Secrets of the Obscure story
A note on spoilers: Aside from a brief summary, this article assumes a basic understanding of the End of Dragons plot and previous stories. Since the story of Secrets of the Obscure begins circa 1336 AE, and the personal story takes place in 1325 AE, it is likely that this article will contain personal story spoilers, as story threads that began in the personal story may be continued with the expansion.
Secrets of the Obscure was released on August 22, 2023.
Setting[edit]
The old Elder Dragon cycle which has ravaged the world of Tyria for millennia has ended with the death of Soo-Won, the Elder Dragon of Water and Life, in Cantha while Aurene has become the benevolent One Elder Dragon to balance the All by herself. With Tyria's magic in balance and her task fulfilled for now, Aurene has entered into slumber and has entrusted her champion, the Pact Commander, to watch over the world.
In the quiet that follows, something unexpected has happened: the famous yet elusive Wizard's Tower which has levitated far above the town of Garenhoff for centuries has suddenly vanished for seemingly no discernible reason, leaving the townsfolk worried. Meanwhile, a demonic race known as the Kryptis intends to invade both Tyria and the mysterious levitating domain of Amnytas high up in the sky where the secretive Wizard's Court and the Astral Ward have been watching over the world below for millennia. With the Kryptis threat now about to emerge from the Mists, the two organizations must finally reveal themselves to the Tyrians below and share their secrets in order to face the upcoming calamity together.
Zones[edit]
The story of Secrets of the Obscure covers three new open world zones as well as an outpost.
Main characters[edit]
Allies[edit]
- Arina — The norn outrider and daughter of Frode who is scouting for potential Kryptis activity across Tyria. Her encounter with the Pact Commander sends her down an unexpected path.
- First Hunter Rian — The human leader of the Rift Hunters who is tasked with eliminating supernatural threats to Amnytas and Tyria.
- Frode — The norn leader of the Astral Ward who is dedicated to his duty to protect the wizards' secrets at any cost.
- Galrath the Undying — A former villain who sought the secrets of the Wizard's Tower before being stopped by the heroes of his time, he has since been raised as undead and now prepares the forces of the Astral Ward for battle.
- Gladium — A mute and observant charr scout who is paired up with R'tchikk.
- Narcisse — A playful sylvari specializing in medical magics and herbal remedies.
- R'tchikk — An easily excited skritt scout. She is paired up with Gladium whose sign language she interprets to others. She idolizes the Pact Commander.
- Uenno — A senior asuran member of the Astral Ward who was once a professor in the College of Synergetics.
- Zizel — A quirky Itzel hylek alchemist who was banished from his village and has since joined the Astral Ward.
- Zojja[1] — A famous asuran golemancer, member of the Destiny's Edge guild and apprentice of the late, renowned genius Snaff. She has been inactive for years while recovering from the damage her mind had sustained in the Elder Dragon Mordremoth's Mordrem Pod.
- Dagda — A jotun member of the Wizard's Court. She is distrustful of outsiders and protective of the denizens of Amnytas. She has been on the edge ever since the Kryptis invasion.
- Isgarren[1] — A secretive and obscure wizard of enigmatic origins and mysterious motives who leads the Wizard's Court. He is the owner of the Wizard's Tower in Garenhoff, which has recently disappeared from the town for unknown reasons.
- Lyhr — A dwarven member of the Wizard's Court who has avoided the fate of turning into stone unlike most surviving dwarves. He has learned the ability to split himself into the facets of emotion and logic.
- Mabon — A mursaat member of the Wizard's Court and one of Isgarren's oldest allies who bears the heavy weight of responsibility on his shoulders. He is trying to move past the mursaat's troubled history and use his powers for the benefit of Tyria, forging a particularly close bond with his current apprentice Zojja.
- Kryptis Rebels
- General Nephus — Former respected right hand of Eparch who has since been forced to retire due to refusing to carry out atrocities in the Midnight King's name. He commands significant respect from both the Loyalists and the Rebels but tries to stay neutral in order to protect his followers from either side's wrath.
- Peitha — The Lady of House Nephus and sister of Cerus, she has become curious of Tyria and the emotions its inhabitants have. She has set her sights on a particular Tyrian whom she hopes to help her achieve her secretive and ambitious goals.
