A Light in the Darkness

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Disambig icon.png This article is about the personal story instance. For the achievement granting the title Light in the Darkness, see Bioluminescence.

A Light in the Darkness

A Light in the Darkness map.jpg

Click to enlarge

A Light in the Darkness.jpg

Loading screen

A Light in the Darkness is part of the personal story for all characters.

Objectives[edit]

Speak with the Pale Tree, and ask for her advice.

  • Travel to the Grove and meet Trahearne.
  • Speak with the Pale Tree.
  • Step through the portal into the Pale Tree's vision.
  • Follow the Pale Tree through the vision of Orr.
  • Speak with the Pale Tree.

Rewards[edit]

Click here to edit the reward data

All professions

Walkthrough[edit]

The Pale Tree transports you to a "vision" of Orr, although it is no mere illusion - you can die and even gain credit for exploring as if you were actually in the area. The quest markers lead you around the city, although it is largely up to you to decide how you want to get there. The next marker is triggered when the vision of the tree talks to Trahearne. If the first conversation does not trigger you should logout and restart.

Along the way, you will encounter Orr Spectral foes. These are basically enchanted weapons that move on their own. Some of them are already floating about, but others only spawn when you get close enough to them - you will notice the weapons lying on the ground. Avoid getting near them if you want to prevent unnecessary fights.

Upon reaching a certain area, you will see a vision of Trahearne's future, where he is rallying troops to fight against Zhaitan. These consist of members of all three Orders. After the speech, these illusory fighters will charge forward and two large groups of Risen will spawn. An all-out battle takes place; kill all the Risen to proceed. The NPCs are pretty strong and can handle the enemies on their own for the most part. You must kill all of the Risen Giants in order to continue. It is possible to skip this part by following the path to the southwest or by just hanging back and trying to avoid aggro.

After the battle you are led to visions of Destiny's Edge and will learn the reason for their split up when you talk to them.

Proceeding further into the city, you will enter the Royal Tombs. A few Risen spawn along the way; they are location-based, so move slowly to avoid triggering too many at once. At the end of the tomb, you will have to fight an Eye of Zhaitan. It has a beam attack that causes Confusion, shoots lightning balls, and can also spin in place to cause heavy damage to anyone nearby. Use of ranged weapons and extra summoned extra allies are very useful here, since Trahearne deals almost no damage and the Eye tends to not target him.

After defeating the Eye, you talk to the ghost of the Last King of Orr, who tells you to seek the source of the corruption, and implies that Zhaitan himself is not the cause. The quest marker will point you to another location in the city. There are several Orr Spectrals along the way; they don't move, so avoiding them is easy. Once you reach the location, your final task is to defeat the Gate Guardian. He is a hammer-wielding foe, but oddly enough hits for very little damage and moves slowly, making the fight very easy. Trahearne will receive the magical sword Caladbolg just before this fight.

Once the Gatekeeper is defeated, the "vision" ends and you are transported back to The Grove. Speak to the Pale Tree to finish the mission.

At the end of the mission, the Pale Tree asks your character of their greatest fear. The player will have to choose one of three options, this choice (Talk quest choice tango.png) will determine which missions the character takes part in during the seventh (the next) personal story chapter. You may wish to check over the missions in each path before making your choice, excluding story steps common to all paths, these missions are:

Note that, provided you press ESC instead of clicking on the close dialogue option ("Thank you, Pale Tree. I will remember your wisdom."), then you may talk to the Pale Tree again to change your response. Your response is submitted when you click on the Talk end option tango.png button and the final cutscene will then start.

