whackybeanz
Times Silent Keeper
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Advanced Knight Class Training - Pria Knights
Hub Dialogue:
What is a Knight?
Tathlin: You need to explain our role to others? Certainly. Knights are elite members of a noble order created or recognized by their kingdom. They generally swear fealty to their kingdom and lead its armies in times of war.
Tathlin: For example, I am the Head Knight of Rennd, which means I am sworn to serve Rennd and its king. I also manage an initiative to train promising warriors of allied kingdoms.
Tathlin: However, my first duty is to lead the Pria Knights who remain in active fighting duty. Those that the nobility isn't parading them about for their own pomp, at least.
Tathlin: We have Knights-Errant as well; ones sent out into the world to battle evil and quest for larger causes. You've been proving to be prime material for such a role!
Knight Level 5
Tathlin: Your progress and field performance have earned you the attention of the Seat of Arcana, with all the opportunities that entails in standing around guarding politicking wizards.
Tathlin: However, your prodigious rise has also drawn the interest of our allied kingdoms. You have your pick of any order to join, as soon as you're ready for the ceremony.
I'm ready!
Not yet...
Tathlin: Excellent! Gear up and meet me there. We'll have a little while to talk before it's time.
«You don your Squire's Training Armor and meet with Tathlin.»
Tathlin: Your time as a knight in training is at an end, and every order has its eyes on you. Have you thought about which one you wish to join?
«You»: I have, Sir Tathlin.
Tathlin: We can leave the protocol and honorifics aside, $player. Just call me Tathlin. Now, I'm eager to hear your choice. Where would you like to go as a full-fledged Knight?
«You are given the four kingdoms to choose from.»
«Kingdom of Rennd»
Tathlin: I am very pleased to hear that, friend! Pria will shine much brighter with your arrival. We'll do great things together.
«Kingdom of Granemor / Deren»
Tathlin: I had a feeling that our stalwart allies would make for a very tempting possibility. While it's sad to see you move on, I will be proud to see you at your best as one of our allies.
Tathlin: Now then, let's not keep everyone waiting much longer. The Seat of Arcana may be mostly run by pompous 'nobles', but their workers and our allies deserve punctuality.
«If you gave the Eye of Soth to Urgoth previously...»
«You»: Tathlin? Are you alright? You're staring off into--
Tathlin: ....What? Alert our allies, I'll be right there! ... $player, I just received a magical message from Avar's aides. Follow me, there's a Demon Knight attack on the training grounds!
«You»: What?! How did they get all the way there undetected?
Tathlin: I don't know. I was only sent the enemy locations. The Seat's wizards are securing the civilians at the ceremony while Knights scramble to contain the threat.
Tathlin: There are Demon Knights loose in our halls, Salamanders upon our gates FROM WITHIN, and whole carts of knights with black banners just... appeared in the grounds!
Tathlin: Something doesn't add up here. Magical subterfuge and surgical attacks are unlike anything they've done so far.
Tathlin: If they'd found a way to teleport here, there's no way they'd stop at a small force. If they were hidden... Come with me. New tactics or not, we'll find their leader and get answers.
«You»: On it! ...Hold on. Black banners? The demons who captured Alric mentioned something about that. They treated it like a separate force: The Obsidian Legion.
«Off the screen, a voice can be heard.»
???: It's nice to be recognized.
«A few Demon Knights enter.»
«You»: Urgoth! What are you after?!
Lord Urgoth: Knights! Seize them. Find this "Avar" as well. Now that his 'invisible carts' faltered, they're useless.
Lord Urgoth: You. I thought the Eye would lead me back to you. I'll have to insist on my invitation. You, Tathlin, and your duplicitous little mage will give me some answers.
4 BATTLES: Demon Knight
Full Heal after battle #2 and #4
«Urgoth and Tathlin are caught in an intense battle. After exchanging a few blows with each other, Urgoth retreats and returns, riding on a salamander. The salamander breathes fire on Tathlin with such power that he falls to the ground.»
«You»: Tathlin! I don't know what treachery got you this far, Urgoth, but your guards are done for, and now it's your turn.
«You»: Step back from Tathlin and give me that artifact. I don't know how it's tracked us, but surrender or I'll take it by force!
Lord Urgoth: You drive a hard bargain. I have my own offer: I'll knock you down as well and DRAG you to Stormfallen along with whoever was tampering with the Eye of Soth.
1 BATTLE: Lord Urgoth
Full Heal
«You»: Ha, got it!
Lord Urgoth: That's it. No more games! My queen will have to settle for getting answers from your bodies!
«Tathlin returns to the battlefield.»
Tathlin: I can take it from here, «You»!
Tathlin: Go clear the enemy from the ceremony grounds! Find Avar and secure the civilians so that the wizards can provide heavy fire and our allies can help us crush the attackers!
«You»: Right!
«You rush off to find the magi.»
Tathlin: Now then, foul demon. You seem one for words, for once, and I have some questions of my own. What will it be? Words of surrender, or last words?
Lord Urgoth: Even without the Eye of Soth, I can crush you again.
«Tathlin raises his blade, now glowing in a blinding yellow.»