- Ramses — A steadfast and philosophical ally of Peitha, he likes to observe natural phenomena.
Main villains[edit]
- Kryptis Loyalists
- Cerus — The Lord of House Nephus and brother of Peitha, he is struggling to live up to the legacy of his late brother Deimos. An intimidating huntsman, he has set out to lead the Kryptis on a hunt for a very special quarry in order to earn Eparch's favor.
- Eparch — The tyrannical Midnight King of Nayos, the Realm of Dreams, and overlord of the Kryptis. He and Isgarren have a centuries-spanning rivalry, and he is constantly scheming to find ways for his horde to enter Amnytas and Tyria to feast on their inhabitants' emotions and claim their knowledge and secrets for himself.
- Queen Labris — Mate of Eparch who is fully committed to her king's cause and willing to go to any lengths to secure his victory.
Story[edit]
Secrets of the Obscure: Act 1[edit]
Prologue: Uncertain Times[edit]
“The commander finds themselves with no shortage of things they could do, but at the same time, they are not feeling a pull toward any distinct purpose.
— In-game description
A friend of the Commander's-either Caithe, Rytlock, Faren, Braham or Taimi-has beckoned them back to their home city. Given that they're not especially busy, they are on their way.
This mysterious "friend" was nowhere to be found. Instead, the Commander was met by a reporter from New Kaineng named Mi-Rae - now revealed as the imposter - who pounced.She went straight into an interview, but the whole thing was such a blur. She asked several very... pointed questions about the events in Cantha, and - perhaps against the Commander's better judgement - answered her as honestly as they could. Unfortunately, the Commander got the sense that she was less interested in the truth and more that she was looking for something salacious. Thank goodness Taimi just happened to send the Commander a message right when things began to sour, allowing them to take their leave to find out what she needed. Mai-Rae said she got everything that she needed.
Chapter 1: Commander without a Cause[edit]
“The commander is called into action, giving them a much-needed reprieve from an otherwise relaxed vacation.
— In-game description
Taimi's mail includes an experimental upgraded comms device that allows the Commander to directly call people (and in most cases, hit their answering machines). She also mentions Ivan needs something, so the Commander contacts him and is asked to look into some strange occurrences in Garenhoff.
It turns out that the Wizard's Tower that has long hovered in the vicinity of Garenhoff has suddenly disappeared, leaving the residents of the town frightened and confused. The Commander investigates the last known location of some suspicious individuals who arrived just after the tower's disappearance, and finds a note signed "F" addressed to someone they call "Mongoose" that directs them to take their team to a location in Gendarran Fields.
Upon arrival, the Commander is rebuffed by the group that's set up camp there, and is unable to get in touch with Ivan to give an update. The Commander makes a plan to sneak in after dark and waits in a nearby lookout tower until nightfall, when some farmers are suddenly attacked by a group of monsters - the Commander's first encounter with the Kryptis. Upon victory, the Commander makes their way into the camp to investigate the situation further. They're able to gather some scattered pieces of information about the group and their intentions before the group's leader, Arina, calls them all together to begin a Kryptis hunt. The Commander follows them to a rift, engages in combat with the creature that comes through, then gets sucked into the rift.
Chapter 2: Hell Breaks Loose[edit]
“The commander is thrust into danger!
— In-game description
The Commander tried collecting their bearings from that place, which was like fishing a clear marble out of a canteen full of water. Their thoughts were cloudy. Their brain ached. Breathing the air burned their lungs. The Commander could hear Arina in the distance, rallying the other Astral Ward who were pulled into this mysterious realm.
As the Commander navigated the unfamiliarity of that threatening space, they were assaulted by a booming voice. Before long, they stood before an enormous, vile monster. He circled them for a short while, clearly playing with his presumed food. He was curious about the Commander's arrival, noting that they had "traveled from Tyria" to get to... wherever this place is.
As the great beast danced around the Commander, clearly unafraid, another voice prickled their ears. She called the thick-winged demon "Cerus." The Commander was not especially fond of this Cerus.
The Commander doesn't like to trust mysterious voices from unknown origin - especially after the events in Gyala Delve - but when this one urged them to run, they decided to follow the suggestion. They know when to admit defeat. Dying in that bloodied hall by Cerus's hands and... meat wings... was not an option. The Commander ducked behind rubble and debris to escape their pursuer, but before they could ponder their impending death, somehow a comms call broke through the haze and chaos. It sounded like Taimi, but the Commander couldn't quite tell. Then, another portal opened just ahead of them, and the Commander dove right through it to escape that tragic hellhole.
