The original ten swords in the vault begin with Krackensväng. This project started here because I wanted to push the boundaries of what a sword could be, embracing more magical elements while designing something that felt like it emerged from the depths of a black, inky void. I wanted to explore that idea while also beginning to define my process for designing the rest of these swords.
I quickly decided that each sword should have a historical or cultural anchor. For Krackensväng, I looked to historical blades with broad profiles that allowed for incredibly sharp edges. The wider the blade, the thinner the edge could become as it tapered from the fuller or spine. From there, I imagined a sword capable of cutting through the crushing depths of the sea or carving away the tentacles of a kraken.
The name was inspired by the way words evolve over time. What was once known as "Kraken's Fang" gradually became Krackensväng. I could probably take that linguistic evolution even further, but it'll do for now.
I really enjoyed experimenting with the transition between two-dimensional and three-dimensional rendering across different parts of the sword. Some of the tentacles remain flat and graphic, while others are fully three-dimensional. I also wanted the sword to feel organic and alive without drifting too far into the fantastical. Those shifting dimensions helped reinforce the idea that the blade originated somewhere beyond our own reality. If I continue iterating on this design, I'd love to push that concept even further.
I also love the idea of a blade discovered at the bottom of the sea or hidden deep within the heart of an Atlantean-style temple. From a worldbuilding perspective, it was the perfect opportunity to reference my god of the sea, the Duke of Salt.
In my world, the seas are ruled by the Duke of Salt, a god whose influence reaches every coastline and every ship. Sailors pray for his blessing before embarking on a voyage, while coastal cities raise statues in his honor to guard their harbors against hurricanes, monstrous waves, and fearsome tsunamis.
Referencing the Duke of Salt here in the lore helped me anchor the sword within the broader mythology of the setting.
It begins Vault Keeper, with Krackensväng.
Forged deep within the black, inky sea that holds the stars. This sword came with the Flayed. It is rumored to have carved a god’s heart out. Its broad, dark grey blade, has seen years of use. It will see the depth of your void and will twist your darkest desires into reality.
And to many a seafarer, it’s known that the Duke of Salt cast the blade into the depths himself, hidden away where even the best of thieves couldn’t find it…until we did.