Tathlin: We shall see.
«Tathlin charges toward Lord Urgoth.»
«If you did not give the Eye of Soth to Urgoth previously...»
«You»: Hold on, who goes there?
«A Knight of Rennd enters the scene.»
Knight of Rennd: Sir Tathlin! Demon Knights are attacking! They somehow appeared in our supply wagons! They're attacking the grounds, and sending squads after the court magi!
Tathlin: What?! How?! ... No time to figure it out. I'll lead the charge on the main contingent. $player, cut them off from reaching the Seat of Arcana's envoys.
«You»: Understood. What do I do after that?
Tathlin: Push the enemy far enough from the civilians that the battlemages can fight freely. For once I wish they'd sent their big shots. Then secure Avar and rejoin me.
«You»: What about Avar?
Tathlin: Something hasn't added up since you found this Eye of the Unholy, or "Eye of Soth". Make sure he's around to answer some questions when we've stopped the demons.
«You»: Understood.
«Scene: Ceremony Grounds»
«You»: I'm here to help! Get ready to strike back as soon as I push them back for you!
Battlemage: Thank goodness, we've been trying to push them back from the civilians so we can finally cut loose. Can you drive them back on your own?
«You»: You bet. Is Avar here? Tathlin needs him as soon as we're clear... And there's an artifact he'd been working with that I'm certain has something to do with this attack.
Battlemage: He ran off as soon as the attack began! He even abandoned his assistants with us... We can look at this artifact if you buy us some time, but-- Here they come!
4 BATTLES: Demon Knight
Full Heal after battles #2 and #4
Enchanter: We got it! You were right! This is the Eye of Soth, right? It's some kind of key and empowering trinket, but we got rid of some sort of tracking and scrying curse on it. Here!
«You»: Thanks! You have the space to cut loose now -- Drive them back, I'll reinforce Tathlin!
«You return to Sir Tathlin, his hands full with defending Urgoth's onslaught.»
«You»: Urgoth! Your forces are on the verge of defeat, and you can't use the Eye of Soth to track us anymore. This is your last chance to surrender.
Lord Urgoth: Spy?! I was tracking the mortal that was tampering with the Eye of Soth. If you've cut off this tether, so be it. I will either return in glory or return to ashes!
Tathlin: To ashes it is, Demon Knight!
1 BATTLE: Lord Urgoth
Full Heal
«Urgoth falls to the ground, defeated.»
Tathlin: Knights! The enemy is leaderless! Drive the remainder back to their charred lands!
Tathlin: Well fought, and cleverly handled, $player. I see what you meant now about this Lord Urgoth. He was almost... He was very different. Were his knights attacking the civilians?
«You»: Now that you ask... No. It's like they were trying to keep the battlemages boxed in with them.
Tathlin: The foul play is obvious. Whether some of these infighting demons still compelled Avar's actions or he's a rather brazen kind of traitor... We will have to investigate.
Tathlin: In any case, it seems your final trials were replaced with a trial by fire. Your heroism on this day has earned you a place as a full-blown Pria Knight! Congratulations!
Congratulations! You are now a Level 6 Knight, and have learned a new skill as a result of your training!
Knight Level 6
Tathlin: I'm very happy to count you among our order's knights, friend, though I regret that it took such a terrible ordeal to finally welcome you into Pria. Still, our trials are not over yet.
Tathlin: We had better get to preparing you for the days to come. Now that you're a Pria Knight, we can begin working on the specialties of the eldest order.
Tathlin: Today, we'll begin on the long journey of training you as a combat rider. Horse breeding is one of Rennd's traditions, and our warhorses are vital to our quick response.
I'm ready!
I need more time to think about this.
Tathlin: Excellent! Go ahead and change into your new armor, I'll see to it that our available steeds are prepared.
«You switch into your Pria Knight Armour and meet Tathlin on the practice grounds.»
Tathlin: Before we begin, $player, let's talk about that demon attack. I launched an investigation, as I said, but this affair has grown more complicated, and I could use your insight.
«You»: Complicated sounds like the diplomatic way to put it. It feels like we're being tested from all directions. How can I help?
Tathlin: There are some pieces I'm struggling to put together. I've looked into records of Demon Knight forces with black banners, but found none. Only the blood red ones are there.
Tathlin: Earlier today, I secretly visited old scouts who surveyed the border outposts of Stormfallen. They've seen the flags of this 'new' Obsidian Legion before, beyond the walls.
«You»: So we were invaded by a detachment from a bigger force that HAS been around all along, but never left their kingdom's borders. A total opposite to the ones with red banners.
Tathlin: Which never seem to end their campaign. It's not just that, though. We have endured the threat of the Demon Knights for decades. They're cruel opportunists. And yet...
Tathlin: There was no follow-up attack. It's one thing for the crimson banner demons to not dare to mess with the Obsidian Legion, but they didn't take advantage of this attack.
Tathlin: We only saw their forces rear their head well after we'd already regrouped. I thought Avar might still have been under their control, but it's like they didn't even know.
Tathlin: Also, Urgoth was acting like he'd turned on the demons, or not assisted them enough. Unfortunately, the Seat is conducting its own investigation, so I can't see his aides yet.
