Remains of the Last Spearmarshal

Remains of the Last Spearmarshal

Location

Yahnur Plateau
(Domain of Vabbi)

Type

Awakened

Interact

Yes

Destructible

No

Other images

Interactive map

“

I've been many things. A monk and a Sunspear. A historian and a teacher. An activist and an agitator. Even a princess. Now, I am a shepherd of sorts, with an extraordinary flock.

— Remains of the Last Spearmarshal

The Remains of the Last Spearmarshal is the undead corpse of Tahlkora, the last Spearmarshal of the Order of the Sunspears, who once fought alongside Kormir and other heroes against the fallen god Abaddon. Palawa Joko has reanimated her, but only partially, preventing her from becoming fully Awakened and trapping her soul within her unmoving corpse on a remote plateau in the Domain of Vabbi. Despite her cursed existence, Tahlkora continues to watch over the Sunspears through the eyes of local griffons and hopes to see Elona freed from Joko's yoke one day. She is the author of The Writings of the Last Spearmarshal.

Biography

Early years

Princess of Vabbi

Tahlkora was born as the daughter of Prince Mehtu the Wise in the Elonian province of Vabbi in 1057 or 1058 AE. As a child she often visited her father in the great library in the Halls of Chokhin where he entertained her with inspiring stories about the Order of the Sunspears and their role as protectors of Elona. Tahlkora loved these stories, especially the Istani folk tales, and she studied them diligently. She dreamed of being just like the heroes she read about, but her father wanted to keep her by his side as a princess, so when she was 18, she ran away from home to meet the Sunspears she had come to romanticise. Fearing that they would send her back to Vabbi if they learned she was Prince Mehtu's daughter, she kept her identity hidden, and pretended that she was just a priestess of Lyssa.

While staying in Istan, Tahlkora overheard the Kournan leader Warmarshal Varesh Ossa plotting with one of her generals to free the fallen god Abaddon from the Realm of Torment. After a difficult time convincing the Sunspears that Varesh was responsible for this threat, Tahlkora joined them in their efforts to prevent it only to witness the Sunspears walking straight into a trap that Varesh had set as well as Spearmarshal Kormir being assaulted by Abaddon's demonic minion called the Hunger which blinded the Spearmarshal.

Following the surviving Sunspears' retreat and being pursued by Kournan forces, Tahlkora gained an appreciation for how difficult and dangerous real adventures were, and steadily grew from a naïve girl into a true hero. She developed feelings for Koss Dejarin, who had taken an interest in mentoring her, but stood aside in the end to let him and Melonni pursue their relationship.

Eventually, the Sunspears' retreat to Vabbi forced Tahlkora to face her father, who hoped that she would return home with him. However, she stood up to him and told him that she would continue traveling with the Sunspears. The death of her friend Kehanni soon afterwards only strengthened her resolve. Tahlkora witnessed the troublesome deal the Sunspears made with the released lich Palawa Joko to learn how to safely cross the Desolation in pursuit of Varesh before the Warmarshal could open a gate to Abaddon.

After regrouping, gaining allies, and helping Joko take control of the Bone Palace and rebellious Awakened, the Sunspears successfully crossed the Desolation and cornered Varesh at the Mouth of Torment. Although she failed to finish the ritual properly before perishing, the Kournan Warmarshal managed to weaken the barriers between the realms enough to bring about Nightfall and opened a gateway into the Realm of Torment. Realizing that the fate of the entire world was at stake, Tahlkora followed the Sunspears and a group of heroes to confront Abaddon, the God of Secrets, directly. After Abaddon's defeat and the Ascension of Kormir as the Goddess of Truth in 1075 AE, Tahlkora decided to carry on adventuring and see more of the world.

The Last Spearmarshal

After a great many adventures, Tahlkora settled into her homeland and became a librarian as well as the Spearmarshal of the Sunspears. As decades passed, she witnessed Palawa Joko's conquest of Elona and the decline of the Sunspears while the Awakened and the Mordant Crescent, turncoat Sunspears, rose to prominence under Joko's rule. Joko turned Elonians against one another, burning books and rewriting the nation's history in his image, defiling the legacy of the Sunspears and crushing anyone daring to stand against him.

