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Beast of War

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Disambig icon.png This article is about the Path of Fire story chapter. For the item, see Beasts of War.

Beast of War

Year
1330 AE
Storyline
Path of Fire
Chapter
Beast of War
Location
Forum Highlands
(Domain of Vabbi)
Level
80
Preceded by
Enemy of My Enemy
Followed by
To Kill a God
API
483

Beast of War loading screen.jpg

Click to enlarge

Beast of War is the eleventh chapter of the Path of Fire storyline

  • As of at least 3/1/2022, there is an issue mounting halfway through the mission
  • As a workaround you need to drop Sohothin using your weapon swap key. Then mount. Sohothin will re-equip itself once you dismount. [1]

Objectives[edit]

Stop Balthazar's campaign to destroy Kralkatorrik.
  • Travel to the Kodash Bazaar and await Balthazar's arrival.
  • Check in with your team.
  • Rytlock wishes to speak to you directly.
  • Check in with the Awakened generals.
  • (Engage and destroy the forged.)
  • Engage and cull the Forged army.
    Event bar empty2.jpgEvent swords (tango icon).png
  • Veteran Forged Assembler
    Event bar.jpgEvent boss (tango icon).png
  • Enter the Bazaar, and ascertain where the Warbeast has gone.
  • Veteran Forged Assembler
    Event bar.jpgEvent boss (tango icon).png
  • Pursue the Warbeast.
  • (Clear out the Forged and Branded that block your path.)
  • Veteran Forged Assembler
    Event bar.jpgEvent boss (tango icon).png
  • Pursue the Warbeast.
  • (Destroy Veteran Forged Assemblers to gain access to the Warbeast.)
  • Destroy the Forged Assemblers keeping the barrier active. killed:[sic] x/3
  • Destroy the Warbeast using Sohothin's power.
  • Confront Balthazar.

Rewards[edit]

Walkthrough[edit]

Travel to Vehtendi Arena to start the instance, and talk to your team. Rytlock gives you his sword Sohothin, which comes with its own skills. The skills (2) and (3) reduce the cooldown of the powerful skills (4) and (5).

Join up with your undead forces to await Balthazar's assault. As the Forged appear, use Sohothin to help put them down. Eventually, Balthazar's Warbeast breaks open the gate. Follow it, taking down the Forged Assembler boss in your way by destroying his three shield generators and then himself.

Follow the indicated path on a Skimmer until you arrive at another battlefield. Again, destroy the Forged Assembler after taking out his shield generators. Mount up and follow the Warbeast on the indicated path, jumping the canyon on your Raptor. Continue taking out Forged Assemblers, while otherwise leaving the Branded and Forged to fight each other. Use your Springer as required to progress.

Eventually you catch up with the Warbeast at the top of the pyramid. Destroy it, prioritizing the regularly summoned Forged and shield generators. It is much easier to avoid the copious AoE attacks during this fight — first only from the Warbeast, later from Kralkatorrik as well — with the use of a ranged weapon instead of Sohothin. (You can switch to your own weapons by dropping the bundle using the Switch Weapons button/keybind. It then turns into the special action skill Unsheathe Sohothin.)

In addition to the Warbeast's telegraphed attacks, watch out for the following:

  • From time to time it spins around, and smashes the ground in front with its tail. To avoid this, use a long range weapon (eg. longbow) and attack from around one of the front corners (rather than from the center), or dodge roll when the Warbeast starts to spins.
  • In later phases it sometimes tiptoes to one side of the combat area, and shoots a laser on the other side. Immediately follow the Warbeast to the side that it moved to, as the laser turns the entire other half of the area into dark flames that instantly down you.
  • Avoid moving under the Warbeast's trunk. If you do, it drops down on you, immediately downing you. If you're still under it a few seconds later, it drops on you again, killing you.
    • Note, however, that the respawn if you die is at the entrance to the room.

The mission ends when you finish off the Warbeast, but you are then immediately thrust into your final confrontation with Balthazar.