«You»: What authority does the Seat of Arcana have, exactly? We haven't had a chance for you to explain that, and it's worrying that they can "help" in a way that hinders you.
Tathlin: Right, my apologies. They're a council of Rennd's most prominent wizards, acting as advisors to the King on matters related to magic, and as a national guild of arcanists.
«You»: That sounds like a powerful combination. I hadn't heard of wizards banding together on that scale before.
Tathlin: And I have yet to hear of it. The Seat is... Not exactly of one mind. It's more like an agreement that there are SOME things they all want and won't get if they don't play nice.
Tathlin: It has served Rennd very well, but when one of their members goes rogue, it's hard to get information quickly while they scramble to disown them and get a story straight.
«You»: So they're probably out to "investigate" themselves and find themselves innocent, then we'll have to hope they're not hiding any accomplices when they leave us with the scraps.
Tathlin: ...I thought you weren't familiar with kingdom politics.
«You»: I'm not, but I've been in enough wars to be very familiar with vultures.
Tathlin: Ah. I think you're onto something. Hm. Members that would normally help have been shy, while the stricter ones are almost rabid in their interrogations. It's a suspicious haste.
Tathlin: I'm sure some are just out to get their hands on Avar's secrets, but if others want to cut him off and throw him under the cart before he's even found... They know something.
Tathlin: And if a member of the Seat of Arcana is willing to cover for this kind of treachery... Nevermind. Let's focus on your training for now. I promise I'll explain more.
Tathlin: Today, we'll try to find a steed that you can form a bond with. Your daily routine will now include cavalry combat training. If you can excel in this field, it will open many doors!
Heavy Cavalry
Have you gained your horse's trust?
Difficulty: 41
Stat Used: Charisma
«If you fail the roll, you receive a Full Heal along with the following dialogue.»
Tathlin: That's still a little rough. Take a break and let your steed rest, then start over. Once you can successfully saddle in the middle of the battlefield, we'll continue.
Repeat 2 BATTLES and the roll above. The roll difficulty reduces by 5 per time of failure.
«If you succeeded in the roll, you temporarily obtain the Heavy Cavalry skill and proceed with the dialogue.»
Tathlin: Excellent work! Now that we've seen what you can do in practice, show me how you saddle up in a tougher fight.
«You receive a Full Heal.»
Tathlin: If you can make this strong of a start to your cavalry training, I'm sure word will reach very high places indeed.
1 BATTLE: Sir Tathlin
Full Heal
Tathlin: Very impressive, my friend. At this rate, I wouldn't be surprised if the crown took an interest in your progress. We can proudly boast of such a rising prodigy.
Congratulations! You are now a Level 7 Knight, and have learned a new skill as a result of your training!
Knight Level 7
Tathlin: You may be pleased to know that I've made a breakthrough in my investigation thanks to you. We can go over it on the grounds. It's ironically easier to get some privacy there.
Tathlin: While we most often face humanoid enemies in war, Knights are expected to be the first to respond to monster threats. While we generally SHOULD do so as a team...
Tathlin: You have to be ready to find yourself alone against a formidable abomination. You will need to learn to spot every chance to regain your breath and keep your courage high.
I'm ready!
I need more time to think about this.
Tathlin: Excellent! Take a moment to check your gear before we begin. I'm certain you'll have an easy time of it today, as this is right in your area of expertise!
«You equip the Pria Knight Armour and meet Tathlin on the practice grounds.»
Tathlin: About our investigation... And the wizards' own efforts. While I don't believe we'll be able to pry into their affairs soon, I believe we can rule out that they'd hide Avar.
«You»: How'd you come to that conclusion?
Tathlin: It turns out that you were completely right. Their priority is establishing the image and innocence of the Seat of Arcana as a whole. Oh, they're picking Avar's studies apart alright.
Tathlin: However, they're not being suspiciously open nor actively refusing our aid. Rather, it seems they're pulling all the stops to track him down and... show us where to find him.
Tathlin: The highest ranking members are attached to their public image, but this desperation is new. I very much doubt that they're worried we'll blame them for Avar.
«You»: That sounds more like being so worried about what *else* will turn up if you sniff around them in search of Avar that they want to make a big show of speeding things up.
Tathlin: Indeed. Now, secrets are the letter and spirit of the affairs of wizards, and wizards in politics? I'm sure they have all sorts of dirty laundry. This is clearly bigger.
Tathlin: Enough that they're forcing us to choose between finding the truth and taking our best shot at finding the missing link in the most recent Demon Knight threat.
«You»: Do you think we can split our focus effectively here? Or are they going to get too defensive and stop helping if we call their bluff?
Tathlin: It's going to sound backwards, but I think it's best to let them handle it. Believe me, I want to find out what the corrupt among the Seat of Arcana are hiding.
Tathlin: However, this wizard was able to sneak enemy troops into our borders using the kind of magical carts that smugglers use to conceal the real size of their cargo from plain sight.
Tathlin: However they manipulated their way around actual inspections, I have to focus our forces on securing the area while we make repairs. If there is another danger within?
