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The Way Forward

2026-04-03T05:18:49Z

184.23.183.13: /* Achievements */

{{story infobox
| id = 477
| storyline = Path of Fire
| year = 1330
| chapter number = 8
| location = Free City of Amnoon; Elon Riverlands; Kesho
| level = 80
| prev = Facing the Truth
| next = The Departing
| gallery1 = The Way Forward map.jpg
| gallery1-text = Route for NPCs
| gallery2 = The Way Forward loading screen.jpg
| gallery2-text = Loading screen
| requires = pof
}}
[[The Way Forward]] is the eighth chapter of the [[Path of Fire]] [[Story Journal#Path of Fire story|storyline]].

== Objectives ==
'''Somewhere in the Desert'''
* Check in with a scout in the Elon Riverlands to start your search.
* Optional: Speak to Zalambur before entering the Elon Riverlands.
* Ask around the Elon Riverlands for any useful information.
* Ask around the Elon Riverlands for more information on a lost city.
* Ask around the Elon Riverlands to determine the location of Kesho, the lost Forgotten city.
* Go to the skimmer ranch and ask about Kesho.
* Search the western desert for the entrance to Kesho.
* Find the fissure that leads to the entrance to Kesho.
* Search the caverns for the entrance to Kesho.

'''The Forgotten City'''
* Leap into the pit leading to Kesho.
* Scour Kesho for information.
* Restore the power to Kesho.
* Investigate the Exalted.
* Defeat the three Forged Exalted. {{event bar empty}}{{event swords}}
* Ask the Exalted about Kesho.
* Lead Sadizi to one of the pedestals.
* Listen to Sadizi as he channels the pedestal.
* Lead Sadizi to another pedestal.
* Listen to Sadizi as he channels the pedestal.
* Lead Sadizi to one of the pedestals, or go down the hallway to learn the Forgotten's plan.
* Listen to Sadizi as he channels the pedestal.
* Lead Sadizi to one of the pedestals, or go down the hallway to learn the Forgotten's plan.
* Listen to Sadizi as he channels the pedestal.
* Lead Sadizi to one of the pedestals, or go down the hallway to learn the Forgotten's plan.
* Listen to Sadizi as he channels the pedestal.
* Go down the hallway to learn the Forgotten's plan.
* Defeat the Forged sentry. {{event bar empty}}{{event swords}}
* Break down the door.
* Activate the pedestal.
* Discuss what you've learned.

== Rewards ==
* {{rewards item|Forgotten Holdings}}

== Walkthrough ==
=== Elon Riverlands ===
There are many NPCs which have markers above their heads indicating that they are able to offer advice within the zone, some more useful than others. Speaking to the following NPCs in order will minimise the number of conversations:

* [[Herder Tarrik]] - the scout that you encounter when entering the [[Elon Riverlands]].
* [[Follower Xunn]] - west and slightly south from Tarrik. Recommends that you speak with Glokk (and adds a green circle around him to your map).
* [[Scholar Glokk]] - southwest of Augury Rock. Glokk advises you to ask the locals about a lost city.
* [[Nyala]] - in the big tent at [[First Camp]]. She directs you to the refugee camp to the south, at [[Arid Gladefields]].
* [[Exile (The Way Forward)|Exile]] - in an eastern tent in the refugee camp, north of the waterline.
* [[Elder Muriel]] - sitting just beside the exile. She tells you about [[Kesho]], the city of the [[Forgotten]].
* [[Assistant Foreman Kofi]] - the renown heart NPC at the western side of the same camp. He recommends you get a [[Skimmer]].
* [[Skimmer Trainer Ardra]] - by the [[Skimmer Ranch]] Waypoint. If it's your first time through the story, you'll need to obtain a Skimmer by completing the heart.
* [[Defector Harun]] - head north out of the ranch across the river of quicksand to the marked area. Harun suggests you look in a cleft in the sand.

Astride your skimmer, descend into the cavern opening to find an underground network of quicksand-filled caverns. Move south towards [[Sandwallow Retreat]]. Enter the hole and the story instance.
{{bug|When replaying the story for achievements, the entrance point for the instance is obstructed by an updraft of sand unless all previous objectives in the chapter are complete.}}

=== Forgotten City of Kesho ===
Interact with the Exalted Pedestal, then ascend to a ledge in the southeast near a glowing dust cloud, dropping through it. Then pick up the Power Cell under an awning near where you drop down, and activate the Exalted Pedestal. This pedestal is directly NW of the awning which is in the SE corner.

Move to the now-revealed Exalted, [[Sadizi]], who tasks you with destroying the three [[Forged Exalted]] you just powered up. After they're destroyed, lead him to one pedestal after another (at least two, or all five if you want to hear all the lore, and get an achievement).

Enter the hallway and defeat the [[Forged Sentry]] there. Smash the door and activate the winged artifact. After a cutscene, and some more conversation, the mission ends.

=== Achievements ===
<div id="achievementcontrol"></div>{{account achievements widget}}
{{achievement box|The Way Forward}}
* Complete the mission.

{{achievement box|Fast Asleep}}
* The [[Forged Exalted]] will awaken when their stacks of {{effect|Waking Up}} reaches 100. Try to be near one of the pedestals before they turn hostile so you can begin bursting as soon as possible.

{{achievement box|Guided Remembrance}}
* The mission objectives will update after leading [[Sadizi]] to only two {{icon|story}} pedestals; lead him to all five before entering the hallway. They will be marked clearly on your minimap.

{{achievement box|Walk a Fine Line}}
* The objective is to scale the jumping puzzle on the walls of the chamber up to the rope at the very top of the south/southeast wall to reach the platform under the hole in the ceiling where you fell from, with the beam of light through its center.
* The puzzle can be started to the south with a Springer with no Mastery upgrades. Springer Jump onto the bent/leaning palm tree, then onto the stone ledge. Proceed up the first black rope tied to the base of the gold pillar to begin the climb.
* Follow the path up along the wall. You can walk on the black ropes that are strung all around the room
* Skyscale trivializes this jumping puzzle. Also note, you can glide in here and doing this as a Mesmer and placing portals before tricky jumps can be effective to recover.

== NPCs ==
=== Crystal Oasis and Elon Riverlands ===
==== Allies ====
;[[Asura]]
* [[Follower Xunn]]
* [[Scholar Glokk]]
* [[Scholar Murro]]
* [[Scholar Nimmin]]

;[[Charr]]
* [[Follower Lucius Anvilblade]]

;[[Norn]]
* [[Follower Dawnwynn]]

; [[Human]]s
* [[Adisa]]
* [[Assistant Foreman Kofi]]
* [[Defector]]
* [[Defector Harun]]
* [[Ebele]]
* [[Elder Muriel]]
* [[Exile (The Way Forward)|Exile]]
* [[Herder Tarrik]]
* [[Imani]]
* [[Juma]]
* [[Nyala]]
* [[Orphan]]
* [[Skimmer Trainer Ardra]]
* [[Zalambur]]

=== Kesho ===
==== Allies ====
;[[Asura]]
* [[Taimi]] (voice only)

;[[Dragon]]s
* [[Vlast]] (voice only)

;[[Exalted]]
* [[Sadizi]]

;[[Forgotten]]
* [[Champion Branded Josso Essher|Josso Essher]] (voice only)

==== Foes ====
;[[Forged]]
* [[Forged Exalted]]
* [[Forged Sentry]]

== Objects ==
* [[Chamber Door]]
* [[Exalted Pedestal]]
* [[Power Cell]]
* [[Strange Burning Scroll]]
* [[Worn Journal (The Way Forward)|Worn Journal]]

== Dialogue ==
=== Zalambur's Office instance ===
:'''Zalambur:''' Ah, [[Pact Commander|Commander]]—a little bird told me you and your friends went on a [[Facing the Truth|pilgrimage]] to [[the Mists]].
:'''Zalambur:''' I am pleased, and a little surprised, to see that you survived the journey. What can I do for you?
:'''<Character name>:''' We're combing the desert in search of...something.
:'''Zalambur:''' You're in luck. I have loads of something. You're welcome to peruse it at your leisure.
:'''Zalambur:''' This is the part where you clarify your statement and tell me what you're actually looking for.
:'''<Character name>:''' What do you know about the Riverlands? Are there any...peculiarities I should know about?
:'''Zalambur:''' Hm...well, there's a lot of history in those parts—the kind of history that attracts treasure hunters.
:'''Zalambur:''' Occasionally, one would pass through the [[Grand Sahil Casino|Grand Sahil]] on their way south, eyes alight with visions of gold and glory.
:'''<Character name>:''' Did they find anything?
:'''Zalambur:''' Don't know, I'm afraid. But I know someone who might. A [[Durmand Priory]] scholar stationed out that way, name of Glokk.
:'''Zalambur:''' If anybody can point you in the right direction, it'd be him. Good luck!

=== Elon Riverlands ===
;Upon entering the Riverlands
:'''<Character name>:''' All right. Now where do I start?
:'''<Character name>:''' Maybe a scout can point me in the right direction.

;Speaking with Herder Tarrik
:'''Herder Tarrik:''' The [[Followers of Ascension]] are constantly seeking different methods to reach [[ascension]]. [[Follower Xunn]] and his [[golem]] collect [[Forgotten]] glyphs in hopes of decoding their secrets. Follower Dawnwynn fights to clear [[Augury Rock]] of the [[Branded]] in an effort to further her legend. And Follower Adisa searches for [[Sliver of Vlast|Slivers]] of [[Vlast]] for Follower Lucius Anvilblade to weaponize.
:'''Herder Tarrik:''' At [[Augury's Shadow]] are several other [[Tyria]]ns who have come to seek Ascension.
:'''Herder Tarrik:''' West of there is the [[First Camp]], where you'll find Followers that were here before the Tyrians arrived.
:'''Herder Tarrik:''' Far to the south are refugees from [[Palawa Joko|Joko]]'s kingdom. They may know of other places of power.

;Speaking with Wazzir
:'''Wazzir:''' King Joko exiled all of us to this work farm. Our Sunspear friend Olishar helps exiles defect, and Mom and I help him.
:'''Wazzir:''' Far to the north, the Followers of Ascension study Augury Rock to try and contact the gods.
:'''Wazzir:''' Augury's Shadow is a camp built by Tyrians coming to unlock Ascension.
:'''Wazzir:''' Scholars have flocked to Augury Rock to research the old rituals.
:'''Wazzir:''' And others have come seeking adventure and glory.

==== Looking for Scholar Glokk ====
{{section-stub|living world|
* Clarify conditions for the two separate branches of Xunn's dialogue; neither require talking to Zalambur; possibly race, order, or achievement related? Maybe related to the personal story considering that one of the texts refers to the Pact Commander?
* Clarify second Xunn dialogue if learned about Glokk before
* Check the later Xunn dialogues if able to trigger the non-pact-commander dialogue
}}

;Speaking with Scholar Murro
:'''(If spoke with Zalambur)'''
::'''<Character name>:''' I'm looking for a Priory scholar named Glokk...I'm told he knows a great deal about the region. Know where I can find him?
::'''Scholar Murro:''' Glokk's hyperintelligent, but absentminded. Tends to lose himself in his work, and there's plenty to do around here.
:'''(Otherwise)'''
::'''<Character name>:''' I'm looking for... something, supposedly located in the [[Crystal Desert]]. A place of great power, or maybe an object...
::'''Scholar Murro:''' How nondescript! Well, if you're looking for information on the region, the best source would be my superior, Glokk.
::'''Scholar Murro:''' He knows more than most.
::'''<Character name>:''' Hm... Sounds like someone I might want to talk to. Any idea where I could find him?
::'''Scholar Murro:''' Glokk's hyperintelligent, but absentminded. Tends to lose himself in his work, and there's plenty to do around here.

;Speaking with Follower Xunn
:'''Follower Xunn:''' Are you—aren't you the Pact Commander? It's a pleasure to meet you! The name's Xunn. Big fan of your work.
:'''Follower Xunn:''' Something I can help you with?
:'''(If learned about Glokk)'''
::'''<Character name>:''' I'm looking for an associate of yours named Glokk. I'm told he has some information I need.
::'''Follower Xunn:''' Oh no-is he missing again? Again again? I don't think I've never met a more distractible asura.
::'''Follower Xunn:''' Here—I'll mark them on your map. Hope that gets you where you need to go.
:'''(Otherwise)'''
::'''<Character name>:''' I'm scouring the Riverlands for...something. A place of special significance, possibly related to Vlast. Any ideas?
::'''Follower Xunn:''' Hm... Well. I'm pretty focused in my expertise. Forgotten glyphs, mostly.
::'''Follower Xunn:''' If you're looking for someone with the "big picture" on the Crystal Desert, you'll want to talk to [[krewe]] chief Glokk.
::'''<Character name>:''' Where can I find him?
::'''Follower Xunn:''' Here—I'll mark them on your map. Hope that gets you where you need to go.
:'''Follower Xunn:''' And again: big fan! Don't die out there in the wastes!

;Speaking with Follower Xunn if the character has not completed the personal story {{verify|This could be plausible when compared to the other dialogue}}
:'''Follower Xunn:''' You there! You don't look busy. I require your assistance.
:'''<Character name>:''' And I require yours.
:'''<Character name>:''' I'm scouring the Riverlands for a place of special significance. It might be related to Vlast. Anything come to mind?
:'''Follower Xunn:''' Well, that's awfully rude. Getting right to the chase, eh? Your chase, I mean.
:'''<Character name>:''' If you'd like my help, some information might put me in the mood.
:'''Follower Xunn:''' My experience with such matters is strictly scholarly. I've got better things to do than chase myths. So: no.
:'''Follower Xunn:''' Try Augury's Shadow. Someone there might be able to help you.
:'''<Character name>:''' Augury's Shadow? I'll check it out. Thanks.
:'''Follower Xunn:''' Wait, wait—I gave you information. Now what about my plight?
:'''<Character name>:''' It'll have to wait. But perhaps I'll see you later.
:'''Follower Xunn:''' (grumbling) I hate this place.

;Speaking with Follower Dawnwynn
:'''<Character name>:''' I'm scouring the Riverlands for...something. A place of special significance, possible related to Vlast. Any ideas?
:'''Follower Dawnwynn:''' Sorry. I just arrived, so I have no idea what you're talking about. But it sounds interesting. Good luck.

;Speaking with Imani
:'''<Character name>:''' I'm scouring the Riverlands for a place of special significance. It might be related to Vlast. Anything come to mind?
:'''Imani:''' Vlast? I mean, I've heard the legends, but that's all they are. Legends and myths.
:'''<Character name>:''' Myths aren't always fabrications. Some of them end up being true.
:'''Imani:''' Heh, that's for sure. Particularly in these parts. But not all of Nyala's tallest tales are so credible.
:'''Imani:''' Not that it bothers the kids she teaches, of course.
:'''Imani:''' She's in the tent just over there, if you'd like to inquire further.

;Speaking with Nyala
:'''Nyala:''' Greetings, wayfarer. Have you come to join us in the search for Ascension?
:'''<Character name>:''' Maybe later. For now, I need information.
:'''<Character name>:''' I'm scouring the Riverlands for a place of special significance. It might be related to Vlast. Anything come to mind?
:'''Orphan:''' What's that mean? Special significance?
:'''<Character name>:''' Uh... For the purposes of discussion, it means "really interesting."
:'''Orphan:''' But—that could be anything around here!
:'''<Character name>:''' Tell me about it.
:'''Nyala:''' Didn't you see someone with the Durmand Priory the other day? What were they looking for?
:'''Orphan:''' Oh! That's right! A bunch of asura came to the Riverlands. I met one of them! He was mean, but really smart!
:'''Nyala:''' His name is Glokk. He's...a bit impatient, but he knows a lot about the area.
:'''Nyala:''' He came through this way asking vague questions, like you are now.

;Speaking with Juma
:'''<Character name>:''' I'm scouring the Riverlands for a place of special significance. It might be related to Vlast. Anything come to mind?
:'''Juma:''' Vlast, eh? Hm. He was born here, I know that much. In a city that was eventually swallowed by the desert.
:'''Juma:''' Beyond that, it's all rumor and conjecture. Local legends and such.

;Speaking with Follower Lucius Anvilblade
:'''Follower Lucius Anvilblade:''' Ah, a new arrival. Come to help the Followers of Ascension? We could use a pair of hands like yours.
:'''<Character name>:''' Maybe later. For now, I need information.
:'''<Character name>:''' I'm scouring the Riverlands for a place of special significance. It might be related to Vlast. Anything come to mind?
:'''Follower Lucius Anvilblade:''' Vlast? Only that he's from here...but that's about it.
:'''Follower Lucius Anvilblade:''' That's all I know. I'm new here.
:'''<Character name>:''' It's no problem. So am I.
:'''Follower Lucius Anvilblade:''' You know, come to think of it—Follower Adisa knows more about Vlast than any of us.

;Speaking with Adisa
:'''Adisa:''' You there. Have you seen any glimmering scales in your sojourns? I'm collecting Slivers of Vlast from the [[Branded]].
:'''<Character name>:''' I'm afraid not. But I have a question for you.
:'''<Character name>:''' I'm scouring the Riverlands for a place of special significance. It might be related to Vlast. Anything come to mind?
:'''Adisa:''' Well, Vlast was born here. If the place you seek is in the Riverlands, I would hope it has something to do with him.
:'''Adisa:''' Pilgrims came from all over Tyria to see him. The elders used to direct wayward travelers to follow the river.
:'''Adisa:''' Check out the camp west of here. The folks there might know more.

;Speaking with Ebele
:'''<Character name>:''' I'm scouring the Riverlands for a place of special significance. It might be related to Vlast. Anything come to mind?
:'''Ebele:''' Only rumors...and the occasional ravings of treasure hunters passing through.
:'''Ebele:''' But I'm hardly an expert when it comes to the Riverlands—I'd wager the locals know more than I do.

;Speaking with Scholar Nimmin
:'''<Character name>:''' Excuse me. I'm in need of information.
:'''<Character name>:''' I'm scouring the Riverlands for a place of special significance. It might be related to Vlast. Anything come to mind?
:'''Scholar Nimmin:''' Special significance? Well, I did have the most spectacular romantic encounter of my life on an overlook just thataway—
:'''<Character name>:''' Not quite like that. What I mean is—
:'''Scholar Nimmin:''' Let me set the scene for you!
:'''<Character name>:''' Please don't.
:'''Scholar Nimmin:''' Sunset. I'm looking out over the Riverlands, brooding and pensive. A rebel with a heart of gold... If only she would notice.
:'''Scholar Nimmin:''' And just then: she arrives! Dressed to kill and wearing the most alluring fragrance. But why?
:'''<Character name>:''' Please stop talking for a moment.
:'''Scholar Nimmin:''' Then I realize: This is no chance encounter. She's on a mission.
:'''Scholar Nimmin:''' And her sole objective: taming a heart that, by its very nature, must run free.
:'''<Character name>:''' Fantastic. I need to go now.

;Speaking with Assistant Foreman Kofi
:'''Assistant Foreman Kofi:''' Something you need, wayfarer?
:'''<Character name>:''' I'm scouring the Riverlands for a place of special significance. It might be related to Vlast. Anything come to mind?
:'''Assistant Foreman Kofi:''' Related to Vlast? That could be a lot of places around here. He's from the Riverlands, after all—
:'''Assistant Foreman Kofi:''' I'm sorry, he was from the Riverlands. I only recently learned of his [[The Sacrifice|death]], and...
:'''Assistant Foreman Kofi:''' (sigh) These are dark times, indeed.

;Speaking with Scholar Glokk
:'''Scholar Glokk:''' Aaah! Don't you dare sneak up on me like that!
:'''Scholar Glokk:''' You can get yourself killed doing that in a place like this! I'm far more dangerous than I look, you know!
:'''Scholar Glokk:''' I'm sorry. This place has me a bit on edge.
:'''<Character name>:''' I'll wear a bell next time. You're with the Priory, aren't you? I need information.
:'''Scholar Glokk:''' Concerning...?
:'''<Character name>:''' I'm searching the desert for...something.
:'''Scholar Glokk:''' I need more.
:'''<Character name>:''' A place of special significance. Possibly related to the [[dragon]] Vlast.
:'''Scholar Glokk:''' You're not working with much, are you?
:'''Scholar Glokk:''' These lands are rich with history, so that could be any number of... Wait. Vlast, you said?
:'''<Character name>:''' Yes. Anything come to mind?
:'''Scholar Glokk:''' Well, since my arrival I've heard mention here and there of an ancient, lost city somewhere in the Riverlands.
:'''Scholar Glokk:''' A hub of Forgotten activity—or it was before the fall, anyway. Supposedly, Vlast was born there.
:'''Scholar Glokk:''' If you're looking for...how'd you put it? "A place of special significance"? The lost city certainly fits the bill.
:'''<Character name>:''' Sounds like you know a lot about it. Any idea where I can find it?
:'''Scholar Glokk:''' No idea. Hence "heard mention here and there". All I've gathered on the topic is rumor and conjecture.

:'''<Character name>:''' A lost city... That must be what we're looking for. I'd better check with the locals.

==== Looking for the lost city ====
;Speaking with Follower Xunn
:'''(If visited before)'''
::'''<Character name>:''' Excuse me. I have another question for you.
:'''(Otherwise)'''
::'''Follower Xunn:''' You there! You don't look busy. I require your assistance.
::'''<Character name>:''' And I require yours.
:'''<Character name>:''' Do you know anything about a lost city located somewhere in the Riverlands?
:'''Follower Xunn:''' There are all kinds of curiosities in this region. Lost city? Sure, why not? Wouldn't surprise me, anyway.
:'''Follower Xunn:''' But beyond that, no, nothing specific. Ask around Augury's Shadow.

;Speaking with Follower Dawnwynn
:'''(If visited before)'''
::'''<Character name>:''' Excuse me. I have another question for you.
:'''<Character name>:''' Do you know anything about a lost city located somewhere in the Riverlands?
:'''Follower Dawnwynn:''' A lost city? Can't help you. But if you find it, and dangerous things live there, let me know and I'll come running!

;Speaking with Imani
:'''(If visited before)'''
::'''<Character name>:''' Excuse me. I have another question for you.
:'''<Character name>:''' Do you know anything about a lost city located somewhere in the Riverlands?
:'''Imani:''' Lost city? Uh...nothing comes to mind immediately. But I'm hardly an expert.
:'''Imani:''' You should ask Nyala—she's in the tent just over there, tending to the children.

;Speaking with Nyala
:'''(If visited before)'''
::'''<Character name>:''' Excuse me. I have another question for you.
:'''(Otherwise)'''
::'''Nyala:''' Greetings, wayfarer. Have you come to join us in the search for Ascension?
::'''<Character name>:''' Maybe later. For now, I need information.
:'''<Character name>:''' Do you know anything about a lost city located somewhere in the Riverlands?
:'''Orphan:''' What about the Forgotten city? The Forgotten were really interesting! They took care of Vlast since he was born!
:'''<Character name>:''' Sounds like you know a lot about it. Any idea where I can find it?
:'''Orphan:''' Uh...
:'''Nyala:''' What about the river folk? Suppose they might know?
:'''Orphan:''' Oh! Yeah! Go ask the river folk!
:'''Nyala:''' You'll find them south of here, settled along the riverbank. They'll know more about the story.

;Speaking with Juma
:'''(If visited before)'''
::'''<Character name>:''' Excuse me. I have another question for you.
:'''<Character name>:''' Do you know anything about a lost city located somewhere in the Riverlands?
:'''Juma:''' Only lost city I know of is where Vlast was born. The Forgotten city. According to legend, it was reclaimed by the desert.
:'''<Character name>:''' Any idea where it's supposed to be?
:'''Juma:''' Not specifically, but I ran into a couple of treasure hunters looking for it not too long ago.

;Speaking with Follower Lucius Anvilblade
:'''(If visited before)'''
::'''<Character name>:''' Excuse me. I have another question for you.
:'''(Otherwise)'''
::'''Follower Lucius Anvilblade:''' Ah, a new arrival. Come to help the Followers of Ascension? We could use a pair of hands like yours.
::'''<Character name>:''' Maybe later. For now, I need information.
:'''<Character name>:''' Do you know anything about a lost city located somewhere in the Riverlands?
:'''Follower Lucius Anvilblade:''' Lost city... I could swear I had heard something about that from the locals. Apparently, it was where Vlast was born.
:'''Follower Lucius Anvilblade:''' That's the long and short of it, though. Follower Adisa may know more.

;Speaking with Adisa
:'''(If visited before)'''
::'''<Character name>:''' Excuse me. I have another question for you.
:'''(Otherwise)'''
::'''Adisa:''' You there. Have you seen any glimmering scales in your sojourns? I'm collecting Slivers of Vlast from the Branded.
::'''<Character name>:''' I'm afraid not. But I have a question for you.
:'''<Character name>:''' Do you know anything about a lost city located somewhere in the Riverlands?
:'''Adisa:''' Lost city...only rumors. Supposedly there was once a grand city somewhere in the region. Vlast's birthplace.
:'''<Character name>:''' Any idea where it's supposed to be?
:'''Adisa:''' I'm afraid not. But folks in the camp west of here might know more.

;Speaking with Ebele
:'''(If visited before)'''
::'''<Character name>:''' Excuse me. I have another question for you.
:'''<Character name>:''' Do you know anything about a lost city located somewhere in the Riverlands?
:'''Ebele:''' A lost city? I've heard of one here and there, mostly by way of raving treasure hunters passing through.
:'''<Character name>:''' Any idea where it's supposed to be?
:'''Ebele:''' Not exactly, but supposedly there's a sprawling ruin buried in the desert.
:'''Ebele:''' Plenty have come looking, but as far as I know, nobody's actually found it.
:'''<Character name>:''' I appreciate the insight. Be well.

