The Battle of Claw Island

The Battle of Claw Island

Year

1325 AE

Storyline

Personal story

Chapter

The Battle of Claw Island

Location

Claw Island
(Kryta)

Level

60

Preceded by

On Red Alert
Suspicious Activity
Forearmed Is Forewarned

Followed by

The Ghost Rite
Reconnaissance
Killing Fields

API

282

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The Battle of Claw Island is part of the personal story for characters of all races and orders. During this mission, you will be accompanied by Trahearne and your mentor.

Objectives

Travel to Claw Island and warn the Lionguard.

• Meet your mentor on Claw Island.
• Warn Commander Talon.
• Warn Deputy Brakk.
• Warn Deputy Mira.
• (Clear the undead from the beach.)
• Slay the Risen.
• Report the battle details to Commander Talon.
• Defend the wall against the abominations.
• Find and revive Deputy Mira.
• Regroup with Commander Talon inside the walls.
• (Use trebuchets against the Dead Ship.)
• Sink the Dead Ship.
  
• Regroup with Watch Commander Talon.
• Ignite the signal-beacons.
• Help the Lionguard hold out against the Risen.
• Fall back to the central courtyard.
• Regroup beyond the courtyard.
• Lead the survivors to the docks.

Rewards

Click here to edit the reward data

All professions

• Black Lion Chest Key
• Bag of Loot (6)

Profession-specific

• One of the following: Commando's Breather, Outrider's Breather, Trooper's Breather
• One of the following: Commando's Breather, Outrider's Breather, Trooper's Breather
• One of the following: Commando's Breather, Outrider's Breather, Trooper's Breather

Walkthrough

Poisoned is very common here and waves of slow moving Risen respawn constantly, first outside the fort and later inside the fort. Stay focused on the current mission objective; it is very easy to get distracted and overwhelmed in pointless combat with easily outpaced foes. AoE offense, AoE healing, AoE condition removal, and especially Ally Summoning skills will make the battles much easier.

Your mentor, Trahearne, and later Deputy Mira will follow you everywhere (except when lighting the beacons). When kept alive they and the Lionguard provide good offense and distraction. A single party member is very useful in the healing role while the Player focuses on the Objective. While a certain number of Lionguard will always remain to fight, many die permanently and can't be revived. Mira, your mentor, and Trahearne can be revived, but doing so in the middle of battle is slow and dangerous and in any case will revive at the next dialog cut scene.

Go from the dock to the fort through the tunnel and talk to the commander. He is unconvinced that Zhaitan is any threat to Claw Island and tells you to talk to his deputies. The first deputy assures you that Claw Island's artillery is top-notch; Deputy Mira, leading the beach patrol, is less optimistic but still confident in the island's defenses. As soon as the conversation with her is over, a few Risen spawn and attack from the beach. Defeat them, and you will be prompted to talk to the commander again. Take this time to prepare for a long, protracted battle, since enemies appear as soon as you talk to him. Most of the Risen from this point on provide neither experience nor loot.

After talking to the commander, a Risen ship appears, and many Risen start to swarm the beach. After driving off the enemies at both ends, the ship starts using its catapults to fling Risen Abominations onto the fortress walls. Defeat them quickly to prevent them building up Frenzy. It is best to start from one end of the wall and clear to the other.

The next task is to go back on the beach and talk to the Deputy Mira (and revive her if she's been defeated, which she probably has). You need either a revive skill or distraction. You can gain enough revive time by engaging the nearby Risen and drawing them to top of the low wall near Mira (between her and the fort), then jump down forcing them to disengage from your summoned ally and go around the wall. Mira is badly wounded and asks you to take her back to the commander.

Upon reaching him and reporting the battle results, he continues to be overconfident, and orders you to destroy the Risen ship using one of the trebuchets on the walls. It's a bit tricky to hit since it is very far away, but you have unlimited time and shots. It is also possible to swim over to the ship and sink it with regular attacks.

The trebuchet on your left has the direct line of sight. To sink the ship with the trebuchet: press "f" to start using it. Rotate your camera view to sight along the catapult arm. It's probably pointing left of the ship, so press "3" to turn the catapult to the right. Keep adjusting the catapult with "1" or "3" and rotating the camera and sighting along the arm until the arm points at the ship. Then hold down "2" until the yellow bar gets almost to the end, and release it. You only need to hit the ship once with the trebuchet to sink it, but it may take you a few attempts to aim correctly. You can shoot the next shot before the current shot lands. Shoot at longest distance and reduce the distance by a small amount until it is hit and sinks. The correct range is about 93% of the range bar.

