View source for Into the Valley of Shadow

{{Story infobox
| name = Into the Valley of Shadow
| storyline = Janthir Wilds
| chapter number = 14
| step number = 15
| location = Janthir Syntri; Mistburned Barrens
| level = 80
| year = 1338
| prev = Balrior Peak
| next =  A Legacy Damned
| gallery1 = Into the Valley of Shadow loading screen (Alliance Staging Ground).png
| gallery1-text = Alliance Staging Ground
| gallery2 = Into the Valley of Shadow loading screen (Valley of Agony).png
| gallery2-text = Valley of Agony
| id = 
| requires = jw
}}
[[Into the Valley of Shadow]] is the fourteenth chapter of the [[Janthir Wilds]] story and the first chapter of [[Repentance]].

== Objectives ==
; Read the mail from Anise. 
* Read the mail from Countess Anise. 

; Meet Poised Arrow in Janthir Syntri.
* Find Poised Arrow near Thunder Bay Point.

;Get the lay of the land.
* Take the boat to Mistburned Barrens.
* Listen to the scout.
* Enter the camp.
* Meet with your allies.
* Form a plan of action.
* Leave the meeting.

;Survey the north.
* Check in with Anise at the Alliance Staging Ground.
* Examine the valley to the north.
* Explore more toward the east.
* Examine the strange object.
* Train the Mursaat Mirror and Movement Mastery in the Mursaat line. <small>''(Only if the mastery has not been completed before starting)''</small>
* Use the mursaat mirror to reach the wisp.
* Investigate the wisp.
* Contact Anise.

;Investigate the Valley of Agony.
* Meet with your allies at the entrance to the valley.
* Listen to your allies.
* Follow Isgarren into the Valley of Agony.
* Keep moving down the valley.
* Approach the wisp.
* Use the Heart of the Obscure on the wisp.
* Mursaat Ghost Swarm <br> {{Event bar|color=green}}
* Enter Waiting Sorrow's shield before agony consumes you.
* Regroup with your allies.
* Listen to the memory.
* Listen to Isgarren.
* Complete!

== Rewards ==
;First time
* {{Rewards item|Bag of Loot (Janthir Wilds)|id=103591|qty=4}}
* {{Rewards item|Janthiri Gear Box|id=102283|qty=2}}
* {{Rewards item|Tale of Adventure|id=96151|qty=1}}

;Replay
* {{item icon|Tale of Adventure}} (5)

== Walkthrough ==
; Read the mail from Anise. / Meet Poised Arrow in Janthir Syntri. / Get the lay of the land.
Read the mail titled "Urgent Summons" from [[Countess Anise]] and head to {{waypoint|Stricken Plains Waypoint}}. Speak to [[Poised Arrow]] northwest to the waypoint, then enter the [[Alliance Staging Ground]] instance nearby. 
* After entering the instance, use the /facepalm emote to earn the achievement {{ap}} [[#Told Ya So| Told Ya So]].

Head north to [[Waiting Sorrow]], then head west to [[Isgarren]] at {{poi|3922}}. Walk south and leave the instance to [[Mistburned Barrens]].

; Survey the north.
Speak to Countess Anise at {{poi|3922}}. Head northeast to {{poi|3925}} and walk along the right side of the valley to the southwest part of [[Seer's March]]. Interact with [[Mursaat Mirror]], then select the first option in the dialogue twice to unlock [[Mursaat Shadowcraft]] mastery track. Train the first mastery [[Mursaat Mirror and Movement]] in the track. Head back to Mursaat Mirror and interact, it will send you to the hill south to {{poi|3932}}. Walk toward to the wisp northwest, then interact at the edge of the hill to contact Anise.

; Investigate the Valley of Agony.
Teleport to {{waypoint|Alliance Staging Ground Waypoint}} and enter the [[Valley of Agony]] instance at the east of the waypoint. Speak to Poised Arrow and follow Isgarren within the range marked with the blue circle.
* Step outside of the blue circle for about 3 seconds to earn the achievement {{ap}} [[#Wayward Wayfinder|Wayward Wayfinder]].

