Connecting the Pieces

Connecting the Pieces

Year

1327 AE

Storyline

Living World Season 1

Chapter

Battle for Lion's Arch

Location

Scarlet's Secret Lair
(Durmand Priory)
Sanctum Harbor
(Memory of Old Lion's Arch)
Fort Marriner
(Memory of Old Lion's Arch)
Edge of the Mists
(The Mists)
The Dead End
(Eastern Commons)

Level

80

Preceded by

The Twisted Marionette

Followed by

Escape from Lion's Arch

API

663

Loading screen for Scarlet's Secret Lair Loading screen for A Moment's Peace Loading screen for the Aether Escape

Connecting the Pieces is the second story step of Battle for Lion's Arch, the fifth and final episode of Living World Season 1.

Objectives

• Leave the area to plan your next move.

• Read the letter.

Scarlet's Secret Lair

• Head to Scarlet's hidden lair.
• Investigate the lair.

• Leave the area to plan your next move.

• Read the letter.

Regrouping

• Meet your friends in Lion's Arch.
• Listen to Rox's conversation.
• Check in with Rox.
• Listen to Braham's conversation.
• Follow up with Braham.
• Listen to Marjory's conversation.
• Make a plan with Marjory.
• Check on the asuran progeny.

• Leave the area to plan your next move.

• Read the letter.

Aether Escape

• Head to Lion's Arch.
• Fight off the attacking Aetherblades!
• Elite Aetherblade Vanguard
• 
• Talk with Ellen Kiel about the attack.
• Speak with Sheriff Siriam about the jailbreak.
• Ask Captain Kiel about Scarlet.
• Ask Captain Kiel about the mysterious probe.

The Edge of the Mists

• Head to the Edge of the Mists, accessed via the World vs. World menu or gates in Lion's Arch.
• Find Braham and Taimi.
• Tell Braham about Scarlet's device.
• Check on Taimi.
• (Advance Story) Ask Taimi about Scarlet's probes.
• (Optional) Find the missing golem parts and bring them to Taimi.

• Read the letter.

A Study in Scarlet

• Head to the Dead End bar.
• Meet with Marjory and Kasmeer.
• Scarlet's holo-recordings viewed: 0/3.
• Scarlet attack evidence forensically examined: 0/10.
• Listen to Marjory's conclusion.

Rewards

• Deluxe Gear Box (2)
• Writ of Tyrian Mastery

Walkthrough

Path to Scarlet's Secret Lair

Scarlet's Secret Lair

After reading the letter from Steward Gixx about Scarlet, her secret lair instance will become accessible in the caves beneath the Durmand Priory behind an illusory wall and an interactable vault door. In the lair there are scattered notes and plans and a console locked with an access code. Go through her 5 journal segments around the room and find an incorrectly capitalised letter from each one to reveal the code O-M-A-D-D.

• Notes on the Marionette, Victory Speech, and Omadd's Diary for Investigative Study 5 can be found here.

Regrouping

After exiting and reading the next letter from Marjory, travel to Sanctum Harbor in Lion's Arch. Listen to conversations on the beach between Rox, Rytlock Brimstone, Braham, Logan Thackery, Taimi, Marjory and Kasmeer.

Aether Escape

After reading the next letter from Captain Ellen Kiel, go to Fort Marriner for the next instance. Dispatch the attacking Aetherblades though only the Elite Aetherblade Vanguard needs to be defeated for all the foes to leave. Speak with Captain Kiel and Sheriff Siriam about Scarlet and her probes.

• Fancy Letter for Investigative Study 5 can be found under the flag on the roof of the prison tower next to Sheriff Siriam.

The Edge of the Mists

The next step is to enter the Edge of the Mists, either via the World vs World screen or the marked portal in Lion's Arch to talk to Taimi and Braham who are just inside. While the conversation is long it is the only mandatory thing here.

• Find Scruffy's Golem Parts for Raiders of the Lost Parts and Raiders of the Lost Parts II.

A Study in Scarlet

After reading the last letter from Marjory, head to The Dead End Bar in Divinity's Reach for the last instance. After listening to Marjory, Kasmeer, Rox and Vorpp, interact with all 3 holo-recordings to progress and then inspect all 10 pieces of evidence, selecting the correct responses until the objective is completed. Following that is Marjory's closing monologue which finishes the mission.

Achievements

Connecting the Pieces	The Battle for Lion's Arch	1
Complete the story chapter Connecting the Pieces.	Completed Connecting the Pieces	1

• Complete the mission.

Delaqua Investigator	Escape from Lion's Arch	20
Help Marjory and Kasmeer investigate Scarlet's motives. Reward: Chest of the Mists	1 Investigations Concluded	20

• Awarded after completing the final segment A Study in Scarlet (The Dead End Bar).

Investigative Study 5	The Battle for Lion's Arch	1
Find and read sources of information on Scarlet's scheme and its fallout during the episode "The Battle for Lion's Arch." Objectives: 9 objectives in total Notes on the Marionette (Scarlet's Secret Lair) Victory Speech (Scarlet's Secret Lair) Omadd's Diary (Scarlet's Secret Lair) Fancy Letter (Aether Escape) Letter Home (North Evacuation Camp) Lieutenant Goldclaw's Resignation Letter (North Evacuation Camp) Letter from Dad (The Dead End: Celebration) Dancing with Death (Lion's Arch: Honored Guests) ... Crinkled Letter (Lion's Arch: Honored Guests)	Lore Located	1

• See achievement page Investigative Study 5 for further details.
• In Scarlet's Secret Lair during the first segment, Notes on the Marionette is located on the table on the right, and Victory Speech and Omadd's Diary via the console after entering the password O-M-A-D-D.
• During the third segment Aether Escape, in the instance of historical Fort Marriner, Fancy Letter is under the flag on the roof of the prison tower near Sheriff Siriam at the west side of the instance.

Raiders of the Lost Parts	Escape from Lion's Arch	15
Find and retrieve Taimi's golem parts from the Edge of the Mists. Reward: Mini Chest of the Mists	1 Golem Parts Retrieved	15

Raiders of the Lost Parts II	The Battle for Lion's Arch	15
Find and retrieve Taimi's golem parts from the Edge of the Mists. Reward: Mini Chest of the Mists	Retrieved 1 Golem Parts	15

• These achievements cannot be completed if the story step is not active.
• Although the map indicator appears to highlight the raised plateau with the Veteran Aetherblades (accessed by paths due south, northeast and northwest), the location for this item is on the level below the veterans and can be reached by the paths in the other directions.
• If you are replaying the story step for achievements, Braham and Taimi will not be present at the first waypoint, but the Golem parts will still be in The Juncture.

NPCs

Allies

In Sanctum Harbor

Asura

• Merchant
• Taimi

Charr

• Ash Legion Soldier
• Blood Legion Soldier
• Cutthroat Sniper
• Iron Legion Soldier
• Rox
• Rytlock Brimstone
• Soldier

Crustaceans

• Crab

Devourers

• Frostbite

Felines

• Cat

Humans

• Child
• Kasmeer Meade
• Lionguard
• Logan Thackeray
• Marjory Delaqua
• Seraph Soldier

Hylek

• Amini
• Tlamatini

Moas

• Green Moa

Norn

• Braham Eirsson
• Brewer
• Local

Ogres

• Brute

Quaggans

• Bloomanoo
• Peneloopee

Skritt

• Skritt Forager

Various

• Citizen
• Villager
• Worker

In Fort Marriner

Humans

• Captain Ellen Kiel

Sylvari

• Canach
• Sheriff Siriam

Various

• Lionguard

In the Edge of the Mists

Asura

• Taimi

Golems

• Scruffy (Untargetable)

Norn

• Braham Eirsson

In The Dead End Bar

Charr

• Priory Explorer
• Rox

Devourers

• Frostbite

Holograms

• Scarlet Briar
• Vorpp

Humans

• Kasmeer Meade
• Marjory Delaqua

Foes

In Fort Marriner

Various (Aetherblades)

• Aetherblade Grenadier
• Aetherblade Striker
• Aetherblade Swashbuckler
• Aetherblade Taskmaster
• Aetherblade Thumper
• Elite Aetherblade Vanguard

Objects

In the Edge of the Mists

• Golem Parts

In The Dead End Bar

• Aetherblade Weapon
• Cooling Rod
• Component of Omadd's Isolation Module
• Energy Probe
• Kiel's Report on Dragon Bash Attack
• Molten Alliance Drill
• Scarlet's Journal
• Steam Creature Wreckage
• Toxin Sample
• Watchwork Fragments

Dialogue

Upon activating the story:

Steward Gixx Congratulations and an Opportunity Priory scholars have informed me of your triumph over the marionette that appeared near our monastery. The Durmand Priory owes you a debt once again, Commander. Without your help, Scarlet Briar's monstrosity seemed impossible to confront. Now it is beaten, and badly so... Should it return, we have the means and knowledge to put a permanent end to it. More importantly, we have pieced together data recovered from Scarlet's mechanical minions and made a remarkable discovery: the location of a concealer lair, hidden in the caves underneath the Priory itself. A Priory dangerous artifacts investigation and containment team is being assembled a you read this, but in light of your own contributions I have attached coordinates to the lair entrance, should you wish to make your own survey of the premises. —Steward Gixx

Scarlet's Secret Lair

Activating the console

Console: Enter the access code. (The code is O-M-A-D-D)

M

O

Enter the access code.

