We are in Liurnia. Caria Manor is in the distance.
Gareth, Rhys and Stalwart charge toward the "camera".
The Tarnished ride through the westward coast of Liurnia.
They pass by the camp at Four Belfries; Cuckoo soldiers, who don't seem to recognize Rhys, stand up in alarm.
Gareth and Rhys knock them down, using their respective tools: Gareth's greatshield, Rhys's magic.
They fly out the southern end of the camp.
They pass by the Cuckoo's Evergaol.
They swerve left, heading into the lake.
They pass by the Rose Church, covered in bloody flowers.
They fend off roving packs of Albinaurics along the way.
Gareth: Rhys, you don't want to pass by the Academy along the way? Rhys: ...The Academy and I only have a formal relationship, based on use.
Rhys: We'll know more about the state of the Tarnished once we reach Stormveil. Gareth: ... Gareth finds Rhys's dedication to Ranni's quest odd.
They continue to wind southward, not entering Laskyar Ruins as D. may have instructed Gareth before.
They finally enter dry land. Dusk.
They see the Fire Monk camp, the closest to Stormveil, at a distance. They slow to a crawl here. It is night.
They greet the Fire Monks in the camp. Gareth: Hail. We are coming for Stormveil. Fire Monk: You are ... the shardbearers, yes? Gareth and Rhys?
Gareth: We are they. Fire Monk: Go ahead. Yet I heard you had died in Leyndell.
Gareth: Well, I'm glad we're not. Gareth: I take it many Tarnished have passed through here?
Fire Monk: Aye. What I gathered is, there was a great battle at Leyndell, with most of the Tarnished dead. Fire Monk: Those who fled were not permitted to stay at Raya Lucaria, so they returned to Stormveil.
Gareth: I'm glad. Not that the battle went ... the way it had, but that there are survivors. Fire Monk: I heard there is trouble at Stormveil, however.
Gareth: ! Gareth: A mutiny? Fire Monk: Please, ask me no more. I know things imperfectly. Fire Monk: Good health to you both.
The Tarnished leave the Fire Monk camp, heading south.
They ascend the cliff leading to Liurnia.
They pass Bellum Church.
The back of Stormveil Castle, leading to the throne room and the graves of the prior lords of Stormveil. Tarnished: Someone's coming... Tarnished 2: Wait, I recognize them.
Tarnished: Gareth! Gareth leaps off Stalwart, embracing the Tarnished. Gareth: It's me! O, to see you fellows again!
Tarnished: We thought you died in the battle! Gareth: Oh no, oh, no no no... Gareth: It's quite a long story.
The Tarnished wind through the catacombs behind the throne room. Gareth: How did you two escape? Tarnished: We accompanied Kenneth down the Grand Lift.
Tarnished 2: His orders. Gareth: Don't worry, I'm not angry. We were whipped.
Gareth: Tell me, how are the Tarnished? The castle? Reane? Tarnished: You'll ... find out.
They are at the tunnel right before the throne room. Tarnished: Sir Kenneth! Sir Kenneth! Gareth and Rhys!
Gareth and Rhys are presented to Kenneth, who is sitting on the throne of Stormveil. Kenneth: Gareth. Rhys. I'm glad to see you two are well. Gareth: Same to you, Kenneth.
Rhys: ... Rhys: Frankly, I'm not glad to see you at all, Kenneth.
Gareth: Rhys. Rhys: Fie on etiquette. I'll say my thoughts.
Rhys: I'm supposed to kick my heels and nod like a simpleton, and say, "Oh hullo, blessings for ye?" Rhys: We could have died, because of your escape.
Rhys: Forgive me for being so sour, but I think my charge is correct.
Kenneth: ... Notably, the Tarnished defending Kenneth are also giving complex looks. Clearly he is not popular right now.
Gareth: ... Gareth: Kenneth, I heard there is trouble for the castle.
Kenneth: Yes. Kenneth: We are under attack.
Gareth: ! Rhys: Oh, this is just great...
Rhys: You abscond with our knights and lord over our castle and you can't even defend your holdings for one day?!
Kenneth: I assure you, the attack was preplanned. Kenneth: The assailants waited for your departure.