Clear the foes along and interact with the wisp. Defeat the swarm of [[Mursaat Ghost]]s.
* Defeat 35 Mursaat Ghosts to earn the achievement {{ap}} [[#Yagon Begone|Yagon Begone]].

When the progress bar is half empty, Waiting Sorrow will cast a shield. Enter the shield, otherwise {{effect| Spectral Agony (Into the Valley of Shadow)}} will be applied. After awhile the foes will despawn, then the dialogue triggers.

=== Achievements ===
{{Achievement box|Into the Valley of Shadow}}
* Complete the mission. 
{{Achievement box|Told Ya So}}
* Use the /facepalm emote after the boat ride to Mistburned Barrens.
* Achievement qualification can be tracked via the effect {{effect|Achievement Eligibility: Told Ya So}}. 
{{Achievement box|Wayward Wayfinder}}
* While following Isgarren through the valley, step outside of the blue circle for about 3 seconds. This can be done before entering the valley with the spectral agony debuff.
* Achievement qualification can be tracked via the effect {{effect|Achievement Eligibility: Wayward Wayfinder}}. 
<!--
Description: "Test Isgarren's patience by not following his command while moving through the valley."
-->
{{Achievement box|Yagon Begone}}
* Simply defeat 35 Mursaat Ghosts when the ambush starts. They are weak but numerous, and a lot more than 35 will spawn so it's a good idea to bring a ranged weapon with area-of-effect or piercing attacks. 
* Achievement qualification may be tracked via the effect {{effect|Achievement Eligibility: Yagon Begone}}. 
<!--
Description: "Defeat 35 ghosts during the ambush."
-->

{{Achievement box|Janthir Wilds: Repentance—Audio Cover}}
* Only the last instance (in the Valley of Agony) needs to be completed for the achievement to progress.

== NPCs ==
{{section-stub|story|May be incomplete}}
=== Allies ===
* [[Countess Anise]]
* [[Isgarren]]
* [[Mabon]] <small>(projection)</small>
* [[Poised Arrow]]
* [[Waiting Sorrow]]

=== Foes ===
* [[Chorister]]
* [[Mursaat Ghost]]
* [[Yagon]]

== Objects ==
{{section-stub|story|Missing the objects}}

== Dialogue ==
=== Mail from Countess Anise ===
{{Mail
| icon = story
| sender = Countess Anise
| subject = Urgent Summons
| content =
Greetings, [[Pact Commander|Commander]],

First, the positive news: Through the combined efforts of the [[Tyrian Alliance]], the [[Astral Ward]], and several volunteers from the [[Lowland Kodan|lowland kodan]] community, we have managed to push through [[Janthir]]'s northern isles into the outskirts of [[Bava Nisos]].

Now for the—I'll put it diplomatically—less positive news: Despite our progress, we've been unable to access the city itself. We have teams surveying the area as we speak. But, as is often the case, we'd benefit from your assistance.

I ask that you head to [[Janthir Syntri]] to rendezvous with Isgarren, Waiting Sorrow, and myself at [[Thunder Bay Point]]. Fair warning that reaching the location will require some involved travel. Waiting Sorry offered Poised Arrow transport via teleportation, but he was eager to travel by sea. Considering your seafaring experience, we thought it best to entrust you with safely transporting the cub. He will meet you at the launch point to make the trip.

Anticipating your arrival,<br>
Countess Anise
| nosign = y
}}

=== Janthir Syntri ===
;Meeting Poised Arrow
:'''<Character name>:''' You're becoming a fixture on these missions.
:'''Poised Arrow:''' Now that I've had a taste of your gallivanting lifestyle, how can I return to the humdrum of provincial life?
:'''Poised Arrow:''' Besides, been part of this from the start, I have. I'm here to see it through.
:'''<Character name>:''' And your [[Stoic Alder|paw]] knows where you are?
:'''Poised Arrow:''' Yes, yes. He asked for volunteers. Wanted to repay the alliance for their generosity. He's tending to things [[Harvest Den|back home]].
:'''Poised Arrow:''' Besides, I'll have a [[wayfinder]] by my side. And a damned powerful [[Waiting Sorrow|wizard]] awaiting my arrival.
:'''<Character name>:''' Who could've teleported us there in an instant. Believe me, sea travel is nothing to romanticize.
:'''Poised Arrow:''' My first real voyage. Picture it: the breeze ruffling my fur all majestic-like as I brave the salty tide! Anchors away!