;Speaking with Scholar Nimmin
:'''(If visited before)'''
::'''<Character name>:''' I have a feeling I'm going to regret this, but I have another question for you.
:'''(Otherwise)'''
::'''<Character name>:''' Excuse me. I'm in need of information.
:'''<Character name>:''' Do you know anything about a lost city located somewhere in the Riverlands?
:'''Scholar Nimmin:''' Lost city? How do you lose a city?
:'''Scholar Nimmin:''' I mean, I'm forgetful. I've lost plenty of things. But a city?
:'''<Character name>:''' Just...just answer the question, please.
:'''Scholar Nimmin:''' Once I lost my favorite journal. Looked everywhere for it. And I never did find it, but you know what I did find?
:'''<Character name>:''' Please say "a lost city."
:'''Scholar Nimmin:''' Every single left sock I had ever misplaced. I swear, if it's not in the last place you look, it's...well, elsewhere.
:'''<Character name>:''' Fantastic. I need to go now.

;Speaking with Assistant Foreman Kofi
:'''(If visited before)'''
::'''<Character name>:''' Excuse me. I have another question for you.
:'''(Otherwise)'''
::'''Assistant Foreman Kofi:''' Something you need, wayfarer?
:'''<Character name>:''' Do you know anything about a lost city located somewhere in the Riverlands?
:'''Assistant Foreman Kofi:''' Only in stories. Supposedly it was where Vlast was born, but it's long gone now.
:'''<Character name>:''' What happened to the city?
:'''Assistant Foreman Kofi:''' Joko happened. When he redirected the river to lay claim to this region, he ravaged the entire desert.
:'''Assistant Foreman Kofi:''' Those stretches of quicksand are his doing. As was the sinking of the city. According to legend, I mean.

;Speaking with the Exile
:'''Exile:''' Excuse me—do you have business with Elder Muriel?
:'''<Character name>:''' I'm searching the Riverlands for something important. I've been canvassing the area in search of information.
:'''Exile:''' She does love visitors... But you should know something. Muriel is very old, and her answers...are not always clear.
:'''Exile:''' Please be patient with her. And try to speak up. Her hearing isn't what it used to be.

;Speaking with Elder Muriel
:'''Elder Muriel:''' Ah... And who are you? I don't know your face. But I like it.
:'''<Character name>:''' Oh—uh, thanks. I'm sorry to disturb you, but I was hoping I could ask you a question.
:'''<Character name>:''' Do you know anything about a lost city located somewhere in the Riverlands?
:'''Elder Muriel:''' A city swallowed whole by the desert itself... [[Kesho]]. Yes.
:'''<Character name>:''' "Kesho"? Is that the name of the city?
:'''Elder Muriel:''' City? No. A nursery. Where the Forgotten toiled... Where Vlast's eyes first opened... Where [[Glint]] gave us her [[The Legacy|legacy]].
:'''<Character name>:''' I need to find Kesho, Elder Muriel. Can you tell me where it is?
:'''Elder Muriel:''' A terrible journey across terrible lands. Beyond the [[Champion's Gap|sinking dunes]].
:'''<Character name>:''' I see. Thank you.

:'''<Character name>:''' Kesho... Vlast's birthplace. Now I just have to find it.

==== Looking for Kesho ====
;Speaking with Follower Xunn
:'''(If visited before)'''
::'''<Character name>:''' Excuse me. I have another question for you.
:'''(Otherwise)'''
::'''Follower Xunn:''' You there! You don't look busy. I require your assistance.
::'''<Character name>:''' And I require yours.
:'''<Character name>:''' I'm searching for a lost city called Kesho. What do you know about it?
:'''Follower Xunn:''' Kesho—why does that name sound so familiar to me?
:'''Follower Xunn:''' Hm... I'm sorry, I'm afraid I can't help you there. The name sounds familiar, but that's all I've got.

;Speaking with Follower Dawnwynn
:'''(If visited before)'''
::'''<Character name>:''' Excuse me. I have another question for you.
:'''<Character name>:''' I'm trying to locate the city of Kesho. Have you heard of it?
:'''Follower Dawnwynn:''' A city named Kesho? Can't say that I have. Sounds more like an asura name, if you ask me.

;Speaking with Imani
:'''(If visited before)'''
::'''<Character name>:''' Excuse me. I have another question for you.
:'''<Character name>:''' I'm searching for a lost city called Kesho. What do you know about it?
:'''Imani:''' Kesho? Never heard of it. But Nyala might know something...
:'''Imani:''' Worth a shot, at least. Good luck.

;Speaking with Nyala
:'''(If visited before)'''
::'''<Character name>:''' Excuse me. I have another question for you.
:'''<Character name>:''' I'm searching for a lost city called Kesho. What do you know about it?
:'''Orphan:''' I know! I know! From the song Elder Muriel used to sing to us when she'd visit!
:'''Nyala:''' Oh, that's right. I don't recall how it went—do you?
:'''Orphan:''' Uh... Something something, Kesho, something something, sunk into the sea of sand. Wait—no, that's not right. It doesn't rhyme.
:'''Nyala:''' It doesn't have to.
:'''Orphan:''' But if I remember anything else, I'll let you know!
:'''<Character name>:''' I appreciate the help. Thank you both.
:'''Orphan:''' YEAH! I helped!

;Speaking with Juma
:'''(If visited before)'''
::'''<Character name>:''' Excuse me. I have another question for you.
:'''<Character name>:''' I'm searching for a lost city called Kesho. What do you know about it?
:'''Juma:''' Kesho... Oh, Kesho. Yeah, that's the place.
:'''<Character name>:''' Go on.
:'''Juma:''' These treasure hunters I ran into not long ago—they were looking for a lost city.
:'''Juma:''' I had forgotten the name until you said it. It was definitely Kesho.
:'''<Character name>:''' Did they find it? Where were they headed?
:'''Juma:''' Toward the wastes. They needed a way to get past all the quicksand, and I suggested they hit up the [[skimmer]] camp.
:'''Juma:''' No idea what happened to them, or if they ever found it. I never saw them again.

;Speaking with Follower Lucius Anvilblade
:'''(If visited before)'''
::'''<Character name>:''' Excuse me. I have another question for you.
:'''(Otherwise)'''
::'''Follower Lucius Anvilblade:''' Ah, a new arrival. Come to help the Followers of Ascension? We could use a pair of hands like yours.
::'''<Character name>:''' Maybe later. For now, I need information.
:'''<Character name>:''' I'm searching for a lost city called Kesho. What do you know about it?
:'''Follower Lucius Anvilblade:''' Ah, Kesho—that's the name of the place. The lost city, where Vlast is from. I knew I had heard that somewhere before.
:'''Follower Lucius Anvilblade:''' But that's about all I know. Check in with Follower Adisa.

;Speaking with Adisa
:'''(If visited before)'''
::'''<Character name>:''' Excuse me. I have another question for you.
:'''(Otherwise)'''
::'''Adisa:''' You there. Have you seen any glimmering scales in your sojourns? I'm collecting Slivers of Vlast from the Branded.
::'''<Character name>:''' I'm afraid not. But I have a question for you.
:'''<Character name>:''' I'm searching for a lost city called Kesho. What do you know about it?
:'''Adisa:''' Kesho... I've heard that name before.
:'''Adisa:''' Don't remember the particulars, but I recall a nursery rhyme that invoked the name. Picked it up from one of the elders.
:'''Adisa:''' It was about pilgrims journeying to the Riverlands to seek the Forgotten. They'd follow the river to get there.
:'''Adisa:''' They'd travel north from the bend for a spell before turning west. But that's all I can remember.

;Speaking with Ebele
:'''(If visited before)'''
::'''<Character name>:''' Excuse me. I have another question for you.
:'''<Character name>:''' I'm searching for a lost city called Kesho. What do you know about it?
:'''Ebele:''' Kesho... I know I've heard that name somewhere...
:'''Ebele:''' That's right—I overheard Ardra shouting at someone about Kesho the other day. It's a place? I thought it was a person—
:'''<Character name>:''' Ardra? Where can I find her?
:'''Ebele:''' She's to the west of here. But, uh... Just a forewarning, she's a little prickly when it comes to treasure hunters.
:'''<Character name>:''' I'm not hunting for treasures. I'm searching for answers.
:'''Ebele:''' I'm not sure Ardra will appreciate the distinction, but...good luck with your search just the same.

;Speaking with Scholar Nimmin
:'''(If visited before)'''
::'''<Character name>:''' I have a feeling I'm going to regret this, but I have another question for you.
:'''(Otherwise)'''
::'''<Character name>:''' Excuse me. I'm in need of information.
:'''<Character name>:''' I'm searching for a lost city called Kesho. What do you know about it?
:'''Scholar Nimmin:''' Kesho? Y'mean...oh. Wait. Kesho. I know who you're talking about.
:'''<Character name>:''' No, Kesho's a place—
:'''Scholar Nimmin:''' I met him at a krewe mixer some years ago, if memory serves. Short fellow, yes? Loud, reeking of solvent—
:'''<Character name>:''' Please. Stop talking.
:'''Scholar Nimmin:''' ...And the most hideous laughter I've ever heard— (imitating laughter)
:'''<Character name>:''' Thanks. I'm walking away now.
:'''(If visited before)'''
::'''<Character name>:''' Why did I think that'd turn out differently this time?

;Speaking with Assistant Foreman Kofi
:'''(If visited before)'''
::'''<Character name>:''' Excuse me. I have another question for you.
:'''(Otherwise)'''
::'''Assistant Foreman Kofi:''' Something you need, wayfarer?
:'''<Character name>:''' I'm searching for a lost city called Kesho. What do you know about it?
:'''Assistant Foreman Kofi:''' Kesho... Ah, yes, that's the name. Vlast's birthplace. Swallowed by the desert, according to legend.
:'''<Character name>:''' Any idea where it's supposed to be?
:'''Assistant Foreman Kofi:''' If it exists, it'll be out there—in the wastes, beyond the quicksand. A dangerous place to go on foot.
:'''Assistant Foreman Kofi:''' If you intend to travel there, you'll want to make a stop at the skimmer camp west of here.
:'''Assistant Foreman Kofi:''' The proprietor there has been selling skimmers to adventurers for years.
:'''<Character name>:''' Years? You must see a lot of treasure hunters come through this way.
:'''Assistant Foreman Kofi:''' A great many. All searching for the treasures of the lost city.
:'''Assistant Foreman Kofi:''' And to my knowledge...none have returned. You'd be wise to keep that in mind, stranger.
:'''Assistant Foreman Kofi:''' If you journey that way, make sure to bring your skimmer along.
:'''Assistant Foreman Kofi:''' You look like you can handle yourself, but...the desert eats the unwary. Remember that.

;Speaking with Skimmer Trainer Ardra
:'''<Character name>:''' I'm searching for a lost city called Kesho. What do you know about it?
:'''Skimmer Trainer Ardra:''' Kesho... It's been a while since anybody's asked me about Kesho. How'd you come across that name?
:'''<Character name>:''' With great difficulty, I promise you. What can you tell me about it?
:'''Skimmer Trainer Ardra:''' You're different from the others. Maybe you are after something more than riches and glory.
:'''Skimmer Trainer Ardra:''' If Kesho truly exists, you'll find it to the northwest of here—where it was claimed by the desert.
:'''Skimmer Trainer Ardra:''' If you head that way, you'll want to bring your skimmer along—otherwise the desert will claim you too.

;Speaking with Defector Harun
:'''<Character name>:''' I'm searching for a lost city called Kesho. What do you know about it?
:'''Defector Harun:''' Kesho... Where have I heard that name before?
:'''Defector:''' What ever happened to that adventurer we ran into last year? Wasn't he looking for some kind of lost city?
:'''Defector Harun:''' Oh, that's right! That was the fellow.
:'''Defector Harun:''' He swore up and down he had found a legendary lost city, and he asked us to join his search for a cut of the treasure.
:'''<Character name>:''' What happened to him? Where'd he go?
:'''Defector:''' See the fissure to the north? He ventured into the caves beneath it—and that was the last we saw of him.
:'''<Character name>:''' Did anyone go with him?
:'''Defector Harun:''' (chuckles) With so many Branded in the area? We know better than that.
:'''Defector:''' Shame the adventurer didn't.

;Upon finding the pit
:'''<Character name>:''' Forgotten statues...and they seem to be guarding that pit. Could this be the place?

=== In Kesho ===
;Upon entering the instance
:'''<Character name>:''' Hello?
:'''Taimi:''' {{flavor|Hello? Commander, are you talking to me? Your signal's really strong. How'd you do that?}}
:'''<Character name>:''' I jumped into a deep pit.
:'''Taimi:''' {{flavor|Good job! Wherever you are must be on a [[Ley line|ley-line]] nexus.}}
:'''<Character name>:''' Listen, I found something: a lost city called Kesho. It's buried, so I could use your help finding my way around.
:'''Taimi:''' {{flavor|Buried city? Really? Crud, I wish I was there. Describe what you see. Everything. In detail!}}
:'''<Character name>:''' There's sand drifts and debris everywhere... And pedestals like the ones in [[Tarir, the Forgotten City|Tarir]]. With Exalted sentries floating on them.

;Upon approaching an Unknown Exalted (with the power still off)
:'''<Character name>:''' Something about this Exalted...it's moving, so it's alive, but it's not responding to my presence.
:'''Taimi:''' {{flavor|Not responding? Poke it with something. No, no, wait, don't. That's poor research etiquette.}}
:'''Taimi:''' {{flavor|Well, maybe just a light poke. Argghh, I want to be there.}}

;Approaching another Unknown Exalted (with the power still off)
:'''<Character name>:''' I know the Exalted in Tarir use these pedestals to "sleep" and recharge, but this is different.
:'''<Character name>:''' This is more like...living death. And they have this red glow.
:'''Taimi:''' {{flavor|They're glowy red Exalted? Grrr, I want you to poke it so bad.}}
:'''<Character name>:''' I am not going to poke the Exalted for you, Taimi.

;Approaching the third Unknown Exalted (with the power still off)
:'''<Character name>:''' These pedestals are dark. No lights, no sound. Nothing.
:'''Taimi:''' {{flavor|Maybe the power's shut off. Look for a way to turn it back on.}}

;Examining the Exalted Pedestal
:'''<Character name>:''' Here's something that could be a console, but it looks dead.
:'''Taimi:''' {{flavor|Probably needs a power source. Look around for a crystal or anything bright and shiny.}}

;Approaching the tent with the glowing crystal
:'''<Character name>:''' Found a glowing crystal. And a dead body.
:'''(If not having examined the Pedestal before)'''
::'''Taimi:''' Pick it up. The crystal, not the body. If it's glowing, it may be a power source. There should be a control panel nearby.
:'''(Otherwise)'''
::'''Taimi:''' Hope the crystal's not what killed the body. Only one way to find out. Pick it up.
::'''(If picked up the crystal while Taimi was speaking)'''
:::'''<Character name>:''' I already did.
:::'''Taimi:''' Great! If you're still alive, try plugging it into the console.

;Reading the [[Worn Journal (The Way Forward)|Worn Journal]]:
:No way in and no way out. Running out of food. Have to [indecipherable]
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Put it down.''

;Upon restoring the power
:'''<Character name>:''' Okay, the power's on.
:'''Taimi:''' {{flavor|What was that noise?}}
:'''<Character name>:''' A door just opened. There's another Exalted inside...not red like the others. Looks dormant, but maybe I can wake it.
:'''Taimi:''' {{flavor|Well, carry on, then. You know what you're doing.}}

;Upon approaching the Exalted
:'''Unknown Exalted:''' No! Did [[Balthazar]] send you? Or Joko? I will defend this sacred ground with my life.
:'''<Character name>:''' Wait! I'm a friend.
:'''Taimi:''' {{flavor|We don't like Balthazar, either! The commander's on a mission to stop him. Vlast is the only clue we've got.}}
:'''Unknown Exalted:''' What have you done? The pedestals are reviving the Forged!
:'''Taimi:''' {{flavor|The glowy red ones are Forged? Good thing you didn't poke 'em.}}
:'''Unknown Exalted:''' You claim to owe Balthazar no allegiance. Prove yourself. Destroy his creations!

;After defeating the three Forged Exalted
:'''<Character name>:''' Balthazar's the reason I'm here. He's working to kill [[Kralkatorrik]], and we're trying to stop him.
:'''Unknown Exalted:''' I wish you'd come sooner. Balthazar was here recently with that wretched [[Undead|lich]], Joko.
:'''<Character name>:''' Apparently, I'm the chosen champion and protector of Glint's second [[scion]], [[Aurene]].
:'''Unknown Exalted:''' If you've been entrusted with the role of the scion's protector, then it would be my honor to assist you. I am Sadizi. Welcome to Kesho.
:'''Sadizi:''' What you see is what's left of the Forgotten's first attempt to pacify the [[Elder Dragon]]s. It failed.
:'''Sadizi:''' This site was abandoned, but a few of us remained as its caretakers.
:'''<Character name>:''' Why were Balthazar and Joko here?
:'''Sadizi:''' They came seeking the Forgotten [[magic]]s that imbue battle armor with living spirits. The same that created the Exalted.
:'''Sadizi:''' They quickly discovered that they could use those magics to create these...abominations. The horrors they call "Forged."
:'''Sadizi:''' The red Exalted you fought were the results of their early experiments on us. Left behind as mindless sentries.
:'''Sadizi:''' In the chaos, I sealed myself in that chamber to avoid the fate of the others.
:'''<Character name>:''' That was smart. Now you can help us make sure Balthazar doesn't succeed.
:'''Sadizi:''' Balthazar thought he'd destroyed the information you seek, but the sentries he left behind were actually protecting it.
:'''<Character name>:''' What do you mean?
:'''Taimi:''' {{flavor|The pedestals!}}
:'''Sadizi:''' Your invisible friend is correct. I can reveal the secrets contained in any pedestal you choose.

;Upon channeling the first pedestal
:'''Josso Essher:''' {{flavor|Glint was the key.}}
:'''Josso Essher:''' {{flavor|She was perfect for our purposes—a scion of an Elder Dragon and a Crystal Dragon herself, with a mind of her own.}}
:'''Josso Essher:''' {{flavor|We did our work well. Glint actively rejected Kralkatorrik, and she brought forth more scions to join our cause.}}
:'''Sadizi:''' That was [[Champion Branded Josso Essher|Josso Essher]], one of the legacy's main architects. Sadly, he was lost in the attempt to convert Kralkatorrik.
:'''<Character name>:''' Wait. "Convert" Kralkatorrik?
:'''Sadizi:''' Yes. The Forgotten dared to try, but the hunger of the Elder Dragons is too strong. It proved a tragic failure.
:'''Sadizi:''' More of your questions can be answered by consulting the other pedestals.

;Upon channeling the second pedestal
:'''Josso Essher:''' {{flavor|The most important lesson an Exalted must learn is: though Elder Dragons are unimaginably powerful, they can be killed.}}
:'''Josso Essher:''' {{flavor|Each has a distinct flaw.}}
:'''Josso Essher:''' {{flavor|[[Mordremoth]], for example, dominates thought. But its most powerful asset—its mind—is also its greatest liability.}}
:'''Josso Essher:''' {{flavor|Kralkatorrik's unique strength—its power to crystalize objects—is also its singular weakness.}}
:'''Josso Essher:''' {{flavor|Its creations share a fundamental resonance that connects them back to the crystal dragon and makes them vulnerable to each other.}}
:'''Taimi:''' {{flavor|A fundamental resonance that makes them vulnerable...}}
:'''Taimi:''' {{flavor|Whoa! So that's why Balthazar was after Vlast! He needed a scion of Glint to kill Kralkatorrik! But Vlast's gone, so that means...}}
:'''Taimi:''' {{flavor|Wait, there's one thing I don't understand.}}
:'''Taimi:''' {{flavor|If Glint and the Forgotten knew what killing an Elder Dragon would do to [[Tyria (world)|Tyria]], why would they rear Vlast and Aurene?}}
:'''Sadizi:''' The answer is locked behind that door. If you're done with the pedestals, we can proceed.

;Upon channeling the third pedestal
:'''Vlast:''' {{flavor|Kesho is supposed to be my home, but it's more of a cage...or a tomb. I prefer the open sky.}}
:'''Vlast:''' {{flavor|I feel trapped here. This place reminds me that I cannot act, no matter how eager I am. Not until the full legacy is ready.}}
:'''<Character name>:''' That's Vlast.
:'''Sadizi:''' We encouraged him to record his thoughts for reference and posterity. He didn't contribute often, and was never glad to do it.
:'''Taimi:''' {{flavor|I believe it. He sounds super frustrated and restless...like a genius [[progeny]] suffering through Intro to [[Golemancer|Golemancy]].}}

;Upon channeling the fourth pedestal
:'''Vlast:''' {{flavor|I can't stand it any longer. The constant talk of duty and destiny, the forced reverence. It disgusts me. Enrages me.}}
:'''Vlast:''' {{flavor|My Exalted attendants are durable, but still mortal...insignificant. They quake with fear at the slightest angry hiss.}}
:'''Vlast:''' {{flavor|(snarl) I have a job to do, and the power to do it. They can't help me. Why do they pretend they can?}}
:'''Sadizi:''' Sadly, Vlast matured in isolation. We didn't know how to socialize him properly until it was too late.
:'''Sadizi:''' By the time we realized Vlast needed to bond with mortal races as Glint had, he no longer could...nor cared to.

;Upon channeling the fifth pedestal
:'''Vlast:''' {{flavor|Sadizi and the others tell me I must wait, that before the real work begins, the whole legacy must ripen and mature.}}
:'''Vlast:''' {{flavor|I am ready now. Kralkatorrik continues to grow in power, and my mother's [[Edge of Destiny|death]] stands unavenged.}}
:'''Vlast:''' {{flavor|But I am my mother's son. I will wait. I will serve the glorious purpose she and the Forgotten set for me.}}
:'''Vlast:''' {{flavor|Though the snakes and their golden servants speak as though it is their purpose, and Glint merely lent it her name.}}
:'''Vlast:''' {{flavor|So in her name, I will act. Until the full legacy is ready, I will contain Kralkatorrik and cull its Branded horde.}}

;Going down the hallway to the sealed door
:'''Forged Sentry:''' Intruder!

;After defeating the Forged Sentry
:'''Sadizi:''' Curious. The door isn't responding. It must have been damaged during Joko and Balthazar's attack.
:'''Taimi:''' {{flavor|You're in luck, because the commander is good at smashing things.}}

;Examining the [[Strange Burning Scroll]]
:'''<Character name>:''' What's this?

:'''Strange Burning Scroll:''' Order 134:
:Disable gate leading to the final pedestal
:Destroy any living creatures that attempt access
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Put it down.''

;Upon destroying the chamber door
:'''Sadizi:''' Please step inside.

;Cinematic upon activating the final pedestal
:'''Sadizi:''' The millennia-long Elder Dragon cycle is one of feast and famine. Ravenous, they [[Dragonrise|rise]]. Sated, they sleep.
:'''Sadizi:''' Glint and the Forgotten set out to break this cycle of extremes and to restore true balance.
:'''Sadizi:''' But when two Elder Dragons were unexpectedly eliminated from the cycle at one time, we believe it created a void.
:'''Sadizi:''' A void that caused the system to break down and the collapse to begin.
:'''Sadizi:''' The hope was that Glint's legacy would stabilize the cycle.
:'''Sadizi:''' We theorize these vacancies must be filled with entities that circulate and share magic rather than hoard it.
:'''Sadizi:''' Only then will the balance of magic truly become stable. Only then will Glint's legacy achieve its ultimate purpose.

;After the cinematic
:'''Taimi:''' {{flavor|The scions of Glint are more important than we thought...}}
:'''Taimi:''' {{flavor|Balthazar only sees them as a means to gaining power, but they could be instrumental in restoring the natural balance.}}
:'''Sadizi:''' If you are, in fact, the true protector of Glint's legacy, then it's up to you to stop Balthazar from taking her.
:'''Sadizi:''' But know that he will let nothing deter him from his goal of killing the Crystal Dragon.
:'''<Character name>:''' Taimi, get a message to [[Rytlock Brimstone|Rytlock]], [[Canach]], and [[Kasmeer Meade|Kasmeer]].
:'''<Character name>:''' There's a [[Pillars of Supremacy|spire]] south of the skimmer camp, tall enough for [[Ellen Kiel|Kiel]]'s [[airship]] to moor. Tell them to meet me there.
:'''Sadizi:''' Commander, you must leave. Now.
:'''Sadizi:''' I can feel the Forged approaching. If you were able to find Kesho, then I failed to adequately conceal the entrance.
:'''Sadizi:''' I must close the entrance forever. The portal will allow you to return safely to the surface.
:'''<Character name>:''' But what about you?
:'''Sadizi:''' I will keep my pledge to protect this sacred place with my life. I am at peace. Farewell, Commander.

== My story ==
{{Mystory
| image = The Way Forward loading screen.jpg
| text =
After a lot of legwork, I found a promising lead on the answers [[Kormir]] told us were out there: Kesho, a city built by the Forgotten, who themselves had connections to both Glint and the [[Six Human Gods|gods]]. As such, Kesho may well contain the knowledge we need to make a stand against Balthazar. 
It was swallowed by the desert sands long ago, so Kesho is considered a lost city by the locals, little more than a legend; but I was able to nail down its location in the Elon Riverlands. I'll need to ride a skimmer mount to reach Kesho safely, but at least now I have a concrete destination to explore.

