View source for Hallowed Ground (story)

{{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.) <!--only on screen, not in the list-->
* Defeat Queen Nadijeh.<br>{{event bar}}{{event icon|boss}}
* Head further into the tombs.
* Clear the guards from the treasury.<br>{{event bar empty}}{{event icon|swords}}
* (Fight King Wasi.) <!--only on screen, not in the list-->
* Defeat King Wasi.<br>{{event bar}}{{event icon|boss}}
* Travel deeper into the tombs.
* Defeat Queen Nahlah.<br>{{event bar}}{{event icon|boss}}
* Defeat Queen Dahlah.<br>{{event bar}}{{event icon|boss}}
* (Show respect before the sarcophagi of the Primeval rulers.) <!--only on screen, not in the list-->
* Show honor before the sarcophagi of the Primeval rulers.<br>{{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!
:<small>'''One of the following whenever Canach places a mine:'''</small>
::'''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
:<small>'''One of the following:'''</small>
:'''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)]]