=== Alliance Staging Ground instance ===
;Upon joining the instance
:'''Poised Arrow:''' HUUUUUERGEHH!
:'''<Character name>:''' That's it, get it out of your system. Consider it the sea's initiation.

:'''Astral Ward Scout:''' Relieved that you made it in one piece. You certainly took the scenic route.
:'''Poised Arrow:''' Ugh...
:'''<Character name>:''' I had no hand in that decision.
:'''Astral Ward Scout:''' Well, you're here, and that's what matters. Countess Anise certainly appreciates it.
:'''<Character name>:''' Anise said the allies have made it to the outskirts of Bava Nisos. But it's inaccessible?
:'''Astral Ward Scout:''' Correct. The countess will get you up to speed. She's waiting on ahead.

;Entering the camp
:'''Kodan Landspeaker:''' Wayfinder.
:'''Astral Ward Mage:''' Wayfinder.
:'''Kodan Landspeaker:''' Poised Arr–ah, the sea's temper disturbs all in its wake. Ginger root should calm your ails.
:'''Astral Ward Mage:''' Or perhaps an elixir.
:'''Poised Arrow:''' (hic) Whatever it takes.

;Approaching Waiting Sorrow
:'''Waiting Sorrow:''' You made it. How was your first voyage?
:'''Poised Arrow:''' I'll do things your way next time.
:'''Waiting Sorrow:''' Figured as much. I'll prepare you a nausea elixir once we're settled here.

;Meeting with your allies
:'''Countess Anise:''' Thank you both for coming. We need all the support we can get with this endeavor.
:'''Countess Anise:''' Currently, we have alliance, ward, and lowlander teams surveying the area, but they've yet to infiltrate city limits.
:'''Isgarren:''' It was never going to be as easy as waltzing through the front door. [[Spectral Agony|Spectral agony]] looms thick over this entire isle.
:'''<Character name>:''' Is that why it feels so...heavy here?
:'''Isgarren:''' You're sensing a futile cling to power long obliterated. A [[mursaat]]'s prized torture method. Heavy is an understatement.
:'''Waiting Sorrow:''' I've felt it too, Wayfinder. It stains deep this isle. And I've been sensing a vast well of it somewhere north of us.
:'''Poised Arrow:''' Suspicious muck usually protects important information. Maybe we start there?
:'''Isgarren:''' The youth's instincts belie his age. The north is a graveyard for one of the bloodiest seer-mursaat battles.
:'''Isgarren:''' Our plan is to start north. But stay vigilant. Darkness looms here like a vindictive foe, raring to settle her score...

=== Mistburned Barrens ===
;Checking in with Anise
:'''Countess Anise:''' Isgarren may have a flair for dramatics but his concerns are warranted. Add to that the alliance's increasing impatience.
:'''Countess Anise:''' For now, we'll learn the area as best we can. We have survey teams dispatched north, south, and centrally across the isle.
:'''Countess Anise:''' As discussed, beginning in the north is your best bet. If you encounter anything odd–notably odd–contact me at once.

;Examining the valley to the north
:'''<Character name>:''' This place makes the rest of Janthir look downright inviting.

;Exploring toward the east
:''One of the following:''
:'''<Character name>:''' Not hard to get lost out here...
:'''<Character name>:''' Need to be careful; easy to get turned around out here.

