Biography

The biography is the step in the character creation process where the player provides the foundation for the character's personal story. There are three sets of multiple choice questions:

1. One profession-related question; determines Starting equipment.
2. One question about overcoming adversity; determines initial personality.
3. Three race-specific questions; determines the overall arc of the personal storyline.

Profession question

The profession-oriented question affects a character's starting armor (or pet for rangers).

Soldiers

With the exception of Revenant (all choices are helmets), this choice will determine whether you start with a helm or shoulder armor (the third option will just be a different skin for one or the other). It is slightly more beneficial to take shoulder armor because you ordinarily cannot equip one until level 11, while helms become available at level 10.

Guardian

As a symbol of my dedication, I wear _____.
	Conqueror's Pauldrons ("conqueror's pauldrons") — When I was young, a famed hero returning from battle stopped and gave me his pauldrons. Ever since, I've worn them as my own, and I make every attempt to live up to his legend. I too will be a conqueror.
	Fanatic's Pauldrons ("fanatic's pauldrons") — Long ago, I determined my path, and nothing will sway me from it. I'm stalwart in my beliefs and immovable in my loyalties. The weight of my pauldrons reminds me of the burden I carry.
	Visionary's Helm ("a visionary's helm") — Tyria is bigger than we know and filled with mystery. This helm is open, allowing me to see with clarity. With it, I will seek out the world's greater truths that others fear to explore.

Revenant

I fight with my _____ blindfold on to shut out the distractions of the physical world and focus my magical inner sight.
	Mist Scrim ("mist scrim") — Simple, straightfoward, and utterly effective, this blindfold is preferred by revenants who rely on utility and efficiency to get results.
	Veil Piercer ("veil piercer") — Form follows function with this blindfold, designed both to cover a revenant's eyes and help punch through the barriers that conceal the unseen.
	Resplendent Curtain ("resplendent curtain") — The resplendent curtain is for revenants who choose to make a more elegant and stylish impression; because even if they can't see the world around them, it can still see them.

Warrior

Unlike other classes, the warrior starting item skins are not unique to character creation.

I wear _____ on the battlefield. Because of this I am recognized and given proper respect.
	Spangenhelm ("a spangenhelm") — My spangenhelm intimidates my enemies and inspires respect among my allies. I am nearly invincible when I wear it.
	Galea ("a galea") — My helm is open-faced so that my enemies can see my face and look me in the eyes. They will remember who defeated them.
	No Helm ("no helm at all") — A true warrior doesn't need a helm! My enemies will cringe and falter when they see the fearless determination on my face.

Adventurers

Engineer

This question determines whether you start with a back item or a head item. The helms give you a small bonus to defense at the start, which would otherwise not be available until level 10. The choice of helm is cosmetic. While back items are less common, this one has no stats and cannot be upgraded; Backpack Straps may be cheaply obtained instead.

My most useful tool is my _____.
	Universal Multitool Pack ("universal multitool pack") — It's got a wrench. It's got a screwdriver. It's got a spade. It's got a lateral displacer! It doesn't matter what you need; this pack has a gadget for every situation.
	Eagle-Eye Goggles ("eagle-eye goggles") — Nothing sees the world more clearly than a soaring eagle. These goggles allow its wearer to see just as well.
	Panscopic Monocle ("panscopic monocle") — The details matter. Whether you're double-checking the wiring on your new explosives or charging the gear shaft on your favorite turret, this monocle lets you see what needs to be seen.

Ranger

This question determines which pet you start with. Each pet has different qualities; follow the links below for details on each pet. For your starting pet in particular, you may wish to consider the difficulty (inconvenience) of taming the pet in the wild. Often this is tied to your race, as creature types tend to be based on the environment. In this sense, it is most advantageous to start with a pet that would otherwise require the most effort to obtain. Another strategy is to take an amphibious type above all others to ensure that you always have a pet for both land and water.

