Strangers among Lands

Strangers among Lands

Year

1337 AE

Storyline

Janthir Wilds

Chapter

Strangers among Lands

Location

Lowland Shore
(Janthir)

Level

80

Preceded by

Missing in Action

Followed by

Storm Clouds over Janthir

API

715

Festering Basin loading screen.

Strangers among Lands is the fifth chapter of the Janthir Wilds story.

Objectives

Leave the area to plan your next move.

Read the letter from Crecia.

• Read the letter from Crecia.

Attend the second council meeting of the Tyrian Alliance.

• Return to Lion's Arch for an emergency meeting.
• Talk with Stoic Alder.
• Accompany Stoic Alder into the council chamber.
• Take your place at the podium.
• Vacate the podium while Stoic Alder addresses the assembly.
• Retake your place at the podium and warn the alliance about the titans.
• Discuss the Scepter of Orr with Delegates
  
• Return to your podium for the vote.
• Cast your vote.
• Meet with Stoic Alder to discuss your next steps.
• (Optional) Discuss voting with the delegates.
• Leave the council chamber.

Return to Harvest Den and calibrate your next steps.

• Travel to Harvest Den.
• Speak with Poised Arrow.

Find Fading Aurora.

• Pursue Fading Aurora into Janthir Synthri.
• Examine the corpses.
• Catch up to Fading Aurora.

Deplete the power the titan is drawing from the environment so that it can be defeated.

• Titanspawn Defeated
  
• Destroy Rotten Material the Titan Draws Power From
  
• Seeds Planted
  
• Defeat Greer, the Blightbringer.
  
• Confront Waiting Sorrow.
• Check in with Poised Arrow.
• Speak with Waiting Sorrow again to discuss her fate.

• Complete!

Rewards

• Bag of Loot (7)
• Janthiri Gear Box (3)
• Mini Waiting Sorrow
• Tale of Adventure
• Rotted Titan Amber (10)

Replay

Walkthrough

Map travel to the guild initiative headquarters using  Guild Bluff Waypoint — . Inside the instance, greet Stoic Alder and bring him to the council. Interact with the podium, listen to the lengthy dialogue. Vacate the space for Stoic Alder, then return to listen to further dialogue. Interact with the delegates to fill the bar. Return to the podium and vote yes or no (the Wayfinder's vote is insufficient to sway the room). After the vote, optionally speak to the seven groups for the "Everyone Loves Democracy" achievement. Speaking to Stoic Alder again finishes this instance. Before leaving, head to the south side of the instance and collect the five books for the "It's Going to Be a Long Day" achievement.

Travel back to  Harvest Den Waypoint — . Talk to Poised Arrow outside the lodge. Travel to  Harvest Shore Waypoint — and take the instance entry on the dockside (not the zone portal into Janthir Syntri).

Investigate the titan corpse. Combat in the next bit is mostly optional and can be skipped with a mount. In the clearing, deal with the bits of nature marked on the map (ignore the big titan for now). At the seed phase, Poised Arrow will make their way to the north edge of the clearing; deal with any nearby titans and then grab a seed. Bringing any seed to a fertile soil spot without taking damage will grant the "Seed Savvy" achievement. Plant all six, and then a cinematic triggers the boss fight. Talk to the NPCs after the kill to complete the mission.

Achievements

Strangers among Lands	Janthir Wilds: Act 1	1  1
Pursue the threat.Journal: Strangers among Lands Reward: Large Stash of Carved Lowland Pine Coins	Completed Strangers among Lands	1

• Complete the story mission.

It's Going to Be a Long Day	Janthir Wilds: Act 1	1
Find and read all the Tyrian Alliance reports.Journal: Strangers among Lands Objectives: 5 objectives in total Tyrian Alliance Report: Questions Tyrian Alliance Report: The Sea Tyrian Alliance Report: The Commander Tyrian Alliance Report: Orr Tyrian Alliance Report: Economy	Read 5 Tyrian Alliance Reports	1

• Available during the council meeting instance.
• Gather all 5 notes, all of which are found in the southern section of the building.
  • Tyrian Alliance Report: Questions can be found on the desk on the first floor.
  • Tyrian Alliance Report: The Sea is found on the second floor, in an off-shoot far to the left.
  • Tyrian Alliance Report: The Commander is found on the third floor, on a desk under the left indoor balcony.
  • Tyrian Alliance Report: Orr is found on the last beam next to the long set of stairs leading to the top floor.
  • Tyrian Alliance Report: Economy is found atop a small drawer on the top floor.

