Starving the Beast

Starving the Beast

Year

1325 AE

Storyline

Personal story

Chapter

Victory or Death

Location

Pyrite Peninsula
(Malchor's Leap)
Fort Trinity
(Straits of Devastation)

Level

80

Preceded by

What the Eye Beholds

Followed by

A Grisly Shipment
Ossuary of Unquiet Dead

API

336

Loading screen first instance Loading screen Fort Trinity instance

Starving the Beast is the follow up personal story mission to What the Eye Beholds for players that chose to cut off the Mouth of Zhaitan's food supply rather than a direct attack.

Objectives

Disrupt the Mouth of Zhaitan's supply line.

• Meet the Pact squad on Orr's Pyrite Peninsula.
• Take position to attack the incoming supply ship.
• (Destroy the supply ship 'The Blight.')
• The Blight
  
• Defeat the undead assault.
• Locate the surviving Risen.
• Kill the Mouth's couriers before they reach Kitah Manse.: x/4
• Storm Kitah Manse.
• Confront the Mouth of Zhaitan.
• (Defeat the weakened Mouth of Zhaitan.)
• Mouth of Zhaitan
  

Report to Trahearne to plan the Pact's next move.

• Meet Trahearne at Fort Trinity.
• Determine a course of action.

Rewards

Click here to edit the reward data

All professions

• 68,580 
• Bag of Loot (7)

Profession-specific

• One of the following: Cleric's Hard Trident, Rampager's Darksteel Spear
• One of the following: Rampager's Darksteel Spear, Assassin's Darksteel Spear
• One of the following: Carrion Hard Harpoon Gun, Assassin's Darksteel Spear
• One of the following: Carrion Hard Harpoon Gun, Assassin's Hard Harpoon Gun
• One of the following: Rampager's Darksteel Spear, Assassin's Hard Harpoon Gun
• One of the following: Rampager's Darksteel Spear, Assassin's Hard Harpoon Gun
• One of the following: Carrion Hard Trident, Cleric's Hard Trident
• One of the following: Assassin's Darksteel Spear, Carrion Hard Trident
• One of the following: Carrion Hard Trident, Assassin's Darksteel Spear

Walkthrough

You meet up with Agent Zrii and one of the Pact's best demolitionists. They explain that the couriers always take exactly the same route to get to Kitah Manse, and they have placed numerous high-yield explosives along the way. Galina Edgecrusher and Snarl Backdraft are nearby; a bone ship is used to deliver the artifacts, and they have erected a cannon to take it out. Soon after the conversation finishes, the ship in question shows up, and you must destroy it using the Charr Assault Turret, which has 3 skills: Launch, Flame Burst, Sanctuary.

While manning the cannon, your weapon skills are replaced, and the rest of your skills are disabled. It will take several shots to bring down the ship, and while you attempt to do this, its catapults will pelt you with explosives. Meanwhile, Risen attack from behind and will respawn if you kill them. Your allies can hold them off for a little while, but they make no attempt to dodge the catapult shots and tend to quickly get defeated. Unless you are very lucky, several times you will need to stop using the cannon in order to heal yourself and fight off the Risen. After the ship is destroyed, a cutscene will play, and Risen Couriers will start to walk towards Kitah Manse.

The map is updated with icons: swords show the locations of Risen Couriers, while gears show the locations of explosives. When a Courier walks over an explosive, it will detonate and cause heavy damage. Your goal is to kill all the couriers before they reach Kitah Manse; if any of them make it all the way there, it will boost the strength of the final Boss by giving it the artifact. Fortunately, they move slowly and can't defend themselves. Each one spawns with a Courier Guard, but they are also easy to dispatch. This particular area also houses some non-Risen creatures, such as elementals, that are hostile to the Risen; however, as they are equally likely to attack you, it's probably best to not aggro them at all.

