Shining Blade Secrets

Shining Blade Secrets is the second part of One Path Ends.

Objectives[edit]

Travel to the mausoleum in Divinity's Reach.

Meet the Shining Blade exemplar at the mausoleum.
Access the hidden entrance.

Shining Blade Headquarters

Talk to Anise.
Follow Anise.

Pledge your confidence.

Participate in "Quenching the Spirit."
Participate in "Steeling the Mind."
(Survive.)
Survive for as long as you can: x:xx (timer counts up)
Give Shadow time to flee: x:xx (timer counts down from 2 minutes)
Slay as many White Mantle as you can: x
Follow Anise.
(Confront your own guilt and self-doubt.)
Destroy your self doubt.
Speak with Exemplar Mehid.
Take the Oath of Confidence.

Honorary Blade

Give the aspect to Anise.
Talk to Anise.

Rewards[edit]

Walkthrough[edit]

Run inside the house and speak to Anise. She will lead you back outside and engage you in a few cutscenes before the first combat section begins.

Henge of Denravi re-enactment[edit]

The primary goal of the re-enactment is to hold back the enemy for 2 minutes to allow Shadow to escape. You will have access to the Triage special action skill during this encounter. Once you hold out for 2 minutes, you may die and continue the mission. Do keep in mind that:

Each initial wave consists of 10 enemies.
The next wave only spawns if you completely kill the previous wave.
When Shadow leaves at the 2 minute mark, subsequent waves hit much harder and spawn in greater numbers.
Anise ("Keira") will not die.

Thus, the ideal strategy is to just run around avoiding damage until the 2 minutes are up, by kiting enemies to Anise and letting her solo them, or using stealth to remain hidden or res allies. See the achievements section below for details.

Manifestation of Self-Doubt[edit]

The next part is a boss fight with a few unique mechanics.

Each time you attack the boss, it gains a temporary stacking debuff called Dynamic Damage Reduction, which reduces incoming damage by 5% per stack, up to 20 stacks or 100% immune to damage.
Breaking the boss's breakbar will allow you to deal damage without stacking Dynamic Damage Reduction, however existing stacks of Dynamic Damage Reduction will remain and slowly dissipate.
Periodically Ghosts will appear around the arena and send out undodgeable ghostly hands toward you.
- Each time you get hit by the Ghost hand, you gain a permanent Crushing Guilt debuff that increases weapon swap cooldown and skills recharge by 5s, and lowers movement speed by 3% per stack, up to 25 stacks.
- Each time you get hit by the Ghost hand, the boss receives a stacking buff called Guilt Exploitation that decreases incoming damage by 4% per stack and increases outgoing damage by 4% per stack, up to 25 stacks.
- From the 26th time you get hit by the Ghost hand onwards, you gain a Mighty alacrity buff for 5s every 20s, you will not receive any more Crushing Guilt debuff beyond the stack of 25, and it will also reduce the boss's Guilt Exploitation stack down to 1. So your cool downs will be long but the boss will receive 96% of the incoming damage
If you interact with the Ghosts and get closure before they disappear, you will then receive a Minor Breakthrough special action skill that instantly breaks the bar of the boss and removes all stacks of Guilt Exploitation and Dynamic Damage Reduction.

To make this boss fight easy, get closure from the Ghosts each time they spawn and use the Minor Breakthrough skill on the boss. Use a condition build or a minion master build to account for the stacking Crushing Guilt debuff, since minions are not affected and conditions have long durations.

After this mission you will go through the Shining Blade oath ritual. Do not leave the instance if you would like to explore the house and collect the notes (see below).

Replay[edit]

After completion, achievements can be replayed by interacting with the mote in Divinity's Reach titled "Shining Blade Headquarters", which begins at the objective "Talk to Anise".

Achievements[edit]

Hold the Line	One Path Ends	2
Survive the assault on the Henge of Denravi for at least 5 minutes.Story Instance: Shining Blade Secrets "Just a little longer..."	Held Off the White Mantle Assault for 5 Minutes	2

Don't attack any enemies. Leave as many alive as possible and kite them until the time is up.
Anise (playing Kiera) is likely to kill the entire group by herself, so if you can, use this to your advantage, by pulling the group to her and allowing her to solo them while you hide on the opposite side of the arena. Stealth helps greatly.
With the Jade Bot gliding booster mastery, it is possible to boost onto a tree branch out of aggro range of the enemies and simply wait the timer out. One such branch can be found on the western edge of the arena.
Another effective strategy is to climb onto the tents in the north-western part of the room and use a leap skill onto a nearby root. Then leap into the rubble on the wall and hide behind the tree.
Achievement qualification may be tracked via the Hold the Line effect.