NPCs[edit]

Allies[edit]

Asura
Charr
Ghost
Human
Norn
Risen
Sylvari
Various

Foes[edit]

Risen

Dialogue[edit]

In the Omphalos Chamber[edit]

Approaching Trahearne:

Trahearne: Hail, Mother. We seek your wisdom.
Avatar of the Tree: Bide a while. I have much to show you both.
Avatar of the Tree: Come to me. Let me show you the way.[1]

Talking to the Pale Tree (cinematic):

Trahearne: Mother Tree, I am sure by now you have heard of the destruction at Claw Island. Zhaitan is attacking in force.
Avatar of the Tree: The soul of Tyria mourned as her children were cut down by the beast. The land wept, and the world shuddered.
Trahearne: My friend and I seek to right that wrong. We wish to fight Zhaitan, and take back what was lost. We've to [sic] come to ask your counsel.
Avatar of the Tree: The answer is at the heart of Tyria's future—and your own. Both of you must face the darkness, become guiding stars in the night.
<Character name>: Is it even possible to defeat Zhaitan?
Avatar of the Tree: Only with great courage. Come. I will show you a vision of your future, and the challenges to come...

After the cinematic:

Avatar of the Tree: It is time, my brave friends. Your future... awaits.

Talking to Avatar of the Tree:

Avatar of the Tree: You must soon enter the vision, and gain a glimpse of what may be.
Talk more option tango.png What do you mean, "vision"?
The portal before you is a passage into the Dream. There, you will see glimpses of the past, the present, and the future.
(if sylvari)
Talk more option tango.png Is this like the time you sent Caithe into the Dream, before I awakened?
Remember, this is very difficult for me. Go swiftly, and learn all you can.
Talk back option tango.png I have another question.
Talk end option tango.png I will make haste, Mother. Thank you.
(if not sylvari)
Talk more option tango.png What is the Dream? I don't understand.
The Dream is the sylvari unconscious, the wellspring from which we flow. It holds our memories, as well as our hopes and fears. I am its keeper.
Talk back option tango.png I have another question.
Talk end option tango.png I understand. I'll enter the vision now.
Talk more option tango.png What will I see if I go through the portal?
Orr as it is, and was—and some sense of how you may restore it, I hope. Scenes of the past that impact your future.
Talk more option tango.png Will I be in danger?
Life always holds danger, <Character name>. Show courage and you will persevere.
Talk back option tango.png I have another question.
Talk end option tango.png I'll do my best to learn all I can.
Talk more option tango.png Will you and Trahearne come with me?
Trahearne will accompany you, and I will be with you in spirit.
Talk back option tango.png I have another question.
Talk end option tango.png I will do my best.
(if not sylvari)
Talk more option tango.png Excuse me, but who are you?
I am the avatar, the spirit of the Pale Tree that surrounds you. I am the mother of the sylvari race. I am Tyria's ally.
Talk back option tango.png I have another question.
Talk end option tango.png I'll trust you.
Talk end option tango.png I'll do that. Thank you.

Talking to Trahearne:

Trahearne: The Pale Tree wishes us to enter the Dream! It is a dangerous honor.
Talk more option tango.png What do you mean?
The Dream is not reality, <Character name>. It is made of memory, aether, and powerful magic. Even I do not understand it.
Talk more option tango.png How is that dangerous?
The things within are as real as you or I [sic], and they will seek to do us harm. I question if I am ready to see such truths.
Talk more option tango.png I'll be with you.
I will remember that, <Character name>. Thank you.
Talk end option tango.png Let's not keep the Pale Tree waiting any longer.

Interacting with the portal back to the Grove:

Unknown: You are about to leave the story area.
Talk more option tango.png Return to the Grove. (Warning: Your story here is not yet finished. All progress will be abandoned if you leave the area.)
Talk end option tango.png Cancel.

The Pale Tree's vision of Orr[edit]

After stepping through the portal into the Pale Tree's vision:

Trahearne: Orr is a dark and foul place. Even though I have been here, in truth this vision is unsettling.
Trahearne: Let us hurry. The Pale Tree has lessons yet to be revealed.

