Dead of Winter

Dead of Winter

Year

1325 AE

Storyline

Personal story

Chapter

Justice for Riannoc

Location

Provernic Crypt
(Gendarran Fields)

Level

30

Race

Sylvari

Order

Durmand Priory

Preceded by

The Bad Apple
Trouble at the Roots

Followed by

Setting the Stage

API

247

Dead of Winter is part of the personal story of sylvari characters. It is selected by becoming a member of the Durmand Priory in the previous mission.

Objectives

Find a way through the traps and into Mazdak's tomb.

• Gain entrance to Mazdak's tomb.
• Locate the inner sanctum of Mazdak the Accursed.
• Defeat Mazdak the Accursed.
• Give Caladbolg to Trahearne.

Rewards

Click here to edit the reward data

All professions

• 6,523 
• Spirit Shard
• Thorny Seed Pouch (CFine)
• Priory Pride
• Durmand Priory Weapon Container

Profession-specific

• Swelter's Gait
• Trackless Boots
• Blessed Steps

Walkthrough

At the first locked gate, the inscription reads that you are required to respect it. Open it by activating the "/bow" or "/salute" emotes while standing in front of it. Beware of standing on the pressure-plates (which stick out a bit from the ground) that will cause the flame jets to set you on fire while fighting the Risen.

Once you reach and interact with the second gate, backtrack to the coffin in the middle of the room and interact with it to summon the ghost of Captain Bragen, who kindly opens the gate for you. The corridor beyond has spike traps - standing on the red AoE circles will cause spikes to emerge from the ground, each of which causes lethal damage - your allies are immune to the traps, so will revive you if you become downed. Once you reach the far end of the spike trap corridor, you will be attacked by further Risen.

The third gate requires that you find an Ancestor's Bone from the nearby spider crypts and place it in one of the braziers. Light the other five braziers to open the gate.

A short cinematic will play, where the player reveals to Mazdak that they carry Caladbolg. Kill Mazdak the Accursed and his Risen assistants. After another cinematic, hand Caladbolg to Trahearne to finish the mission.

Achievements

Branching Out	Hero	10
Complete the sylvari personal story step "A Tangle of Weeds", "Dead of Winter", or "Flower of Death".You made sure the dead stayed dead.	Story Achievement	10

• Complete the story step.

NPCs

Allies

Sylvari

• Caithe
• Iowerth
• Trahearne

Ghost

• Captain Bragen
• Ghostly Archer

Foes

Risen

• Mazdak the Accursed
• Risen Abomination
• Risen Brute
• Risen Thrall

Spider

• Cave Spider

Objects

• Ancestor's Bone

Dialogue

Cinematic upon nearing Iowerth, Caithe and Trahearne:

Iowerth: Welcome, Novice. Today, you get your first taste of the adventures inherent in being a member of the Durmand Priory.

Iowerth: I'm so excited for you! The tomb of Mazdak. I couldn't have asked for a better trial of your abilities.

<Character name>: I'm looking forward to it. So...what should we expect within the crypt?

Iowerth: A challenge! Our small but clever team will be following your lead.

Iowerth: We'll need to find Mazdak's chamber within the tomb. Once there, we will find a way to defeat him. I'm certain of it.

Trahearne: This tomb is ancient. It may even date back to the spread of the first human settlers on Tyria.

Caithe: Such places are filled with traps and other dangers. We must enter cautiously.

<Character name>: I'm ready for this. I swear by Caladbolg's thorn: we will defeat Mazdak.

Speaking with your allies:

Caithe: We'll find the monster in his lair and destroy Mazdak where he sleeps.

Riannoc will finally be avenged.

Trahearne: We're sure to be tested both physically and mentally. Stay by Iowerth's side. He's wise beyond his years.

I'll keep that in mind. Glad to have you with us, Trahearne.

At the gate:

(First gate): Only those who show respect may enter.

Leave.

Iowerth: How do you show respect to a door? Bring it flowers?

I'm not sure. Any ideas?

Bowing is a sign of respect. Maybe try that?

Maybe I will.

I have an idea.

After the tomb gate opens:

Iowerth: Keep your wits sharp, champion. We'll need them.

Iowerth: Be cautious. This entire ruin is prone to collapse.

Iowerth: You'll be an excellent novice for the Durmand Priory. I expect you to flourish!

I'm glad to be here.

After the first trap:

Iowerth: Archaeology is dangerous work, but a clever mind can keep you safe.

Caithe: I see no enemies. Why do you call it dangerous?

Iowerth: The danger is in the things one cannot see.

Iowerth: Look at these designs. Pre-Krytan! This might have been the tomb of an ancient king.

Iowerth: The door's enchanted. It won't open. Can you see any way to get through?

Examining the gate:

(Second gate): Only a sworn protector of Kryta may open these hallowed gates.

Leave.