We Vote On It	Janthir Wilds: Act 1	1
Vote both ways during the vote.Journal: Strangers among Lands Objectives: 2 objectives in total Voted Yea Voted Nay	Voted Both Ways during the Vote	1

• Available during the council meeting instance.
• For the vote on whether or not the Scepter of Orr should be used, vote both yes and no.
  • Since you can only vote once when doing the mission, you will have to either exit the mission after voting or play it again to complete the achievment.

Everyone Loves Democracy	Janthir Wilds: Act 1	1
Listen to every delegate's thoughts on the vote.Journal: Strangers among Lands	Listened to All of the Delegates	1

• Available during the council meeting instance, as the optional objective "Discuss voting with the delegates.", which occurs after having voted yes or no on using the Scepter of Orr.
• Speak to all 7 groups marked on the mini-map, clockwise from southwest as follows:
  1. Caithe, Dagonet and Empress Ihn
  2. Crecia, Malice
  3. Imann, Sianna, Zaeim, Kalidris
  4. Ludo
  5. Braham, Skarti
  6. Isgarren, Frode
  7. Jennah, Anise, Livia
• Since progress is an all-or-nothing deal (i.e. you can only tell whether or not you have gotten the achievement), make sure the achievement has been completed before leaving. The sylvari group in the far southwest corner are somewhat hard to see if not using the mini-map.

Seed Savvy	Janthir Wilds: Act 1	1
Take no damage while carrying a seed.Journal: Strangers among Lands	Took No Damage while Carrying a Seed	1

• Available during the titan fight instance.
• It's possible to mount up when carrying a seed. As such, using either the Raptor or Skyscale to quickly reach one of the closest planting spots and quickly put down the seed (an instant process) can get the achievement quickly.
• Any damage taken when carrying a seed immediately removes eligibility for the achievement for the rest of the instance.
  • The only way to regain this eligibility is to either restart the instance (by exiting to the character select screen and returning) or playing it again.
• Eligibility can be tracked via  Achievement Eligibility: Seed Savvy.

NPCs

Asura

• Councillor Ludo
• Gixx
• Lionguard Captain

Awakened

• Ambassador Sianna

Charr

• Crecia Stoneglow
• Malice Swordshadow

Humans

• Agent Riel Darkwater
• Captain Ellen Kiel
• Chief Councilor Imann
• Commodore Lawson Marriner
• Countess Anise
• Dougal Keane
• Empress Ihn
• Livia
• Queen Jennah
• Spearmarshal Zaeim

Hylek

• Chief Tlatoa
• Kaana Miatli

Kodan

• Cresting Wave
• Deep Water
• Stoic Alder

Norn

• Braham Eirsson
• Frode
• General Jhavi Jorasdottir
• Skarti Knutsson

Seer

• Isgarren

Skritt

• Queen Chrii'kkt V
• Skritt King LXXV

Sylvari

• Caithe
• Firstborn Dagonet
• Laranthir of the Wild

Tengu

• Ayumi
• Kalidris Sparrowhawk

Various

• Lionguard

Dialogue

Open World

Letter from Crecia

Guild Initiative Headquarters (Instance)

Speaking with Stoic Alder outside the building

Stoic Alder: This is where your alliance congregates?

If ???:

<Character name>: I hope this isn't overwhelming.

If norn:

<Character name>: Not unlike the homesteads of Hoelbrak.

If charr:

<Character name>: Hard to miss.

If sylvari:

<Character name>: It is quite grand, I think. But I suppose an event like this beckons decorum...

If asura:

<Character name>: A calculated choice. Lion's Arch is neutral territory.

Stoic Alder: The stories from this trip will make good fodder when I return. Gossip sits in their bellies like a fresh harvest.

<Character name>: You'll get plenty of that. How can I prepare you for the audience?

Stoic Alder: Honey wine, but we've none to spare. I'll be fine.

Stoic Alder: We've hosted travelers over time, with little more to bargain besides information.

Stoic Alder: I'm not unaware of the world. Just been a long time since we've needed to seek aid from the others.

<Character name>: You and I are aligned, at least.

Stoic Alder: Good. After you, Wayfinder.

Inside the meeting chamber, after taking your place at the podium

Countess Anise: All members are present– Ah, welcome, leadership from the Pact. Finally. The room is getting fuller by the day. We can begin.

Crecia Stoneglow: We thank the council for their discretion and speed. Your summons said as much, but recent developments are troublesome.

Councilor Ludo: Are the Kryptis back? Are they not so "contained"?

Crecia Stoneglow: A different threat. Warden Frode, your report?

Frode: A titan has been sighted in Janthir. A few of my Astral Ward in the area got a good look after it fled into the bay.

Skarti Knutsson: A titan...?

Firstborn Dagonet: I've certainly read of them... The burning of Ascalon, the Door of Komalie. Stories filled with deception. Are you sure?