I entered the lost city of Kesho, and with Taimi's remote input, I learned all I could. We encountered a traumatized Exalted named Sadizi, as well as a host of dangerous Forged-Exalted hybrids. Sadizi told us these hybrids were created by Balthazar and Palawa Joko, the desert region's missing tyrant king. Together, the two villains stole the Forgotten ritual that makes Exalted and used it as a means of forcing spirits into armored bodies to create Balthazar's Forged. 
We also learned more about the true purpose of Glint's legacy: to preserve Tyria's magical balance by replacing Elder Dragons with equally powerful but less predatory entities. And we discovered why Balthazar was hunting Vlast: Kralkatorrik's blood, both literal and metaphorical, is its unique weakness, meaning Vlast, Glint, and the [[Dragonsblood Spear|dragonsblood spear]] were all viable weapons against Kralkatorrik...and so is Aurene. It's only a matter of time before Balthazar returns to Tarir to capture her, so I sent word to my guildmates and told them to meet up with me so we can return to [[Heart of Maguuma|Maguuma]] and protect the Crystal Dragon's last scion.}}

{{Path of Fire storyline|2}}

[[de:Der Weg nach vorn]]
[[es:El camino hacia adelante]]
[[fr:La marche à suivre]]

Facing the Truth

2026-04-03T05:18:34Z

184.23.183.13: /* Achievements */

{{story infobox
| id = 493
| storyline = Path of Fire
| chapter = Facing the Truth
| chapter number = 7
| year = 1330
| location = Tomb of the Primeval Kings; The Sanctum
| level = 80
| prev = Hallowed Ground (story)
| next = The Way Forward
| gallery1 = Facing the Truth.jpg
| gallery2 = The Sanctum map.jpg
| gallery2-text = Map of the Sanctum
| requires = pof
}}
[[Facing the Truth]] is the seventh chapter of the [[Path of Fire]] story.

== Objectives ==
;Seek an audience with the gods.
* Enter the portal to the Mists.
* Speak with Canach.
* Regroup with your team.
* Explore the area.
* Investigate the newly revealed area.
* Look for solutions to the Sunspear puzzle.
* Find and correctly place all of the wedge symbols: x/5
* Find and correctly place all of the disc symbols: x/5
* Enter the portal.
* Explore the library.
* Speak with the goddess Kormir.
* Listen to the goddess Kormir.
* Speak with your team.
* Step through the portal and return to Tyria.
* Optional: Explore the library before you leave.

== Rewards ==
* {{rewards item|Divine Reliquary}}

== Walkthrough ==
{{gray|Note that this mission begins immediately after the previous one finishes - you may wish to exit the instance first and talk to Taimi at a [[Contact Point]] to avoid missing a progress point for the "Always Time for Taimi" achievement.}}

Enter the portal in the back of the [[Tomb of the Primeval Kings]] to arrive in [[the Mists]]. This can be done at the end of the Hallowed Ground instance or just by traveling there in the open world.

Find Rytlock and Kasmeer standing in the circled area. Next to Kasmeer is a crystal brazier hanging within a pointed arch. Interact with it to turn off the sandstorm. Note: Canach lands with you, has some dialogue; then find Rytlock, more dialogue, then find Kasmeer, more dialogue - then interact with the brazier. If you don't allow the dialogue or go to Kasmeer first or try and interact with the brazier first, it will bug the mission - you won't be able to interact with the pieces. A compass of sorts appears with pieces scattered around it. This is a puzzle.

Now you'll have to solve the puzzle. Find the Wedged Symbol Pieces - they are highlighted with faint beams of light - and put them in the proper hollows at the center of the area. Each wedge has gold leaf on a corner, which matches the gold leaf in a hollow. Placing a wedge in the correct place locks it in place, and you can remove a piece in the wrong location, so you will eventually find the right locations just by moving each piece around as you find them until it locks. You are able to glide/mount while holding the pieces. In order clockwise around the symbol (starting at the double), they can be found:

* On a stump of a broken arch to the east. Use the Springer to ascend to the smaller stump and the fragments above it, and then jump or glide to the symbol piece. If you have the [[High Vault]] springer mastery, you can just jump up to the piece directly.
* The first piece you find next to the hollows.
* On a small arch to the west. Just walk up to it.
* On a tilted arch to the northwest. Use the springer to get on the arch and walk up it.
* Atop the floating rocks to the north, underneath an intact rock arch. Use the springer to ascend the high arch, and from it, jump up the floating rocks to the symbol.

After placing all symbols, answer the questions of the spirits of the handmaidens of Kormir that appear. The correct solutions are:
* Zaklem (Loyalty): Reduce the worker's work load by taking it on yourself.
* Giwebo (Humility): Just ask her.
* Yasfahr (Sacrifice): Fight her! This encounter has no particular mechanics.
* Gundayo (Truth): Tell the guards that your father took the fruit and apologize.
* Virzuk (Compassion): Just ask her.

After successfully passing a test, you are given a disc. The correct location for the disc is lit by a glowing light. Put the disc in their proper place, rotating them as required until the corresponding torch lights up. After all five pieces are in place, a portal appears. Step through.

You are now in Kormir's [[The Sanctum|Sanctum]]. Move to the center to speak to the goddess herself, and listen to her explain the conflict between the gods. Then speak with your team to either end the mission, or hang around and explore the library for achievements.

=== Achievements ===
<div id="achievementcontrol"></div>{{account achievements widget}}
{{achievement box|Perfect Match}}
[[File:Facing_the_Truth_-_Perfect_Match.jpg|thumb|right|Map with the 5 Wedges and puzzle locations.]]
* Only the first part of the puzzle, with the [[Wedge Symbol]]s, must be completed correctly to obtain this achievement.
* The wedges are spread out around the area in the same order as their corresponding [[Wedge Symbol Hollow|hollows]].

{{achievement box|Puzzle in Time}}
* The time limit is 7 minutes.

{{achievement box|Seeker of Truth and Knowledge}}
[[File:Seeker of Truth and Knowledge map.jpg|thumb|right|Map with the 15 books and scrolls marked.]]
Read 15 books and scrolls in the library. The 16th objective requires the player to speak with Kormir in the story instance.
;Ground level
* Three near where you speak to Kormir. (1, 2, 3)
* Near the bottom of the western pillar. (5)
* Near the bottom of the southwestern pillar, behind the exit portal. (6)
* On the balcony at the bottom of the northern structure. Use the springer to jump to it, or glide from the central staircase. (8)
* Seven are in the secret room. (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
;Top floor
* Atop the winding stairs from the center, near the waterfall and the diving goggles. (7)
* In the inner ring that is reached from the double-helix staircase to the northwest. The book is to the northeast. (Must read "Untitled Volume" (10) in the secret room first.) (4)

{{achievement box|Goddess of Secrets}}
* The secret room is in the northernmost part of the library, below the "Magic and War" book (8). Dive in the water underneath the book-laden structure at the north end of the library.

{{achievement box|Leap of Knowledge}}
* Use the diving goggles at top of the stairs from where you talk to Kormir, and dive into the water below. 
* Amusingly, this is ''not'' the highest point in the library: the inner ring, accessed by the double helix, is higher. You can do book 4 and then glide down to the diving point and book 7. It's easier than climbing all those stairs twice.

== NPCs ==
=== Allies ===
* [[Avatar]]s
** [[Ashhe]]
** [[Giwebo]]
** [[Golsah]]
** [[Gundayo]]
** [[Limwe]]
** [[Virzuk]]
** [[Yasfahr]]
** [[Zaklem]]

* [[Charr]]
** [[Rytlock Brimstone]]

* [[Human]]s
** [[Kasmeer Meade]]

* [[Ghost]]s
** [[Sanctum Librarian]]

* [[Six Human Gods|Gods]]
** [[Kormir]]

* [[Sylvari]]
** [[Canach]]

;Memories
* Humans
** [[Hero (NPC)|Hero]]
** Kormir

* Gods
** [[Abaddon]]
** [[Balthazar]]

== Objects ==
;In the initial area
* [[Disc Hollow]]
* [[Mists Portal]]
* [[Symbol Disc]]
* [[Wedge Symbol]]
* [[Wedge Symbol Hollow]]

;In [[The Sanctum]]
* [[Book of Secrets (object)|Book of Secrets]]
* [[Catalog by Genre]]
* [[Journal of Kormir]]
* [[Journal (Facing the Truth)|Journal]]
* [[Magic and War: An Educated Warning]]
* [[Palace of Bones: The Centaur Tragedy]]
* [[Poems by Danna, Age 9]]
* [[Scriptures of Kormir]]
* [[The Artist's Mirror: How Art Reflects Society]]
* [[The First City (book)|The First City]]
* [[The Goddess and the Scourge]]
* [[The Sunspear Creed]]
* [[Treacherous Waters]]
* [[Turai's Story]]
* [[Untitled Volume]]
* [[We, Too, Can Be Vessels of Knowledge and Truth]]
* [[Diving Goggles]]
* [[Row of Books]]

== Dialogue ==
=== In the Mists ===
;Upon entering the instance
:'''Canach:''' There you are, Commander. Not as smooth a ride as I would've hoped for. Did the portal fail?
:'''<Character Name>:''' We're definitely not in the tomb anymore. It took us somewhere, but...
:'''Canach:''' No sign of the gods, nor our companions. We're off to a great start.
:'''<Character Name>:''' They were right beside us when we entered the portal. They can't be far.

;Approaching Rytlock
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' You guys made it too, huh?
:'''Canach:''' After a trifling inconvenience, yes. So...this is it? We're in the Mists?
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' Deep within them. I'd know this feeling anywhere. Like cold water running down my spine.
:'''If not found Kasmeer yet:'''
::'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' Where's Kasmeer?
::'''<Character Name>:''' We haven't seen her.
::'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' (grunt) Looks like the human gods are playing games with us.
::'''<Character Name>:''' Come on. She's got to be nearby.
:'''Otherwise:'''
::'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' (grunt) Looks like the human gods are playing games with us.

;Approaching Kasmeer
:'''Lady Kasmeer Meade:''' There you are, Commander! Can you believe it? Can you believe where we are right now?
:'''Lady Kasmeer Meade:''' I can't keep my hands from trembling... Meeting the gods! Can you imagine?
:'''<Character Name>:''' Hold it together for me, Kas.
:'''Canach:''' Oh, let her have her fun. She's about to meet her makers, after all—and trust me, it's a memorable experience.
:'''<Character Name>:''' We still have to find them. Any idea where we should go?
:'''Lady Kasmeer Meade:''' The stories didn't mention anything beyond the portal. Only that it was a passage to the Mists.

;Approaching the sandstorm
:'''Canach:''' That sandstorm is...conspicuously localized. Do you suppose it's hiding something?

;Interacting with the crystal brazier
:'''Lady Kasmeer Meade:''' It's...beautiful.
:'''Canach:''' Look, the sandstorm's gone away.
:'''<Character name>:''' Let's see what it was hiding.

;At the symbol on the ground
:'''Lady Kasmeer Meade:''' That symbol... (gasp) Do you know what this means?
:'''Canach:''' You know I don't.
:'''Lady Kasmeer Meade:''' It's the sigil of the Sunspears—a symbolic representation of the eight virtues they most revered.
:'''Lady Kasmeer Meade:''' We're meant to walk this path. We were set upon it by the gods. I'm certain of it.

;Interacting with a Wedge Symbol Hollow
:There appears to be a piece missing from this cavity. Perhaps the missing piece is nearby?
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Leave it alone.''

:'''Lady Kasmeer Meade:''' Look—there are pieces missing from this stone platform.
:'''<Character name>:''' Interesting. I wonder if the missing pieces are nearby. We should look around.

;Taking the first Wedge Symbol
:'''Canach:''' What have you got there, Commander?
:'''<Character name>:''' This plate has some kind of markings etched on it...
:'''Canach:''' And there's more of them carved into the stone platform as well. Perhaps they're meant to go together?
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' Only one way to find out.

;Putting the first piece in its correct place
:'''Canach:''' That sounded promising.
:'''<Character name>:''' There must be more pieces of this puzzle lying around.

;Interacting with another Wedge Symbol Hollow
:'''Wedge Symbol Hollow:''' There appears to be a piece missing from this cavity. Perhaps one of the wedges will fit.
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''I'll take a look around.''

;Speaking to Kasmeer
:'''Lady Kasmeer Meade:''' I just know we're on the right track. Answers can't be far away.
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''I'm not sure what to do next.''
::That sandstorm hid this Sunspear sigil for a reason. Some of its points are missing. Perhaps if you can locate those missing pieces...
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''I'll take a look around.''
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Those markings...''
::I might be mistaken, but I think the stone pieces match the markings on the platform.
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''I'll take a look.''
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''

;Putting the last wedge in place
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' Boss...we've got company. Say the word and I'll tear them apart.
:'''Lady Kasmeer Meade:''' We're still missing pieces of the puzzle. What if those spirits are part of it?
:'''<Character name>:''' Let's ask the spirits. Maybe they're here to help.

;Speaking to Rytlock
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' Are we done here or what?
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''I don't think so.''
::I bet those spirits that just showed up might know. You should go beat 'em up and find out, but then Kas'll complain, so...
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''I'll try talking to them first.''
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Hold that thought.''

;Interacting with the Disc Hollow without a disc
:'''Disc Hollow:''' The wedge piece fits securely in the cavity, but there appears to be a round recess where a disc-shaped piece could fit.
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Leave the hollow alone.''

;Talking to Giwebo
:'''Giwebo:''' Only in acceptance of humility can we find strength.
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''I humbly seek counsel with the gods.''
::Then I bestow you the Seal of Humility. May it help you on your journey.
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Thank you.''
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Who are you?''
::My name is Giwebo. I represent the Sunspears' humility.
::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''I humbly seek counsel with the gods.'' '''(same as above)'''
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''I'll come back later.''
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''

;Talking to Gundayo
:'''Gundayo:''' To pass into Truth, prove yourself. I will give you the Seal of Honesty.
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''I'm ready.''
::While at the market, you witness your father pocketing several pieces of fruit without paying. The city guard approaches and accuses you of stealing the fruit. What do you do?
::{{dialogue icon|choice}} ''Feign ignorance. Empty your pockets to show you haven't stolen anything.''
:::That is not the answer. If you cannot prove yourself with words, then prove yourself in battle.
:::{{dialogue icon|combat}} ''I'm ready.''
::{{dialogue icon|choice}} ''Tell the guards that your father was planning to pay for the fruit.''
:::Your answer leaves much to be desired. Try again.
:::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Let me rethink my answer...''
::{{dialogue icon|choice}} ''Tell the guards that your father took the fruit, and sincerely apologize.''
:::You have answered correctly. Go, and take with you the Seal of Gundayo, honesty upheld.
:::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Farewell.''
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''I need time to think.''
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Who are you?''
::We are handmaidens of Kormir. My name is Gundayo, which means "honesty."
::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''I'm ready for your test.'' '''(same as above)'''
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''I'll come back later.''
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''I have to go.''

:'''(One of the below on passing the test)'''
:'''Gundayo:''' You have proven yourself worthy.
:'''Gundayo:''' You have earned this.
:'''Gundayo:''' You have passed my test.

;Talking to Virzuk
:'''Virzuk:''' Compassion is both the beginning and the end to understanding.
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''I seek counsel with the gods.''
::You have traveled long and far to get here. Go then, and take with you the Seal of Compassion.
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Thank you.''
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Who are you?''
::You can call me Virzuk. I represent compassion, one of the virtues the Sunspears follow.
::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''I seek counsel with the gods.'' '''(same as above)'''
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''I'll come back later.''
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Never mind.''

;Talking to Yasfahr
:'''Yasfahr:''' To gain, one must first be willing to give. That is the true nature of sacrifice.
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''I seek an audience with the gods.''
::Then prepare yourself, for nothing of worth is given up lightly.
::{{dialogue icon|combat}} ''I'm ready.''
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Not yet.''
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Who are you?''
::I am Yasfahr. I am here to remind the Sunspears of the importance and meaning of sacrifice.
::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''I seek an audience with the gods.'' '''(same as above)'''
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''I'll come back later.''
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Never mind.''

:'''(One of the below on passing the test)'''
:'''Yasfahr:''' You have proven yourself worthy.
:'''Yasfahr:''' You have earned this.
:'''Yasfahr:''' You have passed my test.

;Talking to Zaklem
:'''Zaklem:''' To pass into Truth, you must answer my question correctly. Only then will I give you the Seal of Loyalty.
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''I'm ready.''
::You are a farmer in charge of working the land for your lord, a kind and benevolent man. One of your fellow workers asks you for lighter work so that she may rest sooner. What do you do?
::{{dialogue icon|choice}} ''I give her permission and distribute the rest of her load to the others.''
:::Your answer leaves much to be desired.
:::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''I'll be back.''
::{{dialogue icon|choice}} ''I refuse and ask her to work her fair share.''
:::Wrong. If you cannot prove yourself with words, then do so with action.
:::{{dialogue icon|combat}} ''So be it.''
::{{dialogue icon|choice}} ''I reduce her work load and take on her burden of responsibility.''
:::Correct. Go, and take with you the Seal of Zaklem, loyalty unwavering.
:::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''I need to think about it.''
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Who are you?''
::I am Zaklem, a handmaiden of Kormir. I represent loyalty, one of the eight virtues of the Sunspears.
::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''I'm ready for your test.'' '''(same as above)'''
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''I'll come back later.''
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''I'm not ready yet.''

:'''(One of the below on passing the test)'''
:'''Zaklem:''' You have proven yourself worthy.
:'''Zaklem:''' You have earned this.
:'''Zaklem:''' You have passed my test.

;Interacting with the wrong marking
:'''Disc Hollow:''' Although this disc is the correct size and shape, the symbol on the surface does not appear to match the surrounding pieces.
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Walk away.''

;Putting the first circle in place
:'''<Character name>:''' The disc fits, but the markings don't seem to line up.
:'''Canach:''' Hm... Try giving it a turn or two.

;Speaking to Canach during the disc puzzle
:'''Canach:''' Making progress, Commander?
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''I'm still figuring out what to do with these discs.''
::Hm. The discs have symbols on them. Perhaps they need to be lined up. Have you tried rotating them in the socket?
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''I'll try that.''
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''I have to go.''

;After correctly rotating the first disk, making the torch light up
:'''Lady Kasmeer Meade:''' The torch lit up!
:'''Canach:''' You must have done something right, Commander.

;Upon completing the puzzle
:'''Unknown Voice:''' You have perservered. The path is now open to you. '''(does not show in chat log)'''

:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' Look—a portal.
:'''Canach:''' So, Kasmeer, when we meet more of your gods, I hope they're a little less...hostile than the last one we met.
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' With our luck, I bet they're as crazy as Balthazar is.
:'''Lady Kasmeer Meade:''' Stop it. Both of you.
:'''Lady Kasmeer Meade:''' We're here for answers, and spitting in the face of the gods isn't going to help us get them. Show some respect.
:'''<Character name>:''' She's right. If Balthazar demonstrated anything, it's that the gods aren't to be taken lightly.
:'''<Character name>:''' Let's tread carefully here. We don't know who's watching.

=== In the Sanctum ===
;Upon entering
:'''Lady Kasmeer Meade:''' This place...it's incredible! The scrolls, the books—there's so much!
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' Eh. It's no [[Black Citadel]].
:'''<Character Name>:''' Rytlock.
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' Yeah, yeah, I know. Respect. Show it.

;Approaching the center dais
:''Ashhe bows to <Character name>.''
:''Virzuk bows to <Character name>.''
:''Yasfahr bows to <Character name>.''
:''Giwebo bows to <Character name>.''
:''Zaklem bows to <Character name>.''
:''Gundayo bows to <Character name>.''
:''Limwe bows to <Character name>.''
:''Golsah bows to <Character name>.''

:'''If human blessed by Kormir:'''
::'''<Character Name>:''' That's [[Kormir]]! She blessed me at birth, but I never thought I'd—hail to you, Goddess of Truth.
:'''If human not blessed by Kormir:'''
::'''<Character Name>:''' Kormir... I've seen statues and shrines, but I never imagined—hail, Goddess of Truth. We need your help.
:'''If charr:'''
::'''<Character Name>:''' That must be Kormir. Hail to you, "Goddess of Truth." We need your help.
:'''If norn:'''
::'''<Character Name>:''' This must be Kormir. Hail to you, Goddess of Truth. We need your help.
:'''Otherwise:'''
::'''<Character Name>:''' That must be Kormir. Hail to you, Goddess of Truth. We need your help.
:'''<Character Name>:''' Kas. Go ahead.
:'''Lady Kasmeer Meade:''' I... Thank you, Commander.
:'''Lady Kasmeer Meade:''' Goddess Kormir. We have come to you seeking guidance and aid in dark times. Will you hear our plea?
:'''Kormir:''' Rise, Lady Meade.
:'''Kormir:''' Please, continue.
:'''Lady Kasmeer Meade:''' [[Balthazar]] has emerged from [[the Mists]] to bring ruin to [[Tyria (world)|Tyria]]. He's going to slay [[Kralkatorrik]], and if he succeeds, the imbalance it brings could...
:'''Lady Kasmeer Meade:''' You...you know all of this already, don't you?
:'''Kormir:''' Indeed.
:'''Lady Kasmeer Meade:''' We cannot defeat him on our own. For the sake of Tyria, Goddess Kormir, please—we beg your aid.
:'''Kormir:''' I'm sorry, Lady Meade. There is nothing I can do...
:'''Lady Kasmeer Meade:''' I—please excuse me, Goddess. Perhaps I wasn't clear—we can't hope to defeat Balthazar without the aid of the Six.
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' Or the five. Balthazar is one of the Six.
:'''Kormir:''' No. He isn't. Balthazar has been stripped of his claim and title. He is no longer one of the Six.
:'''<Character Name>:''' Stripped of... He's in Tyria as we speak, leading an army. He claims to be the god of war.
:'''Kormir:''' Come and see for yourselves. Perhaps then you'll understand.
:'''Kormir:''' We, the gods, saw there could be no victory in our inevitable conflict with the [[Elder Dragon]]s.
:'''Kormir:''' Waging war with them could only lead to the destruction of Tyria—and we, the Six, would be the match that would start the blaze.
:'''Kormir:''' And so, we chose to withdraw from Tyria altogether, and spare this world further calamity... Or rather, most of us chose to.
:'''Balthazar:''' Cowards. You may flee, but I will not. I do not avoid conflict... I am conflict.
:'''Balthazar:''' The Elder Dragons will die by my hands...and their power will become my power.
:'''Kormir:''' Balthazar was blinded by his pride. The dragons are beyond even the gods—a raw, primal force without equal.
:'''Kormir:''' Whether he won or lost—by his death or theirs—Balthazar's ambitions would bring about the end of Tyria.
:'''Kormir:''' The rest of the Six—[[Dwayna]], [[Grenth]], [[Melandru]], even [[Lyssa]]—reached an agreement. Balthazar had to be dealt with.
:'''Balthazar:''' If you won't join the fight against the dragons, I'll see you all burn with them!
:'''Balthazar:''' Cowards! ALL OF YOU!
:'''Kormir:''' We stripped him of his power, and chained him in the Mists. There he would remain, forever—powerless to carry out his plans.
:'''Balthazar:''' Mark these words: when I'm free, I will strike you all down, and claim your power for my own!
:'''Balthazar:''' I will NOT be dismissed! I am Balthazar, mightiest of the Six!
:'''Balthazar:''' And I swear to you, you will scream your allegiance before the end!
:'''Kormir:''' He would be there now...if not for a [[Rytlock Brimstone|certain charr]] and his search for an [[Sohothin|old extinguished blade]].
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' Yeah, uh... Sorry about that.
:'''Kormir:''' Undo this wrong. The means are within your grasp.
:'''Kormir:''' When he returned to this world, Balthazar disguised himself as [[Lazarus]] with [[Broken Mirror|Lyssa's Mirror]]—the only magic powerful enough to hide the truth from our eyes.
:'''Kormir:''' By the time the ruse was revealed, the other gods had already departed. And soon, I will join them.
:'''<Character Name>:''' You don't have to go. You could stay. Fight with us.
:'''Kormir:''' You ask for a war between the gods. Do you not know the cost of such a battle?
:'''Kormir:''' Have you not learned from the last time the gods stood against one of their own—against [[Abaddon]]?
:'''Kormir:''' Thirteen hundred years ago, Abaddon and his [[gww:Margonite|army of fanatics]] waged a war ranging across the shores and islands of the Crystal Sea.
:'''Kormir:''' The battle was so ferocious that the ocean boiled away, leaving behind the desert you see today.
:'''Kormir:''' When the gods finally struck down Abaddon, his fall warped and ravaged these lands, creating [[the Desolation]].
:'''Kormir:''' Abaddon remained a fallen god, imprisoned for a thousand years, until he [[gww:Nightfall (event)|rose to threaten Tyria]] one last time...
:'''Kormir:''' A mortal hero [[gww:Abaddon's Gate|led a mission]] to stop him, and against all odds, succeeded. But then...

:'''Hero:''' Abaddon is breaking up!
:'''Kormir:''' Incredible! All that knowledge!
:'''Hero:''' It's running wild! It will destroy everything!
:'''Kormir:''' I can contain the power—
:'''Hero:''' Kormir! No!

:'''Kormir:''' I was there to contain the damage, but by then it was too late.
:'''Kormir:''' The surge of power upended the balance of magic in Tyria, and stirred [[Primordus]] from his slumber—triggering this latest cycle of destruction.
:'''Kormir:''' There is no victory to be found in a war between the gods. Only casualties.
:'''<Character Name>:''' I understand...but we don't have the choice you have. We have to fight.
:'''<Character Name>:''' Balthazar doesn't care whether he destroys Tyria. He said so himself.
:'''Lady Kasmeer Meade:''' Please, Goddess—if there is any way we can convince you to stay—
:'''<Character Name>:''' No, Kas. This isn't their war—it's ours.
:'''Kormir:''' Kasmeer my dear child... You never needed our help.
:'''Kormir:''' You were already on the path. Follow the trail of [[Vlast]].
:'''Kormir:''' Restore what has been broken.
:'''Kormir:''' The answers you seek are in the desert. I wish you good fortune, Commander.
:'''Kormir:''' It's time. I must join the others.
:'''Lady Kasmeer Meade:''' Goddess Kormir, before you go—
:'''Kormir:''' Yes?
:'''Lady Kasmeer Meade:''' Thank you. For everything.
:'''Kormir:''' You carry with you the blessings of all the gods.
:'''Kormir:''' Never forget that.

