The Fall of the Viridian Castle was an event in the winter of 304 AC. Besieged several times during the political events of the early 4th century AC, the original headquarters of the Viridian Order met its final adversary against the Deathlings. These magical creations occupied the Regalian capital during the Bone Crisis. After holding out for over a month, the castle's defenses were overrun, leading to a heroic last stand by Grandmaster Jean-Baptiste Tuillerons, the Elder Council, and other Viridians Knights, while the squires, attendants, and pages attempted to flee through gaps within the damaged castle walls. Those who escaped would recall the bravery that the Viridians showed that day, as any knight that was left behind was given no quarter by the enemy forces.
Following the demise of the Deathlings and the establishment of the Tyrian Chapter soon afterward, a Viridian survivor of the siege commissioned the Requiem Blade, a sword forged from the dog tags of the fallen knights that ensured the survival of the next generation. He would carry this blade in memory of fallen friends, family, and comrades for several years before he was permitted to enter the ranks of the Imperial Guard. Acknowledging that his newfound station would see the sword hidden by most Viridians, the knight bequeathed the Requiem Blade to the Tyrian Elders who would pass it to Caspian D'Antonio with the following message from its original wielder: "Do not forget the memory of the martyrs who ensured our future." This is a Knight Collectible, obtained as a gift from the rank-up process, for the Character Caspian D'Antonio.
Appearance
The Requiem Blade is a sword slightly shorter than a longsword, but longer than an arming sword. Its steel blade is characterized by the hundreds of Viridian dog tags used to forge the weapon, with many names still legible through the hammering process. The sword guard features a pair of blacksteel dragon heads facing opposite one another, covered in a gold leaf that has intentionally flaked off in several areas. The grip is covered in a dark leather wrap, capped off with a blacksteel pommel featuring the Eye of Unionism in a similarly flaked gold leaf. The pommel also allows a prayer tag to be affixed to it with a wax seal, allowing the wielder to swap out prayer depending on the situation if desired.
Permanent Mechanics
The Requiem Blade is a Knight Collectible Artifact. As an artifact, there are several rules associated with Artifact Ownership, see Artifact Page. It also provides the following Mechanics:
Memory of the Martyrs: The Requiem Blade holds immense significance to both Viridians who survived the Fall of the Castle and their supporters. The wielder of this sword is always perceived by these types of (NPC) individuals with a base level of respect, though also with the expectation that the knight will not willingly tarnish the memory of those whose names make up the blade, and aim to correct themselves if wavering.