Gareth: Who could summon an army on such short notice?
Kenneth: The Misbegotten.
Rhys: ! Gareth: Oh... Oh hell...
Kenneth: As we spent much of our energy in the past few weeks against Leyndell, we had not noticed the Misbegotten were amassing an army.
Kenneth: Considering the pains they took to hide themselves - in catacombs, in caves - it is no surprise they succeeded.
The outside of Stormgate. Misbegottens - of all kinds, Leonine and other, as well as other animal combinations - in armor are waiting before the gate, with human slaves transporting arms and siege weapons. Gareth, in card: What's the state of the castle? Kenneth, in card: They're laying siege at Stormgate. We were unable to secure the tunnel nor the castle perimeter. Gareth: I assume we don't have the men to defend ourselves, after the battle. Kenneth: Indeed. We have defenders posted on the castle's flanks, but it's uncertain how much longer the castle will hold.
Kenneth: We're prepared to leave the castle through the throne room, if needed.
Rhys: What about Raya Lucaria?
Kenneth: Feh. The Academy. Kenneth: When they heard of the battle, they cloistered themselves inside the Academy and told us to evacuate the premises.
Kenneth: Those cynical scholars believe you two are well-dead, and have no care in the world what comes after. Rhys: I see.
Gareth: Let me go out to them.
Kenneth: You're mad. Kenneth: There's no speaking to their ilk. Gareth: Still, I shall.
Gareth: Should we lose the battle... Gareth: It wouldn't be unwise to have some basic communication with them.
Kenneth: Then...go ahead.
Rhys: How in every hell do you see yourself as condescending Gareth, of all people, permission to do anything? Rhys: You're a phony!
Kenneth: ... Kenneth is genuinely ashamed.
Gareth: Rhys. Now is not the time. Gareth moves out of the throne room, toward the courtyard.
Gareth and Rhys step out of the throne room, towards the courtyard. Rhys: It's just our luck the castle is in the middle of Liurnia and Limgrave.
Rhys: Are you hoping to get permission into Limgrave? Gareth: I'm hoping to start any dialogue.
The Banished Knights are in the courtyard. Banished Knight, taken by surprise: Gareth.
Gareth: It's - you fellows! The Banished Knights huddle around Gareth. Banished Knight: Of course.
Gareth: I - didn't think you would return to Stormveil. Banished Knight: Why wouldn't we?
Banished Knight: When we saw the situation we were in, we fled through the mines, with other Tarnished.
Banished Knight: Had we went through the Lift, we would have razed the Academy to the ground. Spineless bastards. Gareth: And yet...we failed you...
Banished Knight: What are you talking about?
Banished Knight: We heard it. The Erdtree. Banished Knight: Our leader - former leader - Godwin, died in the battle. With honor.
Banished Knight: We're allowed to die again. Banished Knight: We have you to thank, for bringing us to honor.
Gareth: I... Gareth: I'm amazed. But I had nothing to do with it. Banished Knight: Lives long as ours, we're grateful for any twist of fate.
Banished Knight: We promised Kenneth to protect the rear of his retreat, no more. Banished Knight: There's no honor in fighting for a coward.
Banished Knight: But your returning, we can beat back those scoundrels.
Gareth: ...I want to speak with them.
Banished Knight: Then we'll escort you. Banished Knight: Give us the signal, and we'll fall upon them.
The group move through Stormveil, heading through the courtyard down the steps to the "outer" courtyard.
They enter the outer courtyard, heading to the gates.
They arrive to the gates, where the lights from many fires glow into the tunnel. They hear the noise of the angered army.
There are many Misbegotten before the gate. They are eating, encamped around Stormgate. Some of the Misbegotten, having seen Gareth arrive, are gnawing and rattling the bars, taunting the Tarnished. The more majestic Misbegotten - Leonine, Aquiline, wolf, etc. - present themselves before Gareth, proud in armor. Misbegotten: Tarnished. Misbegotten: You will open the gates?
Gareth: No. Misbegotten: Then this conversation is over. Begone.
Gareth: I am the shardbearer. Misbegotten: Then we'll pry it from your corpse.
Gareth: What if I granted you amnesty?
