This progression post is part 1 of the Viridian Dungeon mission for the Knights Quests system. Part 2 will be held in-game on Sunday, December 27th, at 7pm EST, after which the events below become canon to those who participated.
It had been about a week since the Knights residing in the Holy City had the pleasure of speaking face to face with Domenico Cavalcante, Primae of the Viridian Order. While some of the Knights present were quite eager to speak to the veteran Knight who helped restore the Viridian Order following the Lo Crisis, still others wondered why some old Dressolini was outside of Kurtenwald Castle to speak with any Knight that showed up. Indeed, Cavalcante's motives still seemed to elude many in the city, though two things were certain from the gathering he held: there was definitely something inside of the old Viridian Crypt that the Primae wanted discovered, and there wasn't reason to keep whatever was down there closed off to the Viridians alone. While the Primae requested the Knights discover the old tomb of Karl von Terwer, many questioned why such a Heron would even be buried under the Viridian Castle, instead of in one of the several dozen in the City of Calemberg. Many questions still remained on why they were all doing this, but one way or another, curiosity found an odd assortment of Knightly Orders gathering in the Knights Quarter a week later.
It was a typical Saturday afternoon in the capital city of Regalia. Merchants sold their wares in stores and in streetside booths, while citizens moved about each venue completing their errands. The nobility, many still recovering from the fond excitement of the Howlester Wintertime Ball the evening before, kept to their estates for the most part, some still deciding where to put the rest of their stipends from the Imperial Court. In the Knights Quarter, everything seemed to be much the same, with Dragon Worshippers going to and from the local temple, while a few military officers moved passed through on their way to the Lion's Court to read up on the latest military endeavors in Hadar. If it wasn't for the unusual influx of Knights moving into the gathering hall in the district, one would simply see this as just a typical Regalian day. And for the vast majority of people, it would be exactly that, and nothing more.
As the Knights trickled into the gathering hall, some began to count the representation of each Knightly Order. The most numerous were the Bloodcast Knights, each of them donning their signature crimson capes as they greeted their fellow brothers and sisters in arms. After them came a trio of Wards of Fae Knights, all of them muttering about the potential Artifacts which might be uncovered to bring to the Sepulchres later. Another trio of Lion Pelt Knights came in next, elegantly dressed for the occasion, and drawing the look of a singular Monzon Knight, no doubt eager to try and best the three Pelters. Finally, a lone Villiers-Eclaire and Great Oak Knight represented their orders, content to be in the gathering, but also with their own agenda they wanted to play out on this expedition. As for the other Knightly Order, not a single Darkwald, Blackguard, or Parthas Knight was to be seen. Most curious was the complete lack of Viridian Knights in the gathering hall. After all, was it not the Viridian Primae who had requested the Knights in the first place? Were the Viridians "too good" to be seen mingling with the other Knights of the Empire? Whatever the questions, much of the conversations began to die down when a lone knight wearing green and white walked up on stage. Introducing himself as a Viridian liaison officer, the man provided the gathering with instructions on how to reach the Viridian Castle, and what to do one they reach the Shieldmaidens standing guard over the ruins. After a few more parting words, the liaison gave the go ahead for the Knights to embark, which they did so with adventure in their hearts.
The first Knight to reach the Viridian Castle was Sir Gerard Kreiburg of the Villiers-Eclaire Order, whose knowledge of the outdoors as well as his horsemanship allowed him to beat the remaining Knights to the sight. Upon his arrival, he was greeted by Sir Leindros Vidalis and Dame Theresia Kaeppler (instant success for both, being Viridian Knights for a Viridian-requested mission), the two of them having arrived at the Castle hours earlier, owing to their first hand knowledge of the traveling route from Kurtenwald to the old ruins as the Viridians they were. Dismounting from his steed, Gerard walked closer to what used to be a gatehouse, where he saw a squad of Viridian Shieldmaidens standing guard. The eldest of them, a Paladin by the name of Adele Clair-vois-Blanc (yes, that Clair-vois-Blanc) greeted the Villiers Knight, and requested his noble voucher. Upon receiving it, the Shieldmaiden took notice of the Conclave seal on the bottom of the document, one used by Reverend Aelfric Harhold (instant success, Viridians are devout Unionists). With a brief gesture of the Eye of Union, she permitted Gerard entry into the Viridian courtyard, where he would speak with Leindros and Theresia as the others arrived.
