Rending the Mantle

Rending the Mantle

Year

1325 AE

Storyline

Personal story

Chapter

Shadows of the Past

Location

Queen's Forest
(Queensdale)
Royal Palace
(Divinity's Reach)

Level

20

Race

Human

Choice

Unknown Parents

Preceded by

Voices From the Past

Followed by

The Sting
Drawing Out the Cult

API

130

Loading screen at the hunting lodge Loading screen back at Divinity's Reach

Rending the Mantle is part of the personal story of human characters who chose the Unknown Parents background.

Objectives

Destroy the White Mantle cell.

• Meet with Salia and Mehid outside the Hunting Lodge.
• Clear the lodge of White Mantle cultists.
• Resolve the hostage situation.
• Eliminate the remaining White Mantle cultists.
• Defeat the White Mantle cult leader.
• Search the area for evidence.

Inform Logan Thackeray of the White Mantle hit list.

• Talk to Logan at his office in Divinity's Reach.
• Choose a plan and tell Logan.

Rewards

Click here to edit the reward data

All professions

• 2,808 
• Beginner's Bag of Crafting Supplies
• Bag of Loot (3)

Profession-specific

• One of the following: Avenger's Hammer, Avenger's Staff, Avenger's Longsword
• One of the following: Avenger's Hammer, Avenger's Staff, Caretaker's Staff
• One of the following: Avenger's Longsword, Avenger's Hammer, Avenger's Longbow
• One of the following: Caretaker's Rifle, Avenger's Rifle, Defender's Rifle
• One of the following: Avenger's Longbow, Avenger's Short Bow, Caretaker's Short Bow
• One of the following: Defender's Short Bow, Avenger's Short Bow, Caretaker's Short Bow
• One of the following: Defender's Staff, Avenger's Staff, Caretaker's Staff
• One of the following: Defender's Staff, Avenger's Staff, Caretaker's Staff
• One of the following: Defender's Staff, Avenger's Staff, Caretaker's Staff

Walkthrough

After arriving at the lodge, you will encounter a variety of White Mantle foes throughout the building. They are not particularly difficult, but as you are fighting in very close quarters, it can be tricky to dodge or even just get the camera aligned properly. Fight your way upstairs; there will be a hostage situation to resolve. Afterwards, when you come back to the main room, some bandits will appear from the basement and try to block you from getting in. Follow their trail, which eventually leads to a small room full of evidence, guarded by two semi-boss foes. After they are defeated, search around. There are several things to look at, but the list on the table is the specific item that will advance the story. Travel to Logan's office in Divinity's Reach and show him the list. You are given a choice between two courses of action: a direct assault against the White Mantle, or an ambush. After making your decision, the mission ends.

NPCs

Allies

Humans

• Bartender
• Countess Anise
• Doorguard
• Exemplar Mehid
• Exemplar Salia
• Farmer Mathwin
• Lieutenant Groban
• Lieutenant Hines
• Logan Thackeray
• Maid
• Seraph Archer
• Seraph Soldier
• Servant
• Stablehand
• Villager

Foes

Ambient creatures

• Raccoon

Animals

• Forest Boar

White Mantle

• Bandit Highwayman
• Confessor Esthel
• Doorguard
• Informant
• White Mantle Cultist
• White Mantle Initiate

Objects

• Basement Door
• Bookcase
• Chest
• Desk
• Paper-covered Desk
• Roster
• Table

Bundles

• Axe
• Branch
• Elixir of Heroes
• Empty Bottle
• Mug of Ale

Dialogue

At the Hunting Lodge

At the start, if talked to Exemplar Salia:

Exemplar Salia: Good to see you, <Character name>. Are you prepared to root out a White Mantle cell?

Absolutely. Let's go.

Not just yet. Give me a moment.

At the start, if talked to Exemplar Mehid:

Exemplar Mehid: Good to see you, <Character name>. This will be an exciting fight. Are you ready?

As ready as I'll ever be. Let's go.

Not just yet. Give me a moment.

After talking to one of the exemplars:

Exemplar Salia: Glad to have you with us. Let's go destroy these White Mantle zealots.

Approaching the lodge

Doorguard: The Blade's onto us! Get 'em!

After defeating the enemies outside of the lodge:

Exemplar Salia: Quickly now. None must escape.

During the fight on the ground floor of the lodge:

White Mantle Cultist: It's a raid! Stop them!