After interacting with the gate:

Iowerth: Sworn protector? Krytan ancestry, perhaps? Well, that's difficult.

I'm not a sworn protector of Kryta. What do we do now?

Guess we need to find someone who is, yes?

Worth a try.

I'll look in the crypts for something useful.

Cinematic upon opening the coffin:

Captain Bragen: You dare disturb the tomb of Mazdak, mighty conqueror of old?

<Character name>: Hear me, ghost! Your master, Mazdak, has been corrupted by an ancient evil. We must pass.

<Character name>: We wish to end his blight, but this enchanted door bars our path. Will you help us, protector?

Captain Bragen: Corrupted? By what foul force? Speak truth, interloper, or I will know!

<Character name>: By the Elder Dragon Zhaitan. He has stolen your lord's body, and turned his spirit to evil.

Captain Bragen: This is dark news. Mazdak was once lord of these lands, serving the people and the Gods. To hear he has now become a servant of evil...

Captain Bragen: I will aid you, travelers. I will show you the path safely through the tomb.

<Character name>: Thank you, Captain. We'll end the dragon's corruption and make this right.

After the cinematic:

Iowerth: Fascinating, these old tombs. It takes a ghost to beat a... well, yes.

Captain Bragen: Be wary: This corridor is trapped. You must walk as softly as...a ghost.

Trahearne: Hold back friends, I have an idea.

Trahearne sends a minion into the corridor.

Trahearne: Whoa! Let's do better shall we? Don't want to end up like my poor minion.

Iowerth: Well said Trahearne. Careful feet, everyone! Careful feet.

Captain Bragen: I do not know your race, strange one, but if you are an ally to Kryta, then my sword is at your disposal.

Can you tell me more about this place?

This is the crypt of Mazdak, royal son of Orr, who came to these shores so that humans may raise a new nation: Kryta.

Amazing. The origin of Kryta.

My children, and their children, served Kryta and its throne. I do no less in death.

Very interesting.

A rich and noble heritage.

Thank you.

Risen spawn:

Captain Bragen: May the Gods of Arah watch over us! To battle!

After the Risen are defeated:

Trahearne: That creature was an abomination, but it was definitely not the lich.

Captain Bragen: That was a creature of darkness. It had no place within this sacred tomb.

Trahearne: Where you find one those creatures, you often find more. They rarely travel alone.

Captain Bragen: If so, then they may be in the next chamber. That way lies the crypt of my master, Mazdak.

Captain Bragen: Come. I will lead the way.

Interacting with the third gate:

(Third gate): They sacrificed their lives in our darkest hour. Light will honor them in kind.

Leave.

Speaking with Iowerth:

Iowerth: Light the darkness. Seems straightforward enough.

I'm not sure. What do you think it means?

Light means fire. So what can we set on fire around here?

Good idea. I'll find something.

Agreed.

Interacting with the brazier before obtaining an Ancestor's Bone:

(Brazier): The torch won't light. An inscription mentions "bones of the ancestors."

I should look for bones nearby.

After retrieving the Ancestor's Bone from the spider crypt, and interacting with the brazier:

(Brazier): Green sparks begin to flicker in the brazier.

Strike the brazier with the bones.

More green sparks, but the flame does not ignite.

I'll try something else.

Place the bones inside the brazier.

Success! The torch lights.

Leave.

Wave the bones near the brazier in a ritualistic manner.

Nothing happens.

I'll try something else.

After the puzzle:

Iowerth: This should be Mazdak's actual tomb. Prepare yourself for the worst.

Cinematic upon entering the doorway to Mazdak's tomb:

Mazdak the Accursed: Sylvari? Here? You have long roots for such small weeds.

Mazdak the Accursed: Flee, while you still have your lives! When the human race was as young as your own, I conquered these lands and named them—Kryta!

Trahearne: Now I recognize these markings! Mazdak brought the first human settlers to Kryta, from Orr. No wonder he is so powerful.

Trahearne: As a mortal, he lived in Orr—while the dragon slept, hidden deep beneath the ground.

<Character name>: You may have once been a hero, Mazdak, but now you're nothing but Zhaitan's slave. We don't fear you.

Mazdak the Accursed: Ah, but you should. Know this before you die: no weapon forged can harm me. You face your doom!

<Character name>: I carry a weapon that was never forged, Mazdak. Perhaps you recognize this blade?

Mazdak the Accursed: Caladbolg? I thought it was destroyed, long ago. Very well, sylvari. Let this be a battle to the death...and beyond!

During the battle:

Mazdak the Accursed: Pathetic little adventurers. Come, fight me.

Mazdak the Accursed: I cannot be defeated! I will break Caladbolg—and you, along with it!

Mazdak the Accursed: You think to avenge your dead kinsman? You will fall, as he did.

Mazdak the Accursed: The touch of that sword is like fire! This cannot be!

