Secrets in the Earth

Secrets in the Earth

Year

1325 AE

Storyline

Personal story

Chapter

Justice for Riannoc

Location

Lychcroft Mere
(Kessex Hills)
Omphalos Chamber
(The Grove)

Level

30

Race

Sylvari

Preceded by

Sharpened Thorns
Bramble Walls

Followed by

The Bad Apple
Trouble at the Roots

API

238

Loading screen at Lychcroft Mere

Secrets in the Earth is a part of the Sylvari personal story for character who chose the Durmand Priory plan during Sharpened Thorns or Bramble Walls.

Objectives

Participate in the Priory's ritual, and witness Riannoc's fate.

• Travel to Lychcroft Mere.
• Speak with Iowerth.
• Touch Riannoc's grave marker to begin the ritual.
• Participate in the events of the past.
• Tell Iowerth about your vision.

Report back to the Grove.

• Check in with Iowerth in the Omphalos Chamber.
• Speak to the Pale Tree.
• Decide your next course of action.

Rewards

Click here to edit the reward data

All professions

• Bag of Loot (5)
• Novice's Bag of Crafting Supplies

Profession-specific

• One of the following: Mending Helm, Strong Helm, Penetrating Helm
• One of the following: Mending Mask, Strong Hat, Penetrating Mask
• One of the following: Mending Circlet, Strong Masque, Penetrating Masque

Walkthrough

The mission starts west of Shadowheart Site Waypoint in Lychcroft Mere. Go there and talk to Iowerth. He will tell you that you can witness past events via a ritual, your part is touching the grave marker. Once you touch it, you will see Riannoc with Waine. Waine is quickly scared and runs away as several waves of Risen arrive, which you have to fight. The last wave includes a veteran abomination.

After fighting the last wave you see a cutscene that consists of flashbacks of Riannoc fighting even more Risen. After the cutscene, Riannoc is lying on the ground and Waine comes running back. Waine is still scared and steals Caladbolg before running away again.

You then return to your own consciousness, and talk to Iowerth in the swamp. Then leave the instance and return to the Grove to talk to Iowerth again in the next instance, before conversing with the Pale Tree.

When the final cutscene occurs, you have to choose how to confront Waine:

• Cai from the Order of Whispers will manipulate the tournament. This leads to Trouble at the Roots.
• Branthyn from the Vigil wants to fight Waine. This leads to The Bad Apple.

NPCs

Allies

Humans

• Waine

Sylvari

• Iowerth
• Riannoc

Foes

Risen

• Risen Abomination
• Risen Brute
• Risen Thrall
• Veteran Risen Abomination

Objects

• Riannoc's Grave

Dialogue

Lychcroft Mere

Upon arrival to meet Iowerth:

Iowerth: Herald! Please, come over here.

Iowerth waves at <Character name>.

Cinematic:

Iowerth: Well met, Herald! I'm so excited about this, I'm positively tingling.

Iowerth: The Priory does a great deal of research into ancient forms of magic, and this ritual was a real find.

Iowerth: One of our explorers discovered it while tomb-raiding in the Crystal Desert. I tell you, one learns the most amazing things as part of the Durmand Priory.

<Character name>: Your order sounds tremendously exciting. How do we cast the ritual?.

Iowerth: The ritual allows one to step through time and experience the last moments of a subject's life. You will actually, tangibly be there!

<Character name>: Could I change anything? Save his life?

Iowerth: Sadly, no. Events which have already happened are fixed in time. However, this is one caveat...

Iowerth: Although Riannoc's death is predetermined, your death is still mutable. The dangers will be quite real—and potentially lethal. You could die as well.

<Character name>: If this ritual helps me learn what happened, then I'll accept the risk. Just tell me what to do.

Iowerth: Press your hand to the earth. The swamp may have swallowed Riannoc's body, but it cannot keep us from contacting his soul.

Iowerth: This will be a test of your courage, Herald. Good luck.

Speaking to Iowerth before beginning the ritual:

Iowerth: I'll be waiting in the present. When you return, you may be disoriented, but I'll do my best to ease you into consciousness.

What if the ritual fails and I die in the past?

You are the Herald of the Pale Tree. The danger is real, but I believe you were meant to witness these events. You will return.

I appreciate your confidence in me.

Does the Durmand Priory often do this sort of thing?

Rituals, obscure knowledge, experimentation? Oh, yes. These things are our pride and joy. You'd fit right in, Herald.

Thanks. I'll remember that.

I'll be back soon. Be ready.

Beginning the ritual:

Iowerth: Prepare yourself, champion. The ritual begins.

Iowerth: Focus on the image of a Wyld Hunter, accompanied by his human squire. He faces his enemy, a vast army of corpses.

