Bolar's Oathblade

"I go forth to meet my death with honor. If you are worthy, take up my blade and do the same."

- Bolar's Writ

 is a unique Blades Sword found in.

Background
It once belonged to Acilius Bolar, an Imperial Blade who survived the attack on Cloud Ruler Temple by the forces of the Thalmor. His blade, along with his written oath, were placed at the foot of the Shrine of Talos in Bloated Man's Grotto before he met his death at the hands of the Thalmor.

Appearance
It strongly resembles the Akaviri Katana, the sword the Blades used during the Third Era. The hilt, (or tsuka), is wrapped in black, and the guard, (or tsuba), is a stylized coiled serpent.

Acquisition
It can be found in Bloated Man's Grotto along with his written oath, under the statue of Talos.

Smithing
It can be upgraded with a Quicksilver Ingot at a grindstone, and also benefits from the Steel Smithing perk, which doubles the improvement.

Trivia

 * When equipped, some NPC's may say: "Be careful with that fire", even though Bolar's Oathblade does not have a Fire Damage enchantment.
 * The Eastern look of the weapon, as well as the contents of Bolar's Writ, suggest that Bolar committed suicide to escape the Thalmor's pursuit, in a way reminescent of the Japanese Seppuku or Hara-kiri, which was a form of ritual suicide.

Bugs

 * If the sword hasn't been acquired before completing Ill Met By Moonlight it can be acquired by waiting at least a month in game time. This resets the grotto and the blade may be obtained.
 * Possibility #1: Sinding has to be killed for this to happen. Revisiting the cave after more than a month in-game and Sinding is still standing around doing nothing and the shrine, where the sword should lie, is still destroyed.
 * Possibility #2: Sinding doesn't have to be killed. Waiting more than a month and the blade was there, even though Sinding still lives.
 * The blade may stay equipped when in Werewolf form, forced or willfully activated. It can be sheathed or pulled out and used as well as the free hand to attack.