Champion's Sacrifice

Champion's Sacrifice

Year

1325 AE

Storyline

Personal story

Chapter

Helping Hands

Location

Archen Foreland
(Bloodtide Coast)

Level

50

Choice

Hylek

Preceded by

Mightier than the Sword
An Apple a Day
Minister's Defense
Quaestor's Siege

Followed by

Convincing the Faithful
Chosen of the Sun

API

267

Loading screen

Champion's Sacrifice is part of the personal story for asura, human, norn, or sylvari characters who choose racial sympathy with the hylek.

Objectives

Speak to the local hylek about the sacrificial offerings.

• Meet your mentor near Archen Foreland and visit the hylek village.
• Speak with the distraught hylek.
• Help Ikniu find his brother.
• Clear the undead from the sacrificial grounds.
• Put down the undead champion Sabiti.
• Recover Sabiti's head as proof.
• Escort Ikniu and the proof back to the village.
• Show the proof to the hylek chief.
• Speak with Ikniu.
• Speak with your mentor and choose a course of action.

Rewards

Click here to edit the reward data

All professions

• Bag of Loot (5)

Profession-specific

• One of the following: Stalwart's Chausses, Slayer's Chausses, Inquisitor's Chausses
• One of the following: Stalwart's Leggings, Slayer's Leggings, Inquisitor's Leggings
• One of the following: Stalwart's Pants, Slayers Pants, Inquisitor's Pants

Walkthrough

The quest starts on the Bloodtide Coast, which is a 45-55 zone. However, the instance entrance is right at the Archen Foreland waypoint when you enter the zone from Lion's Arch, and there is little risk of meeting higher level enemies if you choose to do this quest at the prescribed level (50).

The mission begins with the player encountering a Distraught Hylek named Ikniu speaking with a Hylek guard. Ikniu reveals that his brother, the village champion Sabiti had volunteered to be a sacrifice. Ikniu asks the player to rescue Sabiti.

The player's party discovers the sacrificial grounds is overrun with Risen, and that Sabiti has also been turned into an undead. After defeating Sabiti, Ikniu suggest taking Sabiti's head back to the village to show the hylek chief and priestess to convince them from performing more sacrifices in the future. The gate to the village will not open until Ikniu walks close to it.

The player finds the priestess is absent from the village, and Ikniu suggest two ways to proceed: either confront the priestess or win a hylek tournament. This choice affects which subsequent quest the player is given. Speak to your mentor to finalize the choice.

NPCs

Allies

Hylek

• Chief Quecuan
• Hylek Amini
• Hylek Cuicani
• Hylek Guard
• Hylek Nahualli
• Hylek Lead Guard
• Hylek Tlamatini
• Ikniu / Distraught Hylek

Various (Mentor)

• Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw
• Magister Sieran
• Warmaster Forgal Kernsson

Foes

Ambient creatures

• Mosquito

Crustaceans

• Hermit Crab
• Manta Ray
• Ornery Crab

Drakes

• Marsh Drake
• Marsh Drake Hatchling

Moas

• Blue Moa Bird

Raptors

• Jungle Raptor
• Jungle Raptor Hatchling

Risen

• Corrupted Sabiti
• Risen Brute
• Risen Human
• Risen Plague Carrier
• Risen Thrall

Skales

• Ridgeback Skale

Dialogue

Entering the instance:

If Durmand Priory:

Magister Sieran: A Practical Guide to Hylek Tribes says this one is friendly, but insular.

Magister Sieran: I suspect "friendly" means "not hostile yet," so we'll need to win their trust.

If Order of Whispers:

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: You like hylek, right? I know a bit about them myself. See? I'm not completely useless.

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: This tribe doesn't like outsiders much, so we'll need to win their trust.

If Vigil:

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: We've got to tread lightly. These hylek are extremely suspicious of outsiders.

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: We need to gain their trust. That means none of your grandstanding, youngster.

Talking to your mentor before approaching the hylek:

Magister Sieran: Keep in mind: these frogs aren't for gigging. The hylek are a proud and formidable race, and they have little patience with outsiders.

I'll be careful.

