The Knights of the Round Table

Lore & Background

The Knights claim a lineage stretching back to the days of King Arthur, though their true origins are far more sinister. They were formed not by chivalric code, but by a pact with the remnants of the Hyperboreans, an ancient civilization that once ruled the earth before vanishing. Over centuries, the group has infiltrated governments and archaeological societies, positioning themselves to be the first to discover lost tombs containing the keys to eternal life. Their philosophy is rooted in the belief that humanity is stagnant and must be guided by a select few who possess the power of the ancients. This ideology drives them to commit atrocities, including assassinations, thefts, and the destruction of entire cultures that stand in their way. They view artifacts not as history, but as tools for conquest, believing that whoever controls the Hyperborean technology controls the fate of the world.

In Their Own Story

The rain lashed against the stone walls of the crumbling temple on El Dorado, masking the sound of heavy boots echoing through the dark corridor. A Knight in black armor adjusted his grip on a ceremonial blade, his eyes fixed on the glowing artifact embedded in the altar. "It is done," he whispered to the shadows, knowing the Master was listening from afar. The air hummed with an unnatural energy as the stone began to shift, revealing a path that had been sealed for millennia. They were moments away from unlocking the secret of immortality, unaware that a lone shadow was watching from the rafters above, ready to strike.

Reader's Guide

The primary goal of the Knights is to secure Hyperborean artifacts to achieve immortality and reshape reality according to their will. Their hierarchy is strictly organized, with a public leader like Zachary Chase managing operations while a mysterious 'Master' pulls the strings from the shadows. Key members include specialized agents trained in combat and archaeology, often recruited from disgraced academics or mercenaries. They operate globally, using front companies and hidden bases within active archaeological sites to mask their true intentions. Their methods involve ruthless efficiency, eliminating rivals and destroying evidence of their presence. For Lara Croft, the Knights represent a personal vendetta after they killed her father. Their pursuit of dangerous artifacts forces her to travel across the globe, from Peru to Egypt, solving ancient puzzles while engaging in high-stakes combat. Defeating them requires not only physical skill but also intellectual prowess to outmaneuver their centuries-old plans.

Did You Know?

• The organization's name is a deliberate nod to Arthurian legend, though their actions are the antithesis of chivalry.
• They control the flow of information regarding Hyperborean history, often suppressing discoveries that could expose them.
• Their defeat in 'Legend' leads to the fragmentation of the group, with remnants appearing in later storylines as independent threats.
• The Knights believe that the modern world is unworthy of the power they seek, justifying their authoritarian methods.