White Mantle Cultist: At last! I finally get to kill a member of the Shining Blade!

The Bartender cowers behind the bar. If talked to:

Bartender: Please don't kill me, please don't kill me, please don't kill me! I've got so much to give!

Whoa, there, friend. Nobody's going to hurt you. Just tell me everything you know about the White Mantle.

White Mantle? Seriously? Here? Oh, gods. I was paid to cook food, serve drinks, and mind my own business. I had no idea! I didn't even know the White Mantle was real!

Well, you don't look like a fanatic. Go on, get out of here.

Get out of here before I change my mind.

If talking to Exemplar Salia on the ground or first floor:

Exemplar Salia: Keep close and stay alert!

I will.

If talking to Exemplar Mehid on the ground or first floor:

Exemplar Mehid: Stick close. There's a reason White Mantle call their demons "unseen."

That's...alarming. I'll stay close.

During the fight on the first floor:

White Mantle Cultist: They've[sic] over here! Help me hold them off!

On arrival on second floor:

White Mantle Initiate: You think you can take me?

If talking to Exemplar Salia regarding the initiate:

Exemplar Salia: This is your decision, Hero of Shaemoor. Do what you think best.

I will.

If talking to Exemplar Mehid regarding the initiate:

Exemplar Mehid: The queen asks us to protect her people—all of them. Do what you think is best, <Character name>.

I'll consider carefully.

Talking to White Mantle Initiate:

White Mantle Initiate: Stay there! Don't...don't come any closer. I swear, if you do...I'll... I'll kill her!

This is between you and me. Let the girl go.

You wanna fight me? Without your t-two friends helping? Fine. Fine! I'll take you on!

On second thought, let's talk about this first.

You're nothing, do you hear me? Bring it on.

Hey, relax. I just want to talk, then you can go. (Not available if low charisma.)

You look like a good man. I'm sure you were just forced into this. It's not your fault. I know that. (If you pressed back to main dialogue)

You won't hurt me? Okay, I...I surrender! The Confessor's in the basement. They never let me go down there. The Confessor's the one you want!

You did the right thing. Stay here, and stay calm.

Take it easy. You don't have to hurt anyone.

I don't believe you! You're with them—the Blade! Now either you let me out of here, or this girl dies!

Take a deep breath, and think about what you're doing.

Let the girl go, and you get out of here. But you'd better not stop running until you're halfway to Rata Sum.

Here's another option: you die.

No sudden moves, buddy. Let me talk to my friends, and we'll make you a deal.

Calm down, and we'll talk. I'll give you a moment to breathe.

Talking to the Servant:

Servant: Please help me!

Hold on!

Talking to White Mantle Initiate again:

White Mantle Initiate: I should have known the White Mantle was bad news. It just sounded... exotic, you know? They gave me money, and my family's poor...

Sit still, and surrender peacefully. Everything's going to be fine.

After resolving the situation with the White Mantle Initiate, and as you head downwards:

Exemplar Salia: I suspect the cult's real leaders are in the basement, with the rest of the rats.

White Mantle Cultist: The Shining Blade! Kill them all!

Exemplar Mehid: There are even more of these roaches than I expected.

Talking to Exemplar Salia on the way down:

Exemplar Salia: Our goal is close! I can sense it...

I'm ready to fight, no matter what happens.

Talking to Exemplar Mehid on the way down:

Exemplar Mehid: The air grows thick. We must be close to the heart of the cell. Be cautious.

I'll watch my step. Thanks.

Talking to the Servant after resolving the situation:

Servant: Dwayna save me! I can't believe he was going to kill me just like that!

You're safe now.

Talking to the Maid (downstairs):

Maid: P-please, don't kill me! I just clean the rooms!

Get out of here before you get hurt.

At the basement:

Bandit Highwayman: Keep them away from the basement.

Interacting with the locked door in the basement:

Basement Door: A flimsy lock secures this door. One good kick might break it.

Kick the door hard.

Leave it alone.

Found the cultists' leader:

Confessor Esthel: You incompetent idiot! Failing's not enough, you have to lead the Shining Blade right to us?

Informant: It wasn't me, but I'll make sure they don't live to tell the tale. Attack!

Confessor Esthel points at <Character name>

Confessor Esthel: Happy to meet you, hero. Happier to kill you.

After defeating the Confessor:

Exemplar Mehid: There may be valuable information here. We should search this place.