Tahlkora continued rebelling in her own way despite her advanced age. She spoke against Joko and eventually had her tongue taken as Joko did not wish to turn her into a martyr and instead tried to make an example of her to demoralize her followers. When Tahlkora could no longer speak, she wrote volumes instead, which would be titled The Writings of the Last Spearmarshal. She spread these writings to remind Elonians of their history and to prevent her countrymen from falling into apathy. Joko took Tahlkora's eyes next, but the Last Spearmarshal continued defying the lich king by gathering disciples around her and spreading her teachings through them. Despite her followers urging her to flee, Tahlkora chose to stay as an act of defiance against Joko despite knowing what the cost may be.

Joko ultimately had Tahlkora brought before him and took her life, intending to Awaken her as one of his thralls and use her to undo the damage she had caused. However, much to both the lich king and the Last Spearmarshal's surprise, Tahlkora's will remained her own even after Awakening. In response Joko took back all but the smallest spark of Awakening in Tahlkora and had her deposited on the remote Yahnur Plateau, condemning her to languish there as an unmoving corpse for centuries.

Tahlkora came to believe that both her free will and her ability to communicate with her mind after Awakening were gifts from Kormir herself. The Last Spearmarshal honed her ability over the following centuries and learned to communicate with local griffons and see through their eyes while waiting for the Sunspears to rise again.

Path of Fire

In 1330 AE, Tahlkora met with the Pact Commander who had been prompted to visit the Yahnur Plateau after finding evidence of the existence of griffons in the area. Choosing to remain anonymous for a time, the Last Spearmarshal revealed that she had been watching the Commander through the eyes of her griffons. She urged the Commander to aid the scattered Sunspears in their time of need and rally them to the plateau, recover lost Sunspear artifacts and supplies, as well as find and retrieve the lost eggs of the griffon broodmothers. After successfully completing the Last Spearmarshal's tasks, the Commander brought the few remaining Sunspears together; the group included First Spear Kitur, Master Sergeant Shadi, Second Spear Nayrim, and Second Spear Olishar. The Commander also learned to bond with the griffons, setting the stage for reviving the Sunspears as griffon riders who would be guided by Tahlkora's wisdom.

The Sunspears came under attack soon after their reunion, however, as a Mordant Crescent Hierarch discovered the plateau and intended to kill them all there to end their rebellion before it could take root. Thanks to the assistance provided by the Commander and the griffons, the Sunspears were able to defeat the Hierarch and ensure that their Sunspear Sanctuary would remain hidden from Joko's enforcers. Tahlkora thanked the Commander and rewarded them with a griffon mount of their own. She revealed her name to the Commander and explained the reason for being the way she was. The Last Spearmarshal also promised to watch over both the mount and the Commander as well as revive the Order of the Sunspears so they could free Elona from Joko's tyranny one day.

Living World Season 4

While the Vabbian Sunspears built the Griffon Sanctuary under Tahlkora's guidance, a new Spearmarshal named Zaeim, former disciple of First Spear Kitur, had risen to prominence in the Domain of Istan and taken Tahlkora's title to carry on her work in his own way. Zaeim built a new order of Sunspears under his leadership and sparked a rebellion that would inspire the common folk of the Isle of Istan to take a stand against Joko's oppressive regime.

After she had used her griffons to watch Zaeim's deeds in the war against Joko and his attempts to recruit Sunspears throughout Elona, Tahlkora sent the Vabbian Sunspears to Sun's Refuge, Zaeim's latest base of operations, in Jahai Bluffs to help in the fight against the Elder Dragon Kralkatorrik following Joko's demise in 1331 AE. She sent word via the Sunspears that she had been keeping an eye on Zaeim and saw him as her worthy successor as Spearmarshal. Some time after Zaeim had received the message, the now Awakened Koss Dejarin visited Tahlkora to learn what had happened to her. What the pair talked about is not known, however, as Koss did not want to discuss the specifics of their conversation upon returning to Sun's Refuge.