;Examining the [[Mursaat Mirror|strange object]]
:The object thrums with power, but it does not react to your touch.
:{{dialogue icon|story}} ''Maybe I'm missing something here.''
::You see visions of the ancient mursaat using these objects to traverse their ancient city. You have the insight—now you just need the training.
::{{dialogue icon|story}} ''I'll need to reflect on this.'' <small>'''(Unlocks Mursaat Shadowcraft Mastery)'''</small>
:{{dialogue icon|end}} ''I'll have to come back later.''

;Using mursaat mirror to reach the wisp
:'''<Character name>:''' WOO-HOO!

;Approaching the wisp
:'''<Character name>:''' What...is that? I should inform Anise.

;Contacting Anise via radio
:'''<Character name>:''' Anise, can you hear me?
:'''Countess Anise:''' {{flavor|Everything all right, Commander?}}
:'''<Character name>:''' There's...something in the valley. It's...glowing? I want to get a closer look.
:'''Countess Anise:''' {{flavor|Hold on—the last thing we need is you running off alone chasing shiny objects. Come back and we'll regroup.}}
:'''Countess Anise:''' {{flavor|I'll have the wizards meet you just north of base camp. That way, you'll at least have them to accompany your search.}}
:'''<Character name>:''' Fair enough. Be there soon.

=== Valley of Agony Instance ===
;Talking to Poised Arrow
:'''Poised Arrow:''' Wayfinder, the countess told us to meet you. Said you saw a...something here.
:'''<Character name>:''' It looked like some sort of glowing wisp. But I wasn't able to see it up close.
:'''Waiting Sorrow:''' Interesting. I've been sensing something as well. A greater presence. It's potent, like the spectral agony, but also more...
:'''Isgarren:''' Familiar.
:'''Waiting Sorrow:''' You feel it too, Ren?
:'''Isgarren:''' Hm...
:'''Isgarren:''' I can offer protection from the spectral agony provided you stay in my vicinity. Let us make haste.

;Leaving Isgarren's protection (randomly chosen line from below)
:'''Isgarren:''' Where are you going? If you want my protection from the agony, you must stay nearby.
:'''Isgarren:''' Is your attention span that feeble, Wayfinder? Stay close or my protections won't be able to help you.
:'''Isgarren:''' Where are you wandering off to? I can't protect you from the agony if you're out of range.

;Entering the valley
:'''Poised Arrow:''' (winces) Is it s'posed to hurt this bad?
:'''Waiting Sorrow:''' Oh, poor thing. I forget how much higher our tolerance is to the agony.
:'''<Character name>:''' I'm right there with you, Poky. We'll push through.

;Further down the valley
:'''???:''' So this is it...
:'''Poised Arrow:''' What the— Did you hear that?
:'''<Character name>:''' Yes. Weapons drawn, stay alert.
:'''Waiting Sorrow:''' That voice... Why can't I place it...

;Passing through the Seer ghosts
:''One of the following:''
:'''Isgarren:''' So many lost for such trivial ends...
:'''Isgarren:''' So many lives sacrificed...and for what?

;Random lines from the [[Chorister]]s
:'''Chorister:''' We are done...
:'''Chorister:''' Nothing but pain remains...
:'''Chorister:''' It burns...!
:'''Chorister:''' (groans)
:'''Chorister:''' Fall...back...!
:'''Chorister:''' [[Legendary Sidony the Shadowkeeper|Sidony]] has fallen...

;When the Choristers start attacking
:'''???:''' Damned fools...
:'''Poised Arrow:''' Who's there? Bold enough to insult us, but not to show yourself!
:'''Waiting Sorrow:''' Little [[Claw of Koda|claw]]...

;Seeing the wisp
:'''<Character name>:''' There it is!
:'''<Character name>:''' That's what I saw earlier. Sorrow, could that be what you were sensing?
:'''Waiting Sorrow:''' Y-yes.
:'''Isgarren:''' Yes.

;Approaching the wisp
:'''Poised Arrow:''' Whoa, what is that? It's...fascinating... Can I touch it?
:'''Waiting Sorrow:''' Wait! Hold on. Commander, try using the [[Heart of the Obscure]] on it.

;After using the Heart of the Obscure
:'''Poised Arrow:''' Hey... Hey!
:'''<Character name>:''' Weapons! Now!

