Richard of the Neverglades

At Balemorale Castle

Captain of the Queensguard
Welcome to Castle Balemorale, the summer home of the royal family…which is to say, just the Queen. I understand that circumstances between Princess Tara and Queen Victoria are tense, but perhaps you could all stay a while after things settle. The Queen rarely gets any rest, and being alone at Balemorale makes her anxious. Even though they barely visited, the influence of King Dethrix I and his son still lingers throughout the castle.

Balemorale
For generations, the royal family of Greenguard has used Balemorale Castle as a summer home, and the venue for galas. There are rumors about the Drakath Dynasty's enemies being buried beneath the garden, or the bricks being haunted by the vengeful spirits of their ancestors. King Duncan was even accused by his own Queen of dabbling in dark magic with his Court Mage Morgana here. Little did she know how much worse it would get.

Queen
I know this is presumptuous of me considering how long you had to wait, but the Queen tried her best to meet with you earlier. Ever since her coronation, her attention has been split between Nobles demanding her attention, civilians terrified by the Shadows, and the looming threat of the Empire. Sleep has become a luxury. I hope you and Tara can understand.

Travels
I joined Queen Victoria on her tour across the continent. Nobles are reaffirming their oaths, and communities such as those of the Dwarves have agreed to forge trade agreements with us. Unfortunately, Bloodtusk Ravine's residents rejected her entry. Word of Undine and Sparagmos have leaked. Even the Vampire Queen sent a rejection letter. She doesn't want 'bloodthirsty humans' sullying her court. I have to admit…that jab smarted.

At Mana Harvest

Captain of the Queensguard
Don't mind me. I'll wait nearby to escort the Queen back to the castle when the feast ends. You should all enjoy the occasion. I'm just happy to see Lynaria's daughters safe and smiling.

Royal Guard
The members of Queen Victoria's Royal Guard are aware of where she is, and we're pretending that she's resting in her chambers. That way, the nobles won't make a fuss. Currently, the Queensguard are composed of individuals handpicked by me. I doubt the honor of Knights who inherited their titles. The Queen has sacrificed so much for justice, and her protectors should be those who can follow that example.

Relatives
You're wondering why I'm not with my family for Harvest Fest. The Queen had the same worry. That's very thoughtful of you both, but duty comes first. Besides, my family situation is somewhat awkward. I was born in Chiral Valley, but raised in the Neverglades. Recently, I saw my older brother at the castle. We didn't speak, and that's fine. Seeing him alive and well is more than enough for me.

Armor
You're interested in my armor? It's similar to what every member of the Queensguard wears so we're set apart from the other Knights. That turned a lot of heads at court, and prompted demands to know why all of its older members were asked to retire. I don't mean to be rude, but the Queen needs skilled protectors. Each member of the current Queensguard has to be strong enough to defeat a platoon of Empire warriors on their own.

After completing the 'Coiled Cornucopia' quest:

Captain of the Queensguard
Thank you for hosting the Harvest Fest feast. Queen Victoria's very happy, and I think we can afford to spend a night here. I'll send word back to the castle to let the rest of the Queensguard know. We'll find an excuse to clear the Queen's schedule tomorrow. Hmm, is Lady Song not here? Did she visit her siblings in Seabase Undine, or did she travel to the Yew Mountains? I heard Lord Vaughn was meaning to pay her a visit.

Royal Guard
The members of Queen Victoria's Royal Guard are aware of where she is, and we're pretending that she's resting in her chambers. That way, the nobles won't make a fuss. Currently, the Queensguard are composed of individuals handpicked by me. I doubt the honor of Knights who inherited their titles. The Queen has sacrificed so much for justice, and her protectors should be those who can follow that example.

Relatives
You're wondering why I'm not with my family for Harvest Fest. The Queen had the same worry. That's very thoughtful of you both, but duty comes first. Besides, my family situation is somewhat awkward. I was born in Chiral Valley, but raised in the Neverglades. Recently, I saw my older brother at the castle. We didn't speak, and that's fine. Seeing him alive and well is more than enough for me.

Armor
You're interested in my armor? It's similar to what every member of the Queensguard wears so we're set apart from the other Knights. That turned a lot of heads at court, and prompted demands to know why all of its older members were asked to retire. I don't mean to be rude, but the Queen needs skilled protectors. Each member of the current Queensguard has to be strong enough to defeat a platoon of Empire warriors on their own.

At Termina Temple

Captain of the Queensguard
Greetings, I have traveled here to represent her Highness Queen Victoria's interests. If you do not wish for me to step inside the Temple, I have no issue with standing here. As I promised before, I have arranged an audience between you and the Queen at the royal family's Summer estate, Balemorale. Once the arrangements are completed, I will escort you, Lady Tara, and your companions to the Queen.

Balemorale
Castle Balemorale is the Summer estate of Swordhaven's Royal family, though King Alteon rarely brought his daughters there during his reign. He preferred to use it as storage for relics from the previous dynasty, and there are whispers among the servants that it has caused hauntings. The Queen of Skye specifically requested that Queen Victoria meet her Ambassador Lieber here. You will have your audience after that meeting is completed.

- To Balemorale

Foreign Affairs
The Queendom of Skye has been sending ships to Greenguard's shores frequently. This is causing the nobility some concern. Generations ago, during the reign of King Duncan Drakath, Greenguard invaded Skye and attempted to turn it into a colony. My grasp of history needs sharpening, but if I recall correctly, this invasion led to the death of a Champion of Energy, and Skye employing scorched earth methods until Greenguard left.

---

Locations:

• Balemorale Castle
• Mana Harvest
• Termina Temple

Note: Appears in Termina Temple after completing the 'Dead Sea' quest.

Thanks to Tux47.

---

Meet this NPC in our free web game at www.AQ.com!