Sharpened Thorns

Sharpened Thorns

Year

1325 AE

Storyline

Personal story

Chapter

Justice for Riannoc

Location

Overlake Haven
(Giant's Passage)

Level

30

Race

Sylvari

Preceded by

A Splinter in the Flesh

Followed by

The Blossom of Youth
Secrets in the Earth

API

237

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Sharpened Thorns is part of the sylvari personal story for characters who choose Branthyn's plan during A Splinter in the Flesh. As a member of the Vigil, Branthyn prefers to defend the Haven with force and an army of soldiers.

Objectives

Defend Overlake Haven from the Risen.

• Meet Branthyn near Overlake Haven.
• Defeat the undead attacking Branthyn.
• Assault the undead at Overlake Haven.
• (Clear the undead from Overlake Haven.)
• Protect the haven.
• Order the Lionguard squads to defend key positions.
• (Hold the keep until Vigil reinforcements arrive.)
• Time remaining: 3:00 (counting down)
• Rendezvous with the Vigil.
• (Destroy the remaining Risen.)
• Defeat the remaining Risen.
• (Defeat the Veteran Abomination.)
• Destroy the Veteran Abomination.
  

Report back to the order representatives.

• Speak with the Pale Tree.
• Decide your next course of action.

Rewards

Click here to edit the reward data

All professions

• 4,957 
• Bag of Loot (4)

Profession-specific

• One of the following: Strong Iron Mace, Strong Iron Sword, Strong Simple Scepter
• One of the following: Strong Iron Mace, Strong Iron Sword, Strong Iron Axe
• One of the following: Strong Journeymen Longbow, Strong Iron Mace, Strong Iron Rifle
• One of the following: Strong Iron Shield, Strong Iron Rifle, Strong Iron Pistol
• One of the following: Strong Journeymen Longbow, Strong Iron Axe, Strong Iron Sword
• One of the following: Strong Iron Dagger, Strong Simple Short Bow, Strong Iron Sword
• One of the following: Strong Simple Staff, Strong Simple Scepter, Strong Iron Dagger
• One of the following: Strong Simple Staff, Strong Simple Scepter, Strong Iron Pistol
• One of the following: Strong Simple Scepter, Strong Iron Axe, Strong Iron Dagger

Walkthrough

When you start the mission you will see some risen attacking Branthyn. Kill them and a cinematic with Branthyn will begin.

Go to the haven and kill the risen outside. Then clear the courtyard of risen. Once the risen inside the courtyard are dead, another cinematic will play. After that, you'll have to order the Lionguard into position: repair gates, at cannon, and defend the courtyard. All three options must be chosen, but who goes where is up to you. If you choose to repair the gates last, they will not be fully repaired by the time the risen attack. The gates will also be locked so if you go outside before they close the gates you cannot get back in - if you haven't ordered the other troops yet where to go, you'll have to restart the instance.

Once you order all three positions filled, the risen will attack with a 2 minute timer. However, their numbers are few and their health low so the cannons will take out the majority of them until the 1:00 mark, when the number of risen increases. When the timer reaches zero, there will be a pause in the risen mobs and Vigil NPCs will arive. After that, another cinematic will play, followed by a short number of waves that ends with a Veteran Risen Abomination. With the veteran abomination killed, a final cinematic plays before you can leave the instance. If you are having difficulty killing the Veteran Risen Abomination, go up the stairs and jump on to the thatched roof and use ranged attacks to kill it.

Return to the Grove and talk to Pale Tree and the others to decide what to do next.

At the end of the mission you have to decide how to find out what happened to Riannoc and the sword Caladbolg.

• Gather information with Cai from the Order of Whispers. This will lead to The Blossom of Youth.
• Perform the ritual with Iowerth from the Durmand Priory. This will lead to Secrets in the Earth.

NPCs

Allies

At Overlake Haven

• Asura
  • Lionguard Zoukk
• Human
  • Deputy Jenks
• Norn
  • Vigil Warmaster
• Sylvari
  • Branthyn
  • Lionguard Gweda
• Various
  • Lionguard
  • Vigil Crusader
  • Vigil Tactician

At Omphalos Chamber

• Sylvari
  • Avatar of the Tree
  • Branthyn
  • Cai
  • Caithe
  • Iowerth
  • Trahearne

Foes

• Risen
  • Mazdak the Accursed (cinematic only)
  • Risen Abomination
  • Risen Brute
  • Risen Thrall
  • Veteran Risen Abomination

Objects

Bundles

• Bomb
• Boulder
• Cannon
• Cannonball
• Wooden Plank

Dialogue

At Overlake Haven

Approaching Branthyn:

Branthyn: Bad news, Herald. Looks like the Orrians got here first.