When the Commander emerged in Tyria, they were on the ground. "Inside?" they thought. Two figures stood before the Commander, watching - Zojja, who they hadn't seen in... years, and him. A mursaat. Mabon. The Commander's blood then went cold.
Lazarus's voice boomed through the Commander's head. "Another mursaat? Here in Tyria?" Their instinct was to fight - or flee, maybe - but Zojja and another norn named Frode talked them down. They informed the Commander that this Mabon is an ally, and, somehow, the Commander felt like everything they know to be true is about to be flipped over.
Once the tunnel vision faded, the Commander could hear the crackling of nearby fires and shouting. Wherever they landed, the fight was just outside. Mabon departed to search for the "other wizards," stirring an ever-brewing pot of questions in the Commander's mind. Zojja and Frode guided the Commander forward. There was a fight to be had before we could catch up.
As they fought their way upstairs, they encountered even more of those creatures. Frode called them the Kryptis - a faction of demons from a place called Nayos (which seems to be another name for the demon realm). Even more rifts emerged, and Zojja handed the Commander a peculiar device that she called the Heart of the Obscure. She told them that it had the ability to seal rifts. The Commander picked it up without hesitation; there weren't any other options.
They pushed forward until they emerged from the fortress. Garenhoff - no, Elona... Fragments of places littered the horizon before the Commander, lifting into the sky. Another unfamiliar voice broke their concentration. A living, breathing (not made of stone) dwarf named Lyhr - who the Commander would soon learn was another of these wizards - shouted for aid from above. The Commander took a skyscale and made their way up.
Rejoined by Mabon, they were able to bash the rest of the Kryptis threats. In a moment of reprieve, all attention was turned straight towards the Commander: the stranger. with a great deal of patience, Mabon attempted to guide them through their journey to date.
This is the Astral Ward. They protect the Wizard's Court. Oh, and there are demons. A lot of demons.
Chapter 3: Mother of Stars[edit]
“The commander gets to know the mysterious Astral Ward and aids in their efforts to rescue Dagda, the Wizard of the Celestial.
— In-game description
Without any hesitation, Commander’s new “friends” – the Astral Ward, put them to work in this strange, millennia-spanning war against the Kryptis. The Commander is still adjusting to the revelation of this information, even though they are fighting the urge to call in a fleet of airships and resolve this whole issue. But the Commander chooses to trust the ward, at least for now. There are a lot of new faces to track, and the Commander notices that Zojja seems tense in their presence. Thinking about it – they haven’t spoken since her injuries in Maguuma, because the Commander didn’t know she’d left the confines of Rata Sum since returning there to heal. But as the Commander expects, that’ll be a hefty conversation. Plus, they suppose that it might even complicate things if someone like Logan were to fly up with a bunch of Pact or Seraph.
Everyone seemed to be busy tracking down Dagda and Isgarren – the other two missing “wizards”, the latter being the leader of this organization – so, in order to help, the Commander met up with Frode at one of the Astral Ward’s outposts. He informed the Commander of one of their more hands-on divisions: the Rift Hunters, who were led by a man named Rian. As the Commander got to know, this division has been tasked with tracking down and opening Kryptis rifts, in order to challenge the demons hiding inside. This tactic was a good distraction so that the rest of the Astral Ward could search for their missing. The Commander was taught by Rian how to use the Heart of the Obscure – the device that Zojja gave them in the battle before that they used to close rifts at the Beacon of Ages. Apparently, it was crafted by a kodan wizard named Waiting Sorrow, who has since left the Astral Ward on pretty precarious terms. Whenever the Commander channels the device’s power, it seems they are being guided forward by strange waves of emotion. And even though they cannot describe how, or why, they already seem to feel a strong connection with the Heart of the Obscure.
