Hidden Arcana

This article is about the story step. For the instanced zone, see Hidden Arcana (zone).

Hidden Arcana is the fourth and final story episode in the Echoes of the Past chapter of Living World Season 2.

Objectives[edit]

Find Explorer Campbell and retrieve the cipher.

Retrieve the cipher from Explorer Campbell in the Silverwastes.

Search the Durmand Priory for Ogden Stonehealer

Meet Marjory and Kasmeer at the Durmand Priory.
Meet with Magister Ela Makkay.
Gain access to the Priory library.
Speak with the archivist.
(Find a way to access the storage room.)
Books Read: x/3
Read the remaining books.
Enter the storage room.
Speak with Ogden Stonehealer.
Inspect the hourglass.
Re-orient yourself.
Determine the location of your allies.
Explore the area up ahead.
(Defeat the distorted facet of strength.)
Distorted Facet of Strength
Inspect the glowing crystal.
Determine your next course of action.
Explore the area up ahead.
(Defeat the distorted facet of light.)
Distorted Facet of Light
Reveal the crystalline memory.
Examine the teleportation crystal.
Explore the area up ahead.
Find a way past the gate.
(Defeat the distorted facet of darkness.)
Distorted Facet of Darkness
Reveal the crystalline memory.
Examine the teleportation crystal.
Follow the path.
(Defeat the malevolent memory.)
Malevolent Memory
Regroup with your allies.
Examine the teleportation crystal.
Speak with Ogden Stonehealer.

Rewards[edit]

Carapace Shoulder Box
Gilded Strongbox (3)
Dragonite Ore (25)
Large Bag of Bandit Crests (contains 25 Bandit Crests)
Silverwastes Shovel

Walkthrough[edit]

You'll find Explorer Campbell near the Strange Pillar hero challenge in the Central Silverwastes. Afterwards travel to the Durmand Priory in Lornar's Pass to start the next instance.

Special Collections[edit]

The first part of this storyline mission is easy, just follow the green stars on the map and talk to people. There are three books to initially read, and then a further two once you have the clue from the third:

When you finally reach the hidden collection of the archives and have talked to Ogden, touch the Ornate Hourglass to get teleported to Glint's Lair.

Domain of Strength[edit]

Walk forward to trigger a cutscene and dialogue between Kasmeer and Marjory. Simply follow the path, and when the dialogue has finished the Distorted Facet of Strength will appear at the end of it. Simply dodge the orange circles, and damage it to kill it. It will occasionally summon Summoned Facets, but those die almost instantly and can mostly be ignored. Continue to the Glowing Crystal, then onward to the other crystal to teleport yourself to the next area.

Domain of Light[edit]

Domain of Health Draining — Deals damage every second

Head forward and kill the summoned facets to get the Crystalline Coating effect, then walk to the red light to transform it into a Protective Bond effect. This will prevent you from taking damage from the purple AoE coating the floor. Repeat with the Summoned Facets you find afterwards, then proceed to jump across two sets of rocks. Eventually you will reach the next boss, Distorted Facet of Light. Here you need to kill Summoned Facets again to gain a colored light around you. Walk to the light orb matching your color to gain the Protective Bond to be able to approach the boss, who can only be attacked from within its purple AoE circle. Be sure to monitor the duration of the effect especially if you fight in melee, because once the effect runs out the purple AoE will pretty much one-hit kill you. Once the effect runs out, wait for the next Facet to appear and repeat the process. Once finished, proceed to the next Glowing Crystal and then teleport again. Note that if you are killed by the AoE, the boss facet will regain ALL of the health lost, and you will be, in effect, starting over. Also, the boss has a "nasty" habit of pulling just before the effect wears off, ensuring that you are killed. Best idea is to get the effect, attack quickly then withdraw while the effect still lingers. Don't try to "power" your way to success---slowly might be tedious, but effective.

Domain of Darkness[edit]

Domain of Energy Draining — Skill cooldowns doubled. Endurance regeneration halved.

Head forward and across the platforms. At the end of the bridge you will see a round, transparent shield. Walk into it to get the Fragile effect, then run across the field to reach a Vortex Crystal. Stand inside it until it gets a white circle around it and steals the Fragile effect. This will reduce its health to 1, letting you kill it. If you try to attack it without letting it absorb the shield first the crystal will basically stay invulnerable. Make your way down the crystal stairs to reach the next boss. This boss is invulnerable to direct damage, so you will need to kill it by destroying Vortex Crystals. Each time the boss attacks with the big orange circle, a shield will appear. Avoid the big orange circle. Walk to and through the shield that is dropped by the slam attack to gain it, and then transfer it to a Vortex Crystal, then destroy it to damage the boss. Rinse and repeat to finish the boss off. Just be cautious when you have the fragility effect, because it will reduce your HP significantly, making you very vulnerable to the boss's attacks. When the boss is dead, proceed to the crystal and teleport to the final area.

Central area[edit]

Follow the Crumbling Path, where Marjory and Kasmeer were upon arriving, to enter the central room with the final boss, Veteran Malevolent Memory. This boss is a combination of the previous three facets. It cycles through two phases throughout the fight. The Memory will switch to the second phase at 75%, 50%, and 25% health, and will return to the first phase after a Vortex Crystal is destroyed during Phase Two.

During the first phase, the Malevolent Memory uses the jumping attack from the Facet of Strength, the huge PBAoE attack from Facet of Darkness, and the small distanced AoE attack from the Facet of Light. In this phase, the Malevolent Memory can be damaged by any direct means (though it seems to be immune to conditions), but using the same strategy as with the Facet of Darkness (destroying Vortex Crystals via Fragility shield) is fastest.