A

D

O

M

Enter the access code.

D

A

Enter the access code.

O

M

D

Enter the access code.

M

O

A

D

Hologram screen turns on displaying maps and diagrams.

<Character name>: What...what is this? ^{[verification requested]}

Abort.

A

Abort.

M

O

Abort.

Abort.

D

A

Abort.

When choosing an incorrect sequence

Console: Incorrect sequence.

Start over.

Leave.

Leaving instance

Marjory Delaqua, Delaqua Investigations Regrouping <Character name>, We...we beat Scarlet's marionette (by the skin of our teeth, mind you). We're going to regroup in Lion's Arch. Let's meet there. —Marjory Delaqua

Sanctum Harbor

Scholar Ela Makkay beckons to <character name>.

Talking with Ela Makkay

(If in Durmand Priory)

Scholar Ela Makkay: Good to see you. I've been instructed to make sure everyone in the Priory is up to date with current knowledge surrounding Scarlet. Do you have a few minutes right now?

(Otherwise)

Sure. I'm listening.

Hi. The Durmand Priory is warning and informing people about the sylvari outlaw Scarlet Briar. Would you like to learn more about her and her history?

Yes, please.

The biggest news is that we've identified the location of one Scarlet's labs. And, would you believe it's been right under the Durmand Priory the whole time?

You're joking.

No. It's right in Lornar's Pass. You're going to want to see this for yourself.

What can you tell me about Scarlet Briar?

Our finest scholars have approved the following information, though as always, we may not yet have the full story. In her early years, Scarlet showed an insatiable desire for knowledge.

Go on.

She traveled from mentor to mentor, soaking up what knowledge she could from each–an admirable pursuit, I'm sure you'll agree. Unfortunately, she went astray when she lost her moral compass.

Go on.

She dabbled in knowledge that would have damaged the minds of even our most stalwart researchers. Combining magic and engineering, she looked beyond our world.

Go on.

What she saw in those greater workings broke her mind. Thus, she murdered her mentor and began her assault on Tyria. First, she explored an alliance between Flame Legion charr and dredge.

Go on.

This alliance provided her and her allies with weaponry they'd never have developed on their own. They combined Flame magic with the earth element skills of the dredge. Fire and earth.

I see.

Scarlet is preparing a well-balanced army. Elementalists must surely have noticed her use of all the elements.

Go on.

Next, she enticed airship pirates to join with Inquest. The pirates had been working on an airship design, but it didn't become viable until Inquest magic was added to the mix. Air.

Go on.

We suspect that she has always been fascinated with asuran portal magitech, and she succeeded in taking it to a whole new level. She used this to assault the Queen's Jubilee.

Go on.

She took the queen's watchwork sentinels and created horrors of them, warping them to her own purposes. This is her pattern. She steals the knowledge of others, then twists it.

Go on.

Her latest victory was convincing krait to work with Nightmare courtiers. We have confirmed that she held one of their sacred icons over their heads to get them to do so. Water.

Go on.

The result was a plant so toxic that it has all but destroyed beautiful Kessex Hills, and now, she has the toxin from it. We're trying to guess how she will use that toxin but have little to go on.

Go on.

She guards her motives closely, though if we knew them, we could perhaps her next move. I hesitate to mention the theories, because I do not know which is the truth.

Go on.

Some believe it's a lark. A few suggest that her ultimate target is the dragons. More say she's working for the dragons. Still others believe she has a maniacal desire to rule the world.

Go on.

I honestly don't know, but I have a bad feeling it won't be long before we find out. You be careful out there. There's a dark cloud hanging over us all.

I will. You too.

Thanks for the information.

Thanks for the information.

Thanks for the information.

Thanks for the information.

Thanks for the information.

Thanks for the information.

Thanks for the information.

Thanks for the information.

Thanks for the information.

Thanks for the information.

Thanks for the information.

Thanks for the information.

Good to know.

Maybe later.

Approaching Rox

Rytlock Brimstone: Soldier! Report! Where's my Tequatl tail?

Rox: Back where I'm bunking, sir! I'll go get it immediately.

Rytlock Brimstone: Wait. You took down Tequatl.

Rox: As reported, sir. I sent you a missive requesting an audience.

Rytlock Brimstone: Hm. Been busy. But I'm here now.

Rox: Should I go get the tail and bring it to you, Tribune?

Rytlock Brimstone: No. I don't need a slab of decaying meat.

Rox: But I...I've been hauling it around for weeks.

Rytlock Brimstone: Ooh. I bet that smell sticks to your gear.

Rox: It does.

Rytlock Brimstone: I've been hearing about this Scarlet sylvari. You know anything about her?

Rox: She's building an army, sir. She's the one behind the Molten Alliance.

Rytlock Brimstone: So I heard. I want you to take her down, permanently. Whatever the cost. You do that, Rox, and you're in the warband.

Rox: What? I, uh...

Rytlock Brimstone: I need to repeat myself?

Rox: No, Tribune! Consider her dead!

Rytlock Brimstone: Report to me when it's done. And, um...Rox? Be careful.

Rox: Will do, sir!

Rytlock walks away, Braham approaches.

Braham Eirsson: Rox, your devourer–

Rox: Chewed on your axe handle. I know. Sorry.

Rox: Listen. You won't believe what Rytlock just said. If I kill Scarlet, I'm in the warband. Definitely.

Braham Eirsson: Oh. I see.

Rox: What's the matter? I thought you'd be happy for me.

Braham Eirsson: I just don't understand why you need some warband you don't even know.

Braham Eirsson: I mean, you've got me. And we've got a team of our own. Look around. They're all here, with you.

Rox: It's a charr thing. You wouldn't understand.

Braham Eirsson: A charr thing? You'd rather be in your fancy warband than with people who've been beside you all this time?

Rox: That's not what I said. It's a big deal to get into the Stone warband.

Braham Eirsson: Why? Because it'll make you special? You're already special. At least, to me.

Rox: (sigh) You'll still see me after I get in.

Braham Eirsson: Uh huh.

Rox: You will. Sometimes.

Rox: Braham? Braham! We have to talk about it sooner or later.

Braham Eirsson: I have to go clean my gear.

Rox: Braham! (growl)

Speaking with Rox

Rox: You see that metal human with the enormous...yeah. Dangerous. So, what're we going to do about Scarlet?

So why's Braham mad at you?

(If charr)

He doesn't understand why I want to join the Stone warband. He sees it as a betrayal. He doesn't get what an honor it is. You know?

I see.

(Otherwise)

He doesn't want me to join the Stone warband. He thinks he'll never see me again.

Will we? See you again, I mean?

I'll be busy, sure. They'll have missions and tasks for me. But I'll be able to take leave sometimes to visit. And if you need help, I'll be there if I can.

If you can?

Well…I can't predict where I'll be or what I'll be doing. You know? I can't...promise.

I see.

I see.

I see.

We're going to find her.

Sounds good to me. How?

First, we have to learn everything we can about her.

I know she apprenticed with an Iron Legion blacksmith named Asagai. She was ancient at the time, though, and no one has seen her for some time. My guess is she went out for her final patrol.

Final patrol?

It's when an aging or badly mutilated soldier knows she's going to die soon. She goes out for one final patrol so she can die in battle, defending what she loves. It's an honorable path.

So why's Braham mad at you? (same as above)

I see.

I see.

I see.

You fought Tequatl by yourself?

Oh, cinders, no. There was a small army there. I just nabbed a piece of its tail. Others hacked into the rest.

Got it.

Let's put an end to it.

Approaching Taimi, Logan, and Braham

Taimi: Braham! There you are.

Logan Thackeray: Somebody care to tell me why this child was on the battlefield?

Braham Eirsson: Hey! I'm not a child!

Logan Thackeray: Not you. This asuran girl. I found her out there, trying to get to Scarlet's twisted marionette. Who does she belong to?

Braham Eirsson: Oh. Her.

Taimi: Help! Help! Save me from this creepy human!

Logan Thackeray: It's okay. I'm a Krytan Seraph. The kid's in no danger.

Taimi: Braham! Don't let him take me away! Please!

Logan Thackeray: Are you her guardian?

Braham Eirsson: Who me? Wolf's teeth, no! I've never seen her before in my life.

Taimi: Braham, you're so mean. Can't we just go home now?

Logan Thackeray: Listen, buddy. I don't know what your game is, but you better get this kid to safety. She's got no business on a battlefield.

Braham Eirsson: What? I swear I've never seen her before in my life.

Logan begins walking away.

Braham Eirsson: Hey! Where's he going? You're not my responsibility!

Taimi: It's okay, Braham. You can take me home now. I live in Rata Sum.

Braham Eirsson: Huh? What?

Taimi: Where do you live? Maybe we could go there instead.

Braham Eirsson: No. You found your way here. You can find your way back.

Taimi: Fine! Here I go. By myself. Off into the big city. You'll probably never see me again, Braham.