A half hour later, the next group of Knights rode up to the gatehouse. Leading them was Bjorgulf Haagenvig of the Wards of Fae Order, followed by Lazarus Lupenzi of the, Alban Konig, and Yueliang Hou of the Bloodcast Order. With the entire entourage comprising Knights without Imperial Respect, the Shieldmaidens were far more scrutinizing over the letters brought. The first one up was Bjorgulf, who was able to get past the security checkpoint without much fuss after showing his letter from House Viduggla. Unfortunately for the other three, they learned quickly about the reality of sending a multitude of Bloodcasts to the Viridian Castle, as one by one the Shieldmaidens began to question every aspect about the Knights. The first to be questioned was Lazarus, who after showing his letter from House Reinard, was prevented entry like the Fae Knight, instead being asked to "prove themselves a bit more" by the Shieldmaidens. Speaking from his heart with emotions that very few in Aloria could manage on the fly, Lazarus spoke of the possibility of Bloodcasts and Viridians being able to set aside their century-and-a-half-long rivalry in this mission, coming together for the pursuit of high honor. Caught completely off guard by the sincerity of a Bloodcast, the Shieldmaidens permitted Lazarus to enter the courtyard, but not before delivering a Viridian Salute to him with the words "Ehren" in respect (roll 100 success, Lazarus earns the respect of the Shieldmaiden garrison). Next up was Alban Konig, who knowing he could not use the same speech as Lazarus did, prompted to pray that his letter would suffice. After a quick read over, Paladin Adele noticed a familiar seal at the bottom of the parchment. Without a second hesitation, she allowed Alban to enter into the courtyard, remarking that "Any Palast of her Imperial Lady needs not his honor questioned by the Viridian Order." (instant success, Viridians are Kade loyalists) Finally, Youeliang was left alone at the gatehouse, his face slowly getting as red as the cape he wore. When asked for his letter by the Paladin, all the Bloodcast could do was say that he didn't have one. Insulted by the man's lack of decency to follow the Primae's request, the Shieldmaidens kept Youeliang to the side of the gatehouse, debating on whether to send him back to Regalia, or have someone look over him.
After the Bloodcast inquisition that lasted another half hour, the first group of walking Knights made their way up to the castle. Marcus Haagenvig of the Great Oak arrived first, followed by Wilvamair Arnyn of the Wards of Fae Order, and Sir Tim Borros of the Lion Pelt Order. As with all Knights lacking Imperial Respect, Markus faced minor scrutiny at the entrance. But as he had presented his letter from House Viduggla, as well as a bit of sweet talking to the Paladin Shieldmaiden (5 Statecraft), he was able to move in with little difficulty. Wilvamair Arnyn faced much the same with scrutiny, and the presentation of his voucher from House Reinard also saw him join the others inside the Viridian Castle ruins. Finally came Sir Tim, who as a Lion Pelt Knight held Imperial Respect, and thus the benefit of the doubt from the Shieldmaidens. However, Sir Tim's lack of a letter prompted the Viridians to stick to their criteria of entry, forcing the Lion Pelt Knight to stand with Youeliang near the side.
An hour and a half passed as the Viridian Castle waited for the others to arrive, during which the early arrivers began to wander around the courtyard. Dame Theresia went to stand with her fellow Shieldmaidens, who despite being in a different guard unit than her, were all too happy to see one of their own, and hoped that she would keep an eye out for them when everyone went into the Crypt. Bjorgulf and Wilvamair meanwhile broke off into their own duo, discussing whether or not an Artifact was to be found in the Crypt. Sir Leindros meanwhile paced around the outer border of the Castle, himself being relatively silent as he paced. Sir Gerard eventually broke off from his conversation with Lazarus and Alban to see why the Man-at-Arms was over by the side. Known only to a few Viridian Knights, Leindros had been in the Castle four years ago when the Deathling Siege began, and the memories of that time started to rush over him upon his return. Gerard, having the insight to see that Leindros was keeping something from the group, provided a few comforting words to the Viridian in private, which possibly helped the Viridian overcome the shadows of his past to continue on with the mission. After the two of them said a brief prayer to the fallen Viridians from the siege, they returned to the Bloodcasts, and started to discuss setting up a camp for the night, since it seemed that most of the adventuring group was slow to arrive.