Iowerth: His struggle is your struggle. His courage, your courage. You are as one. Your breath quickens and your heart beats faster.

Iowerth: Your enemies surround you. Now, in this moment... you are with Riannoc.

The ritual:

Riannoc: We make our stand here. The Pale Tree has given me a mighty weapon. Armed with Caladbolg, we cannot fail.

Squire Waine: The lich is powerful, Riannoc. His army is vast!

Riannoc: What good is power when it's afforded you by an evil master? What good is an army when you're standing against love, honor, and loyalty?

Squire Waine: But none of your kind has ever experienced death. Do you even understand fear?

Riannoc: I don't need to understand it. I only need to do what is right.

Squire Waine: No! I'm... I'm afraid. I'm frightened, Riannoc! I can't... stay...

After the fight:

Riannoc: Waine! Where are you?

Squire Waine: I can't do this! The lich is too strong. I'm too scared! Let's use the sword to save ourselves. Come on! Let's go!

Riannoc: Caladbolg... the sword is powerful. With it, we have a chance to—

Squire Waine: A chance to escape... yes! Riannoc, I want to live. I have to get out of here. I don't want to die!

Riannoc: Waine! No! I need Caladbolg to kill Mazdak! Come back! I cannot give up! Mazdak is coming!

Riannoc: Forgive him, Mother. We were both... too young...

After the ritual:

Iowerth: Waking up, are you? Take your time. Breathe slowly. Now, tell me—what did you see?

Iowerth agrees with <Character name>.

Speaking with Iowerth:

<Character name>: Poor Riannoc, abandoned by his best friend. I can't even imagine how that must have felt to a firstborn who had never before experienced betrayal.

Iowerth: How tragic. The Dream was young, and our predecessors knew little of the world. Riannoc couldn't possibly have understood what it meant to take such an untried human into battle.

<Character name>: Nevertheless, I cannot forgive Waine for his cowardice. He didn't just flee; he took Riannoc's weapon. With Caladbolg, Riannoc would have stood a chance. Without it, he was doomed.

<Character name>: Come. Let's return to the Pale Tree and share what we've discovered.

Speaking to Iowerth afterwards:

Iowerth: I'm sure that was a harrowing experience. Now, tell me all the details for my report to the Priory.

Riannoc's human squire Waine betrayed him, stole Caladbolg, and fled.

How terrible! Betrayed and left alone to die. What else did you discover?

The same lich from the haven killed Riannoc. We must tell the Pale Tree.

I agree. This is a lot to take in. I'll meet you there, Herald.

Farewell.

The Omphalos Chamber

Iowerth beckons to <character name>.

Checking in with the representatives within the Omphalos Chamber:

Iowerth: Herald <Character name>! Good to see you. I've found more information on that Waine fellow!

What did you discover?

The lout's been using Caladbolg in pit-fights outside Lion's Arch.

Pit-fights? Those things are dangerous!

Apparently, Waine used to fight at the proper gladiator ring inside the city, but was blacklisted for excessive violence.

Interesting. What's the next move?

We should inform the others. The Mother Tree will want to know everything we've discovered.

I can believe that. Well, that's where I go next, then.

Hm. That's very interesting.

Let's head inward.

Cai: The Pale Tree is waiting to speak to you, Herald.

Understood.

Branthyn: Hello, Herald. Best be getting everything done before we chat, yes?

Yes, of course. Excuse me.

At the Pale Tree:

Avatar of the Tree: Welcome back, Herald. Tell me, have you learned of Riannoc's fate?

<Character name>: I have, Mother. Riannoc died fighting Mazdak the Accursed, but his sword was stolen.

Caithe: Stolen? What foul, contemptable [sic] foe dared steal Caladbolg?

<Character name>: It was no foe. A friend betrayed him. Waine, Riannoc's squire. During the battle, he stole the weapon and fled.

Caithe: Betrayed, and by someone he loved. Why are people so drawn to betrayal?

<Character name>: Waine still carries Caladbolg. He's been using it to compete in gladiatorial tournaments.

Branthyn: I insist that the Vigil accompany you. We'll face this wretch in the tournament ring and thrash his hide!

Branthyn: Our order is founded on the principals of courage and duty. I can't stand to hear that Caladbolg is being wielded by an honorless traitor.

Cai: You trusting fool! Waine'll flee if he finds out you're there. With a little trickery, we can manipulate the tournament.

Cai: Once Waine's been beaten, the Order of Whispers can steal the sword with ease. Stop thinking with your sword-arm and start using your brain.

<Character name>: Both are interesting suggestions. Iowerth, your thoughts?

Iowerth: I'm afraid gladiatorial tournaments aren't the Priory's forte. While you get the sword, I'll research Mazdak and try to pinpoint his location.