The second phase, the Malevolent Memory will gain the Facet of Light's shield, and the Vortex Crystals will be defended by the color orbs, and spawns Summoned Facets, but will lose all but the distanced AoE attack. In the second phase you will need to kill Summoned Facets to gain the colored light around you. Then you need to find yourself a Fragility shield, before entering the colored column of light. Once you are fragile, you can enter the column of light and kill the Vortex Crystal. If there is more than one colored column of light, choose the one that matches your buff. Movement skills or buffs are helpful to get quickly to the Vortex Crystals and not waste these chances.

You will then listen to some dialogue and a cutscene will play, after which you can teleport back to the Priory headquarters. Speak to Ogden to receive your reward. Note that Ogden has story exposition if you talk to him again after receiving the reward.

Achievements[edit]

Note: "Challenge motes" are located before each boss. They allow to reset the corresponding boss after it's defeated for additional tries at the corresponding achievements without having to restart the whole chapter.

Echoes of the Past	Echoes of the Past	1 0
Search for information on how to defeat the Mordrem, and uncover a hidden secret.Journal: "Echoes of the Past" Completed Reward: Ogden's Gratitude	Completed "Echoes of the Past"	0

Complete the story step.

Return to Hidden Arcana	Return to Echoes of the Past and Tangled Paths	0
Complete the mission Hidden Arcana in Living World Season 2 Episode 5. Reward: Pile of Silky Sand (50)	Completed Hidden Arcana	0

Strength Without Sacrifice	Echoes of the Past	10
Defeat the facet of strength without being stunned or grabbed.Story Instance: Hidden Arcana Reward: Huge Bag of Bandit Crests	Defeated the Facet of Strength Unstunned and Ungrabbed	10

The Facet of Strength grabs from distance and stuns in melee, simply kite it and avoid the pulls. If you are in melee range it is less likely to grab so you can simply avoid the orange AoE fields and watch for the raised arm for stuns.
A second option is to stack stability as this will avoid being stunned by the melee arm-lift stun.
A third option is to keep the Facet of Strength stunned, as it cannot use its stun or pull effects while under the effects of a stun or daze
Achievement qualification may be tracked via the Strength Without Sacrifice effect.
If you lose the achievement tracker effect, you can kill the boss and resummon it with the Challenge Mote to try again instead of resetting the whole chapter.

Better Red Than Dead	Echoes of the Past	15
Defeat the facet of light without using blue or green attunements.Story Instance: Hidden Arcana Reward: Zephyrite Color Swatch: Red	Defeated the Facet of Light Only With Red Attunement	15

To get the red attunement you will need to wait for the Summoned Facet to get teleported to the red crystal, if it ends up at blue or green let its shield run out and wait for it to get teleported again.
Achievement qualification may be tracked via the Better Red Than Dead effect.
If you lose the achievement tracker effect, you can kill the boss and resummon it with the Challenge Mote to try again instead of resetting the whole chapter.

Exposed Weaknesses	Echoes of the Past	10
Reduce the health of the facet of darkness from 75% to 0 in less than 15 seconds.Story Instance: Hidden Arcana Reward: Sinister Weapon Recipe Book	Swiftly Defeated Facet of Darkness	10

Bug:

Occasionally the "Exposed Weaknesses" achievement will bug and players need to get the facet from 100% to 0% in the given time interval; this is performed by destroying all crystals at once instead of pre-emptively destroying two. Sometimes the achievement will also require that the player(s) hit the Facet itself at some point during the fight; just destroying the Vortex Crystals without hitting the boss may not be enough to complete the achievement.

To get the Facet to 75% destroy two Vortex Crystals, then make every Crystal fragile and quickly destroy them. You can take your time as the Fragility will stay on the Crystals forever.
Achievement qualification may be tracked via the Exposed Weaknesses effect.
If you lose the achievement tracker effect, you can kill the boss and resummon it with the Challenge Mote to try again instead of resetting the whole chapter.

Exposed Weaknesses: Redux	Echoes of the Past	20
Defeat the malevolent memory without transferring any boons to vortex crystals.Story Instance: Hidden Arcana Reward: Lump of Raw Ambrite (10)	Defeated the Malevolent Memory Without Losing Boons	20

Bug:

If you die after using the Challenge Mote to reset the boss, the boss will return to 100%, but the achievement eligibility effect will not be reset. You must kill the boss and reactivate the CM or reset the instance in order to get the effect back.

Make sure you do not have traits, skills, food, or runes/sigils equipped which will give you boons automatically, such as Signet of Inspiration.
You can also wear down the facet by using non-projectile attacks such as necromancer's axe or sceptre, completely avoiding the Vortex Crystals.
Achievement qualification may be tracked via the Exposed Weaknesses: Redux effect.

NPCs[edit]

Allies[edit]

Dwarves

Ogden Stonehealer

Humans

Norn

Sous-Chef Seimur Oxbone

Various

Foes[edit]

Objects[edit]

General[edit]

Books[edit]

Dialogue[edit]

Open World[edit]

Speaking to Campbell

Commander! I had a feeling I'd be seeing you again after you saved me from those Seraph ghosts. What brings you here?

I was told you know about a certain Priory cipher...

Oh! The cipher for the storage room? I guess I am the only one besides Magister Stonehealer who knows it. We're all so scattered these days. Far too busy. Do you have the password?

What do I need a password for? You know who I am.

(If mesmer)

Normally, Commander, given your rank and reputation, I'd see no harm in sharing it. But, the Priory is extra careful these days. Too many mesmers around. No offense.