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: Never saw many hylek in the Black Citadel. I think the heat from the Great Imperial Smelter would dry 'em right out. What I do know is that they do NOT like outsiders. Let's stay on our toes.

Understood, partner.

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: Watch your step among these hylek, Crusader. They don't like strangers. We may need someone on the inside to help us.

It's worth a try.

Approaching the two hylek:

Distraught Hylek: Please, my brother served with you for many years. Help me save him.

Hylek Guard: Your brother fought for the right to be our champion. Why would you take that honor from him?

Talking to your mentor after listening to their conversation:

Magister Sieran: That hylek we saw talking to the guard might be worth cultivating. If we help him with his problem, maybe he'll introduce us to the tribal bigwigs. Wait. Do frogs wear wigs?

No idea. But let's approach that hylek.

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: Okay, that hylek? The one who was arguing with the guard? He needs help. If we help him, he may get us in good with the tribal leaders.

It's worth a try.

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: There. You see that one? He's got a problem, and so do we. If we help him, he may well decide to help us.

It's worth a try.

Talking to the guard at the hylek grounds:

Hylek Guard: Stay back, outsider. You may not enter the village without an escort or permission.

All right. But I'll be back.

Cinematic with Ikniu:

If Durmand Priory:

Magister Sieran: Hi there, hylek! I'm Sieran from the Durmand Priory. We heard you talking to that guard. Maybe we can help.

If Order of Whispers:

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw : Greetings, my amphibious friend. We heard you talking to that guard. Maybe we can help.

If Vigil:

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: You there. We're from the Vigil, and we're here about the sacrifices. We heard you talking to that guard. Maybe we can help.

Ikniu: I don't know...but I do need help. My brother was our champion. He offered himself as a sacrifice to save our village.

Ikniu: They say it is an honor...but the champions never return, and we just keep sending more. I want to rescue my brother before it's too late.

<Mentor>: Maybe we can help each other. If you get us in to speak with your leaders, we'll come with you to save your brother.

Ikniu: I can do that. I'd do anything to have my brother back. Come this way.

After the cinematic:

Ikniu: This way. If we want to save him, we'll have to hurry.

Talking to mentor and Ikniu after the cinematic:

Ikniu: Follow me to the sacrificial grounds. My brother Sabiti will still be there. I pray we are not too late to help him.

Let's go.

Magister Sieran: I've read about hylek sacrificial grounds, but I've never seen one. OI' Gixx will be so impressed when I tell—oh, who am I kidding? He's just going to be all grumpy about it. Like always.

If we complete this mission, he'll have to be impressed.

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: This is one of the reasons the charr gave up on gods: sooner or later, someone always insists they need a blood sacrifice.

Let's just keep moving and see what we can learn.

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: We have to save this Sabiti if we can. The hylek have already lost too much, and given Zhaitan too many soldiers. Plus, the more we do for Iknu, the more likely he is to back us.

Got it.

At the sacrificial grounds:

Ikniu: That is where they take the sacrifices. Stay close.

Talking to mentor and Ikniu near the sacrificial grounds:

Ikniu: Undead massing on our sacred sacrificial grounds? We must destroy them.

No argument here.

Magister Sieran: Well, this is bad with a capital "B." The "a" and "d" are pretty big, too.

Less spelling, more fighting.

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: Whoa! Look at that. Nobody told me undead hylek were this ugly.

Keep it down. One of them is Ikniu's brother.

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: Undead ahead. This is why we need all races to work together against the dragons. If we don't, Zhaitan and the others will destroy us one tribe at a time.

Right. Let's take 'em down!

In-game cut scene entering the sacred grounds tunnel:

Ikniu: There's my brother—no! What have they done to him?

If Durmand Priory:

Magister Sieran: Wait! Don't—don't go in there alone! Everyone's always telling me, "Don't go in there alone!"

If Order of Whispers:

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: Don't let him rush in by himself! It's too dangerous!

If Vigil:

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: Stop him! That fool frog is gonna get himself killed!