As expected, the final group of foot-bound Knights was the slowest to arrive, each of them not wanting anyone to straggle behind. The first arrivals leading the pack were from the Bloodcast Order: Lynmar Lomstedt, Philip du Langelier, Harlow Ketch, Marisa Mrogann, Zelgius Pavise, Natalia Ombre, and Ibrahim Bantunoglu. Lynmar, Philip, and Ibrahim stepped up first, and facing the same scrutiny as their fellow Bloodcasts, were almost expected to perform some other test of honor to earn passage, until the Shieldmaidens took notice of the seal on each parchment. Bearing the Crow Eagle of the House Typhonus, the three of them were granted entrance into the courtyard, while the others were dealt with next. (Typhonus vouchers bypassed the Viridian stigma against Bloodcast Knights, as Viridians see Calemberg as an honorable realm). Natalia was next to be questioned, though her skill in diplomacy allowed her to convince the Shieldmaidens to let her in (10 Statecraft). Harlow followed soon after, and despite his lack of diplomatic skill (or even literacy in his case), was able to gain entry to the courtyard (successful dice roll). Unfortunately, Marisa and Zelgius were unable to talk their way through the Shieldmaidens when it finally came to her turn, and so was prompted to stand with Sir Tim and Youeliang, bringing the total to four Knights outside the Castle ruins.
Adrian al-Wood of the Monzon Order was the next person to be questioned by the Shieldmaidens. With a small grin on his face, he passed his letter over to Paladin Adele, hoping that his little ploy would succeed. Unfortunately for the Monzon, his voucher from House de Montefontonzo was quickly deduced to be a forgery by the Shieldmaiden (10 Conning is required to forge convincing documents in progressions), quickly earning him the ire of the Viridian Knights, which only further hindered his chances given that the Monzon Order lacked Imperial Respect. Despite being caught in the act of dishonor, Adrian decided to try one last trick of his, and proceeded to carry out a charm offensive on the Viridian Paladin. In what could only be described as the epitome of Daendroque suaveness, the Moznon was able to cause the Shieldmaiden to blush from his silver tongue (roll 100 success), allowing him to convince her to let him in. As he made his way in, Dame Theresia noticed that Paladin Adela pivoted around to watch the Monzon walk by, no doubt admiring the cleanliness of his armor (5 bodycare). Dame Eponia Eledhwen, not one to have her Lion Pelt Order bested by a Monzon, came next in line, and with her own Imperial Respect and letter from House Mac Connal, moved on in, herself sporting an equally clean uniform (5 bodycare). Lark Redding of the Wards of Fae Order followed soon behind, and with her own Typhonus voucher found herself walking in to join Wilvamair and Bjorgulf inside the courtyard, being caught up on what the two of them had discussed over the past few hours. Finally, Humaira Reinard, one of the most controversial Knights in recent times, made her way up to the Shieldmaidens, who themselves did not hide their disappointment from the Lion Pelt Knight. Knowing full well that she needed to redeem herself in the eyes of the Imperial Spirit, Humaira handed out several parchments to the Shieldmaidens, while also speaking of her own intentions as a Knight (5 Statesmanship). Her few words, coupled with the face that she was the only Knight to provide four individual vouchers from Houses Latimer, Kreiburg, Eledhwen, and de Piedmont, allowed her entry into the courtyard, with a few words hoping that she "would find redemption in her quest."