Gareth: Say, settle the lands south of the castle. Take the Gatefront Ruins, for example.
Gareth: I'll incorporate some of your rank into the castle. One of you will be my trusted advisors.
Gareth: I have no ill will toward your kind. I do not mind being equal to anyone. Indeed, there are too many evils on this land to build a pecking order.
Misbegotten: Interesting proposal. Misbegotten: But, we want the castle.
Misbegotten: You Tarnished are but guests of the Lands Between. Misbegotten: You should obey us.
Gareth: Let me ask bluntly, then: Gareth: Are any of you former lords of the castle?
Misbegotten: We can trace our bloodline to royalty - Gareth: Answer my question clearly.
Misbegotten: No. Gareth: Then I give this castle to no one.
Gareth: I have one of the shards of the Elden Ring on me. Gareth: Call me a tourist all you like, but your goddess has conferred upon me power.
The Misbegotten grow angry and begin to rattle the gate even more. Misbegotten: TARNISHED! WE'LL TEAR YOU LIMB FROM LIMB AND LICK YOUR BONES! Misbegotten: FOOLS! Gareth and his group leave.
Gareth and his group ascend to the inner courtyard. Rhys: That was fruitless... Gareth: Not fruitless. They are dogs if you don't speak to them. Gareth: If you do speak to them, they are men. And men, you can, though with difficulty, persuade.
Shouting from Misbegotten invaders is heard in the inner courtyard. Screams from Tarnished are also heard. Gareth: Come on, now.
The Misbegotten have pushed into the inner courtyard, by winding through the castle ramparts. They are slaughtering Tarnished. They delight and laugh at the Tarnished as they hunt them down.
Shadows obscure the Misbegotten overhead. The Banished Knights have leapt above them.
The Banished Knights slam them into the ground, killing them.
Gareth runs into the mess hall with his shield; Misbegotten meet him.
With his strength, he pushes the line of Misbegotten back into the mess hall.
Rhys cuts through them with his conjured swords.
The Tarnished defend the entrance to the mess hall, while the surviving Misbegotten watch them cautiously.
Rhys: Seems there's no persuading them. Gareth: Then there are few options left.
Gareth: We'll have to bloody their noses. Certain Tarnished approach. Gareth notices them.
It's Nepheli and Tragoth. Gareth: Nepheli! Tragoth! Gareth: You two are sight for sore eyes! Tragoth: Gareth.
Gareth embraces Nepheli and Tragoth. Nepheli: I thought those bastards at Leyndell had gotten to you! Gareth: Not at all, not at all...
Gareth: But, how did you... Nepheli: A few Tarnished, realizing the day had been lost, pushed through the mines before Leyndell seized them.
Nepheli: We tried to protect the castle's ramparts, but the Misbegotten overran us. Tragoth: Persistent rats.
Nepheli: Rather poetic they're invading by the route we had, not long ago. Gareth: Yes...
Gareth, to a Banished Knight: In the battle, at Leyndell, you raised up a storm, correct?
Gareth: Can you do it again? Banished Knight: If you lead us.
Gareth: ! Gareth: Me? Banished Knight: Begin the song, and thread us through the melody.
Gareth: I'm not much of a musician... Banished Knight: We'll instruct you.
Banished Knight: But all the storm-song is, is the spirit molded into wind. Banished Knight: I can think of no other man but you to sing it.
Dawn. The Misbegotten are still waiting by the gate. Misbegotten: Is there any progress through the ramparts? Misbegotten 2: Nay. They fortified the exit and no one can get through. Misbegotten: Persistent, despite being so few in number.
They see the gate roll up. Sleeping Misbegotten awaken. Misbegotten: Well. Maybe they've simply given up.
The sun is a little higher up in the sky. Misbegotten press forward from the gate.
They are immediately shot by the ballistae, pierced by the bolts.
Misbegotten: Well, so much for surrendering. Misbegotten: SLAUGHTER THEM! The Misbegotten cheer.
The Misbegotten press forward with crude iron shields, beaten out of whatever material they have. Tied to the front of the shields are humans, who they intend to use to cushion the blow to their shields.
The ballista bolts push the Misbegotten back and slow their progress, but they push forward regardless.