Talking to Trahearne:

Trahearne: Hurry, <Character name>. The Mother Tree cannot maintain this shard of the Dream for very long. We must press onward.
Talk more option tango.png Is this truly what Orr is like?
I have studied Orr for many years, and I know these paths as if they were of the Caledon.
Talk back option tango.png I have another question.
Talk end option tango.png I'll trust your knowledge.
Talk more option tango.png Where is Zhaitan?
Zhaitan commands his minions from the blasphemed and tarnished city of Arah, far to the south.
Talk back option tango.png I have another question.
Talk end option tango.png Someday, we'll go there and end this.
Talk end option tango.png Let's keep moving

Following the Pale Tree's Avatar through the vision:

Trahearne: They say that Orr was once beautiful. A nation to rival Kryta, Ascalon, and Elona.
Trahearne: The human gods lived in the city of Arah, and the people here were blessed.
Trahearne: After the gods left, the humans banded into guilds and warred upon each other.
Trahearne: The Guild Wars caused great devastation, and the nations faltered.
Trahearne: Where does this road lead, Mother?
Avatar of the Tree: To the ancient city of Arah, the dragon's stronghold.
Avatar of the Tree: That is your goal. Along the way, you will glimpse things that may yet come to pass.
Trahearne: These creatures are formidable. Tougher than the ones at Claw Island. How will we defeat them?[2]
Avatar of the Tree: Alone, you cannot. But with unity, you will find that many impossible things can be achieved.

Coming upon the ghostly fighters of the Durmand Priory, Order of Whispers and Vigil:

Vision Trahearne: Defenders of Tyria!
Vision Trahearne: When Zhaitan rose from slumber, the dragon found a long-dead nation and claimed it.
Vision Trahearne: The dragon expected the rest of Tyria to be as easily conquered. But we live, and we breathe, and we fight!
Vision Trahearne: All races, all orders, and all paths of life stand against Zhaitan.
Vision Trahearne: The dragon is a fearsome enemy. It wants nothing more than to paralyze us with doubt.
Vision Trahearne: But I tell you this—we are not afraid! We will never kneel!
Vision Trahearne: Do you feel that? The dragon hears us![3]
Vision Trahearne: To Arah, and victory!
Trahearne: Is this a vision of the future? Mother, I do not understand. I'm no general.[4]
Avatar of the Tree: You must be what Tyria needs you to be, my son. You have more courage than you realize.

Before coming upon ghostly shadows of Destiny's Edge:

Avatar of the Tree: The past taints the future. Our heroes have fallen. They must be redeemed.
Avatar of the Tree: You are the catalyst. You must bring them together. Heal their wounds.

Near the vision of Rytlock and Logan:[5]

Rytlock Brimstone: Where were you? We needed you! Snaff...I couldn't protect him. I can still hear him screaming.
Logan Thackeray: Someone was going to die, no matter what I did—Snaff, or my queen. I had to make a choice.
Logan Thackeray: You would have done the same, any of you, if the person you loved was in danger! You would have done the same...
Trahearne: Destiny's Edge disbanded after their loss against the Elder Dragon Kralkatorrik. To this day, they have unresolved grievances with one another.

Near the vision of Zojja and Eir:[6]

Zojja: It was your responsibility. Snaff trusted you, and you failed him!
Eir Stegalkin: I tried to keep him out out [sic] of danger. I would have given anything to prevent his death!
Zojja: It wasn't enough. You weren't enough. You should have died, Eir, instead of him...
Trahearne: Logan was called away by his queen, yet Eir chose to fight the Elder Dragon. They lost. Glint died, along with Snaff, Zojja's mentor and friend.

Near the vision of Caithe and Faolain:[7]

Caithe: I've tried so very hard. They can't stop arguing. They can't understand that the dragons are more important.
Caithe: They'd throw everything away! I'm alone—and I'm tired.
Faolain: Come back to me. If the world must end, let us spend our last days in each other's arms.
Trahearne These visions represent a possible future for Destiny's Edge should they not resolve their quarrels. We need them to reconcile if we're to defeat Zhaitan.

Talking to Faolain:

Faolain: Walk away, <Character name>. Caithe is to be with me, ever after.
Talk more option tango.png Who are you?
I was never part of their worthless little gang. I am the Grand Duchess of the Nightmare Court. She is mine, and I am hers.
Talk end option tango.png You're nothing but a vision of Caithe's lover.
Talk end option tango.png I won't let Caithe fall into nightmare.

