Evon Gnashblade

	Image(s)
	Evon's original appearance.

This article is about the owner of the Black Lion Trading Company. For a lookalike, see "Evon" Gnashblade.

Spoiler alert: The following text contains spoilers relating to Living World Season 1, Living World Season 2, Guild Wars 2: Path of Fire, and Living World Season 4.

“

The same principles apply to both trade and combat! A stout heart and sufficient supplies will always carry the day! I love the smell of commerce in the morning!

— Captain Evon Gnashblade

Captain Evon Gnashblade is the owner and proprietor of the Black Lion Trading Company in Lion's Arch. Ever ambitious and cunning, he uses his Ash Legion training with the intention to dominate the marketing battlefield and deliver the finest and most unique items to his customers.

Biography[edit]

Early years[edit]

As a soldier of the High Legions, Evon Gnashblade first came to Lion's Arch at the age of 20 as part of an Ash Legion operation to extort the people of the city, under the banner of the Black Lion Trading Company. He was by all accounts a dependable soldier who never disobeyed orders—until that day. When he raised concerns with his legionnaire, Aria Gnashfang, believing that attempting to intimidate the pirates of Lion's Arch would not be fruitful, the disagreement led to a fight during which Aria attempted to kill Evon. However, Evon was faster and killed the legionnaire instead, becoming the new head of the operation. The next day, the Black Lion Trading Company was established in earnest as a legitimate business.

Under Evon's leadership, the company focused on dominating the marketing battlefield and delivering the finest and most unique items to its customers. Due to Evon's personal preferences, gems became the desired currency for the company's most valued items.^[1] As the company grew, Evon hired the sylvari Sareb as his aide-de-camp, and gradually extended his reach throughout Central Tyria. Sareb has suggested that Evon left his legion to found the company as an independent merchant, but it is unknown if Evon truly cut ties with the Ash Legion for good.

Living World Season 1[edit]

Evon's campaign poster during Cutthroat Politics.

During elections to appoint a new Captain's Council member after the assassination of Captain Theo Ashford by Captain Mai Trin in 1326 AE, Evon purchased a vessel which made him eligible as a candidate. He attempted to secure a trade agreement with the Master of Peace and the Zephyr Sanctum to gain a seat in the council, and went on a campaign to discredit his rival candidate Ellen Kiel while simultaneously receiving as much criticism from Ellen's supporters in return.^[2]^[3] Despite his efforts, Evon narrowly lost out to Ellen who was elected instead. He advocated for Lion's Arch investing in better defenses in case Scarlet Briar, who had been menacing Tyria throughout the year, decided to attack the city, but his warnings fell on deaf ears.

When Scarlet's Alliance invaded Lion's Arch, Evon had adventurers help him escort dolyaks carrying valuable goods through an asura gate. To protect his investments, he shut down the gate from the other side, trapping citizens in the warzone. After the destruction of Lion's Arch and its subsequent occupation by Scarlet's forces, Evon settled in a refugee camp in the northern hills of Gendarran Fields where the Vigil was protecting and providing for survivors as well as planning a counterattack.

Under the orders of Captain Kiel, Evon was conscripted into the Lionguard under General Emergency Statute 14 and forced, along with all other Black Lion Trading Company merchants, to act as a deputy quartermaster for the Lionguard under penalty of death. He was then approached by a golem named Heal-o-Tron who requested and begged for a combat chassis and an energy amplifier in order to aid in the assault against Scarlet. After some thought Evon helped install the combat chassis on the golem, thus allowing it to participate in the retaking of Lion's Arch alongside other adventurers. However, Evon had taken note of the golem's ID number and discreetly researched it, tracing it back to the Black Lion's rival, the Consortium, and the incidents involving the settlers at Southsun Cove. These findings made Evon realize the origins of the newly named Hero-Tron and the means to use the golem to his advantage.