Once the last Courier is dead, a cutscene plays, showing the path to Kitah Manse. Head over there after reviving any allies that might have been defeated. Upon arrival, the Mouth of Zhaitan bursts through the front doors, infuriated at being denied its meal. Without being fed, it is significantly weaker than normal (compared to Estate of Decay) - even regular attacks can cause it to stagger. The NPC allies will likely die fairly quickly even vs the weakened Mouth, however you should be capable of handling the last 25% of the Mouth's health solo. You can use pillars to obstruct the confusion attack, but the AoE pools of tar can hit you through the pillar and will inflict many conditions upon you.

After the Mouth is slain, report back to Fort Trinity to end the mission. Trahearne decides that the next step is to prevent Zhaitan from receiving reinforcements, and gives you a choice: attack the bone ship delivering dead bodies, or destroy the ossuary used to reanimate them.

Tips

• Use Cripple and Immobile skills to your advantage during your encounter with the Risen Couriers to prevent them from reaching the Mouth of Zhaitan. Agent Zrii has a stun attack that she uses frequently.

• Even a weakened Mouth of Zhaitan is a formidable foe. If the player is alone, he can be difficult to kill. One method that sometimes works is to periodically hide behind the closest pillar to the Mouth and heal up. He will continue attacking, thus regaining far fewer health than you do. Then, spring out from hiding, blast him a few times, and duck behind the pillar again. However, he will sometimes come to melee range, so keep an eye on him.

NPCs

Allies

In Pyrite Peninsulad

Asura

• Agent Zrii

Charr

• Galina Edgecrusher
• Snarl Backdraft

Human

• Pact Demolitionist Strixel

In Fort Trinity

Asura

• Warmaster Efut

Human

• Doern Velazquez

Norn

• Wynnet Fairhaired

Sylvari

• Trahearne

Various

• Priory Arcanist
• Priory Explorer
• Priory Historian
• Priory Scribe
• Vigil Crusader
• Vigil Marksman
• Whispers Agent
• Whispers Creator

Foes

Elemental

• Pyrite Elemental
• Tar Elemental

Risen

• Mouth of Zhaitan
• Risen Abomination
• Risen Courier
• Risen Courier Guard
• Risen Eagle
• Risen Farmer
• Risen Noble
• Risen Pirate
• Risen Squire
• Risen Villager

Objects

• Risen Arm
• The Blight
• Undead Tendril

Environmental weapons

• Charr Assault Turret

Dialogue

Pyrite Peninsula

Approaching your squad:

Agent Zrii: Welcome to the party, Commander. We're ready to go on your orders.

Agent Zrii: Strixel, our demolitionist, is waiting to meet you inside the tower ruins.

Talking to your squad before the cinematic:

Agent Zrii: Another day, another mission, eh, Commander? If you're looking for Demolitionist Strixel, he's over there, standing by to brief you.

Thank you.

Galina Edgecrusher: Don't worry about the cannon, Commander. I'll make sure it's ready for action when you need it.

Very good. Carry on, soldier.

Snarl Backdraft: Commander, I'll have this cannon operational when you need it...provided that Bloodie hardhead Galina doesn't distract me.

Just make sure it's ready.

(for Charr characters who have done Ghostbore Artillery)

Galina Edgecrusher: Oh great, it's not just another Ash-trash, it's Ash-trash brass. Just remember, this isn't a stealth mission, it's search and destroy, and for that you need Blood.

We need everybody here. And we need you to play nice.

Snarl Backdraft: Listen, <Character name>, I need you to remind Galina that Ash is in charge here. Just like when you chose my turrets over her cannon.

This is a Pact Mission. The Pact is in charge.

(for characters who have done Defense Contract)

Galina Edgecrusher: Glad to see you here, <Character name>. With your history of undead slaughtering, maybe now we'll actually get something done.

Count on it, soldier.

Snarl Backdraft: First the High Legions, then the Vigil, now the Pact? Are you some kind of super-soldier, or are you just angling to be the shot-caller for the whole damn world?

