Knights of Tezoth

I

There is hardly a person in all of Tezoth capable of rivaling Carneia Caecunia Iretiret in the mastery of intrigue. As the central figure of Revnland, she not only determines the strategy of her region but also serves as the guarantee of its success, compensating for the relative poverty of her lands or the lack of administrative skills among her subordinates.

Carneia is one of the few rulers whose talents shine all the brighter the more cities her faction controls, granting Revnland a long-term influx of gold comparable to the wealthiest of regions. Her other talents are aimed at regions that either lack vast territories or can boast an abundance of figures on the board. Both of these qualities are inherent to Carneia's main rival, in the person of Canamia, which gives the ruler of Revnland a great advantage in this confrontation.

The only thing that stands out from the general picture is her agents' ability to find compromising material on the powerful of this world. Such a method is far more effective against regions where the main influence is concentrated in the hands of a few figures. Potentially, this allows her to secure useful, albeit unwilling, allies, but the reliability of such methods is questionable. Another person, having become a victim of blackmail, would make the blackmailer their number one target. First and foremost, this is a remedy against weak and inexperienced rulers.

The elimination of a key political figure can not only turn the tide of a confrontation but also, in some situations, destroy an enemy faction at its very root, especially when it comes to a war for the throne. As long as Sir Karnarez lives, the longer the conflict drags on — the higher Revnland's chances of victory. He is one of the few whose abilities allow him to effectively contend with the returned Deus.

According to popular rumor, milord Ghostdrain is a "man-avalanche." A natural disaster clad in black armor, against which resistance is futile. Alas, aside from artistic exaggerations, there was no concrete substance behind these tales. But even these tales alone are a reflection of a simple reality — the reputation of the Silent Terror precedes him, allowing him to take cities without much resistance from their defenders.

One of the most dangerous figures both in Carneia's hands and in Tezoth as a whole. If Canamia and her allies cannot counter him, Ardas Ghostdrain can almost single-handedly bring victory to Revnland in this conflict.

A man upon whose mighty shoulders the heavy burden of defending Tenerezza has fallen in these troubled times. As long as milord Liironon lives, the Pearl of Tezoth has every chance not only to survive this conflict unscathed but potentially even to emerge victorious from it. With rare exceptions, such as Ardas Ghostdrain, factions hungry for conquest will only be able to take Fantasia at a very dear price.

The danger of Lord Genburry's knowledge is limited only by the relative poverty of the lands under his control. But this same poverty also seems to me one of the main reasons why the ruler of Faredjia will most likely desire to expand the borders of his domain. Given that he is the likely source of the device that struck down Margel, the most obvious course of action for this ruler seems to me to be the sabotage of Fantasia, followed by an attempt to seize Tenerezza's lands from the sea.

The consequences of these actions for the region, however, are difficult for me to predict. Will this fortress then become a breeding ground for monsters? Will the explosion collapse the mountain pass, cutting the Pearl of Tezoth off from the rest of the mainland? Will it affect nearby lands? Will the released energy enter into some unpredictable reaction with the energy of Ikazkan, located in relative proximity? It is clear only that the use of such a device near the borders of Silverdan is highly undesirable.

A military conflict with Lord Genburry is likewise undesirable. The methods of warfare he employs, designed to compensate for Faredjia's lack of military forces, will undoubtedly have long-term, if not irreversible, consequences for the lands of his opponents.

Few are capable of organizing the lands under their control with the same efficiency as Grimban Odolerus. For the leader of a peaceful agrarian region, he is a surprisingly capable leader even in times of war, not only skillfully shielding his territories from any kind of sabotage or subversion but also elegantly resolving thorny logistical issues. Given proper ambition, Lord Kabochi can expand his holdings with relative ease and emerge as one of the victors in the current situation.

