Code Breaker

This article is about the Norn personal story step. For the Daily Grothmar Valley achievement "Codebreaker" , see A Carved Path.

Code Breaker

Year

1325 AE

Storyline

Personal story

Chapter

Death from Below

Location

Shiverspur Front
(Gendarran Fields)
Underburg
(Lornar's Pass)

Level

30

Race

Norn

Preceded by

The Dredge Hideout
Dredge Assault

Followed by

Silent Warfare
Sever the Head
Assault the Hill

API

195

Code Breaker is part of the personal story of norn characters who chose to side with the Durmand Priory in the previous mission.

Objectives

Decipher the code to reveal the dredge's next target.

• Meet Liliana Black in Raven Lodge for help with the dredge code.

Find the book used to encode the dredge message.

• Meet Prott outside Molenheide.
• Search Molenheide for the cipher book.
• Defeat Spymaster Golosk.
• Use the book to crack the code.

Search for the weapon at Underburg

• Meet Scholar Prott outside Underburg.
• Search Underburg for the latest prototype weapon.
• Defeat Karchev and his men.
• Question Vladok.

Confer with Eir and the order reps.

• Talk to Eir.
• Permanently join an order to defend the Durmand Priory.

Rewards

Click here to edit the reward data

All professions

• Bag of Loot (3)

Profession-specific

• One of the following: Vigorous Iron Hammer, Rejuvenating Iron Mace, Honed Iron Greatsword
• One of the following: Vigorous Iron Hammer, Rejuvenating Iron Mace, Rejuvenating Simple Staff
• One of the following: Honed Iron Greatsword, Vigorous Iron Hammer, Honed Iron Rifle
• One of the following: Ravaging Iron Pistol, Honed Iron Rifle, Hearty Iron Shield
• One of the following: Honed Iron Greatsword, Hunter's Journeymen Longbow, Ravaging Simple Short Bow
• One of the following: Ravaging Iron Sword, Ravaging Simple Short Bow, Ravaging Iron Pistol
• One of the following: Ravaging Iron Dagger, Ravaging Simple Scepter, Rejuvenating Simple Staff
• One of the following: Honed Iron Greatsword, Rejuvenating Simple Staff, Ravaging Iron Sword
• One of the following: Ravaging Simple Scepter, Ravaging Iron Dagger, Rejuvenating Simple Staff

Walkthrough

Start the mission in Hoelbrak, and talk to Liliana Black who will tell you about the code the dredge are using. You have to go find the book they are using to encode messages.

Go to Molenheide to find the book. You will have to fight a few small groups of dredge. The book you seek has a green star floating over it. Read the book. To crack the code, choose the second option from reading page 297 of the book.

Go to Lornar's Pass to meet Scholar Prott. The mission starts just south of Thunderhorns waypoint. Enter Underburg and fight the dredge inside. There are also some Icebrood Norn and Icebrood wolves in there.

One of the dredge, Vladok, is unhappy with Vyacheslav's plan, so after killing the dredge attacking him, talk to him. He will tell you what will happen if the weapon is fired, and what the target is.

Return to Hoelbrak to talk to Eir Stegalkin and the order representatives. You must choose your next mission now. This is also your choice of which order to join: Durmand Priory, Silent Warfare; Order of Whispers, Sever the Head; or Vigil, Assault the Hill.

NPCs

Allies

Human

• Liliana Black

Norn

• Scholar Prott

Dredge

• Vladok

Foes

Ambient creatures

• Rat

Dredge

• Dredge Disaggregator
• Dredge Oscillator
• Dredge Ratnik
• Dredge Resonator
• Spymaster Golosk
• Karchev

Icebrood

• Icebrood Norn
• Icebrood Wolf

Dialogue

Raven Lodge

Talking to Liliana Black (cinematic):

Liliana Black: Ah, you must be the Slayer. Scholar Prott said you were interested in this coded letter we discovered.

<Character name>: That's right. The dredge who sent it have been preparing a new weapon for something big. We need to know what so we can stop it.

Liliana Black: It's a book cipher. The sender and the recipient both refer to the same published work. Every letter in the code corresponds to a word in the book.

Liliana Black: This sequence at the end tells you the page and line you want. 029701 means page 297, line 1.

<Character name>: I see. And then we use the numbers to assemble the words in the message. But how do we know what book was used to encode it?

Liliana Black: That's the tricky part. It could be anything that's ever been published...that's why this code type is informally known as "security by obscurity."

Liliana Black: The only sure way is to find the sender or recipient and see what book they're using. This letter came from Molenheide. If I were you, I'd start there.

Molenheide

Speaking to Prott:

Scholar Prott: To crack the code, we need to find the book the dredge are using as their cipher key.

Right. Are we sure it's here?

