Note: This information was taken from TSR's original AD&D adventure, the Temple of Elemental Evil.
FRAGARACH
This hefty steel broadsword bears a mighty
enchantment. It was originally fashioned
for a demigod of elsewhen, and eventually
passed into the WORLD OF
GREYHAWK™ Setting. It served well for a
short time, all too soon falling into the
hands of the minions of Chaotic Evil. It has
been in their grasp for a decade or more,
resting in hiding in the Temple of Elemental
Evil, guarded by the worst of elemental
grues. Fragarach means "The Answerer."
The sword is of Chaotic Good alignment.
Any Lawful creature trying to grasp it takes
1-6 points of damage and falls senseless for
1-10 rounds. A Neutral creature holding it
takes only 1-3 points and swoons for 1-4
rounds. In evil hands, Fragarach has no "to
hit" bonus whatsoever; in Chaotic Neutral
hands, it will strike but one opponent per
round. The sword functions perfectly only
for a Chaotic Good user. In such hands, its
+ 4 bonus always operates, and it will strike
as many opponents unerringly as have
struck at its possessor. Fragarach always
hits all such targets, the + 4 pertaining to
additional damage only. Note, however,
that The Answerer always strikes last in a
melee round. Against evil opponents, the
bonus doubles (to + 8) whenever a natural
20 is rolled for "to hit" determination.
The sword has a hilt of silver and gold
wire, most cunningly wrought. Its guard
and pommel are set with perfect emeralds
(corundum)—7 gems, total value 65,000 gp.
Its scabbard is likewise trimmed with precious
metal and decorated with many gems
of green and golden hue, worth another
35,000 gp.
OTHER SWORDS OF ANSWERING
When Fragarach first came to this world, it
received immediate attention and quick
renown; so much so, in fact, that six other
swords like it were forged and enchanted.
These are lesser weapons, of course, and
their alignments vary. Each has a + 2 bonus
(and cannot hit opponents struck only by
+ 3 or better weapons). On a natural "to
hit" roll of 1, no bonus applies; on a natural
20, like their predecessor, the bonus is doubled
(to + 4). These lesser swords are identified
by the differing gems set in guard and
pommel. They are reported to be amethyst,
aquamarine, garnet, peridot, topaz, and
tourmaline stones, with combined value of
about 24,000 gp per weapon, 16,000 gp per
scabbard. These weapons are named Rebutter,
Scather, Replier, Retorter, Squelcher,
and Back-Talker, in honor of Fragarach.
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