Location

Crystal Desert

• Domain of Vabbi
  • Yahnur Plateau
    • Sunspear Sanctuary

Story involvement

Path of Fire story

• Side Stories: Open Skies
  • Spearmarshal's Lament (instance)

Dialogue

On approaching (for the first time)

The Last Spearmarshal: We've been watching you...

The Last Spearmarshal: You have the heart of a Sunspear.

The Last Spearmarshal: Come closer. And do not fear my friends—they are trained to hunt only the Awakened.

On first interaction

I've watched you through the eyes of the griffons. You're no friend of Palawa Joko. But perhaps you'll be a friend of ours.

Who are you?

I've been many things. A monk and a Sunspear. A historian and a teacher. An activist and an agitator. Even a princess. Now, I am a shepherd of sorts, with an extraordinary flock.

What are you? (Same as below)

How am I hearing you in my head? (Same as below)

What's the deal with the griffons?

They've become my eyes and ears in the world beyond. Through them, I've watched over my Sunspear brothers and sisters. But now it is time to act. Will you help us?

Help with what?

The Order of the Sunspears is little more than a guttering flame now. I would see our fires burn bright once again, our numbers restored and our legacy preserved.

What can I do?

Find the Sunspears who still fight for Elona and help them however you can. Locate Sunspear artifacts and supplies to rebuild our order, and seek out griffon flocks wherever they roost.

Where can I find these Sunspears?

My griffons have seen one held captive at the academy here in Vabbi. Another fights his corrupt former master in the Elon Riverlands. And a third flees the Mordant Crescent in the Desert Highlands.

Where can I find supplies for rebuilding?

Where can I find Sunspear artifacts?

You mentioned other griffon flocks?

I'll see what I can do.

Where can I find supplies for rebuilding?

Merchants across Elona should have what we need. They may demand a hefty price, but no cost is too high when it comes to rebuilding our order.

Where can I find these Sunspears?

Where can I find Sunspear artifacts?

You mentioned other griffon flocks?

I'll see what I can do.

Where can I find Sunspear artifacts?

Relics may be held by those few Sunspears who still live, or found in places once important to the Sunspear order. I cannot say for certain.

Where can I find these Sunspears?

Where can I find supplies for rebuilding?

You mentioned other griffon flocks?

I'll see what I can do.

You mentioned other griffon flocks?

There are many flocks, adopted to the various lands over which they fly. You can find them from the mountains north of the Crystal Desert to the peaks of the Desolation.

Where can I find these Sunspears?

Where can I find supplies for rebuilding?

Where can I find Sunspear artifacts?

I'll see what I can do.

I'll see what I can do.

Maybe later.

Maybe later.

I'm sorry. I have to go.

What are you?

I am what Joko made me. Neither dead nor Awakened. I occupy a space between, my mind trapped in my shriveled corpse, unable to move or speak. These griffons are my only companions.

Who are you?

How am I hearing you in my head?

What's the deal with the griffons?

I'm sorry. I have to go.

How am I hearing you in my head?

Trapped in this shell, all I could do was pray. I begged Kormir for a means to help my people, and I believe she granted me this gift. With it, I reached out—first to the griffons, and now to you.

Who are you?

What are you?

What's the deal with the griffons?

I'm sorry. I have to go.

I'm sorry. I have to go.

On accepting the mission

The Last Spearmarshal: These peaks are perilous, even for the griffons.

The Last Spearmarshal: Guide them with skilled hands and prove that you have the markings of a Sunspear.

The Last Spearmarshal: Wherever you find them, they will serve you faithfully.

The Last Spearmarshal: Use them as you seek out and offer aid to our scattered Sunspear brothers and sisters.

The Last Spearmarshal: For the Sunspears!

On interaction after accepting the mission

You've taken very well to riding the griffons. You are on your way to mastering them, but there is still more I would ask of you.

What do you need?