The Commander was also introduced to one of Frode’s right-hand soldiers, a brassy asura named Uenno, who assisted in the Commander’s training. Since spending any time in Nayos seemed to incite a lot of suspicion, she sent the Commander to one of the ward’s medical tents, where they were tested for possession. The voice in the Commander’s head urged them to keep their mouth shut, and since it helped them escape Cerus, the Commander decided to cooperate. Whoever that Peitha is, and whatever the motivations she had in order to help the Commander to escape, the Commander understands, that they are as much a stranger to the Astral Ward, as they are to her. So long as they don’t start clawing their eyes out or speaking in tongues, the Commander decides to keep Peitha under their helm, as dangerous as she may turn out to be. After all, she didn’t do anything to hurt them, at least for now, which in fact only piques Commander’s curiosity as to Peitha’s motives. The Commander’s mind is a bit bronzed after everything they have endured over the years, and now they try to evaluate should they play the right hand, so that they could gather more intel on Cerus and the Kryptis. After attuning their comms device to the Astral Ward’s local fluctuations, which only further separate the Commander from contacting their allies back at home, the Commander aids Rian in quelling some of the Kryptis and sealing rifts. Just in a few moments, Zojja and Mabon call the Commander back to camp, where they get to learn that Dagda has been found, and things aren’t looking great. The Commander is headed out to meet their new allies in the sprawling, fractured islands of the archipelago with the goal of finding her.
These particular fractals, as they’ve been described to the Commander, are a complete marvel; they’ve been used by Isgarren and the wizards for centuries to test many different possibilities that the future may contain and their goal with this – is to predict future threats. It seems that the end of the dragon cycle fractured Isgarren’s magic and these tiny realities were ripped from the Mists, since then, they manifested here – above Tyria. From what the Commander can tell, these fractals are not entirely dissimilar from the ones monitored by Dessa. The latter ones naturally occurring in the Mists, and Isgarren’s are deliberately formed – but the inhabitants that live within his, are pure flesh and bone. They’re outside of the Mists, they’re alive, and the Commander cannot even imagine the fear they’re experiencing. Of course, the Astral Ward is doing what is in their hands to contain the local threats, but the Commander is not sure if any of them knows what to do with the inhabitants. All the Commander understands is that their fear is potent to the Kryptis. The demons are being hunted, and keeping those impacted safe – should be one of the ward’s leading priorities.
Thankfully, Zojja and the others were able to identify Dagda’s location on one of these fractals – an abandoned observatory that was fixed inside of one of the floating islands. While Frode and Uenno guarded the entrance, the Commander with Zojja ventured inside. Getting a small group in – was the best idea, to not overwhelm Dagda under the worst of circumstances. Sadly, they couldn’t escape death. Before they even reached the wizard, Ceri, one of Dagda’s apprentices, ambushed them inside the cave. She was…gone. Her entirety was being possessed by a Kryptis, and there seemed to be no hope of quelling the beast inside her. Death was Ceri’s mercy. They took a moment before they were able to push forward, and the Commander stayed by Zojja’s side while she mourned the loss of her “found family”. The Commander acknowledged that Zojja has an entire life here: new friends, a mentor. And that they are just a stranger looking in.
Inside the observatory, they found Dagda, a jotun from another era of Tyrian history. She was also described by Zojja as “the Wizard of the Celestial”. The Commander’s presence immediately put Dagda on the defensive, as she growled in fear, claiming that the Commander was there to kill her as they had “so many others.”. It “hit” the Commander, that their reputation as the champion of an Elder Dragon preceded them. To the wizard, they were as unpredictable as Drakkar or Kralkatorrik’s Branded. The Commander was being seen as hostile and unfeeling. And they’ve never been met with that kind of hostility before.
It seemed that Dagda was already struggling against something or someone, and the Commander’s arrival only exacerbated her madness. Zojja tried to frame Commander’s involvement as benevolent, but as they thought, talking things out wasn’t going to work. The wizard was fighting back against whatever voice lingered in her mind. While Zojja cast a barrier over the arena to trap Dagda inside, the Commander attempted to take the situation into their hands and tried to expel whichever threat was occupying Dagda’s mind. She fought back with the power of the cosmos itself, summoning all manner of otherworldly entities throughout a protracted fight.
After a ruthless fight against an entire hive of demons, which by Commander’s knowledge (thanks to Peitha teasing in their ear) was led by someone named Vanda, Dagda finally came to her senses. Despite the wizard being cleansed and the Commander’s efforts in freeing her from possession, she still didn’t change her view on the Commander. Even though Zojja tried to convince Dagda that the Commander was an ally and not some “unpredictable force of nature”, the wizard was still skeptical. The Commander understood, that not only does the ward need to earn their trust, but the Commander also needs theirs.
