The Griffin Sword Saga (storyline)/2002-05-07 - The Beginning (log)

Unusual happenings are experienced by several as they hunt on, with undead in growing numbers started to flee, screaming, "The Call!" For a moment afterward, the ground seems to fade to reveal a mass of souls teaming far beneath, those of the "released" sinking into it instead of being released by Voln's favor.

Later, there is a brief commotion outside of the Temple of Lorminstra in Wehnimer's Landing. Long used as a point of return to the town for those returning from the hunt or from rescue missions, it is not uncommon to find some gathered there now and then. During one such time, a furtive figure with slitted eyes is glimpsed among the usual crowd, shortly after a tendril of blackness appears, seeming to crawl over the Griffin Sword. Rain begins to fall from the sky, as it has in days past, only this time the rain is blood.

The grizzled warrior wanders by, and he speaks with those gathered amid their growing concern. He cautions them to be on the watch for those of the serpent, and he gives them assurances that the monks of the Order of Voln have already sent word of the sword's new "taint". The Order will stand and protect the sword from what seems to be some Luukosian threat, though none yet know what it might be.

Afterward, after some prompting, Nofret shares the history of the Griffin Sword and the first war attempting to claim it.

While there were several interconnected incidents over the three months prior that served as a prelude to the Griffin Sword Saga, 5/7/02 marked its true beginning. This log is is from Alisaire's perspective. It has been edited. It is also partially out of chronological order, rearranged in a way to better demonstrate how events unfolded that evening. Several present were more than willing to share what they had heard and seen much earlier after Nofret finished her tale.

The Call

Tanager says, "What worries me most... in all of this... is seeing those souls underfoot."
Tanager says, "In the monestary, when the lich fell to dust..."
Tanager bites her lip.

You blink.
You ask, "Wait.. what lich?"

You peer quizzically at Tanager.
(Tanager chuckles weakly.)

Tanager says, "That is where today's excitement begins, so far as I know."
Tanager says, "I was in the monestary, freeing souls, when one of the liches suddenly cried, 'The Call!  The Call!' and fled me."
Tanager says, "I chased after it and arrived just in time to see it fall to dust."

You ask, "'The Call'..?"
You rub your chin thoughtfully.

Tanager says, "It was not freed to Winter's mercy."
Tanager says, "The soul did not ascend... but fell into the earth."
Jacinto says, "Interesting indeed."

You say, "Hm.."

(Jacinto gets a cautious look.)

Tanager says, "This repeated several times as I called for aid and attention through the Liberator's thoughts-- Delyorik and others came to join me."
Tanager says, "And a voice from the ground told us to run or flee, repeatedly."

Jacinto says, "Could mean good things and bad."
Jacinto nods to Tanager.

You ask, "That is not.. a standard occurrence, correct?"
You cock your head at Tanager.

Tanager looks over at you and shakes her head.
Tanager says, "Those who hunt the undead for the Liberator are granted inner sight."
Tanager says, "They can see the movement of souls, when the undead are destroyed and the souls are freed."
Tanager says, "These souls... fell downward."
Tanager says, "And, for a very brief moment, I saw movement beneath my feet... a pale radiance, as if the ground were teeming with them."
Tanager shudders.

You ask, "Are souls always 'released' to rise toward the heavens, even by one not of the Order?"
You cock your head at Tanager.

Tanager says, "That is what worries me most.  Seeing even a glimpse of that... mass."
Tanager says, "As for your question-- I believe it to be so."

Nofret asks, "Mass?"

Tanager says, "The Serpent holds the souls within corrupted physical form."
Tanager says, "When that form is destroyed... the souls are freed."

Jacinto says, "I sometimes don't release them.
Jacinto says, "Sometimes they are destroyed."
Jacinto slowly empties his lungs.

Tanager glances at Jacinto.
Tanager says, "You may be a special case, you know."
Tanager shivers.
Tanager says, "Serving the Empress, and all."

