Hero-Dieties Tales

Tales of the Hero-Deities

"The Hero-Deities are more than myths. Their names are whispered in battle, sung in taverns, and feared by fools. Their stories teach, warn, and inspire—but beware, child, for many a reckless soul thought to follow in their footsteps, only to fall before they could rise." — A veteran storyteller at the Gilded Griffin Tavern

Kelanen and the Blade That Cut Nothing

"A sword that only destroys will soon destroy itself. True mastery is knowing when not to strike."

Once, Kelanen, the Master of Swords, was challenged by a warlord who had never lost a duel. This warlord wielded a blade so sharp that it could slice through armor like parchment. He laughed when he saw Kelanen’s sword, thinking it was plain and unworthy.

The duel began, but when the warlord struck, Kelanen dodged every blow. The warlord grew frustrated, swinging harder and faster, but never landing a hit. Then, Kelanen struck once—not at the warlord, but at his sword. The warlord’s blade, which had cut through everything before, shattered into dust.

Kelanen sheathed his sword and walked away. From that day, warriors spoke not only of his skill but of his wisdom, for a sword is more than steel—it is the will of the one who wields it.

Murlynd and the Lightning Sticks

"Never anger a wizard, especially not Murlynd."

There was once a foolish bandit king who stole from the weak and hoarded gold in a deep mountain cave. But his greed caught the attention of Murlynd, the Lawman-Wizard.

Murlynd rode into the bandit’s lair, wearing his wide-brimmed hat and iron spurs. The bandits laughed, thinking he was just an old man with strange clothes.

Until he pulled out his lightning sticks.

"BOOM! BOOM!"

Two of the bandits fell before they even knew what had happened. The rest scrambled for cover as Murlynd’s strange weapons crackled with power.

"Go on, now," Murlynd said with a grin. "Try and rob the next traveler you see. If you can still stand."

The bandits never stole again. Some say their leader fled to the sea, where Murlynd found him years later. But that's another tale.

Heward and the Singing Tower

"Music has power, child. Even Heward knew that."

Once upon a time, Heward the Musician-Sage built a magical tower that could play any song ever written. It stood on a lonely hill, and whenever the wind blew through its pipes, the tower would hum with music so sweet it could make a tyrant weep.

One day, an evil duke ordered his soldiers to seize the tower. He wanted the music all for himself.

When Heward heard of this, he did not fight. Instead, he played a single note on his silver flute.

The tower shuddered. The soldiers ran. And in a flash of light, the whole tower vanished—just like that!

They say it still appears on quiet nights when the wind is just right, singing forgotten songs to those who listen.

Keoghtom and the Cup of Life

"Good deeds are never forgotten."

Keoghtom, the wandering healer, once came upon a village stricken with plague. The people begged for help, but their leaders said there was no hope.

Keoghtom just smiled and said, "There is always hope."

From his satchel, he took a small silver cup. He poured a little water into it and whispered a prayer. When he gave it to the sick, their fevers broke, their wounds closed, and their strength returned.

He left the cup behind and vanished into the wilds.

Years later, a wicked duke tried to steal the cup for himself. But when he drank from it, it turned to dust in his hands. Because the Cup of Life, like Keoghtom’s wisdom, was only meant for those who gave without greed.

Daern and the House That Could Not Fall

"A warrior stands, no matter what comes against them."

Once, a queen was under siege by an army so large it stretched beyond the horizon. She begged for help, but no one dared face such odds—except Daern, the Lady of Fortresses.

Daern arrived with nothing but a hammer and a single stone. The queen was confused, but Daern simply smiled and laid the stone in the center of the castle courtyard.

Then she said, "Now watch."

Brick by brick, an unbreakable fortress rose from the ground, stronger than steel, taller than mountains.

The enemy could not break through. Arrows shattered on its walls. Siege weapons crumbled like sand. After three days, the enemy fled.

When the queen turned to thank Daern, she was already gone. But the fortress stood, and it stands there still.

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"Remember these tales, child. Someday, you may find yourself in need of wisdom, and the Hero-Deities might just whisper their lessons in your ear." — Old Nana Mirthwillow, telling stories by the fire