After sinking the ship, the battle takes a turn for the worse, since several more Risen ships appear and start to fire at the shore. This causes AoE poison blasts to appear periodically, although they can be avoided by moving out of the red circle. The commander finally realizes that the island is lost, and Mira orders you to run and light the signal beacons while the Lionguard makes a last stand in the courtyard. On the way to the controls, there are more infinitely spawning Risen; don't stop to fight them unless you have no choice. Interact with the controls once there to finish this step; be aware that during the cutscene, any Risen nearby can attack you, and more might spawn. It might be worth taking out a few before using the controls, if your character can't take much damage.

After lighting the beacons, return to the courtyard, where you must hold out against the Risen for a certain amount of time (perhaps 2 minutes). You can fight anywhere in the general vicinity, as long as it's still in the bounds of the fortress. The density of Risen varies throughout the area; there are relatively few in the tunnel leading to the beach, for instance. Some Risen are permanently distracted fighting against Lionguard NPCs, while others will chase you all over the fortress once aggroed. The next cut scene is triggered when you engage a Risen a small distance from the tunnel (perhaps half way to the outer walls) after the time limit is up.

Eventually, a cutscene will play, showing a Risen Dragon (Blightghast the Plaguebringer) appearing and crushing one of the wall sections of the fortress. Approach the dragon, if you weren't close to it already, and it should use a scream attack which causes long-lasting Fear. This downs Mira, and the mission updates, directing you to regroup beyond the courtyard. Once there, another cutscene will play. Your mentor will stay behind to cover the rear, and sends you and Trahearne ahead to escape with the surviving Lionguard. It is a short distance to the waiting ship off of Claw Island, but there are a few more Risen in the way. These don't respawn, so you can kill them if you want to, or make a direct run to the ship. After reaching the ship, you sail back to Lion's Arch and the mission ends.

NPCs

Allies

Charr/Norn/Sylvari

• Mentor

Asura

• Deputy Brakk

Charr

• Watch Commander Talon

Human

• Deputy Mira

Sylvari

• Trahearne

All races

• Lionguard

Foes

Risen

• Risen Thrall
• Risen Abomination
• Risen Brute

Objects

• Trebuchet

Dialogue

Upon arrival:

<Mentor>: The creature we found hadn't been in Lion's Arch long. We may still have time.

<Mentor>: We have to find the Watch Commander and convince him to ready the defenses.

Talking to your mentor:

Magister Sieran: It's even bigger than I'd been told. So many soldiers! So much defiance! How can it possibly fall?

That scout means the dragon's sending a massive attack. We should hurry.

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: This fortress is huge. I've never seen it up close before. Maybe... nah, who am I kidding. The Risen are ready for this place!

The Orrians wouldn't be attacking if they didn't think they could swarm the island. We'd better hurry.

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: They built this fortress to last. Only a complete, full-bore invasion could break those walls.

That's exactly what's coming, if the scout was any indication. Let's hurry.

On the way to find the watch commander:

Lionguard: (Sniff) I smell something odd. Do you smell it?

Lionguard: Smell? No. But the back of my neck keeps itching for some reason.

Lionguard: I don't like this. Something's definitely wrong.

Lionguard: Is that Trahearne up there, talking to Commander Talon? What do you think he wants?

Lionguard: Trahearne, the necromancer? Comes through here every few months on his way to Orr. That guy creeps me out.

Trahearne: I've researched the situation extensively. The Orrians will strike here, on Claw Island.

Talking to Trahearne:

Trahearne: This is an ill wind that comes from the south, and I fear that it heralds the end of Lion's Arch...

There must be some way to make Talon believe us.

Talon is an excellent commander, but he is set in his ways. He doesn't want to think something might change. He'll come around.

I have another question.

I hope you're right.

How bad do you think it is?

Extremely. My research implies there's a massive migration of Risen coming northward—sailing their Dead Ships on an unnatural wind.

What could that mean?

I don't know. The clouds above them are too dark and impenetrable to see the whole of the threat. We'll have to place our trust in our weapons.

I have another question.

We'll do everything we can to protect Lion's Arch.

Let's keep calm and do what we can to prepare.

At Commander Talon (cinematic):

If sylvari:

<Character name>: Trahearne! It's been a long time. You study Orr — have there been any signs of an attack on it's way?

Trahearne: Valiant! Yes, Claw Island is in great danger. Thank the Mother Tree that you're here as well.

<Character name>: Thank you for meeting with us, Watch Commander Talon. We have grave news.

