On the night that Xenofex was slain, he appeared to Lucifer Kreegan in a dream (see below). He revealed which artifacts he would need to gather in order to construct Armageddon's Blade, and also showed him Khazandar, the smith who could forge it. He then showed him the effects of the blade:
"In an instant, a flash of white blinded me. My vision returned in time to see the blade conjure an ocean of fire to wash over the world. These waves of fire spread, fast as lightning, burning all in its path. When it was over, Xenofex and I stood face to face, on a world charred black. Examining the face of Xenofex, I saw only satisfaction and glee." — Lucifer Kreegan
Lucifer sent Xeron, his right-hand man and leader of the Sons of Erebus, to gather the artifacts and construct the sword. He warned him to never let pride stand in his way. "Xenofex was a fool and allowed himself to be arrogant and prideful. It was these things that lead to his demise at the hands of those heroes from Erathia."
Xeron had to battle against the heroes of the Conflux, as well as contend with Queen Catherine Ironfist, King Roland Ironfist, and Gelu, but he eventually managed to assemble the powerful artifact. Lucifer, meanwhile, stayed in Kreelah, the Kreegan capital.
When the forces of Catherine, Roland, and Gelu had defended their own lands against Kreegan invasions, they marched toward Kreelah. Catherine and Roland would invade from the south, while Gelu invaded through AvLee to cut off the Kreegans' escape route. Catherine wanted to make sure that Lucifer didn't escape, as they couldn't allow him to use Armageddon's Blade. Xeron decided to meet his enemies in battle, and travelled to Catherine and Roland's position with the [[Sons of Erebus[[, wielding Armageddon's Blade. He hoped to cut off their advance, but he was defeated in battle. He managed to teleport away to save himself, but his enemies claimed the blade.
The last remnants of the Kreegan clans gathered around Kreelah for their final stand, and Lucifer sent a message to the overlords of Nighon, asking for their help. Catherine and the others knew they had to invade Kreelah before the reinforcements could arrive. Before their final attack, Tamar the Wanderer told Catherine that Gelu had to be the one to wield the blade and face King Lucifer. "He has a destiny to fulfill that no one must be allowed to interfere with, for if he is to fall, everything shall turn to chaos. Oceans will boil, the ground shall swallow entire cities, and everyone will die a horrifying death."
Armageddon's Blade Introduction[edit | hide]
To Xeron, loyal servant of his majesty Lucifer Kreegan, killer of his king's enemies:
Upon receiving this letter, kill the messenger. No one is to learn of its contents. Should its information fall into the hands of an enemy, our kingdom of Eeofol may find itself the victim of a greater nation's aggression.
Though we have met and spoken frequently since the death of our previous lord, King Xenofex, I have yet to tell you how I came to know of his death before anyone else in the kingdom.
On the night of the day Xenofex fell to a band of adventurers, he came to me in a dream.
As I slept, my dream-form walked through a lush forest of rich green foliage and warm sunbeams. As I walked, the stench of fresh earth and morning dew surrendered to the fragrance of charcoal and sulfur. Through the parting trees, I stepped into a clearing. At my feet lay a shimmering pool of molten rock. Warming my face to the heat rising from the pool, I leaned over and peered inside. At the bottom, barely visible, rested a breastplate. Unafraid of injury, I plunged my arm into the pool and grabbed the artifact. Unscorched, I withdrew my arm and held before my eyes the Breastplate of Brimstone.
I could not help but feel my own exaggerated grin as I put on the prized artifact. However, my elation faded as I heard the echo of an insane cackle. After a moment of stillness with nothing but the sound of the leaves rustling in the faint breeze ... then the laughter came again. Its direction was obvious, so I walked toward the source.
As I grew closer, the laughter became louder and more frequent, until I came upon a shield set against a dead tree. The laughter reached a fevered pitch, threatening my sanity, as I drew closer. With much concentration, I was able to grab and lift the artifact. The laughter ceased. It was the Shield of the Damned.
No sooner did I hold the shield then my ears heard a horrible screeching. I spun around. For a split second, I glimpsed a sword speeding through the air. I raised the Shield of the Damned to deflect the attack. Cartwheeling backward, the blade hovered for a moment then dove. Again, I parried the attack. This continued, until finally, the blade tired and dropped to the ground. Carefully, I approached and picked up the artifact. It was the Sword of Hellfire.
As I rose, I saw before me Xenofex. He turned and began walking away. I followed and eventually caught up with him. He was standing next to an old man seated on a tree stump. The old man was examining the construction of a wild rose he had plucked from a nearby bush.
Under the watchful eye of Xenofex, I approached. At the feet of the old man, I placed the Breastplate of Brimstone, the Sword of Hellfire, and the Shield of the Damned. Stepping back, I watched as the old man put aside the flower.
Picking up the sword, he examined the blade then lifted the shield from the ground. By a means I do not understand, he folded the artifacts together creating a new sword. He then repeated this feat, folding the sword into the breastplate, creating a final artifact: a sword with a strong blade and a golden bird lifting its wings at the hilt.
After the old man laid the magnificent blade on the ground, Xenofex stepped forward. Taking the blade in his hands, Xenofex looked in my direction, grinned, then with great strength, drove the blade into the ground.
In an instant, a flash of white blinded me. My vision returned in time to see the blade conjure an ocean of fire to wash over the world. These waves of fire spread, fast as lightning, burning all in its path. When it was over, Xenofex and I stood face to face, on a world charred black. Examining the face of Xenofex, I saw only satisfaction and glee. He then stepped backward, away from the blade as it spoke to me; "I am the blade of Armageddon."
Carefully, I approached. Stretching out my hand, I reached for the blade. Before I could touch it, time froze and the vision shimmered. I awoke.
Go forth and search the land for the Breastplate of Brimstone, the Sword of Hellfire, and the Shield of the Damned. When you have the three artifacts, seek out the old man. I do not know who he is, but I have no doubt you will find him. It is your destiny.
When you have finished, return to me with the blade.