The better we understand the strengths and weaknesses of other factions, as well as what drives them, the easier it is for us to develop measures to counter their ambitions or, in the case of our political opponents, to exploit moments of their weakness to achieve our own goals. With an incomplete picture of events before one's eyes, it is all too easy to make a mistake, failing to notice a threat brewing at the borders or at the other end of the kingdom. Thanks to your connections and erudition, we are far better informed about the events unfolding in Tezoth, and sometimes their root causes, than our neighbors.

It is also difficult to overestimate the ability to track other phenomena, barely noticeable to other rulers, that take place against the backdrop of the flames of war engulfing these lands. The ability to seize a favorable situation earlier than other rulers and grasp an opportunity whose very existence they may not even suspect is quite capable of giving Silverdan a decisive advantage in achieving its goals.

Lord Odolerus's main rival in the field of governance, despite their differing methods. While the talents of the ruler of Kabochi are more suited to swift and decisive actions aimed at seizing the initiative, Lord Flowersense acts more cautiously and methodically, gradually strengthening his existing positions and only multiplying the wealth of his region, which will subsequently be converted into diplomatic or military might. This, together with his powerful healing magic, allows Gitgud Flowersense to wage a successful war of attrition against his opponents, should matters ever come to open conflict.

In light of recent events, it becomes abundantly clear that Man of Sanbornia knows far more about the world, its devices, and the intricacies of modern politics than many rulers of Tezoth. He is playing a long game which, in light of the inevitable clash of interests between Sanbornia and Silverdan, bodes nothing good. If there is one thing I do not doubt, it is his ability to achieve impressive results at a relatively small cost.

The occupier of Sanbornia will not act directly and head-on. That is not his style. At least, not until he has an undeniable advantage on his side. People like him must be watched closely and carefully, because I see only one way to deal with him — to catch him making a mistake. But that is easier said than done.

The unclear factor concerning his martial prowess is also a reason for us to exercise caution in opposing him. It is known for certain that the warriors under his command possess seemingly inexhaustible reserves of inner energy, but I know little about Man's own fighting style. If the chance presents itself, it would be good to acquire additional information on this matter.

The main reason why Man of Sanbornia can currently act bolder than usual, and his main trump card as well. At the same time, it could prove to be one of the causes of his downfall, if this man's overconfidence overpowers his caution.

If the Daughter of the Sun is indeed an unwilling prisoner of the self-proclaimed champion of Aconia, then this could be used by Silverdan to its own ends, and we might find an ally in her, even if a temporary one. But we are unlikely to grant her freedom without finding a counter to her presumed captor. Unless there are Aconites in Sanbornia who doubt their leader's mission and can point us to a breach in the seemingly impenetrable defenses of that city.

However, everything becomes far more complicated if her cooperation with Man is voluntary. In that case, she stands every chance of becoming one of the most dangerous obstacles to the restoration of Cortina's historical borders. There is every reason to believe that, among all the figures of Tezoth, in terms of personal power, she has no equal.

Although being a slave to a dark artifact can hardly be called an enviable fate, it would be reckless to ignore the power that Anella Blood has gained. The flame of ambition that has ignited in the heart of Wisdom drives her and her subordinates to exceed their own limits, which will almost certainly result in early aggression against unprepared neighbors.

The only question remains whether Lady Blood's choice will fall upon the formidable warriors of Asteria and Sellaur, or upon the magic and technology of Oliver and Olivia, so coveted by any ambitious conqueror. In my view, the option with Olivus seems more likely: thus Oshi would immediately deprive its neighbor of its main advantages, reducing the primary threat from that side to nothing. All that remains for him is to seek allies while Anella strengthens her position.

It is hard not to see her as a growing threat. One of the Mirror's features almost completely eliminates the risk of internal instability caused by active conquest. The second allows her to contain the threat of larger regions by sabotaging their economies and their ability to maintain large armies. And even figures like Karnarez are unlikely to find a counter to the future conqueress. Moreover, the longer the conflict lasts, the stronger Lady Blood's armies will become.