The message originated here—odds are it was encoded here. They have no idea we're onto them, so the book could even be in plain sight.

Let's go find it, then.

I understand.

Examining the book:

Under the Valley of the Lily: The book is extremely worn. Ink smudges the cover, binding, and pages.

Thumb through the book.

The book is a bodice-ripping tale of adventure and romance featuring Lily Bauer, the young, brash, and beautiful daughter of the cruel, disfigured Senator Alexander Bauer.

Continue reading.

The story follows Lily as she runs away from home (twice), joins a band of savage pirates, and takes on no less than three different men and a woman as lovers. Page 297 is especially dog-eared.

Read page 297.

Lily reeled as she gazed into the Pirate Queen's bottomless umber eyes. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach that had not taken wing since the first time she kissed Victor, Yu Min, or Salty Rod.

The decoded message reads: "Vladok: weapon not ready, return to Underburg."

The decoded message is nonsense. Better try again.

Reread page 297.

"Close the book.

The decoded message reads: "Vladok: weapon ready, target is blind. Wait at Underburg."

That's it! The weapon is in Underburg!

Close the book.

The decoded message reads: "Vladok: weapon ready, but target is awake. Wait at Moledavia."

The decoded message is nonsense. Better try again.

Reread page 297.

Close the book.

Close the book.

Close the book.

[sic] Close the book.

Upon cracking the code (cinematic):

<Character name>: We've cracked it. The weapon is in Underburg, near Lornar's Pass.

Scholar Prott: Good work. The Priory employs many fine scholars and many bold adventurers, but it's rare to find both in one package.

Scholar Prott: I sincerely hope you're considering joining us full time. The dragons grow stronger every day, and the Priory needs more members like you.

<Character name>: I'm considering it. But we should get to Underburg. This may be our last chance to stop Vyacheslav's weapon.

Speaking to Prott after cinematic:

Scholar Prott: Progress! But now we need to get to Underburg and find out what the dredge are doing with this new weapon.

Ready.

Underburg

Speaking to Prott:

Scholar Prott: This is the place, but it's total chaos inside. There are ice dragon minions everywhere.

Let's find out what's going on.

Upon approaching the dredge (cinematic):

Scholar Prott: Hold, Slayer. Let's hear what the dredge are saying.

Karchev: I've had enough of your insolence and your cowardice. The people demand vengeance, and Vyacheslav has provided the means.

Vladok: But Vyacheslav is insane! Can't you see that? His weapon is as dangerous to us as it is to his target. His thirst for revenge will doom us all.

Karchev: Vyacheslav is a genius, and his weapon will crush the last of the dwarf oppressors. The revolution will finally be complete.

Vladok: At what cost? The last dwarf is protected by the Durmand Priory. Taking his life is not worth war with one of the most powerful orders in Tyria.

Karchev: Enough! I declare you an enemy of the people and a traitor to the cause. The penalty is death. Rise, brothers and sisters, and kill this turncoat!

Scholar Prott: I'd say we've seen enough. Let's save that dissenter—he may be able to help us.

While fighting Karchev:

Karchev: Norn in the mine! Rally to me!

Karchev: The enemy is among us! Rally to me!

Karchev: Protect me! They're no better than the dwarves who enslaved us!

After defeating Karchev:

Vladok: What's this? A norn? You saved my life! I'm grateful.

Vladok: Those dragon creatures could hear the weapon's sonics, I'm sure of it. This is not good, not good at all.

Speaking to Vladok (cinematic):

Vladok: Thank you for saving me. I can't believe my own comrades turned on me so viciously.

<Character name>: If you're truly grateful, tell me about Vyacheslav's weapon.

Vladok: I would not lightly betray the moletariat, but Vyacheslav is insane. I'll tell you all I know. Vyacheslav calls it the Mark III Sonic Vaporizer.

Vladok: It uses the recorded cries of a captive ice dragon minion, subsonically amplified so that the vibration crushes stone.

Vladok: The last dwarf oppressor, Ogden Stonehealer, is hiding inside the Durmand Priory itself. Generations of enslaved dredge demand his death.

Scholar Prott: Ogden had nothing to do with oppressing your people. His skills and knowledge make him a valuable member of the Durmand Priory.

Vladok: And Vyacheslav wants him dead. The problem is the Sonic Vaporizer attracts dragon minions whenever it's fired.

<Character name>: And Ogden's in the Durmand Priory itself...you were right, Prott. Vyacheslav's target is going to face dragon minions as well as the dredge weapon.

Scholar Prott: The Priory must be defended! We'll need all the help we can get. Quickly, we must return to Hoelbrak and confer with the others.

After the cinematic:

Scholar Prott: Vyacheslav doesn't even realize his weapon attracts ice dragon minions. We need to warn the others.