;Random lines from the [[Mursaat Ghost]]s during the attack
:'''Mursaat Ghost:''' Back! Away!
:'''Mursaat Ghost:''' The [[titan]]s come!
:'''Mursaat Ghost:''' Your blood will feed the [[Bloodstone|stone]]!
:'''Mursaat Ghost:''' (snarls)
:'''Mursaat Ghost:''' Heretics must be cleansed!
:'''Mursaat Ghost:''' Protect the city!
:'''Mursaat Ghost:''' (laughs)

;Random lines from your allies during the attack
:'''<Character name>:''' (grunts)
:'''<Character name>:''' That'll teach you.
:'''<Character name>:''' Give it up!
:'''<Character name>:''' Back to the grave!
:'''Waiting Sorrow:''' (grunts)
:'''Waiting Sorrow:''' Miserable things!
:'''Waiting Sorrow:''' I warned you!
:'''Waiting Sorrow:''' Stay back!
:'''Poised Arrow:''' Are we even putting a dent in them?
:'''Poised Arrow:''' They just won't stop!

;During the fight
:'''Yagon:''' The murderer always returns to gloat. Your arrogance precedes you, Isgarren.
:'''<Character name>:''' You know her?
:'''Isgarren:''' Knew. I'll explain later. Stand your ground while I get rid of her.
:'''Yagon:''' What, don't want to tell them how you executed me in front of my family? No one doubts your capacity for cruelty.
:'''Isgarren:''' And I'll kill you again without a second thought.

:'''<Character name>:''' (winces)
:'''Waiting Sorrow:''' Keep fighting. I'll deal with the agony.

;As Waiting Sorrow creates a shield
:''One of the following:''
:'''Waiting Sorrow:''' Get under my shield! Quick!
:'''Waiting Sorrow:''' Hurry, get under here!

;Mabon's projection appearing
:'''<Character name>:''' That's all of them. Is everyone alright?
:'''Isgarren:''' It appears so.
:'''Waiting Sorrow:''' Ren, that mursaat, was that—
:'''Poised Arrow:''' What's happening?
:'''Waiting Sorrow:''' Mabon.
:'''Mabon:''' So this is it... Your legacy of ruination... Itself ended in ruin... Our legacy...
:'''Mabon:''' What did you expect! Was it worth it? Look at how powerful you are now! Damned fools!
:'''Mabon:''' We're damned fools who damned ourselves... And this is what we have to show for it...
:'''Waiting Sorrow:''' You knew it was Mabon.
:'''Isgarren:''' I thought it best not to trouble you until our safety was assured.
:'''Poised Arrow:''' You...knew him?
:'''Waiting Sorrow:''' Another friend I failed in [[Mabon's Fate|his time of need]].
:'''Isgarren:''' His history was complicated. His people's, more so. Even he was left conflicted. That speaks nothing of you.
:'''Waiting Sorrow:''' (exhales)

:'''Waiting Sorrow:''' We should get out of here before the agony intensifies.
:'''Isgarren:''' Yes. We need to inform Anise of our findings, regardless. Best we return to her.

== My Story ==
{{Mystory
| image = Janthir Syntri loading screen.png
| text = Still haunted by [[Ura]]'s [[Balrior Peak|cryptic words]], I received an update from Countess Anise. The Tyrian Alliance, Astral Ward, and several lowland kodan volunteers have teamed up to survey Janthir's northern isles.

So far, they've managed to push into the outskirts of Bava Nisos, yet they find themselves unable to enter the city gates. Anise has requested my aid and asked that I rendezvous with her, Isgarren, and Waiting Sorrow at their base in the isles. Furthermore, I've been tasked with escorting Poised Arrow to the meeting point. Rather than reaching the location by the convenience of [[magic]], we'll be traveling...by boat, at the cub's naive insistence. For both our sakes, may we have fair winds and following seas. 

