A Splinter in the Flesh

A Splinter in the Flesh

Year

1325 AE

Storyline

Personal story

Chapter

Justice for Riannoc

Location

Omphalos Chamber
(The Grove)

Level

30

Race

Sylvari

Preceded by

A Vision of Darkness
Shattered Light
Eye of the Sun
Snuffing Out Embers

Followed by

Sharpened Thorns
Bramble Walls

Loading screen

A Splinter in the Flesh is a part of the Sylvari personal story. It starts the storyline, where the character has to choose an Order.

Objectives

Find your way back to the Pale Tree.

• Return to the Grove.
• Check your mail.

Meet Caithe in the Grove.

• Meet Caithe in Omphalos Chamber.
• Meet with the order representitives.
  [sic]
• Decide how to handle the threat at Overlake Haven.

Rewards

Click here to edit the reward data

All professions

•   Novice's Bag of Crafting Supplies
•   Bag of Loot (2)
•   8 Slot Invisible Bag

Profession-specific

• One of the following: Ravaging Scale Pauldrons, Strong Scale Pauldrons, Hearty Scale Pauldrons
• One of the following: Ravaging Outlaw Shoulders, Strong Outlaw Shoulders, Hearty Outlaw Shoulders
• One of the following: Ravaging Student Mantle, Strong Student Mantle, Hearty Student Mantle

Walkthrough

The player will be introduced to the representatives of the orders and has to decide how to handle the threat at Overlake Haven.

• Branthyn (The Vigil) - Deploy troops to the coastline in defense. This will lead to Sharpened Thorns.
• Iowerth (Durmand Priory) - Deploy experimental munitions golems in defense. This will lead to Bramble Walls

There is no combat in this mission.

NPCs

Allies

• Avatar of the Tree
• Branthyn
• Cai
• Caithe
• Citizen
• Farmer
• Guild Promoter
• Guild Registrar
• Iowerth
• Local
• Mercenary
• Merchant
• Sparkfly
• Trahearne
• Warden Scout
• Warden Ranger
• Worker
• Wyld Hunt Valiant

Dialogue

Caithe A Splinter in the Flesh Valiant, you are needed. The three Orders of Tyria are locked in an argument, and the Pale Tree wishes you to settle their differences. She calls upon you to be her Herald, her voice, in this issue...and I think there is more here than meets the eye. Return to the Grove at your earliest chance, and I will explain. —Caithe

The Grove

Cinematic in Upper Commons:

Caithe: Valiant. The Pale Tree summons you.

<Character name>: Is there a problem? It sounds like there's a commotion in the Omphalos Chamber.

Caithe: Those are the emissaries of the three Orders of Tyria. There is a...situation.

<Character name>: The Orders of Tyria? Who are they, and what's going on?

Caithe: The orders are organized groups that work against the Elder Dragons. The Vigil, the Durmand Priory, and the Order of Whispers.

Caithe: Zhaitan's might is growing. Its undead minions rise on the beaches of Kryta and the Tarnished Coast.

<Character name>: Why are the emissaries arguing? What am I walking into?

Caithe: To the north, Overlake Haven is in danger of being overrun. The Lionguard are outmatched by the Risen troops.

Caithe: We sylvari realize that all life is intertwined. If Zhaitan threatens one race, he threatens us all.

<Character name>: Then why are the orders arguing? Why don't they just do something about it?

Caithe: We think alike, you and I. Let us speak with the Mother Tree.

Arriving in the Omphalos Chamber:

Branthyn: Munition golems? You want to fight the Elder Dragons with toys and dollies?

Iowerth: Better than throwing away sylvari lives on a direct assault.

Branthyn: No one's throwing away lives. Vigil soldiers are the best-trained fighting force in Tyria!

Trahearne: Valiant, I'm glad you're here. They've been going on like this for an hour.

Trahearne: Everyone, please be silent. We are all assembled, and the Mother Tree wishes to speak.

Talking to NPCs before the Avatar of the Tree:

Caithe: No time for pleasantries, Valiant. Attend the Tree.

I shall.

Cai: Hail, <Character name>. Things around here are starting to get interesting, don't you think?

I need to find out what's going on. Excuse me.

Cinematic with emissaries upon approaching the Avatar of the Tree:

Avatar of the Tree: Greetings, Valiant. Today, you take the next steps on the journey of your Wyld Hunt.

Avatar of the Tree: Zhaitan's forces are gathering at Overlake Haven. The orders wish to defend the location, but their plans differ.

Avatar of the Tree: Valiant, I name you to be my herald in this matter. The Grove can only back one of these plans. May your Dream guide your decision.

<Character name>: I am honored, Mother Tree. I will do my best.

Branthyn: My name is Branthyn. I represent the Vigil. We can have a platoon arrayed at Overlake Haven immediately. Our soldiers can handle this situation.

Branthyn: In the Vigil, we prefer to fight our enemies head-on. The best way to protect the haven is to provide military force.

Iowerth: You're asking to risk countless lives. Herald, the Durmand Priory proposes a far safer course of action. My name is Iowerth.

Iowerth: The Priory wants to utilize experimental munitions golems to destroy the undead. We'll have no soldiers on the field at all.

Branthyn: Completely untested munitions golems! You're the one risking lives. What if your golems fail?

<Character name>: And you, emissary? You've been quiet through the whole argument.

Cai: I'm Cai, and I represent the Order of Whispers. I brought this situation to the Pale Tree's attention, but I'll leave the front-line fighting to the others.

<Character name>: Very well. Give me a moment to think this over, and then I'll decide.

Talking to NPCs before choosing an order to assist:

Avatar of the Tree: Act as my herald, and use the wisdom you have gained. The orders shall trust your judgment, as I do.

