The Mission

    The priest bows deeply, reverence clear in every word wearing the gold and purple of the Temple, standing and waiting for Lord Galin’s attention from training his squire.

   “My lord, your path of honor now leads to a place long lost to darkness. You are to go to the Crypt of Lathander—once a sanctuary of dawn and renewal, now defiled by a creeping evil. It is there you will find the Ritual Pool of the Morninglord, whose waters alone can restore your sacred bond with your blade.”

   She straightens, eyes shining with both dread and hope.

   “Although the task is perilous, the crypt can be redeemed. Three ancient braziers, each held in the grip of marble statues, must be rekindled with this—” she produces a worn striking stone and a rod of polished steel engraved with holy script “—to purge the unclean spirits. Once lit, no undead may cross their glow. Light all three, and the shades will falter before you.”

   “Also in the crypt stand three marble statues of Lathander. In ages past, they held radiant Seals of the Sun, now broken and missing. Find them. Return them to us that we may bless them. And acolytes can place them back in the statues’ hands, and  the entire crypt shall be sanctified by the Dawnfather’s might.”

   Her voice lowers, heavy with solemn weight:

   “Know this, noble cavalier: during this trial, you shall gain no reward* in coin or glory, no balm from priest or healer. This is not a quest for fame—but a pilgrimage of devotion. Only the light of the rising and setting sun will heal you, if you kneel before it with a true heart. Potions may serve, but divine hands will not**.”

   “Your squire may grow from this trial***, but you—this is a test of your faith, not your sword arm. Should you prevail, the Sword of Summer will once again shine with the true light of the Dawn.”

   She finishes with a whisper:

   “Only by standing alone, with nothing but your faith and your courage, can the bond be made whole.”

 

Learning of Galin’s quest, the party gather information as well.

Bardic lore (Ilyander learns)

Stories tell of a temple of Lathander, where Anon Tareek, a wielder of the Sword of Summer fought a servitor of Lathander. Anon failed in his battle at the temple. This battle made the angel evil and tainted the blade. The blade was broken as it severed the angel’s grace. The angel survived but could not leave that unholy place.

Church lore (Thondami learns)

There was a crypt with a reflecting pool that can fix magic items or enchant finely crafted items. The crypt was used to inter those faithful to Lathander. This crypt was later tainted by evil deeds from a wielder of the Sword of Summer named Anon Tareek. Anon was slain by a demon which then corrupted the site. A sacrifice of blood must be made to resanctify the pool.

*”No reward” – Galin can claim treasure during this quest if appropriate. He gains no xp.

**Clerical healing can help Galin but will negate the quest. Lathander will heal Galin at dawn and dusk for 2d10+5 if he prays while in it’s light. Potions do normal healing.

***Perrin is not restricted in this quest in any way.