With the day nearing its end, the Shieldmaidens looked over to the Knights that failed their security vetting, debating on whether or not they would be sent home, or remain with the group under heavy scrutiny. After all, bar Sir Tim who simply failed to provide a voucher for himself, the rest of the Knights outside were Bloodcasts. Surely the Primae would not be disappointed if a few Hedge Knights were sent packing back to Blücherwald Castle this evening, allowing the entombed Viridians to rest peacefully knowing the descendants of turncoats were not defiling their graves. While they would never be caught speaking such thoughts allowed, many could see that the Viridian-Bloocast rivalry was still very much alive, even if the years had seen the bloodier spats fade into history. Eventually however, one of the Shieldmaidens noticed that they had missed a few individuals at the gatehouse. Indeed, Altea and Elaena Solisti of the Oranjen Order alongside Cas'perann Ravästra still stood outside, having waited to be vetted for a half hour by now. The Solisti Sisters after providing their letters from Goretaan were given entry by the Shieldmaidens, who apologized profusely for delaying respectable Knights of the Oranjen from entry. However, Cas'perann had their own problems to handle. The first thing that came to note was an unidentifiable Order color on the Altalar, which was one of the key things that distinguished Knights from everyone else. Coupled with a lack of voucher letter, and the Shieldmaidens concluded that Cas'perann had simply tagged along for the walk with the Knights to the Viridian Castle, and learned about the mission by word of mouth. While sympathetic to the Altalar's sense of adventure (and 10 Bodycare really made them more of a pleasure to be around that the rest of the Knights), the Shieldmaidens had to abide by the Primae's exact directives, and were forced to escort Cas'perann back to the capital. (I could not find Knighthood on the character app, and Knights Quests missions can only be attended by knights)
During the confusion with Cas'perann, Yueliang Hou decided to take the chance to attempt sneaking into the Viridian Castle himself (10 Stealth Rogue Skill allows for a sneak in attempt roll). With the night setting in, it was almost the perfect environment to move in the shadows and join the rest of the Knights inside. However, it was only that, almost perfect. As with many rogues in times past, Yueliang's sneak attempt was foiled by the simple, fallen tree branch that snapped right by the gate. Immediately upon hearing the noise, the Shieldmaidens turned around to catch the Bloodcast in the act, immediately drawing their blades in defense of the ruins. Eager not to see things escalate into violence, Lazarus ran over to the front of the gates to speak with Paladin Adele once more. Already having the respect of the Shieldmaidens from before, Lazarus was able to allow the remaining Knights entry into the Viridian Crypt. However, this diplomatic victory did not come without its caveats, and the following two rules were to be respected by all the Knights when venturing into the Crypt: Marisa, Zelgius, Yueliang, and Sir Tim were barred from carrying weapons into the Viridian Castle ruins, and were forced to hand over their arms to the Shieldmaidens until they left the grounds. Secondly, the Knights were expected to keep at least a single Knight watching over each of the four, to ensure that they did not act dishonorably within the Crypt. With both points agreed upon, everyone gathered into the courtyard where they began to prepare for their venture into the Crypt. While night was soon approaching, the group's excitement was too much to keep anyone from sleeping. And coupled with the current scrutiny of the Shieldmaidens, many Knights concluded that it would be best to venture into the upper chamber now, rather than wait until morning. And so with lanterns lit, the group was escorted to the Crypt's entrance, and one by one entered into the bowels of the Viridian Castle.
This concludes the first step of the Viridian Dungeon mission. While I attempted to give everyone a shoutout, pacing of these posts is still something I am learning, so some people had some larger sections than others based on rolls and the need to break up the list of letter vetting. Most players did not receive rolls due to passing the preliminary request, which was the in-game letter voucher. Details of how things played out are as follows:
It was a typical Saturday afternoon in the capital city of Regalia. Merchants sold their wares in stores and in streetside booths, while citizens moved about each venue completing their errands. The nobility, many still recovering from the fond excitement of the Howlester Wintertime Ball the evening before, kept to their estates for the most part, some still deciding where to put the rest of their stipends from the Imperial Court. In the Knights Quarter, everything seemed to be much the same, with Dragon Worshippers going to and from the local temple, while a few military officers moved passed through on their way to the Lion's Court to read up on the latest military endeavors in Hadar. If it wasn't for the unusual influx of Knights moving into the gathering hall in the district, one would simply see this as just a typical Regalian day. And for the vast majority of people, it would be exactly that, and nothing more.
As the Knights trickled into the gathering hall, some began to count the representation of each Knightly Order. The most numerous were the Bloodcast Knights, each of them donning their signature crimson capes as they greeted their fellow brothers and sisters in arms. After them came a trio of Wards of Fae Knights, all of them muttering about the potential Artifacts which might be uncovered to bring to the Sepulchres later. Another trio of Lion Pelt Knights came in next, elegantly dressed for the occasion, and drawing the look of a singular Monzon Knight, no doubt eager to try and best the three Pelters. Finally, a lone Villiers-Eclaire and Great Oak Knight represented their orders, content to be in the gathering, but also with their own agenda they wanted to play out on this expedition. As for the other Knightly Order, not a single Darkwald, Blackguard, or Parthas Knight was to be seen. Most curious was the complete lack of Viridian Knights in the gathering hall. After all, was it not the Viridian Primae who had requested the Knights in the first place? Were the Viridians "too good" to be seen mingling with the other Knights of the Empire? Whatever the questions, much of the conversations began to die down when a lone knight wearing green and white walked up on stage. Introducing himself as a Viridian liaison officer, the man provided the gathering with instructions on how to reach the Viridian Castle, and what to do one they reach the Shieldmaidens standing guard over the ruins. After a few more parting words, the liaison gave the go ahead for the Knights to embark, which they did so with adventure in their hearts.