(If non-mesmer)

Normally, Commander, given your rank and reputation, I'd see no harm in sharing it. But, the Priory is extra careful these days. Too many mesmers around.

All right then. I don't have it. Can you test me or something? (Same as "I don't have it, but you can test me, can't you?")

Luckily, I have it. (Same as "I do have it.")

I do have it.

Great! What is it?

Death to Primordus.

You're just guessing, aren't you.

Wait. I think I have it.

Every dwarf must do his duty.

You're just guessing, aren't you.

Wait. I think I have it.

The Great Dwarf guide my hand!

You're just guessing, aren't you.

Wait. I think I have it.

Long live the king of Deldrimor.

That's it! You got it! (laugh) Okay, you can have my written copy. I've memorized it.

Can you read it to me?

"An almost king fathered a ghost. Hoofbeats drum at a trading post. And once a year upon a stage, an eager kid comes of age." There are two more lines, but I don't carry them with me.

Can I get in without the other two?

No, but you needn't worry. I left the other half behind for security reasons. You'll find it when you find the three books each of the lines of the cipher refer to.

How does this cipher work?

Got it. Thanks. Be careful out there.

How does this cipher work?

Each of the lines of the poem is a clue to a book in the Special Collections. You have to find them in order and touch them to activate their magic. Once you've found them all—in order—you're in.

Can you read it to me?

Got it. Thanks. Be careful out there.

By grandmother's beard, you're a feisty one.

I beg your pardon?

Not it? Okay. Wait, I think I have it.

I don't have it, but you can test me, can't you?

Hm. We'll see. Answer me this: when you saved me at our last meeting, what did I offer to share with you?

A few drinks.

I'm one wrong move away from drawing my weapon, so-called <Character name>.

Just kidding. I know the answer.

A meal.

That's it! You got it! (laugh) Okay, you can have my written copy. I've memorized it.

Can you read it to me?

How does this cipher work?

Your healing powers.

I'm one wrong move away from drawing my weapon, so-called <Character name>.

Just kidding. I know the answer.

Your name.

I'm one wrong move away from drawing my weapon, so-called <Character name>.

Just kidding. I know the answer.

Your recipe for baked Mordrem.

What? Oh! Ew! Take a step back!

That's not what you meant when you said we'd share a meal?

That's it! You got it! (laugh) Okay, you can have my written copy. I've memorized it.

Can you read it to me?

How does this cipher work?

At the Durmand Priory[edit]

Approaching Marjory and Kasmeer: Magister Ela Makkay: In conclusion, let's recap. The five confirmed dragons are Kralkatorrik, Jormag, Primordus, Mordremoth, and Zhaitan.; Magister Ela Makkay: We believe there is another deep in the oceans, but its entry in the Scroll of the Five True Gods is partially missing.; Magister Ela Makkay: The scroll, written in ancient times, has a section dedicated to the Elder Dragons, but it came to us in bad shape.; Magister Ela Makkay: It is written in an ancient form of old Krytan. We're still attempting to decipher the damaged portions.; Magister Ela Makkay: Each dragon has two spheres of influence. For Mordremoth, that's mind and plants. Zhaitan ruled shadow and death.; Magister Ela Makkay: By next class, I want you to research the many theories about the different spheres of influence. Choose one and defend it.; Magister Ela Makkay: If you have questions, there's further literature in the library. Class dismissed.

Speaking to Marjory

Marjory Delaqua: Hi. There you are. How did it go? Did you get it?

The cipher? Yeah, I got it.

It's a testimony to how scattered the Priory is right now that the only person who knows the cipher to get into the storage area is out in the Silverwastes. It's good you saved her at Fort Salma.

It's definitely not typical. So, where's Ela Makkay?

Kasmeer Meade: We need to speak to Magister Makkay. She's pulling some heavy-duty strings to get us into the Special Collections. We're meeting a Magister Stonehealer.

Okay.

You don't know who Ogden Stonehealer is?

Marjory Delaqua: Kas, he's one of the most magical beings I've ever met. He's a dwarf, the last of his race on the surface of Tyria. Grenth alone knows how old he is, hundreds of years, at least.

Tell Kasmeer what happened to the others.

Centuries ago, many dwarfs turned themselves to stone to save Tyria from Primordus's champion. Most went underground to fight Destroyers. Ogden remains so their sacrifices would never be forgotten.

That explains his area of expertise: dragons.

Meeting Magister Makkay

(If non-Priory)

Marjory Delaqua: Hello again, Magister. The Pact commander has arrived.

Magister Ela Makkay: Welcome, Commander. I'm familiar with your accomplishments.

Marjory Delaqua: Magister Makkay is a world historian and reporter. Her focus these days is on Mordremoth.

Magister Ela Makkay: The Durmand Priory knows that when world events of this magnitude occur, it pays to chronicle them.

(If Priory)

Marjory Delaqua: Hello again, Magister. Have you met-

Magister Ela Makkay: Welcome, Scholar. It's a pleasure to see you again. I hope your well of knowledge has deepened in the intervening time.

Marjory Delaqua: The magister is documenting Mordremoth's awakening and its ensuing actions.

Magister Ela Makkay: My field experience has provided a good foundation for my research and chronicle.

Magister Ela Makkay: Magister Stonehealer is going to help you gather information on the Elder Dragons.

Magister Ela Makkay: He rarely agrees to such things. I will warn you, he's quite old and has little patience. He's the last of his kind.

Kasmeer Meade: We'll show him the utmost respect, of course.

Magister Ela Makkay: I'll take you to the Special Collections entrance. Archivist Ernswort will guide you from there.

Magister Ela Makkay: You retrieved the cipher?

Marjory Delaqua: Yes, we have it.