My pet _____ fights at my side and guards my back.
Asura		Moa — I raised my moa from the egg. Its devotion to me is unmatched, and I've seen it drop an enemy before I could even draw my weapon.
		Stalker — My stalker is a dear friend. It is quiet, still, and as quick as an arrow from a bow. Its intelligence shows in its eyes.
		Drake — I tamed my drake when it was a hatchling. Now, it follows me everywhere. It has proven itself a relentless and powerful friend.
Charr		Devourer — My devourer is a vicious and unforgiving fighter. I raised it from the egg and earned its loyalty. It will die in my defense.
		Stalker — My stalker is a dear friend. It is quiet, still, and as quick as an arrow from a bow. Its intelligence shows in its eyes.
		Drake — I tamed my drake when it was a hatchling. Now, it follows me everywhere. It has proven itself a relentless and powerful friend.
Human		Bear — My bear and I fight as a single unit. It takes only the slightest gesture to give a command, and then we're tearing through our enemies.
		Stalker — My stalker is a dear friend. It is quiet, still, and as quick as an arrow from a bow. Its intelligence shows in its eyes.
		Drake — I tamed my drake when it was a hatchling. Now, it follows me everywhere. It has proven itself a relentless and powerful friend.
Norn		Bear — My bear and I fight as a single unit. It takes only the slightest gesture to give a command, and then we're tearing through our enemies.
		Wolf — A wolf companion is considered a great prize. When fully grown, it's a shrewd hunter and a devoted ally.
		Snow Leopard — The beautiful snow leopard is a symbol of independence. Its grace and stealth makes it both inspiring and an unbeatable hunter.
Sylvari		Moa — I raised my moa from the egg. Its devotion to me is unmatched, and I've seen it drop an enemy before I could even draw my weapon.
		Stalker — My stalker is a dear friend. It is quiet, still, and as quick as an arrow from a bow. Its intelligence shows in its eyes.
		Fern Hound — My dog has always stood by me, even against the most dangerous attackers. I couldn't ask for a better friend and ally.

Thief

This question determines the style of headwear you start with. It is a cosmetic choice.

In my line of work, it's important to understand the power of _____.
	Anonymity ("anonymity") — My talents lie in the art of stealth, infiltration, and escape. I do not draw attention to myself. To protect my identity, I hide my face behind a mask of darkness.
	Determination ("determination") — I mean business. I'm the bruiser, the muscle, the bear you don't want to poke. My headband keeps my vision clear, no matter how physical I get.
	Subterfuge ("subterfuge") — A mask draws attention, and an uncovered face allows people to identify you. I prefer a more subtle subterfuge. A drawn hood lets me blend into the crowd, and no one knows I was there.

Scholars

This question determines the style of headwear you start with. It is a cosmetic choice.

Elementalist

I study all the elements, but I wear a gem that symbolizes my love of _____.
	Water ("water") — Water, whether frozen or flowing, is life, and its currents run deep in us.
	Fire ("fire") — Fire's hunger, its destructive burn, demands respect. It immolates and clears the path for new growth.
	Earth ("earth") — Earth is the foundation that supports all life. Stone fortifies us. Rock grounds us.
	Air ("air") — Air is the source of all life. It is invisible, and yet it can destroy whole villages.

Mesmer

A mesmer's mask creates an image. I choose to look out from behind a _____.
	Harlequin's Smile ("harlequin's smile") — It takes bravery to face your fears and seize your victories. Never let them see you without a smile.
	Phantasm of Sorrow ("phantasm of sorrow") — I show the world a face lined by tragedy. Too bad you can't see behind the mask—to know whether I'm secretly laughing or not.
	Fanged Dread ("fanged dread") — I'm a whisper in the night, eyes that glow in darkness. I stand in shadow, and my mask is the monster you fear.

Necromancer

A necromancer's closest companion is death. In acknowledgement of this, I mark my face with the symbol of a _____.
	Trickster Demon ("trickster demon") — Trickster demons from the Mists find ways to enter our world to tear it apart. I, too, am a destructive force, and all shall fear me.
	Skull ("skull") — I respect the traditions of necromancers that have gone before me. I mark my face with the symbol of a skull to remind me that even the greatest die eventually.
	Ghostly Wraith ("ghostly wraith") — A wraith is a creature of energy, and its cunning helps it elude its enemies. What you cannot see...can kill you.

Personality question

Primary article: Personality

The personality-oriented question affects the conversational options that NPCs provide.

