Setting the Stage

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Setting the Stage is a personal story step for all characters who have joined an order and finished the race specific story arc. It contains the meeting of Destiny's Edge members before your character is meeting your order specific mentor.

Objectives[edit]

Visit the Trader's Forum in Lion's Arch.

  • Travel to Lion's Arch.
  • Speak to your friend.
  • Watch the confrontation.
  • Say your farewells.

Rewards[edit]

Click here to edit the reward data

All professions

Walkthrough[edit]

This instance is purely storytelling. Just talk to the NPC and watch the cinematic.

NPCs[edit]

Allies[edit]

Asura
Canines
Charr
Crustaceans
Fish
Humans
Hyleks
Kodan
Moas
Norn
Quaggans
Skritt
Sylvari
Various

Dialogue[edit]

Talking to your friend (depending on the race of the character):

Rytlock Brimstone: This...may have been a mistake. Caithe can be treacherous.
Talk quest option tango.png It'll only take a moment. What do we lose by listening?
Logan Thackeray: I'm not sure I trust Caithe's motives. Stay close.
Talk quest option tango.png I doubt it's an ambush, Logan. Let's just see what she has to say.
Eir Stegalkin: Caithe should be here by now. What could be keeping her?
Talk quest option tango.png I'm sure she'll be here any moment.
Caithe: It's been so long since I've seen them together. This will work. It must.
Talk quest option tango.png I'm not sure what you're doing, Caithe, but I'm here if you need me.
Zojja: This is going to be trouble, I just know it. Why I listen to that leaf-brained Caithe, I don't know...
Talk quest option tango.png Just give her a chance. She might say something worth listening to.

The Reunion (cinematic):

Caithe: Welcome, fellow members of Destiny's Edge. We must speak of the threat of the Elder Dragons.
Logan Thackeray: When I agreed to come, I didn't know you'd be inviting this CHARR.
Rytlock Brimstone: I could say the same for YOU, human. Finally crawling back for forgiveness, Logan?
Logan Thackeray: I've done nothing that needs to be forgiven.
Eir Stegalkin: Logan! Rytlock! Enough of your squabbling.
Eir Stegalkin: Caithe, I doubt that we can unite again. Not after our last mistake.
Zojja: The norn's right. When Eir Stegalkin makes mistakes, people die.
Eir Stegalkin: Is that what you think, Zojja? That what happened was my fault?
Caithe: Please, all of you. Our time has come. We must help the orders. We've fought the Elder Dragons before.
Rytlock Brimstone: And lost. because SOMEONE couldn't keep up with us.
Logan Thackeray: You have something to say, say it to my face!
Rytlock Brimstone: I would, if you weren't always running away! I should gut you and be done with it!
Logan Thackeray: Gut me? With what? That human-made sword you looted from Ascalon? I've had enough! We're done here.
Rytlock Brimstone: Running away again?
Eir Stegalkin: Rytlock! You're just making it worse.
Zojja: Hah! Look who's talking. Logan's right, for once. I have more important things to do. I'm done with this.
Rytlock Brimstone: And I refuse to waste my efforts on cowards and fools. Good-bye, Caithe.
Eir Stegalkin: It's sad to see Logan and Rytlock argue. If only there was something to bond them together...
Eir Stegalkin: Yes, I know what might help. Caithe, I have to leave as well. I fear this meeting was a mistake, but maybe I can fix it.
Caithe: We've failed, then. Failed to bring Destiny's Edge back together.
Caithe: We cannot help the others. How can we help Tyria?

Bidding farewell to your friend (depending on the race of the character):

