Beneath a Cold Moon

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Biography Shield of the Moon.png

Beneath a Cold Moon

Year
1325 AE
Storyline
Personal story
Chapter
Following the Dream
Location
Ogham Wilds
(Caledon Forest)
Level
10
Race
Sylvari tango icon 20px.png Sylvari
Choice
Shield of the Moon
Preceded by
Biography Shield of the Moon.png Deeply Tangled Roots
Followed by
Biography Act With Wisdom.png After the Storm
Biography Right to Grow.png Wild Growth
Biography Where Life Goes.png Where Life Goes
API
217

The Heart of Nightmare loading screen.jpg

Loading screen

Beneath a Cold Moon is part of the personal story for sylvari characters who have dreamed of the Shield of the Moon and completed Deeply Tangled Roots and decided to defend the village of Astorea.

Objectives[edit]

Defend Astorea from the Nightmare Court's assault.

  • Meet Caithe at Astorea Village.
  • Head to the front lines to meet Mender Aviala.
  • Discuss battle plans with Aviala.
  • Hold off the main Nightmare Court assault.
  • Hold off the final Nightmare Court assault.
  • Ysvelta
    Event bar.jpgEvent boss (tango icon).png
  • Tiachren
    Event bar.jpgEvent boss (tango icon).png

Speak with the Pale Tree.

  • Visit the Omphalos Chamber.

Rewards[edit]

Click here to edit the reward data

All professions
Profession-specific

Walkthrough[edit]

You will meet Caithe and several others at the Village, where you will defend against several waves of Nightmare courtiers. You will be forced to face Tiachren and Ysvelta in the final wave, as they have become tainted beyond help. The NPC defenders concentrate on Tiachren, whom Ysvelta heals continually. Killing her first is recommended.

NPCs[edit]

Allies[edit]

Drakes
Moa
Plants
Sylvari

Foes[edit]

Nightmare Court

Dialogue[edit]

Village of Astorea[edit]

Approaching Caithe: (cinematic)

<Character name>: I came as quickly as I could. I wish Tiachren had come with us. Maybe he'll be able to turn Ysvelta and arrive after the battle?
Caithe: Impossible. She made her choice. And now, he's made his. They are lost to us. We move on.
<Character name>: How can you be so cold?
Caithe: It's simple: Love leaves you. People die. Such is life. If we allow loss to rule our actions, then we are dead as well.
Caithe: Come. The village of Astorea need us more than the dead do.

Approaching the wardens and menders:

Mender Aviala: Attention! The Nightmare Court will attack along this avenue. We make our stand here.
Mender Aviala: Their first ranks are nearly upon us. To arms! For the Pale Tree! For Astorea!

After defending against the first wave:

Mender Aviala: You, sprout, come speak with me about our battle plan.
Mender Aviala: I've organized three reserve units: archers, drakes, and plant wolves. Would you like me to explain our defenses?
Talk quest option tango.png No need. I'm ready to take on the Nightmare Court.
Sounds like we're prepared. For the Pale Tree!
Talk end option tango.png For the Tree!
Talk more option tango.png Yes, can you tell me about the archers?
Our archers can take the high ground overlooking the roads. They'll lay down suppressive fire, on your orders.
Talk quest option tango.png I'm ready. Let's take on the Nightmare Court!
Talk more option tango.png And the drakes?
Talk more option tango.png What about the plant wolves?
Talk more option tango.png Certainly, will you tell me about the drakes?
One of the wardens is rounding up drakes from the river to the east. He's just waiting for your go-ahead!
Talk quest option tango.png I'm ready. Let's take on the Nightmare Court!
Talk more option tango.png And the archers?
Talk more option tango.png What about the plant wolves?
Talk more option tango.png I'd like to know more about the plant wolves.
Our kennelmaster has many trained wolves with her. At your signal, she will charge in here.
Talk quest option tango.png I'm ready. Let's take on the Nightmare Court!
Talk more option tango.png And the archers?
Talk more option tango.png What about the drakes?
Talk end option tango.png I need to think about our strategy.

During the main battle:

Mender Aviala: Which reserves do you order in first/next?
Talk quest choice tango.png Archers, to the ridge!
Talk quest choice tango.png Call forth the drakes!
Talk quest choice tango.png Send in the hounds!

On ordering a reserve into battle:

Mender Aviala: Archers, fall in.
Warden Master Ranger: Archers in place—ready to impale the nightmare with their arrows.
Mender Aviala: Bring the drakes up here!
Warden Drake Tamer: I brought the drakes. Now, they'll show those Nightmare courtiers what pain really feels like.
Mender Aviala: Wolves, to the front.
Warden Kennelmaster: These beasts are fresh from the kennel and ready to fight.