Trouble may follow, but I use my _____ to overcome it.
	Charm ("charm") — I'm charming. No one can resist me when I'm at my best. I know just what to say to lighten the mood or bolster courage.
	Dignity ("dignity") — I'm dignified even when up to my ears in mud. It's what makes people respect me. A serious, thoughtful demeanor is the route to success.
	Ferocity ("ferocity") — I'm ferocious. Threatening violence gets me further than anything else. I'm a natural, though I do try to use my powers of intimidation for good.

Race questions

The race-oriented questions directly affect a character's personal storyline.

Asura

The first option determines which invention wins the Snaff prize. The second option determines the invention that goes awry. The third option determines which mentor will appear in your home instance, but has no other effect on gameplay.

I'm a member of the College of _____.
	Statics — Builders and architects make up the College of Statics, and we build to last. Some call us conservative, but we excel at creating new designs, using old materials in innovative ways, and expanding the purview of known magics for practical application.
	Dynamics — The College of Dynamics produces gizmo-makers extraordinaire. Energy, enthusiasm, and boldness are our best qualities. We believe in leveraging the expendable nature of all things. If a prototype explodes, it isn't a failure unless the lesson goes unlearned.
	Synergetics — As members of the College of Synergetics, we study how energy patterns form and alchemagical fractals propagate. Few beyond our college understand the philosophical and mystical complexities of our interests. We devoutly research the true nature of the Eternal Alchemy.
My first creation was _____.
	VAL-A Golem ("the VAL-A golem") — Most golems are powerhouses, designed for warfare. They show absolutely no subtlety or originality of design. My golem was compact and efficient, and it had an unparalleled package of features. It revolutionized lab cleanup, and it mixed a great cocktail too.
	Transatmospheric Converter ("a transatmospheric converter") — What unmitigated joy to be able to change the weather at my whim! If only the prototype had been more powerful. Nevertheless, the design was cutting-edge. My transatmospheric converter was a masterpiece of utter genius. I wish I'd had more funding.
	Infinity Ball ("an infinity ball") — They said it was a toy, a pipe dream, and a waste of resources. They were wrong. My invention predicts the future. So what if it doesn't predict it correctly every time. That's irrelevant! Could it give me an advantage? Reply hazy. Ask again.
My first advisor, the one who taught me almost everything I know (almost), was _____.
	Bronk — Good ol' Master Bronk taught me the benefits of superior firepower. He liked to say, "When it comes to besting the enemy, there's no such thing as 'overkill.'"
	Zinga — Mistress Zinga taught me that the best form of magic is good old-fashioned luck. She liked to say, "Planning ahead is for ninnies who think they can predict every possible outcome. The future is mutable! Go with the flow!"
	Blipp — Master Blipp was known for his redundancies as well as his redundancies. He often said, "Your first try should never be your last, especially if it succeeded. You can always succeed bigger next time."
	Canni — Councillor Canni wasn't just another bureaucrat. She was an esopolitical parascientologist. She was fond of saying, "Always bring a witness, preferably an expendable one. You never know when you'll need a scapegoat."

Charr

The first and third questions will determine the nature and content of your story missions. The second question determines who will accompany you on story missions; for gameplay purposes, it is advisable to choose one that complements your own profession. The first question also determines which allies are summoned with Warband Support.

