View source for The Aetherblade Retreat

{{otheruses|the [[Living World Season 1]] story step|the dungeon from 2013|Aetherblade Retreat}}
{{Story infobox
| id = 646
| storyline = Living World Season 1
| chapter = Sky Pirates
| chapter number = 2
| step number = 5
| year = 1326
| location = Aetherblade Retreat
| level = 80
| prev = Aether Investigation
| next = Case Closed
| gallery1 = The Aetherblade Retreat loading screen.png
| gallery1-text = Loading screen.
| requires = lws1
}}
[[The Aetherblade Retreat]] is the fifth story step of [[Sky Pirates]], the second episode of [[Living World Season 1]].

== Objectives ==
;Read the letter from Inspector Kiel.

;Battle through the Aetherblade barracks.
* Head to the secret Aetherblade hideout.
* Meet up with Kiel.
* Take out the door guards.
* Find a way up the barracks.
* Take the teleporter down.
* Aetherblades Killed
* {{event bar empty|color=green}} {{event swords}}

;Shut down Frizz's Lab.
* Talk to Kiel to confront Frizz.
* Frizz
* {{event bar|color=green}} {{event boss}}

;Keep exploring the Aetherblade hideout.
* Defend Kiel as you explore deeper into the Aetherblade hideout.
* Find a way to disable the lightning traps on the bridge.
* Find a way to open the door for Kiel.

;The Aetherblade Retreat
* Talk to Kiel to confront Mai Trin.
* Mai Trin
* {{event bar|color=green}} {{event boss}}
* Find a way to disrupt Mai's shield.
* Champion First Mate Horrik
* {{event bar|color=green}} {{event boss}}
* Survive the cannon assault: 0:30
* Debrief with Kiel.

* Complete!

== Rewards ==
* {{rewards item|Deluxe Gear Box|id=44086}}
* {{rewards item|Salvageable Aetherized Metal Scrap|qty=3}}
* {{rewards item|Writ of Tyrian Mastery}}

== Walkthrough ==

=== Scoundrel's Hovel ===
Upon entering the dungeon you will need to swim through a tunnel with mines. The mines will do significant damage and cripple you, so don't get close, stick to the very top or bottom of the tunnel. Once on the other side, players will reach [[Captain Ellen Kiel|Inspector Ellen Kiel]]. Players will take the lead and go around the corner to take out the group of Aetherblades. Go through the doorway and take out the next group to reach the electric catwalks.

=== Electrified Catwalks ===
This is the first mechanic to learn. Players that touch the electrified tiles will take a large amount of damage, usually downing them before they can pass. The tiles deactivate in a pattern, allowing players to carefully make their way across (for slower GPUs, "dodge forward" works well). Inspector Kiel will wait behind while you figure out how to turn them off. Wait until a tile is off and pass through each one in turn until you reach the far side. Inside the hut there are three switches. Activate each one to turn off all electrified tiles and Inspector Kiel will catch up with you. Continue up the catwalks, avoiding other electrified tiles, and turning them off when possible.

=== Breach the Gate ===
After the tiles and passing a holo-dancer, you'll reach an area where you need to get past a gate. Several waves of Aetherblades will attack you. This is also where the next mechanic is learned. While fighting, an Aetherblade Cannoneer will be on a ledge firing cannons at the players, creating fire AoE fields on the ground wherever they hit. As the fight goes on, a second cannoneer on the other side will do the same thing. These cannoneers are invulnerable, so defeat all of the gate guards to open it. Going through the gate and immediately turning left will take you to a ramp going up into the hut where the first chest for the  Asset Recovery achievement is located. After a short run forward from the gate you'll reach the gate to Frizz's Lab for the mid-boss fight.

