The Hammer of Vengeance

One of the 8 items created by the Guardian Order during the War of Gods the Hammer of Vengeance is a powerful magical weapon imbued with the essence of Arethas - God of War and Martial Skill

Summary

The Hammer is said to have been forged by members of the Guardian Order during the later stages of the War of Gods. The legend says that a group of warriors, priests, scholars and spies all came together with the sole intention of ending the war to form the Guardian Order. Though incredibly rare some records of the Guardian Order do still exist in the Repository of Knowledge on the island of Ascodel though even these accounts are open to interpretation.
The Hammer is said to be one of 8 items created by the Order in a powerful ritual to channel the essence of each of the 8 gods. It is said that each item was imbued with the power of the God it most reflected. Arethas - God of War and Martial Skill was said to have a fiery and dangerous essence reflective of his temperament and so a mighty weapon was forged.
Wielded by the great champion of Lephros , Malak the Mighty, the Hammer saw extensive use in many battles across the world. Legend tells of the Hammer's ability to project flames and strike with volcanic fury laying low all who raised arms against its wielder. Malak carried the Hammer for most of his life but when he fell at the Gates of Shondar the Hammer was never found.
Some say that Arethas himself laid claim to it and wields it even now to fight his unending wars in the celestial realm. Others theorise that the Hammer is still out there somewhere just waiting for the next worthy champion to find it and wield it in glorious battle once more.
The Disciples of Arethas constantly seek the Hammer and have searched for generations for its location believing that only one of their chosen are worthy of using it in battle. When found they will use it against the followers of those Gods who stood against Arethas in the War of Gods and wreak his terrible vengeance.

Historical Basis

The Hammer is depicted in many pieces of art dated throughout the War of Gods and the Chronicles of Malak also make mention of a weapon "wreathed in flame" which the mighty champion wielded during his life, however the actual Hammer has never been found.

Spread

Scholars across the world are aware of the legend though it is a niche area of study. However in the Temples of Arethas it is a story told only to those who have dedicated their life to their god.
As such it is not widely known.

Variations & Mutation

The oldest account of the tale is from the records of the ancient territory of Lephros and does not mention the Hammer by name, only that it was a mighty and magical weapon.
The Disciples of Arethas are certain that this is the Hammer forged with the essence of their deity and many depictions of great warriors and Arethas himself within the Temple Order show them wielding the Hammer.

Date of First Recording

Year 932, Age of Setting (Approx)

Date of Setting

932-963 Age of Setting (Approx)