Find the Sunspears who still fight for Elona and help them however you can. Locate Sunspear artifacts and supplies to rebuild our order, and seek out griffon flocks wherever they roost.

Where can I find these Sunspears?

Where can I find supplies for rebuilding?

Where can I find Sunspear artifacts?

You mentioned other griffon flocks?

How can I keep track of it all?

I'll see what I can do.

How can I keep track of it all?

Close your eyes. Picture the places you must go. Remember.

What do you need?

Is there another griffon available?

I'll see what I can do.

Is there another griffon available?

Some other time.

Returning to the sanctuary before completing Open Skies: On Wings and a Prayer

The Last Spearmarshal: I knew you'd return.

The Last Spearmarshal: But there is still so much work to be done.

While working on Open Skies: Sunspear Wisdom

There is one last task I would ask of you. Return to Kormir's library and save whatever Sunspear writings you can.

How do I get back into the library?

Return to the Tomb of Primeval Kings. Focus on the spot where the portal once stood. I believe the way will open. Kormir would not want this knowledge lost.

But Kormir is gone.

What exactly do I need to find?

Is there another griffon available?

I'll give it a shot.

But Kormir is gone.

Indeed. I thought I felt her presence pass. All the more reason to act quickly, before her sanctum is overrun by the dark forces she held at bay for so long.

How do I get back in?

What exactly do I need to find?

Is there another griffon available?

I'm on it.

What exactly do I need to find?

Ten writings, recorded a long time ago and thought destroyed by Joko-but Kormir preserved my words. Please, find them.

How do I get back into the library?

But Kormir is gone.

Is there another griffon available?

I'll see to it.

Is there another griffon available?

I'll see to it.

After completing Open Skies: Sunspear Wisdom but before placing the scrolls

You have done much to preserve the Sunspear legacy. Please place the scrolls before the statue of Kormir.

Is there another griffon available?

I'll see to it.

After earning the Griffon

You've done a great deal to preserve the Sunspears. Thanks to you, there is hope in Elona.

What now?

The rebuilding has only just begun, but I sense you have even larger struggles ahead. Do not worry—the griffons will aid you wherever and whenever you call.

I still have questions.

You've earned answers. Speak your questions.

What's your name?

I am Tahlkora, daughter of Prince Mehtu the Wise, Guardian of the Great Library of Chokhin, and last spearmarshal of the Order of the Sunspears.

I have other questions.

I need to be going.

How did you end up here?

As a survivor of the battle against Abaddon, my words carried weight. So when Joko rose to power, I spoke out against him, painting a target on my back.

And then what happened?

Joko knew he couldn't make me a martyr, so he instead tried to make an example of me by cutting out my tongue and returning me to the people as a mute. It didn't work.

What happened next?

I continued to fight against him, leaning on my writings. So again he brought me before him, opting to next take my eyes. He said it would bring me closer to my beloved Kormir.

What happened after that?

I could no longer speak or write, but I had my followers, who spoke and wrote on my behalf. I had become a symbol. One that threatened Joko's domain over Elona and its people.

And then what happened?

The last time Joko brought me before him, he ended my life, but only so he could Awaken me as one of his thralls. He sought to use me to undo all my works.

Go on...

But to both our surprise, he had no hold over me. My will remained my own. And so Joko took back all but the smallest spark of Awakening in me and had me deposited here, to languish for centuries.

I have other questions.

Sorry, I need to be going.

I have other questions.

Sorry, I need to be going.

I have other questions.

Sorry, I need to be going.

I have other questions.

Sorry, I need to be going.

I have other questions.

Sorry, I need to be going.

I have other questions.

Sorry, I need to be going.

How can you be Awakened and still have free will?

When Joko attempted to awaken me, I believe Kormir intervened. She safeguarded my will, and I suspect she gave me this ability to speak without words.

I have other questions.

Sorry, I need to be going.

Actually, I need to be going.

For the Sunspears!

For the Sunspears!

See also

The Guild Wars Wiki has an article on Tahlkora.

• Elonian royalty family tree

Associated items

• Tahlkora's armor