Cinematic with Branthyn:

Branthyn: Hail, Herald of the Pale Tree! A fine day for battle, wouldn't you say?

<Character name>: So long as it's a battle we're going to win, I'd agree.

Branthyn: You're fighting with the Vigil today. Our soldiers are well-trained, dedicated, and determined to defend Tyria.

Branthyn: Members of the Vigil swear an oath to protect the innocent. We are the light in the darkness. We hold the line no matter the cost.

<Character name>: That's a noble duty. So the Vigil is a military organization?

Branthyn: Yes, but we do more than just fight. We also help those who survive dragon attacks, and provide charity as well as defense.

Branthyn: Thorns, the undead are everywhere! We need to draw their attention from teh Haven, or it'll be overrun before the rest of our troops arrive.

Branthyn: Tell me something—are you willing to start dancing before the band arrives?

<Character name>: I like the way you think. Let's go buy our reinforcements some time.

After cinematic:

Branthyn: I'm following you.

Speaking with Branthyn:

Branthyn: Why'd I join the Vigil? I lived in Morgan's Spiral. Seeing the Risen attack over and over made me realize we can't fight dragons by sitting still.

Aren't you needed here for the Pale Tree and the Caledon Forest?

The Mother Tree herself encouraged me to go. "Never leave a wrong to ripen into evil." The dragons are a deep wrong—a blight.

Makes sense. May I ask something else?

(leads to "I'd heard of your achievements..." as in the dialogue below)

I see your point.

Makes sense to me.

At the haven:

Deputy Jenks: Get over here and help me!

Lionguard Gweda: Get over here and help me!

Lionguard Zoukk: Blitz attack! Who's with me? Eh? Eh?

Speaking with Branthyn while fighting the risen:

Branthyn: Thorns! Looks like the undead have breached the haven gates. We need to hurry!

Let's go!

Cinematic after clearing the haven of risen:

Deputy Jenks: Thank the Six you're here! if you hadn't arrived so quickly, we'd all be dead.

Branthyn: Don't count your seedlings before they sprout. More Orrians are on their way, mark my words.

<Character name>: Who commands the troops stationed here? We need to organize the defense.

Deputy Jenks: Er...well...see that zombie over there?

<Character name>: Whoops. Well then, I suppose Branthyn and I will be taking over on behalf of the Vigil.

Deputy Jenks: Yes, Commander! The gate's shattered, but we still have our cannons. What are your orders?

Branthyn: Station soldiers at the gunnery placements, and hold your ground here in the courtyard.

Branthyn: You humans don't have our sylvari resistance to corruption, so stay close. If someone falls, be ready to finish them before they rise again.

<Character name>: Don't worry, Jenks. Reinforcements are coming, and everything's going to be fine.

After the cinematic:

Branthyn: That was a nice bit of dancing, but we'll need the Lionguard if we want to set this place on fire.

Talking to Branthyn before ordering Lionguard:

Branthyn: The troops await your orders, Herald. Show me what you can do in command of the Lionguard!

I'll get them squared away!

Ordering the Lionguard:

Deputy Jenks: Hello, Valiant! We're ready for orders. Just tell me and the ranged offense where to go.

Attend the cannons.

Guard the courtyard.

Fix the gate, then reinforce the ground troops.

Hmm. Hold on. I'm still planning.

Deputy Jenks: Lionguard, man the cannons! Blast those Orrians back to their graves! (if sent to cannons)

Deputy Jenks: Hold your ground, Lionguard! (if sent to courtyard)

Deputy Jenks: Repair these gates, and support the ground troops! (if sent to gate)

Lionguard Gweda: Where would you like the spellcasters?

Attend the cannons.

Guard the courtyard.

Fix the gate, then reinforce the ground troops.

Hold on. I need to think about this.