Talking to Exemplar Salia:

Exemplar Salia: Keep your eyes open. Anything here could be useful in telling us their purposes.

I'll look around carefully.

Talking to Exemplar Mehid:

Exemplar Mehid: Stay alert. Even the smallest detail can be significant.

I'll bear that in mind.

Examining Bookcase 1:

Bookcase: These books are about Krytan history, asuran architecture, and bloodstones. There's also a book titled, "To Serve the Unseen."

Read about bloodstones.

The book describes how the gods of Tyria imbued the Bloodstone with magic, and then broke it into pieces. Who controls a bloodstone, controls magic itself.

Put the book away.

Put the book away.

Examining Bookcase 2:

Bookcase: These books are about Krytan history, asuran architecture, and bloodstones. There's also a book titled, "To Serve the Unseen."

Read about asuran architecture.

The book is full of arcane equations that make no sense. Or maybe you're holding it upside-down.

Put the book away.

Leave the books alone.

Examining Bookcase 3:

Bookcase: These books are about Krytan history, asuran architecture, and bloodstones. There's also a book titled, "To Serve the Unseen."

Read the strange book.

The book is scribbled in a code of squiggles and strange drawings—the ravings of a madman. Amidst the gibberish, the words "Eyes that Watch All'[sic] are written over and over.

Put the book away.

Leave the book alone.

Examining Bookcase 4:

Bookcase: These books are about Krytan history, asuran architecture, and bloodstones. There's also a book titled, "To Serve the Unseen."

Read about the history of Kryta.

Long ago, Kryta was ruled by the White Mantle, worshippers of the Unseen Gods. The revelation that these creatures were merely demons caused an uprising against them, and the populace—led by the Shining Blade—broke the White Mantle's power.

Read more.

As the White Mantle's power crumbled, Queen Salma rose to the throne of Kryta. The Shining Blade became the royal house's eternal protectors, ever vigilant agains the Unseen.

Put the book away.

Put the book away.

Put the book away.

Examining Chest:

Chest: This chest is filled with clothes. They are likely disguises used to allow the cultists to hide in all ranks of civilized society.

Close the chest.

Examining Table:

Table: More paper is scattered on the table, covered in writing that seems mostly code. These might be worth further study by the Shining Blade, but by themselves, they reveal nothing.

Leave.

Examining Desk:

Desk: The desk is nearly empty, filled with old writing utensils and empty inkpots.

Leave.

Examining Paper-covered Desk:

Paper-covered Desk: Atop this desk is a handwritten letter with a list of names, some that you recognize—including your own.

Take letter to show Salia and Mehid.

Look around for other evidence.

Cinematic upon examining the letter:

<Character name>: Hey, I found something. A list of names. Captain Thackeray, Countess Anise, a few others... Here's my name, with a description: "Hero of Shaemoor, child of the queen's spies"?

Exemplar Mehid: Grenth's teeth, it's a list of targets! Every name on here is one of the queen's allies. If they managed to take out all these people...

<Character name>: We won't let that happen. But first, I have to warn Captain Thackeray. I can't let him face this danger alone. He may even be able to help us.

Exemplar Salia: You're right. Anise won't like us sharing information so recklessly, but this is an emergency. We'll meet you at Captain Thackeray's office. Stay safe.

Talking to Exemplar Salia after the cinematic (if convinced White Mantle Initiate to surrender):

Exemplar Salia: Bravely done, <Character name>. Mehid and I will take the Initiate upstairs back to Divinity's Reach for questioning. You are an excellent negotiator.

Thank you. See you both back at Divinity's Reach.

Talking to Exemplar Salia after the cinematic (if killed the White Mantle Initiate in single combat):

Exemplar Salia: Great work, <Character name>. That was a risky thing you did, offering the Initiate single combat. Risky, but honorable.

Even the worst people deserve an honorable death. I'll see you back at Divinity's Reach.

Talking to Exemplar Salia after the cinematic (if let the White Mantle Initiate escape):

Exemplar Salia: Great work, <Character name>. Don't worry about the Initiate. The Shining Blade will have agents after him shortly. He won't get far.

I'm glad to know he won't get to hurt anyone else. I'll see you and Mehid back in Divinity's Reach.

Talking to Exemplar Mehid after the cinematic:

Exemplar Mehid: Ha! We'll finish gathering evidence and meet you back at the Seraph office in Divinity's Reach. This is going to be a major development in the case.