Lyhr had mentioned to the Commander that the Astral Ward had been watching them for a really long time – just as they watched all magical anomalies. At best this was out of curiosity, but at worst it was out of fear. The Commander got to acknowledge that they would be afraid of themselves too, considering the fact that they’ve helped kill dragons and a god. But regardless, the Commander couldn’t find an answer to a really important question: Why didn’t wizards intervene? Did they ever consider ending the Commander’s life for the greater good of Tyria?
Secrets of the Obscure: Act 2[edit]
Chapter 4: Voices beyond the Veil[edit]
“The commander continues to aid the Astral Ward and the Rift Hunters as they fight back against the Kryptis.
— In-game description
While Dagda – who still seethes whenever the Commander gets near – focused on recovery from the possession, the Commander helped Rian to take down more Kryptis throughout the archipelago. Even though it felt like the fight back in the observatory finished recently – the Commander and Astral Ward had the next major goal – helping Lyhr track down his other half. As the Commander tried to crack down on the received information, they learned that Lyhr could split his consciousness into two. This wild tactic is being used to better protect himself from demons’ possession. Even if one half of his is compromised and currently missing, the other is ready and able to help. To the Commander’s surprise, they’ve never encountered someone like these nearly immortal wizards, who also possess unique and magical abilities.
While the Commander lingered at camp, Frode introduced them to two more members of the Astral Ward, who apparently would be aiding them in the days to come: R’tchikk, a shockingly eloquent skritt, and Gladium, a former member of the charr legions. R’tchikk possessed and shared her deep admiration of the Commander’s past accomplishments, which gave the Commander a chance to appreciate at least one proper ally in this mystical and unknown facet of the world. Both she and Gladium had maybe the warmest introduction to the Commander since their arrival.
The Commander headed back into the wizards’ “fractals” to track down more rifts and search for evidence of “Bad Lyhr”, while the rest of the team made plans for them to push toward the Wizard’s Tower – that march being their next objective. While the Commander was navigating the islands, they were struck by a voice in their head that froze them in place. This time it wasn’t Peitha, it belonged to a Kryptis named Eparch, the “Midnight King,” and he was on the hunt for Isgarren. His voice was so frightening that even Peitha stirred. But it didn’t take long as her words quickly overcame his. She warned the Commander of speaking his name too loudly – as it could attract Eparch’s gaze. Even though the Commander agreed to themselves, that it was against their better judgment, they still decided to listen to her.
R’tchikk invited the Commander back to camp, where the entire group was steeling themselves for their march on the Wizard’s Tower. Finally, “Bad Lyhr” had been located, but in order to retrieve him, the group understood that they had a hell of a fight ahead of them. “Good Lyhr” (his kinder half) and Mabon would need to forge a key to disable the tower’s defense mechanisms.
Just as the group was getting ready to depart, Frode turned to Dagda to inquire about a distress call that she and Zojja responded to in Commander’s absence. As they got to know, another Astral Ward member had been possessed and Dagda had to confine him to a prison cell to isolate the threat, but not before he’d managed to stab himself in the thigh. While listening to this horror, Peitha took the opportunity to remind the Commander of their place in this world: they are just a stranger in an unfamiliar place, with few friends. By processing these words, the Commander debates within themselves – should they reveal their connection to Peitha? But they also get to understand that Dagda, with whom the Commander is already on uncertain terms, may cut them down before the Commander even has a chance to explain everything. The Commander accepts the fact that there is no rationalizing their predicament with a task force that is solely dedicated to fighting a demonic enemy.
At this point, the Commander is not sure what Peitha wants. But they are fairly certain she doesn’t want them dead.
Open world: Unlocking the Wizard's Tower[edit]
Chapter 5: The Missing Facet[edit]
“The commander and their new allies march on the Wizard's Tower.
— In-game description
After meeting everyone back at camp and talking things through, the next steps of the Commander and the crew were clear. To enter the courtyard of the Wizard’s Tower – is not an easy task, and to achieve that, Mabon and Lyhr need to perform a ritual that will enable them to forge a key. From there, Mabon must cast an enchantment to unlock the tower itself. However, the Commander and their new companions will require more extreme measures to calm the tower down, because Isgarren is still not around.