Frode: Yes. Multiple firsthand accounts of a giant insectile beast. The ward is gathering all the readings we can.

Isgarren: Our records are likely dated, mind you. And this one may be more evolved than the hive we encountered before.

Crecia Stoneglow: Luckily, the commander was in the right place at the right time. Witnessed the attack alongside Caithe and Imperator Malice.

Councillor Ludo: Oh, yeah? That's convenient.

Countess Anise: Councillor.

<Character name>: It's all true. While working with the Astral Ward in Janthir, we encountered the kodan of Harvest Den.

<Character name>: We sought to establish diplomatic bonds with them on behalf of Queen Jennah when the titan attacked.

<Character name>: Its spawn kept us busy while we fled into the bay. Smart enough to avoid a fight.

<Character name>: But my experience is limited. Today I've brought Stoic Alder, the Claw of the lowland kodan, to share his.

Stoic Alder takes the podium

Stoic Alder: We noticed a change three seasons ago. The wildlife reacted first; they fled south. Bearkin went missing.

Stoic Alder: We kept our suspicions level. It could've been any great creature; Janthir is fierce. But then the land started to sour.

Stoic Alder: I assumed it was your Kryptis, but those ones attacked our minds. Not the grasslands. This is a very different beast.

Stoic Alder: My bearkin have lived in Janthir longer than your cities have stood tall. We know danger well; we respect its boundaries.

Stoic Alder: But this being mats my fur. Whatever a titan is, whatever this creature seeks...we should be cautious.

Stoic Alder: The fact that he's taken refuge near the ruins of Bava Nisos paints an uncertainty that we shouldn't allow to brew.

Firstborn Dagonet: How many are there? One, you say?

Caithe: That we've confirmed. He fled to the north while his spawn kept us distracted. Even the little one was nasty.

Isgarren: Titans aren't solitary. We'd know if there were twenty, but I'd expect at least two. Maybe six. And I don't count their spawn.

Skarti Knutsson: What does the Astral Ward advise? This feels like the definition of your expertise.

Councillor Ludo: I'd like to hear that too.

Countess Anise: (sighs)

Livia: The Astral Ward should offer the scepter of Orr.

Countess Anise: Lady Livia. Do I want to know what happened to the poor guards stationed at the door...?

Livia: I haven't protected that thing for a century and a half for it to collect dust and foul memories.

Councillor Ludo: Lost to time, I thought. You have the scepter?

Isgarren: We do. The lady surrendered it not long ago. Safer in my reserves than a velvet crypt beneath Divinity's Reach.

Livia: You know it's a good idea, Isgarren.

Skarti Knutsson: I don't know this legend. What is this "Scepter of Orr"? A weapon?

Isgarren: Legavo. Cast from raw magic by the seers... It was made to control beasts from the Mists.

Councillor Ludo: A solution perfectly sculpted to our problem? The answer is dropped into our laps!

Queen Jennah: The scepter should remain dormant.

Councillor Ludo: And why's that, Your Majesty?

Queen Jennah: Pick a legend. That is a history caked in blood. All of its wielders have met some ill-carved fate...

Livia: Besides myself, of course.

Councillor Ludo: And she looks great.

Queen Jennah: Until we know what we're dealing with, I'd sooner pick up a sword again than leave our fate to archaic mysticism.

Isgarren: Stubborn as Linus. Your mother would be horrified.

Crecia Stoneglow: Enough. Are we walking on coals? Queen Jennah, if you don't see this as feasible, what do you propose?

Queen Jennah: The scepter is an extreme solution to a fresh problem. We should send the commander back to Janthir to learn more.

Firstborn Dagonet: I agree with the queen. We don't know nearly enough about the threat at hand or how useful the scepter would be here.

Councillor Ludo: Well, I think we should get it over with and just try the damn thing. What are we risking here?

Queen Jennah: This creature is closer to my borders than yours. And Stoic Alder's kodan are even closer. Harming our people is the risk.

Councillor Ludo: Letting this thing roam about is just as dangerous to them.

Queen Jennah: Perhaps, but the scepter could do much worse. We are simply at an impasse.

Councillor Ludo: Then what do we do?

<Character name>: We vote on it.

Crecia Stoneglow: It's a sound motion. We did form the alliance for a reason.

Queen Jennah: Someone will be disappointed with the decision. Or dead.

Councillor Ludo: Ideally these titans, and not us.

<Character name>: The queen is right–I don't think everyone is going to agree.

Countess Anise: And so we vote.

Countess Anise: Take some time to think. When everyone is prepared to make their decisions and has returned to their places, we'll begin.

Speaking with Gixx

Commander. I can't say I was too surprised to learn that you're involved in this whole Astral Ward conundrum. You tend to enjoy a pinch of chaos. Good to see you, at least.