But all this power and danger is tied to the Mirror of Ambition, which is the main weakness of this potential giant. Should it come to a conflict between Oshi and Cortina, its elimination must become our primary goal. In the short term, however, I see that the Edge of Sages will have more promising targets than the lands of Silverdan.

The actions of milord Vermgrace betray in him an executor of another's will, acting not in the interests of his region at all, yet he is no less competent an executor for that. The military and organizational talents of Loyalty, together with Estellia's resources and the training of its warriors, are quite sufficient to truly contend with Canamia's host.

These same talents, should he succeed, raise one question: "What happens next?" No matter what milord Vermgrace is being blackmailed with, sooner or later either his life or the puppeteer's strings are destined to snap. And something tells me that a man of such skills will not rely solely on the word of someone who benefits from keeping such a pawn.

Probably the best of the generals remaining on the surface, whose will has only been tempered by the tragedy he endured. Young Lord Secretgarten would have been dangerous even without the special abilities that have manifested in him, and with this new advantage, only a handful will be able to oppose his armies. Unless armies with flyers and battle spellcasters stand any chance here.

Given the dire situation of Albus, its new ruler will clearly be one of the most active political figures of this era. Most likely, he will pursue two goals: vengeance against those who wronged him and the expansion of his holdings, since most of the lands under his rule have become uninhabitable. Given that Sanbornia is among the former, and the path to it lies through the lands of Guildaria, it will not be difficult for him to combine these aspirations.

This also means that his political interests intersect with those of Silverdan, due to their shared enemies. Moreover, modern science does not yet know the long-term consequences of the R-Effect, so young Lord Secretgarten may be interested in the expertise of the Kronaki doctors for an in-depth study of this matter, which could serve as an additional argument for mutually beneficial cooperation between Albus and Cortina.

One of Albus's main trump cards, allowing the much-suffering region to strike enemies at their weak points, eliminate dangerous enemy figures, and, in some cases, capture important hostages. Through the forces of Avesom de Superior, carelessness can cost hostile regions to Albus dearly.

In the context of the struggle for the throne, one of the most dangerous figures on the political map of Tezoth. While Deus Mariarnelia and Carneia Caecunia Iretiret are occupied with their conflict, Renavan has time to prepare, which he will undoubtedly use before turning his attention to the weakened capital, Revnland, and the allies of either side.

The returned Deus grants his followers a unique advantage in the form of an unusual and as-yet-unstudied form of magic that no other region of the kingdom can boast. And the moral constraints that limited spellcasters of this school, as far as I know, do not exist.

Moreover, as long as this figure remains on the board, any victory by Sordgard potentially makes his army stronger, enslaving the souls of the enemy champions they have slain. No other army in Tezoth can boast such an ability, except perhaps Revnland, through Duskwing. But where the children of the Raven of Dawn retain their free will, with all the consequences that entails, Renavan's phantoms are empty puppets.

But the greatest advantage that the ruler of the era before last grants Sordgard is the protection of its lands from external threats, through sorcery capable of finding a counter to any host. Sordgard can calmly expand its lands without any risk of losing them, and they will inevitably exploit this advantage. Conquest comes far easier when you have the ability to gather your entire host into a single fist.

Of course, being a claimant to the throne, His Piety is the heart and ideologue of his faction, but given his magic and territorial position, he is far better protected from threats than the Deus of the present era or the ruler of Revnland. This is what makes him, in my view, the main favorite in their confrontation. Unless the legendary assassin, Sordgard's lack of internal stability, a careless mistake, or some unpredictable turn of events can decapitate this faction.

Despite lacking military training, a highly effective field commander who, on top of everything else, brings his native region greater income than the cities of other regions combined. The presence of a Sith witch in his retinue, as well as connections with experienced mercenaries, should also not be discounted.