The Commander has a choice to go after one of two routes: help them forge that key, or gather essences from sources around the fractals. The Commander is persistent and will do anything, that enables them to collect a king’s ransom of emotional, magical energies to power Isgarren’s rituals. All the Commander needs to do now is decide which route to take.
After gathering all the disparate energies that they needed, Zojja let the Commander know that their preparations for this march were complete. In just a few moments, the Commander will find out what all the hassle has been about.
As they were predicting, the missing facet of Lyhr’s consciousness was beyond the gates of the Wizard’s Tower – how he managed to navigate those defenses while possessed and while the Commander with Astral Ward were trapped outside – is another mystery. After clearing the inner courtyard of Kryptis and defending Mabon while he cast a powerful spell to bring the tower’s defenses down, they were able to help Lyhr stabilize his other half. With a friendly dwarf now rejoined and another strong wizard on their side, they had to admit that their chances for success had increased.
The Commander and Astral Ward are ready to make their way into this “feisty lump of bricks,” as Lyhr affectionately calls the tower. While the Commander is very intrigued at what lies on the other side of the portal, they know that they will have to face even more difficult challenges the closer they get to the boundary between Tyria and beyond.
Chapter 6: Tower of Secrets[edit]
“With Dagda and Lyhr saved, the commander finally finds their footing in this strange side of Tyria.
— In-game description
After entering the Wizard’s Tower, the Commander admits that it is unlike anywhere they’ve traveled to within the bounds of Tyria. It even looked much smaller from below. But an uneasy feeling hits the Commander once again – to think this place floated just above the coast of Garenhoff all this time, while silently watching them wage war against the Elder Dragons… The Commander still wonders why the Astral Ward didn’t intervene, but that’s a question for Isgarren when all of this is said and done.
It seems that just as “Bad Lyhr” managed to force his way through the tower’s defense mechanisms, so did the demons. The Commander and wizards decide to split into small groups – Mabon and Zojja go to clear one wing, while Lyhr and Dagda lead another. After “cleaning” the inner perimeter, everyone regrouped outside the Hall of Confluence – the heart of the Wizard’s Tower. Since the apex of the tower’s magic functioning once again, the Commander and wizards will be able to travel to Amnytas and support the rest of the Astral Ward on the front line.
But first, they need to gain access to the Hall of Confluence and Mabon takes a lead in an archaic ritual, reciting an enchantment called the Unlit Moon. Lacking Isgarren’s presence, the wizards asked Zojja to step up and assist them in the ritual. At first, she seemed reluctant, but Dagda and Mabon both encouraged her to step forward. To the Commander’s surprise, they have never seen Zojja out of her element or being so unsure of herself. They were used to the hypercompetent and defiantly confident golemancer of legend. This is a completely new side of Zojja that unfolds the more she operates in this strange Astral Ward and the Commander realizes how much she’s grown. The Commander is starting to understand how much the Astral Ward actually means to Zojja – and how much she means to them. After all, she calls this place her new home.
As soon as the wizards began to unseal the chamber and breathe life back into the tower, Kryptis emerged like a swarm. The Commander helped to fend them off as Zojja and others channeled the spell. Toward the end, Zojja gasped in pain against the swell of magic, but just in a few moments, it was all done. The tower unfolds itself and lets them inside the innermost chamber.
It drained a lot of their power. Mabon turned to them in a moment of vulnerability, stating that his ability to resist demons was dwindling. Even the Commander had been fighting off Peitha’s voice inside their head since they got into the tower, but as it seemed, they haven’t been attacked in the same way as Dagda or Mabon.
Mabon looked at the Commander and the wizards and took on a foreboding tone, which seemed unlike the calculated mursaat the Commander had gotten to know since aiding the Astral Ward. “When the time comes, do not hesitate.”. Even Lyhr remarked on the nature of mursaat’s cryptic message. Before his departing to Amnytas in search of missing Isgarren, Mabon made Frode promise that he’d watch over everyone in the meantime.