Achievements[edit]

This achievement rewards items. Beast of War Path of Fire: Act 3 Path of Fire mastery point 1Achievement points
Complete the Beast of War mission.Journal: Beast of War Completed
Reward: Kournan Coin.pngStash of Kournan Coins
Completed Beast of War 1Achievement points
Beastcatcher Path of Fire: Act 3 5Achievement points
Catch up to the Warbeast in under 15 minutes.Story Mission: Beast of War Caught the Beast in Record Time 5Achievement points
  • This achievement can be completed in the same run as Destroy Additional Pylons, though it will be easier if you skip the optional pylons (w/o Assemblers).
  • Required pylons can be killed more rapidly using mount damage. If you have access to a skyscale, its fireball does ~80% of a pylon's health per shot, and can be used to weaken or even kill every pylon before engaging the Assembler miniboss in each area.
    • Note that if you kill pylons with mount damage, they will not count for Destroy Additional Pylons.
  • The only targets you need to kill are the Assembler miniboss, and any pylons protecting it. Once the Assembler is down, you can run forwards past the rest of the Forged until you break combat and can mount up again.
  • Credit is given a few seconds after Balthazar finishes his speech and exclaims "You took advantage of Grenth's absence to escape the Domain of the Lost, but your resurrection is over", so make sure there is at least ~30s left on the timer before arriving at the top of the pyramid.
  • Achievement qualification may be tracked via the Achievement effect.png Beastcatcher effect.
Destroy Additional Pylons Path of Fire: Act 3 2Achievement points
Destroy all of the Forged Pylons, preceding the Warbeast, in the "Beast of War" chapter without dying.Story Mission: Beast of War Destroyed All Forged Pylons 2Achievement points
  • There are 21 pylons in total:
    • 3 around the first Assembler mini-boss
    • 7 around the second Assembler, after the Skimmer quicksand section
    • 4 around the third Assembler, after the Raptor cliff jump section
    • 3 at intervals between the first Springer stable and the first wall requiring a Springer to scale, the last of which protecting the fourth Assembler.
    • 3 at intervals on the level after jumping up the above wall, the middle of which protecting the fifth Assembler.
    • 1 final pylon protecting the sixth Assembler, after using a Springer to jump up the final wall/scaffold, immediately before the staircase up to the Warbeast fight.
  • If a pylon is killed entirely via mount damage, including a Skyscale's fireball, it won't count for the achievement.
    • A skyscale's fireball does ~80% of a pylon's health in damage, so one fireball can be used on each without losing eligibility.
    • As long as the killing blow is done using Sohothin or your own weapons, it will count.
  • If the story instance is entered as a team, each member is required to damage every pylon in order for them to get the achievement.
  • Achievement is awarded upon entering conversation with Balthazar at the end of this chapter, immediately prior to fighting the Warbeast.
  • Achievement qualification may be tracked via the Achievement effect.png Destroy Additional Pylons effect.
    • Note that the achievement qualification effect will not be removed if a pylon is destroyed entirely via mount damage, but the achievement will still not be awarded.
Speed Bumps Path of Fire: Act 3 1Achievement points
Make it through the quicksand without hitting a Branded crystal.Story Mission: Beast of War Avoided Branded Crystals 1Achievement points
  • This achievement involves crossing the quicksand in such a way that you don't touch any of the Branded Crystals that popup and act as landmines.
  • Since the skimmer is quite hard to control, if you are having difficulty you could pair up with a mesmer player who can portal you (in multiple steps) from one end of the quicksand to the other.
  • It is possible to avoid the Branded Crystals altogether while still maintaining eligibility for the achievement by going through/above the buildings to the left, then transitioning to the centre area using gliding skills. However, be aware that the area close to Tournament Battlegrounds is considered to be quicksand, so it is best to stay on the ground and not on top of the structures in that area.
  • Absolutely trivialized with a skyscale, as there are multiple buildings along the side of the quicksand that the skyscale can use to refresh flight endurance.
  • Achievement is awarded upon passing through the area immediately after the first area of quicksand (if using a Skyscale mount, you need to land immediately after the quicksand).
  • Achievement qualification may be tracked via Achievement effect.png Speed Bumps effect.

