Overview
Calphade Castle is a massive fortress in northern Hernand, commanded by Stefan Lanford, the Marquis of Hernand. Regarded as virtually impregnable, the castle is defended by an elite garrison of soldiers known as the Unyielding Shields. During the events of Chapter 6: Cracks in the Shield, Calphade Castle becomes the center of a major conflict as the region falls under siege by the Black Bears. Kliff and his allies must fight their way through the surrounding territory and ultimately assault the castle itself to liberate Calphade.
Location
Calphade Castle sits in the far northeast of the Hernand region, east of Thalwynd village. The castle overlooks the surrounding countryside from an elevated position, with the Calphade Gate controlling the main approach road. Nearby sub-locations include the Calphade Siege Armory, the Calphade Gunpowder Mill, and the Calphade Northern Depot. A belltower at the Church of Calphade in Thalwynd can be rung as part of the Toll of Pywel quest once the area is liberated.
Chapter 6 Quests
The castle and its surrounding territory form the setting for nearly all of Chapter 6. After receiving news of a Greymane comrade trapped in Calphade, Kliff joins the fight against the Black Bears who have occupied the region. Key quests include:
Quest | Sub-Chapter | Details |
|---|---|---|
Under the Banner Pike Again | Raise banner pikes at the Calphade Siege Armory, the Gunpowder Mill, and Thalwynd to reclaim the southern reaches of the region. | |
Under the Banner Pike Again | Assist allied soldiers in repelling Black Bear attacks across the front lines surrounding Calphade. | |
The Undying Shields | Push northward toward the castle as the allied forces gain momentum. | |
The Unyielding Shields | The Undying Shields | Advance to Calphade Castle, assist Stefan Lanford in battle, and defeat the traitor Cassius Morten. Completing this quest rewards the Shield of Betrayal. |
Notable NPCs
NPC | Role |
|---|---|
Marquis of Hernand, commander of Calphade Castle and its garrison of Unyielding Shields. | |
A traitor among the garrison who must be defeated during the climax of Chapter 6. |
Siege Mechanics
Several Chapter 6 quests introduce siege-specific gameplay. During the Cradle of Defense quest, players use Nature's Grasp to lift and carry banner pikes up wooden platforms, then deploy them to mark reclaimed territory. Enemy soldiers and grappler-type foes attack in waves, and quick-time events are required to break free from grapple attacks. At Thalwynd, artillery towers add ranged pressure during banner placement, though the time-slowing properties of Nature's Grasp provide some protection.
Sub-Areas
Tips
Bring the Tauria Curved Sword (obtained from the Crowcaller boss) and the Nature's Echo skill for effective crowd control during the large-scale battles around the castle.
The Church of Calphade belltower in Thalwynd cannot be accessed until Chapter 6 quests have been completed and the area is liberated.
Completing The Unyielding Shields quest and lighting the victory beacon unlocks the return home sequence and concludes Chapter 6.