You rub your chin thoughtfully.

Nofret says, "As for the Call, Alisaire..."
Nofret says, "This is what I heard."

Nofret recites:

    "The vortex of souls rising from the Graveyard screams in vicious delight, thousands of voices screaming in unison, "The Call!  The dead will come to you, we answer, we obey, we are yours!"  Within moments, the cyclone rises up into the dark clouds and disappears from sight completely."

You say, "Such fascinating weather of late.  First a bloody rain, now screaming winds.."
You chuckle.
You ask, "What next.. Is the very earth to be torn asunder for the undead to rise from its depths?"
You grin wryly.

Nofret says, "Followed by..."

Nofret recites:

    "A hissing voice rises from the ground, "The Masssster's ranks sssswell with the ssssouls of the dead in your graveyards.  Your time draws near.  We will reclaim what is ours.""

Tanager asks, "What else is new?"
Tanager sighs.
Tanager says, "Most likely."

You cock your head at Nofret.
You say, "Interesting accent."

Nofret says, "I imitate well."

The Taint

Later that evening, a tendril of blackness is seen creeping toward the Griffin Sword, sliding over the marble in which it remained embedded and crawling over the sword itself. Following its wake, a furtive figure is glimpsed in the crowd, and some present realize belatedly that he has slitted eyes.

Tanager says, "When Truekillr and I were standing here talking together... before most of the crowd formed... we saw a thread of energy crawl over the sword."
Tanager says, "Black... glittering."
Tanager says, "Truekillr sent waves of holy energy over the sword."
Tanager says, "To cleanse it."
Tanager says, "He thought it had helped... but sensed a taint, somewhere within."
Tanager bites her lip.
Tanager just touched the Griffin sword which is embedded to its hilt in a glowing white stone.
A wave of power flows out of Tanager and toward the Griffin sword which is embedded to its hilt in a glowing white stone.

You gaze thoughtfully at the Griffin sword.
You say, "Interesting."
You ask, "Were there any..further instances of that tendril?"
You cock your head.

Tanager looks over at you and shakes her head.

You nod.
You say, "Then perhaps it is safe for now."

Later..

A commoner slowly walks off, but as he just reaches the edge of your sight, he looks over his shoulder with a wide smile on his face.  His eyes appear to be slitted.

The Old Warrior

The grizzled old warrior, known well to many as a veterans of wars past and staunch devotee to the Order of Voln, stops by the crowd gathering at the Temple. Rain has started again, though it takes on the form of blood falling from the sky above. There have been veiled threats and taunts handed out by Nevrek of Luukos. The warrior quiets them, and then cautions those gathered to be prepared and be watchful, especially for those of the serpent. He also reassures them that the Order of Voln has sent messages to monks throughout the lands. They rally to help protect the sord from the Luukosian threat, whatever it may be.

[Wehnimer's, Erebor Square]
The dome of a large temple rises before you.  The circular building is surrounded by marble porticos and teak columns.  A promenade leads to two pillars, through which you can peer into the inner sanctum.  You observe priests, acolytes, monks and worshippers engaged in various rituals of devotion.  A locked almsbox is securely bolted to an iron pole alongside the pillars.  You also see the Truekillr disk, an engraved wooden chest, a wrought-iron gate and the Griffin sword which is embedded to its hilt in a glowing white stone.
Also here: Eldak, High Lord Shonison, Naakor, High Lady Lavinnia, Nikkee, Azorack, Lord Nevrek, Kelah, Girmon, Nofret, Silverphenix, Audrianne, Tanager, Truekillr
Obvious paths: south, east, west.

A grizzled old warrior hobbles in.

You see a grizzled old man dressed in dusty, weather worn clothes with a few trappings of old pieces of armor thrown in.  He has a gnarled grey beard and his skin is dark and wrinkled like the bark of some ancient tree.  His balding pate is marked by dark patches of age spots, but his eyes are still bright and clear.

