From A Guide Book to the Great Tree
Ice weapons are made of ice, typically split off from the Ice Dagger in the Northern Kingdoms. They often take the form of knives, daggers, and swords. Weapons made of ice were the most commonly used owl weapons before the invention of battle claws, and they are still widely used in the Northern Kingdoms.
History[]
Ice weapons were at first used in the Northern Kingdoms. They were ancient weapons, dating back to the time before King Hoole and continued to be used even after the reign of Coryn. They didn't reach the Southern Kingdoms until the reign of Boron and Barran. There was no need to keep the weapons, because they melted more easily in the warm southern climate and it was too much trouble to keep them safe. Also, the invention of Theo's battle claws made them unnecessary for the Southern Kingdom owls. They only reappeared when the Band brought them back during the Battle of the Burning. The first time owls from the Southern Kingdoms used them was when Ruby used an ice scimitar to slice off the wings of two kraals (Krakish for pirates).
Description[]
Ice Swords and Scimitars[]
Ice weapons usually take the form of swords, scimitars, and daggers. The ice these weapons are made from is usually harvested from the Ice Dagger. The Kielian League has specially trained ice harvesters, who bring ice to Dark Fowl Island to be carved into blades. The blades are then honed by Kielian snakes, who do so using their fangs.
Ice Splinters[]
Ice Splinters are small but deadly shards of ice that are used as projectiles and can pierce flesh. Small owls, such as Pygmy and Elf Owls, are often the best at using these weapons. The splinters are launched at an enemy, often aimed at the eye, and are even sharper than the swords.
Harvesting[]
There are two roles in harvesting ice for ice weapons:
Harvesters[]
These owls must be expert flyers, capable of complex wing work to keep close to the Ice Dagger while chiseling away at the ice with chisels and blades.
Scrappers[]
The apprentices of harvesters, these owls stay below the harvesters to collect the chiseled ice in their slings.
Gallery[]