Can you tell me more about the orders?

Three powerful coteries of individuals, each dedicated to fighting the dragons. Their methods are distinct, but their hearts are all true.

What are their methods?

The Durmand Priory are scholars and explorers. The Vigil are soldiers and caretakers. The Order of Whispers are spies and manipulators.

I see. Let me ask you something else.

Thank you, Mother. Farewell.

Do you favor any of them?

Each order is unique, but their goal is the same: protect Tyria. I honor that with support for all three.

I see. May I ask something else?

I understand. Thank you, Mother.

Thank you for trusting me with this, Mother Tree.

Cai: Trouble, trouble everywhere. You don't yet know the half of it, Valiant.

What do you mean? Do you know something you're not telling?

Nothing that'll make a difference. You go look into this haven matter. I'll be here when you get back. Maybe we'll talk then.

What can you tell me about the Order of Whispers? (same as below)

All right, I suppose.

What can you tell me about the Order of Whispers?

The Order seeks to subtly influence the world's races and unify them against the dragons.

Influence? You mean manipulate. Sounds like a lot of trouble.

Makes sense.

I'll keep my eyes open. Thanks.

Caithe: Undead assaulting a fortified haven so openly? Something is driving them. Something dangerous.

I'll watch for any sign of it.

Trahearne: There's a problem at Overlake Haven.

Are you part of an order?

No, but I have worked with each of them, and I respect them a great deal.

Why haven't you joined an order?

Orr consumes all of my time. I cannot remain here on the continent while the land there cries out for aid.

I understand.

I believe so. I'll check it out.

Branthyn: Valiant <Character name>. I've heard impressive things about you. Like me, you never turn your back on a challenge, eh?

Before I decide, can you tell me more about your plan?

A Vigil squad punches through the undead sieging the haven. Once we've liberated the haven, a combined assault will be plenty to mop up the enemy.

Not bad. What do you think of the Priory's golems? (same as "I see that you don't think highly of the Priory's plan.")

Your plan is solid. Let's do it.

I'll get back to you on this.

I see that you don't think highly of the Priory's plan.

This is war, not kiddie-playground time! Experiments? Bah. On the battlefield, you need trust, not...dabbling!

Tell me your plan one more time? (same as "Before I decide, can you tell me more about your plan?")

You've got me convinced. We'll do it your way.

I need some time to think this over.

Can you tell me more about the Vigil?

The Vigil is a militia composed of all the races of Tyria. We fight the dragons, and we protect the innocent.

That's good to know. I'm looking forward to learning more.

Good to know. Hm. I need some more time before I decide.

I need to think about this

Iowerth: I'm glad you're considering the more innovative option. The Durmand Priory prizes sharp minds like yours, Valiant.

Thanks. What can you tell me about these experimental munitions golems?

I'd hate to spoil the surprise, but they're exceptional. Mine-laying, explosive-repercussion just need a field test or three.

You think they're better than the Vigil's plan? (same as "It sounds like you don't think highly of the Vigil's plan.")

I'm convinced. Let's use the golems.

I need a moment to decide.

It sounds like you don't think highly of the Vigil's plan.

Hmph. Do you really call "hit them until they're dead" a plan? Why risk so many soldiers when we have golems?

Experimental golems. What do they do, again?

I'm in. We'll use the golems.

I need to think about this.

Can you tell me a little more about the Durmand Priory, first?

I certainly can! We are Tyria's most elite scholars and archeologists. We search for lore to use against the dragons.

Makes sense. May I ask something else?

Good to know. I'm looking forward to learning more.

I'll get back to you on this.

After a choice has been made:

Cai: I'll be watching how things go. When you get back, we'll talk.

Before I go, tell me about the Order of Whispers.

Information is our trade. Along with other intriguing things. You'll learn more about us soon.

I can't wait.

I'll remember you said that. Thanks.

If the Vigil plan is chosen:

Branthyn: I'm glad to see you have courage, Herald. You'll be an asset to the haven's defense.

Branthyn: I will rally the Vigil troops and meet you near Overlake Haven.

Iowerth: Don't worry, Branthyn. The Priory will have our munitions golems ready if you fail.

Branthyn: Excellent choice. Together, we'll wreck those walking piles of rot and liberate the haven!

I look forward to it!

Iowerth: A shame. Well, best of luck to you and the Vigil.

Thank you. That's very gracious.

Trahearne: Vigil assaults can be dangerous, but with courage, they deliver unquestionable results. Good luck.

Are you part of an order?

No, but I have worked with each of them, and I respect them a great deal.

Why haven't you joined an order?

Orr consumes all of my time. I cannot remain here on the continent while the land there cries out for aid.

I understand.

Noted. Thank you.

If the Durmand Priory plan is chosen:

Iowerth: Excellent choice, Herald. Trust me, you'll be very impressed with the Priory's plan.

Iowerth: Scholar Kekt and the munitions golems will meet you at Overtake Haven.

Branthyn: Enjoy playing with your little toys, Iowerth. If it goes badly, the Vigil will be here.

Branthyn: A shame. Would've liked to see you on the battlefield. Maybe some other time?

Perhaps. Take care.

Iowerth: Excellent. I'll meet you near Overlake Haven. Our golems will put those soldiers to shame!

I appreciate the enthusiasm. See you there.

Notes

• This part of the story introduces you to the three orders; you are not making a final decision about which to join.

My story

“ Caithe has called me home, to help her investigate some trouble. I shall seek out the Pale Tree and see how I can be of service. The undead threat at Overlake Haven must be addressed, before more innocents are killed. The Pale Tree has left it in my hands to decide how to handle the problem. — My story

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Sylvari storyline