Precision Blade	One Path Ends	1
Kill 50 White Mantle invaders at the Henge of Denravi.Story Instance: Shining Blade Secrets "I will slit your traitorous throat! To arms!" — Exemplar Kerida	Killed 50 White Mantle Invaders at the Henge of Denravi	1

Bring lots of AoE and a high DPS build. Try to slay as many as you can before Shadow's 2-minute timer is up, as the mobs will deal significantly more damage after this point in the form of frequent critical strikes.
This achievement can be done in a party. Players who did not open the instance will be transformed into shining blade agents but will still have access to their skills and be able to help and unlock the achievement.
Alternatively, use the same tactic as for Hold the Line above: pull enemies to Anise and let her solo them while you hide in stealth.
Achievement qualification may be tracked via the Precision Blade effect.

Fearful	One Path Ends	2
Defeat the Manifestation of Self-Doubt in the Shining Blade headquarters by using Minor Breakthrough for help.Story Instance: Shining Blade Secrets "Get away! Get away!"	Defeated the Shade of Doubt with an Echo of Fear	2

This achievement is strictly soloable. Additional players will be teleported up to the viewing platforms and will only be able to cheer up the instance opener with a special skill, which will reduce the cooldown time of the player's skills.
Speak to a ghost and use Minor Breakthrough at least once.
Achievement qualification may be tracked via the Fearful effect.

Fearless	One Path Ends	2
Defeat the Manifestation of Self-Doubt in the Shining Blade headquarters without using Minor Breakthrough to help you.Story Instance: Shining Blade Secrets "Self-confidence in spades."	Defeated the Shade of Doubt without Echo of Fear	2

This achievement can only be earned by the instance owner. Additional players will be teleported up to the viewing platforms and will only be able to "Cheer!" the instance opener with a special skill, which will reduce the cooldown time of the player's skills.
Focus on breaking the defiance bar using as few hits as possible to minimize the stacks of Dynamic Damage Reduction, then burst attack when the boss is down. Since the ghost hands are unavoidable, stay alive until you have 25 stacks of the debuff Crushing Guilt towards the end, at which point your skills will have extremely long recharge, and then the subsequent ghost hands will give you a strong alacrity effect and clear the boss's Guilt Exploitation stacks. Once you achieve 25 stacks, the fight will progress much more quickly.
Passive healing (such as Healing Signet, Virtue of Resolve, Signet of Renewal or Healing Turret) as well as effects on dodge are helpful since your dodges will accrue normally.
Achievement qualification may be tracked via the Fearless effect.

Two Sides, Same Coin	One Path Ends	1
Complete both Fearless and Fearful achievements.Story Instance: Shining Blade Secrets "You can have it both ways."	Completed Both the Fearless and Fearful Achievements	1

As the two requisite achievements are mutually exclusive, you will need to complete the instance twice to complete this achievement.

Student of Bartholos	One Path Ends	5
Find all the sections of Bartholos's seminal work.Story Instance: Shining Blade Secrets Collection	Collected 10 Sections	5

Primary article: Student of Bartholos

After the mission is complete, return to the house before you leave the instance and interact with the many notes, books, dressers and desks to piece together the The Shining Blade Manual.

Return to Shining Blade Headquarters	Return to One Path Ends	0
Complete the mission Shining Blade Headquarters in Living World Season 3 Episode 6. Reward: Unbound Magic (5)	Completed Shining Blade Headquarters	0

NPCs[edit]

Allies[edit]

Humans

Phantasms
- Caithe
- Eir Stegalkin
- Rytlock Brimstone
- Adam Solstrum
- Alemeth
- Amad
- Caprice
- Laban
- Loreen Cranford
- Magi Ket
- Master Scout Miranda
- Ozem
- Steui
- Swift
- Thyfir Greenleaf

Foes[edit]

Phantasms

Phantasms
- Manifestation of Self-Doubt (veteran)

Objects[edit]

Section-stub. This key section of the article is incomplete. You can help the Guild Wars 2 Wiki by expanding it.

Dialogue[edit]

At Divinity's Reach[edit]

Approaching Shining Blade Exemplar: Shining Blade Exemplar: Isn't this such a lovely mausoleum? My favorite one, actually. Don't you like it?; <Character name>: Spooky. It suits you. But, really, we need to get moving.; Shining Blade Exemplar: Have no fear, my dear. The entrance...is just here—if you know where to look. Which I do.