=== Frizz's Lab ===
[[File:Frizz's Lab.jpg|thumb|Frizz's Lab: Kleptotronic Advanced Designs]]
[[File:Frizz.jpg|thumb|130px|Frizz, the [[Inquest]] [[asura]]n Aetherblades boss]]
Talk to Inspector Kiel at the [[console]] to enter the lab. A cinematic will play showing the area. You'll have a chance to see the area and make plans. Talk to {{icon|story}} [[Frizz]] to trigger the boss fight. He will run around with a [[Flamethrower]] while you fight him and his assistants. Once you bring him down to 75% health, he jumps to the center and enters a protective tube. Two laser walls of electricity will emerge from opposite sides of the center tube, dividing the lab area in half, and will rotate counter-clockwise. The walls will do a significant amount of damage if it hits you. Players can either move along with the walls, climb up on the stacks of crates and barrels spread across the room, or even jump over the electric walls if they time it right (this is very difficult, but possible). Teleport skills will safely transport players through them.
* For the [[Sky Pirates (achievements)#achievement682|Faster Than Light]] achievement, do not get hit by any of the laser walls during the entire fight. This can be tracked with the {{effect|Achievement Eligibility: Faster Than Light}} effect.

You will not be able to damage Frizz during this time, but he will send two [[Aetherblade Golem]]s at a time to fight you. These golems will be supercharged if the walls pass over them, giving them a damage boost, so avoid being hit while it's in effect. Either kite the golems or soak up their damage. Ranged attacks are best during this fight, although mainly due to mobility since the golems have some ranged attacks too. When supercharged, they can also use a pull skill to bring you close to them.

Once 2 golems have been defeated, Frizz will increase the power, doubling the size of the walls, and send two more golems after you. Players will not be able to avoid these walls by standing on the crates or jumping over, so move counter-clockwise around the room while attacking the golems and try to keep them from being supercharged by the walls.

Once those two golems are defeated, he then activates both the tall and short laser walls at once. The smaller wall is just like the first wall but travels faster than the taller one. Two more golems will fight you during this time. Players will need to again move counter-clockwise to avoid the taller wall, but also jump onto the crates to avoid the smaller one as it will travel faster than you.

Once the third set of golems are destroyed, the fight ends and players can continue.

Due to the fight lasting however long the golems are still alive, it is advised to focus on DPS here to minimize the chance of getting hit by lasers. 

=== The Wretched Walk ===
Before going forwards, return from where you came, take the wooden plank up on the right side of the cavern into the hut where you'll find the first aetherblade chest for [[Asset Recovery]]. 

Go back to the arena, and continue traveling north along the passageway. Take a right into a dead end, kill the inquest there and you will find both an aetherblade chest and [[Lab Notes]], for the [[Investigative Study 2]] achievement. Continue west and follow the path. A storm is picking up, and the rope bridges will get struck by lightning often. Avoid the lightning and cross the bridges to reach the other side. In the middle of the bridge section there will be several Aetherblades. This section is a death trap, as the Aetherblades are powerful and you don't have much room to maneuver. Take them out and continue along the bridges.

After deactivating the console, continue straight to a house where you'll find aetherblade chest 3 as well as the [[Letter from Ivan]].
After collecting the chest and the note, go east over the bridge.

=== Deceit's Climb ===
Continue to travel through the tunnels. Inspector Kiel will wait at some closed doors while players work to open them. Travel up and defeat the pirates waiting there to open it up. Before continuing to the docks, follow the path back down (to the door where Ellen was waiting in front of) to find chest number 4. Run back up and continue on to the docks.

=== Aethership Dock ===
There are three optional achievements to achieve this fight. When entering the arena, you can immediately <code>/salute</code> for [[Don't Be Rude to the Brute]]. During the fight, if you successfully dodge all of Horrik's barrages you earn [[Personal Space]]. Note that for this achievement, Horrik's attacks don't count when you're fighting him. You can track your eligibility for this achievement in game when checking your buffs. Finally, after the fight but '''before debriefing with Ellen Kiel''' you can shoot down an airship with the cannon on the docked airship by interacting with it for the [[Unfriendly Skies]] achievement.

