[ WP ] A sketchy salesman attempts to sell a perfectly normal sword to the hero , passing it off as the sword of legends .

The midday sun shone high over the bustling marketplace. `` This here's the *Hero's Sword*.'' said the huge, muscled merchant, setting the aged blade down onto the shaded counter with a loud thunk. `` Wielded by the great King Garrick himself when he slayed Lord Ba'al and returned him to his *eternal slumber*.'' he finished with a hint of exaggerated awe. 
 
 `` Wowee,'' said the young, twinkle-eyed adventurer, dressed in leather and a steel helmet, `` how much?'' 
 
 `` Oh, well...'' said the merchant, putting a big hairy arm over the sword and turning his head away to look at the many other market attendants. `` I'm not so sure I can part with such a powerful artifact..'' 
 
 The adventurer only stared at the merchant blankly, one eye partially obscured by blond hair poking from his helm, ``... well why did you bring it out then? What else do you have?'' he said, seemingly losing all interest in the sword and now keenly looking elsewhere for an ever better piece of equipment. 
 
 `` -- N..No.. wait a moment!'' said the merchant, shoving the sword forward with a thick forceful hand. `` Have a hold of it, see if you can feel its power.'' 
 
 The adventurer picked up the sword, turned to his side and swiped at the air, moving his feet enthusiastically. The merchant noticed he wielded the sword with surprising precision and technique. `` It feels okay.. I do n't know if I'm feeling any extra power, though.'' 
 
 The merchant leaned forward, supporting his weight with two thick hands on the counter. `` I'm certain if you were in a time of need the sword would show its true strength!'' 
 
 The adventurer glanced unconvinced from the merchant to the sword in his hand and then lightly ran a finger over the blade. `` I do n't think this thing has seen a whetstone since the Age of Merlin..'' 
 
 The merchant stood up straight and crossed his massive arms, `` I assure you,'' he said, slightly defensively, `` it is the true bane of evil. It would slice through a goblin like a ribbon. 
 
 `` But it's chipped as well..'' said the adventurer, carefully examining the sword, `` and the hilt is missing its pommel.'' 
 
 `` Its.. meant to be like that.'' 
 
 The adventurer set the weapon back down onto the counter. `` My father told me'Never buy a sword without a craftman's mark.''' 
 
 The merchant grew impatient. `` What, is your father some kind of blacksmith then?'' he scoffed. 
 
 `` Yes.'' said the adventurer, matter-of-factly. 
 
 `` Oh..'' said the merchant, crossing his big hairy arms again. `` Well.. I'm sure he's not a *Mastersmith*.'' 
 
 `` Yep, Mastersmith.'' 
 
 `` Look, boy,'' said the merchant angrily, slamming a hand onto the counter, `` are you going to make me an offer or not?!'' 
 
 The adventurer paused for a moment, seemingly deep in thought. `` Four coppers.'' he said plainly. 
 
 `` *Four coppers?! *'' said the merchant, leaning backwards and looking as if he were insulted. He stood still for a moment, glaring at the apparently blanked face adventurer. ``... fine.'' 
 
 The adventurer smiled a happy grin and handed over four copper pieces with a leather gloved hand. `` Thank you, kind shopkeeper.'' he said, picking up the blade. 
 
 The merchant was busy putting the copper pieces in the till, no longer caring to look at his satisfied customer. `` Yeah, yeah,'' he said dismissively, `` enjoy your.. sword..'' he said with a sly smirk. 
 
 Suddenly the sword emitted a brilliant golden light, the adventurer and the startled merchant both stared in confusion. Other market goers came to see what the commotion was, forming a semi-circle around the adventurer in front of the merchant. Everyone stared in awe as the sword's cracks began fading away and the hilt turned into a beautiful polished gold with a precious ruby inside the teeth of a gleaming lion-headed pommel. A loud, powerful voice emanated from the sword. 
 
 *'' Brave warrior! Thy hath acquired'The Sword of the Roaring Lion! I shall serve thy noble adventurer forever eternally! `` *