Lionguard Gweda: Don't fear them! Fire on them! To the cannons! (if sent to cannons)

Lionguard Gweda: Hold this position and prepare to repel invaders! (if sent to courtyard)

Lionguard Gweda: Repair these gates and support the ground troops! (if sent to gate)

Lionguard Zoukk: Let me know where my footsoldiers can be of use!

Attend the cannons.

Guard the courtyard.

Fix the gate, then reinforce the ground troops.

Hold on. I need to think about this.

Lionguard Zoukk: Fire the cannons! We've only got one chance at this, so make your shots count. (if sent to cannons)

Lionguard Zoukk: Hold your ground, Lionguard! (if sent to courtyard)

Lionguard Zoukk: Repair these gates and support the ground troops! (if sent to gate)

During the waves of risen:

Deputy Jenks: So, this is what they meant by "Be prepared for anything."

Lionguard Gweda: Get your defenses up!

Branthyn: We'll work together. No matter what, protect this space.

Lionguard Zoukk: Stand your ground.

Talking to Branthyn during the waves of risen:

Branthyn: Hold fast! Vigil troops are on their way!

All right!

When the Vigil shows up:

Vigil Warmaster: Lionguard of Overlake, the Vigil is--oh, Branthyn, you and the others are already here.

Vigil Warmaster: Spread out, Vigil! Branthyn and the others have things well in hand; fill in the gaps!

During the fight with the remaining risen:

Vigil Warmaster: Come on! A true hunter never lets the prey escape!

Branthyn: I won't hold back!

Talking to Branthyn during the final wave of risen:

Branthyn: The tide's turning! The waves are slowing!

Onward!

Cinematic after killing the Veteran Risen Abomination:

Branthyn: Well done, troops! The Orrians have been driven back, and Overlake Haven is safe.

Deputy Jenks: Thank you! I don't know what we would have done without the Vigil. You saved our lives.

Branthyn: It's our honor to serve Tyria. We'll be here to lend our aid wherever it's needed, until the dragons are finally driven from this world.

<Character name>: Well fought! Vigil soldiers are extremely impressive on the battlefield.

Branthyn: Not only on the battlefield. Our recruits are taught honor as well as skill. We don't just want to defend the world—we want to inspire it.

Branthyn: You should think about joining us. We could use someone with your courage.

<Character name>: I'll consider it. But tell me something—did you notice that strange-looking creature watching from the hillside?

Branthyn: I did. I've never seen its like before. If Zhaitan has created something new, we'd better figure it out quick so we can learn its weaknesses.

<Character name>: Agreed. Let's return to the Grove. The Pale Tree is waiting for our report.

Talking to the NPCs before leaving:

Branthyn: I'd heard your achievements, Herald, but I must admit, you exceeded the rumor. Well done—quite worthy of the Vigil.

Can I ask you why you joined the Vigil?

Why'd I join the Vigil? I lived in Morgan's Spiral. Seeing the Risen attack over and over made me realize we can't fight dragons by sitting still.

Aren't you needed here for the Pale Tree and the Caledon Forest?

The Mother Tree herself encouraged me to go. "Never leave a wrong ripen into evil." The dragons are a deep wrong—a blight.

Makes sense. May I ask something else?

I see your point.

Makes sense to me.

What did you think of the strange figure on the road?

I've been fighting the undead for years, and I've never seen anything like it.

May I ask something else?

Maybe the Pale Tree will know more.

Kind words, thank you. I'll meet you back at the Grove.

Vigil Warmaster: Good work out there! Bear's teeth, but you can fight! Branthyn chose well, Recruit.

I'm not a member of the Vigil, but that's a fine compliment.

Not a member yet, you mean! Tell Branthyn I said as much.

Thanks, I will!

Deputy Jenks: Wow, Valiant! Anytime you wanna kill Risen, you're welcome at Overlake Haven.

Excuse me, but did you see that monster on the road?

I did. It was horrible! I was looking right at it when it summoned the rest of them. We got the gates closed just in time!

Very interesting. Thank you.

Happy to have been of help.

Lionguard Gweda: Thank you for your help! We wouldn't have made it without you.

What about that creepy Risen thing I saw on the road?

I've never seen its like! I had a full view from the battlements. That thing's never been at our gates before.

Noted. Be careful out there, soldier.

I'm glad we defeated them.

Lionguard Zoukk: You're quite a capable fighter. The Lionguard is in your debt.

Did you see that strange Risen thing on the road?