<Character name>: One of Zhaitan's minions breached the city. We destroyed it, but the creature was likely scouting for a much bigger force. An attack is imminent.

Watch Commander Talon: A what? That's extremely unlikely. We've seen no sign of an impending attack. If there was to be one, we'd know of it.

If Durmand Priory:

Trahearne: By the bough — Sieran? May the Tree watch over you, young one. How's the Priory treating you?

Magister Sieran: Firstborn, it is an honor to see you again! I'm so glad you're here. Something terrible is about to happen!

Magister Sieran: Trahearne, this is my dear friend — one of the kindest and most dedicated magisters in the Priory.

Magister Sieran: Magister, this is Trahearne, Tyria's foremost scholar on Zhaitan and Orr. He's a hero to me.

If Order of Whispers:

Trahearne: Tybalt Leftpaw? It is you, my friend! I should have known your order would be aware of the danger.

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: Cogs and gears, it's Trahearne! We're lucky you're on the island. Convince this guy that we're serious!

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: First, let me introduce you to my partner, one of the truest and most loyal friends I've ever had.

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: Lightbringer, this is Trahearne, one of the sylvari firstborn. He's Tyria's foremost scholar on Zhaitan and Orr, and a friend to the Order.

If Vigil:

Trahearne: Is that you Forgal? Well met, old man! Are you still fighting for the Vigil?

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: Trahearne? Ahh, by Snow Leopard's shadow, you're a sight for sore eyes. With you on our side, we've got a fighting chance.

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: I want you to meet my partner — one of the bravest warmasters in my Order.

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: My friend, this is Trahearne, one of the sylvari firstborn. He's Tyria's foremost scholar on Zhaitan and Orr. I've been trying to recruit him for years.

Trahearne: Commander Talon, I can confirm their information. Zhaitan's servants are indeed approaching.

Trahearne: A fleet of Dead Ships has launched from the Straits of Devastation. The Risen sail beneath a cloak of stealth.

Watch Commander Talon: Whatever you've seen, it can't be a real threat. Claw Island can withstand any assault!

Watch Commander Talon: Speak with my commanders, Brakk and Mira. Once you review our defenses, you'll realize there's nothing to fear.

After the cinematic:

If Durmand Priory:

Magister Sieran: Dear Trahearne. I haven't seen you since you helped the order with that undead gorilla!

Trahearne: The drowned Orrian one you let out of the cage? Yes, that was a menace. Did everything end up well?

Magister Sieran: I misread the sign language! It was saying "kill" and I thought it was saying "I feel better."

Magister Sieran: It is wonderful to see you again.

If Order of Whispers:

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: Look at me, Trahearne, I'm out and about on a mission!

Trahearne: A field agent at last! Congratulations, Tybalt. I know how much you wanted that.

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: You should get out from under all those books and join us. You're starting to look all wilted.

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: It's good to see you, my friend.

If Vigil:

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: Trahearne, you bookworm, tell me you've got some information on how to stop this attack?

Trahearne: Sadly, no. I'm only here to give the Lionguard a warning — much like you and your friend.

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: Well, at least you've come out from behind your scrolls and scribbles. That's a start.

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: We need your common sense, lad. I'm glad you're here.

Trahearne: If you don't mind, I'll accompany you on your rounds. It's been a while since I've toured the fortress.

Talking to Watch Commander Talon:

Watch Commander Talon: Inspect our defenses. Look at our munitions. I tell you, we're ready for anything. There's no need to worry.

What's the history of this island?

It was in 1237, just after the city was rebuilt, that Commodore Cobiah Marriner and his first mate, Sykox, turned the island into a fortress.

Why did they do that?

They saw what Orrian invasions did to Port Noble and Port Stalwart. Someone had to stand their ground.

And it's worked ever since?

Absolutely. These defenses are virtually impenetrable. Nothing more than an undead shark or the occasional zombie gets past us.

I have another question.

You seem very certain, Commander. I hope you're right.

How many times has the fortress been attacked?

Countless. We've had six major attacks under my watch, and that's only in the last four years.

What kinds of creatures are you trained to handle?

Anything Risen. Anything from Orr. Zombies, abominations, rotted flesh-beasts... we even take on Dead Ships!

But not dragons, right?

Dragons? You mean like Zhaitan or one of his champions? No, no, they don't come to Lion's Arch.

I have another question.

Let's hope it stays this way.

How well do you know Trahearne?

I respect him a great deal. He often visits when we find some new kind of Risen. He studies it, and tells us how to kill it.