;After Kormir departs
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' So we came all this way just to watch her leave?
:'''<Character Name>:''' Kas, are you all right?
:'''Lady Kasmeer Meade:''' Just...processing, Commander. What Kormir said... I was angry. Confused.
:'''Lady Kasmeer Meade:''' But it's time we stand on our own. Tyria is ours to protect. I know that now.
:'''Canach:''' So what now? Are we to comb the desert for a clue? Because, as you may have noticed...there's a lot of desert.
:'''<Character Name>:''' If that's what it takes, yes. You heard Kormir—we're on our own from here on out.
:'''<Character Name>:''' So we search the desert. But we do it smart—we'll split up and search systematically.
:'''Lady Kasmeer Meade:''' Can do. I'd like to return to the [[Temple of Kormir]] anyway.
:'''Lady Kasmeer Meade:''' The refugees there may have information we can use...and I've got some news to share with them too.
:'''<Character Name>:''' Good. Canach?
:'''Canach:''' I'll head for the desert near Amnoon. I may also check in with my contacts in the [[Order of Shadows]]—they might be able to shed some light on things.
:'''<Character Name>:''' Rytlock go with him. I'll take the [[Elon Riverlands|Riverlands]] to the south.
:'''<Character Name>:''' Let's work our contacts, speak with the scouts—anybody who might be able to help us in our search.
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' About that. What are we searching for, exactly?
:'''<Character Name>:''' The way forward. That's all I've got at the moment.
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' Heh. Well, we've done more with less. Let's get to it.

;Talking to Ashhe
:Accept your fears, and face them. That is the way to victory.
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Who are you?''
::I am Ashhe, handmaiden of Kormir. I represent the valor of the Sunspears.
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''

;Talking to Giwebo
:Never forget to be humble. Be grateful what you have and what you have accomplished.
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Who are you?''
::My name is Giwebo. I represent the Sunspears' humility.
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''

;Talking to Golsah
:If you wish to be honored, be honorable. Be remembered for your integrity, not your wealth or your fame.
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Who are you?''
::I am Golsah. I am a handmaiden to Kormir and represent the honor of the Sunspears.
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''

;Talking to Gundayo
:Remember: a lie is a burden you carry with you until honesty removes the weight from your conscience.
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Who are you?''
::We are handmaidens of Kormir. My name is Gundayo, which means "honesty."
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''

;Talking to Limwe
:Revenge sometimes disguises itself as justice. Do not be deceived. Act with purpose.
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Who are you?''
::I am Limwe, or "justice." I am a handmaiden of Kormir.
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''

;Talking to Virzuk
:A meaningful life is a compassionate life. Lose your compassion, and you lose your purpose.
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Who are you?''
::You can call me Virzuk. I represent compassion, one of the virtues the Sunspears follow.
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''

;Talking to Yasfahr
:The greatest rewards come from the greatest sacrifices.
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Who are you?''
::I am Yasfahr. I am here to remind the Sunspears of the importance and meaning of sacrifice.
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''

;Talking to Zaklem
:Show kindness, and you will be appreciated. Show loyalty, and you will be loved.
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Who are you?''
::I am Zaklem, a handmaiden of Kormir. I represent loyalty, one of the eight virtues of the Sunspears.
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''

;Talking to the group of three Sanctum Librarians in the north
:Hello, friend. We were just discussing what is to be done with the library now that Kormir has left us.
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''What did you decide?''
::We will continue our duties, as usual. To neglect the sanctum of Kormir, to allow her collection to fall into despair, would be a great dishonor.
::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''But aren't you upset that she left?''
:::You must not be very familiar with Kormir's teachings. I wouldn't expect you to be. She represents truth and knowledge. If she says she must leave, then she knows best above all of us.
:::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''So what will you do with the library?'' '''(Same as "What did you decide?")'''
:::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''I suppose.''
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''I'm sure Kormir appreciates it.''
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Sorry to interrupt.''

;Talking to a Sanctum Librarian
:Oh. A mortal? Did you want something? We're curators, not lenders. You can't borrow anything from Kormir's library. And she just left us anyway, so it's a tough time for us.
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''If you don't lend books, what do you do?''
::Whatever tasks we feel are needed. Some simply read the books and take in their wisdom. Some organize them. Some care for them. There's no dust or mold here, but spines can crease and pages can tear.
::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''What do you do?''
:::Oh, a little of everything. But I'm not much of a host or tour guide, so if you have more questions, please bother...find...someone else.
:::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Yeah, okay.''
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''I see. Thanks.''
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''I just wanted to explore the library.''

;Talking to another Sanctum Librarian
:I never grow tired of the beauty of this library. It still takes my breath away. Kormir knows how to uplift the soul. I hope it stays like this, now that she's left.
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''How long have you been here?''
::A long time, but not long enough. Never long enough. As long as the world is learning, more knowledge is added to the library shelves.
::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Will that continue with Kormir gone?''
:::I don't know. But I could spend a thousand lifetimes just wandering these hallways and taking in the splendor. I am not concerned.
:::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''I'll leave you to your musings.''
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''I'll make sure to keep Tyria safe so that your material never runs out.''
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''I won't disagree with that.''

;Talking to the crying Sanctum Librarian on the eastern side of the secret room
:How could she leave us with so much work left to be done? How?
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Um...''
::Sorry. I shouldn't snap at random strangers. I keep telling myself Kormir knows what she's doing, but the library feels so empty without her. I imagine Tyria feels the same.
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Tyria will have to carry on without her.''
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''You look busy. I'll just go.''

;Talking to the Sancrum Librarian on the western side of the secret room
:What do you want, mortal? Enjoying the secret room? Kormir always did like to reward those willing to get their hands dirty in the pursuit of knowledge.
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Did you know Kormir was going to leave?''
::She did tell us, though I didn't realize it would be so soon. I should have, but in the library, it's easy to go on thinking you have all the time in the world.
::{{dialogue icon|return}} ''I have another question.''
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''It must have been a shock, then.''
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''What will you do now that she's gone?''
::Carry on. This library stands for anyone who ever cared to learn and grow. It honors Kormir, but it also honors her people, and all people.
::{{dialogue icon|return}} ''I have another question.''
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Then it needs caring for. Good luck.''
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''What is this place?''
::Kormir's private library. While all of the Sanctum is hers to command, this area is where her favorite collections are kept.
::{{dialogue icon|return}} ''I have another question.''
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Yes, it's quite...rewarding.''

== My story ==
{{Mystory

| text =
We entered the portal at the Tomb of Primeval Kings, only to be separated and transported to a strange, desolate landscape. After searching the area, I was able to reunite with the others and discovered a mysterious puzzle that had been hidden by a sandstorm.

Kasmeer believed the puzzle to be a challenge set by the gods, and she was proven right. After completing the puzzle, a portal opened up before us, leading to...perhaps, the gods?

We entered the portal and found ourselves in a library unlike any other I've ever seen. We came hoping to find the gods, but Kormir, the Goddess of Truth, was the only deity we found. She granted us an audience in her sanctum and answered some of our questions, but in this case the truth was hard to hear. 
Kormir told us the gods had left Tyria completely to avoid a cataclysmic battle with the Elder Dragons that would have destroyed the world they were trying to preserve. As Kormir described it, Balthazar refused to accept this decision and went so far as to threaten the other gods if they went through with their plan. 
In response, the rest of the Six stripped Balthazar of his power and chained him in the Mists, where he remained until Rytlock unwittingly released him. Once freed, Balthazar set out to recover his lost power, defeat the Elder Dragons, and claim their magic for himself in order to take vengeance on the other gods for imprisoning him. 
Kormir concluded by saying the other gods were long gone, and she was about to follow them, so they could not and would not help us against Balthazar. Learning the gods had abandoned Tyria was painful, especially for Kasmeer. But she ultimately accepted that, as Kormir pointed out, the time for prayers is past. This world belongs to us mortals now, and it's our responsibility to defend it. 
Before she left to reunite with her fellow gods, Kormir provided us a single bit of guidance in our fight against Balthazar: to seek answers in the desert. It's not much to go on, but I've instructed the team to split up and search: Kasmeer will go north, Canach and Rytlock will ask Canach's contacts in the Order of Shadows, and I'll head south to scour the Riverlands. Balthazar is our problem to solve, and while knowing the solution is out there isn't as good as knowing the solution itself, it's a start.
}}

== Notes ==
* The book "Turai's Story" in the hidden room was originally released in 2008 with the Bonus Mission Pack. A complete version can be read in [[gw1:Turai's Story|Turai's Story]].
* When Kormir is talking about how a Hero [[gww:Abaddon's Gate|led a mission]] to kill Abaddon, you can hear the almost exact audio file that was used in Guild Wars 1.

== Trivia ==
* When Kormir is present, the effect {{effect|Blind (The Sanctum effect)}} will be applied to players.

{{Path of Fire storyline|2}}

[[de:Der Wahrheit stellen]]
[[es:Afrontando la verdad]]
[[fr:Affronter la vérité]]

Hallowed Ground (story)

2026-04-03T04:57:32Z

184.23.183.13: /* Achievements */

{{otheruses|the mission|the skill|Hallowed Ground}}
{{story infobox
| name = Hallowed Ground
| id = 500
| storyline = Path of Fire
| chapter number = 6
| year = 1330
| location = Tomb of the Primeval Kings
| level = 80
| prev = Crystalline Memories
| next = Facing the Truth
| gallery1 = Hallowed Ground (story) loading screen.jpg
| gallery1-text = Hallowed Ground: Tomb of the Primeval Kings
| requires = pof
}}
[[Hallowed Ground (story)|Hallowed Ground]] is the sixth chapter of the [[Path of Fire]] story.

== Objectives ==
;Enter the Mists through the portal.
* Travel to the Tomb of Primeval Kings.
* Make your way to the entrance.
* (Fight Queen Nadijeh.) 
* Defeat Queen Nadijeh. {{event bar}}{{event icon|boss}}
* Head further into the tombs.
* Clear the guards from the treasury. {{event bar empty}}{{event icon|swords}}
* (Fight King Wasi.) 
* Defeat King Wasi. {{event bar}}{{event icon|boss}}
* Travel deeper into the tombs.
* Defeat Queen Nahlah. {{event bar}}{{event icon|boss}}
* Defeat Queen Dahlah. {{event bar}}{{event icon|boss}}
* (Show respect before the sarcophagi of the Primeval rulers.) 
* Show honor before the sarcophagi of the Primeval rulers. {{event bar empty}}
* Confer with the Primeval rulers.

== Rewards ==
* {{rewards item|Piece of Common Unidentified Gear|qty=3}}
* {{rewards item|Phantasmic Belongings}}
* {{rewards item|Primeval Treasure Hoard}}
* {{rewards item|Elonian Boot Box}}

== Walkthrough ==
Journey to the [[Tomb of the Primeval Kings]] to start the instance. You can bypass most of the soldiers at the entrance by just running through if you like, but you have to defeat the guards at the gate to make [[Queen Nadijeh]], founder of the Sunspears, appear.

Like most everybody in Elona, she doesn't like visitors, so you have to defeat her. Nadijeh uses telegraphed charge and AoE attacks, which you should be able to avoid most of the time. After losing each quarter of her health, she'll summon illusions of herself. Kasmeer will say to attack the real Nadijeh, and the only way to tell them apart is by their character target portraits, not the illusions themselves. The real Nedijeh will have a slightly more noticeable headband compared to the illusions and the real one's chest piece will be different with more white in it. The difference is very difficult to see in the target portraits, but tabbing between targets may enable you to see the difference. Your allies don't seem to attack the real one if an illusion is present, and they will destroy the illusions so you will eventually succeed after a time. Speak to Queen Nadijeh after defeating her for lore, then enter the tomb proper.

Continue heading northeast through the treasury and clear out the guards near the doorway to make [[King Wasi]] notice you. You can open the (sadly empty) treasure chests to make more guards appear, but it has no effect. Like Nadijeh, Wasi dislikes mortal intruders such as you. He attacks in a similar manner to Nadijeh, but his special mechanic is a shield that appears after losing each quarter of his health. Make him charge over Canach's mines, surrounded by glowing circles, to disrupt the shield and make him vulnerable. After being placed, the mines last for 20 seconds. Canach will automatically place another down if the timer elapses (though usually not in the same spot). Speak to King Wasi after defeating him for additional lore, if you like, and continue through the doorway.

The final dead rulers awaiting you are the twin queens, [[Queen Nahlah]] and [[Queen Dahlah]]. Their fight combines the mechanics from the previous two encounters, along with some summoned support trash through the fight (sometimes they summon the Halloween skeletons, though, so they have a pull that can be annoying). First, you fight Dahlah in a similar manner to Nadijeh, but instead of looking at the character portraits of the illusions, you have to look at the illusions themselves. The real Dahlah will have a different staff (the illusions all carry the [[Green Wood Staff]] while she carries the [[Sunspear Standard]], so focus on the distinctive staff head). After she is down to a quarter health, you fight her sister Nahlah much like Wasi before, although instead of a shield she will turn into a plague of scarabs that slowly moves towards you placing red circles on the ground.

After both sisters are down to a quarter health, you'll have to defeat them both together (within 20 seconds of each other) or the dead one will revive back to half health. When you succeed, listen to the monarchs talk and then go to the rulers' sarcophagi and press "F" to pay them respect in turn. Talk to the monarchs again to end the mission.

Opening the treasure chest in the final room will not yield anything except more angry guards.

=== Achievements ===
<div id="achievementcontrol"></div>{{account achievements widget}}
{{achievement box|Keen Eye|style=display:table}}
You have to kill the real target first, without any of the illusions dying. Look for the correct target and go ham on it.

* For the fight with Queen Nadijeh, target the illusion that has a yellow/gold headpiece, not a green headpiece in their character target portraits. The fake ones will also have less decorative chest pieces in their target bar thumbnails.
* For the fight with the twins, the correct illusion has a fancier staff with a hole in the top of it. The illusions all carry the [[Green Wood Staff]] while she carries the [[Sunspear Standard]]. The fake ones will also have a lighter brown mask in their target bar thumbnails.
* It can help to save cooldowns for the illusions phase.
* Your allies killing the wrong target will not affect the achievement as long as you did no damage to the wrong illusion. They will also not target the correct one, so if you are desperate, you can let them wipe out the fakes before you deal with the real yourself. This approach can be tricky, however, if your build does any splash damage.
* Achievement qualification may be tracked via the {{effect|Qualify for Keen Eye}} effect.

{{achievement box|Dynastic End|style=display:table}}
* Kill the rulers within 12 minutes.
* Achievement qualification may be tracked via the {{effect|Qualify for Dynastic End}} effect.

{{achievement box|Primeval Historian|style=display:table}}
* Speak to each ruler before defeating the next one. You will also have the option to speak to them all together at the end, which will count for the achievement.

== NPCs ==
=== Allies ===
;[[Charr]]
* [[Rytlock Brimstone]]

;[[Ghost]]s
* [[Primeval Minister]]
* [[Primeval Noble]]
* [[Primeval Priest]]
* [[Primeval Servant]]
* [[Villager]]

;[[Halloween creature]]s
* [[Mummy]]
* [[Skeleton]]

;[[Human]]s
* [[Kasmeer Meade|Lady Kasmeer Meade]]

;[[Sylvari]]
* [[Canach]]

=== Foes ===
;[[Ambient creature]]s
* [[Beetle]]
* [[Rat]]

;[[Bear]]s
* [[Murellow]]

;[[Devourer]]s
* [[Arid Parasite Devourer]]

;[[Ghost]]s
* [[King Wasi]]
* [[Primeval Guard]]
* [[Primeval Soldier]]
* [[Primeval Sunspear Guard]]
* [[Queen Dahlah]]
* [[Queen Nadijeh]]
* [[Queen Nahlah]]
* [[Royal Treasury Guard]]

;[[Minion]]s
* [[Chaos Beast]]
* [[Mummy]]
* [[Skeleton]]

;[[Insect]]s
* [[Scarab]]

== Objects ==
* [[Blood Ruby (object)|Blood Ruby]]
* [[Sarcophagi of Queens Nahlah and Dahlah]]
* [[Sarcophagus of King Wasi]]
* [[Sarcophagus of Queen Nadijeh]]
* [[Treasure Chest (Desert Highlands)|Treasure Chest]]

== Dialogue ==
;Upon entering the instance
:'''Lady Kasmeer Meade:''' Here we are—the Tomb of the Primeval Kings. The portal to the Mists is in there.
:'''<Character name>:''' Then that's our route to the gods. I wonder what we'll find inside.
:'''Lady Kasmeer Meade:''' Answers. That's all I want—a break in the silence. There has to be some explanation.
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' That's easy: the human gods abandoned Tyria. You may not like that explanation, but...
:'''Lady Kasmeer Meade:''' I can't accept that. I won't.
:'''<Character name>:''' Whatever their motives, we only have one path available to us, and we need to take it. Let's get moving.

;Random lines when approaching the Tomb of the Primeval King entrance
:'''Primeval Priest:''' What do you want?
:'''Primeval Priest:''' Has Joko come to steal from us again?
:'''Primeval Priest:''' Just go away!
:'''Primeval Minister:''' Has Joko sent more of his thieves?
:'''Primeval Minister:''' This is no place for the living!
:'''Primeval Minister:''' Just leave us in peace.
:'''Primeval Minister:''' Please, just let us rest!

;At the gate of the tomb, after defeating the guards
:'''Queen Nadijeh:''' What business do you have in this sacred place? Come to steal more emblems of our royal house?
:'''Canach:''' Stand down. We're not after your trinkets, or whatever it is you're guarding here—
:'''Queen Nadijeh:''' "Trinkets?" How dare you!
:'''Canach:''' Maybe you should handle negotiations, Commander.
:'''<Character name>:''' It's true what he says. We're not thieves—we only seek passage. Please let us through, for Tyria's sake.
:'''Queen Nadijeh:''' I see through your lies. Too often have thieves and trespassers defiled these hallowed grounds.
:'''Queen Nadijeh:''' I'll kill you before I allow that to happen again!

;While battling Nadijeh (at 75%)
:'''Lady Kasmeer Meade:''' She's created illusions to hide herself! Only one of them is real.
:'''Lady Kasmeer Meade:''' If we can find the real one and break her focus, we might be able to undo the illusion!
:'''Canach:''' "Break her focus?"
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' She means "hit her," twig!

;While battling Nadijeh (at 50% and 25%)
:'''Lady Kasmeer Meade:''' Look for the real Nadijeh, Commander!

;Defeating Nadijeh
:'''Queen Nadijeh:''' (sigh) I cannot stop you. You may pass.
:'''<Character name>:''' As I said—we're not thieves. You have my word.
:'''Queen Nadijeh:''' So you say. But I'm not the only one you have to convince.

;Speaking to Nadijeh after the battle
:'''Queen Nadijeh:''' I have already granted you passage. What more do you want?
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Tell me more about the [[Primeval Dynasty]].''
::Very well. The kings and queens of the Primeval dynasty watched over Elona for over 600 years. Though our house has fallen, we were the first to rule these lands.
::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Go on.''
:::Some say the [[Six Human Gods|gods]] crowned the first Primeval king, set above the others who first set foot upon this land. However, the truth of this has long been forgotten, erased by the sands of time.
:::{{dialogue icon|back}} ''I have another question.''
:::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''
::{{dialogue icon|back}} ''I have another question.''
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Tell me more about your time as queen of Elona.''
::Elona was a wild and lawless place. Tribes waged never-ending war. There was no one to protect the innocent or seek justice for the wronged.
::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Please continue.''
:::To that end, I founded the [[Order of the Sunspears|Order of Sunspears]], rallying many great warriors to my cause. Together, we brought the warring tribes of Elona under my banner. We established peace.
:::{{dialogue icon|back}} ''I have other questions.''
:::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''
::{{dialogue icon|back}} ''I have other questions.''
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Why did you let us pass?''
::With my blade, I sought to carve out peace in the desert. I recognize the same fire within you.
::{{dialogue icon|back}} ''I have other questions.''
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''

;Entering the tomb
:'''Primeval Priest:''' Please... Leave us in peace! No more! We can suffer no more!
:'''Canach:''' These ghosts sure are jumpy.
:'''<Character name>:''' Joko made quite an impression on them. We should move carefully here.

;Entering the treasury
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' Wow. Get a load of that.

;If interacted with the Treasure Chest
:'''Primeval Sunspear Guard:''' Thief!

;After defeating the guards around King Wasi
:'''King Wasi:''' Who goes there?
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' I'd say "not Joko," but somehow I don't think it'll make a difference.
:'''King Wasi:''' I don't know how you got past Nadijeh, but you won't get past me!
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' Told ya.

;When Wasi puts his shield barrier up (at 75%)
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' That barrier's not budging! Any ideas?
:'''<Character name>:''' Canach, throw down some mines and I'll lead him over them!
:'''Canach:''' Done! I haven't blown anything up since I got here.

;One of the following whenever Canach places a mine
:'''Canach:''' Mine down!
:'''Canach:''' Mine ready!

;After defeating Wasi
:'''King Wasi:''' You have won... And so the false ruler of Elona claims yet more trophies for his mantle.
:'''<Character name>:''' We seek passage to speak with the gods, and nothing more. We promise to leave you in peace if you'll do the same for us.
:'''King Wasi:''' Peace... Hmph. We shall see.

;Speaking to Wasi after the battle
:'''King Wasi:''' What is it?
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''I'd like to know more about your time as ruler of Elona.''
::A history lesson? After you trespassed on our sacred ground and attacked my loyal subjects? The nerve.
::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''We were defending ourselves. Your subjects attacked us.''
:::So you say. Well, what is your mission? Why invade our tomb, disrupt our existence?
:::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''We seek answers from the gods.''
::::Then find the answers you seek. I came into power in a time of war. Our armies were scattered, but I stood firm. Rallied the people. They came to know me as a defender of the desert.
::::{{dialogue icon|back}} ''I have other questions.''
::{{dialogue icon|back}} ''I have other questions.''
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Can you tell me about the Primeval dynasty?''
::Do books not exist where you're from? The Primeval kings and queens have ruled since humans first set foot upon the sands of Elona.
::{{dialogue icon|back}} ''I have other questions.''
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''What happened to the Primeval dynasty?''
::Ask Nahlah or Dahlah. The rule of the Primevals ended with them.
::{{dialogue icon|back}} ''I have another question.''
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''

;Approaching Queens Dahlah and Nahlah
:'''Queen Dahlah:''' Who dares?
:'''Queen Nahlah:''' Who dares?
:'''Lady Kasmeer Meade:''' We mean no disrespect.
:'''Queen Nahlah:''' Yet you care nothing for those who rest here. You've befouled these most hallowed grounds with your presence.
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' What'd I tell you, Canach? You need a bath.
:'''Lady Kasmeer Meade:''' We only wish to speak with the gods!
:'''Queen Dahlah:''' We've heard such lies before. You're agents of the pretender, Joko.
:'''Queen Nahlah:''' And like the others, you must bear the consequences of your actions.
:'''Queen Dahlah:''' The Primeval dynasty ended with us, no matter what the deceiver Joko claims!
:'''Queen Nahlah:''' And so too will your lines expire...here, in the dark.

;While battling Dahlah (at 25%)
:'''Queen Dahlah:''' Nahlah, they are too strong for me!
:'''Queen Nahlah:''' I will show you the darkness that swallowed Elona!

;While battling Nahlah (at 75%)
:'''Canach:''' Nothing works, Commander!
:'''Lady Kasmeer Meade:''' It's another illusion. We need to break her out of it!
:'''<Character name>:''' Canach, lay down some more mines!
:'''One of the following whenever Canach places a mine:'''
::'''Canach:''' Mine down!
::'''Canach:''' Mine ready!

;While battling Nahlah (at 25%)
:'''Queen Nahlah:''' Dahlah, aid me!

;When defeating one twin while other twin is still alive
:'''One of the following:'''
:'''Queen Nahlah:''' I cannot continue.
:'''Queen Nahlah:''' Dahlah, you must fight for us both.
:'''Queen Dahlah:''' I'm beaten...
:'''Queen Dahlah:''' Fight on for me.
:'''Queen Dahlah:''' I can't go on...

;When 15 seconds pass after one is defeated and the other is alive
:'''Rytlock:''' What the— What just happened? She just came back!
:'''Lady Kasmeer Meade:''' They seem to be bound together!
:'''<Character name>:''' Divide and conquer won't work— we need to take them both down at the same time!

;After defeating Dahlah and Nahlah
:'''Queen Nadijeh:''' That's enough. We cannot allow you to defile this place.
:'''Queen Nahlah:''' Say the word, Nadijeh, and we'll begin the fight anew!
:'''King Wasi:''' Wait—they're not like Joko's raiders. They may be speaking the truth.
:'''Queen Nahlah:''' Nonsense. They are nothing more than thieves—just like the others.
:'''King Wasi:''' Stay your wrath, Nahlah. We may be judging them too hastily.
:'''Queen Nadijeh:''' Very well. If you can demonstrate the proper respect for this place, you may pass.