I was fighting the big'uns, and then I saw it, right there! Creepy!

I'm glad you're unhurt, friend. Take care.

On behalf of the Pale Tree and the Vigil, we're glad to have been here.

At the Omphalos Chamber

Arriving in the Omphalos Chamber:

Cai: Whisper agents report a strange creature leading the attack on Overlake. Know anything about that, Branthyn?

Branthyn: That's classified information—unless you're planning to join us on the battlefield when we fight it?

Cai: If the Vigil wants to rush off like idiots, go ahead. Our agents are a bit more cautious.

Branthyn: "Cautious"? I guess that's one word for it.

Iowerth: Pardon me, I have quite a bit on my mind. So troubling...

I understand.

Cinematic with the Pale Tree:

<Character name>: I have good news, Mother Tree. Overlake Haven is safe, and the undead have been driven away.

Trahearne: Valiant, I was told about the strange undead you saw on the battlefield. I think I can help you.

Trahearne: The creature sounds like a lich. From the description I was given, I think I can identify it as Mazdak the Accursed.

Avatar of the Tree: Mazdak the Accursed? I know that name. One of my firstborn, Riannoc, went to destroy Mazdak many years ago.

Avatar of the Tree: I armed him with a thorn from my own bough, a mighty sword named Caladbolg. Both were lost, never to return to the Grove.

Avatar of the Tree: Herald, it seems you have a chance to discover the fate of my lost son and perhaps even avenge Riannoc's death.

Cai: Legend says that Riannoc chose a human to be his squire. If that squire survived, the Order of Whispers could find him.

Cai: The Order is very good at tracking people down—even when they don't want to be found.

Iowerth: Untrustworthy, as always. I have an alternate suggestion. As you may know, the Durmand Priory specializes in researching and recovering lost knowledge.

Iowerth: This sounds like an exciting opportunity to experiment with a ritual we've uncovered. If cast, it lets you witness the last moments of a person's life.

Trahearne The mystery of Riannoc's death has pained the sylvari since the days of the firstborn. Knowing his fate would help to heal that wound.

<Character name>: Branthyn? Does the Vigil have any suggestions?

Branthyn: Information-gathering [sic] isn't our strong suit. Instead, I'll go ask my superiors how to kill a lich. I'll meet you back here when you're done.

Avatar of the Tree: Very well. Herald, the choice is yours.

Speaking to the others before making your choice:

Avatar of the Tree: Choose carefully. Both orders have the potential to discover the truth. I have faith in your decision.

Can you tell me about Caladbolg?

It was the only weapon I have ever made, and doing so took a great deal of spirit. It was meant to be the blade of heroes.

What happened to the sword?

I created it for Riannoc, one of the Firstborn. When he died, the blade was in his possession. It has not been seen since.

That's a tragedy. May I ask you another question?

Thank you. I will find out the truth.

Will you tell me a little about Riannoc, Mother?

My initial twelve children are called the Firstborn. Riannoc was brother to Caithe, Trahearne, and the rest. He was as valiant as the shining sun.

What happened to him?

He traveled far to the north, to face an evil. When he died—the sun dimmed, and the Dream wept.

I'm so sorry, Mother. What should I do to help you?

Discover the truth, my Herald. Return the sword. That will bring me peace.

I understand, Mother Tree. May I ask you something else?

I will, Mother. I swear it.

Thank you for your trust, Mother.

Branthyn: Good luck, Valiant. I'm sorry the Vigil can't lend assistance on this one.

Why not? What's going on with the Vigil?

Some of the undead rousted from the haven are causing trouble on the coast. The settlements have requested Vigil reinforcements.

I'm glad the Vigil is helping the settlers. Fair fortune to you!

Cai: This sounds like it could bear investigation, hm, Herald?

I agree. How do we find out what happened?

I know a human settlement north of the Caledon. Waine has friends there. He may have told them what really happened.

How will we get the information?

Infiltration, espionage and good old-fashioned arm twisting. Are you in?

Sounds like my kind of fun. I'll meet you there.

I'm not sure. Let me think about it.

Sounds like my kind of fun. I'll meet you there.

I'm not sure. Let me think about it.

What do you think of the Priory's idea?

Iowerth's order has a lot of toys, but they're useless if you can't rely on them. His ritual is a dice-toss. We need information, not hypotheses.