Living World Season 2[edit]

After Scarlet Briar had been slain and Lion's Arch had been reclaimed, Evon returned to the ruined city along with other survivors. He provided the concrete for the city's new look as it was rebuilt with new architecture and better defenses. He blackmailed Hero-Tron to act as his spy in the Captain's Council by threatening to expose the golem's history with the Consortium if it did not obey his commands. Using his amassed funds, Evon decided to put all of Tyria's experts in armor repair on salary, allowing Tyrians to repair their armor at no cost from that point onward.^[4]

During the rebuilding of Lion's Arch, Evon was reportedly seen in two locations at once, which made some locals like Wild-Eye Miller spread conspiracy theories about Evon having a twin brother named Tarvan with whom he communicated telepathically to control the city. However, unbeknownst to most, the culprit was actually a charr lookalike who had taken to posing as Evon, likely in order to get free drinks in the city.

Evon used the profits he had made from his temporary job as a Lionguard quartermaster to build a better vault for his goods and turned it into his new headquarters. When he was not making investments, he took frequent walks around the rebuilt Lion's Arch and observed local power players such as the Consortium and the Order of Whispers gaining ground in the city. Frustrated by losing his seat in the Captain's Council to Ellen and not having a statue built in his image for all the work he had done for Lion's Arch, Evon used his remaining campaign posters from the candidate trials to unceremoniously decorate the trash can in his office. Believing that the Lionguard would not be able to protect his investments well enough, he considered hiring mercenaries to watch over his shipments.

Path of Fire[edit]

As Central Tyria made contact with the Free City of Amnoon following a sudden influx of Elonian refugees in Lion's Arch in 1330 AE, Evon sent representatives of the Black Lion Trading Company to Amnoon. Along with their rival Consortium representatives, they began negotiating with the business tycoon Zalambur for access to the Elonian customer network. Zalambur considered their terms in exchange for them providing him with Tyrian goods that he could not find locally.^[5] To boost his image, Evon even had an action figure made in his image during this time.

Living World Season 4[edit]

The Captain's Council of Lion's Arch and Queen Jennah of Kryta collaborated in bringing back the Festival of the Four Winds to provide supplies and funds for the displaced Zephyrites who had once aided Lion's Arch in its time of need. Learning of the council's plans through his golem spy, Evon pulled the supplies together and accompanied Ellen Kiel to the Labyrinthine Cliffs where they welcomed visitors and also talked with one another. He refused to take part in the festivities himself, instead offering sound economic advice to Ellen about how to handle the trade renegotiations with the Zephyrites to make the percentage better for Lion's Arch.

During their conversations Ellen revealed that she had not forced Evon to aid the Lionguard out of spite during the invasion of Lion's Arch but to keep the Black Lion Trading Company in business after the Captain's Council had considered breaking up the company because of Evon's actions with the asura gate. Surprised, Evon questioned whether Ellen saving his company had been an altruistic act or for more selfish reasons, but he was eventually satisfied by her answering that the financial well-being of Lion's Arch was tied to how well Evon's company was faring. Evon let Ellen know in return that he knew about her affair with Zalambur. Although he refused to let her know how he had learned of the affair, he voiced his concerns over whether the relationship would affect their business arrangements, only to hear Ellen reassure him that everything would proceed as usual.^[6]

Locations[edit]

The path Evon walks in Lion's Arch.

Kryta

Lion's Arch

Memory of Old Lion's Arch
- Trader's Forum

Maguuma Jungle

Labyrinthine Cliffs (during Festival of the Four Winds)
- Bazaar Docks

¹Players can only access his dialogue at this location.

Historical locations[edit]

Kryta

Gendarran Fields
- Vigil Keep

Lion's Arch
- Canal Ward
- Fort Marriner

Story involvement[edit]

Living World Season 1[edit]

Episode 5: Battle for Lion's Arch
- Escape from Lion's Arch
- The Battle for Lion's Arch

Living World Season 1 (historical)

Special Event: Bazaar of the Four Winds
- Strangers from the Sky
Episode 9: Cutthroat Politics
- Audience with the Master
- Candidate Trials
Episode 18: Escape from Lion's Arch
- Lion's Arch (Under Attack!)