Magister Ela Makkay: Very well. Follow me.

On the way to Chef Robertus: Magister Ela Makkay: Remember to put those weapons near the door. We may need to grab them on short notice.; Magister Ela Makkay: Hello, Scholar. I'm still waiting for those item manifests.

Meeting Chef Robertus: Chef Robertus: For the millionth time, there are no culinary applications for bloodstone dust. None.; Chef Robertus: No good can come from feeding it to living beings.; Sous-Chef Seimur Oxbone: Pfft, what do you know? I'll take the dust to the streets and start my own food cart. I'll be rich!; Magister Ela Makkay: Ahem. Are we interrupting something important, Chef?; Chef Robertus: No, Madam Magister. We're just having a small...professional disagreement. Are these the visitors you mentioned?; Magister Ela Makkay: Yes. They have dispensation from Magister Stonehealer to visit the Special Collections.; Chef Robertus: I've already adjusted the wards to allow them entrance, and the archivist has been warned that they're coming.; Magister Ela Makkay: I'll show you how it's done.; Chef Robertus: Be careful down there.; Magister Ela Makkay: Follow me, please.

After gaining access to the Special Collections: Magister Ela Makkay: This is the Durmand Priory's Special Collections. Security here is tight, for reasons you'll soon understand.; Magister Ela Makkay: You are free to browse. All we ask is that you handle artifacts with care and remove nothing from this area.; Magister Ela Makkay: I have to return to my work. Archivist Ernswort is here somewhere. She can guide you to Magister Stonehealer.

Talking to various NPCs in the Special Collections: Magister (human): Hm? Oh! It's you! Oh, shh.; Arcanist: Shh!

Historian (human): I've spent decades here, and I discover something new every day.

Arcanist: Shh!

Historian (human): Sorry!

Arcanist (asura): I'll be out of your way soon as I finish cataloging this row.

Arcanist: Shh!

Scribe: Sorry, I can't help you. I'm not the archivist.

Historian (sylvari): No. I'm not done with this section. Move along.

Historian (1): Shh!

Historian (2): Shh!

Historian (norn): Greetings. What are you...oh, right. Shh!

Arcanist (norn): No talking allowed. This is a serious place of study.

Historian (human): Shh!

Arcanist (norn): Shh!

Historian (human): Shh!

Historian (asura): The archivist is on duty. I can't help you.

Researcher (asura): Oh! You startled me!

Magister: Shh!

Arcanist: Shh!

Historian: Shh!

Magister (charr): Can't you see I'm busy?

Historian (1): Hush!

Historian (2): Shh!

Historian (charr): Every interruption is a thought lost.

Historian (1): Breathe deeply. The air is rich with history.

Historian (2): Shh!

Historian (1): And hot air.

Historian: Did the archivist send you to check on me? Tell her I'm being careful. It won't happen again.

Explorer: The numbering system here is surprisingly complex.

Historian: Go. Away.

Magister (human): A person could live down here, you know? So many glorious books!

Talking to Historian (male norn standing in the northwest section)

Shh. What do you need? Are you lost?

No. I have a question about the ceiling. What is that image?

That's a map of the All. I like to think of them as spirit realms. That's Tyria in the middle. All those other circles are spheres of influence and powerful magic.

What about the letters? Are those...

Yeah. First letter of each dragon's name.

Who's S?

Don't know any more than that. That was all they could get from the Tome of the Five True Gods. It's too damaged. Some of these scholars in here would kill to know the full name of that dragon.

Is it the deep sea dragon?

They think so. Me, I think they probably got the letter wrong, but who knows. They're still translating and trying to fill in lost pieces.

Interesting. Thanks.

Talking to Archivist Ernswort

Are you delivering something? I'm already buried in magic items. I don't have enough scribes, and every piece needs to be cataloged.

I'm in a hurry, please. Magister Stonehealer is waiting for me. (Same as "That I do.")

I'm sorry. I don't know what you're talking about. (Same as "What was that you were saying about being buried in magic items?")

I really have to ask. Is that Zhaitan's tail?

As a matter of fact, it is. We brought it here after Zhaitan's death. We had to construct special rigging to get it in here. It took months.

And they're experimenting on it?

They're studying it, yes. It may one day reveal all the secrets of the Elder Dragons.

What was that you were saying about being buried in magic items?

Oh, wait. You're <Character name>. That's a relief. Every day it's magical this and arcane that. Half the time all they bring me are glowing rocks and fungus.

Why do they do that?

The word is out that we're storing artifacts for safekeeping from the dragons. As you can imagine, every noble with a magical pinky ring wants to store it here.

You sure it's safe here?

Don't tell anyone, but we can only hope so. Our best defenses are magical. They'll protect us for a while, but as the magic levels in the world drain, they'll eventually cease working.

Have you seen any especially interesting items?

Look around. You've got permission to browse. Just remember who has to put an item back if you don't.

My fingers are already itching.

I see you appreciate the finer things in life.

That I do.

Let's get you on your way then. What can I help you find?

How do I decipher the shelf numbers?

The N refers to cardinal direction in the main annex. Some alcoves are on the south side, some on the north. The second number tells you which floor, and the last number is which alcove.

This is exactly what I needed. Much appreciated.

I have another query.

I'm looking for a book on norn.

"Once a year upon an open stage, an eager kid comes of age." Browse section N2-1 for information on that subject.

This is exactly what I needed. Much appreciated.

I have another query.

I'm looking for a book on centaurs.

"Hoofbeats drum at a trading post." I'd say you need the Human Studies section, numbered S1-2.

This is exactly what I needed. Much appreciated.

I have another query.

I'm looking for a book on Duke Barradin.

