Kinshra

This article is about the organisation as a whole. For the individuals that make up the order, see Black Knight (disambiguation).

This article or section contains information from Betrayal at Falador, Return to Canifis, and/or Legacy of Blood. It is generally considered canon, unless contradicted in-game, in which case the game takes precedence.

This article or section contains information from RuneScape: The Gift of Guthix. It is generally considered canon, unless contradicted in-game, in which case the game takes precedence.

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A typical Kinshra soldier.

The Kinshra (meaning "the ones that spark the fire"), often referred to as the Black Knights, are a militant Zamorakian Order founded in the early Fifth Age. They can be found mainly in their fortress on Ice Mountain, their secret base deep in the heart of the Taverley dungeon and in the Wilderness.

History

The Kinshra Order was founded in the early 5th age by Sanafin Valzin, the disgraced daughter of a wealthy Misthalanian noble family. She had come to the lands of the Asgarn in the hope that her influence would one day give rise to a Kingdom grounded in Zamorakian ideals. Under her command, the Kinshra fought for Chieftain Raddallin alongside the White Knights during the War of Unification in order to establish the Kingdom of Asgarnia in year 8 of the Fifth Age. The conflicting ideals of the Kinshra and the White Knights led to a bitter rivalry between the two Orders, but they continued working together under the command of the king for decades, defending Asgarnia in many subsequent conflicts. Valzin held the rank of Grand Mashall and was one of King Raddallin's closest friends and advisors. The king attributed many of his successes to her shrewd military and political mind.

Following the Fremennik Great Invasion, Valzin's relationship with Raddallin began to deteriorate. In one of the war's last battles in 62, the city of Falador was besieged by Fremennik forces and defended by the White Knights. The Fremennik would have breached the city if the Kinshra forces had not returned just in time to flank the Fremennik. When the time came to celebrate the end of the war, however, the Kinshra's role in defending the city was not recognised. In a public ceremony, Raddallin, acting on the suggestion of the predominantly Saradominist Council of Falador, commended the White Knights and their leader Grand Master Perior. Speaking on behalf of the council, he named them the defenders of the city and presented Sir Perior with a magnificent sword. Upon receiving this honour, Perior only thanked Saradomin. The lack of recognition angered Valzin, who had also grown suspicious of the growing influence of Saradominists. She feared that Raddallin acquiescing to the Saradominists would eventually lead to them dominating Asgarnia at the expense of Zamorakians, as she had experienced in Misthalin. Raddallin spent years trying to mend his bond with Valzin, commissioning an even better sword for her than the one given to Perior. She had become like a daughter to him and he even announced her as his heir. Valzin declined, however, and convinced Raddalin to name the wizard Ilme as heir instead. Valzin preferred being the power behind the throne rather than the one on it.

Whether motivated primarily by personal or political grievances, Valzin's animosity towards Raddallin eventually culminated in an attempt on his life shortly after the destruction of the Wizards' Tower in the year 70. Her assassination attempt was stopped and exposed by Ilme. Despite the assassination attempt, Raddallin still had some fondness for Valzin, declaring that he would remember the person she had been rather than the person she had become. The Kinshra were exiled from Falador, but Raddallin arranged for the construction of their fortress on the slopes of Ice Mountain. The Kinshra would retain some political influence in the kingdom, but it would deteriorate over the years.

The Kinshra briefly formed an alliance with the Zamorakian mage Solus Dellagar in the year 161, and together attacked the Misthalanian settlement known then colloquially as Edgeville. The reason for this attack is unknown. The White Knights responded in defence of the settlement, and shortly thereafter Dellagar betrayed his allies and began attacking all present indiscriminately. The battle went on for several days, during which time the sky reportedly raged with all manner of colourful spectres. Rumours spread through nearby towns and mistrust of mages grew. Dellagar was finally disarmed and apprehended by the White Knights, resulting in his permanent exile. After the battle had concluded, a Fremennik scouting party from nearby Gunnarsgrun arrived and confirmed an estimate of somewhere between 800 and 2400 dead- civilians, White Knights and Kinshra alike. These events would infamously come to be known as the Edgeville incident.