Items offered[edit]

From Escape from Lion's Arch until May 24 2014 Evon offered the standard merchant items along with the following:

Item	Type	Rarity	Cost
Recipe: Maintenance Oil Station	Recipe sheet	DMasterwork	5

Dialogue[edit]

For previous dialogue, see here.

Yeah? What do you want?

With The Dreamer III: The Lover active

What are your goals with your trading company?

I intend to dominate the marketing battlefield! And, of course, deliver the finest and most unique items to my customers. (Adds Evon's Dreams of Economic Dominance to your collection)

I see. Good luck with that!

Never mind. I can see you're busy.

With a Mini Angry Chest in inventory or unlocked in the wardrobe

How are you liking your angry chest purchase? They are a bit aggressive. I had to fire Krepet, he was responsible for this mess.

Why don't you open them?

So much danger is involved with trying to open these things that I'm practically giving them away for free.

Do you know where Krepet is now?

Last I heard he accepted a position with Brill Alliance Labs.

Thanks for your time.

Inside Memory of Old Lion's Arch

I tell ya, things haven't been right since that mouse Kiel lucked into that council seat.

(If you did not vote)

So, I heard there was an election...

Yeah, and I could have used your vote to get on the Captain's Council a while back. The bilge rats we got now are going to get this city wiped out.

What do you mean?

We got one councillor sending the best Lionguard out of the city and another playing around in the Mists. Meanwhile, Scarlet is circling. She's gonna hit this city one day.

Let's hope not.

Maybe next time.

(If you voted for Gnashblade)

Gnashblade, tough luck about the election. If it matters, I voted for you.

Hey, I don't blame you. You're savvy. You know you voted for the right guy. (sigh) But that Kiel, she's gonna get everyone in this town killed one day.

Bold statement. How?

Kiel's playing in the Mists while her leash-holder, Magnus, has the best Lionguard out in Caledon Forest. We're undefended here.

What's the danger?

Once, I'd say the karka, but we got bigger problems. Scarlet's out there somewhere. It's a matter of time before she punches Lion's Arch hard.

Lion's Arch is a tough city. It's been hit before. It'll still be standing.

That ain't a winning business plan. A city can only take so much punishment before it falls. Magnus and his mouse Kiel will be the cause of it.

Good-bye.

Let's hope not.

I need to go.

Hey, I supported you, but that's a little extreme.

(If you voted for Ellen)

Oh, Gnashblade. Looks like you got some free time ever since Kiel beat you fair and square.

I hope you're happy with your idiot of a councilor. Don't come crying to me when she leads this city to ruin.

You're just sore she kicked your tail in the election.

Stop being ignorant and pay attention. Kiel's boss, Magnus, has the best Lionguard out in Caledon Forest while she's playing in the Mists. We're undefended here.

Undefended from what?

Where have you been? First, the karka hit. Then sky pirates killed a councilor in front of everyone. Now, Scarlet. That bag of crazy hasn't hit here yet, but she will.

Lion's Arch can handle one person.

This city will be fine.

Good-bye.

(If you voted for both)

If it matters, I voted for you. But then, I also voted for Kiel.

Heh. Betting on both outcomes. Clever. Still, your bet's gonna backfire. Kiel's gonna get us all killed.

And just how is she going to get me killed? (Same as "Bold statement. How?")

I think I'll be fine.

I'll take your word for it.

Quotes[edit]

For previous quotes, see here.