"An almost king fathered a ghost." Might be in Charr or Human History then. The book you're looking for will be somewhere between S.1.1 and S.2.2.

This is exactly what I needed. Much appreciated.

I have another query.

Never mind. Thank you for your time.

I may stay awhile after I've met with Magister Stonehealer. (Same as "That I do.")

Thanks. Look, I'm in a hurry. Magister Stonehealer is waiting for me. (Same as "That I do.")

That's all I wanted. Good bye.

Talking to Archivist Ernswort again: This folded parchment bears handwritten lines. They say: "An almost king fathered a ghost. Hoofbeats drum at a trading post. Once a year upon an open stage, an eager kid comes of age."; Put it away.

Reading Ashford History: Duke Barradin

Written by Ela Makkay, this collection of historic facts reveals the life and death of one of Ascalon's most notorious dukes.

Read on.

Though first in line to the throne, Duke Barradin did not object when people called for Adelbern to be king instead. He spent his life on the Barradin Estate, making wine and training warriors.

Read on.

Barradin's daughter, Althea, was betrothed to Prince Rurik, son of King Adelbern. Althea was murdered by charr, and her ghost remained restless until a renowned hero returned her ashes to Barradin.

Read on.

Duke Barradin was caught in the Foefire, and his ghost now causes regular trouble for the charr in the Plains of Ashford.

Close book.

Reading Centaur Tribal Culture and History

In this series of reports from the Hinterlands, Explorer Ket details what her research has uncovered about centaurs and their tribal society.

Read on.

Centaurs can be found in many places throughout Tyria and as far away as Elona. Some tribes, such as the Orshad Raiders from the Crystal Desert, are known to eat human flesh.

Read on.

Centaurs are one of many races displaced by humans. The number of warring tribes far outweighs that of peaceful tribes.

Read on.

The rise of the Elder Dragons, especially Zhaitan and Jormag, has put centaurs in even greater conflict with humans in the Shiverpeaks and in the plains as the two races compete for territory.

Close collection.

Reading The Great Hunt Rite of Passage

Arnlief Iceborne gives us a basic primer on the ancient norn ritual called the Great Hunt.

Read on.

Every year, norn contenders compete to take home the title of "Slayer." This is an important trial for the young. It launches their legendary journey.

There's a note written on parchment between the pages of this book.

The note says, "Revolution came to Rata Sum (N1-2), and a pall fell upon emerging blooms (SYL)."

Close book.

Read on.

(If norn)

Experienced hunters capture a different foe each year. In 1325, for example, it was Issormir, a great ice wurm. Many died in the battle. Only one was victorious. <Character name>, Slayer of Issormir.

(If non-norn)

Experienced hunters capture a different foe each year. In 1325, for example, it was Issormir, a great ice wurm. Many died in the battle. Only one was victorious.

Close book.

Reading The Great Golem Uprising of 1284: A Commentary

Steward Gixx gives his uncensored thoughts on this historic event and what it portends for the future.

Read on.

Not since the Destroyers has Rata Sum come so close to disaster as when the city's golems began to malfunction and turn on their makers.

Read on.

One must consider the current Peacemaker-to-golem ratio of 1:10 when gauging the potential for future recurrences.

Read on.

The potential for cataclysm is unsettling, at best. For now, Inquest krewes remain part of our society, but their antagonism against the Council grows with each passing cycle.

Read on.

We must install countermeasures to ensure history does not repeat itself, this time with even more disastrous results.

Close book.

Reading A Treatise on the Shadow of the Dragon

(If sylvari)

Scholar Caterin interviewed dozens of her fellow sylvari who claimed to have seen the Shadow of the Dragon in their Dream. She concludes that only one such report has any credibility, that of <Character name>.

(If non-sylvari)

Scholar Caterin interviewed dozens of her fellow sylvari who claimed to have seen the Shadow of the Dragon in their Dream. She concludes that only one such report has any credibility.

Read on.

"Shadow of the Dragon" is the name assigned to Mordremoth's champion. This nightmarish creature has been spied in the Dream and in the world.

Read on.

While some believe it is immortal and cannot die, others do not. To date, there is no proof in either direction.

Close book.

Approaching Ogden: Ogden Stonehealer: What took you so long?; Marjory Delaqua: Getting the cipher from Explorer Campbell took longer than expected.; Kasmeer Meade: We're sorry for the inconvenience.; Ogden Stonehealer: Well, don't waste my time. Tell me what you seek.

Speaking to Ogden Stonehealer

Speak up. These old ears are worse than my old eyes, and they're worse than my old...oh, nevermind. Go on.

Magister, it's me. <Character name>. We met—

Yes, yes. I remember you. No time for nostalgia. Get to the point.

I need information about how to deal with Mordremoth.

Actually, I think you need information about the meaning of your vision from the Pale Tree.

What? How did you—

There are those who have taken interest. I had some warning that you might be calling. Your challenges do not go unnoticed.

Who?

All in good time. But know that they have Tyria's best interests at heart. Now, this is what you're looking for. This artifact. Go on, examine it closely.

What is it?

Don't ask. Act. Examine it, and you shall see.

As you wish.

Examining the Ornate Hourglass

Ornate Hourglass: This ornate hourglass is made of precious metals and has a palpable aura of magic.

Examine the artifact.

Ogden Stonehealer: Don't be shy. You can touch it.

Touch the hourglass.

Hesitate.