Hello, Steward. Glad to see the Priory here.

Yes, well, you wouldn't be able to keep us away from an event such as this. There seems to be a lot of change swirling in Tyria, and we intend to stay at the front of it.

I'm sure you and the Astral Ward have a lot to talk about.

Indeed we do. I've already been in contact with an individual named Lyhr. A joyous fellow. He's going to give me and my leading archivists a tour of their library soon.

You'll have a field day.

It's a research opportunity I wouldn't miss. Now, on to more pressing matters... I'm curious about this emergency meeting. All eyes on you, Commander.

We'll see how it goes.

Speaking with General Jhavi Jorasdottir

Hey, you. Long time no see.

Jhavi, it's so good to see you!

And you. Heard that you've been pretty busy, too.

You could say that. How's the Vigil? Feel like you've learned the ropes?

Heh, yeah. Largely in part to Laranthir's guidance, I feel like a proper general. Well, I AM the general now.

Good for you. Well deserved, General Jhavi.

Thank you, Commander. Would've been an honor to have the "Pact Commander" at the ceremony, but now I see the spoils of your productivity. You have been busy, haven't you?

Indeed. Buckle up; we've got a lot to cover today.

Speaking with Laranthir of the Wild

Old friend. We should meet for a meal sometime, rather than being reunited under dire circumstances.

Laranthir, what a surprise!

Ha! That's what the tacticians say when they don't want me to eavesdrop on their training. But it's good to see you, too.

Are you here for the Pact, or...?

I'm acting as Jhavi's advisor with the Vigil. Doesn't care much for these events. She, Gixx, and Riel are representing the Pact in Logan's stead.

How is Logan, by the way?

As far as I know, just fine. Taking a long-deserved sabbatical. Probably hunkered down in some shack in Southsun Cove. He needed a break. Though it's been a while since I heard a word back...

At least he's getting some time to himself. How is the Pact?

Might want to take me for that meal before dropping the hard questions.

A response like that makes me think the worst.

It's a little better than that, at least. The Pact is fine. We've just found ourselves at one of life's many crossroads.

(Listen intently.)

After Soo-Won, we failed to find purpose. That's when Logan decided to take a pause, too. The orders went off and did their own work for a while. The Kryptis, as we know them now, drew us back together.

Leave it to a couple of demons to bring back unity.

Ha! Yes, well, we're also eager to get involved with the alliance. And not just to cozy up with this mysterious Astral Ward. I want to keep a close eye on that lot.

More for us to discuss over that dinner.

Speaking with Agent Riel Darkwater

Commander, I have words for you.

Oh, yeah? What kind of words, Riel?

Yes. You knew that there was a more covert organization than my own, and you didn't tell me.

I didn't think that was my story to tell.

Mm. I suppose any reveal would have been compromising... But that doesn't mean I don't have a great many questions for this "Astral Ward."

A lot of people do. They'll talk to you.

I've only spoken to their warden thus far. Frode. He's going to put me in contact with one of their specialists. It won't be an interrogation, I promise, but they owe us some answers.

That they do. Like I said, they'll be down for talks.

Eyes and ears to the conflict at hand, then? I hear you have something to do with it?

Been on a diplomacy mission with Caithe and Imperator Malice. Got news to share.

Ah, "news." If the urgency demonstrated in the invitation is evocative of anything, color me fascinated.

Get ready.

Speaking with Cresting Wave

Who is your guest, commander?

Stoic Alder, you mean? He is the Claw of the lowland kodan.

Stoic Alder... It is not often that the lowlanders leave the forest.

So you know each other?

No. They've always kept their distance from the Shiverpeaks. And we avoid their bay.

Why's that?

Disagreements far older than me or you. A lot of that strife sank with Orr, though. I'm curious to see them join the rest of the world.

Tense times call for allies, I suppose.

Speaking with Queen Chrii'kkt V

I quite adore the interior of this place... Perhaps Cragrock Palace is due for a renovation.

Hey, don't I know you?

Me? No. This is my first venture into the Tyrian political sphere. MY people have long clung to the comfort of Dry Top.

Dry Top?

Yes. I am Queen Chrii'kkt V. I took on my mother's crown when she passed...

I'm sorry about the late queen.

Oh, she was stubborn. Died protecting a couple of shiny stones just as the battle against the Mordrem began... Ah, the plight of my people.

People have died for worse causes.

Yes, I suppose. Well, I'm quite curious to see how this little alliance will benefit my commonwealth. The battle against Mordremoth left Dry Top in shambles.

I'm sorry to hear that.

We could use some aid. Though it's worth noting that the Zephyrites have been delightful company and more than eager to help us rebuild. With more help, the skritt dominion will rise.