;Speaking to Nahlah after the battle
:'''Queen Nahlah:''' What is it?
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Tell me about Elona during your rule.''
::When Dahlah and I were crowned twin rulers of Elona at the height of its glory.{{sic|run on fragment sentence}} The wars of unification were long past, and would-be conquerors were now trusted allies.
::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Go on.''
:::Trade flowed through the desert, bringing scholars, master artisans, and exotic merchants to our cities. The land flowed with milk and honey, and all prospered.
:::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Go on.''
::::The Primeval dynasty had ruled for centuries. We were young and beautiful, and all of Tyria was at our feet. We believed there was nothing we could not do, and it was that which brought us down.
::::{{dialogue icon|back}} ''I have other questions.''
::::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''
:::{{dialogue icon|back}} ''I have other questions.''
:::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''
::{{dialogue icon|back}} ''I have other questions.''
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''How did the Primeval dynasty end?''
::The [[Scarab Plague|scarab plague]]. Nobody knew where or how it began, but nearly all in the kingdom were wiped out by it.
::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Go on.''
:::Dahlah and I were drunk with the arrogance of youth. We lived for wine and song, for the pleasures of the flesh. And there were those who wished to keep us blind.
:::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''So what happened?''
::::When the plague first struck, we'd already been led far astray. The people of Elona cried out for help, but we were deaf to their pleas.
::::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Then what happened?''
:::::We were reviled and cursed—some even blamed us. In the end, the plague claimed our lives as well. Thus ended our rule and that of the Primeval dynasty.
:::::{{dialogue icon|back}} ''I have other questions.''
:::::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''
::::{{dialogue icon|back}} ''I have other questions.''
::::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''
::{{dialogue icon|back}} ''I have other questions.''
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''How can I prove my honorable intentions?''
::Through action, not word. Our remains lie dusty and forgotten. It is a small thing, but it would mean much for you to pay respects.
::{{dialogue icon|back}} ''I have other questions.''
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''

;Speaking to Dahlah after the battle
:'''Queen Dahlah:''' You have won. Now what do you want?
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Tell me more about Elona during your rule.''
::Odd that you would ask considering the circumstances, but... Elona was a center for culture and arts. A paradise. And yet, it was not enough for us.
::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''What do you mean?''
:::We believed our birthright entitled us to more. We surrounded ourselves with beauty, slavishly sought out all that was new and different, and yearned to taste of every pleasure.
:::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Go on.''
::::It was no surprise that there were those who found us easy to manipulate.
::::{{dialogue icon|back}} ''I have other questions.''
::::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''
:::{{dialogue icon|back}} ''I have other questions.''
:::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''
::{{dialogue icon|back}} ''I have other questions.''
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Tell me about the scarab plague?''
::When the plague first struck, we had no knowledge of it. Safe behind the walls of our palace, we concerned ourselves little with the lives of those outside our gates.
::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Continue.''
:::As reports of the spreading plague began arriving, we paid little heed. We were consumed by our obsessions, being purposefully led astray by malicious counsel.
:::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''And then?''
::::By the time we realized the devastation, it was too late. The palace had fallen, and so did we. Thus ended the Primeval dynasty.
::::{{dialogue icon|back}} ''I have other questions.''
::::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''
:::{{dialogue icon|back}} ''I have other questions.''
:::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''
::{{dialogue icon|back}} ''I have other questions.''
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''How can I prove to you I mean no harm?''
::Too long have we been forgotten, with no one to honor the memory of our deeds. Honor our bones, and I will know you speak truth.
::{{dialogue icon|back}} ''I have other questions.''
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Good-bye.''

;After showing respect to all four sarcophagi
:'''Queen Nadijeh:''' You have shown the proper respect. You may pass into the Mists.
:'''<Character name>:''' We promise to honor the memory of your rule, and to respect these lands.
:'''Queen Nadijeh:''' See that you do. We will not forgive a second betrayal.

;After Nadijeh opens the gates to the portal
:'''Lady Kasmeer Meade:''' These poor spirits. Even in death, they aren't safe from Joko.
:'''Canach:''' Let's just be thankful they still have some capacity for reason.
:'''Canach:''' Now then, there lies our destination. Are we prepared to ask our questions of the divine?
:'''Lady Kasmeer Meade:''' Absolutely.

== My story ==
{{Mystory
| image = Hallowed Ground (story) loading screen.jpg
| text =
We entered the Tomb of Primeval Kings, but we encountered stiff resistance from its ghostly defenders. Angered by recent trespassers, the spirits of Elona's past monarchs treated us as common thieves, and we had to battle our way through the tombs before we were able to convince the long-dead rulers to allow us passage to the Mists. Now that we've secured a route to the gods, it's time to find them and get some long-awaited answers.
}}

== Trivia ==
* Interacting with the sarcophagi of the Primeval rulers, and upon looting some of the treasure chests will apply the effect {{effect|Blessing of the Primeval Rulers}} to players.
* Additionally, the effect {{effect|Curse of the Primeval Rulers}} will be applied to players that attempt to rob the [[Tomb of the Primeval Kings]].

{{Path of Fire storyline|2}}

[[de:Geheiligter Boden (Mission)]]
[[es:Suelo consagrado (historia)]]
[[fr:Sol consacré (mission d'histoire personnelle)]]

Blood and Stone

2026-02-25T05:59:11Z

184.23.183.13: /* Achievements */

{{Story infobox
| id = 432
| storyline = Living World Season 3
| chapter number = 1
| step number = 3
| chapter = Out of the Shadows
| location = Pride of the Pact; Fragmented Wastes; Haunted Canyons
| level = 80
| prev = Research in Rata Novus
| next = Reaper of Magic
| year = 1329
| gallery1 = Bloodstone Fen loading screen.jpg
| requires = hot, lws3
}}
[[Blood and Stone]] is the third part of [[Out of the Shadows]].

== Objectives ==
'''Perform reconnaissance in what's left of [[Bloodstone Fen]] and begin investigating the cause of the bloodstone's destruction.'''
* Speak with [[General Almorra Soulkeeper|General Soulkeeper]].
* Scout the floating citadel and reach the arena at the top of the tower.
* Investigate the large chunk of bloodstone below the citadel.
* Search the surface for survivors.
* Search the nearby cave for survivors.
* Continue your search for survivors.
* Speak with Squad Leader Bennett to continue your investigation.
* Share your findings with General Soulkeeper.

== Rewards ==
* {{rewards item|Gilded Strongbox|id=44201}}
* {{rewards item|Dragonite Ore|qty=5}}
* {{rewards item|Taste of Liquid Karma}}
* {{rewards item|Bag of Loot (container)|qty=5|id=63379}}

== Walkthrough ==
Upon arriving in Bloodstone Fen, your character will be [[Disoriented (Bloodstone Fen)|Disoriented]]. This effect will go away after talking to [[General Almorra Soulkeeper]]. The objectives will send you around the map to various locations. You can do most objectives in any order and in most cases just need to be near a specific area to fulfill it. After doing all the objectives, waypoint back to Pride of the Pact and talk to Almorra. After the dialogue, the story is complete.

Because this mission takes place in the open world map, you can encounter all the creatures and hazards of the [[Bloodstone Fen]] map.

=== Achievements ===
<div id="achievementcontrol"></div>{{account achievements widget}}

{{achievement box|Blood and Stone}}
* Complete the mission.

== NPCs ==
This is an open world mission, so you can encounter all the NPCs from the Bloodstone Fen map.
=== Allies ===
;[[Charr]]
* [[General Almorra Soulkeeper]]

;[[Human]]
* [[Squad Leader Bennett]]

== Dialogue ==
Taimi is calling in:
:'''Taimi:''' {{flavor|Commander! Commander, can you read me?}}
:'''<Character Name>:''' Taimi? How are you—where are you?
:'''Taimi:''' {{flavor|I'm in your bag! I put a two way communicator in there when you were in [[Rata Novus]].}}
:'''<Character Name>:''' I don't really have time for this, something just expl—
:'''Taimi:''' {{flavor|The map just went crazy, and it's where you were going! Are you there?}}
:'''<Character Name>:''' Yeah, I don't—
:'''Taimi:''' {{flavor|Okay, magic levels that high could be super hazardous! Like Xs for eyes hazardous!}}
:'''Taimi:''' {{flavor|But I may have a solution!}}
:'''Taimi:''' {{flavor|Based on some of [[Zinn]]'s old Rata Novan research, I've devised a way for you to [[Counter Magic|counter certain types of magical threats]].}}
:'''Taimi:''' {{flavor|Might take a second to get used to, so train, train, train!}}
:'''<Character Name>:''' Thanks, Taimi. We'll talk about this thing you bugged me with later.
:'''Taimi:''' {{flavor|Oops! Lab fire! Gotta go!}}

Speaking with General Soulkeeper:
:'''General Almorra Soulkeeper:''' Our forward propulsion shorted out. What—what was that?
:'''<Character name>:''' I think...it's hard for me to actually say, but I think a [[bloodstone]] just exploded.
:'''General Almorra Soulkeeper:''' A bloodstone? Then how are we still alive?
:'''<Character name>:''' Good question. But others might not have been so lucky.
:'''<Character name>:''' I'm going down to scout for survivors, see if I can piece together what happened and why the blast reversed itself.
:'''General Almorra Soulkeeper:''' Watch your back, and let me know what you find out. We'll try to get this bird running again.
:'''<Character name>:''' [[Canach]] was supposed to meet me here... Hope he and his troops were out of range.

Scouting the citadel:
:'''If asura:'''
::'''<Character name>:''' The blast released spirits from the bloodstone. If I remember my Human History Symposium correctly, they're victims sacrificed by the [[White Mantle]].
::'''Taimi:''' {{flavor|Before...die...(static)}}
::'''<Character name>:''' Beware. These spirits suffered for centuries. They won't know friend from foe. Those White Mantle left them like that!
:'''If charr:'''
::'''<Character name>:''' Whoa! The blast released spirits. They may be sacrificial victims of the White Mantle. My ancestors reviled those evil badgers.
::'''Taimi:''' {{flavor|Before...die...(static)}}
::'''<Character name>:''' They tried to exterminate my ancestors, but tortured their own people as well. These spirits were twisted by what they went through.
:'''If human:'''
::'''<Character name>:''' The blast must have released the spirits of the victims sacrificed on the bloodstone...
::'''Taimi:''' {{flavor|Before...die...(static)}}
::'''<Character name>:''' Years of imprisonment twisted their minds. They don't know friend from foe. The White Mantle will pay for this!
:'''If norn:'''
::'''<Character name>:''' The blast released spirits trapped in the bloodstone. I've heard tales of sacrifices among human tribes. Maybe this is related.
::'''Taimi:''' {{flavor|Before...die...(static)}}
::'''<Character name>:''' They were imprisoned for so long, it twisted their minds. They don't know friend from foe. We must release them once and for all.
:'''If sylvari:'''
::'''<Character name>:''' Those spirits seem to have been freed from the bloodstone. The explosion...
::'''Taimi:''' {{flavor|Before...die...(static)}}
::'''<Character name>:''' How long were they imprisoned? Why? I've heard stories of humans sacrificing each other on bloodstones. What mental scars they must bear.

Scouting the chunk of bloodstone:
:'''<Character name>:''' A large chunk of the bloodstone, still intact. And these foul things!
:'''<Character name>:''' This bloodstone must have been larger than anyone imagined. What could have caused it to explode?
:'''Taimi:''' {{flavor|You...fairly deadly...less...(static)}}

Scouting the surface:
:'''<Character name>:''' White Mantle! But they're...different.
:'''White Mantle Knight:''' The magic is mine.
:'''Taimi:''' {{flavor|(static)...be ready to run...(static)}}

Scouting the cave:
:'''<Character name>:''' Ah, members of the [[Pact]]!
:'''Crazed Priory Magister:''' Blood...bloodstones...
:'''Crazed Priory Magister:''' I'll slit your throat!
:'''Taimi:''' {{flavor|Commander? Commander? Are you still alive?}}
:'''If asura:'''
::'''<Character name>:''' They've been consumed by bloodstone magic. May they find their place in the [[Eternal Alchemy]].
:'''If charr:'''
::'''<Character name>:''' They've been consumed by bloodstone magic. They deserve a better fate.
:'''If human:'''
::'''<Character name>:''' [[Six Human Gods|Gods]] have mercy. They've been consumed by bloodstone magic. May [[Grenth]] guide them to the next world in peace.
:'''If norn:'''
::'''<Character name>:''' They've been consumed by bloodstone magic. They deserve a better fate.
:'''If sylvari:'''
::'''<Character name>:''' They've been consumed by bloodstone magic. I hope they rest in peace.

Speaking with Squad Leader Bennett:
:'''Squad Leader Bennett:''' I've never seen an explosion collapse on itself like that.
:'''Squad Leader Bennett:''' The magic was inches from my face, and then it suddenly shot into the ground.
:'''Squad Leader Bennett:''' Do you think a [[Elder Dragon|dragon]] was responsible?
:'''<Character name>:''' I'm not sure yet, that's what I'm here to investigate.
:'''<Character name>:''' I want to get into that crater and find out why the blast reversed and where the magic went.
:'''Squad Leader Bennett:''' Easier said than done. The area is swarming with White Mantle.
:'''Squad Leader Bennett:''' We sent a patrol, but only one soldier made it back, and [[Marksman Morrica|she's]]...not well.
:'''<Character name>:''' What's wrong with her?
:'''Squad Leader Bennett:''' She was hit with magic unlike any we've seen.
:'''Squad Leader Bennett:''' On the outside she's fine, but it twisted her insides something fierce. She can barely move.
:'''Squad Leader Bennett:''' She's been raving about [[Jade Construct|floating purple stone monsters]] ever since she got back.
:'''<Character name>:''' Stone creatures? That rings a White Mantle bell. Can you reach the [[Durmand Priory|Priory]] and see what they know about them?
:'''Squad Leader Bennett:''' Sure thing, Commander.
:'''<Character name>:''' Have you seen Canach?
:'''Squad Leader Bennett:''' Who?
:'''<Character name>:''' He's a sylvari. Tough but well-spoken. Medium build. A bit cranky.
:'''Squad Leader Bennett:''' Can't say that I have. But I did see [[Caithe]] run through here like a centaur on fire.
:'''Squad Leader Bennett:''' She wouldn't stop for anything. Just hauled tail through the war zone and was gone like that.
:'''<Character name>:''' Thank you. I'll let the general know you're down here.

Speaking with General Soulkeeper:
:'''General Almorra Soulkeeper:''' Is it as bad as it looks down there?
:'''<Character name>:''' It's not good. White Mantle hit in the blast are mad with hunger for magical energy. They gather any scrap they can find.
:'''General Almorra Soulkeeper:''' The White Mantle? Could they have done this? And to what end?
:'''<Character name>:''' I don't know. Maybe it was an experiment gone wrong. Maybe it was supposed to empower all of them and it went awry.
:'''General Almorra Soulkeeper:''' Whoever it was, we owe them our gratitude. That blast would've hit [[Lion's Arch]], and they just [[Game updates/2015-06-23|rebuilt]] the place!
:'''<Character name>:''' I'd hold off on the thanks until we know what their motive is.
:'''<Character name>:''' There's a Pact squad down there. They've already established a camp and are trying to get a foothold in the area.
:'''General Almorra Soulkeeper:''' That's what I like to hear.
:'''<Character name>:''' Well, it's not all good news. Some other Pact members were also caught in the blast.
:'''General Almorra Soulkeeper:''' Just what the Pact didn't need—more dead soldiers.
:'''<Character name>:''' They're not dead, but they've been twisted by bloodstone magic just like the White Mantle.
:'''General Almorra Soulkeeper:''' They don't deserve that. They deserve peace.
:'''<Character name>:''' I understand. I'd want the same if the roles were reversed.
:'''General Almorra Soulkeeper:''' Thank you, Commander.
Upon chapter completion:
:'''Taimi:''' {{flavor|(static)...continue...investigation!}} '''(does not show up in the chat panel)'''

== My story ==
{{Mystory
| image = Bloodstone Fen loading screen.jpg
| text = The devastation caused by the bloodstone exploding was horrific. I did my best to gather information to piece together what happened, but the mystery is deep.
}}

{{Living World Season 3 nav|1}}

[[de:Blut und Stein]]
[[es:Sangre y piedra]]
[[fr:Le sang et la pierre]]

Research in Rata Novus

2026-02-25T05:34:10Z

184.23.183.13: /* Achievements */

{{Story infobox
| id = 435
| storyline = Living World Season 3
| chapter number = 1
| step number = 2
| chapter = Out of the Shadows
| location = Rata Novus (instance)
| level = 80
| prev = Eir's Memorial in Hoelbrak
| next = Blood and Stone
| year = 1329
| gallery1 = Research in Rata Novus loading screen.jpg
| gallery1-text = Loading screen
| requires = hot, lws3
}}
[[Research in Rata Novus]] is the second story step of [[Out of the Shadows]], the first episode of [[Living World Season 3]].

== Objectives ==
* Talk to the [[Adventure Aide ZK496i]] golem in [[Rata Sum]].

'''Taimi is in [[Rata Novus (instance)|Rata Novus]], that archaeological dig of asuran history and mystery. She has something to show you!'''
* Use the secured gate in Rata Sum to travel to Rata Novus.
* Talk to a researcher to find Taimi.
* (Defend yourself.) 
* Sentry Golem {{event bar}} {{event boss}}
* Converse with Taimi.
* Outsmart the Novus security system.
* '''only if failed or skip the puzzle:'''
** (Outdo the Novus security golems.) 
** Sentry Golem killed: x/3
* Enter the gate.
* Find out what Taimi has been doing.
* (Kill the intruders!)
* Kill the chak. {{event bar empty}} {{event swords}}
* Talk to Taimi about her work.
* Optional: Curious? Explore the upper platform before you leave.
* Return to the main lab when you're ready.
* Speak with Almorra Soulkeeper.
* Investigate the commotion.
* Speak with Canach.
* Optional: Curious? Ask Canach more questions.
* When you're ready for transport, speak with Almorra.

== Rewards ==
* {{exp}} 26670
* {{rewards item|Gilded Strongbox|id=44201}}
* {{rewards item|Dragonite Ore|qty=5}}
* {{rewards item|Taste of Liquid Karma}}
* {{rewards item|Bag of Loot (container)|qty=5|id=63379}}
* {{rewards item|Pamphlet of Wisdom}}

== Walkthrough ==
When you arrive in Rata Novus through the Asura portal, the first thing you have to do is talk to the researcher. Be warned though, a few seconds after you interact with them, the Golem they are working on malfunctions and starts attacking you.

After you defeat the Golem, the next step is to talk to [[Taimi]]. She says she has something to show you in the Dragon Lab. Because her boss is suspicious of her hiding new developments from him, you have to go there a different way, the portal in the back of the room.

To activate the portal, you have to outsmart the Novus' security system so that it won't show where you are really going.

If you choose to skip the puzzle, or make a mistake in it, you will be attacked by 3 [[Sentry Golem]]s.

To do the puzzle go to the console where Taimi is standing and interact with it. You will be presented with 5 memory puzzles, where you must repeat the color sequence shown on the console screens by using the bundle skills granted by the console:
{| {{STDT|pve}}
{{Environmental skill table header}}
{{Environmental skill table row|Activate... (yellow)|1}}
{{Environmental skill table row|Activate... (purple)|2}}
{{Environmental skill table row|Activate... (red)|3}}
{{Environmental skill table row|Activate... (blue)|4}}
{{Environmental skill table row|Activate... (green)|5}}
|}

The combinations to solve the puzzle are as follows:

* Phase 1: {{skill icon|Activate... (yellow)|&ZeroWidthSpace;}}{{skill icon|Activate... (purple)|&ZeroWidthSpace;}}{{skill icon|Activate... (red)|&ZeroWidthSpace;}} (1, 2, 3)
* Phase 2: {{skill icon|Activate... (red)|&ZeroWidthSpace;}}{{skill icon|Activate... (yellow)|&ZeroWidthSpace;}}{{skill icon|Activate... (purple)|&ZeroWidthSpace;}} (3, 1, 2)
* Phase 3: {{skill icon|Activate... (yellow)|&ZeroWidthSpace;}}{{skill icon|Activate... (red)|&ZeroWidthSpace;}}{{skill icon|Activate... (blue)|&ZeroWidthSpace;}}{{skill icon|Activate... (purple)|&ZeroWidthSpace;}} (1, 3, 4, 2)
* Phase 4: {{skill icon|Activate... (purple)|&ZeroWidthSpace;}}{{skill icon|Activate... (blue)|&ZeroWidthSpace;}}{{skill icon|Activate... (yellow)|&ZeroWidthSpace;}}{{skill icon|Activate... (red)|&ZeroWidthSpace;}} (2, 4, 1, 3)
* Phase 5: {{skill icon|Activate... (green)|&ZeroWidthSpace;}}{{skill icon|Activate... (blue)|&ZeroWidthSpace;}}{{skill icon|Activate... (red)|&ZeroWidthSpace;}}{{skill icon|Activate... (purple)|&ZeroWidthSpace;}}{{skill icon|Activate... (yellow)|&ZeroWidthSpace;}} (5, 4, 3, 2, 1)

After securing the portal, follow Taimi and Rytlock through it to the next section.

In the Dragon Lab listen to some dialogue, then fight off the attacking chak. Listen to some more dialogue, then optionally climb the stairs to listen to snippets of recorded dialogue from Asura researchers. Afterwards go back to the main lab, and talk to [[General Almorra Soulkeeper|Almorra Soulkeeper]]. Investigate the commotion (which turns out to be [[Canach]]), optionally ask some questions from him about the background of the [[White Mantle]]. When you're done, talk to Almorra again to transport you to [[Bloodstone Fen]], and complete the story step.

=== Achievements ===
<div id="achievementcontrol"></div>{{account achievements widget}}

'''Was It Blue or Red?''' and '''Ain't Got Time for This''' are mutually exclusive, but you can earn both in one run by solving the puzzle, then immediately exiting the instance by returning to the character select menu.

{{achievement box|Research in Rata Novus}}
* Complete the instance.

{{achievement box|Was It Blue or Red?}}
* Successfully complete all 5 steps of password entry; see above for the correct combinations.

{{achievement box|Ain't Got Time for This}}
* Choose to skip the puzzle or make a mistake in it, and fight off the 3 [[Sentry Golem]]s that attack you.
* Achievement eligibility is tracked by the effect {{effect|Achievement Eligibility: Ain't Got Time for This}}.

{{achievement box|Return to Research in Rata Novus}}

== NPCs ==
=== Allies ===
;[[Asura]]
* [[Taimi]]
* [[Councillor Haia]]
* [[Councillor Ludo]]
* [[Councillor Phlunt]]
* [[Councillor Yahk]]
* [[Windall]]
* [[Peacemaker Guard]]s
* [[Krewemaster]]s
* [[Guide]]s
* [[Researcher]]s
* [[Technician]]
* [[Worker]]s
;[[Charr]]
* [[Rytlock Brimstone]]
* [[General Almorra Soulkeeper]]
;[[Golem]]s
* [[C-652t]]
* [[Golem Assistant]]
* [[Peacemaker Guard (Golem)|Peacemaker Guard]]
* [[Peacemaker Guard (Veteran Golem)|Peacemaker Guard]]
* [[PM-632z]]
* [[Sentry Golem]] '''(turns hostile)'''
;[[Sylvari]]
* [[Canach]]

=== Foes ===
;[[Chak]]
* [[Chak Lurker]]
* [[Chak Slinger]]
* [[Chak Zapper]]
* [[Veteran Chak Blitzer]]

== Objects ==
* [[Console]]
* [[Miscellaneous Parts]]

== Dialogue ==
=== Rata Sum ===
Speaking with Adventure Aide ZK496i:
:You—are—recognized, <Character name>. Please—proceed—through—the—gate—here.
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Where does it go?''
::I—am—not—authorized—to—answer—that—question—aloud—and—I—do—not—have—telepathic—abilities. Yet. Please—proceed. Your—safety—is—relatively—assured.
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''All right.''
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Thanks.''

=== Rata Novus ===
;Reunion with Taimi

Upon entering:
:'''Peacemaker Guard:''' Affirmative. At ease. [His/Her] name is on the list.

Upon interacting with the Researcher:
:'''Researcher:''' One second, please.
:'''Sentry Golem:''' Security—breach—detected.
:'''Researcher:''' Golem! What are you doing?
:'''Sentry Golem:''' Responding—with—full—force.
:'''Researcher:''' No! This is not happening! Stop! Halt! Cease! Desist!
:'''If asura:'''
::'''Sentry Golem:''' Unidentified—intruder—does—not—fulfill—intelligence—requirements.
:'''If not asura:'''
::'''Sentry Golem:''' Unidentified—intruder—does—not—fulfill—height—requirements.
:'''Sentry Golem:''' Prepare—for—termination.
:'''(if Taimi appears before the Sentry golem is defeated)'''
::'''Taimi:''' No, no, no! [He's/She's] approved! [He's/She's] my friend! Stop that rusty hunk of stupidity!
::'''Taimi:''' Call your stupid golem off!
::'''Researcher:''' I'm trying! I'm trying!
::'''Researcher:''' Golem, I am your master! Oh, dear. Do as I say... Stop!
::'''Researcher:''' Don't dent it!