The old warrior sits down.

A grizzled old warrior stretches out slightly.

Kelah nods to the old warrior.

Azorack glances at a grizzled old warrior.

(Tanager pulls back her shield, shakes some of the rain off, and tucks it into her cloak.)
Tanager asks, "Decided to come back into the rain after all?"

A grizzled old warrior says, "Try somewhere else, ya poor confused sot.  These people know what they're doin'."

Nevrek gazes with interest at the Griffin sword which is embedded to its hilt in a glowing white stone.

Tanager stands in front of the Griffin sword which is embedded to its hilt in a glowing white stone.

A grizzled old warrior says, "Don't let that rain spook ya.  That's what they do, try and spook ya.  Take yer focus off the battle."

Truekillr nods to the old warrior.
Truekillr says, "Wise words."

Shonison says, "indeed"

You hear the voice of Vermenh ask, "Is it possibly to bring the sword inside?"

Silverphenix says, "I don't think so."

Tanager says, "The square is sanctified by its presence."

Kelah says, "Hard to take mind off it.  Battle's all that matters."

Lavinnia asks, "You have any inkling of what they are up to, warrior?"

Nevrek says, "The clouds cry blood, and the dead bring death, varrior.  Your Lorminstra might vard the soul from death, but she cannot prefent the future."

Tanager raises an eyebrow in Nevrek's direction.

Nofret says, "I'm more worried about the slitted-eye commoner."

Shonison asks, "did anyone catch the commoner's name?"

Nevrek says, "The future is coming, and in it fall bodies, blades, and blood."

A grizzled old warrior says, "It ain't gonna get more protected in a buildin.  Walls aren't better'n the power it has inside it."

Sheets of heavy rain drown you in an unrelenting curtain of water.

Truekillr nods to the old warrior.

Lavinnia nods to the old warrior.

Tanager asks, "The future is what the future will be.  Shall I lay the runes across your prophecy, and see what rests within it?"
Tanager places her hand on a silver Jastev symbol.

Vermenh says, "He didn't speak much, if at all"

Silverphenix says, "He did not mention it, and no one asked."

Truekillr asks, "How do we awake that power though?"

Nevrek surveys the area.

Witcheaven gazes up into the heavens.
(Witcheaven pushes a wet braid out of her face.)

Shonison says, "well if we sealed it up in Voln for the time being, it may do the trick"

A grizzled old warrior says, "We make our own future.  Its yer master who tears innocent's futures away."

Silverphenix nods to the old warrior.

A grizzled old warrior makes a motion as if to spit, but then coughs and looks around the square for a moment.

You say, "Each chooses his own future.  Some find fewer choices availabe, certainly, but in the end.."

Silverphenix says, "Well said."

Truekillr grins at a grizzled old warrior.

(Nevrek slowly closes his eyes, inclining his head to the ground.  Smirking, he clutches the bronze medallion at his neck and looks up, again staring at Tanager.)

Delyorik squints.

The surroundings are blurred with a downpour of obscuring rain.

Girmon says, "but the sword doesnt belong to voln it belongs to everyone"
Girmon rubs the Griffin sword which is embedded to its hilt in a glowing white stone.
Girmon's pink claidhmore flashes briefly, throwing off bright white sparks.
Girmon asks, "see?"

Tanager says, "Only those who submit or speak lies can be caught into the Serpent's lair."

Nevrek says, "Prepare your souls, all."

Witcheaven asks, "My soul is prepared. Is yours?"

Tanager smiles evenly at Nevrek as she clasps her hands behind her back.  Those standing behind her might notice the slight trembling of her fingers.

Nevrek says, "May the emerald light guide you, all ... to the grave."

Out of the corner of your eye, you catch a brief glimpse of something sparkling.

A grizzled old warrior says, "Just gotta be watchful.  Fer every onna these confused youngsters babblin about power and death, there's 10 others ya don't see."