NPCs[edit]

Allies[edit]

Asura
Awakened
Charr
Dragons
Humans
Junundu
Mounts
Sylvari

Foes[edit]

Branded
Elder Dragons
Forged
Gods

Objects[edit]

Dialogue[edit]

Checking in with your team
Canach: So, that's "Joko's finest." Wretched-looking group.
Rytlock Brimstone: Still, they're about to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us on the battlefield, so a little respect...
Lady Kasmeer Meade: Oh, Commander. The Awakened troops are here, but no sign of Balthazar yet.
<A roar can be heard>
<Character Name>: And there's Kralkatorrik, which means we're not too late. I should check in with our Awakened allies before Balthazar arrives. Kas?
Lady Kasmeer Meade: Coming up.
Lady Kasmeer Meade: Let's hope this is the last time.
Rytlock Brimstone: Commander, wait...
Speaking with Kasmeer (optional)
<Character Name>: You know, Kas, if you'd rather sit this one out, we'd all understand.
Lady Kasmeer Meade: Balthazar killed you—my commander. He killed Vlast and kidnapped Aurene. He would destroy my homeland in pursuit of revenge.
Lady Kasmeer Meade: Some gods just need to have their immortality revoked.
Speaking with Canach (optional)
Canach: Leading a borrowed army of corpses into battle against the god of war? Wish I'd known your plan when I bet on you at the casino.
Canach: But I have enjoyed working with you, Commander. I guess settling our personal debt has had its own value.
<Character Name>: You don't owe me anything. As I recall, you volunteered to join me out there, so I'd say I now owe you.
Canach: That's what I meant. Holding a marker from someone like you is worth far more than gold.
Speaking with Rytlock
Rytlock Brimstone: I got us into this mess over Sohothin, but you can get us out of it.
Rytlock Brimstone: Thinking back, I now know what Kormir meant. "Undo this wrong. The means are in your grasp." You should have it.
<Character Name>: No. Sohothin is yours.
Rytlock Brimstone: The only thing that matters is stopping Balthazar. When he sees you're not dead, he'll turn his full fury on you and no one else.
Rytlock Brimstone: He won't expect you to have it, which makes this our best hope.
<Character Name>: I'm honored, Tribune. I'll bring it back in one piece.
Rytlock Brimstone: Yes, you will.
Canach: Commander, I hesitate to mention, but...according to the Order, there are three other entrances to the bazaar in addition to this main gate.
Canach: Joko's marshals have dispatched soldiers to each location, but they themselves have chosen to remain here.
Lady Kasmeer Meade: If Balthazar shows up at any of those other gates, the Awakened won't stand a chance without leadership.
Rytlock Brimstone: Three out of four chance that Balthazar could just waltz into town? Seems awful risky.
<Character Name>: I agree—you three should coordinate the armies at each gate. I'll stay here since the marshals have already accepted my leadership.
Rytlock Brimstone: Works for me.
Canach: Good luck to you, Commander.
<Character Name>: Good luck to us all.
Checking in with the Awakened generals
Troopmarshal Olori Ogun: Archon, the Awakened are assembled and await your orders.
<Character Name>: Troopmarshal, focus your troops on the Forged infantry. Marshal Eranko's mounted corps will disrupt their snipers. Marshal Ekolo...
<Character Name>: Wurmmarshal, where is your unit?
Wurmmarshal Osa Ekolo: There, on the front line. Our ranks have shrunk as my wurms have been sacrificed for the greater good.
Wurmmarshal Osa Ekolo: But a single, properly trained junundu can wreak more havoc than a hundred of Ogun's worthless wurm-eating grunts.
<Character Name>: Then you target the elite Forged and keep them off our backs as best you can.
Awakened Soldier: Archon! Forged scouts on the ridge.
<Character Name>: Awakened, take your positions! In Joko's name, let's give Balthazar a proper desert welcome.
Awakened Soldier: Form up and prepare for battle.
<Character Name>: Marshals, you have your orders. Go!
Awakened Soldier: Remember, the archon speaks for Joko. Obey the archon as you would our king!
As the Warbeast approaches
Wurmmarshal Osa Ekolo: Look! Balthazar's monster!
Wurmmarshal Osa Ekolo: The warbeast is through the gate!
<Character Name>: And so is the scion. Hold on, Aurene! We're coming.
Veteran Forged Assembler: Balthazar commands...no one follows!
<Character Name>: Out of my way!
Entering the Bazaar
<Character Name>: Hold the line here! I'm going after Balthazar.
Troopmarshal Olori Ogun: For Joko!
<Character Name>: Right.
<Character Name>: Quicksand.
Taimi: Commander...
<Character Name>: Not now, Taimi.
Taimi: (static)...In the Dragon Lab... (static)...Still doing..(static)...research on the...(static)...in Kesho...
<Character Name>: I can't understand what you're saying.
Taimi: (static) ...Sadizi said...(static) ...Balance...(static) ...Elder Dragons...
<Character Name>: Taimi? Taimi...?
Approaching the second pylon
Veteran Forged Assembler: Balthazar commands...no one follows!
<Character Name>: Heard that before.
Approaching the raptor puzzle
<Character Name>: I'll never make it across on foot.
Taimi: ...Commander...
Taimi: ...The Exalted...(static)...the gods...
<Character Name>: What just happened? Why did it get quiet?
<Character Name>: Taimi? Are you still there?
Approaching the third pylon
Veteran Forged Assembler: Balthazar commands—
<Character Name>: No one follows! I know.
Approaching the springer puzzle
<Character Name>: Oh, no...
<Character Name>: Only one way up those walls—jump.
Confronting Balthazar and the Warbeast
Balthazar: Impossible. I ended you!
<Character Name>: I'm here to free Aurene from that thing.
Balthazar: You took advantage of Grenth's absence to escape the Domain of the Lost, but your resurrection is over.
<Character Name>: No more running, Balthazar. Face me!
When the Warbeast reaches 75%
Balthazar: Now, fire! Fire at will! Destroy the dragon!
<Character Name>: What does it take to finish this thing?
<Character Name>: Guess I'm not the only one who can wound an Elder Dragon.
Balthazar: While my warbeast charges for another volley, you have my full attention. Defend yourself, insect!
When the Warbeast reaches 50%
<Character Name>: Your machine's breaking down, Balthazar!
<Character Name>: I've got to protect Kralkatorrik...and I can't believe I just said that.
<Character Name>: Kralkatorrik can't take much more!
When the Warbeast reaches 25%
<Character Name>: Stay with me, Aurene. It won't be long now.
One of the following at random:
Balthazar: Behold: even the ire of an Elder Dragon bounces off its protective shield!
Balthazar: The Crystal Dragon dares to fight back? Ha! My warbeast is supreme!
<Character Name>: Looks like Kralkatorrik isn't going to sit this one out.
<Character Name>: Is Kralkatorrik helping me...or just firing blind?
After destroying the Warbeast
If ???:
<Character Name>: Looks like your giant windup toy wasn't built to last.
If ???:
<Character Name>: Your machine's down. You've failed!
Balthazar: Your joy confounds me. Do you think this is over?
Balthazar: The scion is still mine. The dragon is near death. You will not keep me from my destiny!