Braham Eirsson: Good luck, kid.

Talking with Braham

Braham Eirsson: I'm still stirred up by that fight. You?

So, what's going on with you and your little friend?

My little...oh, the asuran ragamuffin? I've never seen her before, She must have heard Rox say my name. She tricked that Seraph into thinking I was her guardian.

You're not?

No. I've never seen her before. She's not my...aw crud. Not you too. All right. I'll make sure she gets home safe. But just this once.

You're a good friend.

She's not my friend.

Uh-huh.

Later.

Yeah! I could go again.

See? That's why you and me are friends. We're the ones should be doing something about Scarlet. What's the plan?

For now, we gather information.

Makes sense. If we could figure out where she's gonna strike next, we could get ahead of her. She's been one step ahead of us all along.

Later.

Are you mad at Rox?

No...maybe. She wants to go off and be in the Stone warband, but if she does, we'll never see her again. I just don't get it.

It's her decision to make.

Why does she want to go be with a tribune who has no time for her and a bunch of old, crusty soldiers who don't know her?

No idea.

It's a charr thing. (If charr)

That's what she said. But is it a charr thing to leave your friends to go be with people you don't know? I don't think so.

I wouldn't hold your breath.

She's made her decision.

Approaching Marjory

Logan Thackeray: Marjory, a word please.

Marjory Delaqua: I'll be right back, Kas.

Marjory leaves Kasmeer to join Logan and Taimi.

Logan Thackeray: Is Lady Kasmeer okay?

Marjory Delaqua: Yeah. She'll be fine. It's just been a rough day. Did you see that twisted marionette?

Logan Thackeray: I did. And, I heard there are jungle wurms erupting from the ground in Bloodtide Coast.

Taimi: That's because they're disturbed by Scarlet's seeking devices.

Logan Thackeray: I thought your norn was taking you home.

Taimi: He is. He just doesn't know it yet.

Logan Thackeray: What does a little squirt like you know about Scarlet, anyway?

Taimi: As it so happens, I know a lot. I've been studying her for months. I came to meet her, but she didn't show up.

Marjory Delaqua: To meet her? Why would you want to do that?

Taimi: Because she's brilliant, of course. My theory is that she knows something about the dragons, and that's why she's building an army.

Logan Thackeray: Your theory, huh? You don't think she's just a big ol' meany?

Taimi: Do you always talk like a four-year-old?

Marjory Delaqua: Hey, I've been meaning to ask you something. You wouldn't know anyone who goes by the initial E, would you? Just E?

Logan Thackeray: E? No. Why?

Marjory Delaqua: No reason. Just eliminating possibilities. How's the queen?

Logan Thackeray: I wouldn't know. The Shining Blade have her so tightly wrapped up, I can't even get near her.

Marjory Delaqua: Well, at least she's safe.

Talking with Logan

Logan Thackeray: What can I do for you?

Heard you know Rytlock Brimstone.

Yeah, I know him. Why do you ask?

I'm curious what his warband is like.

Truth is, I've never met his warband. They've been together for so long, they don't adventure anymore. Not like guilds do. Every one of them is an officer of the legions, I believe.

So they're all politicians?

Soldiers. Military officers who take their duties quite seriously.

Thanks for the information.

Thanks for the information.

Never mind.

You're Seraph from Divinity's Reach, right?

That's right. I'm on Scarlet Briar's trail, which is why I'm here. Why do you ask?

What did you learn when she attacked your city?

Good question. We learned everything we could. What stood out to me was the fact that no one seems to have ever gotten close to her. She's sylvari, so she has no birth family. But she never made one either.

What does that say about her?

In my opinion, it says she was broken from the moment she stepped out of the Dream. If there is someone out there she loved, she killed them. We found no witnesses who spoke well of her.

That's kind of sad.

Well, when you're unlovable, I'd guess you insulate yourself by not caring for anyone. That way, no one can ever break your heart. But, the loneliness breaks you.

Are you speaking from experience?

I think we all have some amount of experience with loneliness.

I see what you mean.

I see what you mean.

I see.

I see.

Never mind.

Never mind.

Talking with Taimi

Taimi: Hi hi hi. Are you a friend of Braham's? I am. Or rather, I will be. Soon.

(If asura)

Progeny, do your teachers know you're out here? What college are you in?

Absolutely. You needn't worry. I'm in the college of Synergetics. I'm performing important field experiments.

So Zojja approves of your field experiments?

Ask her. I wouldn't dare to speak for her. I know you. You're the Snaff Prize winner. <Character name>. Your entry was impressive. I'd love to learn how you did it sometime.

Did I hear right? You're curious about Scarlet? (Same as "Did I hear right? You're curious about Scarlet?" below)

Maybe later.

Good luck.

(Otherwise)

Where are you from?

I'm from Rata Sum. It's a city in the southwest of Metrica Province. All the asura live there. You do realize I'm an asura, right?

Of course.

Phew. I thought maybe you were one of those slow <character race>. The smart ones are so rare, really. I wouldn't have blamed you. Hey! What's your name?

<Character name>.

Zap! Nice name. I'm Taimi.

Did I hear right? You're curious about Scarlet?

Most definitely. She's sparky. I drool when I think about everything she could teach me. Have you seen her mechamagical creations? Alchemagical bonanza!

She'd kill you without a second thought.

Me? Inconceivable. She'd recognize my potential and would mold me into her favorite assistant. Then, I'd learn more than her, and I'd surpass her. She'd die old and sad, but I'd be amazing!

Uh-huh. Just be careful.

I have other things to do.

I have other things to do.

Not your business.

I'll leave now.

Good luck.

Talking with Marjory

Marjory Delaqua: Hello, cutie. What's the plan?

Now, we find a way to corner Scarlet.

How do you recommend we do that? We don't know anything about her.

Then we learn everything we can.

All right. I'll put out feelers with what friends I have left at the Ministry and around Divinity's Reach. Maybe someone knows something.

I see.

I see.

later.

Approaching Kasmeer and Marjory

Marjory Delaqua: Hey. What's wrong? You've been unusually quiet today.

Kasmeer Meade: (sigh) It's my father's birthday. He'd have been forty-five today.

Marjory Delaqua: I'm sorry. Do you want to talk about it?

Kasmeer Meade: I just miss him. He didn't deserve to die like that...like a rat in a cage.

Marjory Delaqua: Why was he in jail?

Kasmeer Meade: He was in debtor's prison. It's not what you think. He was a good father.

Marjory Delaqua: How did he get into debt?

Kasmeer Meade: My brother, Kyle, liked to gamble. He lost a lot. My father loved him, and he used family money to bail him out.

Kasmeer Meade: They were going to kill Kyle.

Marjory Delaqua: So then your father couldn't pay his own bills.

Kasmeer Meade: That's right. So they took everything we had left, and they put him in prison.

Marjory Delaqua: That's why you were looking for a job.

Kasmeer Meade: And you hired me. I'll never forget how you saved me that day, Jory.

Marjory Delaqua: I had no idea your situation was so...dark.

Marjory Delaqua: He died in prison?

Kasmeer Meade: Uh-huh. A nobleman in debtor's prison... Well, you can imagine what they...thought of him there.

Kasmeer Meade: I visited him as often as I could, but he hated me seeing him like that.

Kasmeer Meade: And then he was just gone.

Marjory Delaqua: It must have been terrifying for you when they arrested your father.

Kasmeer Meade: I'd been with my tutor, working on staff spells, and when I got home, they were there.

Kasmeer Meade: They had him in chains, and they wouldn't let me speak to him.

Kasmeer Meade: They wouldn't let me...do anything. They seized the house and were taking all our things.

Marjory Delaqua: I'm so sorry.

Kasmeer Meade: The guard in charge took pity on me, I think. He told me I could take one item from the house.

Kasmeer Meade: But I had to decide right then. One thing...from all my belongings, my family's heritage.

Kasmeer Meade: He said, "You better choose carefully. It's all you're ever getting back."

Kasmeer Meade: I could have taken one of my mother's necklaces or a valuable piece of art, but he was adamant. Only one thing.

Marjory Delaqua: What did you take?

Kasmeer Meade: I took the stuffed bear my father had given me... (sob)

Marjory Delaqua: Oh, Kas. Shhhh. It's okay.

Marjory Delaqua: Listen, honey. Why don't you stay with me tonight? You shouldn't be alone.

Kasmeer Meade: I'm afraid I'll never want to leave.

Marjory Delaqua: I won't let you.

Talking with other allies

Kasmeer Meade: Hi. Don't mind me. I'm in a foul mood today.

Is something wrong?

It's my late father's birthday. I miss him.

How did he die?

I'm ashamed to say, but since it's you, I guess it's okay. He was stabbed while in debtor's prison, paying the price for my brother's foolishness.

Your brother?

Kyle. He lost all his money and more gambling with criminals in Lion's Arch. My father spent our entire fortune to pay them off so they wouldn't kill him.

Who put your father in prison?

The Ministry Guard came to the house and took him away, along with all our belonging. Now, a minister lives there.

They took everything?