With Mabon headed to Amnytas and the tower secure, the Astral Ward rushed into the halls and tended to restorations. The Commander aided in various tasks too, but most importantly, they helped Dagda locate the bastion keys that would help to restabilize the tower’s portal system and regain direct access to Amnytas. While searching for them, Peitha expresses her curiosity and delicate surprise over Eparch’s fascination with Isgarren’s tower. The Commander gets a feeling there’s some history between those two. But shortly after, the Commander started to imagine what Aurene would think of this place, what with its grand pillars and celestial portals. Peitha, sensing the lingering emptiness in Commander’s gut, started to ask about their bond as scion and champion. While she is overly curious to learn of their relationship, the Commander senses a hint of jealousy in Peitha’s tone.
The Commander keeps wondering if Aurene even knows what’s up here. After all, she must have at least some kind of idea in serving as the filter for the entire magical ecosystem of the planet. The same way Soo-Won likely did before her or, as the wizards supposedly connect to the ecosystem to siphon their magnitude of power. The Commander hopes that Aurene will meet the wizards one day and with the threat of the Kryptis out of the way, she could work together towards that goal.
Once preparations were complete and the bastion keys were securely in Dagda’s possession, portal transport to Amnytas was regained. Before the Commander departed, Lyhr thanked them for all they’ve done to support the Astral Ward in their fight against the Kryptis. But that wasn’t all. He also grants the Commander a new title under the umbrella of the Astral Ward: Wayfinder. He explained that it’s bestowed upon individuals who have aided Isgarren and the Wizard’s Court throughout time. The Commander acknowledges that it’s an honorary title, and it fits them well, at least while they are here and helping the ward. Whatever happens to the world after all this – the dragons, now the Kryptis – Tyria needs people like the Commander to hold the torch and light the march forward.
The Commander, now known as Wayfinder, is headed to Amnytas next. It’s time to witness the bloody front lines with their own eyes. Isgarren is still missing, and after hearing Mabon’s somber message, the Wayfinder has a bad feeling the worst is yet to come.
And hey, Dagda didn’t toss the Wayfinder from a window after the title bestowal. Maybe she finally stops seeing Wayfinder as a bloodthirsty dragon killer.
Chapter 7: Mabon's Fate[edit]
“The commander, now dubbed the "wayfinder," must track down and attempt to save Mabon before it's too late.
— In-game description
With the Wizard’s Tower reoccupied and thriving once again, Zojja called the Wayfinder to meet with her and Frode inside the war room. They introduced the Wayfinder to Zizel and Galrath, representatives from the Bastions of the Natural and Strength. Without any lingering, they inform everyone that since Mabon’s departure, he has been sighted among the bastions and he was acting very differently. Newly introduced wizards suspect that Mabon may have been fighting off possession for some time now and he is trying to win more time for them to progress forward. He may be running out of time.
To help Zizel follow Mabon’s trail, the Wayfinder and Astral Ward needed to trace Kryptis’ energy spikes throughout the bastions. The best way to do this: opening and sealing rifts, and revealing clouds of consciousness that should help them to track Mabon to wherever he’s been hiding to spare everyone from his suffering.
Amnytas. This unbelievable place has loomed in the skies over Tyria, watching history unfold below. Each bastion represents a different magical school of thought, where the wizards share their ancient knowledge with the Astral Ward. Unfortunately, this place also has been ravaged by the Kryptis. The ward is trying their best to seal demonic rifts all over the sanctuary but they are holding on by a thread, while something bigger stirs in the clouds above The World Spire.
Thankfully, the Wayfinder’s work of opening and sealing rifts has helped Zizel track Mabon. By exposing the corrupted energies by taking down Kryptis, Zizel was finally able to latch on to Mabon’s trail. When Zojja told the Wayfinder that mursaat had been found, the Wayfinder could hear in her voice that things weren’t looking good. The most important thing now – is to rescue their friend. And for that, the Wayfinder is headed straight to the Bastion of Strength to meet with the rest of the group.
The Wayfinder met with Frode, Dagda, Zojja, Galrath, and Zizel outside the bastion. The mood was gloomy and intense. Galrath led them inside, the severity of his tone evocative of what they would find.
The group was ambushed by Kryptis – the whole thing was a trap. Zojja ran far ahead of them while the rest were distracted. She was desperate to reach Mabon. Dagda called out to her, but Zojja was already out of sight. Unfortunately, the demons kept them occupied for a while, and it prevented them from going after her.