Truekillr chuckles.
Truekillr nods.

A grizzled old warrior shifts his weight on the ground.

Girmon says, "just break the sword and then Luukos will have no need to come here"
Girmon nods.

Lavinnia glances at a grizzled old warrior.

Silverphenix frowns.
Silverphenix says, "Perhaps that's true, Girmon, because perhaps that's what he comes to do."

Sheets of heavy rain drown you in an unrelenting curtain of water.

Tanager asks, "Break the sword?  Has the Jackal touched you?"
Tanager snorts.

Nofret says, "Since it contains part of Lorminstra's power, breaking the sword might be considered a bad thing."

Saberwolv says, "Careful old man, this rain is nay good fer yeh"
Saberwolv nods to the old warrior.

A grizzled old warrior says, "Monks of the Order sendin word around the lands.  They're makin plans too.  We ain't gonna be alone in this fight."

Tanager nods to the old warrior.

Lavinnia asks, "Plans?"

Truekillr says, "Excellent."

Silverphenix asks, "What kind of plans?"
Silverphenix cocks his head at a grizzled old warrior.

Tanager flinches.
Tanager gestures.
Tanager appears to be keenly aware of her surroundings.
Tanager says, "Where--"
Tanager searches around for a moment.

Silverphenix peers quizzically at Tanager.
Silverphenix asks, "You alright?"

Tanager swears under her breath.
Tanager says, "I could have sworn I had an eye on him the whole time... it must have been that sparkle, when I looked away..."

A blinding flash of lightning is quickly followed by a low rumble of thunder.

Saberwolv tilts his head up.

A grizzled old warrior says, "Plans to drive off the dark ones.  Plans to protect the temple.  Gotta be ready, it won't be like last time.  Can't be.  We lost too many."

Lavinnia nods to the old warrior.
Lavinnia says, "Aye, that we did."

Azorack narrows his eyes.
Azorack says, "You will lose many again."

Silverphenix just touched the Griffin sword which is embedded to its hilt in a glowing white stone.

Tanager nods to the old warrior.

Truekillr nods to the old warrior.
Truekillr says, "Very true."

Witcheaven sighs softly.
Witcheaven glances at the Griffin sword which is embedded to its hilt in a glowing white stone.

Lavinnia glances at Azorack.

You ask, "It won't be like the last time, eh?"
You cock your head at a grizzled old warrior.
You glance at the Griffin sword which is embedded to its hilt in a glowing white stone.

Kelah says, "Find their camp and smash it.  Not too hard."
Kelah smirks.

Zacciwie says, "The loses will not be as great this time"

Saberwolv asks, "So wha does th' serpent wish with th' swerd?"
Saberwolv seems to be trying to figure out how to turn the Griffin sword which is embedded to its hilt in a glowing white stone.
Saberwolv cocks his head and examines the Griffin sword.

Nofret says, "We haven't heard any drums yet."

Witcheaven says, "Luukos is more prone to surprise attacks.. if Icemule is any indication."

Silverphenix says, "I think that...perhaps Luukos has no wish to use the sword, but merely wishes to prevent us from using it."

Truekillr rubs his chin thoughtfully.

Nofret says, "Tanager,tell them about that black tendril..."

You raise an eyebrow in Tanager's direction.

A grizzled old warrior says, "The Dark Ones lust fer power, and they lust to see the Lords of Light lose it."

A grizzled old warrior points toward the sword.

Truekillr nods.

Delyorik smiles softly, a dark look in his eyes.

Tanager asks, "Beyond you, sir..."  Tanager nods to the grizzled warrior, then asks, "Is there any here who was here in the first battle of the Griffin Sword?"
Tanager surveys the area.

Silverphenix says, "The Griffin Sword is, in many ways, the most formidable weapon we have in the battle against his forces."
Silverphenix says, "If he were to forge a weapon of equal but opposite power..."
Silverphenix shakes his head.

Lavinnia nods to Tanager.

