Arzerelus arrives at the royal training ground as dozens of knights struggle across shifting sand. Blunted blades ring on shields while summoned wards flare blue-white beneath the gallery.
The stone stands are crowded with commanders and royal observers. Beyond the final gate, ward-stones grind through changing formations, testing every candidate's footing and nerve.
the gallery commander
Hold the line! The goblins grow stronger with every season, and their lich may be more than tavern rumor.
A young adult woman knight in battered silver plate stumbles beside the final gate, her red-plumed helm fallen away and one hand pressed to her shoulder.
the gallery commander
The trial ward is failing! Drag her clear before the stones collapse!
Two candidates are hauled from the sand as the gate's runes flicker. The fallen knight reaches toward the nearest passage, unable to rise before the ward buckles again.
Dust rolls across the arena. The commanders shout over the ringing shields, but the next intervention belongs to whoever reaches the knight first.
✓ Quest Accepted
Get the fallen knight clear
✓ Quest Accepted
Learn whether the kingdom's knights are prepared for the goblin threat
“"come." *Arzerelus reaches the fallen knight, grabbing her by the waist and dragging her and carry her through the passage, glancing just briefly at the other knights to see if they are handling themselves*”
SUCCESS (Superb Strength, rolled +1)
Arzerelus
Come.
Arzerelus reaches the fallen knight before the buckling ward can catch her. She hooks an arm around the knight's waist, lifts her with practiced strength, and drags her through the nearest passage.
fallen knight
My shoulder's numb. Do not leave the others.
The passage stones shudder behind them, shedding pale sparks across the sand. Arzerelus glances back just long enough to see two knights brace beneath the gallery commander's shouted signals.
the gallery commander
Hold formation! The remaining wards are stabilizing. Get the wounded clear!
Arzerelus carries the knight beyond the failing gate, where the air grows still and the ward-light fades to a harmless blue. The knight's boots scrape once, then find the floor.
fallen knight
She carried me through that passage as if the collapsing stones weighed nothing.
Quest Complete
Get the fallen knight clear