I couldn't agree more.

Hunter's Hearth

Upon approaching the order representatives (cinematic):

<Character name>: We've got to act quickly: Vyacheslav is targeting the Durmand Priory itself in an effort to kill Ogden Stonehealer.

<Character name>: What's worse, the weapon's sonic beam is based on the cries of dragon minions. The sound it makes will attract every single dragon minion in the region.

Crusader Thurkill: Sounds simple enough. We know where they're going. We can meet them head-on and destroy the weapon before they fire it.

Crusader Thurkill: That's how the Vigil handles those who kill our soldiers and trifle with dragons. Vyacheslav and all who stand with him must die.

Agent Ifwyn: I agree. But the Order of Whispers has a subtler solution: the slayer and I will use stealth magic to get close to Vyacheslav.

Agent Ifwyn: We can kill him without engaging all the dredge forces. Without their leader, they'll collapse into chaos.

Scholar Prott: Excuse me. The Priory's main facility is entirely capable of defending itself. We have access to ancient and powerful magic.

Scholar Prott: Specifically, we have a silencing ritual that will completely baffle Vyacheslav's sonic weapon. No sound, no attack, and no lured dragon minions.

Eir Stegalkin: Tough choices, Slayer, but clear ones. But before you make your decision, you should understand how important this choice is.

Eir Stegalkin: Each of the orders would be honored to have you join. If you agree, the order you choose to help now will accept you into its ranks. Permanently.

Eir Stegalkin: That will put you in a position to join their fight against the Elder Dragons. I, for one, can think of no better path for a hero to take.

<Character name>: Agreed. I'm ready to confront the most dangerous threat Tyria has ever faced, and I'll need allies to do it. Give me a moment to consider, and then I'll choose.

Speaking to the order representatives after the cinematic:

Agent Ifwyn: A blade in the night, a secret in the dark—we are all this and more. Come with me, Slayer. Join the Order of Whispers.

Very well. I'll make my home in the shadows and join the Order of Whispers. (Leads to Sever the Head.)

Tell me more about the Order of Whispers.

We pride ourselves on focus and efficiency. We don't smash through a wall, we identify and remove the one brick that makes the wall collapse. If that sounds appealing, your choice is clear.

Very well. I'll make my home in the shadows and join the Order of Whispers.

I need more time to consider my options.

I need more time to consider my options.

Scholar Prott: Once you see the Priory in all its glory, you'll be persuaded to join our cause. With your keen mind, you'd be a tremendous asset.

I'm ready to join. The Durmand Priory is definitely the place for me. (Leads to Silent Warfare.)

Tell me more about the Durmand Priory.

We explore, we study, we learn. Each new discovery makes us hunt for more. From ancient tombs to mystic portals, nothing is beyond reach. If you are a trailblazer, join us.

I'm ready to join. The Durmand Priory is definitely the place for me.

I need more time to consider my options.

I need more time to consider my options.

Crusader Thurkill: Think of it, Slayer! The shouts of battle, the roar of victory! You'd be a natural fit in the Vigil. Come, join us!

I do love a good brawl, and the Vigil seems most likely to save Tyria. I'm in. (Leads to Assault the Hill.)

Tell me more about the Vigil.

Our mission is to protect the innocent by crushing threats with overwhelming force. We don't do subtle, we don't do nuance. We strike hard, we strike fast, we get results.

I do love a good brawl, and the Vigil seems the most likely to save Tyria. I'm in.

I need more time to consider my options.

I need more time to consider my options.

If you choose the Order of Whispers (cinematic):

Agent Ifwyn: Excellent. You're very skilled. It'll be a pleasure to have you along. There's nothing llike hunting down foes and watching them die before they even know we're there.

<Character name>: That's right up my alley. I'll meet you at the gathering point, and we'll head in.

Agent Ifwyn: That's the spirit! This is how the Order of Whispers achieves results: by striking directly at the heart of the problem. Informed, precise, and effective.

Agent Ifwyn: And after we save the Priory, we'll turn that tactic on the Elder Dragons themselves.

Eir Stegalkin: You've chosen well, Slayer. I look forward to seeing the great things you will do with the Order of Whispers. I am proud to have found the hero Tyria needs.

Eir Stegalkin: I will join you for the defense of the Priory. Until then, and forever after, may the Spirits of the Wild walk with you.

If you choose the Durmand Priory (cinematic):

Scholar Prott: The Durmand Priory shall stand ready for the assault, and turn the dredge's own cleverness against them. With you at our side, we cannot fail.

<Character name>: I can't wait to see this fascinating "ancient ritual" you mentioned. I'll meet you at the gathering point.

Scholar Prott: The ritual is one part of our response. You are the other. This is how the Priory operates, how we succeed: by combining wisdom with action.

