Defending the Keep

Defending the Keep

Year

1325 AE

Storyline

Personal story

Chapter

Crystal Corruption

Location

Vigilant Hills
(Gendarran Fields)
Vigil Keep
(Gendarran Fields)
Hero's Canton
(Black Citadel)

Level

30

Race

Charr

Preceded by

Dangerous Research
Digging Up Answers

Followed by

Research and Destroy
Whispers of Vengeance
Ever Vigilant

API

100

Defending the Keep is part of the personal story for charr characters who decided to help the Vigil in the previous mission.

Objectives

The Vigil Keep is about to be attacked by an undead horde.

• Rendezvous with Gahn Towerbreaker at the Vigil Keep.
• Man the defenses on the bridge.
• Defend the bridge.
• Defend the keep.
• Slay the abominations.

Travel to the Black Citadel to debrief with the representatives of the orders of Tyria.

• Meet with Rytlock and the order reps in Hero's Canton.
• Consult your warband.
• Choose an order of Tyria to join permanently.

Rewards

Click here to edit the reward data

All professions

• Bag of Loot (3)

Profession-specific

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

Walkthrough

Speak with Gahn Towerbreaker to trigger the opening cinematic, where he says that the Vigil are well prepared and have arranged their keep such that the undead will be funnelled in one direction up the ramp through the barricades towards the keep.

After the cinematic, move to the indicated point and operate the cannon at the top of the ramp. A few small groups of undead will begin to run up the ramp around the furthest barricade - use the cannon to fire at them - prioritising use of skill 1, which knocks foes back and deals high damage. When a very large group of undead appear and Gahn Towerbreaker shouts "That's it, fall back to the keep!", retreat back to the two Arrow Carts by the keep. (The other cannon in between the first cannon and the arrow carts is unsuitable since you will be obstructed by the catapult). Arrow Carts deal an enormous amount of damage to a wide area, so use it on the undead while they are distracted by your Vigil allies and the cannons. One or two undead will likely slip through your allies and reach you, so temporarily leave the Arrow Cart and kill the undead (who are too close to use the Arrow Cart skills on). Eventually two Veteran Risen Abominations will appear, which you can also obliterate with the Arrow Cart skills.

If you are having difficulty with the mission, consider bringing as many AoE skills as your profession can bring.

NPCs

Allies

Vigil Keep

Asura

• Warmaster Efut

Charr

• Sparring Partner:
  • Clawspur
  • Dinky
  • Euryale
  • Maverick
  • Reeva

Sylvari

• Laranthir of the Wild

Various

• Vigil Crusader
• Vigil Tactician
• Vigil Warmaster

Hero's Canton

Charr

• Sparring Partner:
  • Clawspur
  • Dinky
  • Euryale
  • Maverick
  • Reeva
• Yahuk Fellstrike (If Ash Legion)
• Wroda the Quick (If Ash Legion and completed Spilled Blood.)
• Samona Ironclaw (If Ash Legion and completed Iron Grip of the Legion.)
• Elexus Shredskin (If Blood Legion)
• Fyon the Wraith (If Blood Legion and completed The End of the Line.)
• Soure Doomsday (If Blood Legion and completed Magic Users.)
• Luccia Wildeye (If Iron Legion)
• Zemzer Undercut (If Iron Legion and completed Ghostbore Artillery.)

Foes

Vigil Keep

Risen

• Risen Abomination
• Risen Brute
• Risen Human
• Risen Plague Carrier

Objects

• Arrow Cart
• Cannon

Dialogue

Vigil Keep

On entering the instance (speech bubble):

Depending on your sparring partner:

Clawspur: I know a few Vigil soldiers. Not up to our standards, but good fighters.

Dinky: Now that's a fortress! Needs more cannons though, and spiketraps. Love those!

Euryale: Lot of thick-necked goons in the Vigil, but they're decent soldiers. Wonder how they'd do in a real army.

Maverick: I thought about joining the Vigil once. Decided I was too much soldier for them to handle.

Reeva: That's Vigil HQ? It doesn't look like it needs much more in the way of defense.

Talking to your sparring partner:

Clawspur: This could be big. Wonder how the Vigil handles itself in a real war.

We're about to find out.

Dinky: Nice keep! It's no Black Citadel, but it's nothing to sneeze at. Wait...do the undead sneeze?

Either way, they won't after we get through with them.

Euryale: The Vigil handled this pretty well. They'd have done better with an all-charr army, but I gotta give 'em credit.

Now that they're out of danger, it's time to deal with the necromancer...and Howl.

Maverick: The Vigil has a rank called "warmaster"? There's only one warmaster around here, and you're looking at him, baby! Woo!

Nobody else could possibly live up to that name as well as you, Mav.

Reeva: We should challenge the Vigil to a dance-off. Or a stab-off. Or a chop-undead-heads-off. You know, a friendly competition.

