Blackguard

Blackguard is an NPC and an enemy in Megido: Abyss.

## **Blackguard Information**

Blackguard can be encountered in Derelict Bastille, locked away in a cell in a room hidden behind some crates right before the room with the large pit containing Hollows and Bandits on the wooden platforms. Progressing in certain stages of his quest will cause him invade in Windfall Canyon or Ironvale Quarry for his first fight, and in Phantasmagoria for his second.

### Blackguard's Lore

Blackguard's armor set reveals two major details, his helm is one that is given to dangerous criminals, and the rest of his set belongs to a prison guard. From the Essence of the Magistrate, it is shown that the bastilles are of Darkwater origin, used to imprison those that opposed Luveno, and by extension the Abyss itself. With this information and Blackguard's apparent obsession with the Abyss, it makes it unlikely for him to be prisoner for the purpose of opposing Illusion, but instead someone that has been imprisioned far more recently.

As Blackguard states himself, he is very aware and unapologetic of his actions, to the point where he openly reveals his intentions at the end of his questline - to spread the influence of the Abyss. It can be assumed that Blackguard himself is a servant of the abyss, not unlike the Mimic.

## Blackguard's Quest

* Prequest Dialogue
	+ Blackguard:
* Obtain Cell Block Key from Verdant Bastille. Free Blackguard in Derelict Bastille.
* Talk to Blackguard.
	+ Dialogue:
		- Blackguard: You have my gratitude. Now, I may return to slaughtering innocent people.
		- Blackguard: Starting with you!!! [...]
		- Blackguard: ...is what I would like to say. However, it seems my equipment was stolen from me when I was imprisoned here.
		- Blackguard: You there. I order you to bring me equipment. [...]
		- Blackguard: I'll need a main hand weapon, an off hand weapon or shield, and a full set of armor.
		- Blackguard: Show them to me when you are prepared. [...]
	+ Exhausted Dialogue:
		- I'll need a main hand weapon, an off hand weapon or shield, and a full set of armor.
		- Blackguard: Show them to me when you are prepared. [...]
* Give Blackguard: an armor set, main hand weapon, and off hand weapon or shield. Items given will not be obtainable until later.
	+ Dialogue:
		- Giving Blackguard an armor piece (one of the two will be said):
			* Blackguard: Excellent. I will equip them at once.
			* Blackguard: Excellent. I will equip it at once.
		- Giving Blackguard a weapon:
			* Blackguard: Magnificent. A fine weapon indeed.
			* Blackguard: 'twill look glorious cutting through your flesh.
		- Giving Blackguard two weapons:
			* Blackguard: Ah, of course. You make a good point; no need for a shield.
			* Blackguard: Dual weapons is truly the warrior's way.
		- Giving Blackguard a shield:
			* **placeholder**
		- After Blackguard has recived all his requested equipment:
			* Blackguard: Acceptable job, knave. Now, you and all others will meet your end at my blade!
			* Blackguard: Only, give me a while to adjust myself to my new surroundings... I have been imprisoned for as long as I can remember, after all.
			* Blackguard: Begone with you! I will find you and destroy you when the time is right.
		- Exhausted Dialouge:
			* Blackguard: Begone with you! I will find you and destroy you when the time is right.
* Defeat Blackguard at either Windfall Canyon or Ironvale Quarry after being invaded.
* Talk to Blackguard again in the cell where you found him. All items given will be returned. The main hand weapon will be upgraded to +5 if it hasn't already.
	+ Dialogue:
* Defeat Blackguard in Phantasmagoria located on the roof top.
* Talk to Blackguard again, he would have once again retreated back to his cell in Derelict Bastille.
	+ Dialogue:
		- Blackguard: Truly, I fear my days of slaughtering innocents are numbered...
		- Blackguard: The smithies of this world are insufficient to produce equipment for the likes of me... [...]
		- Blackguard: Perhaps... yes, it is the answer I was seeking all along!
		- Blackguard: You will become my protégé. Yes, I understand you must feel humbled at the prospect.
		- Blackguard: Now, take these. You will understand my thirst for blood soon enough.
			* (You will be given Blackguard's Twinspear after this piece of dialogue.)
		- Blackguard: Go, my disciple! Kill and slaughter! Spread the Abyss throughout the land!

* Postquest Dialogue
	+ Blackguard: What are you waiting for?! Go slaughter innocents!

## Attacks

### First Encounter

* Single Melee: Blackguard swings his weapon at you.
* Combo Strike (if given two weapons instead of a weapon+shield): Blackguard rapidly strikes twice with the his two equiped weapons.
* Dash:
* Parry (if given a shield capable of parrying): Blackguard parries, if attacked during his parry frames, you will be put in a riposte-able state. Blackguard's parrying frames depend on the shield you've given him.

### Second Encounter

* Healing Fruit: Blackguard consumes a healing fruit, replenishing a large portion of his health.
* Single Melee: Blackguard swings his weapon at you.
* Dash:
* Duel Strike: Blackguard utilises the unique duel attack of his twinspears.

## Drops

* Blackguard's Helm (Second encounter, 100%)
* Blackguard's Chestplate (Second encounter, 100%)
* Blackguard's Leggings (Second encounter, 100%)
* Blackguard's Boots (Second encounter, 100%)

## Strategy/Tips

* To make his first encounter easier, it is best to give Blackguard the tattered cloth and the ragged set for the remaining armor pieces.
	+ If you are using elemental damage, you could additionally choose armor pieces specifically weak to that element (refer to the armor page for specific armor details).
	+ It is also recommended to give Blackguard a greatshield, as he is incapable of blocking damage, and only uses shields for parrying.
	+ As for weapons, if you do not care about free upgrades, it would be best to give him a weapon with little range and single-hit damage, such as Bone Fragment.
		- Any whip will also work well in trivialising his first duel, as he will not position himself to the whip's unique range mechanic.
* If you choose in engage in combat with Blackguard in Ironvale, he can be lured into the lava pit near the center of the room.