Zojja: What is it with these people—are their heads filled with ether? What did Snaff see in them, anyway? They're worthless!
Talk quest option tango.png I wouldn't call the finest guild in Tyria 'worthless.' They're just lost, Zojja. They don't have a brain among them anymore.
You can say that again. 'Mistake,' she said. This meeting was a mistake, that's what! I can defeat the dragons without them.
Talk quest option tango.png Really? You can fight like Logan and Rytlock? Strategize like Eir? Scout like Caithe? Even a genius needs a krewe.
Know what? I hate admitting you're right. So stop talking, and I won't have to. Now, leave me alone, I need to think this through. I'll contact you soon.
Talk quest option tango.png Anytime, Zojja. I'll be ready to move when you need me.
Rytlock Brimstone: You see? This is why I returned to the Citadel! Not one of them has the courage enough to fight!
Talk quest option tango.png They are not charr. You cannot expect them to live as we live, staring every moment into the jaws of death. But they are not cowards.
No...perhaps not all of them. Only one. Still, we get no closer to victory by arguing like children. I must find a way to force them to my will.
Talk quest option tango.png No matter what you decide, Tribune, I'll stand with you. But I think you should reconsider your avenue of attack.
When did you get so wise, Centurion? Heh. You're right. I'll regroup, study my options and contact you when I have a plan.
Talk quest option tango.png I'll stay ready to rendezvous on your orders, sir.
Logan Thackeray: That foolish—arrogant—mule-headed—charr! Does he think I wanted this? I was a fool to come here. A fool to think I could make this work.
Talk quest option tango.png You're not a fool, Logan. This is the only way. Without Destiny's Edge, Kryta will be destroyed by the dragons. We can't do it alone.
I know that. I just...I knew Rytlock was angry. Eir, Zojja, all of them. But don't they see that the choice I made was hard on me, too?
Talk quest option tango.png You had to choose between the woman you love, and your guild. You did the best you could. In time...
Time is one thing we don't have, my friend. But...you're right. I think I need to take some time to cool off. I'll contact you soon.
Talk quest option tango.png Don't give up, Logan. Tyria needs you. We all do.
Eir Stegalkin: Zojja's right. It's my fault. Is it arrogance that makes me want to step forward again? Or is it the right thing to do?
Talk quest option tango.png You're a legend, Eir. I see that in you still. Believe in yourself, or if you can't, at least believe in me.
You're right, Slayer, but that doesn't make my task any easier. I need to find a way to heal these wounds that I've caused.
Talk quest option tango.png We will, Eir, and we'll see the dragons fall. Together.
You are correct. Side by side, we will stand against the tide. Thank you, my friend. I must go, and consider my next move. I will call on you when I know what it will be.
Talk quest option tango.png I'll be ready, Eir. Be safe.
Caithe: They are frozen in that moment. That one second when we split apart. Why can't they move beyond it? I don't understand.
Talk quest option tango.png A death leaves a wound in the survivors. As the Pale Tree mourned when Riannoc died, so too, do they mourn.
They are wasting time, while the dragons grow stronger. I must find a way to make them see.
Talk quest option tango.png We will. You are not alone, Caithe.
Not alone...because you are here. Yes. I will hold onto that, through the long nights ahead. Take care, my friend. You will hear from me soon.
Talk quest option tango.png I'll be waiting.

Optional Dialogue[edit]

Children playing Destiny's Edge:

Child: This is it! I'm Eir Stegalkin, and I'm going to lead Destiny's Edge to victory!
Progeny: Raarr! I'm the Crystal Dragon, and I'm going to make you all crunchy!
Cub: I'm Logan, and I'm going to run away.
Child: Hey, that's not fair. Logan didn't run away, he went to save the queen.
Cub: That's running away. His guild needed him. Rytlock wouldn't have run away.
Progeny: Why don't you be Rytlock, then?
Cub: Okay, I will. I'm Rytlock Brimstone, you harpy-sniffing dragon. Feel the wrath of my flaming sword!
Child: If he gets to change, I want to change, too. I'm Caithe now.
Progeny: Then I'm Zojja. Your leadership stinks like a skritt cesspool, Eir! You're the reason we failed.
Child: You can't be Zojja, you're the dragon. And I'm not Eir anymore, I'm Caithe.
Child: And Caithe says, "Focus on the dragon, morons."
Cub: Charr tribunes don't take orders from kindling. Follow me, everybody! Except you, Logan. You can run back to your girlfriend.
Child: Quit that! He didn't run away!
Progeny: Ha! I'm the dragon again, and Destiny's Edge is too busy fighting each other to fight me. Die!
Cub: Scorch it all, the dragon got us! If only Logan hadn't run away and Eir was a better leader.
Child: Yeah? Well...if only Rytlock had stuck to the plan and Zojja wasn't so cranky!
Progeny: Mmm, Destiny's Edge tastes delicious. Now I shall conquer the world! Ah-ha-ha-ha!
Child: Okay, everybody stop. This isn't working. Let's play "Renegades and Separatists" instead.
Cub: Dibs on Ajax!