He is considered the second most influential person in Florenzan after the lord, but differs markedly from him in views. Where Gitgud Flowersense is a peace-loving philanthropist, the Knight of Imperialism appears to be a far more ambitious man, ready to exploit the current situation for personal gain.

Milord Mraksvet more than deserves his title of Knight of the Offensive. Victory in a major battle where the main forces of both sides clash, under Edal's command, could easily prove decisive, after which the armies of Lorelei will march with an iron tread through the defender-stripped lands of the enemy and bring him to his knees. These talents should prove especially potent against large regions that must distribute their hosts across multiple fronts.

A general whose knowledge of the intricacies of warfare can decide the outcome of a battle before it even begins.

Despite the lack of notable achievements and, in certain circles, a reputation as a "passive ruler," the Deus of the current era is capable of skillfully managing the talents of her numerous knights. She is fully aware of the capital region's strength and uses it adeptly.

Should Canamia withstand her numerous opponents, I believe Mariarnelia will draw the right conclusions from that victory as well. She should certainly not be underestimated — the silks of Deus conceal steel beneath them.

II

First and foremost, Galmeus Draxlaüs is a warrior accustomed to leading small bands of his fellow villagers, and it shows. Under his leadership, the Village of Heroes is ready for swift and decisive action, but that advantage is short-term. The kind that may never get the chance to be developed. That said, this is no reason to underestimate the valor of the warriors under his command.

Given that the tragedy that befell Albus has partially affected the territory of the Village of Heroes as well, he may be interested in conquering adjacent territories that escaped the same fate.

As long as Florenzan actively supplies this knight with finances, few can contend with milord Kilslow on the battlefield. However, all his advantages are tied not so much to the talents of the Knight of Discipline himself as to his special equipment.

A talented administrator, capable not only of fully realizing the potential of his city but also of devoting due attention to the training of his own warriors. Under his leadership, even a single soldier from Oshi will be worth two of his counterparts from other lands, or even more.

The ability to skillfully command his winged subordinates, who possess an undeniable aerial advantage, allows Lord Druugdrdrag to de facto hold the capital of any of his neighbors, large or small, under threat. This advantage is especially potent against the large Estellia and Revnland, whose political ambitions rest in the hands of specific figures. Should these regions carelessly neglect their defenses, this could allow Lunia to either decapitate one, or even both, dangerous factions, or secure valuable hostages to dictate its own terms. Only the relatively modest economy and production capacity of the lands under his control prevent the full realization of this advantage.

One of the most impressive generals on the surface, although the talents of His Steadfastness are more suited to defense than offense. The only question is whether it will be enough to protect Lord Riderson and his lands from dangerous neighbors.

Given his reputation, he will most likely either support the legitimate authority or try to stay out of the brewing conflict.

Even among the knights of Tezoth, only a handful can contend with milord Whitecalm. And even for those few, victory may cost them their lives.

The paramour of His Piety is dangerous primarily for her magic, but is largely dependent on her chosen one. The ability to subjugate other minds is the most dangerous element of her repertoire, though it is also where Sordgard's main vulnerability lies — by taking such a risk, they leave themselves open to attacks from neighbors who do not wish to see a phantom of the past at the head of the Tezoth of the present. Although Silverdan, despite its proximity to the current domain of the returned Deus, is unlikely to become a priority target for Renavan's faction, it would still be wise to acquire some means of shielding the mind from external interference, just in case.

Nilchi Imekoh's ability to organize her army runs up against the modest production capacity of her region. No matter how many soldiers are ready to enter your service, each of them needs their own equipment. And it is precisely this fact that prevents this noble lady from properly demonstrating her abilities.

Adata Transcend is not a warrior, but she does not need to be. Her mere presence, which dispelled the clouds of uncertainty hanging over Sordgard bereft of its lord, fills the warriors of that land with confidence and makes them even more dangerous than they were before. With such an army and mighty knights, the new ruler has no need to be present on the battlefield and can devote her time to those duties for which her skills are better suited. In particular, governing the region and supplying her inner circle with exceptional equipment.