Talk to Inspector Kiel to enter the boss fight area. After a short cinematic, Mai Trin and Horrik will attack you. Mai has a buff called [[Captain's Shield]], which reduces damage done to her by 10% per stack. She begins with 10 stacks and she must be hit by Horrik's electric fields to remove them. She also shadowsteps around and uses electric attacks and bleeds. Horrik will stand off to the side and fire cannonballs and electric shots at players, creating burning and electric fields. Lure Mai into the electric fields to reduce the [[Captain's Shield]] and take her out.

If players focus on Horrik instead and kill him first, Mai will revive him, creating a shockwave (similar to the Molten Berserker from Molten Facility). Reviving Horrik also seems to reset her [[Captain's Shield]]. Horrik should be ignored until Mai is down or nearly down. In the last phase of killing Mai, it is reasonable to hit Horrik also so that he is less of a problem when Mai is downed. Mai seems to have several noticeable tactics. She notices who is reviving and attacks them, she targets the character furthest away from her, and probably other tactics that others might add.

Once Mai reaches 75%, she and Horrik teleport away and two cannoneers appear, raining fire down on the players similar to the gate section earlier. The pattern of shots are different each volley, so stay on the move. After about 45 seconds of this, Mai and Horrik appear to continue the fight. This cannon interludes happens again at 50% and 25%, each time adding more cannons (which means more fields) and the volleys happen more often, and the duration is longer also. The first time the cannons lasts for 60 seconds, then 80, and finally 120 on the last phase. Note that the volleys target players, so having multiple players stack up in the same place is not advised, as it will create multiple overlapping fields with no safe place to stand in between. Instead, spread out and simply sidestep the AOEs when they appear. Stealth can also be used to briefly prevent cannoneers from targeting you, but it will not negate any projectiles already en route.

One alternative tactic often used by players is to designate a run leader and stack up moments before the barrage phase (E.G. ~80% or so health on the first barrage and so on). When the barrage phase occurs, the players will follow the run leader closely and run as a group clockwise or counterclockwise around the edges of the room. This method is recommended if the party has a substantial amount of regen/swiftness, as it reduces the pressure on individual players substantially. Downed teammates can be tended to after the barrage phase.

Once Mai is defeated, Horrik becomes frenzied and now you must finish him.

Before finishing the mission, the final chest can be found when entering the docked airship, in the back on a raised platform. The last note for this mission, [[Scribbled Note from Horrik]] is also found on the airship. Take one of the ramps to the lower floor and go to the end of the room to find it stuck to the wall.

Talk to Ellen Kiel to finish the mission.

=== Story and replay checkpoints ===
Four checkpoints are available during the story and can be freely accessed afterwards when replaying the episode for achievements:
* {{icon|replay}} ''Replay Aetherblade Retreat for achievements'': '''Battle through the Aetherblade barracks''', starting point of the story instance
* {{icon|replay}} ''Replay Aetherblade Retreat for achievements'': '''Shut down Frizz's Lab''', right before the fight against Frizz
* {{icon|replay}} ''Replay Aetherblade Retreat for achievements'': '''Keep exploring the Aetherblade hideout''', cave exit right after the fight against Frizz
* {{icon|replay}} ''Replay Aetherblade Retreat for achievements'': '''The Aetherblade Retreat''', right before the fight against Mai Trin and Horrik

=== Achievements ===
<div id="achievementcontrol"></div>{{account achievements widget}}
{{achievement box|Asset Recovery}}
* Find and open all five [[Aetherblade Chest]]s during the instance. They are found in the following locations:

{{objectives table header|id=6561|objectives width=5em|location=true}}
{{objectives table row|Chest 1|After the cannon barrage area, with [[Frizz]]'s [[Kleptotronic Advanced Designs|lab]] to the right, turn left and go up the wooden ramp. A wooden shack to the right has the chest 1.|location=Asset Recovery Chest 1.png}}
{{objectives table row|Chest 2|After defeating Frizz and leaving the lab north, turn right to a dead end with chest 2.<br>[[Lab Notes]] for '''Investigative Study 2''' can also be found here on the Inquest crate.|location=Asset Recovery Chest 2.png}}
{{objectives table row|Chest 3|After crossing the two rope bridges with lightning traps, enter the cabin in the southeast with chest 3.<br>[[Letter from Ivan]] for '''Investigative Study 2''' can also be found here, in the other corner on the floor.|location=Asset Recovery Chest 3.png}}
{{objectives table row|Chest 4|After opening the door for Kiel, track backward down the ramp to chest 4. (The chest is through the door Kiel walks through on the right if you are following her) |location=Asset Recovery Chest 4.png}}
{{objectives table row|Chest 5|After defeating Mai Trin at [[Rogue's Landing]], head into the docked [[aethership]], and you will find chest 5 on the upper deck.<br>[[Scribbled Note from Horrik]] for '''Investigative Study 2''' is on the lower deck.|location=Asset Recovery Chest 5.png}}
|}

{{achievement box|Investigative Study 2}}
* Three [[Book|documents]] can be found in the instance.
<ul>
<li class="widget-account-achievement" style="display:inline-block;width:300px;margin:10px;vertical-align:top;" data-id="achievement6560-bit2">
[[File:Lab Notes location.png|frameless|border|class=gallery]]
<p>1. [[Lab Notes]]: After defeating Frizz and leaving the lab, take the right fork into the dead end. The note is on an Inquest crate to the left, across from the Aetherblade Chest.</p>
</li>
<li class="widget-account-achievement" style="display:inline-block;width:300px;margin:10px;vertical-align:top;" data-id="achievement6560-bit3">
[[File:Letter From Ivan.png|frameless|border]]
<p>2. [[Letter from Ivan]]: In [[The Wretched Walk]], after crossing the two rope bridges with lightning traps, enter the cabin to the southeast to find the letter in the corner on the floor. An Aetherblade Chest for '''Asset Recovery''' can be found in the other corner.</p>
</li>
<li class="widget-account-achievement" style="display:inline-block;width:300px;margin:10px;vertical-align:top;" data-id="achievement6560-bit4">
[[File:Scribbled Note From Horrik.png|frameless|border]]
<p>3. [[Scribbled Note from Horrik]]: At the end of the instance at [[Rogue's Landing]], on the bottom deck of the docked [[aethership]], attached by the door.</p>
</li>
</ul>

{{achievement box|Aether Apprehender: The Aetherblade Retreat}}
* Simply defeat Aetherblade enemies throughout the mission. 

{{achievement box|Faster Than Light}}
* During the fight against [[Frizz]], don't get hit by any of the rotating laser walls.
* Eligibility is tracked by the effect {{effect|Achievement Eligibility: Faster Than Light}} on the player's effect bar.

{{achievement box|Equipment Failure}}
* Defeat Frizz.

{{achievement box|Don't Be Rude to the Brute}}
* Perform the <code>/salute</code> [[emote]] in the final boss area. Works before the fight begins or when Horrik is dead.

{{achievement box|Personal Space}}
* During the fight against Mai Trin and Horrik, avoid getting hit by Horrik's cannon fire in the barrage phases.
* Getting hit by his cannon while fighting him or Mai Trin doesn't remove eligibility for this achievement. Getting hit by the cannon attacks from the unreachable Aetherblade Thumpers on either side of the room doesn't remove eligibility either.

{{achievement box|Cornered, Caught, Collared (2013)}}
* Defeat Mai Trin.

{{achievement box|Unfriendly Skies}}
* Interact with the cannon on the deck of the docked airship. Interacting with the cannon is not possible after debriefing with Kiel.

{{achievement box|The Aetherblade Retreat}}
* Complete the mission.