Truekillr asks, "Can you feel the taint in the sword now aged one?"
Truekillr peers quizzically at a grizzled old warrior.

A grizzled old warrior says, "That's a powerful relic.  And they had it once.  Old memories must be stirrin, and dark thoughts must be brewin'."

Delyorik just touched the Griffin sword which is embedded to its hilt in a glowing white stone.
Delyorik closes his eyes for a moment.

(Tanager rests a hand on the sword's hilt again-- not as if to draw it, but only to maintain contact.)
Tanager says, "That part, I've heard."

Witcheaven asks, "Are we only against Luukos?"
Witcheaven says, "Or are there others.."

Silverphenix asks, "What did they do with it, old one?"

A grizzled old warrior says, "I'm just a warrior, I ain't... in tune with them... flows, er whatever them mages call 'em."

Silverphenix smiles softly.

Azorack places his hand on his sanguine hand amulet.

Kelah says, "The dark elf over there said a lich of Sheru's said somethin' about the call."
Kelah shrugs.

Truekillr nods to the old warrior.

Witcheaven stares off into space.
Witcheaven says, "That isn't surprising somehow."

Saberwolv says, "But..they must know somethin we dont.  They must know our powers of blessing go well beyond a mere sword"

Tanager slowly empties her lungs.
Tanager says, "Four armies... the Serpent, the Jackal, the Berserker God, and the Sorrower.  At least... that's what rose last time."

A grizzled old warrior says, "Fight when I must, gotta bring peace to them poor wretched souls."

Witcheaven sighs.

Roaring wind rushes past you, forcing the pelting rain to sting your skin.

Delyorik nods to Tanager.
Delyorik closes his eyes for a moment.

Lavinnia nods to the old warrior.

Tanager says, "In the monestary, we saw the first lich falling."

You hear the voice of Vermenh say, "It's probably a safe bet to say if Luukos is stirring up trouble, others might sneak their way in during the commotion"

Azorack asks, "Poor souls?"
Azorack smirks.
Azorack asks, "How do yeh know they are poor souls?"

Kelah glances at the Griffin sword which is embedded to its hilt in a glowing white stone.
Kelah gazes thoughtfully at the Griffin sword.

Witcheaven says, "If Sheru is involved I shall do what I can to protect this sword. For the town's sake and Lorminstra's."

Tanager nods to Witcheaven.

Zacciwie says, "Voln shall thwart the dark ones' attempt to steal the sword"
Zacciwie raises his fist defiantly.

Kelah says, "Won't be Voln.  It'll be those who're willin' to fight."

A grizzled old warrior says, "Don't you be tellin me any of 'em aren't sufferin.  I seen em with me own eyes.  The Paladin sets things right."

A grizzled old warrior stands up.

Azorack says, "Voln cares not fer thwarting the dark one. He exists t'take vengence fer the murder of his family."

Nofret asks, "What if they don't take the Sword, but pollute it instead?"
Nofret peers quizzically at a grizzled old warrior.

Delyorik smiles softly, glancing at Azorack briefly.

Tanager says, "Don't believe a word of it."

Saberwolv says, "Th' question is...kin weh move th' swerd inside th' temple..."
Saberwolv tugs at his beard, lost in thought.

Zacciwie says, "They'll not get the chance to touch it"

A grizzled old warrior says, "They won't be doin anythin to the Sword.  We're gonna be watchful, and we're gonna stop 'em."

Tanager says, "I've seen the Serpent's work."
Tanager says, "Some souls go willingly, some through the foolishness of dishonesty.."
Tanager says, "But all are in torment, when He coils around them."
Tanager shudders.

Azorack smiles thinly.

Sheets of heavy rain drown you in an unrelenting curtain of water.

Lavinnia shivers.

Witcheaven shivers.
Witcheaven says, "This rain.."

Kelah gazes up into the heavens.

Rorac gazes up into the heavens.