An experienced general and gifted industrialist, whose responsible and meticulous approach ensures that his armies are not only better equipped than in many other regions but also distinguished by superior training.

Probably the strongest of Canamia's knights, capable of single-handedly handling a squad of trained warriors. But he will be good not only in battle but also in reconnaissance, sabotage, and even diplomatic missions. Milord Vargas is a knight not only skilled but also resourceful.

III

Carneia's most loyal advisor, and no less a guarantor of her safety than the network of agents spread across all of Tezoth. He is responsible for most of Revnland's organizational matters, and the loss of such a figure would clearly affect the region's stability.

Figures are one of the most valuable resources a region can possess, far harder to acquire than to lose. To some extent, milord Brian can be called a junior colleague of the legendary assassin, making forays into neighboring regions not so much for military victories as for the elimination of an important political figure.

Thanks to Lady Quintea's skills, Kabocha can keep untrustworthy neighbors in check with relative ease, preventing the assembly of a strike force without any need for direct confrontation.

I would name my analytical mind as my greatest strength, along with the flexibility and, if you will, multitasking that follows from it. I cannot say that I can find a counter to every opponent and that the methods I employ will necessarily prove effective in every situation, but the range of application of the techniques I know, both defensive and offensive, is quite broad. In my experience, the proper exploitation of an opponent's weaknesses often proves far more effective than brute force.

In strength and valor, your brother is not far behind milord Ardelisot from our neighboring Sordgard, and in terms of martial skill, he most likely surpasses him entirely. One of the mightiest knights in the service of Silverdan.

The principled refusal to wear anything even remotely resembling armor makes your nephew a far more vulnerable target on the battlefield than he could otherwise be, but this does not negate his talents in the defensive style of combat. Potentially, it also allows him to fully utilize the properties of his mysterious talisman, but he will properly shine only in one-on-one duels or with the support of allies capable of withstanding enemy blows. However, neither will protect his steed from enemy attacks.

The main benefit of this item of his, for its bearer and for Silverdan as a whole, lies in something quite different. Thanks to its inherent "spring effect," it can deliver a decisive string of victories where otherwise we would face a prolonged confrontation. The enemy will have little to counter such a trump card up our sleeve.

Sir Noxis seems to me an experienced warrior capable of fighting on equal footing with many knights of the kingdom. He skillfully compensates for the deceptive delicacy of his physique with the magic he knows, and in the art of fighting from a defensive posture, he perhaps surpasses Master Yota. Even our knights have something to learn from him.

Sir Noxis's wife does not possess the same resilience as he does, but I find it hard not to praise the effectiveness of her aggressive fighting style. I dare say that in a one-on-one duel, she has a chance of overcoming even the best of Deus's knights, including milord Vargas. And in the thick of battle, with proper cover from allies, she should show herself in the best light.

I have no doubts about Lady Vesta's talents, but the fighting style she has chosen is more suited to duels. The only exception I can name is a situation in which her comrades fight in a similar manner. In that case, a squad under her command stands every chance of overcoming a superior enemy force. At least, as long as the enemy has no flyers.

Milord de Martelam's fighting style is in itself more suited to prolonged battles, where wearing the enemy down is a working strategy, but the Golden Tower's favored weapon also allows him, not without the help of his subordinates, to effectively eliminate vulnerable enemy targets. One must also note the presence in his retinue of a craftsman distinguished by a rare breadth of expertise.

The eccentricity and peacefulness of young Flowersense are no reason to underestimate him on the battlefield. For many warriors, he can become an insurmountable obstacle on the field of battle, shielding more fragile allies with his back.

A vivid embodiment of Lunian might. No frills or clever tricks up her sleeve. Everything is simple and effective. Quite capable of handling a squad unprepared for battle with her.