They fought their way through the halls until they found them both. Mabon hovered in the air, dark energies pulsing through his flesh. Zojja yelled out to him, but as the group approached, another Kryptis emerged from mursaat’s body, as if it had latched on to his very spirit before manifesting itself in front of everyone. They fought and prevailed.
Zojja shouted out. Mabon directed his final words back: “You did not die in that place.”. The Wayfinder and wizards fended off the beast, but not without sacrificing their ally. The souls of the mursaat and the beast were tethered together, with one keeping the other alive. The group did not hesitate, as their friend asked of them, as difficult as it was.
Zojja collapsed beneath the loss of another mentor. Her bonds with these people were formed long before Wayfinder’s arrival. The Wayfinder could hear the anguish and heartbreak in her cries, and shortly after, Zojja parted from the group. The rest of them gathered around Mabon’s body. The Wayfinder starts thinking – even though they knew Mabon briefly, this short period of time was enough to make an impact on them, too. After all, he was absolutely loved by these people.
Dagda approached Zojja in a small, quiet alcove. They sat together for a moment to grieve the loss of a precious friend. While the Wayfinder was caught in that tender moment, they saw what lurked behind Zojja’s emotion. Friendships ripped away too soon. Lessons cut short. Futures ended in the blink of an eye. First, it was Snaff, and now, Mabon.
Dagda reassured her that Mabon’s death would not disrupt her place in their wizardly world – in the Astral Ward. She even insinuated to something way bigger and more permanent. A new beginning. They want Zojja to join the Wizard’s Court.
Quietly listening to Dagda’s remarks and implications, even the Wayfinder got slightly broadsided. The Wayfinder start questioning themselves – would Zojja see their friends again? But she needed time to process everything – there was so much happening all at once.
Dagda and the Wayfinder silently exchanged a few words, where she reiterated to the Wayfinder that now Zojja’s home is here, and her past is behind her.
Zizel and Galrath returned to the Wizard’s Tower to deliver the sad news to the others, while Frode and Dagda remained near Mabon’s body out of respect for their precious friend. Before the Wayfinder departed, Peitha made a notice that she caught a whiff of something, or someone, in the air. Of course, she wouldn’t tell the Wayfinder what she was thinking, but whatever presence lingered around, silenced her omnipresent guff. The Wayfinder understands, that as they get closer to Isgarren, that tension will only rise, but even in Wayfinder’s belief, Peitha seems to be uncomfortable with the events that lie ahead.
Secrets of the Obscure: Act 3[edit]
Chapter 8: Into the Obscure[edit]
“The wayfinder and the Astral Ward continue in their march against the Kryptis; Amnytas is in danger.
— In-game description
Chapter 9: The World Spire[edit]
“The wayfinder and their Astral Ward allies march against the World Spire in search of Isgarren.
— In-game description
Chapter 10: Treachery[edit]
“The commander faces Cerus. Hopefully for the last time.
— In-game description
Secrets of the Obscure: Through the Veil[edit]
Chapter 11: Duress[edit]
“The wayfinder is called back into action by Peitha and the Wizard's Court.
— In-game description
Chapter 12: The Survivors[edit]
“The wayfinder finds their bearings in Nayos, the Realm of Dreams.
— In-game description
Chapter 13: Heitor's Gate[edit]
“The wayfinder confronts Heitor, one of Eparch's generals, and frees the outer reaches of Nayos.
— In-game description
Secrets of the Obscure: The Realm of Dreams[edit]
Chapter 14: The War Council[edit]
“The wayfinder helps Peitha weaken King Eparch's control.
— In-game description
Chapter 15: Forced Hand[edit]
“The wayfinder seeks a powerful ally.
— In-game description
Chapter 16: Eventide's March[edit]
“The wayfinder deals with Queen Labris.
— In-game description
Secrets of the Obscure: The Midnight King[edit]
Chapter 17: Desperate Measures[edit]
“The wayfinder gathers with allies and prepares for the assault on Zakiros.
— In-game description
Open world: Into the Spider's Lair[edit]
Chapter 18: The Eleventh Hour[edit]
“The wayfinder ascends the Spire of Dreams.
— In-game description
Chapter 19: Sovereign of Nayos[edit]
“The wayfinder witnesses the signing of a historic treaty.
— In-game description
References[edit]
- ^ a b After the Dragon Cycle,guildwars2.com