I am proud to be _____.
	Blood Legion ("a Blood Legion soldier") — I'm Blood Legion. I charge straight into battle. The Blood Legion pushes to the front line in any combat. We're powerful and bold, and none can match our prowess on the field.
	Ash Legion ("an Ash Legion soldier") — I'm Ash Legion. I use cunning to overcome my enemies. The Ash Legion teaches stealth and subterfuge. We end battles before they begin with infiltration, information gathering, and precision strikes.
	Iron Legion ("an Iron Legion soldier") — I'm Iron Legion. I march to the boom of war machines. The Iron Legion has ignited our industrial revolution. We perfected metalwork, cannons, and—most importantly—guns.
I would die for my warband, especially _____, my sparring partner.
	Maverick — Maverick is the best single-combat fighter I've ever met. Unfortunately, he has a wild streak and an ego the size of the Black Citadel. He may be a loose cannon, but he knows how to make things epic!
	Euryale — Euryale, our elementalist, is the most loyal soldier in the warband. She's also stubborn, bad-tempered and protective — but at least she's honest. She stands by me, and I trust her with my life.
	Clawspur — Clawspur lets his blades do the talking. He's extremely calm and quiet, even for a thief. While others are making threats, Clawspur is silently positioning himself to make a quick kill. Good thing he's on my side.
	Dinky — Dinky was the smallest cub in our fahrar, so he had to be twice as tough just to break even. He gets picked on because he's a guardian, and not so smart, but I stand by him. He's always been a good friend.
	Reeva — Reeva fights hard and plays hard. Nothing gets her down. She always jokes that her best weapons are her engineering tools and a sharp sense of humor. To Reeva, life isn't worth much if it isn't fun.
They tell me the soldier that sired me is a _____.
	Loyal Soldier ("loyal soldier") — I've heard my sire's name spoken with reverence ever since I was a cub in the fahrar. I plan to live up to his reputation—or exceed it.
	Sorcerous Shaman ("sorcerous shaman") — Flame Legion shamans once enslaved us. Because of this, my father, who is a shaman, is treated with suspicion and mistrust. I must overcome his reputation.
	Honorless Gladium ("honorless gladium") — A gladium has no warband. My father turned his back on his. Now, he's an honorless gladium with no respect for the chain of command, and I have no respect for him.

Human

The first option determines your childhood friends. The second option determines your personal relation into the story line. The third option determines which priest NPC appears in your home instance, but is purely cosmetic.

I was raised _____.
	Street Rat ("in the streets") — I grew up poor, on the streets, living hand to mouth. Every day was a challenge, but like I tell my ol' buddy Quinn, "If it doesn't kill you, it makes you stronger." I've worked hard to change my luck, but I've still got a long way to go.
	Commoner ("by common folk") — I was raised among the common folk of Divinity's Reach. We're the working class, the cogs that keep the city running. I help out at a tavern owned by my friends, Andrew and his daughter Petra.
	Nobility ("among the nobility") — I grew up among the nobles, including my friend Lord Faren, who can trace their ancestry back to ancient kings. I received an excellent education, am well versed in courtly graces, and understand the responsibility that comes with privilege.
One of my biggest regrets is that _____.
	Unknown Parents ("I've never searched for my true parents") — When I was an infant, I was abandoned at an orphanage. A kind couple adopted me and became my family. However, I've always wondered about my birth parents.
	Dead Sister ("I never recovered my sister's body") — My sister was a Seraph. Centaurs killed her while she was out on patrol. They never recovered her body, and it has always bothered me.
	Missed Opportunity ("I passed up an opportunity to perform in the circus") — When I was young, I had the opportunity to perform in the circus, but I turned it down. To this day, I'm sorry I didn't leap at the chance.
Everyone said I was blessed by _____ when I was young.
	Dwayna — Dwayna—the goddess of healing, air and life—is the even-tempered leader of the old gods. She is often depicted as young, tall, and slender, rising into the air on immense feathery wings.
	Grenth — Grenth is the god of darkness, ice, and death. His acolytes know that the veil between worlds is thin. Death does not frighten me. Even the darkest nights give me comfort because Grenth watches over me.
	Balthazar — Balthazar—the god of war, fire, and challenge—oversees the battle arena. He gifts those who have a knack for combat strategy and skill with weapons. I have trained hard to honor Balthazar.
	Melandru — Melandru—the goddess of nature, earth, and growth—can be found in every harvest and every flower. She smiles upon those, like me, who have an affinity with animals. I am a follower of Melandru.
	Lyssa — Lyssa wears many masks. She is the dual-faced goddess of beauty, water, and illusion. She is the patron of the most attractive and graceful among us. Her blessings have touched me all my life.
	Kormir — Kormir is the goddess of order, spirit, and truth. She was once mortal like me. She inspires me every day to find greater courage and to seek rightness of heart, mind, and action.

Norn

The first two questions determine parts of your personal story. The last one selects which Shaman stands underneath the four Spirit of the Wild statues in your home instance (on the top level by the back wall, on the side closest to the entrance).

