I understand that you can't just pass through the checkpoint with only "red-uniformed" troops. I spent 2 months capturing everything around me, gathering "normal" troops, and now they won't let me pass :(
Even when I only leave knights. How many troops should there be?
Added 3 minutes later
They let you pass through the garrison with the following troops: 100 militia, 80 archers, 50 knights, 30 core griffins, 15 inquisitors, 5 paladins. With such an army, you can fight. Also, you'll meet a dwarf there, and he'll give you a quest to destroy the hydras. Complete it, and he'll let you through the mine, directly to the exit guarded by lava dragons. Defeat them, and you're done. And I don't think you need to defeat the phoenixes.
Is it all trial and error?
Thank you!