Cinematic after killing Sabiti:

Ikniu: This...thing is not my brother. My brother was a hero, a champion. The undead turned him into this, and it was the priests who sent him here! Unforgivable!

If Durmand Priory:

Magister Sieran: I'm sorry about your brother. But yes, each village champion becomes another undead soldier in the dragon's army. We want to stop this, too.

If Order of Whispers:

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: Absolutely. The way we see it, each village champion becomes another undead soldier in the dragon's army. We have to stop this.

If Vigil:

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: Yes, it's shameful. Each village champion becomes another undead soldier in the dragon's army. We have to stop this.

Ikniu: Then we'll need to prove it. Take the head from this undead thing. When the priests and chief see it, they'll have to believe us.

If Durmand Priory:

Magister Sieran: Astonishing and gruesome, but effective. You hylek know how to make a point. Look away, Ikniu, and we'll do it.

If Order of Whispers:

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: And I thought my people were ruthless. But it's an effective argument. We'll do it.

If Vigil:

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: I admire your determination. Such a shocking display would be very persuasive. Leave the rest to us.

Talking to your mentor and Ikniu after killing Corrupted Sabiti:

Ikniu: This... thing is not my brother. Help me collect its head. I'll carry it back to the village. That should convince the high priestess that our champions are being corrupted.

If that's what you want, leave it to me.

Magister Sieran: Wow. Head on a stick, eh? I can't deny, it's irrefutable evidence. I hope it's enough to convince the tribe.

That makes two of us.

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: I've seen a few arguments that ended with someone's head on a stick. Don't think I've ever seen one used to prove a point, though. Do you think it'll work?

It has to. Anyone can see that's an undead head.

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: Raven's beak, these hylek aren't slaves to sentiment, are they? I just hope this grisly keepsake is enough to convince the rest of the tribe.

That makes two of us.

Talking to Ikniu after beheading Corrupted Sabiti:

Ikniu: I will not let Sabiti die in vain. The chief and high priestess must see the truth.

We'll make them see it. I promise.

At the gate to the hylek village:

Ikniu: Now do you see? It's like I told you, our champions are returning as undead.

Hylek Guard: I see. You may pass. Show that to the high priestess right away.

In the hylek village:

Hylek Amini: I'm eager to see who the next champion will be. May the sun god smile on him...or her.

Hylek Tlamatini: All light, all life, all goodness comes from the Sun. Without the Sun, chaos and disease flourish.

Hylek Amini: Is that why we call the undead "Sunless"? Because they have no light, no life, no good in them?

Hylek Tlamatini: Move. The chief wants me to improve my aim, so I need to get to that turret.

Hylek Nahualli: Not now. There are strangers in town.

Cinematic after presenting Corrupted Sabiti's head to the leaders:

Ikniu: We must speak to the High Priestess! We have proof that the champions are being killed and turned into undead.

Hylek Amini: I've seen your proof, but the high priestess is not here. She's gone to prepare for the procession.

Hylek Amini: She doesn't know Sabiti, and she's tired of hearing this from you. She'll say that head could be anybody's and dismiss you as a troublemaker.

If Durmand Priory:

Magister Sieran: We took it straight from the undead thing Sabiti had become. How else can we prove your sacrifices are actually making things worse?

Magister Sieran: On second thought, never mind. Leave it to us. The Priory won't rest until we help Ikniu convince your leaders.

If Order of Whispers:

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: But we took it straight from the undead thing Sabiti had become. What do we do have to do to prove your sacrifices are actually making things worse?

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: I don't suppose you can answer that question. Come on, Ikniu. We'll find another way to convince your leaders.

If Vigil:

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: We took it straight from the undead thing that Sabiti had become. What will it take to prove your sacrifices are actually making things worse?

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: This is pointless. Come on. Ikniu. We'll have to find another way to convince your leaders.

Talking to NPCs before Iknui:

Magister Sieran: I've got the basics of hylek culture down, and a few of the finer points. If you want an more informed opinion, talk to Ikniu.

Thanks, I will.

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: We're deep into hylek stuff at this point. Not sure if I have the information you need, but I bet Ikniu does.

I'll check with him.