Entering the Domain of Strength: Marjory Delaqua: (groan) What...just happened?; Kasmeer Meade: I... (hic) I don't know. But my legs feel like Zhaitaffy.; Kasmeer Meade: (gasp) Is this—; Marjory Delaqua: It must be.; Kasmeer Meade: Glint's lair! It's even more beautiful than I imagined.; Marjory Delaqua: And eerie. Doesn't look like we'll be leaving the same way we came in.; Kasmeer Meade: I never thought I'd see this.; Kasmeer Meade: Where's the boss? Hello?

Marjory Delaqua: Boss! It doesn't look like we can reach you from here. This place...it's something else entirely. Maybe our paths will intersect beyond here.

Right. You look for a path up ahead. I'll do the same on my side.

Be safe. Glint may no longer live here, but that doesn't make her lair any less dangerous.

I'll be fine. See you up ahead.

After talking to Marjory: Marjory Delaqua: Let's move ahead and search for a place to meet.; Kasmeer Meade: All right.; Marjory Delaqua: We'll see you in a bit, boss. Stay safe.; Kasmeer Meade: Keep your voices down. We don't know what's in here.

After inspecting the glowing crystal: Kasmeer Meade: My father used to talk about Glint and her prophecies.; Kasmeer Meade: He said she was grand and noble, as noble as any Krytan. She loved humans.; Kasmeer Meade: Except when they tried to steal her eggs. She defended her children like any good mother.; Marjory Delaqua: What an empty place.; Marjory Delaqua: My mother told me stories passed down by her mother. She said it was once guarded by fearsome dragons.; Marjory Delaqua: The lair itself would tear and gnaw at you, but heroes braved its dangers to have an audience with Glint.; Kasmeer Meade: Can you imagine what it must have been like?

After defeating the distorted facet of light and revealing the crystalline memory: Marjory Delaqua: We studied the Flameseeker Prophecies in school.; Kasmeer Meade: Me too. I remember the stories about the fall of Ascalon, Prince Rurik, the Chosen...; Marjory Delaqua: I used to pretend I was a Chosen when I was little. Me and my sisters put on plays for our parents.; Kasmeer Meade: I can just imagine it.; Kasmeer Meade: Glint was ancient—thousands of years old. Why wasn't she like the Elder Dragons?; Marjory Delaqua: She was freed from Kralkatorrik's control by the Forgotten a long, long time ago.; Marjory Delaqua: And then, because of her gift for reading minds, she connected with humans.; Marjory Delaqua: She learned to think like us. Elder Dragons don't. They're too...different.

After defeating the facet of darkness: Marjory Delaqua: I know how Glint died.; Kasmeer Meade: Destiny's Edge went to kill her, right? So she wouldn't wake Kralkatorrik?; Marjory Delaqua: That's my understanding. But she communicated with them and they changed their minds.; Kasmeer Meade: Then what?; Marjory Delaqua: They tried to take down Kralkatorrik, but they ultimately failed. Glint perished.; Marjory Delaqua: Logan Thackeray was supposed to be with them, but he left to protect the queen from Kralkatorrik's minions.; Kasmeer Meade: I don't know what we'd have done if something had happened to her.; Marjory Delaqua: Some blame Logan for why Glint died instead of Kralkatorrik that day.; Kasmeer Meade: He was just doing his duty.; Marjory Delaqua: Shhh. What was that? Did you hear that?

While on the path to the next area: Marjory Delaqua: Kas, stop moving. Listen.; Kasmeer Meade: Jory, what was that?; Marjory Delaqua: Watch out!

After defeating the Malevolent Memory: Marjory Delaqua: You're okay!; Kasmeer Meade: What just happened? What was that?; Marjory Delaqua: Not sure. If I had to guess, I'd say it was part of the lair itself rising up to greet us.; Kasmeer Meade: Not much of a greeting if you ask me. Thanks for swooping in when you did, boss. We'd have been toast if not for you.; Marjory Delaqua: Mhmm. We weren't sure we'd see you again, to be honest.; Mysterious Voice: You must promise to protect it with your life. Will you?; Marjory Delaqua: What...was...that?; Kasmeer Meade: It couldn't be...; Marjory Delaqua: We need to speak with Ogden immediately. Let's find a way out of here.

Back at the Durmand Priory: Ogden Stonehealer: (laugh) The looks on your faces!; Marjory Delaqua: You could have warned us.; Ogden Stonehealer: Nope. No no no. That would've sapped the fun right out of it.; Ogden Stonehealer: So tell me. What do you know now that you didn't before?

Speaking with Ogden Stonehealer

Entertain an old dwarf. Tell me your tale.

It was a portal to Glint's lair.

So it was. The Master of Peace and I set it up after Glint's death so I could guard it for the Brotherhood.

I saw the Master of Peace take an egg.

The last one intact. It's been in stasis since her death. The Master of Peace is taking it where it will be safe and allowed to hatch.

Where has he taken it? You must tell me!

Sadly, I do not know that. He disappeared beyond Dry Top, and I've had no word since. You will find him, won't you? He is in great danger out there.

I will do my best.

That is why you were chosen for this. Go now. Find him and make sure he arrives safely at his destination.

What's his destination?

Only he can tell you that. Go, but be smart. Do not rush into danger unprepared. You have many trials ahead of you.

Yes, Magister. I'll be careful.

The Master of Peace was in there. I saw echoes of the past.

Crystals are useful. They are an efficient substance for storing magic, second only to and less rare than bloodstone shards.

The magic seemed to come alive as I moved around.

Magic is life. Without life, there is no magic. The lair has lain empty for several years. It may have been triggered by your life essence. The images it showed you were chosen by your need.

I saw the Master of Peace take an egg.

Fear not. He did not steal it. He was given custody of it.

By whom?

You know. You witnessed it, didn't you?

Not clearly.

Then you're not meant to know just yet. All things in their time.