After investigating the coffin: Shining Blade Exemplar: Walk this way.

Shining Blade Headquarters instance[edit]

Talking to Anise: Countess Anise: You're back.; <Character name>: Yeah. Your exemplar brought me in. I came to ask again what you plan to do with the aspects.; Countess Anise: Exemplar Kerida, yes.; <Character name>: Ah, that's her name, is it? We never had time for introductions.; Countess Anise: Well, I can't tell you about the aspects. Did you ask her?; Exemplar Kerida: Despite rumors to the contrary, I am not dead. Stop talking about me as if I weren't here.; Exemplar Kerida: Anise, tell him/her to hand over the aspect.; Countess Anise: The commander wants to know what you plan to do with them.; <Character name>: I'll take the oath, if that's required. But, I can't entrust the aspect to you until I know it won't be misused.; Countess Anise: You told him/her about the oath?; Exemplar Kerida: Talking about the oath won't kill me. Just telling the secrets. Besides, he/she wouldn't shut up about it.; Exemplar Kerida: You're not Shining Blade. We'd never allow you to take the oath.; Countess Anise: Actually, I think it's a wonderful idea. I can imagine no more trustworthy—and useful—a person to have on our side.; Exemplar Kerida: What?; Countess Anise: Follow me, Commander. Allow me to introduce you to the Shining Blade's inner circle.

Walking with Anise to the gate

Exemplar Kerida: I just love how much this is going to hurt.

<Character name>: It's just an oath of secrecy, right?

Exemplar Kerida: (laugh)

Countess Anise: There's more to it than promising to keep our secrets. The magic involved requires igniting certain of your emotions.

Exemplar Kerida: You could die.

If asura:

<Character name>: What do I have to do? I can't be at anyone's beck and call. I have an important mission to complete.

If charr:

<Character name>: What do I have to do? I won't be at your beck and call. No way. Besides, I have an important mission to complete.

If human:

<Character name>: What do I have to do? I can't be at the queen's beck and call. I have an important mission to complete.

If norn:

<Character name>: What do I have to do? I answer to no one. I have an important mission to complete.

If sylvari:

<Character name>: What do I have to do? I need to remain independent. I have an important mission to complete.

Countess Anise: You will be an agent at large. You will have special freedoms, so long as you're not working against Kryta.

Meeting the inner circle

Countess Anise: Exemplars! Your attention. I bring before you one who wishes to take the Oath of Confidence and support the Shining Blade.

Countess Anise: In the interest of expediency, are there any among you who do not know who he/she is?

Countess Anise: It appears your reputation precedes you, Commander. Let us begin.

Countess Anise: Within the holy light of the Shining Blade, I call this gathering to order. Blessings on Kryta and on Queen Jennah.

Exemplar Caulden: Blessings on Kryta and Queen Jennah.

(The other Exemplars say that too, but for them it is only ambient)

Countess Anise: Exemplar Mehid, would you lead us, please.

Exemplar Mehid: It would be my honor. Commander, do you freely submit yourself to be cast into the fires of the blacksmith's forge?

<Character name>: I do.

Exemplar Mehid: My fellow exemplars, will any among you speak out against this petitioner?

If human:

Exemplar Salia: I will. I point out that he/she has not...come up through the ranks. We have only hearsay upon which to base our judgement.

Otherwise:

Exemplar Salia: I will. Never before has a nonhuman supplicant taken this oath.

Countess Anise: Hear me! I vouch—personally—for his/her honor and sincerity. I have watched him/her for many years.

<Character name>: You've... What?

Countess Anise: I've seen him/her do great deeds, and I know the many sacrifices he's/she's made to defend Tyria. I have witnessed his/her integrity.

Countess Anise: At a time when Elder Dragons endanger the whole world, Kryta must make uncommon allies. I trust this defender of Tyria.

Exemplar Salia: Drastic times do call for drastic measures. I withdraw my objection.

Exemplar Mehid: Anyone else... No? Then let us proceed.

In the forge (cinematic): Exemplar Mehid: Brothers and sisters, I ask you. How is the petitioner softened to our cause?; Exemplar Talie: By the tempering of his/her mettle!; Exemplar Mehid: How is the petitioner judged for steadfast integrity?; Exemplar Talie: By the quenching of his/her mettle!; Exemplar Mehid: How is the petitioner tested for resolve?; Exemplar Talie: By the shaping of his/her mettle!; Exemplar Caulden: We are the enemies of the Shining Blade. You will reveal all their secrets to us!; Exemplar Salia: You will or your life is forfeit!; <Character name>: Then I will take my sincerity to my grave. You are wrong.