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: I'm out of my depths here, but we do have an expert nearby. Ikniu may be able to help.

Good idea.

Chief Quecuan: You don't belong here. Who are you? What do you want?

I want to help you. Your sacrifices only add to Zhaitan's army.

You know nothing. The sacrifices are a sacred tradition among my people, ordained by the Sun God and consecrated by the High Priestess Ecolotl herself.

I have proof. Look what happened to your last champion.

That is disturbing, but the high priestess favors the offerings. She speaks for the Sun God. She is our spiritual leader. She is not here. I cannot help you.

Then I'll find a way to make you listen.

Very well. I'll find some other way of convincing you.

Excuse me, I'll be right back.

Hylek Lead Guard: Stop. This is the high priestess's sacred cloister. You may not enter.

Your tribe's future depends on the high priestess seeing the proof that we brought.

So you say. But our tribe's future lies in the hands of the chief, the high priestess, and the Sun God. Only they can decide if your proof is valid.

Very well.

All right.

Talking with Ikniu after cinematic:

Ikniu: I wanted to confront the high priestess as well as Chief Quecuan. Since she's not here, we'll have to try something else.

What did you have in mind?

I know where High Priestess Ecolotl will be. A procession is bringing her ritual supplies to her cloister in Lorantl Grounds. They'll lead us to her and we can show her our proof.

That sounds solid. Are there any other options?

The Tournament of the Sun is about to start. Whoever wins gains the Sun God's favor, and is said to speak with the Sun God's voice. My people would definitely listen to such a champion.

I understand. Let me confer with my mentor before we decide.

I need a moment to consider.

Give me a moment to think this over.

<Mentor> beckons to <Character name>.

Talking to your mentor to make a decision:

Magister Sieran: We've got to make these hylek listen. How should we win them over: convince the high priestess directly, or try to become their tournament champion?

What do you know about the high priestess?

According to my research. the Sun God's officiant rules over all hylek spiritual matters. If we travel to Lorantl Grounds and convince Ecolotl, lkniu's tribe should follow.

What do you know about the tournament? (same as below)

I'm ready to decide. (same as below)

Thanks for the information.

What do you know about the tournament?

Just a bit. It's a series of challenges testing contestants' strength, speed, and skill. The winner "speaks with the Sun God's voice," which has to be a good thing to have on our side.

What about the high priestess? (same as above)

I'm ready to decide. (same as below)

Thanks for the information.

I'm ready to decide.

You're so decisive when you're deciding. I can't wait: what's it going to be?

I'll participate in the tournament.

Excellent! I love a good show. I'll coordinate with lkniu and we'll meet you at the tournament grounds.

See you there.

Let's confront the high priestess.

All right! Up close and personal with a hylek high priestess. I'll get lkniu to meet us and we'll follow her procession straight to her.

Sounds good.

Let me think about it awhile longer.

Let me give it some more thought.

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: We've got to get the hyleks'[sic] attention before they'll listen. Should we try to win their tournament, or track down their high priestess?

Tell me about the high priestess.

All I know for sure is that hylek clergy carry a lot of weight in their society. If we can reach Lorantl Grounds and convince Ecolotl, the rest of the tribe is bound to follow suit.

What about the tournament? (same as "Tell me about the tournament.")

I'm ready to decide. (same as below)

I need more time to think.

Tell me about the tournament.

It's a series of challenges that tests a competitor's strength, skill, and speed. Winners are blessed with the "voice of the Sun God," which means these nice folks might actually listen.

What about the high priestess? (same as "Tell me about the high priestess.")

I'm ready to decide. (same as below)

I need more time to think.

I'm ready to decide.

I like your initiative, agent. So, what's it going to be?

l'll participate in the tournament.

That's the spirit: beat 'em at their own game! Leave Ikniu to me. I'll make sure he's standing by with me when you get there.

See you there.

Let's confront the high priestess.

Okay. Religious types make me nervous... it's a charr thing. But, yeah, it's a solid plan. I'll get Ikniu to meet up with us in time to catch Ecolotl's procession.

See you there.

I need more time to think.

I need more time to think.

