For some reason my X feed has been abuzz with D&D lately (mostly hate on WOTC for their care bear art), but there was just a discussion on intelligent swords. I'm not sure which edition it was in 1E or 2E, but in one of those, to craft an intelligent sword required it to have a soul, which in turn required someone to sacrifice their life for that sword. Now THAT is commitment!
RE: Nerd By Northwest #362 - "Magic Swords Should Be Seen and Not Heard"