It was Glint's egg, wasn't it? (continues like I saw the Master of Peace take en egg.)

Thank you. We must be on our way now.

Speaking to Ogden again

My time is less precious than my knowledge. I have prepared for this so that I could inform you. As you have ascertained, there is—currently—no greater threat than Mordremoth. What answers can I give?

I need to know more about Mordremoth.

Ogden Stonehealer: That ol' beast is going to give us quite a fight.

Ogden Stonehealer: Its natures are plant and mind, as you've undoubtedly inferred.

Ogden Stonehealer: In my opinion, it is the most destructive of the Elder Dragons, tearing the ground from beneath our feet.

Ogden Stonehealer: Creatures that live underground are especially vulnerable as its vines spread.

Ogden Stonehealer: It is my belief that it is rooted deep in the land, which may be an exploitable weakness.

Ogden Stonehealer: I do not know specifically how to overcome it, and I am still researching how its corruption spreads.

Ogden Stonehealer: With Zhaitan, any who died in proximity to its corruption became Risen.

Ogden Stonehealer: To date, I've seen no evidence that the same is true of those who die in proximity to Mordrem.

Ogden Stonehealer: You will undoubtedly learn more if you plan to enter the jungle.

Please, tell me about the Elder Dragons.

Ogden Stonehealer: You already know much about them. But for Miss Delaqua's benefit...

Ogden Stonehealer: The Elder Dragons may be as old as the world itself. They're more than creatures.

Ogden Stonehealer: They're part of nature's workings. They rise and fall on a cycle that spans millennia.

Ogden Stonehealer: Much of what we know about them comes from a document written by the first humans to walk the face of Tyria: the Scroll of the Five True Gods.

Ogden Stonehealer: It is written in an ancient dialect, therefore it is subject to interpretation.

Ogden Stonehealer: In it, the gods revealed the names of the Elder Dragons: Mordremoth, Kralkatorrik, Jormag, Zhaitan, and Primordus.

Ogden Stonehealer: There is one other name listed, but it is illegible, lost to time. I suspect this is the deep-sea dragon.

Ogden Stonehealer: The gods expound on how Tyria's health is tied directly to them. This portion is somewhat abstract, however.

Ogden Stonehealer: There are varied theories on what it means, but I believe it refers to the natural balance of magic.

Ogden Stonehealer: Too much magic, and the world spins out of control. Too little, and it crumbles into darkness.

Ogden Stonehealer: The last time the Elder Dragons awoke, they wiped out almost every intelligent race on the planet.

Ogden Stonehealer: It is from this low-magic environment that the gods built the world as they wanted it.

Ogden Stonehealer: They are the ones who brought humans to Tyria.

Ogden Stonehealer: The gods shared the magic stored in the Bloodstone. That is a complex tale for another time.

Ogden Stonehealer: Slowly, more magic seeped back into the world from the dragons, over thousands of years. Cultures evolved again.

How does this all tie into the Eternal Alchemy?

(If asura)

Ogden Stonehealer: Ah yes. Only you asura would attempt to quantify nature itself. But then, your people are somewhat limited. No offense.

Ogden Stonehealer: By attempting to define the undefinable, you actually move further from the truth rather than closer to it.

Ogden Stonehealer: The Eternal Alchemy, nature, our world, the All—however you want to name it—is beyond understanding.

Ogden Stonehealer: We can only grasp portions of it. Even the Elder Dragons are small relative to the All.

Ogden Stonehealer: We see only certain layers of the Mists, the Elders, and Tyria. Anything beyond that is hidden from us.

Ogden Stonehealer: We must content ourselves with first understanding what's before us.

Ogden Stonehealer: Right now, the Elder Dragons are the most critical to understand.

(If non-asura)

Ogden Stonehealer: Ah yes. Only asura would attempt to quantify nature itself. But then, they are limited in perspective.

Ogden Stonehealer: By attempting to define the undefinable, they actually move further from the truth rather than closer to it.

Ogden Stonehealer: The Eternal Alchemy, nature, our world, the All—however you want to name it—is beyond understanding.

Ogden Stonehealer: We can only grasp portions of it. Even the Elder Dragons are small relative to the All.

Ogden Stonehealer: We see only certain layers of the Mists, the Elders, and Tyria. Anything beyond that is hidden from us.

Ogden Stonehealer: We must content ourselves with first understanding what's before us.

Ogden Stonehealer: Right now, the Elder Dragons are the most critical to understand.

Can you share what you know about Zephyrites?

Ogden Stonehealer: The Zephyrites, yes. They inherited a thankless and difficult job from the Brotherhood of the Dwarves.

Marjory Delaqua: They didn't understand what they were taking on, but I believe they do now.

Ogden Stonehealer: I was in the Brotherhood of the Dwarves.

Ogden Stonehealer: I am now its sole surviving member. We were the keepers of Glint's legacy.

Ogden Stonehealer: Glint had the power to communicate with her mind. She learned language from humans this way.

Ogden Stonehealer: According to her, other dragons speak and think in something I hesitate to call a language. But not Glint.

Ogden Stonehealer: She learned that humans and other races were not her enemies, but allies to be nurtured.

Ogden Stonehealer: Thus, she became a protector of the Tyrian races. We recognized the importance of this, as did some exceptional humans.

Ogden Stonehealer: Glint foretold the future in the Flameseeker Prophecies over a thousand years ago.

Ogden Stonehealer: The brotherhood believed that she would one day become an Elder Dragon. She was old and wise, well on her way.

Ogden Stonehealer: You can imagine how it might have changed the world if she had survived long enough to become that powerful.