A grizzled old warrior says, "You all remember that.  Don't waver in the fight, never waver, never crack.  That's all they be needin'.  One little doubt, and they can seize ya."

Lavinnia nods to the old warrior.

Truekillr nods to the old warrior.
Truekillr says, "Twas seen in Kadesha"

A grizzled old warrior says, "I'm gonna go fer a walk...see if I can't get outta this rain."

Tanager nods to the old warrior.
Tanager glances at Truekillr.
Tanager shivers.

A grizzled old warrior says, "Keep true to the path."

Lavinnia says, "Get warm, good sir."

A grizzled old warrior slowly hobbles off.

Silverphenix says, "So true, old one.  A single chink in one's armor is all the opponent needs to break through it entirely."

Witcheaven smiles.

Azorack says, "True t'the path of vengence."
Azorack smirks.

The First Griffin Sword War

Many of those are unaware of the Griffin Sword's history, simply content to use it as a means to bless their weapons. After questions arise in the wake of what happened earlier, Tanager suggests that Nofret share what she had previously researched about the sword and the war that had sought to claim it years before. Nofret recounts the events of the first Griffin Sword War, as it was told to her.

[Wehnimer's, Erebor Square]
The dome of a large temple rises before you.  The circular building is surrounded by marble porticos and teak columns.  A promenade leads to two pillars, through which you can peer into the inner sanctum.  You observe priests, acolytes, monks and worshippers engaged in various rituals of devotion.  A locked almsbox is securely bolted to an iron pole alongside the pillars.  You also see a pretty flower girl, a white cat who is sleeping, the Truekillr disk, an engraved wooden chest, a wrought-iron gate and the Griffin sword which is embedded to its hilt in a glowing white stone.
Also here: Justicej, Rorac, Zelak, Lord Vindicate who is kneeling, Saberwolv, Lady Witcheaven, Delyorik, Zacciwie, Earthdiver, Naakor, High Lady Lavinnia, Azorack, Kelah, Girmon, Nofret, Silverphenix, Tanager, Truekillr
Obvious paths: south, east, west.

Kelah asks, "So that sword is the reason for this rain?"
Kelah frowns.

Rorac says, "No..."
Rorac wipes the sweat from his brow.

Tanager says, "It seems the armies will rise again to reclaim it."

Delyorik says, "Speculation."

Truekillr says, "Perhaps. Though I wish it were not true"

Silverphenix looks over at Tanager and shakes his head.
Silverphenix says, "They will try."

Tanager says, "The Jackal brings the rain, to try to make people afraid because it looks like blood...."
Tanager says, "...well, and more than looks..."
Tanager gazes up into the heavens.

Nofret says, "It IS blood."

Delyorik smiles softly, a dark look in his eyes.  He nods to Silverphenix in agreement.

Saberwolv says, "blood in th' clouds, yeh see"

Silverphenix says, "Neither you nor I are Jastev or Gosaena.  We do not know..."

Tanager nods to Silverphenix.
Tanager says, "In the end, only the Somber Lord knows what will be, and He speaks only rarely directly."
Tanager slowly empties her lungs.

A heavy drizzle trickles down from the grey skies.

Tanager glances at the Griffin sword which is embedded to its hilt in a glowing white stone.
A wave of power flows out of Tanager and toward the Griffin sword which is embedded to its hilt in a glowing white stone.
Tanager shivers.
Tanager just touched the Griffin sword which is embedded to its hilt in a glowing white stone.
Tanager says, "Nofret, I know that you researched the matter... as I have not."

Nofret nods.

Tanager asks, "What can you tell me of the war of the Griffin Sword?"

Nofret rubs her chin thoughtfully.
Nofret says, "It was preceded by the coming of a prophet of Lorminstra."

The surroundings are blurred with a downpour of obscuring rain.

Nofret says, "And he told a story."
Nofret says, "Which I can tell, if you like."