I'm just trying to win the war, soldier. Fall in.

Talking to Demolitionist Strixel (cinematic):

Pact Demolitionist Strixel: Commander? Poul Strixel, demolitionist. Per Marshal Trahearne's orders, we're ready to assault the Mouth of Zhaitan's supply route. Agent Zrii has the details.

Agent Zrii: An Orrian bone ship that we call "The Blight" brings powerful artifacts here on a regular basis. This bluff is its dropoff point.

Agent Zrii: The Mouth's servants carry the cargo back to the manse, always via the same route. We're ready to hit them at each stage of the delivery.

Pact Demolitionist Strixel: When the ship appears, we open up with this turret, provided by ballisticians Backdraft and Edgecrusher.

Agent Zrii: Any artifacts that don't sink with "The Blight" will be rushed back to the manse and we've mined the route with high explosives.

Agent Zrii: We'll pursue and mop up the couriers. Once they're all dead, we proceed to the manse and kill the Mouth.

<Character name>: Very good. Show me the turret, and let's get ready for "The Blight."

After the cinematic:

Pact Demolitionist Strixel: The turret's this way. Snarl and Galina should have it completed by now.

Talking to your squad before reaching the turret:

Agent Zrii: Better check on Snarl and Galina. They should have the cannon ready, but only if they haven't killed each other in the process.

Understood.

Pact Demolitionist Strixel: I'll be right with you, Commander. I need to check in with our artillery experts, Snarl and Galina.

As you were.

Approaching the turret:

Snarl Backdraft: Why are you messing with that? Stick to your cannons and leave the turrets to me.

Galina Edgecrusher: I'm not messing with it, I'm fine-tuning it. You set it up wrong.

Snarl Backdraft: How would you know? This is a delicate equipment, and the only tool you have is a hammer head.

Galina Edgecrusher: Oh, I'll remember that, Ash-trash. When we get back to Trinity, I'll take a hammer to your head.

Pact Demolitionist Strixel: Edgecrusher, the commander is here. Is your weapon set up?

Galina Edgecrusher: It's not perfect, but it'll send that Orrian tub to the bottom of the sea.

Snarl Backdraft: Time to test that theory. Here comes "The Blight" now.

Pact Demolitionist Strixel: All yours, Commander. Let 'er rip!

Talking to your squad after the Blight appears:

Agent Zrii: Adhere to the plan! The cannon is the only thing we possess that can sink that ship.

Leave it to me.

Galina Edgecrusher: The cannon's all yours, Commander. Go!

I'm gone.

Pact Demolitionist Strixel: The cannon's ready when you are, Commander.

Leave it to me.

Snarl Backdraft: Go, Commander! Sink that tub!

Done.

During the assault:

Pact Demolitionist Strixel: They're rushing. Stand fast!

Pact Demolitionist Strixel: Here comes another wave. Looks like they didn't appreciate our welcome salute.

Pact Demolitionist Strixel: Keep firing, Commander. They can't take much more.

Pact Demolitionist Strixel: "The Blight" is going down. Let's mop up the stragglers.

After sinking the Blight and killing the remaining Risen (cinematic):

Snarl Backdraft: Ghosts, Risen... someday I'll get back to killing live things. Did we get 'em all, at least?

Agent Zrii: Negative. We have movement in the water. Looks like the couriers have cargo and are in motion.

Pact Demolitionist Strixel: Once they hit those charges we planted, they'll go boom and never reach the Mouth.

Galina Edgecrusher: One way to make sure. Come on, let's cut Zhaitan's delivery boys to pieces.

Talking to your squad while chasing the couriers:

Agent Zrii: Ha! Let them run. Whatever Strixel's mines don't vaporize, Snarl and Galina will shred.

Only if we catch them first. Move out!

Galina Edgecrusher: I bet Snarl I'd kill more undead than he will. Let's go! Blood Legion's reputation is on the line!

Chase them down and wipe them out.