Tathlin: We'll be able to drag it into the light once we've sorted this out. As long as nothing splits our focus further, Pria and the Crown will be ready for any plot this time.
«You»: This time?
Tathlin: I'm afraid the Pria Knights were not always successful in preventing betrayal. Two months before your training started, there was a sudden attempt on the King's life.
Tathlin: He was traveling to Granemor as part of our alliance when one of our own knights, priorly missing, joined the caravan. We could not expect Algern to have fallen so far.
«You»: Algern, the Shadowknight?
Tathlin: His new name precedes him. Yes. Algern turned on the caravan's mages, transforming into a dark shape before everyone's eyes, and struck at King Alexander.
Tathlin: Even the king's retinue of knights was hardly a match. It was plain that he'd made some manner of demonic pact, similar to what that 'Emoran Knight was forced into.
Tathlin: After slaying many of his former brothers and sisters in arms, Algern fled toward Stormfallen. As if the origin of his plot was not yet plain, the red bannered legion let him pass.
Tathlin: The throne room and royal chambers have been sealed to outsiders since then, as we are unable to trust anyone whom Algern worked with before... Such as certain wizards.
Tathlin: That is why your resolve will be tested on this day. It's not only because of monsters, or to be strong for the people of Rennd as they pray for their King's recovery.
Tathlin: Whatever Tyranna offered Algern to fulfill the threats she made upon arriving... A Pria Knight's courage must be strong enough to inspire others to never fall for such temptation.
Morale Boost
Have you practised enough to impress Tathlin?
Difficulty: 61
Stat Used: Strength
«If you fail the roll...»
«If you succeeded in the roll, you obtain the Morale Boost skill and proceed with the dialogue.»
Tathlin: Excellent work! You're ready for the final test. You can come over now!
«You receive a Full Heal and a Tank Knight enters the scene.»
Tathlin: Over time, you will learn the actual techniques to take down a variety of monsters. Whether you must strike foes of flesh, scale, or steel, your resolve must never fade.
Tathlin: Show me that you can keep finding your center by overcoming or outlasting this knight. Find victory or endure until the test ends. [Survive for twenty turns or deplete enemy HP.]
1 BATTLE: Tank Knight Lord
Full Heal
Tathlin: An outstanding display, $player. I expected no less from someone of your talent.
Congratulations! You are now a Level 8 Knight, and have learned a new skill as a result of your training!
Knight Level 8
Tathlin: Our suspicions are confirmed. Our usual Demon Knight enemies are only now trying to exploit the damage caused by their kin. They should be upon us in an hour.
Tathlin: Thanks to focusing on restoring our defenses, we're ready. We've sent all noncombatants away and I've instructed our knights to pretend that repairs are going poorly.
Tathlin: It's time to teach you a new skill. We'll let those red-bannered fiends into a trap and rain radiant arrows on them. You will direct their fire yourself!
I'm ready!
I need more time to prepare.
Tathlin: Excellent! Take a moment to gear up. We'll have time to speak and prepare as we await the enemy's arrival.
«You equip the Pria Knight Armour and meet Tathlin on the practice grounds.»
«You»: Everything looks ready, although I expected we'd have more archers in hiding for this kind of ambush. Then again, it's a complicated time for the Demon Knights to attack.
Tathlin: Fear not. We have as many archers as we can reasonably conceal, and we have completed repairs right on time to hold them off. The timing is certainly rough, though.
Tathlin: But not just for us. Rather than chasing an opportunity as soon as they could, with their nearest forces, the Demon Knights are only attacking after mustering for a few days.
Tathlin: This confirms they go beyond a simple rivalry and don't cooperate at all. I thought perhaps Urgoth was in charge of precise operations through this Obsidian Legion...
Tathlin: But we have been at war for long enough that we'd have seen such by now, and *these* are clearly still intent on our destruction. Even with the same orders, they are so distinct.
Tathlin: Regardless, today we face the same horde we always have. The barbarians who covered Algern's retreat into Stormfallen. Fight with everything you have. *They* certainly will.
«You»: That also stands out, when you think about it. The army we have been at war with only seems to care for conquest or, failing that, scorched earth. Let's say we stick to this idea:
«You»: Say they weren't told about Urgoth was up to. He wasn't acting independently, so maybe these fiends are left out of subtler missions. Were they waiting for Algern, then? How?
Tathlin: It makes sense that they'd aid a destructive traitor and cover his retreat, but you make an accurate assumption. They *were* already in position to block pursuit when he arrived.
Tathlin: What I never thought made sense, and you leave me questioning more intently, is that HE would work with THEM. Even after his betrayal... As little as we know of the attack.
«You»: I'd really like to speak to the survivors to look for any common threads with Avar's betrayal. Why do you think Algern's coordination with the enemy doesn't make sense?
Tathlin: Algern and I trained together. Like me, he trained under my father - the prior Head Knight. He even lived with us as his squire. We both lost everything to this knave-legion.
Tathlin: Even my own hatred for the Demon Knights is nothing compared to the one that took hold of his heart. He DEMANDED Pria receive enough support to lead a full counterattack.