A half hour later, the next group of Knights rode up to the gatehouse. Leading them was Bjorgulf Haagenvig of the Wards of Fae Order, followed by Lazarus Lupenzi of the, Alban Konig, and Yueliang Hou of the Bloodcast Order. With the entire entourage comprising Knights without Imperial Respect, the Shieldmaidens were far more scrutinizing over the letters brought. The first one up was Bjorgulf, who was able to get past the security checkpoint without much fuss after showing his letter from House Viduggla. Unfortunately for the other three, they learned quickly about the reality of sending a multitude of Bloodcasts to the Viridian Castle, as one by one the Shieldmaidens began to question every aspect about the Knights. The first to be questioned was Lazarus, who after showing his letter from House Reinard, was prevented entry like the Fae Knight, instead being asked to "prove themselves a bit more" by the Shieldmaidens. Speaking from his heart with emotions that very few in Aloria could manage on the fly, Lazarus spoke of the possibility of Bloodcasts and Viridians being able to set aside their century-and-a-half-long rivalry in this mission, coming together for the pursuit of high honor. Caught completely off guard by the sincerity of a Bloodcast, the Shieldmaidens permitted Lazarus to enter the courtyard, but not before delivering a Viridian Salute to him with the words "Ehren" in respect (roll 100 success, Lazarus earns the respect of the Shieldmaiden garrison). Next up was Alban Konig, who knowing he could not use the same speech as Lazarus did, prompted to pray that his letter would suffice. After a quick read over, Paladin Adele noticed a familiar seal at the bottom of the parchment. Without a second hesitation, she allowed Alban to enter into the courtyard, remarking that "Any Palast of her Imperial Lady needs not his honor questioned by the Viridian Order." (instant success, Viridians are Kade loyalists) Finally, Youeliang was left alone at the gatehouse, his face slowly getting as red as the cape he wore. When asked for his letter by the Paladin, all the Bloodcast could do was say that he didn't have one. Insulted by the man's lack of decency to follow the Primae's request, the Shieldmaidens kept Youeliang to the side of the gatehouse, debating on whether to send him back to Regalia, or have someone look over him.
After the Bloodcast inquisition that lasted another half hour, the first group of walking Knights made their way up to the castle. Marcus Haagenvig of the Great Oak arrived first, followed by Wilvamair Arnyn of the Wards of Fae Order, and Sir Tim Borros of the Lion Pelt Order. As with all Knights lacking Imperial Respect, Markus faced minor scrutiny at the entrance. But as he had presented his letter from House Viduggla, as well as a bit of sweet talking to the Paladin Shieldmaiden (5 Statecraft), he was able to move in with little difficulty. Wilvamair Arnyn faced much the same with scrutiny, and the presentation of his voucher from House Reinard also saw him join the others inside the Viridian Castle ruins. Finally came Sir Tim, who as a Lion Pelt Knight held Imperial Respect, and thus the benefit of the doubt from the Shieldmaidens. However, Sir Tim's lack of a letter prompted the Viridians to stick to their criteria of entry, forcing the Lion Pelt Knight to stand with Youeliang near the side.
An hour and a half passed as the Viridian Castle waited for the others to arrive, during which the early arrivers began to wander around the courtyard. Dame Theresia went to stand with her fellow Shieldmaidens, who despite being in a different guard unit than her, were all too happy to see one of their own, and hoped that she would keep an eye out for them when everyone went into the Crypt. Bjorgulf and Wilvamair meanwhile broke off into their own duo, discussing whether or not an Artifact was to be found in the Crypt. Sir Leindros meanwhile paced around the outer border of the Castle, himself being relatively silent as he paced. Sir Gerard eventually broke off from his conversation with Lazarus and Alban to see why the Man-at-Arms was over by the side. Known only to a few Viridian Knights, Leindros had been in the Castle four years ago when the Deathling Siege began, and the memories of that time started to rush over him upon his return. Gerard, having the insight to see that Leindros was keeping something from the group, provided a few comforting words to the Viridian in private, which possibly helped the Viridian overcome the shadows of his past to continue on with the mission. After the two of them said a brief prayer to the fallen Viridians from the siege, they returned to the Bloodcasts, and started to discuss setting up a camp for the night, since it seemed that most of the adventuring group was slow to arrive.
