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by inopinatus 583 days ago
True high fantasy would not reference swords and trumpets, first spending a chapter or two defining a world with its own musical instruments and bladed weapons, their names of course also being in a language, sorry, tongue, for which the author must also first labour to invent a common version spoken by everyone, an ancient/high version only remembered by a few, and at least one alphabet.

In addition, each one must be described in detail, including a potted life story of the blacksmith that created it; when, why, and for whom; metallurgical observations; history of actual use; any supernatural blessings whether apocryphal or actual; the litany of families that have retained it as an heirloom & their subsequent social or political fates; details of any inscription or filigree; and a nickname. This remains true for both the swords and the trumpet. Additional remarks concerning a scabbard or case are optional but highly regarded.