The Story

A powerful cleric named Estoroth Paingiver was banished twenty-two years ago from the country of Astera. He had committed unspeakable acts. But one year after his banishment, Estoroth returned with an army filled with undead and daemons to conquer Astera. The guilds of Astera banned together to vanguish Estoroth, and they sent out four men to accomplish this task. They banished him again, but this time they sealed him in a black crypt.

But it became obvious to the guilds that Estoroth is attempting to unseal his crypt in order to return. So, four new adventures are sent out on a quest into a dungeon to seal Estoroth away for good. These adventurers must discover an assortment of magical items to this end. There are four artifacts that they must acquire in order to defeat Estoroth. Without these they will not prevail.

"Arriving at the site of the Black War, you discover that you are not the first to venture into the Tomb of the Four Heroes. The once sealed entrance to the dungeon has been forced, and among the many bones and relics left behind in the Black War are the remains of dozens of unfortunate adventurers; their weapons and their journals may help you survive the perils of the Black Crypt..."

(this last passage is the start screen of the game)