The Griffin Sword
Told by a Prophet of Lorminstra

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Now you know what the weapon looks like. Here the story darkens.

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. 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. 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.

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. 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. The next day.. the sun failed to rise. The sword was split asunder and its 4 pieces scattered about the realms. The four pieces are Pommel, Blade, Hilt, and Quillons.

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

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. 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! 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.

All will be lost if this happens.

Nine days prior to one ride from today after dark, the Warhost of V'Tull comes to try to complete their mission. V'Tull being the least powerful, if you stop them, prepare for the next god to try some time after. And expect it to get worse. V'Tull is a god of warriors, so you may expect many great warriors to attack. A ride is ten days. So one day hence expect this to come to pass. The leader calls himself the Mouth of V'Tull.

This will take place in the landing, they will start outside town and try to get to the Temple. I suggest you stop them if you can from even reaching town. Expect warriors from V'Tull, who knows what form of monster or man from the other gods? I would expect a small measure of time between the gods coming. Time for them to plan anew if you stop V'Tull's minions. This is a quest from Lorminstra, if someone is good and just, someone will get the Griffin sword. But it is for you to choose if you wish to help or not.

Epilogue:
The forces were successfully defeated, though at the cost of many lives. The Griffin Sword now resides outside of Lorminstra's Temple in Wenhimer's Landing, where it is said to, on occasion, grant blessings to an adventurer's weapon.

Editor's note - This story was told by the Prophet of Lorminstra. I don't have the other side of the story as of yet to present to you.