You cock your head at Nofret.
You say, "Eii, I would like to hear that tale, time permitting."

Nofret nods.

Tanager says, "Please."

Nofret recites:

    "A time of troubles is approaching and to explain the time of troubles, I need to speak of the past. Thus it was many years ago that there were crafted a few great swords. Great even by today's standards."

The sky is full of rain-sodden clouds.

Nofret recites:

    "The story I wish to tell you today is of the Griffin sword."

Nofret recites:

    "Many blacksmiths came from lands far and near. They labored for months over its design, materials, and finally construction. The sword cost more to make than many possess even to this day. "

Nofret recites:

    "The Pommel of this sword was crafted from the finest sapphire in the lands in those days. The sapphire was set in a platinum shaped hilt and sculptured into Griffon claws which grasped it. The setting was gilded with tiny sapphires, diamonds, and chips of Golvern, and then polished to gleam like the dawn. The hilt was constructed from red veined alabaster, carved and polished to perfection. Copper, platinum, and gold braids were inlaid upon the grips and ruby encrusted platinum rings were crowned and booted to the hilt. It is said that the hilt never grows hot or cold and the grip seems to shift so that any hand can wield it comfortably."

A sudden gust blows the rain at you in a stinging attack.

Nofret recites:

    "Much information on the Blade itself is lost to antiquity. I shall endeavor to tell you what is still known. Remember this is from ages past though and information is only as accurate as was written at the time."

Nofret recites:

    "The Blade was crafted using a folding style known only on the Isle of Teras. In any event the blade was said to glow like a flame in the sunlight, a moonbeam at night, and a beacon on dark stormy days. Lastly were constructed the Quillons. A quillon is the part that angles out to the side of the sword and protects the hand from damage. It was crafted from fine gold and gilded with platinum, rubies, and diamonds. The quillons were carved into the shape of Griffin wings that spread elegantly from the hilt and blade. The connecting ring that sits upon the hilt and tang was carved into a Griffin head on both sides of the blade and the eyes were made of small emeralds."

Nofret asks, "Strange isn't it, that we can look at it and see nothing unusual?"

You glance at the Griffin sword which is embedded to its hilt in a glowing white stone.

>look sword
You see nothing unusual.

Nofret recites:

    "Once the blade was completed, the magicians were called together to enchant the blade. It was enhanced beyond what normally was done, but wizards are a secretive lot and what they did exactly is also lost to Antiquity. "

(Tanager traces a symbol in midair with her free hand, continuing to touch the sword's hilt with her left.)

Nofret recites:

    "Remember also that magic then is not what it is today. It is still a very powerful weapon, but not what some are used to in this day and age. "

Nofret recites:

    "Finally when all the work was completed the sword was brought to the temple of Lorminstra. There it was consecrated and given to a great warrior-priest of Lorminstra, known as Lord Morfell Destrieder. "

Nofret recites:

    "The ceremony to consecrate the sword took many days and Lorminstra was pleased by the effort once completed. It is said that Lord Morfell spoke with Lorminstra that day and that Lorminstra personally blessed the sword. "

You give your eyebrow a little workout.
(Alisaire murmurs, "Morfell..")

Nofret recites:

    ". For a time Morfell worshiped her, but like some do when they get power, he became corrupt. He made a dark pact with V'Tull, Mularos, Sheru, and Luukos. He consecrated the sword to his new dark gods in a secret dark ritual. That night there was lightning, thunder, and howling winds the like of which has not been seen since. "

Tanager turns an inquisitive ear towards Nofret.
(Tanager glances at the sky.)
Tanager shivers.

Nofret recites:

    "The next day.. the sun failed to rise...sound familiar?"

Tanager says, "...only in reverse..."

Nofret recites:

    "The sword was split asunder and its 4 pieces scattered about the realms. The four pieces are Pommel, Blade, Hilt, and Quillons."

Tanager slowly empties her lungs.
Tanager looks lost in thought.