My most important quality is that I have the necessary _____.
	Defeat Our Ancient Foes ("strength to defeat ancient foes") — I keep my body strong so that I can defeat our ancient enemies and protect the Great Lodge.
	Protect the Spirits ("cunning to protect the Spirits") — It is my duty to protect the Spirits of the Wild, and it requires cunning to keep them safe from the Ice Dragon.
	Guard the Mists ("intuition to guard the Mists") — My intuition gives me the insight I need to guard the Mists, where the souls of our ancestors endure in glory.
At a recent celebratory moot held in Hoelbrak, I _____.
	Blacked Out ("blacked out") — Ale! Rowdy brawling! It's far too easy to let loose in the thrill of the moment. After I woke up, I couldn't remember what I'd done. I'm sure it was nothing too terrible.
	Revenge ("got in a fight") — I've had a rival ever since I was young. He's intelligent, treacherous, and cunning. I lost our last fight, but next time we meet, I'll even the score.
	Lost an Heirloom ("lost an heirloom") — I inherited Romke's Horn, a magical ancestral heirloom passed down through generations. After one too many drinks, however, I wagered it on a contest of strength...and lost.
When I was still a kid, I had a vision. A Spirit of the Wild spoke to me and offered its guardianship. That Spirit was _____.
	Bear — Bear is the most powerful among the Spirits of the Wild. She is a symbol of fortitude and self-reliance. She roared over me when I was a babe, and ever since, I've had Bear's courage in my heart.
	Snow Leopard — Snow Leopard is a stealthy, smiling spirit. She teaches us independence, strategy, and laughter in the face of danger. To this day, her wisdom guides me, and my memory of her visit comforts me on dark nights.
	Wolf — Wolf has the cunning of the pack behind him. He imparts the virtues of loyalty, ferocity, and strength in numbers. When he came to me, he whispered of my heroic future and told me I would never be alone.
	Raven — Raven, clever and wise, guides us with truths that others fear. He bestows a far-seeing clarity of mind. In my vision, he spoke of riddles and opened my eyes to secrets that few others can see.

Sylvari

The first two questions will determine your story missions. The third question changes which of the cycle firstborns appears during select personal story missions, as well as dialogue with certain NPCs.

I dreamed of a quest that calls me to action. It was a vision of the _____.
	The White Stag ("White Stag") — The White Stag is a creature of enchantment, an immortal beast with great power. It is said that the stag will trade a magical boon for its freedom, if I can catch it.
	The Green Knight ("Green Knight") — I saw a powerful knight in green armor, his face obscured. He was defeated, but did not submit; was killed, but did not die. Dare I face him in battle?
	The Shield of the Moon ("Shield of the Moon") — The moon is a powerful symbol of healing and magic. Any who dream they're protected by the moon shall know faith and fortitude. I hope I'm worthy of such a vision.
I believe that the most important of Ventari's teachings is _____
	Act with wisdom, but act. — It is one thing to know what is right and another to change the world. We all have a calling. I will distinguish myself through my actions and thereby lift Tyria to a higher state of nobility.
	All things have a right to grow. — The blossom is brother to the weed. Diversity of opinion is good. Discussion is healthy. No one should be condemned simply for being different. I will stand up for the rights of all.
	Where life goes, so too, should you. — The world is a delicious and gorgeous place created for us to explore, enjoy, and protect. I will seek out the lessons in every experience, and as I grow, I will have more to offer in return.
The Pale Tree awakened me during the _____.
	Cycle of Dawn — Sylvari awakened at dawn are natural talkers, diplomats, and forward-thinkers. We are intimately connected with our surroundings and markedly empathic toward all, even other races.
	Cycle of Noon — Sylvari awakened mid-day solve problems by attacking them head-on. We are the warriors, hunters, and travelers who experience life first-hand and enjoy the rush of taking risks in order to feel truly alive.
	Cycle of Dusk — Sylvari awakened at dusk are naturally curious and thoughtful. We love to learn and spend time reading and studying. We are intelligent and drawn toward the luscious complexities of magic.
	Cycle of Night — Sylvari awakened at night are secretive and cautious with information. We make our own decisions, and we come and go as we please, nimble of mind and body.

Notes

• The personal storyline also branches depending on choices the character makes during gameplay.
• There is an inconsistency in the "Lost an Heirloom" option for Norn characters. The text states that the horn is wagered on a test of strength, but during the first part of the questline, the player recalls that it was wagered on a game of chance.

Trivia

• During beta, for humans, the "Nobility" option was "Gentry" and the "Street Rat" option was "Streets".