As the Misbegotten press forward, the soldiers fall back. The Misbegotten cheer.
The more regal Misbegotten run forward as the enemy abandon their posts.
The Misbegotten freeze, as they hear the stomping on the ground.
The feet of the Banished Knights, moving rhythmically up and down.
The Banished Knights, with Gareth in front of them; Gareth is now wearing the Banished Knight armor, ditching the Vagabond Knight Armor. It's a shame there isn't a Greatshield that matches the Banished Knight set, but whatever. Nepheli is also weaving the storm with them. The Banished Knights are stomping and pounding their weapons on the ground rhythmically.
A storm gathers around the outer courtyard.
Gareth: CHARGE!!!
The Banished Knights, and Gareth, leap into the air.
Gareth slams into a Leonine Misbegotten, pushing them a great distance back.
The Misbegotten watch in horror as the Leonine Misbegotten - a pretty big guy - is flung all the way back out of the gate (from where the ballista are, it's like a drive in golf).
The other Banished Knight, from the sky, plunge their weapons into the flesh of the other Misbegotten.
From the flanks, Tarnished begin to pour out, having hidden somewhere on the sides. They take the Misbegotten by surprise, putting their line into rout.
The Misbegotten begin to flee out of the gate, clearly losing this exchange.
The Misbegotten are at Stormgate, where Margit had been. As they retreat, they are horrified by something they see, before the tunnel.
It is Rhys, in the pose of Comet Azur, cerulean light gathering around the tip of his staff.
Rhys unleashes the Comet Azur, disintegrating all of the Misbegotten.
Rhys, having defeated all of the fleeing Misbegotten, is exhausted; he puts a hand on his head. Rhys: Ugh... Gareth runs to him. As they speak, Banished Knights and Tarnished run past them. Gareth: Are you okay?
Rhys: Better than last time. Rhys: That sorcery really doesn't work without deep concentration.
Rhys: I would have been dead without the distraction. Gareth: It's good, then, that gambit worked.
The tunnel leading to Stormveil. Misbegotten, hearing the slaughter, are entering the tunnel with arms.
Barrels are rolling down the tunnel towards them.
Arrows with fire at their tips are flung.
They make contact with the barrels, exploding them; the Misbegotten are killed in the inferno.
From the barrels' flames, the Banished Knights leap out, slaughtering the Misbegotten.
The Misbegotten, clearly unprepared - they were not ready for battle and were only sufficient for guard duty - flee. I don't think these Misbegotten would have any human slaves, but they would leave them behind.
Gareth and Rhys come out of the tunnel. Banished Knight: The enemy has fled. Gareth: Good.
Rhys: What now? Gareth: We pursue them. Are there any horses?
Nepheli: A few left. Banished Knight: We won't be in any need.
Gareth: Bring the few out. We'll use them to intimidate. Rhys: I never thought of you as so bloodthirsty.
Gareth: It's about projecting strength, Rhys. Gareth: They had no reason to negotiate because they thought we couldn't defend ourselves.
Gareth: Though... I'm certain there's more of them than us.
Rhys: ...Well, given my history with horses, I don't think it's a good idea for me to get on one.
Rhys: Besides, I have an idea.
The afternoon, in the Gatefront Ruins. This is where the remainder of the Misbegotten's forces are, fortifying the ruins. Here is where the bulk of their slaves would be, some of them being the former guards of the Gatefront Ruins, humiliated before the Misbegotten. The Misbegotten are clearly panicked and defensive; they walk around the camp nervously, on the lookout for an ambush.
The Misbegotten hear horse hooves in the distance. They look toward the titular gate of the Gatefront Ruins.
The horse hooves grow louder.
The Misbegotten nock their bows.
They fire; a volley of arrows fly toward the gate.
What emerges out of the gate is a construct: three flamethrowers put side to side with wooden shields put over it. The flamethrowers move on a set of wheels manually pushed forward. This is basically a somewhat larger version of the Flame Chariot the Raya Lucarian Scholars use.
The arrows strike around the pseudo-chariot; its movers and operators are fine, due to the wooden shielding.
The horses and the Banished Knights - and Gareth, on Stalwart - pour from the chariot's rear.