By the year 162, King Vallance, the current King of Asgarnia, had fallen ill in his old age. The White Knights began to rule Asgarnia on his behalf, though some have charged them with manipulating and taking advantage of the old king. The next year, in 163, the White Knights declared that the Kinshra should not have any more political influence. In response, the then-leader of the Kinshra, Lord Milton, declared war on Falador.

In 164, Milton was assassinated by Lord Sulla, who then took command of the Kinshra. A subsequent series of attacks followed suit, which would thereafter be known as the War of 164. Under the command of Sulla, the Kinshra attacked villages and settlements across the northern Asgarnian region, including the Edgeville Monastery and Taverley. They also launched a covert attack on Burthorpe with the help of a witch called The Sybil, with the intent of manipulating the Crown Prince Anlaf by sending disturbing dreams which told him to turn to Zamorak and aid the Kinshra in their war. Hesitant, Anlaf continued his stance of diplomatic neutrality, to the outcry of Burthorpe's people. Lord Radebaugh and several other Imperial Guards would later disobey the Prince's orders and ride to battle alongside Kara-Meir, Squire Theodore and a detachment of the Dwarven Black Guard.

The Kinshra would eventually mount their final attack upon the capital city of Falador, bolstering their forces with the aid of the Chaos Dwarves and their artillery, Wilderness Berserkers and several goblin tribes. The battle ended with a pyrrhic Asgarnian victory and the defeat of Lord Sulla, though the Kinshra were successful in securing information as to the whereabouts of the Wand of Resurrection, which they would attempt to use to their advantage in future attacks.

In the year following the War, the Kinshra would parley with representatives of Misthalin to negotiate the extradition of their former Lord Sulla in exchange for their aid in the coming war against Morytania. King Roald could not afford to decline, but could not accept without spurning his White Knight allies, who he would also depend upon in the coming conflict. Instead he sent Kara-Meir, hoping this slight would cause them to turn away unwilling to cooperate. Despite this, the Kinshra did not back down and were able to deliver a supply of Rune Essence taken from the Untainted to the Temple of Paterdomus, where it was used to re-sanctify the River Salve and definitively secure a Misthalinian victory.

Some time later, the White Knights launched their own series of attacks intending to capture various high-ranking Kinshra officers alive in a mission known as the Dawn Ascent. One such notable officer was the Knight Iban, who was said to have slain hundreds. He refused to surrender and was killed by Sir Owen Sonde with an arrow to the skull in the ensuing battle. Sir Owen was expelled from the White Knights for his dishonourable actions.

At some point after this, Lord Daquarius reevaluated the Kinshra policies on admittance and allowed women and mages to join their Order, though many of his subordinates would take great offence to this.

Recent activities

Throughout the events of the game, the Kinshra can be observed in multiple circumstances.