Good idea. Let's make sure we keep enough of them alive to participate.

On the way to Gahn Towerbreaker:

Vigil Crusader (male human): The worst part is waiting before the attack. You scared yet, rookie?

Vigil Crusader (female sylvari): Should I be? I'm more anxious than scared. This situation is very new to me.

Vigil Crusader (male human): Ha! No, there's nothing to be scared of, rosebud. Not with me watching your back.

Vigil Crusader (female sylvari): I think you meant that to sound reassuring. Why am I not reassured?

Vigil Crusader (male charr): So, if you've never fought a real battle alongside one of us, you're in for a treat.

Vigil Crusader (female norn): I haven't fought beside charr, but I did step on a cat's tail once. Is that what it's like?

Vigil Crusader (male charr): (laughs) Funny. No, I'm literally poetry in motion...if poetry could stab you with a sword.

Vigil Crusader (female norn): By the Spirits, if the undead don't attack soon, your tail is so stepped on.

Speaking with Laranthir of the Wild:

Laranthir of the Wild: On behalf of General Soulkeeper, welcome. I'm Laranthir, and if there's anything you need that Gahn can't provide, let me know.

Thank you. I will.

Speaking with Warmaster Efut:

Warmaster Efut: Welcome to the Vigil Keep. We're glad for your help, but stay sharp. We could be up against a whole army of undead here.

Don't worry. We're always sharp.

Meeting with Gahn (cinematic):

<Character name>: This place looks ready for war, Gahn. I'm impressed.

Crusader Gahn Towerbreaker: After all this preparation and building up of our defenses, I'll be disappointed if we're not attacked.

Crusader Gahn Towerbreaker: The plan is simple: the ramp you just came up is the only way in. We've set up barricades to slow down and thin out attackers.

Crusader Gahn Towerbreaker: You can also use those cannons to welcome our undead visitors. If they get through all that, we fall back to the keep.

Crusader Gahn Towerbreaker: That means you, too, Centurion. Our house, our rules; we want live soldiers, not dead heroes. If the Vigil falls back, you fall back. Clear?

<Character name>: Clear. Is there anything I should do in the mean-

After the cinematic:

Crusader Gahn Towerbreaker: To the front! We'll hold them there as long as we can.

Talking to Crusader Gahn Towerbreaker after the cinematic:

Crusader Gahn Towerbreaker: Welcome to the Vigil Keep, Centurion. This is our central headquarters, but our reach extends across Tyria.

Right now, I'm focused exclusively on this one.

After reaching the barricades:

Crusader Gahn Towerbreaker: We need artillery support! Get on the cannon!

Once the undead reach the barricades:

Crusader Gahn Towerbreaker: That's it, fall back to the keep!

Crusader Gahn Towerbreaker: Here! Dig in, we'll hold them here!

When the abomination appears:

Crusader Gahn Towerbreaker: The preliminaries are over. Here come the abominations!

After defeating the abominations (cinematic):

Crusader Gahn Towerbreaker: Scorch me. What where those things?

<Character name>: Zhaitan. And we're going to keep seeing more: more undead that are more dangerous than usual, more often.

Crusader Gahn Towerbreaker: They weren't playing around, were they? Is it just me, or are these amulets getting stronger?

<Character name>: It's definitely getting worse. And if an amulet isn't even safe inside a Vigil fortress, it's time to re-think our approach.

<Character name>: Let's get back to Rytlock and the other orders. We need to stop these outbreaks before the landscape is hip-deep in undead.

Crusader Gahn Towerbreaker: Agreed. I need to deal with our casualties here, and then I'll meet you back at the Black Citadel.

Speaking with NPCs after the cinematic:

Crusader Gahn Towerbreaker: Nice work, Centurion. Now that the Keep is safe, we can track down the necromancer and your missing comrade.

Agreed. Let's head back to the Citadel and confer with the others.

Warmaster Efut: Thanks for your help. We could have managed without you, but there's plenty of undead to go around.

Too many, if you ask me. But I'm working on that.

Hero's Canton

Speaking with Rytlock (cinematic):

Rytlock Brimstone: The orders disagree on how to proceed. So I have a plan: You choose which one we'll help. In return, I've arranged for you to permanently join that order.

Rytlock Brimstone: You'll still be a centurion of the High Legions, but you'll also be a link between us and your chosen order. Your warband will continue doing Citadel business while you're gone.

<Character name>: I understand. Howl's involvement made this personal, but the Orrian dragon is a global threat. We need strong, reliable allies against it.

Rytlock Brimstone: Okay, people. Time to decide. We have the means to find the necromancer's dragon crystal, and to destroy it.

Scholar Yahala Scribepaw: All thanks to the Priory. We know what we're doing, so now let us destroy the crystal without interference. We work better that way.

