“He gripped his father’s sword tight, his fingers tightening around the long hilt like the desperate grasp of a drowning man holding to a branch. In front of him was his father’s killer. And now Matteo would have revenge. As he drew the sword, he had only a moment to regret it before the enemy was on him, and he was fighting for his life. Cut and thrust, parry and block. Back and forth the battle went, only ending when Matteo, covered in blood, most of it his own, managed a lucky hit, ending the man’s life forever. As he sank to his knees in complete exhaustion, Matteo felt the world’s weight leave his shoulders. He was finally free from his oath.”

Epic Armoury's Mercenary Sword is part of the Vanguard line, and it takes its design cues from the longswords of mediaeval Europe, with a grip designed for both one and two-handed usage. The crossguard is smaller than most European swords, allowing for a greater range of movement when using the blade. The hilt is made from polyurethane and has a high degree of detailing, as it is sculpted to resemble wood reinforced with rivets and gold bands, while the hilt and pommel are steel coloured with gold detailing. The hilt guarantees a great grip for the wielder. The blade is made from closed-cell polyurethane foam and coloured to look as lifelike as possible. Unlike most LARP weapons, the Vanguard line requires virtually no maintenance beyond checking for wear and tear in the form of cuts or breaks.