After Mazdak's defeat (cinematic):

<Character name>: Mazdak the Accursed is dead. By the blade of Caladbolg, Riannoc is at last avenged.

Iowerth: Novice, you've shown both intelligence and courage. I rate your performance as exceptional.

Iowerth: You should head to Lion's Arch and receive your first formal assignment. It's time to send you out into the field.

<Character name>: Thank you. I'll leave soon.

<Character name>: Caithe? You're so quiet. Are you injured?

Caithe: No. I am thinking. Riannoc died before he could fulfill his Wyld Hunt. He failed because he was alone.

Caithe: If we wish to fight Zhaitan, we must not let fear or anger force us apart. If we do not find a way to defeat the dragons, Tyria will be destroyed.

Caithe: Tell me, my friend. Do you think...do you think it's possible for people to let go of their differences? To unite?

<Character name>: Our Dreams inspire us, Caithe. We must never give up hope, or we give up the Dream itself.

Caithe: Then I must also go to Lion's Arch. It is time to call together Destiny's Edge.

Trahearne: By your leave, my friend, I'll return Caladbolg to the Pale Tree. I'll be sure to tell her the tale of Mazdak's defeat.

<Character name>: Will I see you again Trahearne?

Trahearne: Yes. I am sure of it. Our Wyld hunts are linked, my friend. We will need one another.

Trahearne: May your path be filled with adventure and joy. Until we meet again.

Iowerth: Well done, Novice! I shall write a glowing review of your performance and set it on Gixx's desk immediately!

Gixx? Who's that?

Ranked "Incomparable Genius" in the asura colleges, twice awarded the "Meritorius Service Medal" of the Iron Legion, Steward Gixx is the leader of the Durmand Priory.

He's an asura? Isn't that a little strange?

Not at all. His intellectual brilliance led him, inevitably, to the Durmand Priory. He's a bit grumpy, but astonishing, nevertheless.

I can't wait to meet him. Can I ask another question?

Gixx sounds interesting. Thanks for telling me about him.

Wow, I look forward to meeting him.

What's the next step, now that I'm a member of the Priory?

You'll head to Lion's Arch to meet your mentor: a tutor assigned to train you in Priory methodology.

Mentor? Who will that be?

I don't know, but I'm sure Gixx will choose wisely. Your mentor's advice is critical to establishing your future in the order.

Then I'm sure I'll be very impressed. Thank you, Josir[sic], and good-bye.

I look forward to learning more about the Durmand Priory. Take care, Josir[sic].

Caithe wants to meet me in Lion's Arch. Is that all right?

Of course. The Priory completely understands you have side-projects. You can meet your mentor after that business is done.

I'm glad to hear that. Can I ask another question?

I will, Josir[sic]. Good-bye!

I look forward to a future of exploration and discovery. Farewell, Iowerth.

Trahearne: I shall carry Caladbolg back to the Pale Tree, and tell her of this battle. Bless you, Herald.

Caladbolg is a fine weapon. I am honored to have carried it.

Perhaps in the future we will see it again. For now, I am glad it's safe in the mother's boughs.

Agreed.

After giving Caladbolg to Trahearne:

Caithe: In the end, Mazdak was only mortal, and anything mortal can be defeated. I'll meet you in Lion's Arch, <Character name>.

Before you go, can you tell me about Destiny's Edge?

Logan, Rytlock, Eir, Snaff and his apprentice, and myself. We were readying ourselves to fight Kralkatorrik...but it all went wrong.

Fight an Elder Dragon? Do you think they could have won?

Then? Yes. But not now. Now when they are so...fragmented. Perhaps they will see reason.

Perhaps. Can I ask you something else?

I'll see you there.

So, off we go to Lion's Arch. Anywhere in the city, in particular?

The Trader's Forum, where we formed Destiny's Edge. I hope it reminds them of better days.

Seems reasonable. Can I ask you something else?

All right. I'll meet you there.

See you in Lion's Arch.

Trahearne: Well done, <Character name>,[sic]. Know that if you should need me, I will be there. Our Wyld Hunts will bring us together once more.

You should come with me.

No, I think not. I have more research to do on Orr. You'll do well on your own. I know it.

Take care, Trahearne.

What will happen to Caladbolg?

I will return the sword to the Pale Tree. If it is needed, I'm sure we'll see it again.

I hope you're right.

I hope to see you soon.

My story

“ Mazdak the Accursed is destroyed. Riannoc's spirit can finally rest in peace. I returned Caladbolg to the Pale Tree, but perhaps one day, I will see the sword again. Meanwhile, I've joined the Durmand Priory. I look forward to seeing more of the world. — My story

Notes

• The difficulty of this quest was reduced in the 17 September, 2012 update.
• At the end of this quest, players will call Iowerth "Josir" in two dialogue options.
• If you are a Mesmer, any summoned clones will use Caladbolg's full 1-5 skillset if they are summoned while you wield Caladbolg.

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Sylvari storyline