As expected, the final group of foot-bound Knights was the slowest to arrive, each of them not wanting anyone to straggle behind. The first arrivals leading the pack were from the Bloodcast Order: Lynmar Lomstedt, Philip du Langelier, Harlow Ketch, Marisa Mrogann, Zelgius Pavise, Natalia Ombre, and Ibrahim Bantunoglu. Lynmar, Philip, and Ibrahim stepped up first, and facing the same scrutiny as their fellow Bloodcasts, were almost expected to perform some other test of honor to earn passage, until the Shieldmaidens took notice of the seal on each parchment. Bearing the Crow Eagle of the House Typhonus, the three of them were granted entrance into the courtyard, while the others were dealt with next. (Typhonus vouchers bypassed the Viridian stigma against Bloodcast Knights, as Viridians see Calemberg as an honorable realm). Natalia was next to be questioned, though her skill in diplomacy allowed her to convince the Shieldmaidens to let her in (10 Statecraft). Harlow followed soon after, and despite his lack of diplomatic skill (or even literacy in his case), was able to gain entry to the courtyard (successful dice roll). Unfortunately, Marisa and Zelgius were unable to talk their way through the Shieldmaidens when it finally came to her turn, and so was prompted to stand with Sir Tim and Youeliang, bringing the total to four Knights outside the Castle ruins.
Adrian al-Wood of the Monzon Order was the next person to be questioned by the Shieldmaidens. With a small grin on his face, he passed his letter over to Paladin Adele, hoping that his little ploy would succeed. Unfortunately for the Monzon, his voucher from House de Montefontonzo was quickly deduced to be a forgery by the Shieldmaiden (10 Conning is required to forge convincing documents in progressions), quickly earning him the ire of the Viridian Knights, which only further hindered his chances given that the Monzon Order lacked Imperial Respect. Despite being caught in the act of dishonor, Adrian decided to try one last trick of his, and proceeded to carry out a charm offensive on the Viridian Paladin. In what could only be described as the epitome of Daendroque suaveness, the Moznon was able to cause the Shieldmaiden to blush from his silver tongue (roll 100 success), allowing him to convince her to let him in. As he made his way in, Dame Theresia noticed that Paladin Adela pivoted around to watch the Monzon walk by, no doubt admiring the cleanliness of his armor (5 bodycare). Dame Eponia Eledhwen, not one to have her Lion Pelt Order bested by a Monzon, came next in line, and with her own Imperial Respect and letter from House Mac Connal, moved on in, herself sporting an equally clean uniform (5 bodycare). Lark Redding of the Wards of Fae Order followed soon behind, and with her own Typhonus voucher found herself walking in to join Wilvamair and Bjorgulf inside the courtyard, being caught up on what the two of them had discussed over the past few hours. Finally, Humaira Reinard, one of the most controversial Knights in recent times, made her way up to the Shieldmaidens, who themselves did not hide their disappointment from the Lion Pelt Knight. Knowing full well that she needed to redeem herself in the eyes of the Imperial Spirit, Humaira handed out several parchments to the Shieldmaidens, while also speaking of her own intentions as a Knight (5 Statesmanship). Her few words, coupled with the face that she was the only Knight to provide four individual vouchers from Houses Latimer, Kreiburg, Eledhwen, and de Piedmont, allowed her entry into the courtyard, with a few words hoping that she "would find redemption in her quest."
