The Knights of Alestraxia are a knightly order originating in Altalar during the Lost Age, where they served as the equivalent of a royal guard to the dragon queen and Elder Dragon of Life, Alestraxia. Since Alestraxia's death in the Primordial Wars, they have largely remained in seclusion, safeguarding her gravesite in the Spine Range.
History[]
The Lost Age[]
- Some of the humans who Alestraxia had created felt compelled to serve her as guards, despite the apparent lack of need, and ambassadors and agents. This would become the beginning of the Knights on Altalar.
Primordial Wars[]
- A company of the Knights accompanied the Lost King when he led the settlers eastwards across the sea, serving as Alestraxia's agents and ambassadors on the expedition. They would prove instrumental in the defense of the colony, and the Lost King even squired his son to one of the knights to learn the warrior craft.
- As the Primordial Wars erupted, and Alestraxia herself came to Idryllia, the Knights saw true battle for the first time, and many of them perished. After Alestraxia's death, a great many also threw down their weapons and wandered the lands grief stricken.
Age of Settlement[]
- Those remaining Knights, including the heir of the Lost King, worked to build the citadel at Beacon Peak, in order to watch over the new Spine Range that had arisen over the battlefields where Alestraxia and Kabal had slain each other. Their patrols would eventually discover the healing spring at Manae, and believing some of the essence of their queen still dwelled their, abandoned Beacon Peak to settle at the new locale. Aware of Aergoth's booming imperialism and turn away from the Elder Dragons, the Knights portrayed themselves as simple monks to the rare travellers, trading in wine and mead from the valley.
Age of Wars[]
- Having survived unnoticed through the Age of Knowledge, Manae was stumbled upon by a wayward tribe of Brobdangeon, wandering into the mountains from the plains. Captured by the Knights and imprisoned, the healing waters had an odd effect on the Primordial born giants, rendering them smaller and closer to human. Dubbed "Ogres" after an ancient myth, they would help the Knights in building, and built themselves dwelling spaces in the nearby mountains. This led to the discovery of the Heart of Alestraxia, a crystal seemingly imbued with the Elder Dragon's power, which the Knights and Ogres constructed a great test around, so that only the worthy might pass the trial to gain audience with it.
Age of Reclamation[]
- The eight companions (although only six at the time) would venture to Manae seeking the Heart's power to cleanse the Dark Source's corruption from the Ghaulsyr, allowing them to reach Hallows Gate and reactivate it, cleansing Revenants and potential Revenants during the Revenant Crisis. The Knights leader, Belinasa Ti'al agreed with their purpose, but demanded one of them must pass the test to gain the heart. Elias Valar, the commander of the Dawn Legion, volunteered, and passed the test successfully, winnign respect and awe from all the knights, including Belinassa. She would swear service to him as a squire, and embarked along with the companions on their missions.
Age of Mortals[]
- The Knights continue their worship of Alestraxia, and the now powerless Heart was returned to them, While they do offer honor to the New Gods Valar and Belinassa, their focus remains on their deceased patroness, who they believe may yet rise again, as the healing waters of Manae still hold power.