Week 3 + 1 day - Shop 'til you drop

I have decided that I need my own sword. I have entirely too many expensive hobbies already, so why not add another? Jake the ever-patient spends a few hours with me as we look at pretty, sharp, pointy sticks of all kinds and discuss the merits and weaknesses of each. I get a whole interactive history lesson on Oakeshott blades and why they’re shaped the way they are, about sword construction, about foibles and quillions  and points of balance and scent-stoppers, all of it pulsing to the center of percussion echoing rhythmically in my brain… and it’s all weirdly fascinating. I hate shopping under most circumstances, but don’t seem to mind poring over armory webpages, looking for the perfect sword for a nooblet like me, all the while trying to convince myself that I don't really need an Albion for my first sword. But I do reeeeeally like the Baron. And the Agincourt. And the Earl... 

I confess to being a smidge disappointed that none seem to come in purple.