Sylvari were invulnerable to corruption. But not with Mordremoth. Why?

Ogden Stonehealer: You refer to Scarlet and Aerin. Similar symptoms. Yes.

(If sylvari)

Ogden Stonehealer: I'm no expert on your kind. But your people's concept of nightmare and Dream is simple.

Ogden Stonehealer: Too black and white, too unsophisticated to explain the changes affecting some of you.

Ogden Stonehealer: The Pale Tree is said to protect you from the corruption of the other dragons. They both rejected her, no?

Ogden Stonehealer: It makes sense that sylvari would be vulnerable to Mordremoth, a plant-based being like yourselves.

Ogden Stonehealer: This is a question you should ask your Pale Tree.

(If non-sylvari)

Ogden Stonehealer: I am no expert, but they're immature as a race. Their concept of nightmare and Dream is simplistic at best.

Ogden Stonehealer: Too black and white, too unsophisticated to explain the changes affecting some of them.

Ogden Stonehealer: The Pale Tree is said to protect them from the corruption of the other dragons. Both Scarlet and Aerin rejected her, no?

Ogden Stonehealer: It makes sense that sylvari would be vulnerable to Mordremoth, a plant-based being like themselves.

What do you know about the fight against Kralkatorrik?

Ogden Stonehealer: Only what Eir told me. They nearly took it down, and Glint was killed during the fight.

Ogden Stonehealer: Destiny's Edge went to the Crystal Desert looking for Glint, intending to destroy her.

Ogden Stonehealer: She instead managed to convince them to ally with her against her master, the Elder Dragon Kralkatorrik.

Ogden Stonehealer: They fought with all they had. But one of them was called away, and so their strength was diminished.

Ogden Stonehealer: Glint wasn't the only loss that day. A brilliant asura named Snaff also sacrificed himself.

Ogden Stonehealer: That was years ago. Since then Kralkatorrik surely has gotten stronger. Time is your enemy when dealing with the Elder Dragons.

My story[edit]

“

Explorer Campbell, the researcher we rescued at Fort Salma, provided us with a cipher that gained us access to the Durmand Priory's inner research facilities. Once inside, we explored the library before making our way into the Special Collections room, which was packed from floor to ceiling with rare antiquities and artifacts.
We met up with Ogden Stonehealer, who had been hard at work researching dragon history. At his request, we handled a mysterious hourglass and were unexpectedly transported to Glint's Lair. I explored its wondrous paths, putting down the creatures in our way. Whether they were guardians of the lair, or simply manifestations created by the magic that was freed upon Glint's death, I am unsure. I did, however, see echoes of past events. The Master of Peace had visited the lair before us, and he found what appeared to be Glint's remaining egg.
We returned to the Priory and discussed our findings with Ogden. Now more than ever, it is crucial that we find the Master of Peace and help him protect Glint's egg before Mordremoth seeks to destroy it.

— My story

Notes[edit]

Bugs:

Currently (sometimes or even always ?) your character is greeted by Magister Makkay as if the commander is a member of the Priory, even if she/he is not.
A possible bug in the second phase may occur. The Malevolent Memory retains all its attacks and constantly drops the Fragility shields in the middle of its distanced AoE attacks. Eventually a Fragility shield will land outside the AoE.

Trivia[edit]

The words "beware the danger of secrets kept" are written in the Ascalonian alphabet above the large statue.
The words "autopsy lab do not enter" are written in New Krytan alphabet on the grate door that blocks the area with the rest of Zhaitan's tail.
If you /dance in front of the Abaddon statue, you are hit with massive damage, sending you into the downed state, similar to how dancing in front of the Abaddon boss in Nightfall auto-killed the whole party.
If you follow the Sylvari Novice who is asked about 'item manifests' between the classroom and the kitchen, she runs into the library corner to hide and cry.
In the room with Archivist Ernswort, there is a hidden nook behind a stack of boxes containing a crate with an Ancient Weapon from Guild Wars. The Crate is labelled "Top Secret. Durmand Priory Intel. Do not open!", a reference to the crate containing the Ark of the Covenant in the final scene of the film "Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark"

Living World Season 2 storyline

Gates of Maguuma	Disturbance in Brisban Wildlands → Fallen Hopes → Tracking the Master of Peace → Cornered → Prosperity's Mystery
Entanglement	Scarlet's Secret Room → Discovering Scarlet's Breakthrough → The Concordia Incident → Trouble at Fort Salma → The Machine
The Dragon's Reach: Part 1	Rallying Call → Uprooting the Iron Marches → The Waypoint Conundrum → Summit Invitations → Plan of Attack
The Dragon's Reach: Part 2	Party Politics → Recalibrating the Waypoints → Taimi and the Asura → The World Summit
Echoes of the Past	The Ghosts of Fort Salma → Reunion with the Pact → Caithe's Reconnaissance Squad → Hidden Arcana
Tangled Paths	Return to Camp Resolve → Tracking the Aspect Masters → Into the Labyrinth
Seeds of Truth	The Newly Awakened → Meeting the Asura → No Refuge
Point of No Return	Arcana Obscura → Pact Assaulted → The Mystery Cave
Mordremoth's Minions Invade Tyria	The Mordrem have invaded Brisban Wildlands (unavailable) → The Mordrem have invaded Diessa Plateau (unavailable) → The Mordrem have invaded Kessex Hills (unavailable)
← Previous: Living World Season 1 Next: Heart of Thorns →

Hidden Arcana

Contents

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Domain of Strength[edit]

Domain of Light[edit]

Domain of Darkness[edit]

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General[edit]

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Open World[edit]

At the Durmand Priory[edit]

My story[edit]

Notes[edit]

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