Long live the queen!

Speaking with Skritt King LXXV

No talk to skritt king. Here to accompany skritt queen.

Oh, whoops. Sorry.

Speaking with Ambassador Sianna

Always a pleasure to run into you, Commander, although this is an interesting venue and situation...

And you, Sianna. Good to see you added to these ranks.

I appreciated Imann's invitation. It feels like a genuine gesture of trust. Elona has come a long way.

So, it's been going well?

Yes, I think. We've rebuilt, and the Free Awakened feel more welcome among the citizenry by the day. Amnoon has become a sanctuary for us all.

That's wonderful. I know it's been a long process.

It has. But mind you, there are still sour days. Even after all this time, I still catch the odd distrustful gaze... But I welcome progress. The entire event today is a demonstration of that progress.

Well, get ready. It's going to be interesting.

Speaking with Livia

Wayfinder. Having fun?

Can you tell me more about the scepter?

What do you want to know?

Why is the scepter so dangerous to use?

Livia: The seers were... are frustrating collaborators. Not overly fond of sharing.

Livia: You saw how specific and arcane the Shining Blade was. Legavo is similarly complex.

Livia: It tests the will of its user, judges their intent.

Livia: If the user is found wanting, well, those names have long been lost to time and memory.

How were you able to wield the scepter?

Livia: (chuckles) Isn't it obvious?

Livia: It saw my intent, to bring the White Mantle and their mursaat overlords to ruin for their abuse of the bloodstones...

Livia: The sacrifices, King Jadon's death... Ignore me. Musings from long ago.

Livia: It offered me vengeance. I sent many enemies of Kryta to their oblivion. It probably liked the blood.

Livia: It was fortunate that Isgarren and I crossed paths when we did, though. Even I have limits.

Livia: As for you, well... You don't lack for will; even death couldn't stop you. I wouldn't bet against you.

Why do you think the scepter would be helpful here?

Livia: Before those unfortunate bandits, and then myself, its prior wielder was...let's just say, a little problematic?

Livia: Vizier Khilbron. He was responsible for sinking Orr. I'm sure you've heard that particular story many times.

Livia: While the scepter wasn't responsible for the Cataclysm, it was a very dense situation.

Livia: Whenever a god is involved, an especially fiendish one at that, certain cultural anxieties come to light.

Livia: I don't suggest it lightly, but it was cast to control creatures from the Mists. Khilbron used it to control the titans.

Livia: There is risk, certainly. We don't know how well it works, or if it does anymore. But we should try.

I need to speak to the others.

Speaking with Firstborn Dagonet

What must our new kodan ally think of us, watching us bicker like saplings? They are an old race, deriving wisdom from thousands of years of history. We should stand together! Not brawl.

Firstborn, we cannot leave our ally to wither on the vine.

I must stand by my decision, Commander... Think on yours.

For the kodan's sake, I hope it's the right one.

That wisdom will tell them to be cautious. We shouldn't risk anything.

Firstborn, the lowland kodan also understand strength and when to use it.

I need to think about this.

Firstborn Dagonet: I don't know, Commander. I'm prone to agree with the queen's hesitation. We know so little.

Speaking with Chief Councilor Imann

Dragons, rogue gods, plagues, a lich. Why not the return of the titans?

Your people have sufered enough. Why not use the scepter?

Your people are survivors, and now we need to help the kodan survive.

Perhaps. But none of those problems had easy solutions, either.

If only they had...

We must purge the titans before they also turn into a disaster!

I need to think about this.

Chief Councilor Imann: When Queen Jennah invited me to the alliance, I didn't think things would spice up so quickly.

Chief Councilor Imann: Elona has a long history with events such as this. I know my response. Think on yours.

Speaking with Skarti Knuttson

Ludo may be a blowhard, but that doesn't mean she is wrong. We should not let the risk of what the scepter could do eclipse what we know the titans are doing.

The scepter is dangerous, though. We know that...

Stacking one problem on top of another doesn't seem wise.

You are right. The titans must be put down, whatever the risk.

Another day, another crisis. Let's hope caution does not prevent the proper response.

We'll see what the others think.

I need to think about this.

Skarti Knutsson: I hear everyone's concerns, but between us, I... I don't know. We've endured so much pain already.

Skarti Knutsson: Can you blame anyone for wanting to end things quickly?

Braham Eirsson: Kinda speaking from experience here, but leaning on ancient magic isn't worth the cost...

Speaking with Queen Jennah

Commander, you have seen the consequences of rash actions. Using the scepter is a mistake. Anything the White Mantle is touched should never be trusted.

Like what you did when Branded were at the gates of Ebonhawke?