== NPCs ==
=== Allies ===
;[[Human]]s
* [[Investigator Ellen Kiel]]
* [[Lionguard Inspector Wholley]]

;Various
* [[Lionguard (NPC)|Lionguard]]

=== Services ===
* {{vendor|reinforce armor}} [[Anvil]]

=== Foes ===
;[[Asura]] ([[Inquest]])
* [[Frizz]]
* [[Inquest Assassin]]
* [[Inquest Assistant]]
* [[Inquest Engineer]]
* [[Inquest Extinguisher]]
* [[Inquest Grenadier]]
* [[Inquest Technician]]
* [[Veteran Inquest Assassin]]

;[[Charr]] ([[Aetherblades]])
* [[Aetherblade Thug]]
* [[Veteran Aetherblade Thug]]

;[[Golem]]s ([[Inquest]])
* [[Aetherblade Golem]]
* [[Mark I Golem]]
* [[Mark I Golemite]]
* [[Veteran Mark I Golem]]

;[[Human]]s ([[Aetherblades]])
* [[Aetherblade Recruit]]
* [[Aetherblade Swashbuckler]]
* [[Aetherblade Taskmaster]]
* [[Captain Mai Trin|Mai Trin]]

;[[Norn]] ([[Aetherblades]])
* [[Aetherblade Striker]]
* [[Aetherblade Thumper]]
* [[Champion First Mate Horrik]]
* [[Elite Aetherblade Thumper]]
* [[Veteran Aetherblade Thumper]]

== Objects ==
* [[Aetherblade Chest]]
* [[Cannon (Aetherblades)|Cannon]]
* [[Door Control]]
* [[Lab Notes]]
* [[Letter from Ivan]]
* [[Mine (object)|Mine]]
* [[Scribbled Note from Horrik]]
* [[The Trap (object)|The Trap]]

== Dialogue ==
{{Mail
| sender = Lionguard Inspector Ellen Kiel
| subject = Aetherblade Lair Located
| content = <Character name>,

The Aetherblades have been hiding inside a cave in Lion's Arch this entire time. The scoundrels... I could use some backup for a raid on their hideout. Consider yourself deputized. Head to the base of the waterfall at the Diverse Ledges as soon as you can. I'll meet you there.
}}

;Optionally talking to NPCs
:'''Lionguard Inspector Wholley:''' Glad to have you with us, sir. Inspector Kiel has organized a fast incursion—the two of you will be our point group, and a full cadre of Lionguard will push in to secure the base behind you.
:{{Dialogue icon|end}} ''Good, I'm in the mood to settle this quickly.''

:'''Lionguard:''' It's an honor to work with you, Commander. Inspector Kiel is just ahead. Those brigands have mined the waters, so swim carefully.
:{{Dialogue icon|end}} ''Got it.''

;Approaching Inspector Kiel
:'''Inspector Ellen Kiel:''' ''Let's get going.''

;Talking to Inspector Kiel
:'''Inspector Ellen Kiel:''' Mai Trin and her crew came through here. I've got a bad feeling about this, but at least you're here too. Let's go.
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''I'll take the lead.''

;As Inspector Kiel approaches the electric walls
:'''Inspector Ellen Kiel:''' ''Ow! It shocked me!''

;Waiting at the electric walls
:'''Inspector Ellen Kiel:''' We need to shut that down. You find a way to turn that off, I'll watch your back.
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''I'm on it.''

;At the console before the Kleptotronic Design Lab
:'''Inspector Ellen Kiel:''' ''Hmmm, let's see what this does.''

;Talking to Inspector Kiel to get into Frizz's lab
:'''Inspector Ellen Kiel:''' This security panel seems simple enough. Are you ready to breach the room?
:{{dialogue icon|ready}} ''Let's go.''
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Not yet.''

;Cinematic showing the lab
:'''Frizz:''' ''This is a sterile research environment. Leave at once.''
''Frizz points at <Character name>.''

;After cinematic
:'''Frizz:''' ''Very well. I have ways of dealing with contaminants.''

;Talking to Frizz
:'''Frizz:''' This is a sterile research environment. Leave at once.
:{{dialogue icon|ready}} ''Let's finish this.''

;When Frizz is at 75% health
:'''Frizz:''' ''You're vandalizing previous equipment. Why don't you play with live wires?''

;During fight
:'''Frizz:''' ''Time to amplify the power. Fry, you pests. Fry like skritt on a lightning rod.''