Dialogue with historical characters:

Commodore Lawson Marriner: Welcome to Lion's Arch. I'm Commodore Lawson Marriner. I hope you're enjoying your time in our fine city.
Talk more option tango.png Commodore? So you're in charge here?
By rights, the Captain's Council runs Lion's Arch, but the Commodore does enjoy certain privileges and influence. Perks I've enjoyed for 25 years now. Much like my grandfather, Cobiah Marriner.
Talk more option tango.png Your grandfather was a Commodore too?
In his later years. In his youth, he was a sailor. When Zhaitan rose from the depths and the great waves drowned the original Lion's Arch, he rescued many ships and crews that had lost their captains.
Talk end option tango.png That's quite a story, sir. Take care.
Talk end option tango.png I will respect that legacy and try to stay out of trouble here.
Talk end option tango.png I am. In fact, I'd like to get back to my exploring.
Crusader Aurus Fuseblight: You look like the sort that's got their claws sunk deep in the haunches of life. What can I do for you?
Talk more option tango.png What are you doing out here, crusader?
I'm here on leave. I'm usually stationed on Claw Island as an adjunct to the Lionguard. I was called back to Lion's Arch to deal with a personal matter.
Talk more option tango.png What is Claw Island?
You must be new to Lion's Arch. Claw Island is the Lionguard's outer defense post. It's well-armed and heavily fortified. The Lionguard stationed there guard the bay into the city.
Talk more option tango.png What's your role there? (same as "What are your responsibilities")
Talk end option tango.png Thanks for your time.
Talk more option tango.png What are your responsibilities on Claw Island?
I'm the Vigil liaison for the Lionguard inspectors. I keep the Vigil informed of the status of defenses there, and gather intelligence about any Orrian movement.
Talk end option tango.png I should let you return to your personal business.
Talk more option tango.png How long is your leave?
Until my personal matters are resolved. However, I have no intention of telling a stranger about my personal concerns.
Talk more option tango.png Then can you tell me about Claw Island? (same as "What are your responsibilities")
Talk end option tango.png I understand. Good-bye.
Talk end option tango.png I'll leave you alone, then.
Talk end option tango.png I don't think I need any help at the moment. Good-bye.
Head Gatekeeper Roinna: Quickly, quickly! I've got calculations to perform and simulations to run. Busy, busy, busy! Idle hands might as well be human hands.
Talk more option tango.png Why so flustered?
Look around. Faster! You see the gates? I run this gate network. They're MY responsibility. One little mistake and it's my ears on the chopping block!
Talk more option tango.png How'd you get stuck with this job?
"Stuck"? This is a plum assignment. Lion's Arch may look nice, but without asuran gates, it's just neat little piles of rocks with an ocean view. Money buys innovation, and we asura invented it.
Talk end option tango.png I'd better let you get back on it, then.
Talk end option tango.png Good luck, then.
Talk end option tango.png I think I'll take my human feet and just keep walking. (for humans)
Talk end option tango.png Maybe I'll come back when you're not so busy, busy, busy. (for non-humans)
Linsay More: Isn't this fountain amazing? I could watch the water play for hours.
Talk more option tango.png It's a memorial fountain. What was it made to honor?
The rebirth of Lion's Arch. After the original city was drowned by the swell of the Sea of Sorrows, it was rebuilt to be even more spectacular than it's namesake. The plaque says "From ruin, we prosper".
Talk more option tango.png Who built it?
Originally there was just the lower pool, build by the human pirates who first settled here after the tides withdrew, using stones salvaged ftom the original Lion's Arch.
Talk more option tango.png Who built the rest?
As each new race arrived, they added to the fountain. The charr sculpted the lion at the center. The norn crafted the smaller figures on the edge. The asura designed the mechanics, and the sylvari the waterflow.
Talk more option tango.png And now it's finished?
No, it continues to evolve. The tengu, the hylek, the centaurs, the quaggan...every race has, on its arrival here, added something new to create the marvel of cooperation you see now.
Talk end option tango.png I'll let you get back to enjoying the water.
Talk end option tango.png A great story for a great statue. Thank you for your time.
Talk end option tango.png I'll leave you to enjoy your fountain in peace.
Lionguard Atrix: Ah, you're a welcome sight. My captain put me on gangplank duty for insubordination. Not many pass by, so I've had no one to talk to.
Talk more option tango.png What did you do to get gangplank duty?
Pah, he was acting like a condescending dolyak's rump, so I used his engraved wooden foot locker to sharpen my claws on.
Charisma Seems to me he had that coming.
That's how I felt. Sometimes I miss being with the Iron Legion back at the Citadel, instead of here with these Lionguard amateurs.
Talk more option tango.png So why'd you leave the Iron Legion in the first place?
Got kicked out by my Legionnaire because she was being a marmox's behind. So I used her bow to floss my fangs and one of her arrows to scratch an itch I couldn't reach. Lion's Arch gave me a place to start over.
Talk end option tango.png Sounds like you may run out of places to start over. Good-bye.
Ferocity Seems to me you had this coming.
You just got here and already you're taking his side? Sometimes I wish I was back at the Citadel with the Iron Legion, instead of here with these Lionguard amateurs.
Talk more option tango.png So why'd you leave the Iron Legion in the first place? (same as above)
Talk end option tango.png I don't want to distract you from your important duty. Good-bye.
Moofrumaloo: Coooo. Quaggan has dry skin today. Quaggan wishes she could be in water instead of here on dry land.
Talk more option tango.png Then why aren't you in the water?
Quaggan has an important job to do telling people about Quaggan's village. Quaggan have nice things for sale, and if you visit quaggans, quaggans will sell you some of them.
Talk more option tango.png What sort of things do you have for sale?
Hooo, Quaggan sell many valuable things Quaggan find in water. Hoo, yes, you should go find Quaggan in their underwater homes and they...foooo...will trade things. Coo, tell them Quaggan sent you.
Talk end option tango.png Maybe I'll check it out sometime.
Talk end option tango.png That would probably solve your problem. Good-bye.