The titans have not yet pushed onto the mainland. We have time.

Let's hope we don't regret this.

You're right. Caution is going to be critical moving forward.

There will be blood with or without the scepter, Your Majesty.

I need to think about this.

Queen Jennah: I wish they could understand that what seems like an easy solution is often muddled with complication.

Queen Jennah: But the final call is not mine. It can't be, if we seek genuine unity. But whatever is chosen...we will live with it.

Speaking with Isgarren

I'm starting to regret my decision to open up the ward to the world... Our hands are tied, and half these delegates are voting on things they know nothing about!

Part of being part of the world is accepting that you cannot stand alone.

We have things far worse than the scepter locked away. If they are afraid of it, I doubt they are ready to learn the real truth of the world.

Let's just worry about the scepter for now.

It's enough that the ward is joining the fight this time.

They know the scepter has a bloody history. They don't want that repeated.

I need to think about this.

Isgarren: I don't disagree with caution, though risk is critical in dire moments. But I will abide by their decision.

Isgarren: Historically, if the ward needed to take action, we simply took it. I must wait now. I don't want to regret this.

Speaking with Empress Ihn

I never thought I'd say it, but dealing with Joon is easier than dealing with this. Canthans are not afraid of taking risk, but Jennah is right: risk without thought leads to tragedy.

Empress, you used dragon magic to help your people. Is this so different?

Cantha has had enough tragedy, Commander. I know what I have to do.

Fair enough, Empress.

I don't disagree. I don't know if we can calculate that risk yet.

You took a risk on me, against your own advisor!

I need to think about this.

Empress Ihn: Thankfully, Cantha had not yet closed its borders before the events Dagonet described. I've read of the titans.

Empress Ihn: And I've read of all that connected them. Abaddon. Shiro. It feels too complicated to make a sudden choice.

Empress Ihn: I'd advise caution, but I see it in your eyes already.

Speaking with Councillor Ludo

Fools! Surrounded by fools! Magic, like anything, is a tool. We would not misuse the scepter!

Councilor, please. All of us have faced disaster. Lets(sp) not sow decision now.

Diplomacy means accepting the decision, regardless.

You're right. The risks are high, but letting the titans run amok is worse.

Fools...!

I'll give you some space to think and cool off.

I need to think about this.

Councillor Ludo: You know my take. If we have a solution, we should use it. If the Astral Ward is so powerful, they owe us a demonstration.

Speaking with Crecia Stoneglow

If Rytlock was here, he wouldn't hesitate to use the scepter. He'd dive in without a thought, just like before, and suffer the consequences after...

So do whatever Rytlock wouldn't do?

He also wouldn't hesitate to save lives. I'm with Rytlock on that one.

Unlike that time, the scepter is not in the hands of a mad god.

I've made my decision, Commander.

Let's hope it's the right one.

I need to think about this.

Crecia Stoneglow: Lot to think about, but I think I know my stance. We'll see how this resolves.

The Commander returns to their podium

Countess Anise: The last delegate has returned to their podium. It is time.

Countess Anise: All in favor of utilizing the Scepter of Orr to combat the titan threat, say "yea."

Countess Anise: And those who oppose, preferring the commander return to Janthir to conduct further research: "nay."

Empress Ihn: We're all so shy. I'll start: nay.

Chief Councilor Imann: Nay.

Isgarren: Yea.

Councillor Ludo: Yea.

Queen Jennah: A firm "nay."

Crecia Stoneglow: Nay.

Malice Swordshadow: Crecia?

Skarti Knutsson: Yea.

Firstborn Dagonet: Nay.

At the podium...

We can't afford hesitation. Let's use the scepter. (Yea)

It's not the time for rash choices. (Nay)

If you vote 'Yea'...

<Character name>: Yea.

If you vote 'Nay...

<Character name>: Nay.

Regardless of your vote...

Queen Jennah: And we will not be using the scepter. More research is critical before we make such a call.

Councillor Ludo: And when we do need the scepter, are we voting again?

Countess Anise: We very well might, Councillor. For now, we are investigating the threat. If more action is needed, we will approach that.

Countess Anise: Imperator Malice, Caithe, and the commander will return to Janthir with Stoic Alder immediately. Learn all you're able.

Crecia Stoneglow: Stoic Alder, do your people have a secure route into the isles? If Isgarren is correct...

Isgarren: And I am.

Crecia Stoneglow: ...Then we should expect the worst. At least one titan has returned to Tyria.

Stoic Alder: I've sent scouts to map the ruins before. We can approach from the south, take the river inland, and establish camps.

Stoic Alder: These things threaten my home. My son. My spear will aid this alliance.

Countess Anise: Adjourned.

