Weapons of Power

Artifacts which were used as challenges to open the Vault's crystal_inner_chamber to allow the heroes access to a shard of the Orb. Each weapon had a riddle to solve and a challenge associated with it.

The Crystal Spear of Insight previously wielded by the elf Vespen. The challenge was worded thus, "The Crystal Spear had gifts of prophecy showing it’s user a potential future. When wielded in combat it could create physical force to knock back opponents and create a protective field of force. You must overcome the weakness of Spear. Hint: Its corruption lies in its strength.” After which the Sofia who was the challenger had to fight a crystaline shaped humanoid. She assaulted it at range resulting in it splitting in half. When getting close to the now two combatants she heard, "Your choice is acceptable. The weakness of the spear was its tendency to have the user remain distant and at range from all others. Prolonged use resulted in him becoming indifferent and unconcerned with the plight of others including his allies. He also began to view situations in absolutes of good and bad; unable to appreciate grey areas of morality or improvised actions.”

The RageAxe was previously wielded by Ragnus the Relentless. It's challenge was thus, “The RageAxe had the ability to amplify physical abilities, dull pain and heighten passions to permit the user to fight longer and harder before reaching a point of exhaustion. The weapon was also capable of converting the intense emotions into a magical fire aura. You must overcome the weakness of the RageAxe. Hint: What happens when the Unstoppable Force meets the Immovable Object?” Upon completing the announcment a crystaline humanoid confronted Professor James Short who was the challenger. First Professor Short attempted to destroy the entities which each time only resulted in doubling the number of combatants. Then focusing on the riddle and facing 4 combatants he held the axe blade down he heard, “Your choice is acceptable. The weakness of the RageAxe is the desire to assault problems head on, often alone and unending. Prolonged use resulted in hyper aggression and difficulty sleeping or standing still. Impulsive actions of a dangerous nature were common. “

The Sword of Power (or sword of Justice as it was later known after being wielded by King Justinian). The swords emotional impact was felt by Professor Short prior to entering the vault and later by Eric Harmon during the trial. It convenyed a deep sense of heavy responsibility which can make a person doubt or second guess themselves. It's challenge was thus, “Sword of Justice was gifted with the abilities to harm or heal as the situation required. It could also redirect elemental energy both natural and magical in nature as the user saw fit. You must overcome the weakness of the sword. Your clue: Bring justice to these two.” After expressing the challenge two crystaline humanoids fought with one twice the size of the other, with the smaller showing a limp. Eric rushed to intervene taking a strike and then healing the victim which the sword proceeded to enhance his healing ability. “Your choice is acceptable. It is tempting to attack those you see as evil, but sometimes to bring about justice is to heal the injured.”

The Crystal Bow of Balance. Previously wielded by Queen Marlene, wife of Justinian and later discovered to be a changeling. Now it is bound to Erem. The challenge was thus, “The Bow of Balance has the ability to change the states of matter from one to another from gas, liquid, solid and back again. Users reported manipulation of water was most intuitive as the element is ever present and provides a variety of functions to a creative mind. It could be a weapon of attack or defense. Given its nature of change it did not bring about corruption in its user, though its original user was killed in battle by overwhelming numbers. It still has a weakness. What is the drawback of always striving for balance?” Erem's response was so quick the stage had not finished filling with water, frozen vapor and an ice sheet beneath his feet before it needed to revert back. “Your choice is acceptable. In attempts to maintain balance sometimes a more effective strategy is to bring both yourself and your opponent out of balance even if unequal force is required to do so.” Later with the crystal chamber he vowed, "I bind myself to the Crystal Bow of Balance. I believe myself worthy to handle its responsibility and prepared to return it to the chamber should I be found lacking. I will guard until time of my shattering.“

The Lute of Harmony was last wielded by the gnome Yorlen. Unlike the other tests which had a disembodied voice, touching the lute made the spirit of it's previous user appear. He said, “It has been a long time since someone has made it this far. The lute was perhaps the most underrated of all the weapons. It had the ability to sense the feelings of others, inspire and empower allies while weaking and demoralizing opponents. Given such gifts why I would have wanted to give it up?” Both Challenger Hadley Messer and Dr. Elijah Heartman both provided valid responses, but they strayed beyond the premise of why given its powers a person would give it up. Once understanding what the riddle by being exposed her some of her groupmates emotions Hadley was able to overcome the challenge. “You’re correct. Feeling the emotions of others at all times is draining. You begin to despise your allies and sympathize with your enemies. You have no desire for combat or even contact with others." Hadley later asked the spirit if he was bound to the lute and if binding herself would free him. He acknowledged he was bound but he is only summoned when a challenge is being enacted so she need not feel compelled to bind herself. Though the lute can allow the user to feel others emotions the emotion it tends to evoke is confusion as a result.