:'''Frizz:''' ''This isn't supposed to happen. You should be dead by now!''

:'''Frizz:''' ''Zap! (laughs) What, you wanted something more pithy? Sue me. I'm new at killing people.''

;When someone is downed or defeated
:'''Frizz:''' ''Someone call sanitation. I have stains that need eradicating.''

;When all golems are defeated
:'''Frizz:''' ''You think you've won? You've won nothing! Tremble and cry as I unleash my greatest—''
:'''Inspector Ellen Kiel:''' ''Have I mentioned how much I hate those grubby little Inquest?''

;Talking to Inspector Kiel after the lab
:'''Inspector Ellen Kiel:''' I'm shocked—and impressed—that these ruffians kept this place a secret for so long. Let's go. We've still got ground to cover.
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Here we go.''

;Talking to Inspector Kiel at the rope bridges
:'''Inspector Ellen Kiel:''' We need to shut that down. You find a way to turn that off, I'll watch your back.
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''I'm on it.''

;At the main doors
:'''Inspector Ellen Kiel:''' ''Don't leave me here. I can help.''

;Talking to Inspector Kiel at the doors
:'''Inspector Ellen Kiel:''' We have to find a way to open these doors. Look around for a way through.
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''Okay.''

;After defeating all of the Aetherblade and Inquest
:'''Inspector Ellen Kiel:''' ''Let's end this. Follow me!''
:'''Inspector Ellen Kiel:''' ''Oh no. Not another control panel.''

;Talking to Inspector Kiel at entrance to docks
:'''Inspector Ellen Kiel:''' Behind this door is Mai Trin. Are you ready to face her?
:{{dialogue icon|ready}} ''Let's finish this.''
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''I need more time.''

;During the cinematic
:'''Mai Trin:''' ''[[Scarlet]]'s gonna have my skull.
:'''Champion First Mate Horrik:''' ''What now, Captain? It'll take cannonballs to get out of here alive.''
:'''Mai Trin:''' ''I'm dead either way. Might as well strap in for a decent fight.''
:'''Champion First Mate Horrik:''' ''You got it. I'll undock the airships.''
:'''Mai Trin:''' ''I'll raise the gangplanks.''

;At the start of the fight
:'''Mai Trin:''' ''This is what your curiosity gets you.''

;When Mai is at 75%, 50%, or 25%
:'''Mai Trin:''' ''Horrik! Unleash the cannons!''
:'''Horrik:''' ''Aye, aye, Captain.''

;When Horrik is at 75%, 50%, or 25%
:'''Mai Trin:''' ''No more half measures. All hands on deck!''

;When Mai is defeated
:'''Mai Trin:''' ''Enough! You've won. Next time, just ask a little nicer.''
:'''Inspector Ellen Kiel:''' ''Lionguard, take our intrepid airship captain into custody. Don't take your eyes off her.''
:'''Lionguard:''' ''On it, Investigator.''
:'''Inspector Ellen Kiel:''' ''I'm itching to blow that escaping airship out of the sky. Any ideas how to do that?''

;Talking to Inspector Kiel after the fight
:'''Inspector Ellen Kiel:''' Thank you, Commander. I'll sleep a little easier tonight knowing that Mai Trin is in custody.
:{{Dialogue icon|more}} ''All of Lion's Arch will.''
::To think, the Aetherblades were hiding so close that entire time...
::{{Dialogue icon|more}} ''She'll face justice. Don't beat yourself up.''
:::I won't. I'm headed to Divinity's Reach after I wrap this up, to express my thanks to Delaqua and her assistant. I'm sure Magnus will want to celebrate with an ale. You're welcome to join us.
:::{{Dialogue icon|story}} ''Dead End Bar? I know the way.''

=== Books ===
{{Book text
| title = Lab Notes
| These pirates are uncultured and filthy. These are not the working conditions to achieve great technological advancement!

Our "friends" know nothing of the subtleties and elegance of synergetics. Not only are our research specimens delicate and to be handled with the most gentle touch, but my lab equipment must be treated with the utmost respect (the pirates do neither).