References[edit]

My story[edit]

Beast of War loading screen.jpg

I rallied my guildmates and my borrowed Awakened troops outside the Kodash Bazaar. Kasmeer had fully overcome her hesitation about fighting Balthazar, his actions having negated any lingering reverence she may have held for him—and not a moment too soon. Balthazar appeared atop a massive mechanical monstrosity he called the Warbeast: a terrifying hybrid of living creature and armored siege engine. This is what Balthazar and the Forged were building in Glint's Lair: a piece of ordnance that could contain and transport Aurene, then use her as a weapon to kill Kralkatorrik. With Aurene helpless inside his Warbeast, Balthazar marched his creation forward to confront Kralkatorrik.
Fortunately, Rytlock put our shared mission first and loaned me his sword Sohothin, predicting that it would give me a decisive edge that Balthazar would not be expecting.

Rytlock was right, but even with Sohothin, it took all my riding and combat skills to catch and disable the Warbeast. As it was, I didn't get to it in time before it directly engaged Kralkatorrik, and it actually did serious damage to the Elder Dragon before I was able to destroy it.
But Balthazar refused to give up. If he was thrown off by my coming back to life, or Sohothin, or my victory over his Warbeast, he remained true to form and didn't let that distract him from his objective. He took Aurene and declared he would use her to finish what the Warbeast started: killing the Elder Dragon Kralkatorrik.

My story