They let me keep what I was carrying and wearing, which meant I was able to keep my staff. It had been in my family for generations, on my mother's side. All else was lost–except the stuffed bear.

I see.

I see.

I see.

I see.

I see.

I see.

Rytlock Brimstone: You're a long way from home.

I could say the same about you.

I'm out here hunting information on this sylvari everyone's panicking about. You know anything?

I know we're lucky she hasn't hit the Citadel yet.

And I know you're NOT saying we couldn't crush her into sylvari juice if she tried. What can one little plant thing do to a city full of Legion soldier?

Let's hope we never find out.

Later.

So, when you gonna let Rox in your warband?

She got you spying for her? Soon, I can tell you that. One more successful mission and she's in. The others are looking forward to having someone new to harass.

You've been tough on her.

It takes the hottest fire to make the hardest iron. I need to know, before I entrust her with my warband's lives, that she can hold her own. She sure don't need your protection.

I know she doesn't. But, she's a friend.

I see.

Not for long. See you later.

Bloomanoo: Hoo. Friend or foe?

Friend.

GooOOood. Quaggans are new here, so friends are welcomed. Quaggans came from Kessex Hills. Toxic krait and Nightmare Court destroyed the lake quaggans called home.

Hang in there.

Never mind.

Peneloopee: Teehee. You and quaggans are free and alive! Come and play with quaggans!

Are you happy?

Quaggan has found true love. Quaggan is focusing on the silver lining. That nasty sylvari can't take that away from quaggan too.

I like your attitude.

In a minute.

Leaving instance

Captain Ellen Kiel Trouble at Fort Marriner An alarm's been sounded at Fort Marriner, where we're holding Mai Trin. I heard you and your crew were in town—I'm headed to the fort now and would appreciate backup. I have a bad feeling. —Captain Ellen Kiel

Fort Marriner

Talking with Kiel

Captain Ellen Kiel: Never a dull moment.

Approaching Sheriff Siriam

Sheriff Siriam: It all happened so fast. Scarlet's minions were everywhere. They had our backs to the wall from the very beginning.

Sheriff Siriam: One of them broadcast Scarlet's voice. She said, "Vacation's over, Mai. I have work for you in the Mists."

Sheriff Siriam: The invaders took Mai to a portal outside. They had to fight past a squad of Lionguard to get there. And two strangers.

Sheriff Siriam: A golem and a norn lad with a fearsome mace. After Mai entered the portal, the golem went after her.

Sheriff Siriam: The norn shouted for it to stop, but it wouldn't. It declared "Leave me alone! I know what I'm doing!" and actually ran faster.

Talking with Kiel again

Captain Ellen Kiel: Scarlet wouldn't retrieve Mai Trin without a good reason. This has gone far enough... I'm going to take this to the Council and demand we bring them both to justice.

My friends and I are after Scarlet as well. Do you have any leads?

Captain Ellen Kiel: Aside from the latest crises, the Lionguard has reported a number of steam devices across the countryside... Even one in the bay here, look. We have divers checking it out.

What do you think it's doing?

Captain Ellen Kiel: Captain Shudd claims it's a probe, but we can't remove it easily. You should be able to see it from here with this spyglass.

Let's have a look...

Hold on a moment, I need to sort my bags.

Captain Ellen Kiel: What do you think? It's too deep to scrap easily, but maybe we'd find something to track Scarlet.

This is the first one I've seen turn green. Is that new?

Captain Ellen Kiel: What? Let me see... Blast, that's a change. It could have something to do with this jailbreak. I'm going to marshal everyone I can to this investigation.

I'm going to go after Braham. Send anything you find to Marjory Delaqua.

Captain Ellen Kiel: I'll clear you to access the Mists portal Trin escaped into as soon as the area's secure. Feel free to interview the witnesses here as well.

Thanks. This time, we'll corner Scarlet for good.

Hold on a moment, I need to sort my bags.

Talking with other allies

Lionguard (norn): Second time those Aetherblades have caused a ruckus here in the fort. Don't tell Magnus I said so, but we're outmatched here.

You don't think the fort's defences are enough?

Lionguard: Against air attack or hijacking the portals? We weren't ready and lost a prisoner. Bad sign if you ask me.

Hopefully this prompts better security.

We won both times, but I see what you mean.

Lionguard (charr): Thanks for the assist, Commander. I knew that new portal was trouble.

Where does it go?

Lionguard: They call it the Edge of the Mists. Another battlefield between realms in the Mists; first time that battle has flowed back to here though. Curse those Aetherblades...

They'll pay for this.

See you later.

Lionguard (asura): I cut the power to the gates when we realized what was happening, but they had already extracted the prisoner. Next time I'll detonate the thing, shutdown protocols be damned.

Did you see Braham and Taimi?

Lionguard: The norn and progeny? They ran through the gate chasing the attackers. Once we cycle the gate's etheric matrix, I'll have this open again... Hopefully they're intact over there.

I'll go after them as soon as it's ready.

You stopped this from becoming worse. Rest up.

Canach: I remember seeing you on Southsun Cove. I've changed since then, so I hope you can put my misdeeds aside.

I have a few questions for you.

Well, I'm not going anywhere, and most of my visitors don't come for polite conversation. I'm listening. Please ask your questions.

Why didn't you escape with Mai Trin?

I wasn't invited to. Not that I would have accepted. I've had my fill of being a fugitive. I intend to serve my full sentence and walk out of here without encumbrance.

How much more time do you have left to serve?

Lion's Arch justice is...flexible. My sentence can be reduced for good behavior, or someone could buy my billet and I'd be released early to work for them.

Buy your billet? What is that?

It's essentially a work-release program that allows me to earn my freedom early. Most prisoners are billeted to fight in the arena, but that doesn't appeal to me...even if I could find a buyer.

I'd like to ask you something else.

Thank you for your time.

I'd like to ask you something else.

Thank you for your time.

I'd like to ask you something else.

Thank you for your time.

Do you know Scarlet?

I briefly met Scarlet when she was still called Ceara, but we were not at all compatible. Ceara was distracted and flighty and full of slight regard, and I do not enjoy being slighted.

I'd like to ask you something else.

Thank you for your time.

Do you plan to return to Southsun Cove?

I'd rather not discuss that, but since you asked: no. Every time I've gone there I've made things worse, so I shall not return again until I can offer something that will undo the damage I've done.

I'd like to ask you something else.

Thank you for your time.

Is the Consortium still out to get you?

I assume so. They are a ruthless business entity, and I disrupted their business. Noll tried to have me killed, but I can't prove that, so I shall have to remain vigilant. Forever, I fear.

I'd like to ask you something else.

Thank you for your time.

Thank you for your time.

I will, but not until you serve your time and your debt is paid.

The Edge of the Mists

Approaching Braham and Taimi

Braham Eirsson: Surprised to find you sitting still, short-pants. The way you took off, I figured you'd be halfway to Mount Maelstrom by now.

Taimi: Scruffy—my golem—broke down. And I still learned more in the short time I've been here than you have in your whole life.

Braham Eirsson: What happened? Why did your silly magical machine man stop working?

Taimi: I was studying that strange device, but every time I got too close, it zapped me and knocked me back.

Taimi: Eventually, Scruffy's power cells shorted out and pieces of him fell off. That activated his emergency mode.

Taimi: So he followed protocol like he's supposed to: he carried me here, spit me out, and then powered down.

Taimi: And you've got a lot of nerve calling Scruffy "silly" with those clothes and that haircut.

Braham Eirsson: So your golem's dead. Why don't you just walk out of here?

Taimi: Same reason you don't fly out: because I can't. My ears, how thick are you?

Taimi: See these legs? They don't work right. I can't walk very far unassisted.

Braham Eirsson: Uh...I uh...sorry. I didn't know!

Braham Eirsson: What'd you learn about those...um...things you were studying before your golem broke?

Taimi: As if you'd understand. All right, I've got nothing but time, so let's give it a go.

Taimi: They appear to be survey probes for the purpose of identifying high-energy thaumic channels and matrices.

Braham Eirsson: So it's like magical energy is a swirling storm and these things are mapping it.

Taimi: A trifle simplistic, but yes, that's exactly the case.

Braham Eirsson: Okay, truth time: Why did you run away from me? Why did you come here in the first place?

Taimi: It's not personal. I just wanted to see Scarlet's handiwork up close. Her marionette was amazing. Inspiring.

Taimi: When I saw her minions running through a portal, I followed them.

Braham Eirsson: You were supposed to stay with me. I told you to stop.

Taimi: Zojja tells me to do stuff all the time. So does Vorpp. I don't listen to them, either.

Braham Eirsson: What's your story anyway, Tiny? How does a little thing like you get into such big trouble?

Taimi: It's Taimi. And I'm a progeny prodigy. I've got important people fighting for the right to be my teacher.

Braham Eirsson: Important people, huh? Are they real people, or just big-eared figments of your overactive imagination?

Taimi: They're real, but they all want to tell me what to learn. I'd rather be like Scarlet and pick my own courses.

Braham Eirsson: Wolf's tail, girl! Don't be too much like Scarlet, okay? One's way too many.