Pandemonium. The cavalry and the Banished Knights take the Misbegotten by surprise, cutting up the archers. One can see Tragoth beating Misbegotten with his giant hammer, as well as Nepheli and her axes. The pseudo-chariot presses forth.
The flamethrowers of the chariot whirr, setting a great bulk of the Misbegottens on fire.
The Misbegotten fight back, banging their weapons against the wood of the chariot.
Their slaves, however, emboldened by the panic, stab them in the back.
Misbegotten women hold their children. (Probably a bad idea to bring civilians into an army camp, but the Misbegotten were probably so arrogant to think that they would at least have some time for a retreat.)
The Tarnished find the civilians.
They cringe, closing their eyes.
They open their eyes, seeing nothing has happened.
Gareth is standing before them, holding the angered Tarnished back.
The Tarnished, in a huff, run off to kill the other Misbegotten.
Some time has passed. It is a massacre. The ruins are stained with the Misbegotten's blood and the ash from the flamethrowers. The Tarnished are tying up the enemy combatants, whatever is left of them.
The Tarnished are also gathering the women and children, also tied up, around the fighters.
Gareth sees, in the distance, a contingent of Misbegotten, led by a royal Misbegotten like a Leonine Misbegotten.
Gareth, calling out: Seethe all you want. The day favored us. Gareth: I hope you are more amenable to conversation than the last man I spoke to.
Leonine Misbegotten: I am he.
Gareth: Good. Then my offer still stands: Gareth: There is a church to the south of here. Move your people there.
Gareth: I will take some of your men as hostages, Gareth: and I want you to join me in Stormveil as an advisor.
Gareth: There's no point to this fighting. Gareth: This is why we will overcome.
Misbegotten looks weary. There's almost a part of him that feels humiliated to even take this offer.
Misbegotten: ...Look at what you have done to my kind. Misbegotten: How am I supposed to trust you?
Misbegotten: I swear to you, we'll take our vengeance on you Tarnished yet -
Gareth slams into the Misbegotten, having learned the Storm Assault from the Banished Knights.
The Misbegotten is thrown a far distance away.
He lands onto the ground, his face a broken, bloody mess.
Gareth stands tall over the Misbegotten who had accompanied the Leonine Misbegotten. The Banished Knights have quickly moved into place, threatening the Misbegotten from hurting Gareth. Gareth: Let me be clear - I don't want to slay your kind. Gareth: And yet, if you wind on like that, you will force me to.
Gareth: Die now or live another day. Gareth: Be wise. But if you won't, then I will teach the fellow after you to be.
The Leonine Misbegotten picks himself up, his face in incredible pain.
His hand bloody, he kneels before Gareth. Misbegotten: ...I and my people accept these terms of surrender.
Misbegotten, without arms, are escorted to the Church of Elleh with a mixed contingent of Tarnished and Banished Knights.
The Leonine Misbegotten and the hostages solemnly, with their heads bowed, walk with the Tarnished back to Stormveil. Nepheli and Tragoth wave them goodbye, as they head east.
The Tarnished are back at the throne room, before Kenneth. Kenneth: Sir Gareth. Kenneth: Sir Rhys. Kenneth: I thank the both of ye for saving this castle from great peril, and forging a reasonable covenant with the Misbegotten. Kenneth: Gareth. You will re-assume the role of castellan for Stormveil?
Gareth: ... Gareth: I cannot. I have made a promise with another.
Kenneth: I see.
Kenneth closes his eyes. Kenneth: I would like everyone but Gareth and Rhys to stay in the chamber. I must discuss something with them in private.
Everyone in the throne room leaves.
Kenneth: Gareth. Kenneth: I don't want this throne. Anymore. Kenneth: Please take it away from me.
Gareth: ...Hum.
Kenneth: Please, Gareth. Kenneth: I'm not good with the ho-hum tasks of defending the castle and disciplining the soldiers. Kenneth: I'm more...conceptual.
Gareth: Kenneth, I truly cannot assume command of the castle. Gareth: I have sworn an oath to Ranni the Witch.
Kenneth: ! Kenneth: Lunar Princess Ranni? A demigod, in this day and age?