• In Heroes' Quest a Black Knight called Hartigen is sent to Brimhaven to serve the pirate Scarface Pete, but is waylaid by the Black Arm Gang.
• In Holy Grail a Black Knight Titan is sent to the Fisher Realm in order to stop the White Knights from retrieving the Holy Grail.
• In Wanted! their former alliance with Solus Dellagar during the Edgeville Incident is addressed both when Solus infiltrates the Kinshra's Secret Base and when the player questions Lord Daquarius.
• In King's Ransom, the Kinshra work with Morgan le Faye and the Sinclair children to capture King Arthur and takeover Camelot.
• in Wolf Whistle the druid Pikkupstix states that some of his assistants were taken as slaves by the Kinshra in a recent raid.
• The Kinshra are involved in While Guthix Sleeps.
• In A Void Dance the Kinshra orchestrate an attack on the civilians of Falador by poisoning them with the discharge of an escaped Void Leech, cleverly hidden within the puzzle boxes sold by Ali Tist.
• In The Void Stares Back the Kinshra join in the temporary Knight Alliance of 169 in order to apprehend Wizard Melville Grayzag, who was complicit in their plan to attack Falador using the void goo. Thereafter, they help defeat the Pest Queen. Depending on the player's actions, Grayzag may be tortured to death by the Kinshra.
• The Kinshra were the main Zamorakian combatants in the Battle of Lumbridge, fighting the forces of Saradomin and Lumbridge to amass power in the name of their god under command of the half-Mahjarrat Moia. They were defeated.
• In The Death of Chivalry the Kinshra locate the Tomb of the Fallen with information stolen during the War of 164. They had recently raided several White Knight outposts, intending to capture Saradominists alive, as part of plan to use Elora's Wand to raise an undead army and attack Asgarnia.
• The Kinshra once again invaded Falador, raiding the city in search of the Banner of Raddallin, a massively powerful relic which once flew at the highest peak of the White Knights' Castle. under explicit orders to keep civilian casualties to a minimum. They were defeated.
• In Dishonour among Thieves Zamorak himself calls upon Lord Daquarius to secure the Stone of Jas for him. Daquarius joins the team after quelling a rebellion within his secret base.
• The Kinshra fight under the command of the Twin Furies in the Heart of Gielinor, securing control points and attempting to amass Anima.
• Evie Higgs, a Kinshra Deserter, acts as the Bosun of the Sarim's Revenge in the Tales of the Arc quest series. She hopes to find her brother Jacob Higgs, a fellow Kinshra footman and Asgarnian prisoner.
• In Sliske's Endgame Zamorak appears before his faithful in the Black Knights' Fortress. The Kinshra accompany him through Sliske's Labyrinth, fighting for him against Saradomin, Seren and Zaros.
• In Evil Dave's Big Day Out the Kinshra are mobilised to fight against the White Knights during the Assault on Zamorak's Fortress. They suffer heavy casualties.
• In Curse of the Black Stone the Kinshra rally under Lieutenant Crane, who breaks ranks and murders Commandant Bletchley as revenge for mutilating her sister Tessa. They assist the raiding party in their fight through the Shadow Reef.
• In Desperate Times Lord Daquarius appears on the Council of Seren representing the Kinshra. He cannot offer any aid to the cause, but can be seen later discussing how to bolster his forces.
• In the Archaeology skill, players may donate artefacts found in the ruins of the Star Lodge and the Infernal Source to the Kinshra's Chief Requisitions Officer, Isaura Wabub, though she refuses to share what they are being used for. In exchange, the player may be issued a string of Abyssal thread and a piece of headwear called Ariadne's Diadem as well as the usual chronotes and tetracompass pieces.

Current standing

The Kinshra are one of the most feared groups of warriors throughout the Central Kingdoms, not only for their fighting prowess but also for the ruthless tactics they employ, including the raiding and burning of villages, torture, chemical warfare, slavery, human sacrifice and mutilation. They have been known to implement these techniques on civilians as well as armed opponents in their campaign to conquer Asgarnia. Their methods are likely a result of their adherence to the teachings of Bishop Lungrim. Though they have seemingly proven quite effective, they also inspire a great deal of disloyalty, and the Kinshra have been known to betray one another for personal gain. The current Lord of the Kinshra, Daquarius Rennard, is a young and unconventional leader however. While his actions are typical of the Kinshra, he utilizes such tactics as he believes chaos is a necessary force of nature rather than a force of evil. According to the Temple Knights, these ideals make him a "predictable and easily manipulated enemy that is worth keeping in place" despite the White Knights still actively seeking his capture and execution for his crimes against the state.

The Kinshra maintain themselves through powerful connections. In addition to the many spies and informants in their employ, the group is currently associated with multiple other organisations, many of which also keep to the teachings of Zamorak, including the ZMI, Dark Warriors, the Phoenix Gang and Dagon'hai. They are also allies of the Mahjarrat Lucien and are known to extort members of the court of Misthalin to great effect.