Talking with Braham

Braham Eirsson: Glad to see a friendly face, <Character name>. I'm stuck here minding this asura kid, so I appreciate the company. If you want to go exploring, though, I'd understand.

The probe in the bay at Lion's Arch started turning green... Know anything?

I don't like the sound of that. It means Scarlet's machines are doing something, and that something is never good. Taimi was investigating the probes around here. She might have info you can use.

Good idea.

Good idea. I think I'll take a look around and check in with you later.

Braham Eirsson: Tell me more about the probes you examined.

Taimi: They're well designed. They emit pulsed eldritch waves that register the relative strength of all local ambient magic.

Braham Eirsson: Like the way bats hunt? They let out a chirp and react to what that chirp bounces off of.

Taimi: Right again. I am clearly a good influence on you.

Braham Eirsson: What do you think those probes of Scarlet's are looking for?

Taimi: Best guess? Um... The transcendent magic channels that span the globe. Old-fashioned Synergetics texts call them ley lines.

Taimi: Normally you can't see them or touch them, but they're real. Magic finds its own path, like rivers running to the sea.

Taimi: The probes are trying to identify the biggest and strongest of these ley lines, but I'm not sure why. Not yet.

Talking with Braham again

Braham Eirsson: Glad to see a friendly face, <Character name>. I'm stuck here minding this asura kid, so I appreciate the company. If you want to go exploring, though, I'd understand.

Do you mind if I ask you a few questions?

Not at all. It'll help pass the time. What's on your mind?

Tell me about how you ended up here.

When Mai Trin busted out of jail, Taimi followed her here. I was supposed to get the little troublemaker home safe... Had to follow. It seemed so simple, but nothing with this kid ever is.

Why did she follow an Aetherblade captain into the Mists?

Ahh, she's got a thing for Scarlet's machines. I think Taimi can't decide if she wants to be like Scarlet... or if she wants to beat the sylvari at her own game. It could be both, honestly.

I have another question, if you're not too busy.

That's all I need to know right now. Thanks.

I have another question, if you're not too busy.

That's all I need to know right now. Thanks.

Do you know where the rest of the group went after we met in Lion's Arch?

Not sure, but I'm looking forwards to finding them at the Dead End bar when this is all over. I need a drink and I like the stories Jory tells. She's got a voice some skaalds would kill for.

I have another question, if you're not too busy.

That's all I need to know right now. Thanks.

Have you talked with Eir lately?

What? Listen, friend...the less you talk about Eir Stegalkin, the better we'll get along. Not right now.

Sorry, I didn't mean to offend you.

Apology accepted. Just stay away from that subject around me, or I'll show you what "kuh-bam" means, up close and personal.

I have another question, if you're not too busy.

Understood. And again, sorry.

I have another question, if you're not too busy.

That's all I need to know right now. Thanks.

That's all I need to know right now. Thanks.

I'm just here to see what's what. I'll check back with you later.

Talking with Taimi

Taimi: Felicitations, <Character name>. Scruffy here got kicked around by the probes' defensive capabilities and I need to replace a few parts. Braham can't go because he's watching over me. Can you help?

Tell me more.

I learned the hard way that you can't get too close to Scarlet's probes without getting zapped. Scruffy lost some crucial components in the process, but he managed to get me here before he shut down.

What can I do?

I can't collect the parts myself, and Braham here won't leave me unprotected. If you find any of Scruffy's parts, bring them to me and I'll do the rest.

No worries. I'm here for you.

You're the best. The probes were in a chamber below the central island. Look for the bridge that goes under the island. And again, thanks very much!

I'd better get to it, then.

I'll think about it.

Thanks for the warning.

I don't have time now.

Braham Eirsson: So, will...what was your golem's name again?

Taimi: Scruffy.

Braham Eirsson: Will Scruffy work again if you get the stuff you need? I'd get it for you, but I can't leave you unprotected.

Taimi: You're sweet. And absolutely. I built him for maximum ease of maintenance. All he needs are some replacement parts.

Taimi: He may be rough around the edges, but when he's whole, Scruffy is as reliable as an entropic crystal regulator.

Braham Eirsson: Ah. That's good, then. Right?

Taimi: Braham, will you tell me a story while we wait?

Braham Eirsson: After you ran off on me? And all the abuse you heaped on me since we got here? I get plenty of that back in Cragstead.

Taimi: You don't spend much time around asura, do you? We only abuse people we like. Or those we're trying to improve.

Braham Eirsson: Fine. I'll assume you like me. Ahem! "Once upon a time, there was a brave and handsome norn named Braham..."

Taimi: Aww, I've heard this one already. From you. Twice.

Talking with Taimi after collecting the missing golem parts

Taimi: You found them! Scruffy's as good as fixed. All I need to do is install them and recalibrate the internal thaumic resonance matrix. Braham and I will be out of here in no time. Thanks!

You're welcome.

Taimi: Braham? Are we still going to be friends when we get back?

Braham Eirsson: Wait—are we friends now?

Taimi: I think so. You don't boss me around as much as other adults. And when you ask a question, you let me answer it.

Braham Eirsson: Well, I'm friends with Frostbite and he can't even talk. So yes, Tiny. We'll still be friends.

Taimi: Not if you keep calling me "Tiny."

Talking with Taimi again ^{[verification requested]}

Hello again, <Character name>. Scruffy's autorepair still has some work to do, so do me a favor and talk to me to help pass the time?

I did have a few questions for you.

Ask me anything. I'll keep my knowledge-to-speculation ratio at nine to one or better.

Why did you come here? What did you hope to learn?

I intended to examine Scarlet's probes, which would allow me to expore two subjects at once. What is Scarlet up to, and how does she create such fantastic equipment?

What did you learn about the probes?

Not as much as I wanted to. I think they're designed to identify ley lines—the channels that magical energy follows as it crisscrosses the globe.

Can you explain ley lines?

I'll try. They're analogous to ocean currents or atmospheric weather patterns, but with magic instead of water or air. Magic flows and cycles, and ley lines are the paths it chooses to follow.

What does Scarlet want with ley lines? (triggers voiced dialogue and letter below)

No idea yet. Mapping ley lines could allow her to identify the places of power where they converge. I need more time to figure it out for sure.

Why are you so fascinated by Scarlet?

In a word: freedom. She studied all over the world, she sets her own agenda, and she gets to build whatever she thinks up. Villainy aside, that's every genius's dream.

True, but I'm not willing to put her villainy aside. Most people aren't.

Hey, you asked. I never said she was a role model or moral paragon. I just like her work and envy the opportunities she has.

I have a few more questions.

Thanks for the information. I'll check in with you later.

I have a few more questions.

Thanks for the information. I'll check in with you later.

I have a few more questions.

Thanks for the information. I'll check in with you later.

I have a few more questions.

Thanks for the information. I'll check in with you later.

I have a few more questions.

Thanks for the information. I'll check in with you later.

I have a few more questions.

Thanks for the information. I'll check in with you later.

Tell me about how you ended up here.

I followed the Aetherblades Scarlet sent to break Mai Trin out of jail. They led me to a portal that took me here. Then my golem broke down and Braham came to babysit me until Scruffy gets fixed.

But how did you get away from Braham?

That was easy. When the Aetherblades broke Mai out of prison, all he saw was another opportunity to yell "Kuh-bam!" By the time he remembered I was there, I was already gone.

What about the danger? What would your parents say?

Parents? Ha! All I've got are bossy grown-ups. As to what they'll say—Braham will make more bellowing noises, Zojja will try to ground me...again...and Vorpp will just sigh and shake his head.

So you're an orphan?

That's right. I've been a ward of the Rata Sum social-agency division—Progeny Protective Services—since I was a baby. But neither that nor my legs ever slowed me down much.

I have a few more questions.

Thanks for the information. I'll check in with you later.

I have a few more questions.

Thanks for the information. I'll check in with you later.

I have a few more questions.

Thanks for the information. I'll check in with you later.

Scruffy? You mean your golem? (same as "Tell me about your golem.")

I have a few more questions.

Thanks for the information. I'll check in with you later.

Are you injured? What happened to your legs?.

I was born this way. My legs were never strong enough to carry me very far. Don't pity me, though. I hate pity. And I don't need it because I do just fine for myself.

I can see that. Can your legs be cured?

That remains to be seen. The degenerative effects of my condition may spread to other parts of my body as I get older, but for now it's just the legs.

How far can you walk?

I can get in and out of Scruffy when I need to. For example, I can walk from my bedroom to the water closet. Just don't ask me to be your partner in a dance marathon.

Scruffy? You mean your golem? (same as "Tell me about your golem.")

I have a few more questions.

Thanks for the information. I'll check in with you later.

I have a few more questions.

Thanks for the information. I'll check in with you later.

I have a few more questions.

Thanks for the information. I'll check in with you later.

Tell me about your golem.

His name is Scruffy, and I built him from scratch. He's got some quirks, but he's also got some features no one else has even heard of. He's my conveyance, butler, and battle armor all rolled into one.

I have a few more questions.

Thanks for the information. I'll check in with you later.

Sorry, I can't right now. Maybe later.