After passing all of Destiny's Edge:

Trahearne: Where was I? Oh, yes. The Guild Wars. Still angry over the loss of Ascalon, the charr struck hard while humanity fought with itself.[8]
Trahearne: The charr ravaged Ascalon with searing cauldrons and marched on Orr.
Trahearne: As hope failed, an Orrian named Vizier Khilbron read the Lost Scrolls and unleashed an ancient curse.
Trahearne: The curse annihilated the charr army, but it destroyed Orr as well. A cataclysm plunged the nation into the ocean. Everything was lost.

At Azabe Qabar, the Royal Tombs:

Avatar of the Tree: This is the tomb of the kings of Orr. Walk inside, and seek truth.
Avatar of the Tree: But be warned—the future can change in the blink of an eye...

Speaking with the Last King of Orr before defeating the Eye of Zhaitan:

The Last King of Orr: We will speak, once you have proven your worth against these wretches.

Talking to the Last King of Orr (cinematic):

The Last King of Orr: To see the sky...feel once more the wind, and the sun...although my nation has drowned, a slow blood still pulses in its veins.
The Last King of Orr: Orr was once the heart of Tyria, so full of life. I was the last of a line of proud rulers. Now, my nation is enslaved.
The Last King of Orr: What do you seek here? Orr has nothing left to give, save ash and bones.
<Character name>: We came to fight Zhaitan. Can you give us counsel?
The Last King of Orr: Zhaitan can be defeated, but that will not save Orr. The land must be cleansed of this poison. Seek the source...
<Character name>: Is Zhaitan the source, or is there some other poison that fouls Orr? Please, tell us!
The Last King of Orr: Seek the source...Cleanse Orr...Seek...the source...

After the cinematic:

Trahearne: It was Zhaitan, the Elder Undead Dragon, that pulled Orr from the depths.
Trahearne: The massacre of Orr gave the dragon fertile ground to create its horrific army.
Trahearne: Zhaitan's power does not end here. In slaughter, its army grows stronger. Claw Island was just the beginning.
Trahearne: The dragons are destruction. They will not stop until all life on Tyria is destroyed.

Before confronting the Guardian of the Gate:

Avatar of the Tree: Your last challenge on the road to Arah will be the guardian of the gate. Beyond this...I cannot foretell.
Avatar of the Tree: Once before, I gave this sword to a beloved son. Now, I pass it on to you, Trahearne.
Avatar of the Tree: Its name is Caladbolg. Bear it with honor, and the sword will never fail you.
Avatar of the Tree: Test yourselves against the guardian, then return to me in the Grove.

Back in the Omphalos Chamber[edit]

Avatar of the Tree: Once more, you stand on sacred ground. Remember what you have seen. Speak with me, and I will guide you.

Talking to Trahearne before talking to Avatar of the Tree:

Trahearne: I am newly inspired...yet I feel as if the burden of my Wyld Hunt is growing even heavier.
Talk more option tango.png What troubles you about it? (if sylvari)
I must see Orr green again. But how? Can you say you looked upon that place and saw a blossoming future? Truly?
Talk end option tango.png The vision wasn't about certainties. It was about hope.
Talk more option tango.png Your Wyld Hunt? (if non-sylvari)
I am tasked by the Dream to cleanse Orr, so that it may grow and thrive once more. It's an impossible task.
Talk end option tango.png That doesn't mean we shouldn't try.

Talking to the Avatar of the Tree:

Avatar of the Tree: Orr has had all hope stripped from it. To confront the dragon you must first overcome your greatest fear, lest you be consumed by it. Tell me, what do you fear, <Character name>?
Talk quest choice tango.png That an innocent person who believed in me would die because I couldn't save them. (Let an innocent die story)
You are a good person, <Character name>. That you seek to protect the innocent shows your gentle heart. Hold fast to that earnestness; it will also be your strength.
Talk end option tango.png Thank you, Pale Tree. I will remember your wisdom.
Talk quest choice tango.png That I would fail so grievously that I would lose the respect of my comrades and be dishonored. (Dishonor my allies story)
It is good to hold friends in high regard, but better to live up to your own high ideals. Keep this in mind, if you find yourself alone.
Talk end option tango.png Thank you, Pale Tree. I will remember your wisdom.
Talk quest choice tango.png That one day through my actions I'd condemn someone to suffer in agony. (Make another suffer story)
Your heart is courageous but also kind. Hold fast to that, <Character name>, and remember that mistakes can be repaired, if you are strong enough to face them.
Talk end option tango.png Thank you, Pale Tree. I will remember your wisdom.
Talk end option tango.png I need some time to consider my answer, Mother Tree.