Nofret recites:

    "Here ends the past, and that is all I shall say about the time of troubles."

Silverphenix says, "Thank you, Nofret."

You nod to Nofret.

Nofret says, "Not done with the prophet's tale yet."

Nofret says, "This is the rest of what he said the first time..."
Nofret recites:

    "Lorminstra in her infinite wisdom decided that after all these Eons the sword should finally be reforged and put to some good use. Alas, the four Dark Gods, (V'Tull, Luukos, Mularos, and Sheru) had other plans. Each god sought out one piece, and was successful in their quest."

(Tanager shivers slightly and runs her free hand across her face, wiping mist off her skin.)

Nofret recites:

    "Each god now holds a part of Lorminstra's power. As evil gods often do they plotted against Lorminstra. Just having the parts of the sword was not enough. Their evil plot is to desecrate Lorminstra's temple, forever! "

Silverphenix shivers.

Nofret recites:

    "Lorminstra has cast many divinations herself and ascertained that they come to her temple, each with a piece of the sword. If they can desecrate the temple while using part of her power (the pieces of the sword), then it will forever be desecrated with no chance of redemption."

(Silverphenix shifts his gaze first to the Sword, then to the temple itself, shaking his head softly.)

Nofret recites:

    "All will be lost if this happens."

Nofret says, "Of course, it did not happen, so all was not lost."
Nofret says, "People would know what happened in the past so that we may understand now."

Lavinnia says, "It wasn't quite as simple as 'it didn't happen' however."

Nofret says, "No, it wasn't. But I wasn't there."

Lavinnia says, "You tell the tale wonderfully tho."

Nofret says, "First came V'Tull's minions, then Mularos's, then Sheru's, then Luukos's."
Nofret says, "But I do not think they will be repeating what they did last time. Not entirely."
Nofret says, "That would be too simple."

Lavinnia says, "I certainly hope not."

Tanager says, "Knowing something of the strategy of the past would help, still."

Lavinnia says, "The prophet came to us before each battle, so we were warned somewhat."

Nofret says, "Each of the four armies was led by a champion of that god. And these champions were wondrously powerful."
Nofret says, "I forget their names. The champion of Mularos was the Master of Pain, for instance."
Nofret says, "As to the war itself, I can tell of it, but I was not there. It would be better coming from a veteran."

Shadowkatt says, "Sir Welan, I believe, he was the one who organized the defense of the town, I believe."

Lavinnia says, "Aye, he and a few others did the main defenses."
Lavinnia says, "They each took a different section of the area."

Shadowkatt says, "He would be one to speak with, though I am nae sure if he still lives."
Shadowkatt frowns.

Tanager sighs softly.
Tanager says, "The years have a way of sweeping people away."

Lavinnia says, "I've nae seen him in a while, but twould not surprise me if he is still around."

Nofret says, "And the tale of the Sword and the Four Gods War is largely forgotten."
Nofret sighs.

Tanager nods to Nofret.

Shadowkatt says, "Aye."

Lavinnia says, "Thank the gods you're here to tell the tale, Nofret."

Tanager smiles.

Nofret says, "Thank the gods that someone told it to me."

Lavinnia says, "I had forgotten much of the story of the sword."
Lavinnia says, "I tend to remember the bloody outcomes, the devestated bodies."

Tanager says, "I would say that one of the most important things will be to place a guard over the sword."
Tanager says, "While the area is sanctified by the sword's presence... it is still out in the open."
Tanager shudders.
Tanager says, "Anyone, of any will or any alignment, could walk by... and, with that energy touching it earlier...."

Nofret asks, "How sanctified is the sword, with that black tendril crawling over it?"

Jacinto says, "A weapon in the open is a weapon that can be threatened."

Tanager glances at the Griffin sword which is embedded to its hilt in a glowing white stone.
Tanager slowly empties her lungs.
Tanager says, "My point exactly."

You gaze thoughtfully at the Griffin sword.