Taimi: Did you know Scarlet attended each of the three colleges? And that she worked with the Inquest? Ooh, and that she—

Braham Eirsson: If you believe the rumors. I talked with an asura named Vorpp, and he says it was all bunk. I'm inclined to agree.

Taimi: I know what Vorpp says, but her twisted creatures weren't bunk. The holo-pirates either. Some asura are just jealous.

Braham Eirsson: That's enough about Scarlet for now. Jormag's tooth, you really need a new hero.

Taimi: Well, do something heroic enough and I might change my mind.

Reading the mail

Marjory Delaqua Sorting Out Scarlet's Plans The more I think about it, the more convinced I am that Scarlet's actions aren't as random as they seem. There's a pattern here, something she's working toward, and we need to figure it out. I called in every favor I had with the Priory, and they're sending us the evidence they collected around Scarlet's crimes so far. They're shipping it all to the Dead End bar so we can start piecing it together. Get here as soon as you can. We need you if we're going to finally get some answers. —Marjory Delaqua Seek out Marjory Delaqua Interactive map

The Dead End

Upon entering

Kasmeer Meade: Lace curtains here, linen tablecloths there. And a sign out front that says, "Delaqua Investigations," or—

Marjory Delaqua: Stop. No curtains, no tablecloth, and most of all, no sign.

Kasmeer Meade: But—

Marjory Delaqua: No.

Kasmeer Meade: But—

Marjory Delaqua: Okay, maybe curtains, but only if they're black.

Kasmeer Meade: (sigh) I can see you're tired and cranky. We'll talk about it some other time.

Rox and Frostbite enter.

Kasmeer Meade: Rox! Come in. Join us, please.

Marjory Delaqua: Long time no see.

Marjory Delaqua: You should hear what happened.

Marjory Delaqua: My friends at the Priory delivered everything they had on Scarlet.

Marjory Delaqua: I also called in Vorpp, the Arcane Council's point person. He's collaborating with us remotely.

Kasmeer Meade: We need your help sifting through the evidence.

Kasmeer Meade: We have our own theories, but we could use another opinion.

Vorpp: (as a hologram) These recordings were found near Scarlet's lab in Lornar's Pass. You should listen to them first.

Talking with allies

Priory Explorer: Please be careful. The Priory went to a lot of trouble to acquire these artifacts. If anything gets broken or goes missing, Gixx will personally put my head on the chopping block.

Who are you?

I'm here to make sure everyone remembers these objects are Priory property. They're on loan to Ms. Delaqua, but when her investigation is done, they're coming back with me.

How did Marjory convince the Priory to lend her the objects?

We also have an interest in investigating Scarlet's activities. Plus, Ms. Delaqua is a member in good standing who's given the Priory years of service. We were glad to do her this favor.

Marjory's a member of the Durmand Priory?

Yes. She's been inactive for some time now, but she's still on the roster. In her current line of work, she and the Priory both benefit from this occasional sharing of information.

Thanks. I'll make sure everyone's careful with the artifacts.

I'm going to start the investigation. Don't worry; we'll be very careful.

I'm going to start the investigation. Don't worry; we'll be very careful.

Marjory Delaqua: My scroll pile on Scarlet Briar is three hands high. We'll get to the bottom of this, or my name isn't Marjory Delaqua.

Agreed. Or my name isn't <character name>.

Kasmeer Meade: The more I understand about how that maniac thinks, the more scared I get. (hiccup)

We have to learn everything we can.

Vorpp: Miss Delaqua is certainly very convincing. The council doesn't let me holoconference lightly. It takes a great deal of energy.

This was worth the expense.

Rox: Marjory pulled in a lot of evidence for this, huh? I've been helping the Priory haul these pieces in.

Do you have any thoughts about the investigation?

If we were tracking her, maybe, but this is your and Marjory's show. I'm just here to wish you luck.

All right, I'm on the case.

Let's hope we can piece all of this into some answers.

Activating the first recording

Scarlet Briar: You've seen me through my awakening, Mender Serimon. Thank you. But I'm awake now, so you can leave me alone.

Scarlet Briar: Synergetics is endlessly fascinating. It seeks to define the Eternal Alchemy. The other colleges work within that definition.

Scarlet Briar: The potential of golems interests me. Combining Dynamics design with Statics versatility makes just about anything possible.

Scarlet Briar: I like Teyo. More importantly, I need to advance my theories quickly. And nobody's better at quick results than the Inquest.

Scarlet Briar: Today will be monumental. With Omadd's support, I shall finally see past this world and into the Eternal Alchemy.

Marjory Delaqua: Scarlet rejected the Pale Tree because she wanted independence. What if Omadd's machine cost her that?

Activating the second recording

Scarlet Briar: The moles get magic, Flame gets gear, and I get the weaponry I need. Everybody wins...especially me.

Scarlet Briar: Lion's Arch needs softening up first, so we infiltrate its halls of power and neuter its defenses from the inside.

Scarlet Briar: The theme is "humanity can withstand any test." It's like they're begging me to prove them wrong. It's laughable! (laugh) See?

Scarlet Briar: Air superiority wins wars. So build me a comparable fleet, or I'll kill you all and replace you with holos.

Scarlet Briar: Once more, my esteemed snaky friend: you're doing this for obelisk shards. You want direct access to your prophets, right? Then do as I say.

Kasmeer Meade: Scarlet deceived each of her allies into thinking they'd gain something from working for her. Hmm. She'd make a great minister.

Activating the third recording

Scarlet Briar: Ever since I came out of Omadd's machine, you've been taking credit for my ideas. They are mine! Not yours.

Scarlet Briar: Let me be clear. I'm not doing this for you; I'm doing it for me. Nobody tells me what to do. Not ever.

Scarlet Briar: It's not true. None of it. I don't have to listen to you. Get out of my head!

Marjory Delaqua: I wonder if the voices in her head are real? What if what she saw in Omadd's machine grabbed hold of her?

Marjory Delaqua: Ironic that she rejected the Pale Tree to exert her independence, only to lose it to something else.

Vorpp: These other items are all pieces of the puzzle. Examine each one, and let us know how you think it fits.

Getting conclusions wrong

If Vorpp described the device, one of the following:

Vorpp: How exactly did you arrive at that conclusion? Try again.

Vorpp: The evidence doesn't support that hypothesis.

Vorpp: That doesn't make sense.

If Marjory described the device, one of the following:

Marjory Delaqua: Your deductions aren't adding up here.

Marjory Delaqua: That's a bit of a leap. Take another look.

Marjory Delaqua: I'd take another shot at that deduction, sunshine.

If Kasmeer described the device, one of the following:

Kasmeer Meade: I'm not sure I follow your reasoning.

Kasmeer Meade: What? Oh, I don't think that's correct.

Kasmeer Meade: I don't see where you're coming from.

Interacting with Component of Omadd's Isolation Module

Vorpp: This is Synergetics Headmaster Omadd's isolation module. A sylvari named Ceara went in; Scarlet came out.

Vorpp: I reverse-engineered an image of Ceara's aura patterns before and after. The schism is pronounced and dramatic.

Vorpp: Yesss. I remember Professor Omadd. He outsmarted me in several Pollymock[sic] tournaments. I'm sure he cheated...but that's beside the point. He never should have put Ceara in that cube.

What can you tell me about the cube?

Vorpp: His notes say its purpose was to shut down the mind's security system and open it—like opening a door—to welcome in the truths of the Eternal Alchemy. But our minds are protected for a reason.

Omadd must have faked the vision, and Scarlet believed it.

The cube made her insane. Her vision was nothing more than her mind breaking.

When Scarlet looked across the open threshold, she saw things. And something looked back.

Vorpp: Ceara encountered something that literally broke her mind, but the only things in there were things she brought.

Vorpp: I surmise she was directly exposed to a part of her own psyche that had been carefully walled off. Perhaps for her own protection?

Vorpp: We'd need to do far more extensive study of the sylvari Dream before I could draw any more-detailed conclusions.

Vorpp: What I can conclude now is that she's preparing to strike. Mark my words: Scarlet's next attack is planned and ready.

Interacting with Scarlet's Journal

Kasmeer Meade: I almost feel sorry for Scarlet after reading her journal. If only she didn't use Omadd's machine, she might be a sane flower.

Marjory Delaqua: Those are ramblings of a crazy murderer. Make no mistake, honey. She enjoys killing. She needs to be found and put down.

Scarlet's Journal: I wake from nightmares—screaming, confused, and scared. It's getting wOrse. I've decided to talk to a mender. I've probably just been working too hard. Dated Season of the Colossus, 1321.

Read on.

Every night, the same terrors. It never changes. The mender was unable to help Me, and I feel like I'm losing control of myself. Dated Season of the Zephyr, 1322.

Read on.

When the nightmare starts, an entity calls to me. I run—run into a seA of darkness. But no matter how hard I try to escape, it keeps calling me. Dated Season of the Phoenix, 1322.

Read on.

I'm trying not to sleep—too scareD to even close my eyes... So scared. Whispers come from the forest all night long, calling me, taunting me, possessing me. Dated Season of the Scion, 1322.

Read on.

Tonight, I saw it. I stared into the abyss, anD it stared back at me. So much power. I don't know what's real and what isn't anymore. Dated Season of the Colossus, 1322.