After the cutscene: Countess Anise: Prepare to experience a dark moment in our history. This will birth empathy in your heart for the Shining Blade.; Exemplar Kerida: Fight like your life depends on it, and stay alive as long as you can.; Countess Anise: I'm playing Kiera this time. You be Shadow for once.; Exemplar Kerida: Fine.

As the trial starts: Kiera: Ahem. Welcome, members of the Shining Blade, to the Henge of Denravi, our sanctuary from the White Mantle!; Shadow: Yes, welcome to our headquarters, where we make all our critical battle plans!; Markis: Behold, my White Mantle friends! It's the Shining Blade! Just as I promised!; Kiera: Markis! What dastardly betrayal is this? You sold us out to the White Mantle? How could you?; Shadow: I will slit your traitorous throat! To arms!; Shadow: Kiera, get reinforcements! We'll hold the Mantle off long enough for you to get away! Go!; Kiera: No, Shadow! You go! You know too much. You cannot be captured. Once you are away, we will follow!

After the first trial: Kiera: Massacre! The White Mantle dogs have killed us all! I hope... Shadow... got... away...; <Character name>: So much death!; Exemplar Kerida: Well played, my dear. I suspected you had a sense of the dramatic in you.; Countess Anise: Don't get too comfortable. The next trial won't be as leisurely.

Entering the next room: Countess Anise: The Shining Blade warred for years with the White Mantle and their mursaat overlords.; Exemplar Kerida: The razor of fate is precocious and could have swung in any direction. Our future was unknown.; <Character name>: Fate's razor? Nothing. Never mind.; Countess Anise: And that led many among our ranks to doubt, fear, regret... Inner demons.; <Character name>: Inner demons? Believe me, I'm bombarded by them every day.; Exemplar Kerida: Now you must face those that bother you most, so you can overcome them when someone uses them against you.

During the second trial (random, one at a time): Caithe: You don't want to save the world. You want everyone to kiss your feet!; Caithe: It's all about you, you, YOU!; Caithe: What is it that bothers you about me? The fact that I'm a murderess? Look in the mirror, old friend!; Caithe: It has to be your way or no way.; Caithe: The egg's safety was MY Wyld Hunt. But you had to take it from me, and you nearly failed!; Caithe: After everything we've been through! How could you doubt me?

Eir Stegalkin: Pact Commander? Deserter. You were absent—again—when we flew over the jungle and Mordremoth massacred our fleet!

Eir Stegalkin: Braham, my greatest sacrifice. He needs you—admires you. His legend is bound with yours. You don't care about him.

Eir Stegalkin: Your selfishness poisoned my son, my heir, my heart. You've corrupted my legacy!

Eir Stegalkin: You let me die! You were right there, and you let that thing kill me!

Eir Stegalkin: You don't know when to quit. We'll all be dead by the time you're done playing hero!

Eir Stegalkin: Destiny's Edge. Our guild! You destroyed it. And now, your own guild is falling apart before it can even form.

Eir Stegalkin: We fight dragons. Always have. But you've changed your mind?

Rytlock Brimstone: You left me alone in the Mists. Couldn't be bothered to save your ol' pal. Some friend you are!

Rytlock Brimstone: You should never have gone off on your own, without Destiny's Edge. You will fail without us.

Rytlock Brimstone: You're no better than Logan. Always running off when you're needed.

Rytlock Brimstone: Do you really have what it takes to protect Glint's offspring from what's coming? Really?

Rytlock Brimstone: Rox turned down MY warband...for you. Now she's on her own with that dangerous lone wolf!

Rytlock Brimstone: What about Rox? It's convenient that she ran off with Braham, isn't it.

Exemplar Kerida: Seek closure on the doubts and insecurities that plague you!

Countess Anise: Your guilt can be your strength, but only if you acknowledge it.

When failing the second trial: Countess Anise: Hold! Take a moment to catch your breath and re-center yourself.; Countess Anise: This assault stems from your own mind, your own insecurities. You must confront them if you are to overcome this.; Countess Anise: Guilt can weigh you down or feed your resolution to do better. Don't let your feelings of regret become your downfall.; Countess Anise: Now... Begin again.