<nowiki>***</nowiki>

I met Poky for our departure at Thunder Bay Point. I warned him that although he'd been on shorter boat rides around the isles, this trip would be a trying one. However, he brimmed with so much excitement about the prospect of his "first real voyage" that I could almost forgive him for signing us up for this unnecessary headache. But my patience soon ran thin when he spent the entire first part of the trip singing old lowlander sea shanties.

Around his fifth verse of "Tap the Cask and Down the Hatch!" I threatened to toss him overboard–but that's when the winds began to pick up. I managed to keep us on course, but the increasingly choppy waves made this no easy task. Poised Arrow aided me as best he could but grew unsettled by the strength of the storm. To his credit, he held his own longer than expected, then he retired to the side of the boat where he spent the rest of the trip heaving.

<nowiki>***</nowiki>

After what seemed an eternity, we made it ashore. Both of us were worse for wear, but Poised Arrow was especially shaken. I doubt he'll be pining for another sea voyage anytime soon. Experience is the best teacher, as they say.

Upon arrival, we met Isgarren, Anise, and Waiting Sorrow and formed a plan of action. In addition to the survey teams' difficulties accessing the city, Isgarren pointed out that the spectral agony still plaguing the area would be the cause of further complications. I could already feel its heaviness just stepping foot on the isle. Waiting Sorrow also proved very attuned to it, sensing a particularly large well of the agony pooled in the northern part of the isles. Validating her instincts, Isgarren confirmed that the area had been the site of a significant battle in the war between the seers and mursaat. With that being our only real lead, we directed our search north.

<nowiki>***</nowiki>

I set out north to begin my search. My surroundings seemed to slump, as if burdened by the weight of foreboding and grief. Desolation stretched in all directions, punctuated only by the occasional flora or fauna.

Seemingly endless scouring turned up no results. Just as I was mulling over how to break this disappointment to Anise, I saw it: a glowing wisp. Or at least, that's the best way I can describe it. I contacted the countess, eager to finally have something to report. I made to investigate the wisp more closely, but Anise strongly advised that I not follow an unidentified entity off into unknown territory. Level-headed as always.

I'm headed off to reconvene with our party and eager to get back on the trail of this mysterious sprite.

<nowiki>***</nowiki>

I set out again, this time accompanied by Isgarren, Waiting Sorrow, and Poised Arrow. Despite Isgarren's protection, the spectral agony began to weigh on me and Poky; we had nowhere near the level of agony resistance that the wizards do. But agony's ache was soon replaced by a new concern: whispers. A voice familiar, yet unseen. The hushed echoes haunted us the further we went. And then, just like that, the wisp appeared once again.

This time I examined it, although I was still unable to identify it. Waiting Sorrow suggested using the Heart of the Obscure. I was skeptical, to say the least. Sure enough, the heart set things into motion. All at once, we were surrounded by countless mursaat ghosts. We'd triggered a spectral ambush!

Waves upon waves of ghosts swarmed us. After we finally felt we'd put a dent in them, the worst of them appeared: Yagon. She seemed to harbor a particular hostility toward Isgarren. Later, he told us that her anger derived from her death during the seer-mursaat war...a death for which Isgarren was responsible. The two kept at each other's throats throughout the fight as we fought off the remaining ambush.

Our surprises weren't done just yet. Poky drew our attention back to the wisp, only now it took the form of an old friend: Mabon. What appeared to be a memory of his began to play out. We watched his arrival in Janthir in the aftermath of the titan destruction, his pain and frustration palpable. As the vision came to a close, we eventually broke our shocked silence with the agreement to return to Anise. The revelation hit hard, for Waiting Sorrow especially. It seems Isgarren had known who the voice belonged to. Why did he keep that to himself? Well, speaking from [[Deep Trouble (story)|experience]], the only thing more haunting than the memories of past enemies are those of past friends.
}}

== Trivia ==
* The chapter's title is a reference to [[w:Psalm 23|Psalm 23]] from the Book of Psalms in the Bible: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

{{Janthir Wilds storyline}}
[[de:Ins Tal der Schatten]]
[[es:Hacia el corazón del Valle de las Sombras]]