Cinematic after talking to Avatar of the Tree:

Avatar of the Tree: To know the future, even the mere possibility, can be a great burden. I am sorry, brave heroes, that you must walk this path.
Trahearne: Must these things come to pass, Mother? Must I take up Caladbolg and travel into the heart of Orr?
Avatar of the Tree: You must both take up this mantle. Trahearne, your duty is to cleanse Orr. Your friend shall aid you...and then face the dragon.
<Character name>: And Claw Island? Can we retake it and save Lion's Arch?
Avatar of the Tree: I believe so...but that will not be your first test. The dragon seeks to destroy its enemies before they can strike.
Avatar of the Tree: I see within the Dream that Zhaitan's forces enter battle—not against Lion's Arch, but at the heart of your Order.
<Character name>: My order headquarters? No! How could that be? How could Zhaitan even know...
Avatar of the Tree: Those who have been corrupted reveal everything to Zhaitan. Nothing is secret, least of all those places where his enemies hide.
<Character name>: If my friends are in danger, I have to go to them. They have no warning—they'll be slaughtered!
Trahearne: I will go with you. Our fates are bound together, and from this day forward, we fight as one.
Avatar of the Tree: Farewell, valiant souls. May your Wyld Hunt be successful, and may your courage illuminate the dark of night.

Talking to Avatar of the Tree after the cinematic:

Avatar of the Tree: I hope that the visions you saw will be of benefit.
Talk more option tango.png Was I really in Orr?
You were within a dream of Orr, composed of memories, fears, and hopes. Hope that one day Zhaitan will be destroyed.
Talk back option tango.png I have another question.
Talk end option tango.png I have a lot to think about. Excuse me.
Talk more option tango.png Will the things I saw come to pass?
They are possibilities, <Character name>. May you find the strength and spirit to craft the future of Tyria, and discover the salvation of Orr.
Talk back option tango.png I have another question.
Talk end option tango.png That is a heavy burden. I will do my best.
Talk end option tango.png I will use this knowledge to aid us.

Talking to Trahearne after the cinematic:

Trahearne: Our friends among your Order are in danger. We must act, <Character name>!
Talk end option tango.png Let's go.

Interacting with the portal back to the Grove:

Unknown: You are about to leave the story area.
Talk more option tango.png Return to the Grove.
Talk end option tango.png Cancel.

My story[edit]

A Light in the Darkness.jpg

The Pale Tree showed us a vision of Orr. Trahearne has pledged to find a way to heal that ruined land. For my part, I swear to find a way to defeat Zhaitan. These are dangerous, amazing times in Tyria's history. I hope I can live up to the Mother Tree's hopes for the future.

My story

Notes[edit]

  • When talking to Avatar of the Tree after the first cinematic but before entering the Dream of Dreams, charr and asura players get a dialogue option mentioning the sylvari tutorial's events, while sylvari characters do not.
  • After defeating the Gate Guardian, sometimes you will not be instanced back to The Grove. This causes you to have to start over.
  • If you move to the Avatar of the Tree too quickly you will soft-lock yourself out of the quest as Trahearne will not initiate conversation with her to advance the story.

Dialogue changes[edit]

When the Personal story was restored to its original form in the June 23, 2015 update, this mission underwent significant dialogue alteration for clarity and brevity. The above dialogue is accurate to the current version of the game, the below shows original dialogue that was cut or replaced.