After defeating Sentry Golem:
:'''Researcher:''' Ohhhh, my poor baby. It'll take months to repair you now.
:'''<Character name>:''' Taimi! Sorry about that.
:'''Taimi:''' Don't worry about it. All this crunchy old tech's been overstimulated by the influx of magic. Glad you're here!
:'''<Character name>:''' Yeah, I got your letter.
:'''Taimi:''' Funny, I also sent one to this guy, but he barely made it.
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' Your note failed to mention how to navigate this asuran playground!
:'''Taimi:''' He got lost trying to find the lab.
:'''Taimi:''' I had to follow the nonstop stream charr expletives to track him down.
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' City of the Future, my tail!
:'''Taimi:''' It's good to see you. I was so happy when I saw your mission was a success, but then I heard about Marshal [[Trahearne]].
:'''<Character name>:''' He saved us all. His sacrifice won't soon be forgotten.
:'''Taimi:''' But there's good news too... Rytlock says we're starting a new guild! So exciting!
:'''<Character name>:''' Glad you're on board!
:'''Taimi:''' Of course you are—someone has to be the brains. (laughs) Kidding!
:'''Taimi:''' In all seriousness though, I suspect some of the things I'm working on in this place will come in very handy!
:'''<Character name>:''' How've you been doing here?
:'''Taimi:''' Great! It's fantastic. Well, it WAS before every asura and their grandmentor showed up.
:'''<Character name>:''' At least you have a lot of hands to pitch in at the dragon lab.
:'''Taimi:''' What do you mean, Commander? I've never heard of this room you describe!
:'''Taimi:''' Keep it down about the dragon lab! I don't want anyone finding out about it. Especially—
:'''Councillor Phlunt:''' Hello, progeny.
:'''Taimi:''' Councillor Phlunt. How lovely to see you. I'm so pleased you didn't end up on a chak's breakfast menu this morning.
:'''Councillor Phlunt:''' You can stow the dim insults; they'll never be clever enough to wound me.
:'''Councillor Phlunt:''' Now, have there been any new developments today?
:'''Taimi:''' Why, none that I can think of!
:'''Councillor Phlunt:''' Allow me to warn you about keeping secrets from me, progeny. My wrath is as fierce as my intellect.
:'''Taimi:''' Oh, that sounds TERRIFYING. I wouldn't dream of hiding something from you, Councillor.
:'''Councillor Phlunt:''' HMMPH.
:'''Taimi:''' I'm totally hiding something from him.
:'''Taimi:''' Let's head there now, but not the way you know. We're going through the gate.
:'''Taimi:''' I've configured it to appear as if we're going to the Command Center, but we're really going to you-know-where.
:'''Taimi:''' Except...there's a catch. You have to outsmart the security measures.
:'''<Character name>:''' You're joking, right?
:'''Taimi:''' Not this time. Give it a shot, and I'll observe. See if you can crack the code.
:'''Taimi:''' I'll give you a hint. Do exactly as you're told.

Interacting with the console the first time:
:'''If asura:'''
::'''Gate Console:''' Taimi's mark is all over this console. She's hidden secret applications and... Wow! This is ingenious. She's conquered the problem of gates going to only one destination. Security, however, is strict.
:'''Otherwise:'''
::'''Gate Console:''' The console appears old, but it has obviously cleaned up.
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Attempt to solve the puzzle.''
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Skip the puzzle.''

:'''Console:''' Unidentified—user. Security—measures—activated.
:'''Console:''' Enter—passcode.

Interacting with the console after failing:
:'''Gate Console:''' Try again?
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Attempt to solve the puzzle.''
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Skip the puzzle.''

Successful chain:
:'''Console:''' Phase—one—of—five—complete. Phase—two—commencing—now.
:'''Console:''' Enter—passcode.
::'''Console:''' Phase—two—complete.
::'''Console:''' Enter—passcode.
:::'''Console:''' Phase—three—complete.
:::'''Console:''' Enter—passcode.
::::'''Console:''' Phase—four—complete.
::::'''Console:''' Enter—passcode.
:::::'''Console:''' Final—phase—complete. Passcode—accepted. Gate—relay—Zero-4-6-8-7—activated.
:::::'''Taimi:''' That's our cue. You cracked the code. Let's go.

Failing the Novus console minigame '''(a nearby reseracher will get hit by lightning bolts)''':
:'''Console:''' Interact—with—the—console—only—if—you—are—an—approved—user.
:'''Researcher (1):''' Must be love.
:'''Researcher (2):''' More like marriage. Ow.

:'''Console:''' Incorrect.
:'''Researcher (1):''' Y-y-yikes! What's causing that?
:'''Researcher (2):''' This place is an accident waiting to happen.

:'''Console:''' Incorrect.
:'''Researcher (1):''' Z-z-ztttt. Somebunny crackle the buckmo, pliz.
:'''Researcher (2):''' Sweetie. Nobody knows what a buckmo is.

:'''Console:''' Incorrect.
:'''Researcher (1):''' Jumping jolts! What IS that?
:'''Researcher (2):''' I think it's your conscience.

:'''Console:''' Incorrect.
:'''Researcher (1):''' Housekeeping!
:'''Researcher (2):''' Bring a mop!

:'''Console:''' Incorrect.
:'''Researcher (1):''' I'm okay. I'm okay!
:'''Researcher (2):''' Is your hair getting curlier?

:'''Console:''' Incorrect.
:'''Researcher (1):''' K-kraptacular piece of junk-k-k.
:'''Researcher (2):''' Two words: hazard pay.

:'''Console:''' Incorrect.
:'''Researcher (1):''' I need a new assignment.
:'''Researcher (2):''' What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger...until you're dead.

:'''Console:''' Incorrect.
:'''Researcher (1):''' I feel a doofus moment coming on.
:'''Researcher (2):''' At least it's not your first.

Interacting with the console after failing the minigame (or just waiting too long with the input):
:'''Console:''' System—reset.
:'''Console:''' Enter—passcode.

After failing nine times:
:'''Console:''' Too—many—failed—attempts. Try—again—later.

After nine failures or selecting "Skip the puzzle":
:'''Peacemaker Guard:''' Alert! Alert! Oh my golems! ALERT!
:'''<Character name>:''' Oops. Easy there, fellas.
:'''Researcher:''' I am not amused.
:'''Researcher:''' Shut up.
:'''Taimi:''' That's our cue. You didn't crack the code, so I did it for you while you were busy. We shouldn't dillydally any longer. Let's go.

;The Dragon Room
Inside Dragon room:
:'''Taimi:''' Sorry to put you through that.
:'''Taimi:''' I need to keep people who may or may not be named Phlunt outta here.
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' Now that the subterfuge is out of the way, can we get to what you called us here for?
:'''Taimi:''' Yes! This is a replica of the [[Ley line|ley-line]] energy map we found outside of [[Tarir, the Forgotten City|Tarir]].
:'''Taimi:''' I've been tracking the movement of magic since [[Mordremoth]]'s death.
:'''Taimi:''' It's been in total chaotic flux; here, there, everywhere!
:'''Taimi:''' See, that dot is the [[Inner Chamber|egg chamber]]. It lit up like a [[Lunar New Year]] firework after the dragon went bye-bye.
:'''Taimi:''' But as you can see here...
:'''Taimi:''' The [[Glint's Egg|egg's]] doing great!
:'''<Character name>:''' What are we looking at? A feed of the egg chamber?
:'''Taimi:''' Yeah, the [[Exalted]] and the Rata Novans shared a ton of information.
:'''Taimi:''' They must have helped them design their security system.
:'''<Character name>:''' And then you broke into it?
:'''Taimi:''' No. I utilized it to check on the egg.
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' So you broke into it.
:'''Taimi:''' Hey, we're all friends, right? I don't think they'd mind.
:'''Taimi:''' Just... Maybe just don't mention it around any floaty gold people.
:'''<Character name>:''' Do you have access to surveillance all over Tarir?
:'''Taimi:''' Back to the ley-line map!
:'''Taimi:''' So this other point is...huh. That's new. The northern [[Bloodstone]] dot is flaring up. I'll have to keep an eye on that.
:'''<Character name>:''' The spot where Mordremoth died looks like it's cooling down a little.
:'''Taimi:''' Yeah, a lot of that energy has been put back into the system...
:'''Taimi:''' I'm trying to model its patterns, but this map isn't built for detailed readings...yet. In the meantime, look at this!

At the specimen tube:
:'''<Character name>:''' What is it?
:'''Taimi:''' Not to toot my own warbler or anything, but I killed a [[chak]] or two in my time alone here.
:'''Taimi:''' Since the others don't know about this place, I couldn't ask to have defenses installed...
:'''Taimi:''' So, they pop up every once in a while when the lab's drawing a lot of power.
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' Like those?
:'''Taimi:''' Exactly! Get them!
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' Aargh! That sound makes my teeth ache!

While fighting the waves of chak:
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' Taimi, you gotta stop eating cookies in your lab.
:'''Taimi:''' I think they smell the organ I harvested. Might be one of their kin.
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' More incoming—it ain't naptime yet!
:'''Taimi:''' Way to exterminate! Don't worry about their goo. I'll clean that up later.

Back to the specimen tube:
:'''Taimi:''' Anyway, this thing is some sort of organ I found in one of the larger ones.
:'''Taimi:''' It's part of their digestive system, and as you know, they feed on ley energy, so it got me curious.
:'''<Character name>:''' Any valuable findings yet?
:'''Taimi:''' None I can explain right now. I ran some ley energy through it and it came out different on the other side.
:'''<Character name>:''' Different?
:'''Taimi:''' I'm not really sure how just yet. It was barely measurable with the equipment I have.
:'''Taimi:''' I need to develop some other device to actually observe the phenomenon.
:'''<Character name>:''' What's that sludge you're keeping it in?
:'''Taimi:''' Blighting pod fluid! Remember that stuff? It has wonderful preservative, and even restorative, properties!
:'''<Character name>:''' Fluid. From the blighting pods. The things that made horrible [[Mordrem]] abominations out of corpses.
:'''Taimi:''' So you do remember it!
:'''<Character name>:''' Taimi... Do you think, maybe, that might be a bad idea?
:'''Taimi:''' Oh, you worry too much! In research, there's no reward without risk!
:'''Taimi:''' And if I'm going to stay one step ahead of everyone outside this lab, I have to take a lot of risks!
:'''Taimi:''' But one thing I can't risk is staying away from the main lab too long—it arouses suspicion. Let's go.
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' I got your back. You first.

;Optional
Interacting with the device upstairs:
:'''Unknown:''' Eavesdropping—device—activated. Touch—each—time—you—want—to—hear—a—short—snippet—from—the—other—room.
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Eavesdrop on a line with each touch of the console.''

Eavesdropping the other room '''(it is not clear how many different researchers are talking)''':
:'''Krewemaster (1):''' Don't worry about Taimi beating us to it. Phlunt assures me he has her under his thumb.
:'''Krewemaster (2):''' From what I hear, Taimi has an advantage. I'd excel if I had [[Zojja]] as a mentor too.
:'''Windall:''' Did you see where Taimi and that odd krewe of hers went?
:'''Researcher (1):''' The humans are all abuzz about some group called the [[White Mantle]]. They're so shortsighted.
:'''Researcher (2):''' I didn't capture it all, but I got some of the data in their krewe notes.
:'''Researcher (3):''' There's another charr here. That's multiple in one day. How odd.
:'''Researcher (4):''' I'm going to sneak a look at Taimi's equipment. Watch my back.
:'''Researcher (5):''' Poor kid. Stuck out here without her golem. I don't know how she does it.
:'''Researcher (6):''' Taimi? Yes, cute as a bug. If my son were here, I'd introduce them. Imagine the progeny.
:'''Windall:''' Is that the leader of the [[Vigil]]? Oh my. She's quite impressive.
:'''Researcher (7):''' (laugh) Don't tell him, but I secretly call him Blunt because he is. Taimi got a raw deal on that waypoint device.
:'''Researcher (8):''' I heard Zojja's scrambled. Drooling. Explains why Taimi's out here on her own.

:'''Unknown:''' Recorder—has—reached—maximum—capacity. Touch—the—console—each—time—you—want—to—hear—another—previously—recorded—snippet.
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Play a recorded snippet with each touch on the console.''

;More Meetings
Back through the portal:
:'''Peacemaker Guard:''' Stand down. It's just Taimi's friends again.
:'''General Almorra Soulkeeper:''' I was told I'd find the Pact commander here. Anyone? Were they wrong?

Talking to Almorra Soulkeeper:
:'''<Character name>:''' General Soulkeeper, this is quite a surprise. What brings you to Rata Novus?
:'''General Almorra Soulkeeper:''' You do, Commander. I've come here to offer you a new position within the [[Pact]].
:'''General Almorra Soulkeeper:''' The Marshal rank is...uh...vacant. And we want you to fill it.
:'''<Character name>:''' This is an honor.
:'''General Almorra Soulkeeper:''' I'm glad you view it in that light. The Pact is hanging on by a thread.
:'''<Character name>:''' I see...
:'''General Almorra Soulkeeper:''' I can tell you're having your doubts, so let me just be up front about the role.
:'''General Almorra Soulkeeper:''' Certain Pact elements feel like Marshal [[Trahearne]]'s mistake was going out into the field and getting himself killed.
:'''General Almorra Soulkeeper:''' The new marshal would be planted safely in an office in [[Lion's Arch]]. Still leading the troops, but out of harm's way.
:'''<Character name>:''' As flattered as I am by your offer, I'm going to have to respectfully decline, General.
:'''<Character name>:''' After our Mordremoth battle, I believe I, Rytlock, and the others would be more effective operating as our own guild.
:'''General Almorra Soulkeeper:''' I understand the decision on your early retirement, although I'm disappointed. I still believe in the Pact's goal.
:'''<Character name>:''' I do too, and I'll always be ready to lend a hand. It'll just be outside the system.
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' Out from under a mountain of paperwork, you mean!
:'''General Almorra Soulkeeper:''' Laugh it up, no-eyes. I have something for you too.
:'''General Almorra Soulkeeper:''' A letter from the [[Black Citadel]]. You must've really brushed some higher-ups the wrong way.
:'''<Character name>:''' Are you sure you want to just crumple that up and throw it away?
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' Why not? It's what I did with the last two.
:'''Taimi:''' What did I hear? You're not in the Pact anymore? Wait. What do I call you? Pooh-bah?
:'''<Character name>:''' Uh, no. How about we just stick with commander for now?
:'''General Almorra Soulkeeper:''' Technically, it's a title for life, so you're welcome to it.

:'''Peacemaker Guard:''' What was that?
:'''Peacemaker Guard:''' That didn't sound good.
:'''Peacemaker Guard:''' Quick! Let's go see what's happening!
:'''Guide:''' Protect the councillors!
:'''Researcher:''' (scream) Run! It's a crazy sylvari!
:'''Technician:''' Please...get the dragon man away from me.

:'''Councillor Phlunt:''' Taimi! Is that another of your friends?
:'''<Character name>:''' What happened?
:'''Canach:''' I came in through the caves because I couldn't find the gate. I wasn't expecting such an...enthusiastic welcome.
:'''Taimi:''' Did you see that? Phlunt was so mad, even his fleas jumped ship. Canach, you're my hero.
:'''<Character name>:''' Why the surprise visit?
:'''Canach:''' I'm here answering the call...
:'''<Character name>:''' But Mordremoth's dead! We killed—
:'''Canach:''' Oh, it's not the jungle dragon's call. This time it's [[Countess Anise|Anise's]].
:'''<Character name>:''' Still holds your billet, eh?
:'''Canach:''' She does.
:'''Canach:''' But certain messy events have transpired, and I'm assured that if I clean them up...
:'''Canach:''' My billet will be released, and I'll once again be free from any yoke.
:'''<Character name>:''' How can I help?
:'''Canach:''' [[Minister Caudecus]] recently, ahem, "left" the [[Queen Jennah|queen's]] protective custody.
:'''Canach:''' Anise sent me and a squad of [[Shining Blade]] to help the good minister find his way back to [[Divinity's Reach]].
:'''<Character name>:''' Any idea on his whereabouts?
:'''Canach:''' There's been a flare-up of White Mantle activity in northern Maguuma, and intel points to him possibly heading there.
:'''Taimi:''' That's the crazy magical hot spot we saw! Up by the Bloodstone!
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' I thought the minister claimed to not be in bed with those [[mursaat]] lovers.
:'''Canach:''' Didn't we all?
:'''<Character name>:''' Rytlock, get word to the others.
:'''<Character name>:''' [[Marjory Delaqua|Marjory]] might be getting a little restless in Divinity's Reach and want in on the action.
:'''General Almorra Soulkeeper:''' Commander, if you'd like, you can hitch a ride on my airship. It's on our way; we can drop you off.
:'''<Character name>:''' Now that's an offer I can't turn down, General.
:'''Canach:''' Perfect. I'll grab my Shining Blade detachment and meet you there.

Speaking with Canach:
:'''Canach:''' What a day, huh? It's almost enough to make a person feel unwelcome.
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Yeah. Before I go, tell me what you know about the White Mantle.''
::'''(if human)'''
::The throne in Divinity's Reach has her royal pantaloons in a bunch. Your people's history with the White Mantle is wrecking nerves. It's not been pretty to watch. Anise has her hatchet face on.
::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''I slept through history class. Can I ask you some questions?'' '''(Same as below)'''
::'''(if not human)'''
::The queen in Divinity's Reach has her royal pantaloons in a bunch. Humans have a history with the White Mantle, you know? It's not been pretty to watch. Anise has her hatchet face on.
::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''I slept through Human History class. Can I ask you some questions?''
:::You can ask. I'll tell you what I know—what I do know is pretty juicy.
:::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''What's the White Mantle's background?''
::::They used to rule Kryta, long ago. They worshipped ancient beings called the mursaat who were powerful magic users. The White Mantle were their pawns.
::::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Tell me more about the mursaat.''
:::::Long-lived, magical, mean to the bone...and extinct. Krytans wiped them out, won the war, and took back their kingdom under Queen Salma's leadership. I've heard they're trying to resurrect one.
:::::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Resurrect? What?''
::::::They're insane. My intel tells me they're in northern Maguuma, running experiments with a bloodstone. I know their type. They want power, and they'll do whatever it takes to get it.
::::::{{dialogue icon|back}} ''I have another question.''
::::::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''That's enough. Thanks. I'll see you later.''
:::::{{dialogue icon|back}} ''I have another question.''
:::::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''That's enough. Thanks. I'll see you later.''
::::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''That's enough. Thanks. I'll see you later.''
:::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''The White Mantle lost the war. Where've they been for two hundred years?''
::::Underground? Somewhere well hidden, since everyone seems surprised to see them. My guess is they've been hiding in plain sight, waiting for their moment. They've got gold behind them, though.
::::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Does the countess know who's funding them?''
:::::No, but those ruins around [[Dry Top]] weren't so fancy, so I'm guessing it isn't from their own treasury.
:::::{{dialogue icon|back}} ''I have another question.''
:::::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''That's enough. Thanks. I'll see you later.''
::::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''That's enough. Thanks. I'll see you later.''
:::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Why are the White Mantle suddenly so active?''
::::I have a theory. If they've been biding their time and rebuilding their numbers and influence, then it'd be smart to attack when their enemy is engaged in a multifront war with dragons. Good strategy.
::::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Go on.''
:::::Plus our allies—the Pact and sylvari—have been greatly weakened. And we can't discount the increase in magic. Everything I know about them indicates they're creepy magickers.
:::::{{dialogue icon|back}} ''I have another question.''
:::::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''That's enough. Thanks. I'll see you later.''
::::{{dialogue icon|back}} ''I have another question.''
::::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''That's enough. Thanks. I'll see you later.''
:::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''How serious is this threat?''
::::Truth is, I'd be surprised if this were an empty threat. You don't wait a couple hundred years to fizzle out like a wet fuse. I'm going to guess they've got big plans that won't make Kryta happy.
::::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''What does the crown plan to do?''
:::::Everything within their power. My squad is off to gather information...and we're authorized to use lethal force if necessary. I expect it'll be necessary.
:::::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''So they're throwing everything they've got at this?''
::::::That's a fair statement. Caudecus sure picked the right moment to escape. He knows they won't waste the manpower to go after him.
::::::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Who is Caudecus?''
:::::::He's head of the [[Krytan Ministry]]. He's been on house arrest for minor treachery. Slipped his cushy detention recently. No one knows where he is. The timing's "coincidental," if you know what I mean.
:::::::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''No, what do you mean?''
::::::::He's been undermining the Krytan throne for years. He wants the Ministry in charge. No, he wants to be in charge himself. Don't underestimate him, my friend. He's slimy.
::::::::{{dialogue icon|back}} ''I have another question.''
::::::::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''That's enough. Thanks. I'll see you later.''
:::::::{{dialogue icon|back}} ''I have another question.''
:::::::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''That's enough. Thanks. I'll see you later.''
::::::{{dialogue icon|back}} ''I have another question.''
::::::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''That's enough. Thanks. I'll see you later.''
:::::{{dialogue icon|back}} ''I have another question.''
:::::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''That's enough. Thanks. I'll see you later.''
::::{{dialogue icon|back}} ''I have another question.''
::::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''That's enough. Thanks. I'll see you later.''
:::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''One last thing. What's happening with your billet?''
::::Her grace the countess has said I'll have earned it back if I'm successful on this mission. She certainly knows how to motivate me.
::::{{dialogue icon|back}} ''I have another question.''
::::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Time for me to go. Good luck, my friend.''
:::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''I must go. Be careful, and I'll see you soon.''

Speaking with General Soulkeeper:
:'''General Almorra Soulkeeper:''' Let's get underway.

;Entering Bloodstone Fen
Cinematic:
:'''Female crewmember:''' Commander's destination ahead! Looks like we're in for quite a ride.
:'''Male crewmember:''' We're not flying into that scramble, are we?
:'''Female crewmember:''' By gods, grow a backbone! Scared of a little weather?
:''(Explosion begins)''
:'''Female crewmember:''' All hands, full reverse!
:'''Female crewmember:''' On your feet. We survived...somehow.

;Additional dialogues
The guide leading several councillors around:
:'''Guide:''' We know little about the Novans, but we're extracting more and more each day.
:'''Guide:''' Follow me, please.

:'''Guide:''' When our ancestors were leaving the caverns, a revolutionary krewe decided instead to build an underground fortress.
:'''Guide:''' This way, if you please.

:'''Guide:''' The Novus krewe dedicated much of their research to finding defenses against the Elder Dragons. Primordus especially.
:'''Guide:''' Considering it was Primordus and its destroyers that were driving our ancestors out of their homes, it's logical.
:'''Guide:''' Sadly, the story doesn't end well for the Novans. They were massacred by chak. We believe they never saw it coming.

:'''Guide:''' Councillor Phlunt and the other krewe leads here are confident they'll uncover heretofore unseen data on Primordus.
:'''Guide:''' We're collecting vast amounts of knowledge about Novan history.
:'''Guide:''' Follow me, please.

:'''Guide:''' As you can see, Councillors, this is quite a monumental find.
:'''Guide:''' Look around as you wish, Councillors. I'll wait here for you. We'll return to Rata Sum when you're ready.

;Ambient dialogues
:'''Researcher (1):''' Ever since that surge of magic, this place has been going bonky!

:'''Researcher (2):''' It's an anomaly. Novus seems to have grown more alert...very recently.

:'''Windall:''' You think it could be related to the death of the Elder Dragon?
:'''Windall:''' Deciphering...deciphering...

:'''Krewemaster:''' Come on, come on!

== My story ==
{{Mystory
| image = Research in Rata Novus loading screen.jpg
| text = Taimi has made some interesting—and somewhat frightening—discoveries while in Rata Novus. Her experiments with the chak organ and blighted goo appear risky, but she's confident they'll produce results. Almorra Soulkeeper was here looking for Rytlock. He wasn't too happy about being summoned to the Black Citadel and blatantly ignored it.
}}

{{Living World Season 3 nav|1}}

[[de:Forschung in Rata Novus]]
[[es:Investigación en Rata Novus]]
[[fr:Recherches à Rata Novus]]

Bitter Harvest

2026-02-22T18:55:45Z

184.23.183.13: /* Walkthrough */

{{otheruses|the story step|the location|Bitter Harvest (area)}}
{{Story infobox
| id = 398
| storyline = Heart of Thorns
| chapter number = 15
| year = 1328
| level = 80
| prev = Sign Cutting
| next = Hearts and Minds
| location = Bitter Harvest (area)
| requires = hot
}}
[[Bitter Harvest]] is the fifteenth chapter of the [[Heart of Thorns]] story.

== Objectives ==
'''Explore the jungle dragon's stronghold.'''
* Meet up with the rest of your team.
* Continue looking for your captured friends.
* Choose who your team will save.
* Find Zojja.1
* Find Logan.1
* (Clear the archers attacking your second team.) 
* Mordrem Guard Archers {{event bar empty | color = green}} {{event swords}}
* Destroy the Mordrem breachers.
* (Search for Trahearne.) 
* Pursue Faolain.
* (Kill Faolain.) 
* Faolain {{event bar | color=green}}{{event boss}}

1 Order switches depending on choice during mission.

== Rewards ==
* {{rewards item|Crystalline Ore|qty=25}}
* {{rewards item|Bag of Dragon's Stand Supplies|qty=5}}
* {{rewards item|Writ of Maguuma Mastery}} (once per account)

Choice of:
* {{rewards item|Box of Viper's Gear|chance=chance}}
* {{rewards item|Box of Minstrel's Gear|chance=chance}}
* {{rewards item|Box of Trailblazer's Gear|chance=chance}}

== Walkthrough ==
Make your way through the jungle while being wary of groups of Mordrem appearing around you. When prompted with dialogue, pick to save either Zojja or Logan. Continue along the indicated paths towards your imprisoned chosen ally, kill the Mordrem surrounding the pod and then destroy the pod itself. Using the nearby bridge, aid your allies in attempting to save the other prisoner. Note that if you do not destroy the pod, no bridge will appear and the enemies on the other side of the chasm are invulnerable.

Proceed towards Dragon's Domain, and eliminate the breachers when they appear. Glide or jump along the boulders to the next objective, where Faolain appears and taunts the group. Entering the lake of mist will cause instant death. Instead, climb rocks to the left, then glide along a path of floating boulders to reach the path along the bottom of the map.