«You»: That doesn't sound like someone who'd easily turn around and attempt regicide, then walk through his hated enemy... You mentioned that he went missing. What happened?
Tathlin: We both rose through the ranks of Pria as the order reorganized, but while I became Head Knight, he accepted a position with the Seat of Arcana. Pushed for it, even.
Tathlin: Algern was bent on convincing them to focus on granting Pria increased magical support, and the crown to secure enough reinforcements to form a legion of our own.
Tathlin: We worked closely throughout -- He'd strengthen Pria from without, and I from within. But Algern was so unsatisfied with our diplomatic progress that he pushed himself more.
Tathlin: He went on more and more missions, becoming involved with the Seat's planar studies and pushing them to sponsor expeditions to magical ruins... Until one didn't return..
«You»: ... Ruins *that* notable can't be a silver a dozen. They must have been important finds. And if they held magic related to other realms... Who knows what happened to him?
Tathlin: He often left even when we had no reinforcements to spare, and we thought he had finally been overwhelmed. It's because of him that we developed what you will wield today.
Tathlin: Your armor now carries an enchantment typically entrusted only to high ranking knights. With it, you will be able to summon barrages of our archers' enhanced arrows.
«You»: That explains why you're confident about our archer count. Trusted knights who wind up alone are much safer being able to call down fire support without risking our archers.
Tathlin: Precisely. The tactical possibilities of these disruptive arrows are many, and we need only keep our enchanted storage stocked for you. Now, let them loose on our enemy!
«You proceed to a mini game along the fields of Deren. Demon Knights are running rampant! It is up to you to shoot arrows and take them down.»
«Take too long to shoot 10 Demon Knights and...»
Tathlin: Keep going! We need to take enough of them at once that they can't regroup anymore!
«You return to the mini game.»
«Once you have shot 10 Demon Knights...»
Blessed Arrow Assault
Have your arrows thrown the enemy into disarray yet?
Difficulty: 101
Stat Used: Strength
«If you fail the roll...»
Tathlin: Keep going! We need to take enough of them at once that they can't regroup anymore!
«You return to the mini game. Once you shoot 10 Demon Knights again, you face a similar stat roll to the one above, with difficulty -5 each time you fail.»
«If you succeeded in the roll, you obtain the Blessed Barrage skill and proceed with the dialogue.»
Tathlin: Excellent work! The enemy is routed without a step from our infantry! Your command of our archers and your own arrows have finally taught the demons to flee!
Tathlin: Now that the battle is won, I would like to see your performance by yourself. Show me how you handle our Barrage by yourself!
1 BATTLE: Sir Tathlin
Full Heal
Tathlin: Your role in this victory will earn you great renown in our order, my friend. I'll pull some strings for you. Such heroism will let you make your inquiries on the attack unhindered.
Congratulations! You are now a Level 9 Knight, and have learned a new skill as a result of your training!
Knight Level 9
Tathlin: Today is a very important day, $player. As I promised, I pushed for you to get to look into the attempt on King Alexander's life. Thanks to your efforts, everything went smoothly.
Tathlin: You have been granted a private audience in the royal chambers, to take place before today's training. This privilege is afforded to very few people, even in Pria, in these times.
Tathlin: You are recognized as a trustworthy and heroic knight whose skill is worthy of the greatest techniques of Pria, and whose integrity is worthy of royal trust. Are you ready?
I'm ready!
I need more time to think about this.
Tathlin: Wonderful. By bringing you into this circle of trust, we'll be able to work more closely together to find Avar and thwart Stormfallen for good. Report to the King's chambers.
«You equip the Pria Knight Armour and proceed to the king's chambers.»
«You»: Your Highness? I'm here as summoned. Thank you for seeing... ... Hello? Tathlin, is the king not here yet? There aren't any attendants or--
Tathlin: That's enough, my friend. A lie of omission is still a lie, and I can't lie to you any longer. I was to help you see the survivors of Algern's attack. The truth is that there were none.
«You»: The king is dead?! And you've been hiding this for MONTHS?! Who is even ruling right now? Pria?! What about the line of succession?
Tathlin: I will answer everything right now, $player. You and our people deserve to know the truth, but the details of Algern's betrayal are forcing us to take it very slow.
Tathlin: The royal caravan found Algern on the road to Granemor. He was stepping onto the path when they noticed him. After being missing for years, he was just... walking back home.
«You»: ...By himself?
Tathlin: Yes. Not a trace of the original expedition team. I realize that's suspicious and tragic, but you have to remember that this was a lost hero of Rennd. A prodigal knight returned.
Tathlin: After sending his royal guard to make sure that Algern was of sound mind and body, King Alexander was overjoyed. He brought our old friend along... It was poetic timing.
Tathlin: You see, the purpose of this journey was to ensure that our alliance with Granemor would last beyond wartime, forming an economic, scholarly, and arcane treaty.
«You»: Close to what Algern himself wanted. Isn't that the sort of thing normally handled by diplomatic envoys?
Tathlin: Yes. Yes, it is. However, by handling this directly, King Alexander was keeping the nobility and the Seat of Arcana from swaying the deal too far toward their own interests.
