May 31st, 2007: This week we check in on the ever-popular Prince of Swords,
Kelanen. To put it bluntly, Kelanen is obsessed with swords.
As the legend goes he wrested the sword Fragarach 'the Answerer' from the hands of an alien god. Fragarach of course is
yet another one of those Gygaxian imports from Earth myth. That means the alien god in question can surely be none other
than Manannan Mac Lir of the Celtic Mythos (Greater God of the Sea). That must've been one hell of a fight.
Not yet satisfied, Kelanen crafted six other 'Swords of Answering' according to the classic adventure The Temple of
Elemental Evil. Made in the theme of Fragarach, their names are Rebutter, Scather, Replier, Retorter, Squelcher
and my favorite, Back-Talker. And because Kelanen's symbol is nine crossed swords, apparently three
others were tacked later, named Concluder, Last-Quip and the shamelessly redundant Answerer.
Naturally instead of keeping them for himself in his super-secret extra-dimensional stronghold
Kelanen somehow allowed all the blades to be scattered abroad for heroes to find. Indeed, Fragarach fell into the
hands of Prince Thrommel of Furyondy who then also became lost himself. Go figure. Who put Kelanen
up to all this sword mania? Easy answer, his two original swords Sureguard and Swiftdoom. The 83 Greyhawk Guide says
Kelanen has no friends or confidants other than his swords. Yes, two highly intelligent, highly egotistical swords
that match his neutral alignment and share a purpose to defend him and his interests without hesitation.
Two voices in your head, only giving you advice that you want to hear...tell me that's not a recipe for insanity.
Check it out...
-mortellan