Talking to Exemplar Mehid after the second trial: Exemplar Mehid: Master Exemplar, he/she has proven his/her mettle. Do we stand ready to accept his/her vow?; Countess Anise: We do. All that remains is a journey through magical darkness to the sacred chamber where you will take the oath.; Countess Anise: Trust me. I will guide you safely there.

Taking the oath: Exemplar Mehid: Oath-taker, we have shared the wounds of our past. We now reinforce our future.; Exemplar Mehid: With this oath, you will be bound to defend our secrets. You attempt to reveal them on pain of death. Repeat after me.; Exemplar Salia: I am bound by the blood spilled from Shining Blade veins.; Exemplar Mehid: I am bound by the blood spilled from Shining Blade veins.; (The other Exemplars say that too, but for them it is only ambient); <Character name>: I am bound by the blood spilled from Shining Blade veins.; Exemplar Mehid: The secrets of the Shining Blade are mine to safeguard beyond this circle.; Exemplar Salia: The secrets of the Shining Blade are mine to safeguard beyond this circle.; (The other Exemplars say that too, but for them it is only ambient); <Character name>: The secrets of the Shining Blade are mine to safeguard beyond this circle.; Exemplar Salia: I will breathe my last breath before I will betray this oath.; Exemplar Mehid: I will breathe my last breath before I will betray this oath.; (The other Exemplars say that too, but for them it is only ambient); <Character name>: I will breathe my last breath before I will betray this oath.; Exemplar Mehid: It has been vowed, so shall it be! The trusted is now complicit in our mysteries and a protector of the kingdom.; Exemplar Mehid: You're an honored agent of the timeless Shining Blade. We may now share our secrets with you, without penalty.; Exemplar Mehid: Long live the Shining Blade!; Exemplar Salia: Long live the Shining Blade!; Exemplar Talie: Long live the Shining Blade!; Exemplar Caulden: Long live the Shining Blade!; Exemplar Ylan: Long live the Shining Blade!; Countess Anise: Long live the Shining Blade!; Exemplar Kerida: Long live the Shining Blade!

Speaking to Anise after the oath: Countess Anise: Don't forget. You tell, you die.; <Character name>: About that. Spill it.; Exemplar Kerida: Very well, I suppose I'll answer your question now. What was it again?; <Character name>: Oh, you're funny. You know what I want.; Exemplar Kerida: I do, yes. You want Balthazar. And I want Lazarus. As long as the aspects are out there, Kryta isn't safe.; <Character name>: You are planning to destroy them?; Exemplar Kerida: No. Once I have them all, I'll use them to resurrect him.; <Character name>: Have you lost your mind?; Countess Anise: I had a similar reaction, though mine may have included more profanities.; Exemplar Kerida: When he's up, I'll unleash every ounce of Krytan wrath I possess on him.; Exemplar Kerida: I'm going to annihilate him, and the mursaat will never be seen again in Tyria.; Exemplar Kerida: What? We've already hamstrung the White Mantle. Time to extinguish the last mursaat. You coming?; <Character name>: You think you can find the Eye?; Exemplar Kerida: I'm counting on it.; Countess Anise: I won't stand in your way, but you can expect an "I told you so," if this goes sideways.; Exemplar Kerida: Understood. Here's the plan. I've heard conflicting reports on the Eye's location. We may have to track a bit.; Exemplar Kerida: So, we split up. You, to Orr. I'll have a ship waiting for you in Lion's Arch. We'll meet up once we spot the Eye.; <Character name>: Trying to ditch me again? Why don't you stop by Rata Sum. My guildmate Taimi can give you a comm device like mine.; Exemplar Kerida: So you can keep track of me, my dear?; <Character name>: No. So we can keep track of each other.

Talking to Exemplar Caulden

You did a marvelous job. Bravo. Much better than I expected, even if you are the commander.

Thanks, I think. Tell me, do you know Exemplar Kerida well?

She trained me, and she still mentors me. She's a force of nature.

So you think she can best Lazarus?

I think...that if she has you by her side, she can and will. The master exemplar feels you will provide the tipping point between failure and success.

So that's why Anise sent me after her agent. But why the subterfuge?

Didn't she tell you her true motives? Hm. You know Master Exemplar Anise. Lying is like breathing to her. She never tells anyone the whole truth. I think it's a defense mechanism.

Interesting. I thought it was just with me.

Oh no, everyone. But, she trusts you more than most. I can tell you that. At times, you've impressed her a great deal. I know she wouldn't have vouched for you if she didn't mean it.