You two were wonderful. It must be very rewarding to work with such a good partner.

Even more rewarding to work with people you truly respect. I hope the Countess will be pleased with our work tonight.

Is that where you're taking the evidence? To the Countess?

Yes. Countess Anise is more than the queen's handmaiden. She is the leader of the Shining Blade.

No wonder Captain Thackeray respects her so highly. I hope she appreciates your hard work. Take care.

I'm glad to hear that. Take care.

Ha! Now that was worthy of a hero! Those White Mantle cultists never knew what hit them.

Revenge is a fine thing, but beware. The White Mantle preys on those who are easily manipulated. and as Countess Anise often reminds us, vengeance makes a fine leash.

That's chilling. Thank you for the advice. Is that where you're headed now? To meet with the Countess?

Yes. Countess Anise is more than the queen's handmaiden. She is the leader of the Shining Blade.

No wonder Captain Thackeray respects her so highly. I hope she appreciates your hard work. Take care.

I'm glad to have been part of this mission. Take care.

Those cultists were fanatics. Are all followers of the White Mantle like that?

Not all of them. Sadly, many people don't even know they are being manipulated by the Mantle. As Countess Anise reminds us, only their leaders know the truth.

That is sad, but the Countess is probably right. Are you going to see her now?

Yes. Countess Anise is more than the queen's handmaiden. She is the leader of the Shining Blade.

No wonder Captain Thackeray respects her so highly. I hope she appreciates your hard work. Take care.

Thank you for explaining things. I appreciate it.

What should we do now?

Now we take this evidence to Countess Anise, the leader of the Shining Blade. She'll direct our next mission.

I look forward to hearing where this leads. See you in Divinity's Reach.

Travel safely, and I'll see you in Divinity's Reach.

At Seraph Headquarters

Entering the office:

Countess Anise: What were you thinking, bringing a civilian into this matter? Even...no, ESPECIALLY this one?

Exemplar Salia: I apologize, Master Exemplar. It was necessary—

Countess Anise: Enough. There are more urgent matters at hand. We'll discuss this matter later.

Talking to Exemplar Mehid at the start:

Exemplar Mehid: Our apologies, <Character name>. Captain Thackeray is waiting to speak with you.

I understand. I'll talk to him now.

Talking to Exemplar Salia at the start:

Exemplar Salia: Our apologies, <Character name>. Captain Thackeray is waiting to speak with you.

I understand. I'll talk to him now.

Talking to Countess Anise at the start:

Countess Anise: Hello, my dear. I see that two of my Exemplars have taken a liking to you. Most intriguing! I'd inquire further, but Captain Thackeray is waiting. You should speak with him first.

Thank you, Countess. I'll do that.

Talking to Captain Thackeray (cinematic):

Logan Thackeray: You look grim, my friend. What's wrong?

<Character name>: We've learned that the White Mantle has been trying to eliminate the queen's allies.

<Character name>: My name was on a list of targets we found. So were yours and the countess's, among others.

Logan Thackeray: The White Mantle? We can't let those roaches continue to spread. I'll mobilize the Seraph and burn this cult to the ground!

Countess Anise: Logan, no. You've been fighting centaurs for too long. The White Mantle are cunning, treacherous foes. They will predict your moves, outmaneuver you.

Countess Anise: The Shining Blade has been fighting them for a long time. We know the best way to deal with the Mantle: stealth and cunning.

Exemplar Mehid: We need to move quickly. They probably know we're coming either way. Our friend has been invaluable so far. Perhaps the Hero of Shaemoor can offer some insight here.

Logan Thackeray: Agreed. So, my friend, the choice is yours. Stealth, or strength?

Talking to Captain Thackeray after the first cinematic:

Logan Thackeray: Well, <Character name>, I trust your judgement. How do you want to deal with this White Mantle problem?

Let's review our options.

Countess Anise: I propose we ambush the White Mantle. We send an important official to patrol to Blackroot Cut, near one of the White Mantle's main hideouts. When they attack our bait, we wipe them out.

And what's your plan, Captain?

Logan Thackeray: A direct attack. Take some Seraph with us to Gnashar's Hills, attack one of the White Mantle's strongholds near there, and raze the place to the ground. Simple, violent, and effective.

I like the idea of a trap. Let's go with the Shining Blade's plan. (Leads to The Sting.) (Same as below)

Your plan sounds good. Let's attack them directly. (Leads to Drawing Out the Cult.) (Same as below)

I need more time to think this over.

