eventually reaches Mina's ears. Mina has grown into a patriotic young maiden. Barred from joining the coastal defense force because of her gender, she jumped at this opportunity.
"If I find this sword, I can save my country. I must look for it!"
After packing, she set out on her journey. But her father discovered what she was up to and caught her. "Hwang has already been sent after the sword by government order. What if the rumors are false?"
Hwang Sung Kyung was the best student and swordsman at her father's school. He had already started his search for the weapon. There was a possibility that the rumor could be another scheme, but Mina had already decided to leave. "I am sorry, father!"
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Siegfried Schtauffen
He is the young commander of mercenary knights, who seeks an invicible sword in order to avenge the murder of his father. He has yet to find the murderer or the weapons, "Soul Edge."
"I must find the sword and have my revenge... I must..."
In Germany, the oppressed peasants revolted against the Holy Roman Empire. With its forces weakened by the Italian Wars, the German peasants finally had a fighting chance.
One of their champions was Sir Frederick, a brave knight. While on campaign, Frederick met the lovely Margaret and spent the night in her arms. After nine months of battle, Frederick returned to find that Margaret had given him a son. Frederick realized his love for Margaret and named his son Siegfried, after the famous hero.
Several years passed. His father, known as the "gentle knight," taught his son swordsmanship. He embarked upon a foreign crusade, promising his return to Margaret. Young Siegfried, without his father's gentle hand to guide him, fell into bad company. He banded together with a group of outlaws and started commiting crimes. His strength grew and soon he led a feared group of thieves known as "Schwarzwind" or Blackwind. It was then when he conceived his master plan...
"We will hunt the cowardly knights who ran away from the crusades. They carry valuable armor and loot. We'll all get rich!". That night. as a war-weary group approached, the thieves sprang their ambush. The fatigued knights were no match for the thieves. They defeated the knights all too easily. Siegfried killed the knight's commander himself with his proud "Zweihander."
He held the commander's decapitated head up high in triumph. But, as the moonlight shone down, he let out a horrified scream. In his hand was the head of his father, Frederick!! The horror caused Siegfried's mind to snap. Yelling in grief and fear he fled into the forest. He plunged deeper into his insanity, convincing himself that someone else slew his father. He grew determined to find and avenge his father's death!
Hearing about the invincible sword, "Soul Edge," he has come to believe that his father's fictitious killer can only be defeated by this weapon.
"I can't ease my father's soul until I find the sword and slay his murderer!"
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Sophitia Alexandra
Greece, the birthplace of Cretaceous culture. The people's beliefs are starting to change to the new ways, but the ancient Gods live on in their arts and mythologies.
Sophitia is a tidy girl who works in a small bakery in Athens. She cherishes the mythical world of her ancestors. She often prayed to the goddess Pallas Athena, guardian of her town and embodiment of wisdom and prudent warfare. Her prayer have not been ignored.
One morning, as she bathed in a forest spring, a dazzling light shined in front of her. The light formed the shape of a man. As she stood amazed by the sight, the man told her that he was Hephaestus, the god of Forge. One of the twelve Olympian Gods.
" I'm only a mere mortal. What can I do for you? "
" Do not fear. I only want you to receive my oracle. Among all the weapons that mankind has created, one sword has grabbed the attention of the gods. The sword is true evil. It was forged blindly and now sucks up the hatred and pain of its victims. Many 'deceived' seek this wicked weapon. If any of them find it, disaster will surely follow. I will not let a creation of the forge such as this ruin my reputation. I want you to find that wicked sword before anybody else and destroy it."
The importance of this task was clear and she desired to undertake it, but still she was filled with self-doubt.
"But I'm just a mere mortal. Can I fulfill such a big task?"
"You are not as weak as you think. Obtain a mighty weapon and you can save your kind. I have heard of you from Pallas Athena. She says you still believe in the Olympians. That's why I chose you. No other except you can hear our oracles anymore. Do not worry. Come to my temple. I will grant you the best arms and Athena will always be with you."