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: We need to establish ourselves or these frog-folk are never going to listen. What do you think will impress them more: winning the tournament, or convincing the high priestess?

Tell me about the high priestess.

She's the spiritual leader of the tribe. If we follow her procession to Lorantl Grounds and make her see the truth, she'll fall in line. One look at that wretched head would convince anybody.

I see. Now, tell more[sic] about the tournament. (same as "I'd like to know more about the tournament.")

I'm ready to decide. (same as below)

I'll decide later.

I'd like to know more about the tournament.

Near as I can tell, it's challenges that test the competitors' strength, skill, and speed. Win, and you'd be revered as the Sun God's champion. They'd have to listen to you.

What about the high priestess? (same as "Tell me about the high priestess.")

I'm ready to decide. (same as below)

I need more time to think.

I'm ready to decide.

What's it going to be, then?

I'll win the tournament.

A solid choice. You get yourself prepared, I'll coordinate with Ikniu to set everything up and meet you at the tourney grounds.

Will do.

Let's confront the high priestess.

Good. I trust our skills more than I trust some hylek game. I'll coordinate with Ikniu. Meet us when you're ready to track down the high priestess.

All right.

I need more time to think.

I'm not sure. Let me think it over.

Talking to Ikniu and your mentor after making a decision:

Ikniu: Thank you for your help. My people are stubborn and do not trust strangers, but we can convince them if we help each other.

I have a few questions.

I will answer as best I can.

Tell me about your tribe.

We've had a good life here. Ample hunting, lots of room to expand. The Sunless are a constant threat, but we thought the ritual offering of the Sun God's champion would protect us.

I have some more questions.

It may have, for a time. But now we need a more permanent solution.

How did hylek get so good with potions?

Alchemy is a part of us. When much of your land and many of your people are naturally venomous, you have plenty of opportunities to explore poisons and potions.

I have some more questions.

Makes sense. Thanks.

Tell me about your chief.

Quecuan is a good leader, but cautious. He defers to the high priestess to avoid splitting the tribe into factions. A wise move, but it does nothing to stop the threat of the Sunless.

I have more questions.

That's why I'm here: to address that threat.

Tell me about your high priestess.

Ecolotl is stern, but devout. She serves the Sun God faithfully. She believes the Sun's blessing is all we need to save our tribe, but in this case she's wrong.

I have more questions.

We'll make her see the truth.

On second thought, let's get moving.

Let's get started.

Magister Sieran: This isn't just a chance to recruit more allies against the dragons, it's a glimpse into the customs and inner workings of a hylek tribe. I can hear Priory archivists salivating already.

Their stupid customs are what got them into this mess in the first place.

Now, now. We're here to help, and to recruit them to our cause. They won't let us do either if we're mocking their ways.

I have more questions.

Fine. Let's get going.

Focus, Sieran. This isn't a research opportunity, it's a rescue mission.

I know that, silly. But nothing says we can't learn stuff and expand the Priory's knowledge base while we're at it.

I have more questions.

True. Okay, let's get started.

Someday I hope Gixx appreciates how much you've contributed to the Priory.

Ha! Don't hold your breath waiting for that to happen. Let's just focus on the job at hand, and what an asset Ikniu will be in getting it done.

I have more questions.

All right. Let's get going.

I have more questions.

You ask, I answer. If I know the answer, that is. Because that's what being a good partner means. What's on your mind?

Why haven't the Risen attacked this tribe in force before?

Why would they? They've got a steady supply of hylek champions to corrupt. But I believe when the Risen have swelled their ranks sufficiently, they'll swarm lkniu's entire village.

I have more questions.

Not if we stop them first. Let's go.

Do you have any experience with the hylek?

A smattering. They're gruff and territorial, everyone knows that. But they're also expert alchemists. Potions and poisons are a hylek's favorite hobby.

I have more questions.

Good to know. Thanks.

How long have these sacrifices have been going on?

Long enough to be a real threat to the villagers. As I understand it, undead hylek are even more dangerous than the live variety.

I have more questions.

Then let's get busy evening out the odds.

That's all for now. Let's move out.