Read on.

Control of my world—of myself—is slipping through my hands. And yet, I'm no longer scared. Dated Season of the Zephyr, 1323.

Read on.

It communicated with me through images of death, destruction, and destiny. I must know more. I must confront it and put an end to this madness. Dated Season of the Scion, 1323.

Kasmeer, we've never seen this side of Scarlet.

Kasmeer Meade: She's made our lives miserable for months now. Still, if this journal is true, then I almost feel a little sorry for her. What do you supposed it all means?

It's a ploy. She left this journal where we'd find it to get us to sympathize with her.

Voices. Visions. Violence. It's clear she's just plain crazy.

Something is driving her—something she was afraid of but has since embraced.

Marjory Delaqua: Scared? What could possibly frighten someone like Scarlet?

Kasmeer Meade: She saw something while hooked up to Omadd's machine. Something that broke her. She's hearing voices in her head. But what are they telling her to do?

Close the journal.

Close the journal.

Close the journal.

Close the journal.

Close the journal.

Interacting with Energy Probe

Vorpp: That's a piece of one of Scarlet's probes. We theorize that this agitated the jungle wurms.

Vorpp: That is a piece from one of Scarlet's probes. Best we can deduce, they're searching for something. Of course, they also woke a three-headed wurm and drove it to surface.

You think a probe caused that?

Unequivocally. My colleagues believe it was the magisonic dissonance the probes emit that disturbed the wurm. You have a theory for what she was looking for with that probe?

Sure. I'm betting it's an artifact, probably a sylvari-related one.

The probes are just bombs she put out to scare us.

The probes are magical and spread out. She's closing in on a magical location.

Vorpp: That's a puzzler.

Interacting with Cooling Rod

Marjory Delaqua: Priory teams recovered this cooling rod from the Thaumanova Reactor disaster. It's steeped in dragon magic.

Marjory Delaqua: You saw it, right? The Thaumanova reactor? What a terrible disaster. Ellen Kiel's investigation uncovered Scarlet's involvement—as a special consultant to the Inquest.

What are Kiel's conclusions?

She believes Scarlet blew the place up to sow terror. One sleuth to another, that's too easy. If we theorize that all Scarlet's moves have been connected, she must have been after something.

I agree. But why? What else has Scarlet said?

Mostly crazed prattle— Hmm. Now that's interesting. Kiel's report says Scarlet called the energy flowing into the reactor "dragon" energy. She also talked about the ley lines that crisscross Tyria.

It all tracks back to the ley lines. We know she's been actively researching them.

Marjory Delaqua: Scarlet and the Inquest turned a risky research experiment into a time bomb so they could study how it ticked.

Marjory Delaqua: They also discovered new info about ley lines. If Scarlet is using that info to plan her next major attack, it's coming soon.

I'm inclined to agree with Kiel. Scarlet's crazy. She doesn't need a reason to blow people up.

I'm suspicious of the Inquest connection. I bet they're behind all this.

Interacting with Toxin Sample

Marjory Delaqua: I'll never forget how close we came to disaster. When I think about those spores spreading their toxins across Tyria, it boils my blood.

Kasmeer Meade: The Nightmare Court and krait do make a volatile combination. Scarlet popped some horrifying alchemy there.

Kasmeer Meade: I still have nightmares about that tower. I doubt I'm the only one.

At least Jory was able to find the antitoxin. Can we test it on this sample?

Scarlet would have spread her toxins all over Tyria if we'd let her. It's a good thing we found the antidote. She allied with krait and Nightmare Courtiers to do so. Why would she do such a thing?

It was a cover to grow that fake krait prophet. Why else?

The courtiers grew the plant, and the krait made it toxic. The combination was a poison so powerful...

Marjory Delaqua: This sample is resistant to the antitoxin we used against the Nightmare Tower poison.

Kasmeer Meade: Jory, we didn't stop her plan. We just showed her how to make a stronger poison that could wipe out an entire city.

She wanted to learn Nightmare Court secrets, I'd say.

Interacting with Steam Creature Wreckage

Marjory Delaqua: If you examine the steam creature closely, you can identify similarities to Scarlet's clockwork machines in its design.

Kasmeer Meade: It's like she modified the Watchknights with the same engineering.

Vorpp: These steam creatures have been around for a while, and we've pondered their origins with no success. Now, it seems we have our first clue. They share many of the qualities of Scarlet's designs.

Scarlet was able to seize control of Queen Jennah's watchknights and twist them into similarly threatening minions.

Are you suggesting that the human queen... What exactly are you suggesting?

That the queen hired Scarlet to make her watchknights, obviously.

That the queen modeled her watchknights on the steam creatures.

Vorpp: The Watchknights and the steam creatures use common parts. That would explain how Scarlet gained control of the Watchknights.

Vorpp: Their obedience makes them perfect infantry units for assaulting a fortified location.

That Scarlet was attracted to the quality of the watchknight design.

Interacting with Watchwork Fragments

Kasmeer Meade: It's so like Scarlet to ruin someone's big day. Poor Queen Jennah, celebrating ten years of rule only to have it marred by killer automatons.

Kasmeer Meade: Is that Watchknight piece safe, Marjory? I hate having any of Scarlet's machines in the bar.

Marjory Delaqua: Don't fret, angel. Ever since Queen's Jubilee, it's been quiet as a corpse.

Marjory Delaqua: First time you saw Scarlet, she was attacking MY city and MY queen. Casualties were heavy, mostly civilian. The Seraph chalked it up to a random act of violence. Little did they know...^{[verification requested]}

It was all part of her plan.

So it seems. We now know she'd been moving behind the scenes for some time, but she chose that moment to show herself. Why?

Jealousy. She has a grudge against Queen Jennah and wanted her to suffer.

To get the watchknights. Controlling them required her personal touch.

Kasmeer Meade: I think our friend is on to something.

Marjory Delaqua: Huh. Not bad. The clockwork horrors from the Jubilee must have been Scarlet's second draft.

Marjory Delaqua: Scarlet got crafty. Instead of pairing up two splinter factions, she stole an entire fighting force. And then she upped the ante with that giant marionette.

Kasmeer Meade: You don't need that kind of firepower unless...you're going to attack something really big.

I agree with the Seraph. She chose Divinity's Reach at random.

Interacting with Aetherblade Weapon

Kasmeer Meade: Scarlet converted part of a Nightmare Court arbor into her own personal airship factory. She also tormented the sylvari Firstborn, Caithe.

Kasmeer Meade: She formed this alliance in part to develop hybrid weapons with maximum destructive potential.

Marjory Delaqua: I heard a rumor that Scarlet has a secret on Caithe, something she's holding over Caithe's head. Have you heard of this?

Something happened between them at Twilight Arbor. What was Scarlet up to there, anyway?

Scarlet lured Caithe to Twilight Arbor and set a trap with Aetherblades. She was building an airship there. What do you think is happening between those two?

They know each other, but you're wrong. It wasn't a trap. Caithe raided the airship factory.

Kasmeer Meade: Now she has an arsenal of advanced weapons and an air fleet to deliver them. No city is prepared to defend against an aerial attack. Not even Lion's Arch.

Caithe and Scarlet both admire the Nightmare Court. That must be it.

Scarlet just wanted to meet the famous Caithe of Destiny's Edge.

Interacting with Kiel's Report on Dragon Bash Attack

Kasmeer Meade: (sigh) Dragon Bash was supposed to be festive, until Scarlet killed people with her flying pirates.

Marjory Delaqua: Kiel did an excellent job documenting the assassination of Councilor Theo Ashford during Dragon Bash.

Kasmeer Meade: You really should return this case file before she notices you purloined it.

Kasmeer Meade: I still can't believe Mai Trin thought she could get a seat on the Captain's Council. I'm glad we met you that day. She had to be stopped.

Mai Trin's Aetherblade friends just freed her from Lionguard custody.

That's bad news. Mai's ruthless, and now she's free to get back to during Scarlet's dirty work again.

Mai used Scarlet for her own political ambitions.

Scarlet wanted a pawn on the Captain's Council.

Kasmeer Meade: Hmm. Scarlet plotted to kill someone on the Captain's Council to make room for her puppet.

Marjory Delaqua: With Trin in place on the council, she could have weakened the city's defenses from the inside. That plan backfired, but Trin escaped to the Mists to prepare for something.

Theo Ashford was involved with Scarlet, and she betrayed him.

Interacting with Molten Alliance Drill

Kasmeer Meade: It's been almost a year since the Molten Alliance attacked the Shiverpeaks. Dredge and Flame Legion together. Who'd have imagined it?

Marjory Delaqua: Look closely at how they combined dredge mechanical knowledge with the Flame Legion's fire magic.

Marjory Delaqua: We missed the initial Molten Alliance uprising, but I heard you were there. Maybe you can explain to me what brought the dredge and Flame Legion together?

I believe it was for magitech development

Exactly. Sonic weaponry combined with flame magic. They repurposed dredge mining suits for use as charr battle armor.

I think she was developing a sonic magical device other than weapons.

Marjory Delaqua: So dredge sonic technology can be used for probing underground...