Kenneth: Of course, of course... I understand. 'Tis an honor. Kenneth: More an honor than serving any humdrum lord.
Kenneth: Then I must search Kenneth: for a true and stalwart lord to take the reigns of Limgrave.
Gareth: ...Yes. I may be in service for I know not how long. Gareth: I would trust one woman with this duty, but she was driven east, on some impetus.
Gareth: For the time being, use the knights as war advisors. Gareth: But, for simplicity's sake, you will be the head.
Gareth: Kenneth... Gareth: I know this is trying for you, but I'd rather place my trust in you than anyone other. I know you mean well.
Kenneth: ...Alright then. I wish you luck on your journey. Kenneth: And, once more, thank you.
Gareth and Rhys bow to Kenneth.
The dawn of next day. The light of the sun falls on the sleepy form of Stormveil Castle.
Gareth, Rhys and Stalwart, after arranging matters in the castle, fly through the courtyard.
They pass by Stormgate.
They descend down Stormhill.
They pass by Gatefront Ruins, now occupied by Tarnished. The Tarnished may be trying to clean up because, you know, all the dried blood and flesh is gross.
They pass by Lake Agheel.
They are on the path to Waypoint Ruins.
They descend the staircase into Waypoint Ruins.
Rhys, at the cellar's entrance: Master? Master Sellen? Rhys: It is your apprentice, Rhys.
Rhys and Gareth approach the nodding form of Sellen. Gareth: ... Gareth: Is this normal? Rhys: Yes.
Rhys: Master? Sellen, coming to: Yes? Rhys? Sellen: What's on your mind?
Rhys: I found him, Master Azur. Sellen: You did? Ah! Wonderful! I'm surprised you were able to find him.
Rhys: Frankly, I am as well. Sellen: Azur is a stern judge of men; he must see something in you.
Sellen: You know more, frankly, than the typical Raya Lucarian scholar. Sellen: I almost would call us equals. Almost.
Sellen: ... Sellen: Rhys. I would like to speak privately with you, on a matter.
Sellen: We can speak more later, when you are more ... disposed. Rhys: Yes, I do have other business to attend to.
Gareth: Where is Blaidd, by the way? Rhys: O, I can't wait to show you.
Sellen: Blaidd?... The wolf man? Rhys: Yes. On the way to Azur, we met Lunar Princess Ranni.
Rhys: In fact... I want to involve you with my other bit of business. Rhys hands the scroll over to her.
Sellen reads it. Sellen: ...Well, well. Seluvis is not a name I ever wanted to hear again...
Sellen: ... Rhys: What is it?
Sellen: Rhys, I'm fond of you. Sellen: You are a newborn star, whose light can only grow the eons to come.
Sellen: This is a quest from Ranni? Sellen: I don't want to see you destroyed.
Gareth: Madam, Gareth: I can tell you are a kind soul. That Rhys admires you, is a commendation of you too.
Gareth: But whatever fate is before us, please, do not prevent it from us.
Sellen: ... Sellen: You two will die. Sellen: This has been the fate of every Tarnished in the past, who have went down your path.
Gareth, Rhys: ! Sellen: I should refrain from being so enigmatic. So let me make this plain:
Sellen: The stars alter the fate of the Carian royal family. And the fate of your mistress, Ranni.
Sellen: But long ago, General Radahn challenged the swirling constellations, and, in a crushing victory, arrested their cycles.
Gareth: Radahn? The God of War, Radahn? Sellen: Yes. I suppose that is how you would know of him, in your world.
Rhys: So Ranni's fate has forever been altered by this Radahn, by his changing the trajectory of the stars. Sellen: Partially correct. Radahn is the force that repulses the stars.
Rhys: ...Is? Sellen: You heard me correctly. Sellen: He yet lives.
Radahn, crawling through the sands of the Wailing Dunes. Sellen: The famous God of War, who once put Leyndell to its knees and was the favorite for Elden Lord, Sellen: after all these years, walks the earth, an unbreakable wraith on the battlefield of his shame.
Radahn, in his famous Starcaller Cry pose; the stars are high above him, fixed in their place. Sellen: If General Radahn were to die, the stars would resume their movement. Sellen: And so, too, would Ranni's destiny.