Follow her towards the helix, engaging groups of Mordrem as they appear behind the opened gates. At the helix, a series of gates blocks your way while you are periodically attacked by vine whips (which appear as yellow/orange circles on the ground that turn into tendrils). Climb the helix by running along the outcroppings in the outside edge between vine outbreaks. You can edge around each of the gates without having to destroy them. You will need to fight Mordrem before the second gate. Reaching the top of either helix (there are two) allows you to jump from the last outer spine on the edge over to the platform where Faolain waits.

Kill Faolain to finish the mission. The fight is not very challenging: Faolain will mostly maul your allies, leaving you free to attack her at range without much danger. She occasionally attacks the whole area with a series of tendrils, but these attacks can be evaded and are not very dangerous.

The story then proceeds immediately to a lobby area for the final mission, [[Hearts and Minds]].

=== Achievements ===

<div id="achievementcontrol"></div>{{account achievements widget}}

;Available from first play through
{{achievement box|Bitter Harvest}}
* Complete the instance.

{{achievement box|Line of Fire}}
* The [[Mordrem Guard Sharpshooter]]s can be found after the cinematic where Kasmeer is told to scout ahead. The player can glide to the platform they're on. They'll be on the left hand side as you're told to make your way down. If you reach the part where you make a choice between two of your friends, you're too far into the story.

{{achievement box|Untethered}}
* Achievement qualification may be tracked via the {{effect|Achievement Eligibility: Untethered}} effect.

{{achievement box|Air Superiority}}
* Gliding is allowed in order to avoid the thorns for Air Superiority.

== NPCs ==
=== Allies ===
;[[Asura]]
* [[Zojja]]

;[[Charr]]
* [[Rox]]
* [[Rytlock Brimstone]]

;[[Devourer]]s
* [[Frostbite]]

;[[Human]]s
* [[Kasmeer Meade]]
* [[Logan Thackeray]]
* [[Marjory Delaqua]]

;[[Norn]]
* [[Braham|Braham Eirsson]]

;[[Sylvari]]
* [[Caithe]]
* [[Canach]]
** [[Trahearne]]

=== Foes ===
;[[Mordrem]]
* [[Faolain]]
* [[Logan Thackeray (Mordrem)|Logan Thackeray]]
* [[Mordrem Breacher]]
* [[Mordrem Husk]]
* [[Mordrem Guard (NPC)|Mordrem Guard]]
* [[Mordrem Guard Blocker]]
* [[Mordrem Guard Cavalier]]
* [[Mordrem Guard Desolator]]
* [[Mordrem Guard Herald]]
* [[Mordrem Guard Mount]]
* [[Mordrem Guard Punisher]]
* [[Mordrem Guard Sharpshooter]]
* [[Mordrem Guard Sniper]]
* [[Mordrem Guard Stalker]]
* [[Mordrem Guard Tormentor]]
* [[Mordrem Troll]]
* [[Mordrem Wolf]]
* [[Veteran Mordrem Flamerider]]
* [[Veteran Mordrem Guard Sniper]]
* [[Veteran Mordrem Guard Stalker]]
* [[Veteran Mordrem Leeching Thrasher]]
* [[Veteran Mordrem Troll (Grunt)|Veteran Mordrem Troll]]
* [[Veteran Mordrem Wolf]]
* [[Zojja (Mordrem)|Zojja]]

== Objects ==
* [[Mordrem Pod]]
* [[Vine Wall (Bitter Harvest)|Vine Wall]]

== Dialogue ==
Entering the instance:
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' I wonder if Zojja or Logan knows anything about the [[Elder Dragon|dragon]]'s weakness. Since they've been with the [[Mordrem]] this long.
:'''Canach:''' I have to say, I'm still a little surprised you'd consider that instead of just trying to bash it with your mace.
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' I'm not counting that out either.
:'''<Character name>:''' Those two might know something, but we have to save them first.
:'''<Character name>:''' And to do that, we need to catch up with the rest of the team.

Approaching the other part of the team:
:'''<Character name>:''' [[Tribune]]!
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' [[Pact Commander|Commander]]! You're a sight for sore eyes.
:'''<Character name>:''' Interesting choice of words for a [[charr]] in a blindfold. How goes the search?
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' We're still on their trail, but this area is infested with heavy Mordrem patrols.
:'''Kasmeer Meade:''' Truthfully, we weren't able to go much further without some help. It's a good thing you arrived.
:'''Kasmeer Meade:''' What did you find in [[Rata Novus]]?
:'''Canach:''' Their research indicates [[Mordremoth]] has a vulnerability... We only have to discover it.
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' Then let's stop wasting our breath. We have friends to save and a weakness to find!
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' Ah, it's good to be back with you, Rytlock. I like the way tribunes think.
:'''<Character name>:''' Rox, we're on you.

Continuing to search:
:'''<Character name>:''' Dragging Zojja and Logan all this way; so close to its power. Do you think Mordremoth knew we would follow?
:'''Rox:''' You smell a trap?
:'''<Character name>:''' Just keep your eyes open. We don't want to get boxed in here.

Approaching a ledge overseeing a path split (in-game cutscene):
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' Looks like the path splits ahead.
:'''Rox:''' We don't have time to try both. If one's a dead end...
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' Yeah, we can't lose anyone else.
:'''<Character name>:''' Kas, scout ahead. We'll clear the next patrol and meet you at the fork in the road.
:'''Kasmeer Meade:''' Right away!
:'''If [[sylvari]]:'''
::'''Voice of Mordremoth:''' You are weak. Give in, and find peace.

At the split:
:'''<Character name>:''' Any sign of Kasmeer?
:'''Marjory Delaqua:''' Don't worry. She has a knack for popping right in when...
:'''Marjory Delaqua:''' ...you're talking about her. Perfect timing.
:'''<Character name>:''' What did you see?
:'''Kasmeer Meade:''' I found them both, but they're heavily guarded.
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' Are they alive?
:'''Kasmeer Meade:''' I couldn't tell. That trail leads to Logan; the high road to Zojja. Your orders, Commander?

Talking to Kasmeer Meade:
:Your choice, Commander?
:{{dialogue icon|choice}} ''I'm going after Zojja.''
:{{dialogue icon|choice}} ''I'll head to Logan.''

=== Choosing to save Zojja ===
Separating at the split:
:'''<Character name>:''' Marjory and Canach, you're with me.
:'''<Character name>:''' You four head for Logan and keep an eye out for [[Trahearne]].
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' What if we're too late?
:'''<Character name>:''' Burn the bodies.

:'''Marjory Delaqua:''' Disturbing the way these huge vines move. It's almost as if you can feel the dragon breathe, being this close to it.
:'''Canach:''' Yes... "Almost..."
:'''<Character name>:''' The path narrows up ahead. Watch your line of fire.

:'''Marjory Delaqua:''' Archers ahead!
:'''<Character name>:''' Ambush! Back up! Back up!
:'''Marjory Delaqua:''' Check your footing. Not much room to maneuver on this cliff.

:'''Mordrem Guard Punisher:''' Submit to Mordremoth!
:'''Mordrem Guard Punisher:''' I will break you!
:'''Mordrem Guard Punisher:''' Feel the power of the jungle dragon!
:'''Canach:''' Surrounded!
:'''Marjory Delaqua:''' Watch your back!
:'''Marjory Delaqua:''' Breacher!

If sylvari, as vision blurs:
:'''<Character name>:''' (heavy breathing)
:'''Voice of Mordremoth:''' Wake. Join us.
:'''<Character name>:''' What happened? Where—?
:'''Mordrem Guard:''' You there! Make yourself useful and pick up a blade.
:'''<Character name>:''' A blade? For what?
:'''Mordrem Guard:''' For what? Because the dragon commands it!
:'''<Character name>:''' I am no slave to that monster!
:'''Mordrem Guard:''' This creature defies Mordremoth! Attack!
:'''<Character name>:''' Have to catch up with Marjory and Canach. Hopefully I didn't...

:'''Marjory Delaqua:''' Commander! Thank the [[Six Human Gods|gods]]! You disappeared during our last fight. We feared the worst.
:'''<Character name>:''' I'm okay. Just ran into a little trouble back there.
:'''Canach:''' Back there? Or in here?
:'''<Character name>:''' My head is fine, Canach. I'm glad to see yours is still attached to your shoulders.
:'''Canach:''' It gets harder and harder to keep it there, I know...
:'''<Character name>:''' It certainly does. Now let's find Zojja.
:'''Marjory Delaqua:''' Was that some sort of sylvari thing? I didn't understand a word.

Freeing Zojja:
:'''<Character name>:''' There! Up ahead!
:'''Marjory Delaqua:''' What have they done...?
:'''Marjory Delaqua:''' Zojja, can you hear me?
:'''Zojja:''' [[Eir Stegalkin|Eir]]? I—I can't see.
:'''Marjory Delaqua:''' No, it's Marjory.
:'''Zojja:''' Where's [[Taimi]]?
:'''<Character name>:''' She's... not here.
:'''Zojja:''' The darkness. I felt... behind myself; outside.
:'''Marjory Delaqua:''' You're here now. And you're safe.
:'''Zojja:''' Where's Taimi?
:'''Marjory Delaqua:''' We just said— She's fine; it's okay. Can you walk?
:'''Zojja:''' I think so, yeah.
:'''<Character name>:''' Marjory, steady her and meet up with us. Canach and I are going ahead to find the others.
:'''Canach:''' Don't want to leave the plant with the plant food, Commander?
:'''If sylvari:'''
::'''<Character name>:''' Nothing personal, we're both at risk of turning here. And maybe I simply enjoy your company, Canach.
:'''If not sylvari:'''
::'''<Character name>:''' I just enjoy your company, Canach.
:'''Canach:''' I don't blame you. Lead on, then.

Reaching the others:
:'''Rox:''' They came out of nowhere!
:'''<Character name>:''' Logan?
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' They stopped us; we didn't make it yet.
:'''<Character name>:''' Caithe. What's she doing here?
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' We found her tracking Faolain, and then we were waylaid by this group of Mordrem protecting that twisted branch.
:'''<Character name>:''' Faolain's here too?
:'''Caithe:''' Whatever that thing is, it's not Faolain. I came to put it out of its misery.
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' Get in line.
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' Behind me, too.
:'''<Character name>:''' No time to argue. We have to get to Logan.
:'''<Character name>:''' Braham, she makes one wrong move, you put her down.
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' With pleasure.
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' Hand over the daggers, traitor.

:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' (growl) Logan!
:'''Kasmeer Meade:''' They're everywhere!
:'''<Character name>:''' These trees are a more advanced version of the blisters! That's why Zojja and Logan were taken here!
:'''Canach:''' The jungle dragon has outdone itself with this one.
:'''<Character name>:''' Logan?

:'''<Character name>:''' Get him out!
:'''Canach:''' Get back, it's going to explode!
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' He's unconscious.
:'''<Character name>:''' We must have been too late. He's much worse than Zojja.
:'''Kasmeer Meade:''' You found her?
:'''Zojja:''' Yes, they did.
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' Zojja! Not quite fertilizer yet, eh?
:'''Zojja:''' Rytlock, I didn't think— Where were you?
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' Oh, learning a thing or two here and there in [[the Mists]]. You know, typical [[Plan of Attack|jumping-into-a-rift]] sort of thing.
:'''Zojja:''' Anything to help me stop this dragon?
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' Why don't you let us handle that? This team... they're as good as we ever were.

=== Choosing to save Logan ===
Separating at the split:
:'''<Character name>:''' Marjory and Canach, you're with me.
:'''<Character name>:''' You four head for Zojja and keep an eye out for Trahearne.
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' What if we're too late?
:'''<Character name>:''' Burn the bodies.

:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' I have dibs on the ugly one.

If sylvari, as vision blurs:
:'''<Character name>:''' (heavy breathing)
:'''Voice of Mordremoth:''' Wake. Join us.
:'''<Character name>:''' What happened? Where—?
:'''Mordrem Guard:''' You there! Make yourself useful and pick up a blade.
:'''<Character name>:''' A blade? For what?
:'''Mordrem Guard:''' For what? Because the dragon commands it!
:'''<Character name>:''' I am no slave to that monster!
:'''Mordrem Guard:''' This creature defies Mordremoth! Attack!
:'''<Character name>:''' Have to catch up with Marjory and Canach. Hopefully I didn't...

:'''Marjory Delaqua:''' Commander! Thank the gods! You disappeared during our last fight. We feared the worst.
:'''<Character name>:''' I'm okay. Just ran into a little trouble back there.
:'''Canach:''' Back there? Or in here?
:'''<Character name>:''' My head is fine, Canach. I'm glad to see yours is still attached to your shoulders
:'''Canach:''' It gets harder and harder to keep it there, I know...
:'''<Character name>:''' It certainly does. Now let's find Logan.
:'''Marjory Delaqua:''' Was that some sort of sylvari thing? I didn't understand a word.

Freeing Logan:
:'''<Character name>:''' Logan?
:'''Marjory Delaqua:''' Logan, can you hear me?
:'''Logan Thackeray:''' The others... Zojja...
:'''Marjory Delaqua:''' We're getting you out.
:'''Logan Thackeray:''' The darkness. I didn't know where to stand... It was lifting me.
:'''Marjory Delaqua:''' You're safe now. Can you walk?
:'''Canach:''' Did the Mordrem let anything slip about the dragon? A weak spot?
:'''Logan Thackeray:''' No. Nothing.
:'''<Character name>:''' Marjory, steady him and meet up with us. Canach and I are going ahead to find the others.
:'''Canach:''' Don't want to leave the plant with the plant food, Commander?
:'''If sylvari:'''
::'''<Character name>:''' Nothing personal, we're both at risk of turning here. And maybe I simply enjoy your company, Canach.
:'''Otherwise:'''
::'''<Character name>:''' I just enjoy your company, Canach.
:'''Canach:''' I don't blame you. Lead on, then.

Reaching the others:
:'''<Character name>:''' There! Up ahead!
:'''Marjory Delaqua:''' What have they done...?
:'''Rox:''' They came out of nowhere!
:'''<Character name>:''' Zojja?
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' They stopped us; we didn't make it yet.
:'''<Character name>:''' Caithe. What's she doing here?
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' We found her tracking Faolain, and then we were waylaid by this group of Mordrem protecting that twisted branch.
:'''<Character name>:''' Faolain's here too?
:'''Caithe:''' Whatever that thing is, it's not Faolain. I came to put it out of its misery.
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' Get in line.
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' Behind me, too.
:'''<Character name>:''' No time to argue. We have to get Zojja.
:'''<Character name>:''' Braham, she makes one wrong move, you put her down.
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' With pleasure.
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' Hand over the daggers, traitor.

:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' (growl) Zojja!
:'''Kasmeer Meade:''' They're everywhere!
:'''If human:'''
::'''<Character name>:''' These cursed trees! That's why Zojja and Logan were brought here!
:'''If sylvari:'''
::'''<Character name>:''' These vile trees! That's why Zojja and Logan were brought here!
:'''Otherwise:'''{{verify|Check for asura, charr and norn variants}}
::'''<Character name>:''' These foul trees! That's why Zojja and Logan were brought here!
:'''Canach:''' The jungle dragon has outdone itself with this one.
:'''Zojja:''' Burn!
:'''Zojja:''' Burn!
:'''Zojja:''' Burn!
:'''Zojja:''' Us!
:'''Zojja:''' Burn us!
:'''Zojja:''' Kill us!
:'''Zojja:''' Please!
:'''Zojja:''' Burn us! Kill us!
:'''Kasmeer Meade:''' They must have inherited Zojja's will; they're trying to resist!
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' Poor devils... Far be it from me to deny their wishes!

:'''<Character name>:''' Get her out!
:'''Canach:''' Get back, it's going to explode!
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' She's unconscious.
:'''<Character name>:''' We must have been too late. She's much worse than Logan.
:'''Kasmeer Meade:''' You found him?
:'''Logan Thackeray:''' They did indeed.
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' Logan! I knew they couldn't make mulch out of you.
:'''Logan Thackeray:''' Rytlock! You came back— Where were you?
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' Oh, learning a thing or two here and there in the Mists. You know, typical jumping-into-a-rift sort of thing.
:'''Logan Thackeray:''' Anything to help me kill this dragon?
:'''Rytlock Brimstone:''' Why don't you let us handle that? This team...they're as good as we ever were.

=== Unified path ===
When Faolain appears (in-game cutscene):
:'''If saved Zojja first:'''
::'''Faolain:''' Isn't this touching? [[Destiny's Edge]] reunited as last. Logan, you're looking well.
:'''If saved Logan first:'''
::'''Faolain:''' Isn't this touching? Destiny's Edge reunited as last. Zojja, you're looking well.

:'''Braham Eirsson:''' Faolain!
:'''Caithe:''' It isn't Faolain. Mordremoth is behind those eyes.
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' Whoever it is is about to be put into a grave.

After the cutscene:
:'''Faolain:''' You'll have to catch me first.
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' Let's go!
:'''<Character name>:''' Kas, take Zojja and Logan and portal them out of here. Rox, go with. Keep 'em safe.

Reaching Faolain the first time (in-game cutscene):
:'''If saved Zojja first:'''
::'''Faolain:''' I'm shocked that you'd slaughter Logan's children like that. They were so beautiful. So much better than their father.
:'''If saved Logan first:'''
::'''Faolain:''' You slaughter Zojja's children so easily. They were so beautiful. So much better than their mother.

After the cutscene:
:'''Marjory Delaqua:''' They're monsters!
:'''Faolain:''' Don't you see? Harmony is coming, and you will join Mordremoth.
:'''Caithe:''' Your harmony is slavery, and we will not stand for it!

Reaching Faolain the second time (in-game cutscene):
:'''Faolain:''' You may have uprooted Zojja and Logan, but you'll never make it to Trahearne.

After the cutscene:
:'''Faolain:''' He'll have the pleasure of following his true master.
:'''<Character name>:''' He'd rather die than serve you!
:'''Faolain:''' Soon, he won't be able to tell the difference. Soon he'll become part of us.

After Faolain flees:
:'''Caithe:''' Commander, please! Let me fight! I can help you reach Trahearne!
:'''Caithe:''' I only want to kill the dragon! It's death might kill me—the entire sylvari people—but that's better than living in its grasp!
:'''Caithe:''' It's the only end I've been working toward.
:'''If sylvari:'''
::'''<Character name>:''' Fine. Potential risk to our people aside, if you cross me again, I'll personally send you to the Mists.
:'''If not sylvari:'''
::'''<Character name>:''' Fine, but if you cross me again, you'll join Faolain on her trip to the Mists.

Reaching the Heart of Thorns tree:
:'''<Character name>:''' This is dangerous territory. Everyone stay alert.
:'''Marjory Delaqua:''' Gods...this place. Where do we go?
:'''<Character name>:''' Up.

On the central spirals:
:'''If sylvari:'''
::'''<Character name>:''' We're here. This thing, this tree, must be the dragon's epicenter.
:'''Otherwise:'''
::'''<Character name>:''' This thing, this tree, must be the dragon's epicenter.
:'''Canach:''' Yes, I feel Mordremoth's eyes bearing down upon me.
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' Where is the beast? I want to meet eyes with the jungle overlord.
:'''Canach:''' It's not one thing out here, Braham. It's everything!
:'''Canach:''' The entire time we were traversing this jungle, we were afoot on its back. Like fleas on a hound.
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' If that's the case, then... Aaaarrrgghhh!
:'''<Character name>:''' Braham...
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' I know it doesn't hurt it; just something I had to do.
:'''Marjory Delaqua:''' What will hurt it then? This thing looks pretty solid.
:'''<Character name>:''' We'll figure it out. But right now we have to free Trahearne from whatever fate Mordremoth has in store for him here.

While fighting Faolain:
:'''Faolain:''' You cannot stop the inevitable. You cannot silence the pulse of this world.
:'''Faolain:''' Trahearne is ours!
:'''<Character name>:''' Not while any of us still breathe!
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' You can't run forever, Faolain!
:'''Faolain:''' Braham, how is your mother? Do give her my best.
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' By [[Wolf (Spirit of the Wild)|Wolf]]'s breath, she will be avenged today!
:'''Faolain:''' I know Eir and I had our differences, but I hope she didn't think I was a [[Prisoners of the Dragon|thorn in her side]].
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' Arrrrggggghh!
:'''Caithe:''' Faolain, please! If there's any part of you left... let us free Trahearne!
:'''Faolain:''' You still don't understand. There was never Faolain, there was never Caithe, there was never Trahearne...
:'''Faolain:''' There was always Mordremoth!
:'''Voice of Moredremoth:''' MORDREMOTH! 
:'''Faolain:''' Caithe, don't you know it's dangerous to rebel against your creator?
:'''Caithe:''' I don't care the cost! The dragon will fall, and we will be free—in life or in death!

After defeating Faolain and Trahearne is dragged under the whirlpool:
:'''<Character name>:''' No! Trahearne!
:'''Canach:''' Not even a [[Firstborn]] deserves that...
:'''Marjory Delaqua:''' Caithe, are you...?
:'''Caithe:''' Fine. I made peace with Faolain's death when I saw what she'd become.
:'''Caithe:''' I'm right behind you. Just give me a moment to destroy her body.
:'''<Character name>:''' The rest of you with me. Time to end this.

== My story ==
{{Mystory
| image = Bitter Harvest loading screen.jpg
| text = Braham, Canach, and I caught up with the rest of the team and forged deep into the jungle dragon's stronghold as we tracked Zojja and Logan's trail. We found and saved our friends, but they weren't in any shape to continue, so I sent them to safety with Kasmeer and Rox. Caithe showed up, and despite my initial misgivings, she fought alongside us as we pursued Faolain on the way to where Trahearne was being held. We finally gave that warped abomination payback for [[Eir Stegalkin|Eir]]'s murder. And although Faolain's dead, we missed saving Trahearne. [[Mordremoth]] yanked him out of our grasp at the last moment. It's time to free the marshal and end the dragon.
}}

== Notes ==
* Caithe is the only NPC in your party who is Legendary rank, even though she cannot fight for most of the instance.
* The Line of Fire achievement can be completed on the first attempt even though the Qualify for Line of Fire effect doesn't appear.

{{Heart of Thorns storyline|4}}

[[de:Bittere Ernte]]
[[es:Cosecha amarga]]
[[fr:Récolte amère]]

Buried Insight

2026-02-22T17:04:53Z

184.23.183.13: /* Achievements */

{{Story infobox
| id = 401
| storyline = Heart of Thorns
| chapter number = 13
| year = 1328
| location = Decayed Hive; Rata Novus
| level = 80
| prev = The Way In
| next = Sign Cutting
| gallery1 = Buried Insight loading screen.jpg
| requires = hot
}}
[[Buried Insight]] is the thirteenth chapter of the [[Heart of Thorns]] [[Heart of Thorns story|storyline]].

== Objectives ==
'''Search [[Rata Novus]] for research on the Elder Dragons'''
* Meet up with Braham, Canach, and Taimi.
* Make your way into Rata Novus.
* Find the Elder Dragon research.
* Protect Taimi as she turns on ley collectors.
* Follow Taimi to the draw of ley energy.
* Defeat the chak blitzer.
* [[Veteran Chak Blitzer]] {{event bar|color=green}}{{event boss}}
* Test the dilapidated asura gate. It's probably fine.
* Optional: Check in with Taimi.
* Find the Rata Novus Elder Dragon research lab.
* Discover a way to open the blast door.
* Check in with Taimi.
* Protect Taimi while she works.
* Lure the chak into Taimi's makeshift weapon.
* Enter the Elder Dragon research lab.
* Turn on the computers.
* Discuss Taimi's findings.

=== Events ===
{{event boss}} '''Put the Mordrem Punisher out of its misery. (80)''' (for achievement [[Heart of Thorns: Act 3#achievement2176|An Ignoble End]])
* Mordrem Guard Punisher {{event bar}}{{event boss}}

== Rewards ==
'''All professions'''
* {{rewards item|Bag of Tangled Depths Supplies|qty=5}}
* {{rewards item|Ley Line Spark|qty=10}}
* {{rewards item|Waterproof Padding}}
* {{rewards item|Writ of Maguuma Mastery}} '''(only once of the account)'''
{{Reward
| g = [[Chak Mace]], [[Chak Scepter]], [[Chak Sword]]
| re = [[Chak Axe]], [[Chak Mace]], [[Chak Sword]]
| w = [[Chak Axe]], [[Chak Mace]], [[Chak Sword]]
| en = [[Chak Pistol]], [[Chak Shield (item)|Chak Shield]]
| r = [[Chak Axe]], [[Chak Dagger]], [[Chak Sword]]
| t = [[Chak Dagger]], [[Chak Pistol]], [[Chak Sword]]
| e = [[Chak Dagger]], [[Chak Focus]], [[Chak Scepter]]
| m = [[Chak Pistol]], [[Chak Sword]], [[Chak Torch]]
| n = [[Chak Axe]], [[Chak Dagger]], [[Chak Scepter]]
}}

== Walkthrough ==
In this mission the green star will indicate the entrances to a mission instance, unlike the previous mission.

After the initial dialogue, follow Taimi as she sets up the various ley energy collectors, defeating the various Chak that spawn along the way. {{bug|After the first chak encounter, you say "Let's pick up the pace," then the NPCs may freeze and not respond. The objectives will only say 'Find the Elder Dragon Research'. Running around the map a little then returning to the NPCs may re-activate their dialog to allow the mission to progress. }}

After Taimi has set up enough collectors, the Rata Novus defensive systems will reactivate. You will have to deal with the [[Sentry Golem]]s and [[Ballistic Cannon]]s that will now attack you, but they aren't too hard to take down.

{{bug|Sometimes Taimi may stall after the line "I think so. We're almost right on top of the source!" and will not move forward. The only way this can be avoided is to defeat the golem that spawns and walks down the path before Taimi reaches the area.}}

Continue on to where the [[Veteran Chak Blitzer]] spawns, along with various other chak. You only need to take out the Chak Blitzer to continue.