I need more time to think this over.

I like the sound of luring the White Mantle into a trap.

Countess Anise: Excellent. I'll meet you at the Seraph Protectors outpost here. Salia and Mehid have been a part of this operation from the beginning, so they'll remain your primary contacts with the Shining Blade.

Sounds good to me. See you there.

A direct attack worked before. Let's put that strategy to work again.

Done. I'll meet you outside their camp here, in Gnashar's Hills. Exemplars Salia and Mehid will be there as well. They've been in on this from the start, so it's only fair to let them see it through.

Understood. See you there.

Let me think about this some more.

Talking to Countess Anise after choosing the direct approach:

Countess Anise: Ah, the direct approach. Always a sound strategy. Alas, duty calls me elsewhere, so be careful. Do keep a close eye on Salia and Methid. They're two of my best, but they can be... overzealous.

I've seen them in action, and I trust them. Thank you.

Talking to Captain Thackeray after choosing the direct approach:

Logan Thackeray: I'm glad we're taking the direct approach. Sometimes the best way to deal with intrigue and subterfuge is to smack it square in the face.

I just want to make the White Mantle pay. See you in Gnashar's Hills.

Talking to Countess Anise after choosing the stealth approach:

Countess Anise: Excellent. Seeing the look on the White Mantle's faces as the trap stings shut will be extremely satisfying. I should go prepare my forces for the mission. I'll see you there.

Looking forward to it, Countess. I'll see you at the Seraph Protectors camp.

Talking with Logan after choosing the stealth option:

Logan Thackeray: Be careful out there. I know you can handle yourself, but I hate sending anyone into harm's way on purpose.

We'll be fine. Take care.

Talking to either Exemplar Mehid or Exemplar Salia after making a decision:

Exemplar Mehid: I'm looking forward to this, and not only because we're setting up the White Mantle. I'm eager to see your combat skills again. You seem to be following in your parents' footsteps.

Was Countess Anise angry at you for including me in your plans?

Exemplar Salia: The Countess was displeased that we risked a civilian in our duties, but she understood the need. She'll forgive us. Don't give it another thought.

Did you learn anything else about my parents? (Same as below)

Does the Shining Blade usually collaborate with the Seraph on this scale? (Same as below, direct attack option)

Do you think the White Mantle will really fall for the trap? (Same as below, stealth attack option)

Glad to hear that. Good-bye.

Did you learn anything else about my parents yet?

Exemplar Salia: Nothing new. Mehid and I plan to do research for you in the Shining Blade archives as soon as possible. If your parents worked for the King, we will surely find something.

Was Countess Anise angry at you for including me in your plans? (Same as above)

Does the Shining Blade usually collaborate with the Seraph on this scale? (Same as below)

I understand. Thanks for your help.

Does the Shining Blade usually collaborate with the Seraph on this scale? (If the direct approach was chosen)

Exemplar Mehid: It's unusual, but not unprecedented. We have knowledge about the White Mantle and their tactics. The Seraph have manpower. Since our goals overlap, it's only natural to pool our efforts.

Was Countess Anise angry at you for including me in your plans? (Same as above)

Have you managed to find out anything else about my parents yet? (Same as above)

See you there.

Do you think the White Mantle will really fall for the trap? (If the stealth approach was chosen)

Exemplar Salia: They attacked you in close proximity to the palace, so we know they're overconfident—even reckless. They won't be able to resist a chance to attack Countess Anise.

Was the countess angry at you for including me in your plans? (Same as above)

Did you learn anything else about my parents yet? (Same as above)

Excellent. Until then.

Thank you for the compliment. I just hope we eventually find out what happened to my parents.

My story

“ I met with Mehid and Salia outside the hunting lodge, and we broke open the cult. Apparently, the White Mantle is hiding behind bandit activities. They incite the impoverished citizens of Kryta, and use them to act against the Queen's servants. I returned to Captain Thackeray and showed him the list. He was very concerned, and we created a plan of attack against these bandits and their cult. — My story

Notes

Bug:

The references to Gnashar's Hills are wrong. The two branches of these events occur in Kessex Hills, one in Sojourner's Way and the other in Blackroot Cut.

• Before entering the building, a Bandit Highwayman, a Bandit Poisoner, a Bandit Rifleman, and a Bandit Scout are visible. All of them turn into White Mantle Cultists upon entering the building.

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Human storyline