Lion's Arch Reborn: During Evon's walk through Lion's Arch; Captain Evon Gnashblade: Don't think I didn't notice they put their new headquarters right near the Crow's Nest.; Captain Evon Gnashblade: Still can't believe I let that mouse beat me.; Captain Evon Gnashblade: Look alive, you lot. Let's make some coin.; Captain Evon Gnashblade: City would still be a crater without me. Where's my statue?; Captain Evon Gnashblade: I can see why they made your building look like an octopus.; Captain Evon Gnashblade: But who did they come to when they needed all this concrete? That's right...; Captain Evon Gnashblade: If Magnus' goons can't protect my shipments, it only makes good business sense to recruit a force all my own.; Captain Evon Gnashblade: Is there anyone in this city without a paw in my pockets?

Greet: So nice to see you.; I could make your life easier.; It's a good day.

Gallery[edit]

Cutthroat Politics wallpaper.
Gem Store banner featuring Evon.

Related achievements[edit]

Support Evon Gnashblade: Gnash All the Blades — Complete daily achievements while supporting Evon Gnashblade. (5) (Historical)
Support Evon Gnashblade: Gnashblade Supporter — Complete achievements supporting Evon Gnashblade. (25) (Historical)
Support Evon Gnashblade: Gnashblade: Advanced Support — Complete Tiers 3 and 4 of Evon Gnashblade's candidate trials. (15) (Historical)
Support Evon Gnashblade: Gnashblade: Direct Support — Complete Tiers 1 and 2 of Evon Gnashblade's candidate trials. (5) (Historical)
Support Evon Gnashblade: Gnashblade: Dungeon Runner — Complete a dungeon while supporting Evon Gnashblade. (10) (Historical)
Support Evon Gnashblade: Gnashblade: Homeland Support — Complete events in the Ascalon region while supporting Evon Gnashblade. (5) (Historical)
Support Evon Gnashblade: Gnashblade: Maw Mulcher — Defeat the Jade Maw within Fractals of the Mists while supporting Evon Gnashblade. (10) (Historical)
Support Evon Gnashblade: I Like Evon — Contribute one support token for Evon Gnashblade on board of Zephyr Sanctum. (5) (Historical)
Festival of the Four Winds: No One Likes a Wet Charr — Throw a water balloon at Evon Gnashblade and get him soaked. (1)
The Dreamer III: The Lover: Evon's Dreams of Economic Dominance — Talk to Evon Gnashblade in Lion's Arch.
Quip III: Chaos Gun: Prank Evon Gnashblade — Prank Evon Gnashblade in Lion's Arch by throwing a Confetti Pouch at him.
The Moot III: The Energizer: Dance for Evon Gnashblade — Show off your dance moves to Evon Gnashblade in Lion's Arch.

Notes[edit]

Evon's default location is behind his desk in The Vaults, but he frequently leaves to take a walk around Lion's Arch.
During his walk through the city, he'll briefly stop at five different locations, in the following order:

Trophies associated with Evon are used for various legendary weapon collections:
Evon was the only vendor of Recipe: Maintenance Oil Station.

Bug:

If players are crafting The Dreamer, but have not completed the entire quest chain and obtained the Mini Red Spark, Evon Gnashblade will not prompt the relevant dialogue for the legendary collection.

Trivia[edit]

Evon is voiced by Sam Riegel.
During the rebuilding of Lion's Arch, Evon appeared in two locations at the same time with one Evon wearing his new outfit while the other one wore his old clothes. The discrepancy was noted by players on the Guild Wars 2 forums, and developers later explained the existence of two Evons by including an "Evon" Gnashblade lookalike in the rebuilt Lion's Arch and having Wild-Eye Miller suggest a conspiracy theory revolving around the pair.
Evon's current look features the following armor pieces:
The quote by Evon, "I love the smell of commerce in the morning," is a possible reference to the quote, "I love the smell of napalm in the morning," from the movie Apocalypse Now.
He disappeared when Knife Tail Gang entered The Vaults. However, one of the developers said he had lost his airship back to Lion's Arch during Festival of the Four Winds. He returned in the August 27, 2019 update.
With the release of the Largos Fin Backpack Glider Combo, a blog post written by Evon himself claims that he has no largos clientele.^[7]