With the day nearing its end, the Shieldmaidens looked over to the Knights that failed their security vetting, debating on whether or not they would be sent home, or remain with the group under heavy scrutiny. After all, bar Sir Tim who simply failed to provide a voucher for himself, the rest of the Knights outside were Bloodcasts. Surely the Primae would not be disappointed if a few Hedge Knights were sent packing back to Blücherwald Castle this evening, allowing the entombed Viridians to rest peacefully knowing the descendants of turncoats were not defiling their graves. While they would never be caught speaking such thoughts allowed, many could see that the Viridian-Bloocast rivalry was still very much alive, even if the years had seen the bloodier spats fade into history. Eventually however, one of the Shieldmaidens noticed that they had missed a few individuals at the gatehouse. Indeed, Altea and Elaena Solisti of the Oranjen Order alongside Cas'perann Ravästra still stood outside, having waited to be vetted for a half hour by now. The Solisti Sisters after providing their letters from Goretaan were given entry by the Shieldmaidens, who apologized profusely for delaying respectable Knights of the Oranjen from entry. However, Cas'perann had their own problems to handle. The first thing that came to note was an unidentifiable Order color on the Altalar, which was one of the key things that distinguished Knights from everyone else. Coupled with a lack of voucher letter, and the Shieldmaidens concluded that Cas'perann had simply tagged along for the walk with the Knights to the Viridian Castle, and learned about the mission by word of mouth. While sympathetic to the Altalar's sense of adventure (and 10 Bodycare really made them more of a pleasure to be around that the rest of the Knights), the Shieldmaidens had to abide by the Primae's exact directives, and were forced to escort Cas'perann back to the capital. (I could not find Knighthood on the character app, and Knights Quests missions can only be attended by knights)
During the confusion with Cas'perann, Yueliang Hou decided to take the chance to attempt sneaking into the Viridian Castle himself (10 Stealth Rogue Skill allows for a sneak in attempt roll). With the night setting in, it was almost the perfect environment to move in the shadows and join the rest of the Knights inside. However, it was only that, almost perfect. As with many rogues in times past, Yueliang's sneak attempt was foiled by the simple, fallen tree branch that snapped right by the gate. Immediately upon hearing the noise, the Shieldmaidens turned around to catch the Bloodcast in the act, immediately drawing their blades in defense of the ruins. Eager not to see things escalate into violence, Lazarus ran over to the front of the gates to speak with Paladin Adele once more. Already having the respect of the Shieldmaidens from before, Lazarus was able to allow the remaining Knights entry into the Viridian Crypt. However, this diplomatic victory did not come without its caveats, and the following two rules were to be respected by all the Knights when venturing into the Crypt: Marisa, Zelgius, Yueliang, and Sir Tim were barred from carrying weapons into the Viridian Castle ruins, and were forced to hand over their arms to the Shieldmaidens until they left the grounds. Secondly, the Knights were expected to keep at least a single Knight watching over each of the four, to ensure that they did not act dishonorably within the Crypt. With both points agreed upon, everyone gathered into the courtyard where they began to prepare for their venture into the Crypt. While night was soon approaching, the group's excitement was too much to keep anyone from sleeping. And coupled with the current scrutiny of the Shieldmaidens, many Knights concluded that it would be best to venture into the upper chamber now, rather than wait until morning. And so with lanterns lit, the group was escorted to the Crypt's entrance, and one by one entered into the bowels of the Viridian Castle.
- Viridian Knights earned a bypass perk due to this being a Viridian-requested mission. Future missions will see other Orders gain similar perks based on location.
- Imperial Respect Knights did not suffer penalties for facing scrutiny, but also did not gain anything.
- Knights without Imperial Respect faced minor scrutiny that was able to be bypassed with the letter.
- Bloodcast Knights suffered increased scrutiny due to Viridian rivalry. Other order rivalries can also play into NPC opinions during missions.
- Calemberg has strong Viridian ties, which is why Typhonus letters were able to bypass scrutiny checks. Other houses may be able to influence missions in the future depending on what they represent.
- Statecraft was able to move some Knights over the pass threshold without resorting to rolls.
- Husbandry allowed for the usage of horses, which allowed for faster movement to the Castle.
- Pathfinding allowed for travel boost, which also allowed for faster movement to the Castle.
- House Kade as the Imperial Family was able to grant an instant bypass to the Viridian Order.
- The Conclave was able to grant a bypass to the Unionist Viridian Order. Other religious leaders may be able to influence Knights in the future in the same way based on the mission.
- 10 Stealth Rogue was able to unlock a sneak attempt roll if one failed the initial check.
- Bodycare was used to improve relations with NPCs by looking/smelling good.
- Rolls were done via roll 100 with different ranges determining success based on modifiers. 100 meant instant success, regardless of the odds.