Tathlin: This kept them from gaining even more power before he could complete his biggest project. Something he had planned to put into effect as soon as the war ended.
«You»: What is this project?
Tathlin: King Alexander was working with court scholars and our few trusted friends in the Seat to draft a new Constitution of Rennd. A writ reforming our kingdom's government.
Tathlin: He worried that the emergency measures taken during the war would turn into oppression in peacetime, and wished to establish a Parliament of public servants.
Tathlin: This would make the Seat of Arcana consultants to a civilian government, Pria its protectors, and the nobility its benefactors, while keeping their power in check. And then...
«You»: ...Algern killed him before he even explained this to his subjects.
Tathlin: Worse. Far worse than that. The court magi were very curious, and their questions eventually angered Algern. He didn't simply kill the King, my friend.
Tathlin: The few that survived Algern's attack were badly wounded. They gave their lives to get word to us. He *destroyed* the retinue, slew the King... And took his body to Stormfallen.
«You»: ...Through the ranks of the red-bannered Demon Knights he once hated. And why is this kept a secret? You said the people deserve to know, and allies would surely rally to help!
Tathlin: Our closer allies in the Seat of Arcana have gone dark, straining our trust. Several heirs disappeared or went into hiding *before* Pria sealed the palace. And the Seat...
Tathlin: They have been propping up their own favored successors for years, in competition with the nobility. If I had revealed my liege's fate, I'd have betrayed his will.
Tathlin: It's still true that we're only planning to keep the veil of secrecy until we've found everyone tied to the attack on the king. And I believe Avar may be one such individual
Tathlin: I hate this stretching farce. I can't stand tainting Pria with such lies, nor letting the nobility go unchecked. Months of lies that I fear may become years. Let's... Let's leave.
«Back at the practice grounds...»
Tathlin: Now you know everything, $player. King Alexander's secrets, and Pria's own, are in your hands. We are beyond the walls where divination cannot pierce. Do you understand?
«You»: You're giving me freedom to keep or reveal what I know. That's a leading burden, you know. It makes me partly responsible for the consequences. But I understand. I'll trust you.
Tathlin: Thank you, $player. Now, I'm not only letting you in on this for the sake of giving you the full context. If Pria is ever consumed by corruption, it will take one like you to redeem it.
Tathlin: That is why I'd like to trust you with one of the ultimate secrets of a Pria Knight. As 'Emoran Knights are said to train to master their inner darkness, we have a similar test.
Tathlin: By standing in the light, you cast a shadow. Your virtue casts the long shadow of what you could become if you fell, looming over those you protect.
Tathlin: Our greatest powers are attained by manifesting that inner temptation of power as a foe to overcome, weakening its eclipse of our own inner light! Prepare to face your own!
«Tathlin raises his sword slightly as it turns a bright yellow. Blinding light surrounds the area and a knight clad in black armor confronts you.»
«You»: ...I know you. It feels like I've carried you for a long time, and like I always will. So you're a persistent one... Come, then! I'll take you down as many times as it takes!
Evil's Bane
Have you beaten the shadow of tyrannical temptation into submission?
Difficulty: 101
Stat Used: Strength
«If you fail the roll...»
«If you succeeded in the roll, you obtain the Evil's Bane! skill. The blinding light fades away and you return to Rennd's practice grounds.»
«You»: It's done. I can feel it; like clearing out something I didn't know was in my way.
Tathlin: You have prevailed in one attempt where few are trusted to try, and fewer still succeed in one *day*. Your inner strength gives me hope for Pria's future, my friend.
Tathlin: Now, put your new powers to the test! Fend me off with all that you have learned!
1 BATTLE: Sir Tathlin
Full Heal
Tathlin: You are truly among Pria's greatest, and promise to be greater still. Even early in your career, I know you will be the model for our future. I'll call on you when we next find leads.
Congratulations! You are now a Level 10 Knight, and have learned a new skill as a result of your training!
Knight Level 10
Tathlin: I'm afraid our fugitive wizard has played myself *and* the Seat of Arcana for fools. The enchanted carts turned out to be stolen from them. By using their resources...
Tathlin: Avar ensured they'd intervene to clear their name, slowing our interrogations down and forcing us to hold our forces here to repair the damage from the attack.
Tathlin: Had we instead secured the Seat's help with repairs and scrambled knights to hunt him down, we may have caught him, as they claim he couldn't escape via teleportation.
Tathlin: When they finally got through his anti-detection efforts, he was underground near the ruins that Algern disappeared in. And then he was gone -- Either dead, or outside this plane.
Tathlin: We finally have a connection, yet our only obvious suspect has escaped. However, I highly doubt we've seen the last of him. Not when he left empty-handed.
$player: The Eye. The attack finally makes sense, then. He worked with our enemy to get it, but was rescued too soon. Then he lied about its name and nature to make you help...
Tathlin: "Eye of the Unholy"... I feel foolish for buying that, but what reason did I have to trust our enemy over their victim? Regardless, that's why he got the Obsidian Legion involved.