Speaking with Caithe, Empress Ihn, and Firstborn Dagonet after the vote

Empress Ihn: What was it like?

Caithe: Horrifying. We've faced many threats–big ones. But this time felt different.

Caithe: I don't want to catastrophize and call it an omen, but this creature escaping or entering from the Mists...is a scary concept.

Firstborn Dagonet: You're not catastrophizing. Things that used to be rare suddenly feel like a routine season.

Speaking with Crecia Stoneglow and Malice Swordshadow after the vote

Crecia Stoneglow: Imperator, I would watch your tone. Anyone but me might disapprove.

Malice Swordshadow: My tone? My tone is fine; it's your logic that isn't. This is a titan we're dealing with!

Malice Swordshadow: What they did to our people–

Crecia Stoneglow: Awful. And the things they made us do were worse. But that doesn't mean we should turn to some cursed wand.

Crecia Stoneglow: I hear your opinion. I agree. But you're Ash! Collecting data and understanding every corner is how you rose to imperator.

Crecia Stoneglow: So. Are you level-headed enough to return to the field?

Malice Swordshadow: Yes.

Crecia Stoneglow: Are you sure?

Malice Swordshadow: Yes.

Speaking with Chief Councilor Imann and Kaladris Sparrowhawk after the vote

Chief Councilor Imann: I'm happy with the result. When we're dealing with gods–or creatures that pretend to be gods–caution must be observed.

Chief Councilor Imann: Maybe they want us to make the obvious choice. There's no way to know until we do our research.

Kaladris Sparrowhawk: It's certainly not my place. I'm just the royal messenger to the Dominion's Great House, after all...

Chief Councilor Imann: "Just the royal messenger." She is very modest.

Kaladris Sparrowhawk: But I can see both sides. I see the want to dissolve the problem swiftly, and I also see the need to be patient...

Chief Councilor Imann: Politics can be very delicate, indeed. And knowing the song behind your opposition's march is critical in informing your own.

Kaladris Sparrowhawk: Sure don't envy you two. I just hope this gets cleaned up before anyone else gets hurt.

Speaking with Councillor Ludo after the vote

Councillor Ludo: Foolish. What a silly decision. One more bad report for the Arcane Council.

Councillor Ludo: I'll be fine! Just fuming. Move along.

Speaking with Skarti Knuttson and Braham Eirsson after the vote

Skarti Knutsson: Well, I can't argue with the majority... Their suspicions must be warranted. I just...I just don't want more destruction.

Braham Eirsson: Neither do I, brother.

Speaking with Isgarren and Frode after the vote

Frode: Isgarren, must I remind you that we are trying to prove a point in our participation here–

Isgarren: If we weren't in this alliance, the titans would be taken care of.

Frode: –that the Astral Ward does not make quick decisions. We think things through. And you don't know that.

Frode: We have so few members now; the spire may be irreparable! And you are tired, my friend.

Frode: We all need each other. Tyria isn't safe from the Mists anymore.

Speaking with Queen Jennah, Countess Anise, and Livia after the vote

Livia: I wouldn't have advised that call, my queen. I think there's a better option. A smarter option.

Countess Anise: It's good you're not her advisor, then.

Queen Jennah: This is why I don't keep both of you on my shoulder at the same time.

Queen Jennah: Agree to disagree, Lady Livia. You are welcome to express your opinion, but I do not share it.

Speaking with Stoic Alder after the vote

If human:

<Character name>: Welcome to Tyrian politics.

If charr:

<Character name>: Back to Janthir, then.

If asura:

<Character name>: Ah, well...could've been worse?

If norn:

<Character name>: Might need some of that honey wine myself.

If sylvari:

<Character name>: That was quite the affair.

Stoic Alder: I don't envy your status, Wayfinder. My mate was the globetrotter. I prefer the personal politics of the village council.

Stoic Alder: The isles should make us nervous. The lowlands are familiar, but we never stay long. If you haven't heard my warnings yet...

<Character name>: Starting to get a good idea.

Stoic Alder: Remain honest, and we'll wash our paws of this.

Stoic Alder: We meet in Janthir.

