The Sword of Inari

Adventure 952 miles south-southeast

Listen now and hear a great tale of ages past. Some call this story fiction, but there are many who think this story is true. Listen now and hear this tale. Maybe you can decide on your own...

Legend has it that long ago, a great evil covered all the land. The peasants cried out for divine help, to no avail. Then, one day, a mysterious man arrived to the land.

His origin is not known, but he was called Nuorgam or "Northman". Nuorgam led the peasants to rebel against the dark evil. His blade, the Sword of Inari, protected his people and blessed them.

Even the smallest boy was as strong as ten men. Quickly, they drove back the evil and created a free republic. This land, the Tasavalta, created a safe and prosperous haven for its citizens.

Two centuries after the creation of Tasavalta, great evil threatened again. Nuorgam had left long ago and the Sword of Inari could not be found. The entire land of Tasavalta was obliterated.

Every person was killed. Buildings were razed, crops were destroyed, and forests were burned. Finally the earth itself was opened, and Tasavalta was no more.

This legend is over 20,000 years old.

Two weeks ago, the Guild of Magicians detected a magical rift appearing somewhere in the land of Eamon. Its size and strength was like nothing that has been recorded in modern times.

Days later, rumors were spread of a distant kingdom being attacked. Tornio, the capital city, was captured and the king was executed! Powerful magic fields were detected near Tornio during the attack.

The Guild of Magicians believe that the magic fields are from the Sword of Inari. The guild is worried that someone may find a way to destroy the sword and release its awesome destructive powers.

Thus, the guild has determined that recovery of the sword is of the highest importance.

Three elite spies have attempted to enter the city, but the city is walled and they were unable to penetrate the defenses. However, the spies were able to ascertain the location of the sword.

It is located within the cathedral at Tornio. The guild believes the sorcerers who brought the sword back into this world are trying to steal the magic from the sword for their own uses.

You have been hired as an experienced journeyman to recover the sword. An experienced ranger, Esher, will join you on your quest. The guild has decided to make an attempt of entering Tornio by airship.

The guild gave you some special items to help recover the sword. You receive a special scabbard which can mask the magical field of the sword. You also get a special amulet to mimic the sword's magical field.

You also receive a magical cube. It is able to create an illusion of an army of soldiers. This may prove be useful if you need to create a diversion!

Banedon, the Skyraider's captain, flew you under cover of darkness to the skies over Tornio. However, storms arose quickly damaging the ship. Banedon gave orders to fly the ship above the storm.

"I cannot land in a storm during the night. I don't want to risk illuminating the landing site. However, we can try something else. At dawn, I may be able to get close enough to the highest tower of the cathedral. We can then drop some lines and you can climb down. However, you would have to find your own way out as I cannot stay long enough to risk detection."

Facing no other choice, you and Esher agree to the plan. At dawn, Banedon pilots the ship back into the storm and hovers over the cathedral. Lines are dropped, and you make preparations for your descent...