From publisher blurb:
Behold the Knights Chapters of Almsford!
Bryer Chapter. Becoming a member of the Bryer Chapter is a long-term, if not lifetime, commitment. Anyone who seeks the honor must prove to Alkan Volbrek they are stout, loyal and boast nerves of steel. Alkan orders would-be initiates to venture into the bog and collect a wraithwind blossom (named for the hunter who slayed the legendary Fenfiend Witch), a kind of flower that only blooms in the far reaches of the bog. For those brave enough to travel this far into the bog capable enough to return, Alkan will accept them into the Chapter—assuming, of course, the initiates are not frightened off by their experience.
Logsend Chapter. Varutha Kleed accepts only the most impressive candidates into their Chapter, despite the fact that nothing much happens in Logsend. They will greet any would-be initiate with an abundance of militant fervor, demanding both a written and practical examination. They will accept an oral version of the test, instead of written, if the applicant cannot read or write—but they do have a pall of academic elitism around those who do not “know their letters.” As for the practical application, they will duel you themselves to determine your eligibility. As these qualifications are quite high, the current crop of the Logsend chapter members is small but highly skilled. “Quality over quantity,” Varutha would say with a curt nod and indulgent grin.
Verdant Chapter. According to reports from local ranchers, a long-horned bull with moon-white hair has been leading cows away from their herds, disappearing over the rolling hills. Normally, the shaggy cows of Almsford are rusty red or deep black. A white cow is a sign of ill fortune or a chance blessing, depending on who you ask. “In this case, it sounds like a curse,” grumbles Oshly, though a spark of amusement lingers in her eye. She asks would-be initiates to hunt the fields for the white cow. She’ll tell you with a tired sigh, “For a creature that should stick out like a sore thumb, none of us have been able to catch it. The moment we see it and take after it, it seems to disappear right as it passes beyond a hillock!” Oshly loves any chance to laugh and have a good time, so charismatic initiates will have an easier time getting on her good side. On the flip side, she despises the ‘classically’ educated or ‘higher class’ folk who turn down their noses at her favored gambling games. For those willing to play a game of chance to “win” a spot in the Chapter, Oshly will gladly agree to the challenge. If you happen to win, she will view you as a rival of sorts—not quite despising you… but not quite allowing herself to like you, either.
Yarrow Chapter. Faidrahl still loves a good sparring match with their fellow knights and will judge your fighting prowess via a one-on-one duel. For those lacking in martial talent, Faidrahl instead asks the would-be initiates to take care of a band of rat-kin who’ve been raiding caravans on the roads to and from Yarrow. “Used to be peaceful, the rat-folk. They traded with us like any other township in the valley,” says Faidrahl. He then cracks his knuckles, a slight gleam in his eye. “But I’m not complaining. Even when we had peace, they’ve always frightened our cattle. And they stink worse than mire-pits, though they stuff their pockets with yarrow.” He asks the players to procure five rat-kin tails as proof of their accomplishment.
Ellory Chapter. Those who wish to join the Ellory chapter of the Almsford Order will find their interest met with surprise and gratitude from Dastana. The Chapter knights are some of the only folk left in the dwindling town of Ellory, who have lost access to many of their mines to flooding and hauntings. As an initiation, Dastana asks would-be initiates to endure a “trial by fire,” and accompany her on an investigation of a strange howling sound coming from one of the mine shafts that’s most recently flooded.
Hansdan Chapter. The Hansdan chapter of the Almsford Order is in disarray. A perpetual winter has been cast over the town, keeping many of the layfolk holed up in their homes away from their friends and work. The many-headed, many-limbed mage, dubbed by the Knights as the Horrid Host, wanders the streets at night. All manner of other terrifying, strange things follow in its wake: visions, stenches, dangerous magical auras. The knights cannot seek help in dealing with these issues from the surviving mages—if any—who remain inside the now magically sealed Dartmyre College. Calto will regard anyone interested in joining the order with a stern stare that rivals the golden gaze of the direwolf who dutifully remains at her side. She will ask, plainly, if those interested can withstand the sight, sound and sensations of the horrors that plague Hansdan after nightfall. She will ask those interested to spend a dusk-to-dawn vigil with one of the few remaining members of the Chapter. If they make it through the knight without fleeing or losing their minds, they are free to become a knight of Hansdan if they still desire.
Pyremill Chapter. Trayton accepts any and all initiates who seek to join the Pyremill chapter. “Your Path is your own,” fae say. “Who am I to judge where you will walk and who you will serve?” For those who do join, they find Trayton to be a fearless and unflinching leader in the face of the otherworldly threats within the mist. But on a day-to-day basis, fae are rather distant from the other members of the chapter. To be fair, most knights in the chapter suffer their own kind of detachment as they too have ventured into the mists and return with detached or dreamy demeanors.
Thatchfield Chapter. For any who manages to breach the palisade surrounding Thatchfield, Zothe will greet them with fierce snarl and a sword pressed to their neck. Assuming they convince Zothe they are truly interested in joining the knights, the first trial fae will impose is a lengthy inquisition performed by faerself and the other chapter knights. They ask questions about your past, your goals and ideals. Then follows a magical examination and religious cleansing. Candidates who clear these trials may join the order. Any knight serving under Zothe would do well to not question faer judgment, for fae are looking for unflinching loyalty in these uncertain times.
Which town will you help protect in the haunted valley?