My Story

[[File:|500px|]]

“ The Tyrian Alliance has officially been called for a second summit to discuss what happened to Caithe, Malice, and me in Janthir. Time to see what the rest of the world thinks. *** Stoic Alder met me outside of the venue—this is going to be his first big introduction to the rest of modern Tyria. He was nervous but expectedly prepared. His people are in danger, and putting them above himself is the way of the Claw. The room was already tense when we entered. I took my place at the podium, and things kicked off. The Astral Ward confirmed what Malice seemed to know immediately upon the first encounter: Titans had indeed returned to Tyria. Demonic creatures from the Mists. Until now, they were thought to be eliminated from Tyria. I listened to the room's rising concerns, confusion, worry, and fear. As we broached another moment of tension, Livia appeared at the door to toss a little more fuel on the fire. She called for utilization of the Scepter of Orr—or Legavo—an ancient seer weapon designed to control or manipulate creatures from the Mists. No one had a straight answer about whether or not the thing actually works, but at least a few of the council were willing to risk it to calm this threat as quickly as possible. The room couldn't come to an agreement on what to do, so I called for a vote. Queen Jennah and Ludo were at each other's throats, but even they agreed that neither would concede. Everyone took a moment to dwell on their stance before reconvening. With everyone decided, the council voted. We will not be using the scepter; most of the room couldn't rationalize the risk. As a result, Countess Anise ordered Malice, Caithe, and me to return to Janthir with Stoic Alder to do more research and determine the scope of the threat. I saw Alder off and will make my own preparations before heading back to Harvest Den. Let's see if we can even kill a titan. *** When I arrived back at the village, Poised Arrow was in a panic. Fading Aurora had left Harvest Den on her own, likely in pursuit of the titan and whatever survivors it may have dragged along. She was headed straight to the isles. Alone. I figured the kid was going to throw himself into that fight whether I decided to join him or not, so we're sailing right into the thick of the storm. *** Poky guided us across the bay and to the first island. Damp and eerie, it was uncomfortably still when we stepped off the skiff and onto land. We made our way west, where we found the corpses of those shard-like creatures, which I'm now piecing together as being connected to the titan. Did Fading Aurora do this? We didn't have long to linger, though, as even more of them ambushed us on the path. As we pushed westward, Poky saw a clearing ahead in the swamp—and Fading Aurora. We finally caught up. *** A bit brave for a healer from the Shiverpeaks, Fading Aurora stood face-to-face with the titan. He called himself Greer, and nothing about us was threatening to him. Aurora told Poky to flee, but the kid refused. We threw ourselves into the fight in a desperate attempt to keep Poky alive. Aurora was unexpectedly grounded, given the circumstances. She immediately looked for a solution to overcome Greer's rapidly spreading rot—magically imbued seeds. Aurora ordered us to kill Greer's minions so that we could cleanse the arena of twisted, rotten magic. When we thought that we'd achieved the upper hand, Greer turned to Poky instead. Before the titan could attack, Aurora stepped between them. And in that moment, her façade finally dropped. After conjuring a spell far exceeding the capabilities of a humble healer from the Shiverpeaks, it became clear: Waiting Sorrow was standing before us. She halted Greer's attack with ease. With her full powers revealed, overcoming Greer was an easy task. But all eyes immediately snapped to the missing wizard. Poky was distressed; his mentor had lied to him, and another facet of his once-comfortable reality was shaken. He told me that he needed to walk it off, so he's headed to a nearby research camp to do just that. With Poky out of earshot, I turned to Waiting Sorrow for an explanation. Beyond establishing diplomatic bonds with the lowlanders, finding her was my next priority. Powerful, certainly, but not the intimidating runaway she was painted as—another melodramatic musing from Isgarren, perhaps? Her concern was with Poky first, and then the titans. Caithe and Malice, who remained as stalwart as you'd expect, prodded her with additional questions: Are there more? Are we safe? Waiting Sorrow was hazy, claiming that an uptick in Mistburn—energies radiating from the Mists—were causing unnatural disturbances on the island. She asked if I intended to detain her, but if a titan does indeed roam this island still, she might be the ally we need to shut it down, since she's helped us take out one already. Keeping her identity from the kodan might be a more complicated challenge given their hesitance toward magic, but at least the majority of the Astral Ward wouldn't be able to recognize her. She's kept her identity a secret for this long, after all. Even while tensions are high, Caithe and Malice handled Waiting Sorrow's reveal with curiosity—leave it to the spymasters to be unphased by secrets. While they mull over the news, I'll see if I can track down Poky and see how he's doing. Kid's been through a lot, and he shouldn't be left alone in a place like this. — My story

Notes

• Unlike in the prologue, the Alliance doesn't provide a crate to sit on for the asuran commander.

Bug:

During the optional objective, speaking to delegates already spoken to more than once may end the optional objective early, preventing hearing all the opinions from remaining delegates. This does not affect the completion of the achievement Everyone Loves Democracy, which will be completed when the optional objective is completed.

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Janthir Wilds storyline

Act 1	Prologue: The Tyrian Alliance → Unknown Territory → Diplomacy and Discovery → Home Sweet Home → Missing in Action → Strangers among Lands
Act 2	Storm Clouds over Janthir → Twice Stricken → Finding Balance → Against the Wall → Sorrow in These Halls
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