Kasmeer Meade: And Scarlet's been looking for ley lines with those probes...

Marjory Delaqua: (simultaneously): She's after the ley lines underneath Lion's Arch!

Kasmeer Meade: (simultaneously): She's after the ley lines underneath Lion's Arch!

She obviously wanted a battlesuit to keep her safe. All the pieces fit.

The dredge were fodder, nothing more. She was after Flame Legion magic.

Marjory Delaqua: Let's review the evidence.

Marjory Delaqua: Ceara entered Omadd's device, saw something terrifying, and emerged as Scarlet Briar.

Marjory Delaqua: She came out insane, but there's a method to her madness.

Marjory Delaqua: We know from Thaumanova that she's researching magical energy and ley lines.

Marjory Delaqua: She's used Molten Alliance magitech to locate ley lines. We know that there are ley lines in Lion's Arch, among other places.

Marjory Delaqua: She's built her own personal army. Krait and Nightmare Court, pirates and Inquest, dredge and Flame Legion, and most of all, her clockwork horrors.

Marjory Delaqua: She tricked her subordinates into doing her bidding with promises of power, resources, or other gains.

Marjory Delaqua: She modified her poison to be resistant to our antitoxin. She could use it against an army. Or a city.

Marjory Delaqua: Mai Trin is preparing the Aetherblades in the Mists for a big attack. There's a Mists portal in Lion's Arch.

Kasmeer Meade: Jory, Lion's Arch is her target. We have to warn Ellen.

Marjory Delaqua: I'll warn her. I'll let you know when I hear back. Make your preparations.

Marjory Delaqua: Everything has been building toward a single, devastating attack. May the gods show us mercy.

Rox: So how did you two meet?

Marjory Delaqua: About six months ago, I was just minding my own business and...

Kasmeer Meade: She'd posted a "Help Wanted" sign. And I was looking for someone to help.

Rox: So you met only six months ago? It seems like you've been together longer.

Marjory Delaqua: I'd noticed her before that—around the city.

Kasmeer Meade: You had? You never told me that.

Rox: So...you're a mated pair?

Kasmeer Meade: (laugh)

Marjory Delaqua: (chuckle) We're currently in negotiations.

Rox: C'mere, Frostbite.

Kasmeer Meade: What about you, Rox? Anyone special in your life?

Rox: No. There was once, but he was killed.

Kasmeer Meade: I'm sorry. Was he in your old warband? Braham said you're a gladium.

Rox: Braham talks too much.

Kasmeer Meade: Don't be mad. We're your friends.

Marjory Delaqua: Yeah, what are friends for, if not for sticking our noses in each other's business?

Talking with allies again

Marjory Delaqua: The evidence is in. The verdict inescapable. What are you thinking?

I'm thinking we'd better get ready.

I can tell by the look on your face that you think this is serious. So do I. Where? That's the question. Where will she hit next?

Lion's Arch. I'm convinced that will be her next target.

Kasmeer Meade: Oh dear. You've got it all figured out, don't you? And, it's going to be bad. Isn't it? Do I want to know what Scarlet's truly capable of?

It's bad. She's coming after Lion's Arch.

Why? What do you think is going to happen?

She's gathered a powerful army. She'll attack someplace well defended.

I see. What are we going to do?

We're going to stop her.

Vorpp: Well, that's that. I'll inform the Arcane Council of your findings. Something tells me they'll take the "see what happens" approach.

Better warn Lion's Arch too.

Rox: You should rest awhile before you head out again. Eat, drink. Recharge.

Good call. Say, I wanted to ask: How did your...mate die?

In a mine cave-in, with the rest of my warband. His name was Nonus Pickflea...I mean Nonus Pickaxe. Pickflea was his nickname. We teased him. We'd been best friends since the fahrar.

I'm so sorry.

We were the Pick warband, best miners in the region. We could turn out more ore in a day than any other warband.

Was it hard for you, left alone like that?

They were my family. I still miss them...every last one.

I understand.

Good idea. We may be in for a fight.

My story

“ Soon after, I received a missive from Steward Gixx of the Durmand Priory. He disclosed the location of a recently discovered lair belonging to—you guessed it—one Scarlet Briar in the caves below the Priory itself. Lucky for me, Gixx offered me a first crack at investigating the place. *** At first glance, Scarlet's lair appeared to be nothing more than a candlelit hideout with simple furniture and papers scattered about. After a bit of digging through her notes, I uncovered the passcode for the magitech console in the corner. Once accessed, the console projected a series of moving images and maps that I surmised would help uncover Scarlet's next big move. As I puzzled over the images, my eyes were drawn to a crude and unsettling painting of a large beast on the ceiling. Was this creature some new obsession of hers? A nightmare? *** By the time I regrouped with my friends in Lion's Arch, they'd put down Scarlet's marionette for good and were taking some personal time. Rytlock Brimstone had tracked down Rox to give her a new assignment after some business taking down the dragon lieutenant Tequatl and acquiring a rotting tail trophy as proof. She was ordered to kill Scarlet Briar as her final test to secure a spot in Rytlock's Stone warband. Braham seemed upset by the news; I think he's worried he'll lose his new friend. Logan Thackeray was there, too, with Taimi and her golem still in tow. The progeny made an optimistic attempt at playacting her way into Braham's charge, which worked. Taimi brought up the probing devices again; she suspected that Scarlet's plans were somehow tied to the Elder Dragons. I thought back to the painting in Scarlet's lair. Was the progeny right? After, I overheard Kasmeer confide in Marjory about a family matter. Today was the anniversary of her father's death. Kasmeer's brother gambled away more than he could pay, which led to her father's imprisonment and demise. Her family had lost everything: titles, home, every possession. She was deeply upset, but Marjory offered her a place to stay. *** More bad news wasn't far behind. I received a note from Captain Ellen Kiel and rushed over to Fort Marriner. With lightning precision, the Aetherblades had attacked the fort and freed Captain Mai Trin from the stockade. After mopping up the leftover pirates, Captain Kiel and I spoke with the sheriff. From the sound of it, Braham and Taimi got wrapped up in the mess and gave chase as the Aetherblades fled through a portal into the Mists. *** I caught up with Braham and Taimi in the Edge of the Mists, a series of fringe islands floating between Tyria and whatever lies beyond. Mai Trin and her Aetherblades were long gone. Taimi's golem, Scruffy, had been damaged while investigating one of Scarlet's probe devices and was undergoing repairs, stranding her for the time being. Braham kept watch over the progeny, trading stories and banter. Looking to kill some time, I got to know the "prodigy progeny" a little better, and her thoughts about Scarlet. She suspects Scarlet's probes were made to search for Tyria's ley lines, some kind of pattern of magical currents spanning the world. *** After returning from the Mists, Marjory requested my presence at the Dead End Bar to help figure out Scarlet's endgame. With some help from Emissary Vorpp, we pored over the evidence. Scarlet—Ceara back then—had studied at all three asura colleges and attracted the attention of Omadd, who wanted to understand the very nature of the Eternal Alchemy. Omadd took Ceara on as an assistant and eventually experimented on her with a special mind-isolating machine. As her mind was exposed to Tyria's magical network, she encountered something that drove her mad. Sporting a new name, Scarlet went on to make friends and allies of various outcast factions across Tyria, pairing them together for their mutual benefit, but also her own. These groups began to terrorize the lands from Ascalon to Kryta all while she set up her probes, virtually unnoticed. She used intel about ley lines gathered from her studies in Rata Sum and her time in the Inquest to narrow her list of targets. Her tampering with the watchknights allowed her the chance to bolster her ranks and reverse engineer and modify future versions. Finally, Scarlet's ploy to install Captain Mai Trin on the Captain's Council in Lion's Arch was attempted to weaken the city's defenses and leadership from the inside. Mai Trin ultimately failed, but with the rest of the evidence taken into consideration—Scarlet's gathering armies, airships, and equipment; probes searching for ley lines; assassinations—we came to an alarming conclusion: Scarlet Briar's next target was Lion's Arch. — My story

Notes

Lore discrepancy:

The first hologram recording in The Dead End instance talks about events that happened before Scarlet found out of hologram recordings, such as shortly after her awakening (very first entry).

Trivia

• The fifth section, A Study in Scarlet, shares its name with the first Sherlock Holmes story.

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Living World Season 1 storyline

Flame and Frost	New Friends, New Enemies → The Battle for Cragstead → Alliance Investigation → Molten Furnace → A Quiet Celebration
Sky Pirates	Ceremony and Acrimony → Hard Boiled → No More Secrets → Aether Investigation → The Aetherblade Retreat → Case Closed
Clockwork Chaos	The Opening Ceremony → The Queen's Address → Clockwork Invasion → Scarlet's Playhouse → Picking Up the Pieces
Tower of Nightmares	The Nightmare Unveiled → Making the Antitoxin → The Tower of Nightmares → The Nightmare Incarnate → The Nightmare Ends → Awake and Allied
Battle for Lion's Arch	The Twisted Marionette → Connecting the Pieces → Escape from Lion's Arch → The Battle for Lion's Arch → Battle on the Breachmaker → Scarlet's End → After the Battle → Dawn of the Next Journey
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