B is arranging a visit to my humble lab in the coming week. I haven't had the pleasure of meeting her myself yet, but I want this place spotless by the time she arrives. The force-field generator above the power control core has been malfunctioning, I should get that repaired before her arrival. That way, I can give our guest a full demonstration of the lab's ability.
}}

{{Book text
| title = Letter from Ivan
| Miss Trin, 

Horrik is doing a good job at keeping the pirates from killing the Inquest, but Ivan is scared that we're one accident away from a full-on revolution (and trust Ivan, you don't want to clean that up). 

The Inquest are pretty bossy, and they talk often about our "beef-witted malcontent.' Ivan doesn't know what that is, but it doesn't sound especially nice. Maybe we should arrange an icebreaker event with our companions. I'm sure the Inquest will be singing a different song after trying Ivan's omnomberry pie. 

—Ivan 
}}

{{Book text
| title = Scribbled Note from Horrik
| Captain,

Normally I'd bend your ear over a sea shanty and a keg, but with you being in Lion's Arch on assignment I figured I'd put it to paper. I'll give it to you straight, Mai―I don't like the current arrangement. I yearn for a good scrap and a rousing adventure as much as the next pirate, but the new boss is an anchor that's pulling us down. Mark my words, we're getting tangled in a mess and we won't notice 'til it chokes us out.

Then there's the Inquest buggers. Can't argue with the upgrades to our airships and equipment, but they're not like us. Got no code.

Goes without saying that I'll follow you to a cold and briny grave a thousand times over, but I want it to be on our terms―doing what we love, our freedom above all else. No fat-cat life for this first mate, you hear?

F.M. Horrik

P.S. Speaking of fat cats, threw half a fish to a stray the other day. Wouldn't mind having one on the ship. I know you like them. 
}}

== My story ==
{{Mystory
| image = The Aetherblade Retreat loading screen.png
| text = Turns out they were hiding in Lion's Arch all along, tucked away in a cave southwest of the city. Looks like Kiel and I know where we're headed next.

Kiel and I infiltrated the Aetherblade base and managed to fight our way inside. Seems the 'Blades are comprised of pirates and Inquest; they're rough in a fight, but also tech savvy. Their operation was impressive, especially given it was so close to the city.

The base was riddled with traps and lasers, making it difficult to navigate. Kiel and I found our way into a lab run by an asura named Frizz. Unbelievable that a bunch of pirates managed to erect an entire Inquest laboratory inside of the cave, filled with strange technologies. It looked like they were tracing something, though it'll be hard to question Frizz about his findings now. He was...squashed during the encounter.

The main hub of their hideout was constructed from the remnants of beached ships. And the stormy alcove was filled with pirates and Inquest engineers; crates upon crates were stacked against the walls. Mai Trin and her First Mate, Horrik, were hiding in the center of the maze, waiting for us to arrive.

They gave us their best fight, but we were able to take them both down. Horrik didn't make it out alive, but Mai Trin wisely surrendered to Kiel before we diced her into skritt feed.

With Mai Trin in custody, maybe we'll figure out who's behind this whole mess.
}}

== Notes ==
{{Bug|Defeating Mai Trin too fast (e.g. with a bladesworn's Dragon Slash) may stall the final encounter.}}
{{Bug|Sometimes a phase triggers twice in a row without even hitting Mai Trin.}}
{{Bug|Defeating Horrik too soon can cause an endless canon phase forcing to restart the mission.}}
{{Bug|Sometimes Faster Than Light just doesn't register as completed, for no apparent reason.}}
{{Bug|Defeating Horrik prior to defeating Mai Trin can softlock the instance, as there is no way to remove her Captain's Shield.}}

== Trivia ==
* While most of the dialogue is the same as the original, Mai Trin's lines have been reworded and Ellen Kiel's final dialogue is completely different

{{Living World Season 1 nav}}

[[es:El Refugio de los Filoetéreos]]