Little is known of the Kinshra's internal structure, however they do not refer to themselves with titles of nobility but rather by military rank. It is likely they swear some sort of vows upon being Knighted, though the distinct nature of what these vows might be remains unknown. They do not seem to be bound by the same code of conduct as their White Knight counterparts, and their Knighthood does not appear to be a life-long commitment.

They struggle with recruitment due to poor public relations and lack of support, but they are known to have their slaves fight for them. They also are known to engage in the spread of propaganda in the interest of swaying public opinion to a more positive light.

Notable members

Key figures

• High Marshal Sanafin Valzin† (Founder of the Kinshra)
• Lord Shadwell† (Former Lord of the Kinshra until 163)
• Lord Milton† (Former Lord of the Kinshra until killed in 164)
• Lord Sulla† (Former Lord of the Kinshra until Wintumber 164)
• Lord Daquarius (Lord of the Kinshra as of Wintumber 164)
• Captain Dulcin†
• Evie Higgs (Former)

Knights

• Champion Blacklock
• Commandant Bletchley†
• Commander Colby
• Lieutenant Crane
• Lieutenant Graves
• Iban† (officer until killed in the Dawn Ascent, resurrected, then killed again in 169)
• Isaura Wabub
• Lieutenant York
• Jacob Higgs(Former)
• Ajjat (former)
• Hartigen (former)
• Tessa (former recruit turned slave)

Novels

• Lady Anne† (spy)
• Guy†
• Gaius†
• Gilbert†
• Hazlard
• Helmut†
• Lord Hyett†
• Sir Finistere† (spy)

Unnamed

• Black Knight Champion
• Black Knight Doorkeeper
• Black Knight Guard
• Black Knight Guardian
• Black Knight Titan
• Elite Black Knight
• Father
• Fortress Guard
• Mother
• Preaching Black Knight
• Zamorakian field medic
• Zamorakian footsoldier
• Zamorakian gatherer
• Zamorakian marauder
• Zamorakian minelayer
• Zamorakian rogue
• Zamorakian sharpshooter
• Zamorakian sniper
• Zamorakian warlock

Bases

The Kinshra have several well-defended bases. The Black Knights' Fortress is located near Ice Mountain and is a small establishment. It, however, contains a basement which leads to a huge underground catacomb, which is the base of operations of Dark Squall and the Elite Dark Warriors. The Black Knights' Base, located deep in Taverley Dungeon is where of the Lord of the Kinshra can currently be found. It contains a passage to the storerooms, where security is maximum. Finally, the Kinshra own a small workshop near their Fortress, where slaves do menial work. It is also securely guarded.

Gallery

• 
  The Black Knights' Fortress
• 
  The Kinshra charge into the Battle of Lumbridge
• 
  The Kinshra prepare to assault Falador's South Gate during the Invasion of Falador
• 
  The Kinshra planning a revolt
• 
  The Kinshra torturing their prisoner in the Tomb of the Fallen
• 
  A tapestry depicting the Siege of Falador
• 
  Artwork for the Invasion of Falador depicting a Black Knight Champion and a White Knight Champion in combat
• 
  Artwork of the White Knights and The Black Knights (Kinshra) working together
• 
  The Kinshra as seen in artwork for Botany Bay

Trivia

• The Kinshra use a standard military ranking system, referring to one another with titles such as "Lieutenant" or "Sergeant". Likewise, they do not use the typical "Sir" or "Lady" honorific titles as many of the other Orders around the world do.
• In the Siege scenario of the now removed Mobilising Armies minigame, it was rumoured that the castle protected a rogue Knight who was exiled for treason against the King of Asgarnia. It is possible this may have been one of the Kinshra.
• The Black Knights appeared as a Zamorakian unit in the FunOrb game Armies of Gielinor.
• Moia seems to wear part of the Kinshra armour on her right arm.
• In the Postbag from the Hedge 42, Lucien says '...the Black Knights have been more politically motivated of late by their ongoing persecution at the hands of those hypocrites, the White Knights, and their masters, the Temple Knights, whose machinations will only be to your detriment.'
• The Lord of the Kinshra is distinguished by a signet ring, which has been passed from Lord to Lord for many years.