Then let's not keep them waiting.

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: I know we're here to help, but these hylek customs are beyond me. Too much religion, too many high priestesses, too much god talk. I'm glad you're here to take the lead.

No problem. The hylek are a special interest of me. Leave it to me.

Good. I'd hate to think what the Preceptors would say if we fouled this up. Which we won't, right?

I have another question.

You know it. Let's get to work.

Their religion offers answers. We just have to show them a viable alternative.

You mean an alternative to handing over their best fighters to be corrupted? I'm all for that. I bet Ikniu is, too.

I have another question.

Let's hope the rest of the tribe is as easy to convince.

Don't sell yourself short. You're the one who spotted Ikniu.

I did, didn't I? And he's proven to be an asset so far. Thanks, partner!

I have another question.

Anytime. Now let's get to work.

Can you answer a few questions about the hylek?

All I've got to work with is the briefing package the Preceptors gave me, but I'll do the best I can. What's on your mind?

Why hasn't Ikniu's tribe been attacked by the Risen before now?

I think they're waiting until they have the numbers for a complete rout. As long as Chief Quecuan sends them offerings, they can just sit back and wait until they're strong enough.

I have another question.

Then they waited too long, because now we're here to stop them.

How much experience do you have with the hylek?

Not much. I got a lot of background info from the Preceptors, and I can sum it all up for you in one line: hylek are tough, territorial, and tenacious.

I have another question.

Thanks for the info.

How long do you think these sacrifices have been going on?

Too long. Zhaitan's army is growing fast enough on its own, thank you very much. It doesn't need hylek volunteers, and we do.

I have another question.

Right. Let's put a stop to the offerings.

On second thought, I'm ready to move out.

It's all part of the mission, partner.

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: I don't put much faith in these hylek customs. Their beliefs sound crazy, but we got a mission to accomplish. The Elder Dragons aren't getting any weaker.

I don't like it eather. Blind devotion is what got them into this mess.

Challenging someone's religion is always dicey. Luckily we don't need to convert the hylek, we just need to convince them.

I have another question.

Let's get started.

Right now, their beliefs are the only avenue we have to convince them.

True. Though Ikniu seems like he'd do anything to avenge his brother and stop these sacrifices. He may be the key to getting our point across.

I have another question.

I just hope we can all help each other.

They'll come around. We just need to start speaking their cultural language.

You're right. That makes me even happier we met Ikniu—he's tough, smart, and loyal. With him on our side, it's like having a "cultural language" translator.

I have another question.

Let's get started.

I have a question.

What's on your mind? My information may not be perfect, but I'll tell you what I know.

The Risen haven't attacked this tribe yet. Are we in danger of provoking them?

Absolutely. But realistically, it's only a matter of time before the enemy becomes strong enough to attack anyway. That's what the Risen do: they claim territory for Zhaitan.

I have another question.

I thought so. Thanks.

Have you worked with hylek before?

Not often. Good fighters. Tenacious, loyal. Also stubborn, rude, territorial, a bit brutal--reminds me of a few hunters I knew back in the wilds outside of Hoelbrak.

I have another question.

Thanks for the information.

How long do you think these sacrifices have been going on?

Too long. I don't have an exact history, but I do know that hylek make good fighters. Which means we want them on our side, not Zhaitan's.

I have another question.

Well said.

That's all I need to know right now. Let's go.

Exactly. Let's get to work.

My story

“ My mentor and I established contact with Ikniu, a hylek from the village that is sacrificing its champions to the undead. We collected the head of their most recent champion as proof that the sacrifices aren't saving the village. Instead, the champions are being corrupted and joining Zhaitan's undead army. The village leaders were not convinced, however, so we decided to make our case again from a much stronger position so that no one could possibly deny the truth. — My story

Notes

Bug:

If Ikniu is defeated before the risen are engaged and the risen are killed while Ikniu is defeated, the story even can stall at "Clear the undead from the sacrificial grounds."

Anomaly:

Though usually Risen are hostile to all other enemies, in this instance the Risen and Ridgeback Skales do not fight most of the time.

---

The Order storyline