Ysvelta and Tiachren approach: (cinematic)

<Character name>: Ysvelta and Tiachren. They're both in nightmare's grasp!
Caithe: He's a fool. Nothing comes back from nightmare. He's sacrificed all that he was to be with her.
<Character name>: He loved her too much.
Caithe: Or his soul and dignity too little.
Ysvelta: Ah, beloved. At last, we're together. We'll never be parted again!
Tiachren: Let us celebrate our union with fire and blood. We'll make the Pale Tree gorge herself upon the pain of these dreamers!
Tiachren: Heal me, my love. Let me butcher more dreamers for you, my darling.

If Ysvelta falls first:

Tiachren: Ysvelta! No! I won't let it end this way!

After the battle ended (cinematic)

<Character name>: Poor Tiachren. I'm so sad everything turned out this way. I hope that he and Ysvelta can rest in peace.
Caithe: Stop grieving for fools. They let love kill them.
<Character name>: Caithe! How can you say such things? What happened to make you so bitter? Did you lose someone to nightmare, too?
Caithe: I...yes. But the lesson remains. Love can blind you and lead you to dangerous darkness. Now, they're together in it.
<Character name>: I sense that you still suffer the pain of loss. If it hurts you despite the passage of time, the love you had must have been beautiful. Isn't that worth cherishing?
Caithe: Perhaps. But from my vantage point, those leaves are a different color. Maybe one day I will share it with you. Not today.
<Character name>: I don't mean to dwell on it. Astorea is safe. Many lives were spared, and we've driven nightmare back into its corner.
Caithe: For now, yes. But we must look to the future—and I believe the Mother Tree would be particularly interested in yours. We should speak with her. Meet me in the Grove.

Talking to Caithe before going to the Grove:

Every one of them deserved to die.
Talk end option tango.png That doesn't make it any better.

The Omphalos Chamber in the Grove[edit]

On approaching the Pale Tree, the luminary of your cycle and Caithe:

Avatar of the Tree: My brave Caithe. I know the mask you wear to pretend you aren't hurting.
Avatar of the Tree: Tiachren's sorrow and loss echoed too close to your own heart.
Caithe: I will survive. The Valiant deserves your attention now, not I.
Avatar of the Tree: Another mask, Caithe? Valiant...she is correct. I wish to speak with you.

Cinematic:

Avatar of the Tree: Greetings, my valorous child. Caithe has told me of your deeds. I'm so proud of you.
<Character name>: I'm honored to meet you, Mother Tree. I dreamt of the symbol on Tiachren's shield, and when we met, I knew I had to help him. Is that because of you?
Avatar of the Tree: No, dear heart. I do not control the Dream. I am simply its caretaker.
<Luminary>: The tale of the Knight of the Moon and his beloved will be told in the Grove, to inspire others. Your victory will be remembered.
Avatar of the Tree: An excellent suggestion. Let the lesson be that love itself is not evil, even if others try to make it so.
<Character name>: If I may ask, Mother—in my dream, I also saw a fierce, horrible dragon. I've been told it is my Wyld Hunt to face this monster. Is that true?
Avatar of the Tree: I fear that it is. A Wyld Hunt is a sacred thing, a burden placed by the Dream upon the strongest and the bravest of my children.
Avatar of the Tree: In your Dream, you fought an Elder Dragon face-to-face. Only two of my children have had such a dream. You, and Caithe.
Avatar of the Tree: All sylvari fight the dragon's servants, the undead, but I believe you will face Zhaitan itself. I also believe you will prevail.
<Character name>: I understand, Mother. Thank you.
(Luminary present depends on chosen cycle)
Aife: Be proud of your victory, Valiant. For now, rest. The new dawn will bring new adventures.
Niamh: Be proud of your victory, Valiant. Until battle comes once more to challenge you, may you be at peace.
Kahedins: Be proud of your victory, Valiant. Spend your leisure in learning and in well-deserved joy.
Malomedies: Be proud of your victory this day, Valiant. But remember: peace is short-lived. You will be needed again—likely, very soon.

After the cinematic:

Avatar of the Tree: Caithe, I wish for the Valiant to meet my eldest child.
Caithe: Trahearne has returned from Orr? Mother, is that wise?
Avatar of the Tree: Do not question the Dream. We must all play our parts.
Caithe: Yes, Mother Tree. I will see that it's done.