That does seem reasonable. Tell me about your plan. (Same as "I agree. How do we find out what happened?")

All right. I'm convinced. We'll do things your way.

Let me think about this decision a bit longer.

Can you tell me more about the Order of Whispers?

The Order of Whispers is the oldest older in Tyria. We knew about the dragons long before anyone else.

So, what have you done to fight them?

You've got the wrong idea. The dragons can't be destroyed. We must do what the heroes of old did: put them to sleep.

Very interesting. How do you plan to do that?

We have plans within plans, my friend. Just wait and see.

Interesting. Can I ask you another question?

I'll remember you said that. Thanks, Cai.

Caithe: These are dark tidings, <Character name>. Riannoc was the first sylvari to meet death. We never knew what happened...

How well did you know Riannoc?

He was one of the Firstborn, alive when there were only twelve sylvari in the world. I knew him well. We all did.

What happened to him? The Pale Tree says he vanished?

Precisely. We all felt it when he died. It was like a part of the Dream was torn away—but we never knew why. Or how.

How tragic. Caithe, may I ask you something else?

That must have been awful. I'm sorry.

Who is this "Mazdak," and what does he want?

Mazdak the Accursed is a lich, a powerful one, in the service of Orr. I do not know his true history.

We'll have to find out more. Can I ask you another question?

I'll look into it.

Which order's plan should I choose?

Strength lies not in the plan, but within you. Choose whichever you feel called to enact.

I'll do that. Can I ask another question?

Wise words. Thank you.

I'll find out what happened to Riannoc. I promise you that.

Iowerth: I'm glad to see you examining the more inventive route! I assure you, you won't regret it!

You said you had some kind of magical ritual to see the dead?

Not death, Herald—we can see the last minutes of life. Be witness to the events immediately before Riannoc's death. Think of it!

I'm thinking. How easy is it to do?

Well, it's a bit dangerous. A lot dangerous, actually. But you can experience the events as they unfold. Isn't that exciting?

Very. I'm in, Iowerth. Let's do the ritual.

Exciting...but dangerous. I'll have to think about it.

What do you think of the Order of Whisper's plan?

Asking a bunch of miscreants and bandits? Feh! You'll find yourself shivved, mark my words!

So, you think we'll learn more about Riannoc's death with the ritual? (Same as "You said you had some kind of magical ritual to see the dead?")

That's a fair point. All right, let's try your ritual.

Let me consider my options.

Eh...I'm not convinced. Let me think about it.

Trahearne: Ah, Riannoc. I warned you—told you not to go alone. But you did not listen. We were all so confident. So unafraid of death...

You told him not to go?

I did. But he would not listen. He said that Mazdak was too great an evil to leave unchallenged.

In that, I suppose he was right. How sad, that it ended up this way.

When choosing the Priory over the Order of Whispers:

Cai: Rituals and magical hooey? Well, I can't fault your sense of adventure. Good luck!

Thanks, Cai.

Iowerth: Fabulous! I've been eager to try this ritual for two whole years, but no one was brave enou—I mean, I'll meet you near Lychcroft Mere!

I appreciate the enthusiasm. See you there.

When choosing the Order of Whispers over the Priory:

Cai: Wise decision. We've tracked the squire to a camp in the Wenon Steps. Meet me there, and we'll infiltrate.

Cai: Make for the border, south of Robbari's bandit camp. I'll just go get a few items we'll need, and then meet you there.

See you soon.

Iowerth: The ritual goes back on the shelf, then. A pity. Best of luck to you with the Order of Whispers!

Thanks, Iowerth.

My story

“ Overlake Haven was saved, but I saw a strange and terrible creature among the undead. No one there had ever seen anything like it. I wonder what that portends? I returned and told the Pale Tree about the creature I saw. Trahearne believes it is a lich called Mazdak the Accursed. Mazdak was involved in the death of Firstborn Riannoc, the first sylvari to die. The Pale Tree had given Riannoc a magic sword formed from her own thorns, but with Riannoc's disappearance, the sword has never been found. The Pale Tree has asked me to recover the sword, Caladbolg, and find out what happened to Riannoc. — My story

Notes

• The decision here is not the final decision for any order. It will introduce the orders in the follow up quests.

Anomaly:

The subtitles for Branthyn's last line say "Information-gathering", but the voiceover says "Gathering information".

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Sylvari storyline