That's some consolation. Thanks.

Talking to Exemplar Mehid

Congratulations and welcome to the fold. I believe you will continue to be a strong ally to the Shining Blade, as you were during the White Mantle assault on our city. Thank you for that.

You're welcome. May I ask you some questions, now that I'm oath-bound?

Of course. What can I tell you?

The White Mantle had all the aspects for the summoning. Why scatter them?

They had all but one. The one we got from Caudecus. However, they didn't know that. When the fake Lazarus rose, they assumed it was the real one and that the aspects were still viable.

Go on, please.

For his protection, they hid them all over Kryta. Exemplar Kerida has been tracking them down ever since we got news that the White Mantle had them. That was our first clue to their location in ages.

May I ask something else?

I should go. Be well.

Why do you think Balthazar duped the White Mantle?

I can only conjecture, but the Mantle has been building a network of spies for centuries, ever since we defeated them. They were a formidable enemy, wealthy and sly.

And now?

Now, they're defeated again. We've dug out their spies and imprisoned those who survived the attack. With Caudecus gone, they have no leverage. He was the true power behind everything they did.

May I ask something else?

I should go. Be well.

Exactly how powerful is Lazarus?

Excellent question. We don't know. If I were you, I'd expect the worst. He lost some of his soul back when he was tricked into retreating. Over the years however, he may have grown stronger.

Does the Shining Blade know anything about his abilities?

The talents and skills of the Lazarus we fought in the 11th century A.E. are well documented. It's been a long time, though, and we don't know anything about what's happened between then and now.

Understood. What else do you know?

According to our history books, he once used a combination of necromancy and elementalism with great efficacy. If you find and raise him, then don't underestimate him.

May I ask something else?

I'll leave my expectations at the door. Thanks.

What do you know about the Eye of Janthir?

All I know is what is in the history books. It was a tool of the mursaat and White Mantle, associated with the people of Janthir. It was a magical construct that could see a person's gifts.

So it serves the White Mantle?

And the mursaat, yes. It's hundreds of years old, but it was recently rediscovered in Bloodstone Fen and has been seeking its masters ever since.

May I ask something else?

I should go. Be well.

Never mind. I should go. Be well.

Talking to Exemplar Salia

It was a historic moment when you took the oath. You being you and all, and not being Shining Blade and all.

One for the history books, I suppose. Why open up now?

It's not that we're opening up. It's you. The master exemplar thinks the day will come when Tyria needs you, and we want a strong relationship with you.

Good. That's what I want too.

Talking to Exemplar Talie

I love when we have an oath-swearing. I enjoy the pomp and circumstance of them.

Do you have them often?

Whenever a class of recruits graduates. The oath has been part of our traditions since...I guess since we became a kingdom again. Knowing you'll die if you tell... It encourages loyalty.

I can imagine.

And, if you're ever being tortured and want to die, you have an easy out. So convenient!

I hadn't thought of it that way. I better go. Good-bye.

Talking to Exemplar Ylan

Congratulations! You're so lucky to be traveling with Exemplar Kerida. She's one of the most skilled among us.

You sure don't mean the most reckless?

(laugh) She can afford to be. I doubt there's much out there that could best her. I hope to be half as good as she is, one day.

Me too.

Anomaly:

As a female asura/norn, several people use incorrectly gendered pronouns, including Exemplar Kerida, Countess Anise, and Exemplar Talie.

^{[verification requested]}

Shining Blade documents[edit]

Primary article: The Shining Blade Manual (complete)

Inspecting a scroll on Anise's table:

Upon a handwritten scroll, the words of a speech given by Master Exemplar Marla have begun to fade with age. Some words are marked out, as if this was her personal copy.

Read on.

"Today is a landmark day for the Shining Blade and for the kingdom of Kryta. We have made official trade agreement with Lion's Arch. We are optimistic that this will benefit both our societies."

Read on.

"It will undoubtedly bring more strangers into our streets, and so each and every one of us needs to remain vigilant. Not all will be friendly."

Read on.

"On a more personal note, I'd like to announce that I will be stepping down as Master Exemplar. The time has come for anew face to take the lead. I joined at 25, and 65 years later, I am done."

Read on.

"Please add them to your prayers. We are receiving refugees who were physically beyond Foefire's reach. Emotionally...well. Show them your greatest kindness. I'm sorry to bring you unhappiness."

Put it back.