A man who is de facto the regent of Guildaria and is responsible for the training of its soldiers. A mighty warrior and a gifted commander. Of all the political figures of Guildaria, he currently poses the greatest threat.

A man whose goals and motives are shrouded in an aura of mystery. Rainris Xezbeth seems to me an ambitious person, but one who does not seek to attract attention and, probably, lacks the proper leadership skills and charisma to take a more open part in the politics of his region. Dangerous and unpredictable.

Milord Radiaal has long served as a faithful protector for his comrades. Thanks to his new mutation, he does this even better than before. It is not out of the question that, over time, Karnarez's unstoppable sword will find in him its impenetrable shield.

Alas, apart from vague tales of the might of Albus's mutants, I know no details about them. It is only logical to assume that milord Drozzdrang's former experience and skills have not gone anywhere and allow him to properly realize the potential of his new body.

According to reports, Rezara Sanjore is currently one of the most fervent followers of the returned Deus, having mastered the destructive form of magic inherent to his disciples. This manifested talent for sorcery, multiplied by her fencing skills and the inspiring presence of Adata Transcend, is something not to be underestimated.

If milord Ardelisot has not lost his former skills over the past months, he can safely be called one of the mightiest knights of the present day.

The one upon whose fragile shoulders rests the economy of modern Sordgard. Like her sister, Emsia Transcend is first and foremost an administrator, and a more gifted one than Adata, who inherited the throne. In view of this, as well as the loss of a loyal knight and the trade-complicating policies of His Piety, there is reason to believe that the current state of affairs hardly satisfies Lady Transcend.

Should Sordgard's internal instability grow, it is Emsia who I see as the person who will stand at the head of the discontented masses. It is not out of the question that she will be joined by milord Ardelisot, who has lost his lady, as well as local adherents of Canamian principles and other people who look askance at the dark sorcery brought by the returned Deus.

You cannot win a war by retreating. Milord Mandis's sphere of skills undoubtedly has its area of application, but he is far from his colleagues, milords Mraksvet and Sarigon. Where their presence on the battlefield is dictated by the necessity of victory, the presence of the Knight of Retreat is dictated by insurance against unplanned situations.

At present, it is difficult to say whether Lady d'Acrede will cope with the responsibilities placed upon her. From my brief acquaintance with her, she seemed to me a naive and inexperienced person, but first impressions tend to be deceptive. Moreover, during that same meeting it became clear that the Knight of the Moon Shadow is a skilled field commander, familiar with a unique form of magic, and possesses a combat technique capable of neutralizing even the most fearsome of opponents.

Despite his unassuming appearance and complete lack of any martial skills, milord Zigge is capable of resolving a battle without spilling a single drop of blood.

A brave warrior who, according to rumor, has recently acquired a steed to match. He stands out not only for his combat skills and prudent suspicion, which has already saved Deus from the Mirror of Ambition, but also for his ability to cover vast distances in the shortest possible time, thanks to his new pet. Except that the stubborn inflexibility sometimes characteristic of milord von Himmel limits his usefulness on the diplomatic arena.

Only a handful can survive milord Turbon's cavalry charge. Only honed movements and superhuman endurance can save one from his lance. His knowledge of the form of magic characteristic of Kisgilt also deserves attention, which he will surely not fail to use both to strengthen Canamia's position and to extract information from prisoners.

IV

Milord Oswald's talents allow him to resolve large-scale battles with relatively little bloodshed, potentially leaving enemy commanders in splendid isolation.

Milord Apsel is a highly versatile man. He is a talented commander. And a skilled scout. And he should perform well against enemy commanders, especially with an ifillium-enhanced bow. For the vast majority, a single well-aimed arrow will most likely suffice.

Although Lady Stardivari cannot boast the same versatility as some of her colleagues, in properly selected battles she will achieve victory far faster than any of the other knights of Florenzan.

A highly dangerous lone agent, whose sphere of application is limited only by the conditions of war.