Pact Demolitionist Strixel: Those mines I planted should give us a chance to catch those couriers.

And I'll take it from there.

Snarl Backdraft: Coming through, Commander. I've got a kill-count bet on with Galina, and I never lose!

Don't let me distract you.

While chasing the couriers:

Pact Demolitionist Strixel: Ha! Did you see that mine explode? Tonn taught me well.

Pact Demolitionist Strixel: Another mine goes up, another courier goes down. Demolition is all about placement.

Pact Demolitionist Strixel: That's another mine. I could do this all day.

Pact Demolitionist Strixel: Look at that! That's what winners do!

Pact Demolitionist Strixel: That slowed 'em down. Hard to run with shattered legs.

Pact Demolitionist Strixel: One more boom. It's all in the placement.

Pact Demolitionist Strixel: Ha! Another chunk blasted out of Zhaitan's army!

Pact Demolitionist Strixel: That's the last mine. The rest is up to us. Catch 'em before they reach the manse!

Talking to your squad while approaching the Mouth of Zhaitan:

Agent Zrii: Look at that thing. Times like this make me glad I can disappear from view.

Make the most of it. Move into position and attack!

Galina Edgecrusher: I'd need a bigger blade to cut that thing's throat. Let's just chop it to pieces!

Works for me.

Pact Demolitionist Strixel: There's the Mouth, Commander. It's all yours!

I'm on it.

Snarl Backdraft: I see our target, boss. Let Galina rush him head on. I'll work my way around to his blind side.

Good. We're a team. Fight like one!

Appraching the Mouth of Zhaitan (cinematic):

Mouth of Zhaitan: It's the insects who sank my ship and stole my property. You've chosen a terrible time to be heroes.

<Character name>: We're here to deliver a message to Zhaitan, and it requires your corpse.

Mouth of Zhaitan: Let's hear you say that after I devour you and all you possess. Your magic won't replace the items you stole, but it will please the dragon.

<Character name>: Come and get me, belly-face. If you do swallow me, I'll make sure to stick in your throat.

During the fight with the Mouth:

Mouth of Zhaitan: Another meal for my master.

Mouth of Zhaitan: Don't waste time. The dragon hungers!

Mouth of Zhaitan: Submit to the will of Zhaitan!

Mouth of Zhaitan: Zhaitan will triumph. You will all serve the dragon!

After defeated the Mouth (cinematic):

Snarl Backdraft: Ha! Did you hear that? That's the sound of a cranky dragon who ain't getting fed today.

Galina Edgecrusher: Yeah, but when do we get to carve chunks off the dragon itself? I'm tired of all the squishy minions. They don't even bleed right.

Snarl Backdraft: Hmm. I actually agree with you, and that doesn't feel right. Can't have Trahearne's "unity" claptrap spoiling decades of inter-legion rivalry.

Agent Zrii: It's a complete victory, Commander. Not only did we kill the Mouth, but we've got Snarl and Galina making nice.

<Character name>: They deserve to celebrate. We all do. Trahearne's taking Zhaitan down, one step at a time.

Pact Demolitionist Strixel: You'd better get back to Fort Trinity with the good news. We'll clean up here. A pleasure serving with you, Commander.

Agent Zrii salutes <Character name>.
Galina Edgecrusher salutes <Character name>.
Snarl Backdraft salutes <Character name>.
Pact Demolitionist Strixel salutes <Character name>.

Talking to your squad after defeating the Mouth of Zhaitan:

Agent Zrii: We're chalking up an impressive win record, Commander. I look forward to our next mission together.

Same here, Agent.

Galina Edgecrusher: Now That's how you take the fight to the enemy. Nice work, Commander.

You too, soldier.

Snarl Backdraft: I can hear Zhaitan's stomach growling already. Great working with you, Commander. Looking forward to the next time.

Until then.

Pact Demolitionist Strixel: It was a pleasure to be on your team, Commander. Zhaitan is definitely on the defensive now.