Anomaly:

This document describes Master Exemplar Marla as having led the Shining Blade for 65 years, but another document describes her leadership as having been from 1225-1300

Bug:

The last line is a part of a different document

Inspecting another scroll on Anise's table:

This is an official scroll with the Shining Blade symbol at the top. It has multiple signatures upon in [sic], including Queen Jennah, Master Exemplar Eive, Countess Anise, and two unfamiliar witnesses.

Read on.

At the top, it says, "This document makes official the transfer of the power, duty, and responsibilities of the Master Exemplar office from one Eive to one Anise, Countess of Kryta."

Read on.

"The transfer is complete and immediate. The kingdom of Kryta thanks the outgoing master exemplar from her service. If the parties have anything to add, please write it below."

Read on.

"I, Eive, have loved the Shining Blade as my own family, and that will not change. I have responsibilities that occasionally take me away, and you deserve a leader dedicated to leading you."

Read on.

"I, Anise, will fulfill my duties to the best of my ability. I have large shoes to fill. Thank you, Eive, for your many years of service to kingdom and queen."

Put it back.

Inspecting one of the rolls of parchment on the table in the building:

This parchment is dated 1088 A.E. It describes the Oath of Confidence, with its trials and final vow, including all the spoken elements.

Read on.

It says, "The oath is the cornerstone of Shining Blade security and is required of all members beyond the rank of recruit. No other shall ever betray us as Markis did."

Read on.

It ends with, "The spell, originally conceived of by Master Exemplar Livia, was imbued into the Shining Blade Sword by her and the inner circle."

Read on.

Rolled into this parchment is a paper that lists all those who broke their vow and died as a result. It is not a long list.

Put it back.

Inspecting another roll of parchment:

Inside an ornate border, obviously meant to represent Divinity's Reach, this scroll bears the text of a speech by the master exemplar at the official opening of the city.

Read on.

"Your Majesty Queen Salma, citizens of Kryta, it is my honor to welcome you through the gates of our city, which will hereafter be known as Divinity's Reach."

Read on.

It is from here that our future will unfold. You and your descendants will live out your lives in these walls, in safety, your security provided by the Shining Blade and the queen's Seraphs."

Read on.

"This city is one of humanity's greatest achievements. I can only repeat what the queen said earlier: 'Come one and all, in peace. Any who do will be welcomed and treated with respect.'"

Read on.

"May the flags of humankind ever fly over the ramparts of Divinity's Reach!"

Put it back.

Interacting with a page on the table:

The attached is a flyer that looks a bit weathered. It has a pinhole at the top as if it were nailed up for all to see. Along one side, there's a drawing of two sylvari, one male, one female.

Read on.

"Today is a landmark day for the Shining Blade and for the kingdom of Kryta. We have made official the trade agreement with Lion's Arch. We are optimistic that this will benefit both our societies."

Read on.

"Master Exemplar Eive would like everyone to be aware of a new race that has recently appeared in Tyria. They call themselves 'sylvari' and are formed of plant matter."

Read on.

"All evidence, including direct contact in their forest home, indicates that they are gracious, honorable, and kind. You need not fear them more than you would a stranger of your own race."

Read on.

Please remember that Divinity's Reach is known for its hospitality. The Shining Blade will respond harshly if any of our new friends are subjected to criminal abuse. _Master Exemplar Eive"

Put it back.

Interacting with a book on the table:

This old book bears the title "The Cleansing of the Blade." Skimming it, you discover that it details an assassination attempt on Queen Salma by White Mantle spies.

Read on.

It says, "The queen survived with only a minor wound because of Master Exemplar Livia's cunning and vigilance. The Shining Blade immediately began a campaign to find all infiltrators.

Read on.

It ends, "Master Exemplar Livia stepped down and retreated into seclusion in the Shining Blade headquarters. She lived out her life there and was reported to have died in 1157, at 93."

Read on.

An inserted sheet of paper says:

1157-1225 Master Exemplar Laurelai

1225-1300 Master Exemplar Marla

1300-1320 Master Exemplar Eive

1320-

Put it back.

Inspecting another scroll of parchment on the table:

This beautifully illuminated scroll holds the text of a speech given by Master Exemplar Livia to the Shining Blade on the occasion of the destruction of Ascalon.

Read on.

"I'm afraid I have received ghastly news from Ascalon. Those of you who have family and friends there, I beg you to hear me out before taking action. You are Shining Blade, and we are family."

Read on.

The charr army reached the city gates, and desperate, King Adelbern used the magical relic Magdaer to retaliate. The sword released a wave of magic that destroyed the city...all its residents."