Scholar Prott: Once we've defeated the dredge and the dragon minions they summoned, we can begin the hard work of confronting the Elder Dragons themselves.

Eir Stegalkin: You've chosen well, Slayer. I look forward to seeing the great things you will do with the Priory. I am proud to have found the hero Tyria needs.

Eir Stegalkin: I will join you for the defense of the Priory. Until then, and forever after, may the Spirits of the Wild walk with you.

If you choose the Vigil (cinematic):

Crusader Thurkill: Excellent choice, Slayer. I'm glad to have you. You will provide the skill and strength we need to end the dredge threat once and for all.

<Character name>: You honor me. Let me ready my weapon, and I will meet you at the Priory.

Crusader Thurkill: Where the dredge and their weapon will fall. This is how the Vigil gets results: by confronting evil head-on with overwhelming force.

Crusader Thurkill: And after we save those Priory eggheads, we take the fight to the Elder Dragons themselves.

Eir Stegalkin: You've chosen well, Slayer. I look forward to seeing the great things you will do with the Vigil. I am proud to have found the hero Tyria needs.

Eir Stegalkin: I will join you for the defense of the Priory. Until then, and forever after, may the Spirits of the Wild walk with you.

Talking to Crusader Thurkill (after choosing the Vigil):

Crusader Thurkill: You made the right choice. Research and guile won't defeat the dragons. They need to be crushed, broken, utterly destroyed. With your help, the Vigil can begin its most important campaign.

Looking forward to it, Thurkill.

Talking to Crusader Thurkill (otherwise):

Crusader Thurkill: That's too bad, Slayer. I thought you understand the stakes. You've made your decision, and I accept it. I just hope all of Tyria doesn't regret it.

The dragons will fall, Thurkill. I swear it.

Talking to Agent Ifwyn (after choosing the Order of Whispers):

Agent Ifwyn: This is the start of something truly grand. With your skills, the Order of Whispers is finally ready to start dissecting the Elder Dragon problem.

I look forward to it.

Talking to Agent Ifwyn (otherwise):

Agent Ifwyn: Well, I can't fault your dedication or your guts. Your decision-making skills, however...sorry. I'm just not used to rejection. There are no hard feelings, Slayer. Good luck.

Thanks, Ifwyn.

Talking to Scholar Prott (after choosing the Priory):

Scholar Prott: I'm glad you're joining us permanently. Defeating the dredge superweapon was only the beginning. With your help, the Priory is truly ready to start confronting the Elder Dragons.

I look forward to it.

Talking to Scholar Prott (otherwise):

Scholar Prott: A shame you won't be joining us. You had the potential to reach our highest ranks. Still, I suppose you follow your own path.

I do. Thanks for understanding, Prott.

My story

“ Liliana Black, the Priory's top code breaker, figured out that Vyacheslav is using a book code to encrypt messages about the sonic cannon. After learning where the source book was, Scholar Prott and I set out to find the key to this code. After obtaining the book key to the dredge code, Prott and I determined that the recipient was named Vladok. Vladok is a dredge currently in the stronghold Underburg, so we went to find him and force him to tell us what he knows about the sonic weapon. Prott and I learned that the ultimate target of the dredge cannon is Ogden Stonehealer, an ancient dwarf of living stone. Ogden resides inside the Durmand Priory itself, so the whole thing could be in danger. We rushed back to Hoelbrak with this information and talked to the other order reps about stopping Vyacheslav's attack. I met with Eir and the Orders of Tyria to plan how we'd stop Vyacheslav's mad attack on the Durmand Priory. If he fires the Sonic Vaporizer, it won't just destroy the Priory walls and kill Ogden Stonehealer: it will also attract a horde of ice dragon minions. As Eir suggested, I permanently joined an order and committed to stopping this threat as a fist[sic] step toward confronting the Elder Dragons themselves. — My story

Notes

• Although the Dwarven Relic hero challenge point (a part of Lornar's Pass map) is shown on the compass, it is not present in the story instance.

Lore discrepancy:

It is impossible for the player character to have deciphered the message with the information available. Assuming that the message is hidden on line 1 of page 297 of Under the Valley of the Lily, the code could be 166 3 13 11 51 125 5 129 7 13 35 51 27 5 6 7 13 11 4 172 5 31 13 6 20 18 28 5 2 14 5 50 9 2 27 11 71 5 129 13 2 28 5 13 28 5 61 27 11 7 6 50 61 6 20 71, where each number stands for the position of a character (starting with 1 for L) to be taken from the text including spaces, and it would read Vladok weaPon ready, target is blind. wait at underburg..

• In the Contacts and LFG UI, the instance is called Codebreaker (one word).

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Norn storyline