And we intend to keep it that way.

Fort Trinity

Upon approach:

Trahearne: Welcome back. I'm glad you're safe. Let's begin the briefing.

Talking to the Order leaders:

(for Durmand Priory members)

Wynnet Fairhaired: Events have reached a critical stage, Commander. Even with our victories, we could lose everything if we don't move forward wisely.

Marshal Trahearne and I won't let that happen.

(otherwise)

Wynnet Fairhaired: This may sound selfish, but I still think you should have joined the Durmand Priory. But you're getting the job done, so the "how" and the "with whom" don't truly matter.

Let's see what Marshal Trahearne has for us.

(for Vigil members)

Warmaster Efut: General Soulkeeper wanted you to know she's been watching your progress. You're carrying out the Vigil's primary mission, and she couldn't be happier with the results.

Tell the general I said thanks, and to keep watching. Victory's coming.

(otherwise)

Warmaster Efut: Things would've been different if you'd joined the Vigil, but I can't argue with your results. Keep up the good work.

Thanks. Let's see what Marshal Trahearne has for us.

(for Order of Whispers members)

Doern Velazquez: Congratulations on shutting the Mouth. I'm glad to see one of our own doing so well in such a public position. Now let's see what Trahearne has on his mind.

Agreed.

(otherwise)

Doern Velazquez: You're making quite a name for yourself, Commander. Makes it all the more painful that you didn't join our order, but we're all on the same side now, right?

Right. Let's check in with Marshal Trahearne.

Meeting Trahearne (cinematic):

Trahearne: Welcome, friends and allies. We've just defeated a powerful Mouth of Zhaitan, effectively cutting off one of the dragon's major supply lines.

Trahearne: Now, we have to press our advantage. Reducing Zhaitan's food supply was a good start. It's time to stem the flow of reinforcements.

Wynnet Fairhaired: Reinforcements? You mean...

Doern Velazquez: He means dead bodies. Zhaitan's minions on the mainland are gathering and shipping corpses to Orr in massive numbers.

Trahearne: Precisely. Our next move is to confront Zhaitan in Orr. Before we strike, we need to weaken its position as much as possible.

Warmaster Efut: A sound strategy: starve the enemy and cripple its army before we invade. You learn fast, Marshal.

Trahearne: I have to be, General. Now the commander and I need to confer and choose the best course of action.

Talking to the Order's leaders (before choosing the next course of action):

Wynnet Fairhaired: These twin mission objectives are quite the tactical challenge. I'm curious to see how you and the Pact handle it, but I'm confident you'll be victorious.

I look forward to living up to your expectations.

Warmaster Efut: Two assaults at once? Impressive. Trahearne is thinking high risk/high reward, isn't he? And I thought he was learning how to wage war from scratch.

We're lucky he's such a quick study.

Doern Velazquez: Thinning out the enemy's numbers is a solid strategy. The Order of Whispers is at your disposal, Commander. Good luck.

Thank you, Preceptor.

Talking to Trahearne:

Trahearne: I read the dispatches from Strixel. One less Mouth devouring meals for Zhaitan. Well done. Stopping Zhaitan's food supply will make a huge difference.

Stopping its heart will be even better.

Quite. And precisely the kind of aggressive response we need. Shall we discuss the campaign's next step?

Let's. (continues like below)

I need a moment before I'm ready.

I'm just glad that Tyria has finally joined forces to fight it.

We never would have made it this far otherwise. Now, shall we discuss the next stage of our campaign?

Of course. (continues like below)

I need a moment, but I'll be back.

You're the lynchpin, though. People will follow a marshal.

And a commander, it would seem. Now, shall we discuss the next step in our campaign?

Absolutely.

We've reached the point where we need to establish a forward base on Orrian soil. Zhaitan's vast army gives it the advantage, but we're going to address that.

Right. We need to stop it from making it any bigger.