$player That has to be it. He couldn't work with the same Demon Knights again, and Urgoth is known for harboring our defectors. ...The attack wasn't meant to succeed.
$player: He sabotaged Urgoth to get the Eye of Soth, but we secured it first! The entire attack was doomed from the start, to have his loose ends clean each other up.
Tathlin: Exactly. We still need to find out why there is information missing from our official records on Demon Knights, but your insight is remarkable. It will be vital to what I called you for.
Tathlin: Stormfallen has finally broken its diplomatic silence. I don't know how, but Sir Cerin has made a breakthrough. They agreed to attend a curious event that Deren requested to host in our territory..
Tathlin: ...It's a chivalric tournament. Jousting, melee, dueling... One of Rennd's own traditions. Tyranna has invited "representatives of all Expanse forces" to attend.
Tathlin: Those are her own words -- It's as if she's only now acknowledging us at all. I don't know what her aim is in acting as if the conflict was somehow beneath her...
Tathlin: But we know Sir Cerin to be honest, and he aims to have this event serve to host peace talks. Anyone that attempts treachery will be witnessed and outnumbered by the rest.
Tathlin: I don't expect this to go cleanly when our enemy is involved. However, whatever we can learn of Tyranna is invaluable information... And if there's any opportunity to end this...
Tathlin: If there is a glimmer of a chance that this tournament is no sham, and we can truly put an end to all this pillaging and death, then I have to take it. Will you be my champion?
I'm honored.
I need more time to prepare.
Tathlin: Thank you, my friend! I will keep an eye on our red-bannered enemies so that I can direct our forces to react if anything untoward happens.
Let's go!
With a force from each kingdom surrounding the chosen site, a rigid atmosphere dampens the start of the competition. As the jousting begins, however, the first cheer from Tyranna's oddly small retinue causes a competitive counter to sound off from Pria. The mood slowly turns into an uneasy but much needed relief, almost like a true festivity.
After a mass melee competition goes by without foul play, a pleased Sir Cerin meets with each of the other leaders individually, and jovially convinces General Herous to sign on as one of the 'Emoran Knight champions. Tathlin remains behind and on guard, while Tyranna shares not a word with the Demon Knight champion. Stormfallen's contingent, for a time, appears to have more tension in its own ranks than they offer Rennd's.
The event draws to a close with the champion duels that will decide the day's victor. The prize? A boon from each of the other kingdoms. A shrewd move with peace negotiations in the background. You ready your kingdom's armaments and take your place.
Continue
HARD MODE
«Regardless of choice, the dialogue you receive is the same. The differences are only in the battles, as listed below.»
1 BATTLE
Normal: Cerin (70)
Hard: Cerin (90)
Full Heal
Cerin: Well fought! You are a credit to your order, $player. I hope you intend to serve your kingdom honorably. I believe you know by now that not all are so earnest, knights or otherwise.
«Cerin leaves the scene.»
(thinking) «You»: ...Just what does he know that he didn't before?
1 BATTLE
Normal: General Herous (70)
Hard: General Herous (90)
Full Heal
General Herous: Remarkable! To be defeated by so fine a knight is no shame, but inspiration to reach even higher! You would have made a marvelous 'Emoran Knight.
«You»: Thank you for your words, General Herous. Maybe our orders can work together for more than just *military* progress if we secure a lasting peace tonight. For old times' sake.
General Herous: ...Hm. What a clever way to show how much Tathlin trusts you. But if you know why that has not borne fruit, you understand why I don't believe there will be peace.
«Herous leaves the scene.»
(thinking)«You»: Now he knows that I know about the King's plans. And I know that he's both realized and respected the secret of his death. Hopefully we can build on that trust.
1 BATTLE
Normal: Lord Eir (70)
Hard: Lord Eir (90)
Full Heal
Lord Eir: This duel would have a very different result if I didn't have to play by your rules for the Queen's amusement. And now that you have kept me from regaining her favor...
Lord Eir: The next time we meet, I'll send you and that wizard to see your friend Lord Urgoth. Or would you prefer to see King Alexander? The Crimson Legion is accommodating...
«Eir leaves the scene.»
(thinking) «You»: So that's the leader of the pillagers. And this Crimson Legion is not favored by Tyranna? He doesn't seem to be allied with Avar either. We have multiple foes then.
«Tathlin, Cerin, Herous, Tyranna and Eir gather in the arena.»
Tyranna: Champions! Gather. $player has seized victory. Congratulations. I admit, I am impressed by this display of prowess and cunning. That alone may have been worth the journey.
Tyranna: As promised, you may ask a boon from each of us. Speak, Knight. What is your desire?
«You»: An honest end to this war. I ask for peace, and I ask for truth. Rennd has been at war with Demon Knights for so long that it is all that many Pria knights have known of you.
«You»: Yet you have only now acknowledged the war yourself. I ask for the unconditional surrender of the Crimson Legion, that they may confess to their role in Rennd's plight.
Lord Eir: *Surrender*?! I did NOT come here to surrender to an inferior force when we could have finally proven our might!
Tyranna: I accept.
