The relic blade is a huge two-handed power weapon, usually a sword or axe, that wraps its edge in an energy field hot enough to shear through armour. Space Marines treat these weapons as sacred heirlooms, and only battle-proven warriors earn the right to carry one.
What makes a relic blade special
It’s a power weapon first and a status symbol second, though the two are hard to separate. The blade’s power field lets it cut through armour that would turn a normal sword, and the sheer size of the thing means you need two hands to swing it properly.
That bulk is the trade-off. A relic blade is cumbersome compared to a standard power sword, but its reach and hitting power make it a brutal assault weapon in the right hands.
Who gets to carry one
Carrying a relic blade is a privilege, not a piece of kit you draw from the armoury. A Space Marine has to prove himself first, and the honour usually goes to Honour Guard, certain Vanguard Veterans, and Captains.
Inquisition agents working under Inquisitor Grendyl also wield relic blades during the Battle for Tertium, which is where Darktide players will know them from.
- Space Marine Honour Guard
- Selected Vanguard Veterans
- Space Marine Captains
- Agents of Inquisitor Grendyl (Darktide)
Where they come from
Many relic blades trace back to the Horus Heresy, forged in the chaos of the galaxy’s worst war. Others were made centuries later, created to mark some momentous event and then handed down through a Chapter’s history.
The most famous example is the Spear of Vulkan, currently carried by Vulkan He’stan of the Salamanders. It’s a relic blade in the truest sense: ancient, irreplaceable, and loaded with meaning for the Chapter that keeps it.
Known patterns
The Munitorum Mk X is a two-handed power greatsword with a bigger charge capacity and longer reach than most, making it deadly but awkward to handle. The Munitorum Mk II runs a more advanced power core that pushes energy through the blade for a devastating effect.
| Pattern | Notes |
|---|---|
| Munitorum Mk X | Two-handed power greatsword, increased charge capacity, longer reach, cumbersome |
| Munitorum Mk II | Advanced power core channels energy through the blade for devastating effect |
Key facts
- A relic blade is a large two-handed power weapon, usually a sword or axe.
- Its power field lets it shear through armour that would stop a normal blade.
- Only proven Space Marines may carry one, often Captains, Honour Guard, or Vanguard Veterans.
- Many date back to the Horus Heresy; others were forged later to honour major events.
- The Spear of Vulkan, wielded by Vulkan He’stan, is the most famous example.
- Munitorum Mk X and Mk II are two known patterns, both seen in Darktide.
FAQ
Is a relic blade the same as a power sword?
It’s a type of power weapon, so yes, but it’s much larger. Most relic blades are two-handed swords or axes, while a standard power sword is a one-handed weapon.
Can any Space Marine use a relic blade?
No. Only Marines who’ve proven themselves earn the right to carry one, typically Captains, Honour Guard, and certain Vanguard Veterans.
What’s the most famous relic blade?
The Spear of Vulkan, carried by Vulkan He’stan of the Salamanders, is the best-known example.