Crusader Gahn Towerbreaker: There's no way I'm leaving a vital search-and-destroy mission to a bunch of academics. Wait for Vigil support before you make a move.

Korukhan the Blacksmith: Either way, the Order of Whispers will do what we always do: let you draw their attention, then strike from the shadows.

Rytlock Brimstone: It's your call, Centurion. But remember that you're not just helping out, you're joining the order you choose.

Consulting with your warband (cinematic):

<Sparring partner>: I overheard. You're leaving us to join one of the orders.

<Character name>: I'm accepting a special assignment from the tribune. And the warband will need a leader while I'm gone. That's you, Legionnaire.

(depending on sparing partner)

Clawspur: Me? But I'm just a front-line life-taker.

Dinky: Me? But I'm not smart enough to give orders. I can follow them, or pass them along...are you sure about this?

Euryale: Me? But...we're the heart of this warband, you and me. If you're gone, I'm just a bad-tempered spellcaster that everyone's afraid of.

Maverick: Now you're talking! It's about time ol' Mav got his due. But what about the others? They don't know me well enough to love me like they ought to.

Reeva: Ha! And our primus said I was too cheerful to lead a warband. But seriously: I'm okay filing in for you, but a permanent promotion? Are you sure?

<Character name>: I need someone I can trust, someone effective. You've got some rough edges, but there's nobody else I'd want calling the shots.

<Character name>: If anyone objects, send them to me. Or, just crack their heads until they think different. You're in charge now: act like it. I know you can handle this.

<Sparring partner>: I...thanks, boss. You can count on me. Good luck in Lion's Arch. We'll be waiting when you get back.

Talking to your sparring partner and warband allies before making a choice:

Clawspur: Soon it'll be time to choose, eh?

In a word: yes.

Dinky: I'm glad we got the chance to work with each order. I'd hate to have to choose. Maybe if they all joined forces? Then they'd be the Durmand Pri-Order-ty of Vigil-ispers.

Sadly, I don't think they're ready for that level of cooperation—yet.

Euryale: I'm getting angsty with all this back-and-forth between the orders. When's it going to end? When are we going to settle things with Howl?

Soon. Be patient.

Maverick: So, who do we impress next?

I'll let you know, Mav. Stand by.

Reeva: One tribune, three order reps, and a whole warband. Looks like a party to me.

Not quite. Until we find Howl, we're all business.

Ash Legion warband:

Yahuk Fellstrike: As a magic user, I know the value of preparation. Without the right spell, you're sunk. So go with Whispers. They always spy before they strike.

I see your point, but I haven't decided yet.

Wroda the Quick: I like the Vigil. Solid, reliable, dependable, familiar - all fine soldiers. You could lead them to greatness.

True, but I have to weigh all my options.

Blood Legion warband:

Elexus Shredskin: I'd have no trouble joining the Vigil. Their commanding officer is female! After I helped 'em take down the dragons, the Flame Legion would be next.

Good advice. I'll consider it.

Soure Doomsday: The way I figure it, you're as smart as any of those Priory scholars, and you're a trained soldier. Join them, you'd be running that think tank in a year.

Maybe so. I'll take that under advisement.

Fyon the Wraith: Personally, I'd be happiest if we stuck with the Order of Whispers. Being sneaky and getting results is how I earned my name.

Good advice. I'll let you know when I've decided.

Iron Legion warband:

Luccia Wildeye: The orders of Tyria? I've seen the Priory's heavy artillery. Those scholars are some vicious cannoneers, I can tell you that. But the other two? Never heard of 'em.

That doesn't mean no one ever told you about them, Luccia.

Zemzer Undercut: The Order of Whispers is the way to go. The Ash Legion has hammered it into me: never let the enemy see you coming.

Good input, but I'm still considering all three orders.

Speaking to the order representatives:

Korukhan the Blacksmith: Ready to join the silent ranks of the Order of Whispers? Remember: this choice is permanent, so be certain of your commitment.

I'll join you. Consider me part of the Order of Whispers from now on.

This is an important decision. I need more time to decide.

Gahn Towerbreaker: Time to squat or get off the pot, soldier. Remember—if you join the ranks of the Vigil, it's for life. This is one decision you can't take back.

I'm in. I'll officially join the Vigil.

This is an important decision. I need more time to consider.

Yahala Scribepaw: Ready to join the scholarly ranks of the Durmand Priory? Remember, this is permanent—no going back for you.

Yes. I'll officially join the Durmand Priory.

This is an important decision. I need more time to consider.

On choosing the Durmand Priory (cinematic):

Scholar Yahala Scribepaw: Welcome aboard! This marks the start of a long and prosperous partnership between you and the Durmand Priory.

<Character name>: The Priory's methods have served us well. And I like your approach—solving a problem in your labs and libraries before you solve it in the field.