And to do that, we must shut down the ossuary that creates Zhaitan's most formidable monstrosities, or sink the giant ark that brings in corpses to fuel it.

Let's cut off the supply by sinking the ark. (Leads to A Grisly Shipment.)

Very well. I'll have a Pact squad standing by to join you. I'll also send a different squad to attack the ossuary. And this time, Commander, I'll be going with you.

Glad to have you aboard, Marshal.

Why is that?

I need to see what the ark is carrying and how it functions first-hand. It will help me prepare the next phase of our invasion of Orr.

I understand. It'll be good to have you with us.

Thank you. I have to make some preparations before I can return to the field. Speak to Captain Antje at Fort Trinity sub dock when you're ready. I'll meet you there.

See you there.

Let's stop this problem at its source: the ossurary[sic]. (Leads to Ossuary of Unquiet Dead.)

Excellent. I'll have another Pact squad deal with the ark. And as much as I hate to risk us both on the same mission, I must join you for this one.

Glad to have you with us, Marshal.

Why is that?

We'll be dealing with ancient Orrian funeral rites and death magic. My expertise will be necessary to unravel all of the mysteries we'll encounter.

I'll be glad to have you with us, Marshal.

Thank you. I have some preparations to make before I'll be ready. Meet me at the Pact camp outside the ruins of Wren, and the mission will proceed from there.

Until then.

I need more information.

I'll provide as much detail as I can.

Is our target ship Zhaitan's only source of corpses?

No, but it is the flagship of Zhaitan's corpse ark fleet, capable of making multiple pick ups daily. It must be sunk.

I have another question.

We must stop Zhaitan's army from expanding. I'm ready to decide. (Back to the decision overview.)

What can we expect at the ossuary?

It's the heart of Zhaitan's horde-production: corpses go in, abominations come out. Expect magic, monsters, the worst Orr has to offer. It is a vital target.

I have another question.

We must stop Zhaitan's army from expanding. I'm ready to decide. (Back to the decision overview.)

We must stop Zhaitan's army from expanding. I'm ready to decide. (Back to the decision overview.)

I need another moment to decide.

I need a moment, Marshal. I'll be right back.

I'll be right back.

Then we must keep up the pressure.

Talking to Trahearne after selecting one of the personality options above, but escaping the dialogue before making a choice:

Trahearne: These are dangerous missions, Commander. I shall review the details for you before you choose.

Tell me about both plans again. (Leads to "Absolutely." above)

Not right now.

Talking to the Order leaders before they leave: (must be quick)

Wynnet Fairhaired: I just want to reiterate that the Priory and all its resources are standing by. If you need us, we'll be there.

Glad to hear it.

Warmaster Efut: Good luck with your operation, Commander. The Vigil is standing by to support both missions if necessary.

Glad to hear it.

Doern Velazquez: It's too bad you can't be in two places at once, Commander, but don't worry: you focus on your mission and leave the rest to us.

Glad to hear it.

Talking to Trahearne after deciding to go for the ossuary:

Trahearne: Be advised, Commander: the ossuary is steeped in powerful magic and crawling with Risen, but we can't let it generate more abominations for Zhaitan.

I've got this, Marshal. See you soon.

Talking to Trahearne after deciding to go for the ark:

Trahearne: Be advised, Commander: the ship is both heavily armed and guarded, but it must be sunk to stop Zhaitan's army from growing.

I'll handle my end, Marshal. Don't you worry.

My story

“ I led a Pact squad on a mission to destroy the ship and the couriers that bring magical objects to the Mouth of Zhaitan. Our intent was to cut off Zhaitan's food supply by starving its Mouth, but the Mouth itself emerged and we were forced to kill it directly. I returned to Fort Trinity to meet with Trahearne and plan the Pact's next move. I met with Marshal Trahearne and decided the Pact's next step was to cut off the supply of dead bodies that Zhaitan corrupts into soldiers for its army. — My story

---

Pact storyline