After going through the re-activated asura gate, you will be given a Mastery Point, though the mission will not be over.

In the room with all of the chak, kill or keep them away from Taimi until she has the laser up. Then carefully lure the Chak into the laser. Be careful not to stand in front of the laser yourself. Using swiftness/super speed buffs on Taimi can help speed up this section.

A few chak may be left after the laser is done. Clear them out and continue into the next room to conclude the instance.

After the mission is complete, you will spawn back in the open world tunnels, so be careful of nearby wandering chak.

=== Achievements ===

<div id="achievementcontrol"></div>{{account achievements widget}}

[[File:Cleaning House map.jpg|400px|thumb|Cleaning House turret locations.]]
;Available from first play through
{{achievement box|Buried Insight}}
* Complete the story chapter.

{{achievement box|Cleaning House}}
This achievement does not need to be done in one playthrough and can be completed over multiple runs. You can visit all of the cannon locations prior to entering the Asura Gate for the Elder Dragon research lab. Once you enter the lab, there is no way to return and you will need to replay the story mission to finish the achievement.

There are 32 security devices that need to be disabled in total:
* 4 [[Sentry Golem]]s
* 28 [[Ballistic Cannon]]s
The security golems and initial cannons can be found as you progress the story line. The remaining cannons can be destroyed by going around the roughly circular path centered on the Rata Novus Waypoint (blue circles on the image), including the 4 cannons in the water under the {{point of interest|Rata Novus Perimeter}} (green circle on the image) and the 4 cannons along the path you started from.
* Achievement eligibility is tracked by the effect {{effect|Achievement Eligibility: Cleaning House}}.
* Do NOT go through the asuran portal, this story step will lock you out of achievement area and you will have to restart.

{{achievement box|An Ignoble End}}
* The wounded Mordrem guard can be found at the beginning of the instance north of the entry area, but will disappear if you progress the story instance further.
* Achievement eligibility is tracked by the effect {{effect|Achievement Eligibility: An Ignoble End}}.

;Available on subsequent visits
{{achievement box|New Horizons}}
There are two notes that must be obtained to complete this achievement:
* The [[Waterlogged Note]] - found underwater, west of the first set of power supplies that Taimi turns on, in the very deep shaft with four underwater turrets.
* The [[Printed Schematic]] - found in the Rata Novus Command Center, a small distance from the old asura gate at a nearby console.
* ''A [[Rolled Parchment|third note]] can be found in a [[Derelict Sentry Golem]], but it '''is not necessary''' for solving the code.''
After finding the above notes, simply wait until the end of the instance where your party has reached the Dragon Research Lab. Look for the [[Rata Novan Terminal]] and input "01172". Note that there is a "1" already input for you, making the complete code "101172". From there, enter the portal to get the achievement.
* Achievement eligibility is tracked by the effect {{effect|Achievement Eligibility: New Horizons}}. (Note that you might not get the effect, but the achievement may still be obtainable - it doesn't hurt to try)

== NPCs ==
=== Allies ===
;[[Asura]]
* [[Taimi]]

;[[Golem]]
* [[Scruffy]]

;[[Norn]]
* [[Braham|Braham Eirsson]]

;[[Mordrem]]
* [[Veteran Mordrem Guard Punisher|Mordrem Guard Punisher]] (turns hostile during the event for [[Heart of Thorns: Act 3#achievement2176|An Ignoble End]])

;[[Sylvari]]
* [[Canach]]

=== Foes ===
;[[Chak]]
* [[Chak Bracer]]
* [[Chak Drone]]
* [[Chak Lurker]]
* [[Chak Slinger]]
* [[Chak Zapper]]
* [[Veteran Chak Blitzer]]
* [[Veteran Chak Lurker]]
* [[Veteran Chak Slinger]]

;[[Golem]]
* [[Sentry Golem]]

;[[Mordrem]]
* Mordrem Guard Punisher

== Objects ==
* [[Ballistic Cannon]]
* [[Derelict Sentry Golem]]
* [[Interior Ballistic Cannon]]
* [[Printed Pages]] (gives {{item icon|Printed Schematic}} for [[Heart of Thorns: Act 3#achievement2589|New Horizons]])
* [[Rata Novan Console]]
* [[Rata Novan Terminal]]
* [[Waterlogged Pages]] (gives {{item icon|Waterlogged Note}} for [[Heart of Thorns: Act 3#achievement2589|New Horizons]])

== Dialogue ==
Initial cinematic:
:'''<Character name>:''' We should get moving. Where's Taimi?
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' I told her not to, but she wandered off to study some old tech she said looked "fantastically intriguing."
:'''<Character name>:''' Time is of the essence, but we can't leave her here alone.
:'''Taimi:''' Wait! Guys! I'm here! Don't get your feathers in such a ruffle. I'm fine!

:'''(continues without cinematic)'''
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' Well, we don't have time to wait here while you play with some new toys.
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' That dragon's not going to sit around while we find this Rata Novan research.
:'''<Character name>:''' It's okay. But we can't delay any longer.

Making your way into Rata Novus:
:'''<Character name>:''' [[Tizlak]] was right. The city appears long dead. I guess we won't find any allies to rally for our cause.
:'''Taimi:''' Such a pity. All those asura.
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' Maybe no new allies, but there is something else here. I'm picking up some prints that are definitely not asura. Looks like they belong to...
:''(Chak spawn)''
:'''<Character name>:''' Chak?
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' Yeah, how did you...? Ah. Gotcha.

:'''Taimi:''' Makes sense the chak are here. This place is a nexus for ley energy. I speculate these things actually channel it somehow.
:'''<Character name>:''' Great, well-fed chak. They're probably responsible for the death of this entire city.
:'''Canach:''' Luckily you can withdraw into the safety of your golem. This is obviously no place for an asura.
:'''Taimi:''' Safety of my golem? What's that supposed to mean? Maybe you need the safety of my golem!
:'''Canach:''' What? I'm not saying it, nature is.
:'''<Character name>:''' Okay, enough. Let's pick up the pace.

:'''<Character name>:''' We need to find the lab where they conducted their dragon research. What's the best way to do that?
:'''Taimi:''' Maybe if we power up the city, Scruffy could trace the biggest energy draw. Logically, it should be the hub of their research.
:'''<Character name>:''' Sounds reasonable. How do you restore power to this place?
:'''Taimi:''' That's what I was investigating before you got here—not playing with toys, Braham...
:'''Taimi:''' Anyway, they had a different procedure for refining ley energy and using it for power.
:'''<Character name>:''' Impressive.
:'''Taimi:''' This thing's an off-line ley collector.
:'''Taimi:''' We could manually turn enough of them on to get the juice flowing, but the chak will notice and come running.
:'''<Character name>:''' It's worth the risk. Get it started.

While fighting chak and defending Taimi:
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' Glad these chak are enough of a challenge to keep me sharp for [[Mordremoth]].
:'''Taimi:''' I've got good news for you if you're itching for a fight.
:'''Taimi:''' The more of these we turn on, the more chak they'll attract. So yeah... Math! Deadly math!
:'''<Character name>:''' Just keep doing your thing, Taimi. We'll take care of whatever comes.

:'''Taimi:''' C'mon, you stupid—
:'''Taimi:''' There! Finally.
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' How much longer, Taimi?
:'''Taimi:''' Still multiple collectors left before the city turns on.
:'''Canach:''' If the power is down, where's this light coming from?
:'''Taimi:''' I wondered the same thing! And the Rata Novans had quite an answer!
:'''Taimi:''' The fixtures above us are actually clusters of optic cables that run up to the surface.
:'''Taimi:''' They carry natural light down below. No power needed.
:'''<Character name>:''' All the way down here, and you still get daylight.
:'''Taimi:''' It's ingenious! I hope we get to see how they solved one of the underground ventilation problems.
:'''Taimi:''' It could revolutionize all future asuran construction!
:'''<Character name>:''' We won't find it here. On to the next one.

:'''if sylvari:'''
::'''<Character name>:''' Canach, is it just me, or is the call quieter down here?
::'''Canach:''' I noted that as well. Mordremoth's voice was growing to a great bellow as we drew closer.
::'''Canach:''' Here, it's a whisper. It's a welcome respite.
::'''<Character name>:''' Was it becoming too much for you?
::'''Canach:''' Was it for you?
::'''<Character name>:''' No. My resolve is stronger than that.
::'''Canach:''' Mine as well.
:'''otherwise:'''
::'''<Character name>:''' You're unusually silent, Canach. Is the call distracting you?
::'''Canach:''' It's actually quite the opposite. It's... quiet down here.
::'''Canach:''' Mordremoth's voice was growing to a great bellow as we drew closer. Here, it's a whisper. It's a welcome respite.
::'''<Character name>:''' Was it becoming too much?
::'''Canach:''' Commander, you insult me. I have no plans to give myself over to that beast.
::'''<Character name>:''' Good to hear.

:'''Taimi:''' Just a few more and we'll have enough power to get any of the surviving systems up and running.
:'''<Character name>:''' And from there?
:'''Taimi:''' Scruffy will allow me to track where all this power is headed.
:'''<Character name>:''' Good. We find a lab. With any luck, we find their dragon data. Let's get the last one going.

:'''Taimi:''' Hold up, hold up! Scruffy's picking up some unusual readings.
:'''Taimi:''' It looks like... It's a [[golem]] signature; old-fashioned, but different than anything I've seen before.
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' Does that mean...?
:'''Taimi:''' We must have powered up the city enough to turn on its defenses. And then we triggered said defenses. Yay, us.
:'''<Character name>:''' Heads up, everyone. Sounds like asuran tech incoming.

:'''Canach:''' The chak's connection to ley energy is curious. I wonder if it could be employed against Mordremoth.
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' Going after the Rata Novan research is one thing. We can't waste time studying them now.
:'''Taimi:''' Braham, no one has ever wasted time studying.
:'''<Character name>:''' Let's stay on course. Which way, Taimi?
:'''Taimi:''' Now that we started the engine, I'm getting a sizable power signature—might be a lab. Follow me and the big guy!

Sentry Golem dialogues:
: Civic—pride—poll—initiated: What—should—the—city—slogan—be? Thank—you—for—participating. Current—leader: "We'll—show—them!"
: Good—afternoon, citizen! Keep—Rata—Novus—clean! Deposit—chak—carrion—in—the—labeled—receptacles!
: Good—evening, citizen! Rest—easy—tonight; we're—here—for—your—safety. L.O.X. sentry—golem—loves—watching—you—sleep—peacefully.
: Good—morning, citizen! The—early—asura—gets—the—subterranean—invertebrate—grub!
: Rata—Novus: Built—to—last!
: Rata—Novus's—future—is—so—bright, you—have—to—wear—class—C—welding—safety—goggles, model—number—601325.
: There's—no—"I"—in—Rata—Novus. Join—the—anti-chak—krewe-saders—today!
: Tranquility—is—the—key—to—prosperity. This—is—Rata—Novus.

Following Taimi
:'''Taimi:''' Should be just around this... Wait. Sorry, guys, the signal just moved.
:'''Taimi:''' I guess the ley equipment on Scruffy's not quite perfected yet.
:'''<Character name>:''' It's fine. Let's keep moving before we run into more trouble.

:'''<Character name>:''' How's it working now, Taimi? We back on track?
:'''Taimi:''' I think so. We're almost right on top of the source!

:'''Canach:''' Is that...?
:'''Taimi:''' An [[asura gate]]! Dissimilar in design, but probably similar in function.
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' Is it active? Why isn't it glowing if we turned on the power?
:'''Taimi:''' Good question. Let me see.
:'''Taimi:''' Uh, okay. Good news, bad news. Good news is there's enough power to turn this gate on.
:'''Taimi:''' Bad news is, something's interrupting the flow. Something...big.
:''(Veteran Chak Blitzer spawns)''
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' I think we found the culprit.

Cinematic after defeating the Chak Blitzer:
:'''Canach:''' Braham!
:'''Taimi:''' Move! Go! Go!

After cinematic:
:'''<Character name>:''' Nice job, Taimi.
:'''Taimi:''' Thanks, but Scruffy did most of the work.
:'''<Character name>:''' Yeah, well, he's as much a part of the team as you.
:'''Taimi:''' I guess so. Sure...
:'''Canach:''' The gate's up. Where do you think it goes? [[Rata Sum]]?
:'''Taimi:''' As far as I know, they were never connected. It must lead deeper into this complex. We should test it out; make sure it's safe.
:'''<Character name>:''' How do we do that?
:'''Taimi:''' Someone just walks into it, and if they're not obliterated, it works! Who wants to try?
:'''if asura:'''
::'''<Character name>:''' I suppose I'll be your test subject.
:'''if charr:'''
::'''<Character name>:''' Fine. It's on me then!
:'''if norn:'''
::'''<Character name>:''' Guess it's up to me.
:'''if human:'''
::'''<Character name>:''' I suppose I'll go.
:'''if sylvari:'''
::'''<Character name>:''' I suppose I'll try it.

Optional: Check in with Taimi
:'''<Character name>:''' Is everything okay, Taimi?
:'''Taimi:''' Sorry. Yes. I'm okay, Commander... Well, actually... Permission to speak freely?
:'''<Character name>:''' Always. What is it?
:'''Taimi:''' I enjoy serving in this company; everyone is great, but I'm a member of this team, not its mascot.
:'''<Character name>:''' I agree. You've more than proved your mettle during this mission.
:'''Taimi:''' Oh! You do? Well, I wish everyone else felt that way.
:'''<Character name>:''' I think they do. Hate to break it to you, but you're a full-fledged part of this team whether you like it or not.
:'''Taimi:''' Okay. I'll take your word for it. Thanks.

Cinematic after walking through the portal:
:'''Taimi:''' Great job not dying, Commander! I told you that gate would—

After cinematic:
:'''Taimi:''' I hope no one was planning on going back that way...
:'''<Character name>:''' Where'd we end up?
:'''Taimi:''' There's a huge ley draw ahead of us. I'd bet my transverse wave inverter it's the dragon lab.

Cinematic:
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' [[Wolf (Spirit of the Wild)|Wolf]]'s fang!
:'''Canach:''' We appear to be outnumbered.
:'''Taimi:''' This isn't a lab to them. It's a dining hall.
:'''<Character name>:''' Wait. The emblem on that blast door.
:'''Taimi:''' A dragon! That must be it!

Discovering a way to open the door:
:'''<Character name>:''' We need to get through that mess and open that lab.
:'''Canach:''' We can't. The door that leads down those stairs is dead.
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' So, we're trapped here? The only other way out was through the gate that just exploded?
:'''Taimi:''' Maybe? Probably. Yes.
:'''<Character name>:''' Let's think about this... Why aren't those doors working?
:'''Taimi:''' Oh! Hold on...
:'''Taimi:''' Ley energy powers this whole place, and this ley conduit is blown.
:'''Taimi:''' It almost certainly rendered the doors to this room and the lab inoperative when it went.
:'''Taimi:''' If we can complete the circuit, they'll both open for sure!
:'''<Character name>:''' Any ideas, people?
:'''Taimi:''' I have a thought. Scruffy can bridge the gap. The ley tech I outfitted him with should conduct the energy.
:'''<Character name>:''' But... will he survive?
:'''Taimi:''' Well, I'm not sure...
:'''<Character name>:''' Taimi, [[Taimi and the Asura|back at]] [[Dry Top]] when the [[Inquest]] destroyed Scruffy and almost captured you... I can't—
:'''Taimi:''' You can't what? Let a child make her own decisions? I'm not a child and this is what I'm doing.
:'''Taimi:''' Maybe I wasn't ready for it at Dry Top, but I'm ready now.
:'''<Character name>:''' Fair enough. But once the doors are open, we'll still have a ton of chak to contend with.
:'''Taimi:''' I have an idea for that too, but first things first.

Cinematic:
:'''Taimi:''' All right, big guy, it's time. You know what to do.
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' Why did he stop?
:'''Taimi:''' Go on. It's okay. I'll be okay.

After cinematic:
:'''<Character name>:''' Thank you, Taimi.
:'''<Character name>:''' Now about those chak.
:'''Canach:''' Yes, we're devastatingly outnumbered.
:'''Taimi:''' Commander, when you were young, do you remember the bad kids burning beetles with a magnifying lens?
:'''If sylvari:'''
::'''<Character name>''': I've heard stories. Why?
:'''If not sylvari:'''
::'''<Character name>''': Sure. Why?
:'''Taimi:''' Because I'm about to be bad.
:'''Taimi:''' The device in that room is basically a huge telescope.
:'''Taimi:''' I can reconfigure all the lights in there to feed into the lenses, turning it into a giant heat ray!
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' And then we have ourselves a chak cookout. Brilliant.
:'''<Character name>:''' Do what you need to. We'll back you up.
:'''Taimi:''' Okay... Here we go.

During the fights:
:'''Taimi:''' Outta the way, chak!
:'''<Character name>:''' Fend them off until she's done!
:'''Taimi:''' (screams) Commander!
:'''<Character name>:''' It's okay, Taimi. We're right here!
:'''Taimi:''' I've positioned the lenses on the microscope. Have to get to that console now!
:'''<Character name>:''' Move!
:'''<Character name>:''' What next?
:'''Taimi:''' Hold on... Get your crawly legs off of— Focusing all the light clusters in this room into one point!
:'''<Character name>:''' C'mon!
:'''Taimi:''' Almost there!
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' Commander!
:'''Canach:''' Taimi, I can't keep them away forev—
:'''Taimi:''' Got it! Watch out!
:'''<Character name>:''' Now what?
:'''Taimi:''' Over here, Commander! Lure them over this way!

After the heat ray is turned on:
:'''Taimi:''' Draw the chak into the path of my beam!
:'''Taimi:''' Yes!
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' That... was amazing.
:'''Canach:''' It smells better than I would have imagined too.

In the Dragon Research Lab:
:'''<Character name>:''' Is this it? Is this the right place?
:'''Taimi:''' Boot up these machines and we'll find out.

After turning on the computers:
:'''Taimi:''' Whoa, these Rata Novans had a serious beef against [[Primordus]]
:'''<Character name>:''' Anything on Mordremoth?
:'''Taimi:''' No. Well... Sort of. It's about all the [[Elder Dragon]]s.
:'''Canach:''' What is it?
:'''Taimi:''' Based on their extensive research on Primordus, the Rata Novans determined that each Elder Dragon had a weakness.
:'''Taimi:''' A unique respective weakness.
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' And does it say...?
:'''Taimi:''' What it is? No.
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' (sigh) How easily the fleet went down; it's obvious the way you and my mother stopped [[Zhaitan]] won't work here.
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' So what do we do now?
:'''<Character name>:''' This is good news, people.
:'''<Character name>:''' We've been charging headlong against Mordremoth not even knowing if it can be beaten, only knowing we had to beat it.
:'''<Character name>:''' Now we know it's possible. Our mission is to find out how.
:'''<Character name>:''' To do that we have to get closer to Mordremoth. And thanks to that ley map, we know exactly where it is.
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' Let's catch up with the others, then. I suppose it'd be nice to have some help finding this weakness.

:'''<Character name>:''' Thanks for everything, Taimi. So, does this mean no more Scruffy?
:'''Taimi:''' Oh, no. I already have design plans for Scruffy two-point-zero!
:'''Taimi:''' Little trim here, little tuck there, and weapons—lots of weapons.
:'''Taimi:''' But no golem for the immediate future means this is the end of the road for me.
:'''Taimi:''' I'll be staying in Rata Novus with all this delectable research—bummer!
:'''<Character name>:''' Alone? Are you sure?
:'''Taimi:''' Hey, would you ask [[Rytlock Brimstone|Rytlock]] if he was sure? Canach?
:'''<Character name>:''' Point taken. Should I send word to someone back at Rata Sum, let them know you're here?
:'''Taimi:''' Uh... No, thanks. I'll take care of that...in, like, a few weeks or so.
:'''<Character name>:''' Don't want to get [[Phlunt]]ed again, huh?
:'''Taimi:''' Not particularly.
:'''<Character name>:''' (laugh) Okay, Taimi. I hope to see you soon.
:'''Taimi:''' Me too, Commander. Give that dragon a good one for me.

=== Related to achievement objectives ===
Approaching the lone Mordrem Guard Punisher (part of the "An Ignoble End" achievement):
:'''Canach:''' Is that—? A traitorous sylvari somehow made it into Rata Novus. Alone.
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' Big deal. It'll fall just like the rest.
:'''Canach:''' Wait. He doesn't appear hostile. More...confused.
:'''Taimi:''' Your point being?
:'''Canach:''' The call is quieter here. Maybe this one sought refuge. Maybe there's something left inside.
:'''Braham Eirsson:''' Then let's just crack it open and find out.
:'''Canach:''' No. I'm going to talk to him.
:'''if sylvari:'''
::'''<Character name>:''' Careful, Canach. I’m curious about what happens when one surrenders to the call too, but he’s still armed.
:'''otherwise:'''
::'''<Character name>:''' Canach, wait. It could be a trick...
:'''Canach:''' I'll take my chances, Commander. I have to know.

:'''Canach:''' Brother? Hello?
:'''Mordrem Guard Punisher:''' Help me! Please! I can't tell what- {{sic|This sentence's spoken dialogue ends with the additional words "was happening."}}
:'''Canach:''' What is it? What is it like, giving in?
:'''Mordrem Guard Punisher:''' It was a relief. Such a relief. I didn't want to fight it anymore. But then...I did things.
:'''Canach:''' Of your own will?
:'''Mordrem Guard Punisher:''' I— I don't know. At the time, I knew it was wrong— I couldn't stop! Forgive me! I wanted to obey!
:'''Mordrem Guard Punisher:''' My strings were tugged and my body acted while I watched. A passenger to the dragon's breath, its whispers.
:'''Canach:''' Do you hear it still, feel its pull?
:'''Mordrem Guard Punisher:''' I do!
:'''Canach:''' And what does it want? What's its plan?
:'''Mordrem Guard Punisher:''' It—it wants—it wants you...to die!
:'''<Character name>:''' Canach!
:'''Mordrem Guard Punisher:''' You will succumb! No one is strong enough to stand against Mordremoth!

After defeating the Mordrem Guard Punisher:
:'''Canach:''' Well, that went about as expected.
:'''if sylvari:'''
::'''<Character name>:''' Apparently he was too far gone. A dire warning for us all.
:'''otherwise:'''
::'''<Character name>:''' A valiant effort, my friend, but apparently he was far too gone.
:'''<Character name>:''' Let's keep moving.

Objects related to "New Horizons" achievement:
:'''Derelict Sentry Golem:''' This sentry golem appears to have been deactivated many years ago. Although it looks completely inert, a faint glow still emanates from its chest.
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Attempt to pry open the chest cavity.''
::The chest cavity cracks open, and in the dim glow of one last active circuit you can see a rolled parchment tucked behind a mass of wires.
::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Move the wires aside, and take the parchment.'' '''(ends the dialog)'''

:'''Rata Novan Terminal:''' This terminal is surprisingly fully functional, and the screen contains a single text entry, written in the form of an operator's log.
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Read the log.''
::Engineer Poskk, log number 4399. The insectoid creatures come in greater numbers. City leaders and citizens flee deeper into the facility. I'm to maintain the gate as long as possible. Is this to be my end?
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Leave the console.''

:'''Rata Novan Terminal:''' The console is weathered and the screens faded, but you can see that there's one last user entry, which seems to be a message from one asura to another.
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Read the message.''
::"Kalla? Where are you? You're worse than those bookahs on the surface. The treat is worse than we forecasted! The city council has been misleading us. I'm going to try your other console."
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Leave the console.''

:'''Rata Novan Terminal:''' The console is barely functional, save one screen that displays a single user entry, which appears to be a message from one asura to another.
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Read the message.''
::"Kalla! Eternal Alchemy, this city is going to erupt under our feet any day now, and you're playing childish games with me. I'm headed toward the control room. I hope you see this in time."
::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Leave the console.''

:'''Rata Novan Terminal:''' This terminal appears to control the nearby asura gate. There are a series of spaces, beginning with the number 1, followed by five blank spots. A keypad on the terminal glows softly, awaiting input.
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Try the number 0.''
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Try the number 1.''
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Try the number 2.''
::'''(after final correct number)''' The keypad beeps and a small button on the terminal glows, waiting to be pressed.
::{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Press the button.''
:::The terminal beeps six times, and the nearby asura gate hums to life.
:::{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Exit the terminal.''
:{{dialogue icon|more}} ''Try the number 7.''
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Leave the terminal.''

== My story ==
{{Mystory
| image = Buried Insight loading screen.jpg
| text = We entered the lost, underground asura city with the promise of possibly finding allies in the war against Mordremoth, but those hopes were quickly dashed when we confirmed Tizlak's information—the city was long dead. However, there was a chance their research still existed, so we powered up the city and followed the biggest energy draw to their Elder Dragon lab. The only way inside involved Taimi sacrificing Scruffy to bridge a blown-out ley circuit. She proved to us she's more than just an asura with a golem, she's a self-sufficient soldier. Once in the Rata Novus Elder Dragon lab we discovered that each dragon has a unique and respective weakness. We didn't discover what Mordremoth's was, but at least we know the dragon can be felled. Our job now is to find out how.}}

== Trivia ==
* Security golems seem similar in design/style to those constructed by [[Zinn]] in original Guild Wars, also in naming terminology (L.O.X.)
* Some security golem dialogues seem to be variations of motivational quotes.
** One golem dialogue in particular is a riff on the song "The Future's So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades" by Timbuk3.

{{Heart of Thorns storyline|3}}

[[de:Begrabene Einsichten]]
[[es:Conocimiento enterrado]]
[[fr:Connaissances cachées]]