Avatar of the Tree: Herald, Caladbolg must be returned. Decide, and go forth to deal justice.

After the cinematic:

Cai: You want to compete in the tournament? That's adorably stupid. Why compete when we can just rig it?

Branthyn: You have no honor, Cai. All this needs is a show of force. Once Waine realizes he's outmatched, he'll give up the sword.

Cai: You say honor, and I say smarts. I've got them, and you don't.

Speaking with the others before making your choice:

Avatar of the Tree: It grieves me that my champion's weapon is in the hands of a coward. Herald, recover Caladbolg, and restore this injury to our people.

By the Tablet, I swear it will be done.

Trahearne: Caladbolg, sentenced to be a pit-fighter's shiv? Such a waste. A tragedy.

Do you know anything about the sword's powers?

Caladbolg is said to enhance the qualities of its wielder. Strength, wisdom, bravery—all things are made greater through the sword. It's[sic] spirit increases yours.

And Waine? How is he "enhanced"?

Waine was always a coward; now he has become even more of one. Wassing[sic] the sword on pit-fights when there is so much evil in the world...

I'll get it back. I promise.

Caithe: I wouldn't underestimate Waine. Magic sword or no, surviving in the pit-fighter arenas for so many years takes skill.

How do you know so much about the fights in Lion's Arch?

Personal experience, <character name>. Once, long ago...well, let's just say they hold good memories for me.

I'll remember that.

I'll be careful. Thanks for the warning.

Iowerth: Fascinating, just fascinating. That sword is a living creature. We simply must reclaim Caladbolg and bring it home.

How did the Priory get the information about Waine and the pit-fights?

One of our agents in Lion's Arch is assigned to the pit-fights. He records each one for probability assessment. Waine's name was in the archives.

That makes sense. Can I ask something else?

Good to know, thanks!

Did the Priory have any other information about the sword?

Everything you already know, with one caveat. Apparently, a prophetess in Rata Sum once foretold the sword's return would be the dragons' downfall.

Now, that's good news! Can I ask you something else?

Good to know, thanks!

We will. Just watch and see.

Branthyn: Come with us, Herald. The Vigil will handle this errant brigand, you'll see!.

Tell me more about your plan.

Waine cows his opponents through fear and bullying, but the Vigil won't turn away. We'll face him, fight him, and defeat him!

Straightforward. What do you think of the Order of Whispers' plan?

Feh! Trickery and foolishness. How does that make us any better than Waine?

All right, I'm convinced. I'll try your plan.

Let me think about the situation a little longer before I decide.

I like it. Let's go take the sword—whether Waine wants us to or not!

This will take me some time to decide.

What do you think about the plan put forth by the Order of Whispers?' (same as Straightforward. What do you think of the Order of Whispers' plan?)

Let me think about it and get back to you.

Cai: Don't worry, Herald. The Order of Whispers already has a plan to handle this errant squire.

Tell me more about your plan.

We cause enough trouble, and Waine will find himself in over his head. Afterwards, we take Caladbolg and leave Waine whimpering.

Interesting. What do you think about the Vigil plan?

What, leap at Waine, screaming "I'm with the Tree!"? Seriously? Come on, you're smarter than that.

Hm. Well, your plan does sound more fun. I'm in.

Let me think about it a bit more.

You've got a good plan. I'll do it your way, Cai.

I need to think about this a bit more before I decide.

Have you heard the Vigil plan? Any thoughts? (same as Interesting. What do you think about the Vigil plan?)

Let me consider my options, and we'll see.

When choosing the Vigil over the Order of Whispers

Branthyn: I'm looking forward to working with you! Meet you outside Stoneguard Gate.

I'll be there.

Cai: Well, good luck with that "kick in the door" thing. If you have any trouble, I'll be here, ready to help out.

We'll be fine. Thanks, Cai.

When choosing the Order of Whispers over the Vigil

Branthyn: I hope you have luck, Herald. It's not how I would approach the issue, but...to each their own.

Thanks for understanding. See you soon.

Cai: Fantastic! This'll be fun. I'll meet you east of the Stoneguard Gate, and we'll teach Waine a lesson.

I'll be there.

My story

“ I fought beside Riannoc and saw him betrayed by his human squire, Waine. It is truly a tragedy that Riannoc's trust was so misplaced. I wonder where the boy took the sword, Caladbolg, when he fled the swamp? — My story

Notes

Bug:

If Riannoc dies and is not revived before the cinematic plays, the cinematic will just show the risen standing aimlessly (instead of fighting Riannoc) and his voiced lines will not play before Waine steals Caladbolg, stalling the instance and forcing players to restart.

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Sylvari storyline