Talking to Caithe:

Caithe: You have done well, Valiant. We will make a formidable alliance against Zhaitan someday.
Talk more option tango.png What do you know about Zhaitan?
The undead dragon at the heart of the cursed land of Orr. Only two living creatures have ever seen it: myself and my brother Trahearne.
Talk more option tango.png Can you tell me more about Trahearne?
Another of the firstborn. His Wyld Hunt draws him to Orr as well, though he did not dream of fighting the dragon.
Talk more option tango.png What did he dream about, if not battle?
In his dream, he saw Orr as a beautiful land, once more green and fresh...an impossible task. Dragon corruption cannot be cleansed.
Talk more option tango.png Is there such a thing as an impossible Hunt?
Yes. A hunt you do not survive.
Talk back option tango.png I...see. May I ask you another question?
Talk end option tango.png Chilling. Thank you for the wisdom.
Talk end option tango.png I'll have to think about that. Thank you.
Talk more option tango.png You've seen Zhaitan?
Larger than you can imagine, and ceaselessly hungry. It is death beyond compare. Ask me no more.
Talk back option tango.png I understand. Can I ask about something else?
Talk end option tango.png Thank you for telling me.
Talk more option tango.png Can I meet Trahearne?
Yes. I sent him word of your Dream. He's already on his way to the Grove.
Talk end option tango.png I look forward to it. Thank you.
Talk end option tango.png That's wonderful. I look forward to meeting him. Thank you.
Talk end option tango.png Thank you. That's all I need for now.
Talk end option tango.png Thank you for your confidence in me, Firstborn.

Talking to the Avatar of the Tree:

Avatar of the Tree: I am so very proud of you, my child. This is only the beginning.
Talk more option tango.png Are you really the tree I see all around me?
Indeed, but I have manifested in this form so that you and I may speak.
Talk end option tango.png I am glad to meet you, Mother.
Talk more option tango.png What can you tell me about Zhaitan?
It's a powerful force of evil. You have already fought its undead minions on our shores.
Talk more option tango.png Caithe and us both dreamt of fighting this horror. Will that come to pass?
You are destined to fight for Tyria's future. Zhaitan will be the largest of many obstacles.
Talk back option tango.png May I ask another question?
Talk end option tango.png I will do my best, Mother Tree.
Talk more option tango.png Did you know that I would end up fighting Ysvelta?
Not exactly. But I knew that you could. That is the inspiration of the Dream.
Talk back option tango.png May I ask another question?
Talk end option tango.png What an interesting perspective. Thank you.
Talk more option tango.png I heard you talking about Trahearne. What else do you know about him?
He is another of my firstborn. His Wyld Hunt, like yours, concerns the land of Orr.
Talk back option tango.png How very interesting. May I ask you something else?
Talk end option tango.png I look forward to meeting him. Thank you.
Talk end option tango.png Thank you, Pale Tree. I am at your service.

Conversation with your luminary:

(Cycle of Dawn)
Aife: I am proud of you, Valiant <Character name>. This was a difficult task, but you have proven yourself stalwart.
Talk more option tango.png Can you tell me more about the Pale Tree, please?
The Pale Tree is mother to all sylvari. That golden form is a manifestation of the tree itself.
Talk more option tango.png If she is not sylvari, what is she?
To our knowledge, she is unique in all of Tyria. A truly wondrous creature. She guides us and shepherds the Dream.
Talk back option tango.png We are fortunate to have her. May I ask something else?
Talk end option tango.png Thank you for the information, Firstborn.
Talk more option tango.png What can you tell me about the dragon?
They appeared before the first sylvari came into the world. The dragons are evil, and wish only destruction.
Talk more option tango.png There's more than one dragon?
Yes. Primordus, Zhaitan, Jormag, Kralkatorrik... each has awakened, bringing terrible destruction across the world.
Talk back option tango.png May I ask another question?
Talk end option tango.png We have a lot to do to make Tyria safe. Thank you, Firstborn.
Talk more option tango.png What do we know about Zhaitan, inn particular?
He is a rotting shell, an undead dragon, and he sits at the heart of Orr—a dark, cursed land across the sea.
Talk more option tango.png May I ask another question? [sic]
Talk end option tango.png Sounds chilling. Thank you, Firstborn.
Talk more option tango.png What's it like to be firstborn, like you and Caithe?
We constantly grow. I awakened as the sun rose on the first dawn of our race. I am an archer and a traveler, but now I stay here and help others.
Talk more option tango.png Have you traveled to many places?
Oh, yes—Lion's Arch, the Maguuma Wastes, the great desert...the world is wider than you can dream, Valiant.
Talk back option tango.png How wonderful. May I ask another question?
Talk end option tango.png Fascinating. Thank you, Firstborn.
Talk end option tango.png Thank you for answering my questions.
Talk more option tango.png Can you tell me more about the Cycle of the Dawn?
We awakened during the early morning hours. We are diplomats, wanderers, and seekers. You are of our cycle, Valiant.
Talk back option tango.png I'm happy to be a member of the Dawn. May I ask another question?
Talk end option tango.png That explains my urge to travel! Thank you.
Talk more option tango.png What about the other cycles?
Noon, Night and Dusk. They each have their own strengths and interests.
Talk back option tango.png How curious. May I ask another question?
Talk end option tango.png Thanks for the explanation.
Talk end option tango.png Thank you, Firstborn.
(Cycle of Noon)
Niamh: An excellent beginning, Valiant <Character name>. I think you will do very well in Tyria.
Talk more option tango.png Can you tell me more about the Pale Tree, please? (Same as above)
Talk more option tango.png What can you tell me about the dragon? (Same as above)
Talk more option tango.png What's it like to be firstborn, like you and Caithe?
We are always learning. I awakened at the zenith of the first day of our race. I am a warrior and a defender, and I founded the wardens.
Talk more option tango.png I've seen wardens in the Grove. Can you tell me more?
They are honorable friends, protecting the Grove from any who would harm the sylvari or the Pale Tree.
Talk back option tango.png How wonderful. May I ask another question?
Talk end option tango.png Fascinating. Thank you, Firstborn.
Talk end option tango.png Thank you for answering my questions.
Talk more option tango.png Can you tell me more about the Cycle of Noon?
We awakened during the heat of the day. We are adventurers, daredevils and soldiers. You are of our cycle, Valiant.
Talk back option tango.png I'm happy to be a member of the Cycle of Noon. May I ask another question?
Talk end option tango.png That must be why I love exploring! Thank you, Niamh.
Talk more option tango.png What about the other cycles?
Noon[sic], Night, and Dusk. They each have their own strengths and interests.
Talk back option tango.png How curious. May I ask another question?
Talk end option tango.png Thanks for the explanation.
Talk end option tango.png Thank you, Firstborn.
(If Cycle of Dusk)
Kahedins: Excellently done, Valiant <Character name>. I'll be watching your career carefully. I expect great things out of you!
Talk more option tango.png Can you tell me more about the Pale Tree, please? (Same as above)
Talk more option tango.png What can you tell me about the dragon? (Same as above)
Talk more option tango.png What's it like to be firstborn, like you and Caithe?
We are visionaries. I awakened as the sun first set on our race. I am a scholar and an architect, and I shaped the Grove in the shadow of the Pale Tree.
Talk more option tango.png What do you mean, you shaped the Grove?
I am a shaper, someone who grows our houses and roads. I began by shaping the Grove, and have overseen its growth since.
Talk back option tango.png How wonderful. May I ask another question?
Talk end option tango.png Fascinating. Thank you, Firstborn.
Talk end option tango.png Thank you for answering my questions.
Talk more option tango.png Can you tell me more about the Cycle of Dusk?
We awakened during the evening hours. We are artists, crafters, and entertainers. You are of our cycle, Valiant.
Talk back option tango.png I'm happy to be a member of the Dusk. May I ask another question?
Talk end option tango.png I am here to see the beauty in the world. Thank you.
Talk more option tango.png What about the other cycles?
Noon, Night, and Dawn. They each have their own strengths and interests.
Talk back option tango.png How curious. May I ask another question?
Talk end option tango.png Thanks for the explanation.
Talk end option tango.png Thank you, Firstborn.
(Cycle of Night)
Malomedies: You were the fulcrum of great change, <Character name>. You have questions?
Talk more option tango.png Can you tell me more about the Pale Tree, please? (Same as above)
Talk more option tango.png What can you tell me about the dragon? (Same as above)
Talk more option tango.png What's it like to be firstborn, like you and Caithe?
We are always learning. I awakened on the first night of the sylvari race. I am a philosopher, a mathematician, and a watcher of the world.
Talk more option tango.png What do you mean by watcher of the world?
I predict the evolution of events. For example, I see that you will be a force of change in Tyria.
Talk back option tango.png Well, I can't wait for that! May I ask another question?
Talk end option tango.png Fascinating. Thank you, Firstborn.
Talk end option tango.png Thank you for answering my questions.
Talk more option tango.png Can you tell me more about the Cycle of Night?
We awakened during the dark of night. We are mathematicians, scoundrels, and sentinels. You are of our cycle, Valiant.
Talk back option tango.png I'm happy to be a member of the Night. May I ask another question?
Talk end option tango.png That explains why I'm so interested in seeing the world.
Talk more option tango.png What about the other cycles?
Noon, Dawn, and Dusk. They each have their own strengths and interests.
Talk back option tango.png How curious. May I ask another question?
Talk end option tango.png Thanks for the explanation.
Talk end option tango.png Thank you, Firstborn.

My story[edit]

The Knight's Duel.jpg

Ysvelta was clearly a lost cause, so I chose to save the village. Tiachren and Ysvelta showed up, shrouded in nightmare, and I was forced to kill them.

I spoke with the Pale Tree and told her about Tiachren and Ysvelta. I asked her about the Dream, and she told me that only two sylvari have ever dreamed of facing the dragons head-on—me, and Caithe. I wonder what that means? Nevertheless, the Mother was proud of me, and I look forward to my next adventure.

My story

Notes[edit]