Lord Eir: What?! My Queen, I-
Tyranna: SILENCE. You will not call me YOUR queen again. I see now that exile was too soft of a punishment. You will either surrender to Rennd or face Stormfallen's justice as well.
Lord Eir: ...We have done nothing but claim more land for you this entire time! To prove that we could return in glory! We would take the world if you ordered it!
Tyranna: You can't even follow an order to be SILENT! The people beyond the walls of Stormfallen were no longer my concern until you brought their ire and their war upon us!
Tyranna: Not upon your legion, but MY PEOPLE. I gave you a chance to find your own way. You repaid it by bringing Algern, tainted by Satharion, to my borders! You will stand down!
Lord Eir: I... I will not! You're no demon queen! You're partial to your human half after all! I will not be--
«Tyranna swiftly spins around and blasts Eir with her bare hands.»
Tyranna: Enough. Here's your demon queen. Your words have sealed your fate, and that of your legion. It is no longer exiled, but *hunted*. All who don't stand down will be CUT down.
Tyranna: You had one last chance to fall as a leader. Instead, you die a worm. When you return to Abaddon under the Wicked King's rule, you will tell everyone that is what you are.
Tyranna: Rennd can count on Stormfallen's full support to eliminate the Crimson Legion. Interrogate them, kill them, do as you please, but recognize that they NEVER acted in my name.
Tathlin: I'm... shocked, but not appeased. You let an exiled force run rampant and cause untold harm for so long, ignoring all condemnation and diplomacy, until they troubled you?
Tyranna: Once the Crimson Legion was cast beyond my walls, they were no longer under my authority nor support. And those walls exist because of YOUR kingdom. Cerin?
Cerin: I'm afraid that's correct. I had a hard time believing it myself, but I verified that Pria Knights and wizards from the Seat of Arcana are responsible for defaming Stormfallen.
«You»: What?! Under our noses? Tathlin, is this what Avar was a part of all along?
General Herous: What is this abject nonsense? My own Knights have been able to verify this information since our intervention. How can Rennd's archives say otherwise?
Cerin: Under the cover of war, your archives had their preserving enchantments lifted in order to erase the original records of Stormfallen's foundation. That is why the king's heirs fled.
Tathlin: I had my own suspicions of the Seat, but do you mean to also accuse the royal heirs and my knights of provoking Stormfallen WHILE at war with the Crimson Legion?
Cerin: Alongside rogue agents from all of our banners, I'm afraid. I am certain that our individual grievances are the result of a plot to steal secrets and resources from all of us.
Cerin: By King Tralin's orders, then, I plead with you all to hold an armistice immediately. Deren withdraws its support from the war, and asks for your patience as I continue investigating.
Tathlin: You present partial evidence and ask us to simply *wait* for you to be done? Cerin, I hold you in the highest regard, but this is a stretch of my trust.
Cerin: I understand, and I do apologize for going so far. However, I'm sure that you all understand finding yourselves in a position where you no longer know who to trust.
Cerin: All I ask is that we all grant the victor their boon. Don't be too attached to victory to accept peace. You have no reason to wage war now that Lord Eir is dead. Right, General?
General Herous: You make bold claims in the same conversation as you make it clear that you have been spying on your allies! Even if I understand how far emergencies push us...
General Herous: It is only out of respect for King Tralin that I agree with your offer. You can have your time. If you uncover this conspiracy, I will gladly retract my anger. Until then...
Cerin: ...I will continue to hold you in deep respect but keep our conversations strictly diplomatic. What about you, Tathlin, Tyranna?
Tathlin: ...You have until the Crimson Legion is wiped out to find something concrete, at least. I want to believe you, Cerin. You have been a stalwart friend and ally. So be it.
Tyranna: You speak too much. Stormfallen will help. I will surrender survivors from the Obsidian Legion's black op to you. If any of you cross me, you will die screaming. Good night.
The long war raging through the Western Expanse has reached an uneasy end. Under the shadow of a conspiracy spanning Deren, Granemor, Rennd, and Stormfallen, the kingdoms' knightly orders find themselves faced by the harsh truth of betrayal from within their own ranks.
For now, they have decided to finally give their people a reprieve from the horrors of war. Seeking answers to the mysteries found within each of their borders, they have agreed to begin a joint search for the truth... But many fear that what they find could reignite the war in an unstoppable blaze, or reveal a greater threat still.
Where do the traitors lurk? What do they seek? How long will this peace last? When the truth can no longer hide, will you be ready to make the right choice?
«If you fought in Hard Mode, a shop opens for you (see below). If you fought in Normal Mode, you get the following instead.»
Advanced Knight Armours
«Opens only if you played in Hard Mode.»
Weapons
Knight Lance G [L. 101 G]
Knight Lance [L. 121]
Knight Lance Z [L. 141 Z]
Armors
Advanced Pria Knight Armour [L. 90]
Advanced 'Emoran Knight Armour [L. 90]
Advanced Frogzard Knight Armour [L. 90]
Advanced Demon Knight Armour [L. 90]
Miscellaneous
Knight Helm [L. 90, 110, 130 | 150 G]
Eye of Soth [L. 95, 115, 135 | 145 G]
Play again!
Guardian Tower!
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