My story[edit]

With a Single Step loading screen.jpg

The remaining members of Destiny's Edge met—and it was explosive. The death of their compatriot, Snaff, caused some real rifts in the guild. It will take a lot to mend those friendships.

My story

Notes[edit]

  • This story step, unlocked at level 40, takes place lore-wise before the events of the story mode of Ascalonian Catacombs, which is unlocked at level 30.
  • This story step was originally part of the first order-specific story steps as its own instance. It was separated post-release development to put the identical meeting from the three starting missions of the different Orders into one instance [1]
  • Like all other Personal Story chapters, this story step takes place in 1325 AE, in an older version of Lion's Arch. The Lion's Arch that players see before entering the instance is the modern appearance of the area after the rebuilding following the outcome of Living World Season 1.
    • The old version of Lion's Arch get coloured with a sepia tone added with post-processing which can be disabled by selecting Postprocessing: None in the Graphics Options (F11).
    • With the re-release of Living World Season 1, the old version of Lion's Arch can be fully visited again at any time by using of the Lion's Pride Gizmo, earned by completing the Lion's Memory achievement.
  • Before the rebuilding of Lion's Arch, players doing this story step would come across a group of children playing pretend as Destiny's Edge. With the rebuilding of Lion's Arch, this instance suffered some minor changes, most notable these children were relocated from the main ramp leading into the instance to an easily-missable area to the right of the ramp the character is coming from (northwest of the fountain). As a result, nowadays most players do not notice them and skip their dialogue which summarises the lore of Destiny's Edge.
Although the instance map shows the previous Lion's Arch map of 1325 AE, the Points of Interest are contemporary, including Captain Theo Ashford Memorial Bridge and Raid Lobby, which could not exist at that time.
If you join someone else's instance and view "Setting the Stage," the game will ask if you wish to accept progress. If you click "accept" the game will place you into whichever Order the instance owner has chosen, which could effectively switch you to an Order you do not want. Only click accept if you wish to progress in the same Order as the instance owner.

References[edit]