Hephaestus then left. Silence returned to the spring. Sophitia went home and equipped herself for the journey. She left home before the rosy-fingereddawn arose. May she have the protection of the Goddes of Victory, Nike.
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Taki
Taki is a highly skilled ninja working as a demon hunter. As an orphan, she was brought up by a ninja master named Taki. She is an expert spy and a great schemer in this age of the Civil War. Many military commanders employed ninjas, but Taki works for herself.
Taki does not have a base of operations for she is one of a ninja clan now living in seclusion. Among this ninja clan, many have extraordinary abilities that have been lost or forgotten by the general population.
Having been blessed with supernatural powers, Taki chose to travel throughout Japan to conquer the evil and vindictive demons who threaten ordinary people. Taki forged her own weapons which she did with great love and care. Among all her custom weapons, her favorite was "Rekki-Maru" which held supernatural powers within. However, "Rekki-Maru's" power had began to weaken and about this time, rumors concerning an "Evil Sword" began spreading from southern countries.
The seal at the shrine which confined the ancient Fury demons was weakening. Taki was called to solve this problem. The shrine was full of evil spirits, demons, and ghosts. "Look at them all! Nothing like a good challenge."
She drew her faithful "Rekki-Maru" and sliced at the demon leader. "What's happened here?" The demon still stood before her. After several attacks, the spirit vanished. She was extremely surprised.
"This can't be possible. I usually kill these things in one stroke!" Her sword "Rekki-Maru" was displaying an unusual loss of power. After sealing the shrine, Taki began to think about what was happening. Something was affecting her beloved sword, but what could it be?
She knew there was no such thing in Japan. "What of that rumor of the evil sword, 'Soul Edge'? The sword must be close. There's no other explanation for this strange phenomenon." Taki decided to investigate this evil sword.
"If there's even the slightest chance of saving my favorite sword "Rekki-Maru", I would travel the world for it."
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Voldo
After the Discovery of the new world, Europ entered a new era of trade, art and wars driven by colonization and conquest. The time was right for merchants to make a fortune.
One such Italian merchant dealt with the invincible Spanish Armada and grew rich from supplying weapons. He became known as "The Merchant of Death."
"You will bring me the legendary swords, 'Soul Edge!'"
This merchant, named Vercci, heard the whispered rumors of "an object that would satisfy every earthly desire." He started a scheme to find the mystical weapons. Vercci's younger brothers opposed his plan. Strange how they were soon recruited into the army and out of his way. He promoted his right-hand man, Voldo, to lead the search instead. Vercci used every means necessary to track down "Soul Edge." Mercenary armies searched the land for him, and when that didn't work, cut-throats and pirates scoured the seven seas; but to no avail...
Growing furious with his aides, Vercci decided to lead the search himself and took his fleet to sea. He took his fleet around the Cape of Good Hope and headed east. Along the way, he aquiredrare exotic arms and riches at Easter ports. Then, he received the news.
"No! This cannot be!" In his homeland, war had broken out between the two great powers. The flames of war had finally reached the politically unstable Italy. Ironically, the target of these invaders was the "Merchant of Death" himself. To return would be suicide. Vercci's home had been seized and destroyed. All his wealth was gone. All he had left was his fleet and their treasures. His anger turned into real madness.
"I will not lose my treasure! They'll never find it!"
Vercci and his fleet sailed to an uninhabited island. His crew dug a massive pit. A vault, guarded with deadly traps, housed Vercci's remaining treasure and weapons. Voldo then executed the crew, lest they give away the vault's location. For his loyalty, he was sealed alive inside the vault. By the time the vault was finished and sealed, the "Italian Wars" had ceased. But Vercci never made it back to Italy alive.
Voldo went blind and insane from his years in the pit. His only reason for being was to guard Vercci's secret treasury. Only Voldo's talent for murder remained keen after all those lonely years...
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