<Character name>: It's efficient. It brings victory. And I like winning. Now let's go find Howl and destroy the necromancer's crystal.

Scholar Yahala Scribepaw: Of course. Usually, our novices aren't so... commanding...but then again, you've done it before. And you're right: there is work to do.

Scholar Yahala Scribepaw: I'll meet you at Lychcroft Mere with everything we need to end this. Until then.

On choosing the Order of Whispers (cinematic):

Korukhan the Blacksmith: I was hoping you'd side with us. Your attitude and skills make you perfect for the Order of Whispers. You'll go far here.

<Character name>: I like the way you operate. You draw no attention, you keep the enemy guessing, and you get results.

<Character name>: That's all a good soldier ever wants: to get results and stay alive. So, the necromancer's crystal is out there, and so is Howl. What's our next move?

Korukhan the Blacksmith: Eager to get started, eh? Good. The Priory and Vigil muster in Lychcroft Mere, but there is danger. Meet me there and we'll make sure they don't get in over their heads.

On choosing the Vigil (cinematic):

Crusader Gahn Towerbreaker: The Vigil is the right choice, soldier. You'll be a strong asset to us. Your skills will make a real difference in the world.

<Character name>: The Vigil understands what this is: war. The dragon-threat needs to be confronted head-on, starting with necromancer Rissa.

<Character name>: By now, Howl is most likely one of her mindless minions. He deserves to rest in peace, and she deserves to die. What's our next move?

Crusader Gahn Towerbreaker: Direct assault, with overwhelming force. The Priory can destroy the crystal, but we will clear the way for them to do so.

Crusader Gahn Towerbreaker: If they falter, or if their magic potion fails, we'll bash it until it shatters. Meet me at Lychcroft Mere and we'll put an end to this.

Talking to your sparring partner and warband allies after making a choice:

Clawspur: Now we settle this.

Damned right.

Dinky: So let me get this straight: the Priory has the tools, the Vigil has the muscle, and Whispers has everyone's back. Does it count as working together if they don't do it at the same time?

Consider this a trial run, Dinky.

Euryale: Took us a while to get here, but I'm glad we're doing right by our old 'bandmate. When do we start?

As soon as possible. I'll see you in the swamp.

Maverick: I'm fine with a swampy mission. Diamonds like me sparkle in any setting, no matter how dank and dreary.

Sparkle now, while you can. There's grim business ahead.

Reeva: I know we have to settle this before we celebrate, but when it's all over, let's get together and toast to Howl, one last time.

Good idea. The first round's on me.

Ash Legion warband:

Yahuk Fellstrike: Too bad there's nobody calling the shots for the orders. They'd get so much more done if they stopped trying to do it their own way.

At least they're trying. And we'll be there to take up any slack.

Wroda the Quick: This would be easier if the orders would all just coordinate their efforts. It's so frustrating!

They're working together, even if they're baby-stepping it. That's a start.

Blood Legion warband:

Elexus Shredskin: I'm glad the orders are working together for a change, but this still feels like three different missions with three different objectives.

But my goals are clear: find Howl, destroy crystal, punish necromancer.

Soure Doomsday: With all three orders trying to get this done, anything could happen. No matter which way it goes, I'm with you.

Thanks, soldier. We'll need that discipline once we hit the swamp.

Fyon the Wraith: These order folks are making progress, but they could learn a thing or two from the High Legions about coordinated action.

Then it's up to us to show 'em how it's done.

Iron Legion warband:

Luccia Wildeye: You know what these orders need? An imperator. Anytime the Black Citadel is pulled in three different directions, Smodur smacks everyone in the face and shouts "Listen up!"

Smodur's got his hands full. We'll have to do this the hard way...for now.

Zemzer Undercut: I'm ready, boss. The other orders may confuse things in the field, but with you out there, it'll get done right.

Thanks, soldier. Get ready to move out.

My story

“ I helped Gahn Towerbreaker defend the Vigil keep from the horde of undead Rissa's amulet summoned. I've decided to check back in with Rytlock and the other order reps. This has gone far enough, and it's way past time to find Rissa, destroy her and her amulets, and find out what happened to Howl the Brazen. At Rytlock's suggestion, I joined one of the orders of Tyria permanently. We both agreed that this is the best and most effective way to battle the Elder Dragons, and to put a stop to the necromancer Rissa and her amulets. It's also the surest way to find out what happened to my missing dead warbandmate, Howl the Brazen, so that he can finally rest in peace. — My story

Notes

Bugs:

• Cimmara Pistolwhip does not appear for Iron legion players who have completed Deadly Force.
• Similarly Samona Ironclaw does not appear for Ash legion players who completed Iron Grip of the Legion.
• Cimmara Pistolwhip appears for players who have completed Spilled Blood in addition to Wroda the Quick.

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Charr storyline