This article contains content from pre-release sources that may or may not be reflective of canon upon release. This article therefore likely contains spoilers.
The Witnesses are on their way to Glastonbury, to thwart the plans of the Knights [sic] that are looking for Excalibur. When they are in sight of the abbey, something strange happens to the Simulation—a Glitch. Once the anomaly has passed, the Witnesses must stop Mordred, hoping nothing else goes wrong.
You leave Ravensthorpe at once, and you begin a long ride toward Glastonbury on the trail of the Descendants of the Round Table. Given how far they have come to retrieve the sword, putting an end to their plots has become a priority.
The following day, as you cross the misty countryside of Albion, you hear a worried voice in your head: "Something is wrong! I don't understand..."
The Witnesses find themselves caught in the middle of a Glitch. As they ride across the countryside, the sky is broken by dots of multicolored lights, and strange shapes appear among the clouds.
You are looking up, surprised by sudden flashes disrupting the blue sky above you. Suddenly, what can only be Germanwar planes from WWII burst through the clouds and start firing at you! Ziggy's voice fills your ears: "Bloody hell!"
Special
Until the Witnesses overcome the Survive the Glitch Objective, use the following Setbacks:
FLYING BULLETS (MINOR): Bullets fly. The Witness must make a Reaction check to avoid being injured.
DESYNC GLITCH (MAJOR): Something is definitely wrong with this memory block! The glitch in the simulation erodes the Witness' Synchronization, lowering the Sync level by 1.
Challenges
Machine gun burst: German planes open fire on the Witnesses. Finding cover won't be easy and requires a Reaction with 1 Raise.
Bomb: One of the planes drops a bomb that explodes near the Witnesses, hurling shrapnel and earth in every direction.
After a brief moment of confusion, everything returns to normal. Ziggy's voice resonates with reassurance, "It seems over now. I don't understand what happened, but you shouldn't have any more problems now... I hope."
You continue riding towards Glastonbury. Finally, the majestic abbey comes into view, the ominous emblem of Mordred adorning its sides.
The Witnesses must gain access to the abbey and defeat Mordred. There are many ways in. They could go straight to the front door, facing the majority of the knights right away. They could also climb to a window on the side or gain entry via the roof.
Outside the building, some guards patrol the perimeter. As fire lights filter from the windows of the abbey, you can spot a window on the structure's highest floor.
Challenges
Patrols: The perimeter of the abbey is patrolled by three groups, each composed of a knight and a squire. The patrols fulfill their duties diligently, yet they have never had any trouble before, and are not particularly experienced. Therefore, any Stealth check made to complete this Challenge has 1 Free Raise.
Guards: At the entrance of the abbey, a pair of lackadaisical squires stand guard. Engrossed in an animated conversation, they discuss the ongoing sword quest undertaken by the knights. However, one of the squires, unconvinced of the sword's purported magic, dismisses the entire endeavor as a futile waste of the knights' time.
Weaknesses
Challenge Mordred (major): One possibility to enter is to issue a formal challenge, appealing to the honor and reputation of Mordred. This will allow the Witnesses to enter the abbey and overcome any challenges needed. If this Weakness is exploited by the PCs, then the Reinforcements Setback is triggered and Alston the Black arrives to fight as Mordred's champion (see Notable NPCs and Setbacks, below).
The Descendants of the Round Table intend to conquer all of Britain, and if they were to get hold of the Sword of Mars, they would become a truly unstoppable threat. Defeating their leader is the only way to stop them. 'Mordred' is actually a woman, Lady Elaine Pendragon.
The abbey's chambers abound with supplies and materials, likely acquired through recent raids. Intricate tapestries grace the interior walls, portraying a version of the Arthurian legend where Mordred takes center stage, underscoring the significance of this enigmatic cult.
Challenges
Defeat Mordred's Chosen Knights: These four heavily armored and highly skilled knights are Mordred's defenders. Therefore, this Challenge requires at least 2 separate Approach checks to be overcome. Also, due to their combat prowess and coordination, any Action check made to oppose them in combat requires 1 Raise.
Fight Mordred: Lady Elaine is a formidable opponent, a true heir to not just because of her training but also because Isu blood courses through her veins. Therefore, any check made to overcome this Challenge requires 1 Raise.
Weaknesses
Flames and Smoke (minor): Stealthily setting fire to supplies might draw most of the knights' attention elsewhere. The building will also quickly fill up with smoke, making sneaking easier. Therefore, any Stealth check made inside the building has 1 Free Raise.
Once Mordred is defeated, As the Witnesses make their way out of Glastonbury, Niamh intercepts Eivor with a determined look in her eyes:
"This sword is far too potent to risk it falling into the wrong hands," she utters, her tone unwavering. "The Women of the Mists and I shall safeguard it, but I need you to aid in ensuring its protection." With that, Niamh opens her hands, revealing the pommel of her sword. "Find a suitable location to hide this piece far from here."
Eivor's gaze locks with Niamh's, her features tense with mixed emotions. "You first snatched away my sword, and now you charge me with concealing this fragment? Bah. I plan to depart Albion soon and return to Paris. It will be a good place to find a secure hiding spot."
Lady Elaine Pendragon descends in direct line from Mordred, the son of King Arthur. She fights as a fully armed and armored knight, bearing the crests of her ancestor. She's a tall woman, a born leader, capable of inciting her followers to a frenzy. Driven by a thirst for power, she is focused on obtaining the legendary sword, Excalibur, at all costs.
Alston is a skilled and valiant knight. He is also Mordred's husband, and once he joins the fray, he will fight to the death to defend her.
If one of the players has selected Eivor as their Witness, the Reader can now give the Sword of Mars Piece of Eden card (from the Animi Network Card Deck or via the Assassin’s Creed RPG App) to that player. From now on, the Witness can select this Piece of Eden card and activate it at will.