Read on.

"I'm told they have not passed peacefully but continue to defend their kingdom, haunting places where they died. This is a dark day for Tyria. The kingdom of Ascalon is no more."

Read on.

"Please add them to your prayers. We are receiving refugees who were physically beyond the Foefire's reach. Emotionally...well. Show them your greatest kindness. I'm sorry to bring you unhappiness."

Put it back.

My story[edit]

“

Exemplar Kerida—I now know her name—took me into the secret base of the Shining Blade. Neither she nor Anise would tell me what they intend to do with the aspects, so I agreed to take the Shining Blade Oath of Confidence. It makes me an honorary member of the Blade, and I am now privileged to hear the deeper secrets of the Shining Blade. The oath bound me to silence on those matters with any outsiders—on penalty of a magically activated death, but I got what I wanted. Kerida plans to use the aspects to resurrect Lazarus just so she can put him down for good. It's a crazy plan!

— My story

Notes[edit]

Lore discrepancy:

One of the Shining Blade documents mentions Queen Salma being present at the founding of Divinity's Reach. However, the city was not built until 1220 AE by King Baede in the aftermath of the Rising of Orr as shown in e.g. the Sea of Sorrows novel and its timeline, while Salma reigned over a century earlier in 1088 AE.

Lore discrepancy:

Another one of the Shining Blade documents mentions Livia died at the age of 93 in 1157 AE. However, this would put her as being 14 when players meet her during Guild Wars Eye of the North, where she appears to be a full adult. Additionally this age would put her at 8 during Guild Wars Prophecies, when a Shining Blade warrior suggests she'd make a good leader, and comments on her good looks.

Anomaly:

The objective "Access the hidden entrance" is not marked on the map after switching instance while it is active.

In the Henge of Denravi section, players beyond the first can observe from a balcony and have their skill bar replaced with Grenade ([&BsSXAAA=]) and Freeze Grenade ([&Bs+YAAA=]).
After initial step of meeting Shining Blade exemplar in mausoleum (and before accessing the hidden entrance) game stops tracking quest on the map, so if you stepped aside and can't find the mausoleum, it's located slightly north from Manor Hill — .
Re-entering this section of the story when it is not the player's active story instance with a female character will cause buggy dialogue, and will cause several lines of dialogue that should use 'she' to instead say 'he'.

Trivia[edit]

The remark about Fate's Razor is a reference to the name Nyla Dagdottir suggested for Dragon's Watch during the mission Eir's Memorial in Hoelbrak.
The events at the Henge of Denravi occurred during the story of Guild Wars: Prophecies. These events were not witnessed by the player character, but their consequences would be felt later in the game.
The NPCs present during the attack on Denravi could all be found in the Henge of Denravi town in the original Guild Wars.

Living World Season 3 storyline

Out of the Shadows	Eir's Memorial in Hoelbrak → Research in Rata Novus → Blood and Stone → Reaper of Magic → A Shadow's Deeds → Confessor's Stronghold
Rising Flames	Taimi's Game → Destroying Destroyers → Igneous Breach → Trip to the Circus → Machine in the Flame → Old Foes, Old Ghosts → Dragon Vigil
A Crack in the Ice	Precocious Aurene → Journey to Bitterfrost Frontier → Frozen in Ice → Elixir Recipe → Elixir Cookin' → The Bitter Cold → Frozen Out
The Head of the Snake	A Meeting of Ministers → Eyes on Lake Doric → Sabotage Fort Evennia → Breaking the Siege → Regrouping with the Queen → Confessor's End
Flashpoint	Taimi's Pet Project → Arrival and Survival → In Pursuit of a God → Elder Druid Protection → Heart of the Volcano
One Path Ends	"Where's Balthazar?" → Shining Blade Secrets → On Orrian Shores → The Flow of Magic → The Last Chance
← Previous: Heart of Thorns Next: Path of Fire →

Shining Blade Secrets

Contents

Objectives[edit]

Rewards[edit]

Walkthrough[edit]

Henge of Denravi re-enactment[edit]

Manifestation of Self-Doubt[edit]

Replay[edit]

Achievements[edit]

NPCs[edit]

Allies[edit]

Foes[edit]

Objects[edit]

Dialogue[edit]

At Divinity's Reach[edit]

Shining Blade Headquarters instance[edit]

Shining Blade documents[edit]

My story[edit]

Notes[edit]

Trivia[edit]

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