It is difficult to judge Lady Amanatenki's current strength without knowing the details of her new abilities, but even before acquiring them she was a skilled warrior. Now she has probably become far more dangerous than before.

Until now, Lady Firsemist could be called the queen of positional warfare and the heart of Albus's strongest formation. Whatever the effect of her transformation, it is unlikely to have made the Knight of Cold weaker.

There is reason to believe that, having encountered the spawn of the R-Effect, milord Goldenkreuz will acquire a whole host of new and exotic techniques, but I know for certain only about his mutation, and I perhaps find it the most interesting of all. The ability to move to another plane of existence, probably operating by laws different from ours, in itself carries many new potential discoveries, even apart from its strategic application, and makes one wonder: "Can similar effects be achieved through some ingenious device?"

A skilled and flexible warrior, capable of remaining dangerous despite her fragile physique.

At present, the mightiest of Olivus's warriors.

Dangerous for her magic, but that is the only trump card up Lady Desaynd's sleeve. Most likely, on the battlefield she will become the highest priority target for enemy warriors.

V

Although by milord Mox's title one might think his main talents lie in military action, in the context of Revnland he stands out among his colleagues not for combat merits but for the administrative skills so rare in this region.

If anything holds back milord Galaharadron's potential, it is his advanced age. The no-longer-young Faredjian is mighty and possesses skills capable not only of sowing chaos on the battlefield but even of turning the tide of battle in his favor, but he will not be able to hold out long under enemy pressure. Contrary to first impressions, he is far more perceptive than he may seem at first glance.

Flexible figures, whose presence is desirable for any faction. Alas, a lack of information prevents me from rendering a final judgment on some of them, who may turn out to be a category above. However, even those among them who are not distinguished by martial valor will easily find a place as administrators. And sometimes even experienced warriors prove more useful in such a path.

In combat against a foot-bound enemy, lacking ranged weapons or unable to properly exploit that advantage, your daughter will perform admirably, but she is all too easy a target for enemy archers. Properly chosen escort can only partially solve this problem, but it will not serve as insurance against a stray arrow. Therefore, where possible, it would be wise to acquire some additional means of protection for her against such situations.

I must also note the mastery with which Lyrica handles rare alloys. Her expertise in this area has proven quite useful. Should Silverdan manage to acquire stocks of ifillium or ikazkanium in the future, it will come in handy more than once.

Lady Giselen's spear is designed to compensate for her lack of sturdy armor and the relative fragility of her body, but I am not confident that she has enough coordination of movement to fully utilize this method of defense. However, this does not diminish the usefulness of the Knight of Impartiality's other abilities, be it her medical expertise or Canamian techniques. Especially if our eastern neighbor, in the person of Sordgard, does dare to march to war against us.

Unlike most other knights of Florenzan, Lady Ruhlbleck is not endowed with the same military talents or equipment, and therefore has no place on the battlefield. Her son, however, compensates for his mother's lack of martial skill.

Lady Lane's greatest strengths are not her martial prowess but her connections, leadership qualities, and understanding of the intricacies of warfare.

First and foremost, dangerous to warriors and knights who rely on their mounts.

Milord Yin is a competent enough commander, but his personal swordsmanship is inferior even to that of a common soldier. In the context of city governance, he also has nothing to boast of. He is competent in these matters, but no more. In view of this, it would be easy to underestimate him. But he is also the possessor of a truly iron will and an extensive store of knowledge, which will undoubtedly serve Canamia well in the future.

VI

Far stronger on the offensive than on the defensive, but only against an unprepared enemy. This fact makes him the most situational of all of Revnland's knight-commanders.

Possessing neither experience, nor influence, nor proper administrative skills, young Grimm is perhaps one of the weakest figures on the modern political arena. He handles a bow decently, but even in that field most modern knights will surpass him. At present, his advisors from among the knights pose a far greater threat. But I admit that young Grimm may yet surprise us.