  1. ^ Trahearne Hail, Mother of the Sylvari. We come to seek your wisdom.
    Avatar of the Tree Bide a while, Trahearne, my son. I have much to show you both.
    Avatar of the Tree: Come to me, dear one. Let me show you the way.
  2. ^ Trahearne: These monsters are horrific! Worse than the ones at Claw Island. How can we possibly defeat them?
  3. ^ Vision Trahearne: Together — charr and human, Priory and Vigil, all races and all paths of life; we stand against Zhaitan.
    Vision Trahearne: The dragon wants us to be afraid, because fear will tear us apart. Fear will destroy us!
    Vision Trahearne: But I tell you this — I am not afraid! I may die, but I will never kneel!
    Vision Trahearne: Did you feel that? It is the dragon who is afraid!
  4. ^ Trahearne I...I do not understand. Is this a vision of my future? But I'm a scholar. I'm no general!
  5. ^ Talking to Rytlock:
    Rytlock Brimstone: When Snaff died, so did the world's chance of survival. Logan traded the world for what? Puppy love?
    Talk more option tango.png Why can't you just forgive Logan?
    He admits nothing. He regrets nothing. I should never have trusted him in the first place.
    Talk end option tango.png I see.
    Talk end option tango.png We have to work together to defeat Zhaitan.
    Talking to Logan:
    Logan Thackeray: Snaff was my friend. Jennah, my...I had to choose.
    Talk more option tango.png Couldn't you have saved them both?
    They were a world apart. Jennah, trapped in Ebonhawke. Snaff, preparing to fight at Glint's side. Kralkatorrik coming ever closer.
    Talk more option tango.png But you could return to the others, make it right.
    No. I have to protect Jennah. I can't let Snaff's death be in vain. They'll never understand.
    Talk back option tango.png I have another question.
    Talk end option tango.png The decision haunts you.
    Talk more option tango.png Why is Rytlock so angry at you?
    When I left them, Rytlock took it the hardest.
    Talk back option tango.png I have another question.
    Talk end option tango.png I understand.
    Talk end option tango.png I don't envy you the decision, or the consequences.
  6. ^ Talking to Zojja:
    Zojja: Eir is useless, and the others are fools to follow her! I can beat the dragon myself. Watch me.
    Talk more option tango.png Will you really let your stubbornness condemn everyone?
    I call it perseverance. Don't even try to change my mind.
    Talk back option tango.png I have another question.
    Talk end option tango.png You'll see that we all need each other.
    Talk more option tango.png This isn't what Snaff would have wanted.
    Snaff would have wanted victory, not useless skinbags.
    Talk back option tango.png I have more questions.
    Talk end option tango.png Snaff was a hero. He deserves a better legacy than this.
    Talk end option tango.png This is no time for arguments.
    Talking to Eir:
    Eir Stegalkin: His ghost haunts me. I failed him. I failed all of them.
    Talk more option tango.png You didn't force Logan to leave. How is this your fault?
    I created the strategy. I gave Logan the option to leave. I should have forced him to stay.
    Talk more option tango.png You can't turn your back on Tyria because of one mistake.
    Leave me. This pain is too deep for words.
    Talk end option tango.png Tyria needs Destiny's Edge.
  7. ^ Caithe: I've tried so very hard. They can't stop arguing. They can't understand that the dragons are more important.
    Caithe: They'd throw everything away! I'm alone—and I'm tired.
    Faolain: No, my love. You are never alone, my love. I've always been here, waiting for you.
    Faolain: Come back to me. If the world must end, let us spend our last days in each other's arms.
    Caithe: I've missed you so much, my beloved Faolain. You're all I have left. For you...Yes. I will fall into Nightmare.

    Talking to Caithe:
    If I'm to die, let me die by her side.
    Talk more option tango.png You're the only one who still believes in Destiny's Edge.
    And what has that done for me? For Tyria? Nothing. Our fight is over. It's time to face the truth.
    Talk back option tango.png I have another question.
    Talk end option tango.png No, your fight is not over. Stay strong.
    Talk more option tango.png If you go to Nightmare, you can never come back.
    I do not choose this lightly, but Faolain is all that I have left.
    Talk back option tango.png I have another question.
    Talk end option tango.png I won't let it happen. I promise you that.
    Talk end option tango.png And how long will that last, when the dragons destroy the world?
  8. ^ Trahearne: Still angry over the loss of Ascalon, the charr had been waiting for a weakness like this to exploit.