Has he ever been wrong about an attack?

Trahearne's a scholar, not a soldier! I don't tell him his business and he doesn't tell me mine.

I have another question.

He knows what he's talking about. You should listen to him.

I wish I shared your certainty, Commander.

On the way to see Brakk:

Lionguard: I've heard the rumors. Undead, coming in under stealth. Do you believe it?

Lionguard: Pfeh. Probably just another trickle of corpses. It happens.

Lionguard: No, I think this one'll be worse. I just... have a really bad feeling.

Trahearne: There's a chill in the air. It is beginning.

At Deputy Brakk:

Trahearne: Be on alert. The Orrians are preparing a major attack against Claw Island.

Deputy Brakk: Tell the Watch Commander Talon that the gunnery emplacements are ready.

Deputy Brakk: The fortress here on Claw Island houses more 24-pounders than a ship of the line!

Deputy Brakk: We'll be ready to fight the Orrians. Don't doubt that.

Deputy Brakk: Check on Deputy Mira. She's in charge of the beach patrols.

Trahearne: The Lionguard don't understand. This won't be a sortie. It'll be a massacre.

At Deputy Mira:

Deputy Mira: Welcome to beach patrol, the most dangerous duty on Claw Island.

Trahearne: Deputy, a massive attack is on its way from Orr. You must prepare your troops.

Deputy Mira: If we fall, our last order is to light those three signal towers. We have to warn Lion's Arch if the fortress is lost.

Deputy Mira: In a hundred years, they've never once been lit. We're very proud of that.

Lionguard: Deputy Mira! Sound the alarm, there are undead on the beach!

Deputy Mira: If an invasion is really coming, we'll need everyone on the island to hold the line.

After defeating the undead:

Deputy Mira: That wasn't much of a fight. Trahearne, I thought you said the attack would be significant?

Trahearne: It was a feint. They're testing your defenses. More will come, and soon.

Deputy Mira: Makes sense. Report to Watch Commander Talon, and tell the men to be ready.

On the way to see Commander Talon:

Trahearne: I have studied Orrian creatures for twenty-five years, but I rarely engage in combat with them. It's terrifying.

Trahearne: Do you think the commander will listen to us now?

Trahearne: All my life, I have been drawn to Orr. My Wyld Hunt is to heal the land.

Trahearne: Even with all my research, we still know so little about defeating them.

At Commander Talon:

Watch Commander Talon: A paltry attack. It barely ruffled our feathers. Is that all they brought?

Trahearne: There will be more. Much more. Keep watching the sea.

Watch Commander Talon: You're a scholar, not a general, firstborn. Why should we trust you?

When the invasion begins (in-game cutscene):

Deputy Mira: The fortress is under attack! Ready on the wall! Hostiles incoming!

Deputy Brakk: There are too many! They've breached the wall! We're being over-

Watch Commander Talon: They're catapulting abominations onto the western wall! Repel the invaders!

Talking to your allies:

Trahearne: So many—the wind has grown stronger. There's something in the clouds!

We must persevere.

Watch Commander Talon: We've held out aganinst worse than this. I defy the dragon to take our island! YOU HEAR ME, ZHAITAN? DEFY!

You had to say that, didn't you?

Talking to your mentor:

Magister Sieran: There are too many! What do we do? How can we help?

Keep fighting. Don't give up hope!

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: Be stalwart, <character name>! We are all that stand between these monsters and the innocents in Lion's Arch.

I will. Watch your back, old man!

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: There's too many! We can't possibly hold out! <character name> - what do we do?

Cut them down as they come!

After defeating the abominations:

Lionguard: Lionguard Mira's squad is pinned on the shore!

When you revive Deputy Mira:

Deputy Mira: I'm injured... bad. Get me to Talon. I don't think we can hold out this time.

At Commander Talon:

Watch Commander Talon: Mira! How stand the beaches?

Deputy Mira: Fallen, sir, and a lot of good soldiers with them. We have to light the watchtowers.

Watch Commander Talon: And let Lion's Arch think we've lost? No, Mira, not yet. Claw Island's withstood much worse.

Watch Commander Talon: Get on a trebuchet. That Dead Ship in the harbor holds their reinforcements. Sink it!

Sinking the undead ship (in-game cutscene):

Deputy Mira: We did it! It's sinking! A small victory. By the gods, there's so many of them...

Back at Commander Talon:

Deputy Mira: Talon, this is no normal attack! The Lionguard cannot hold! We're overwhelmed!

Watch Commander Talon: Claw Island has stood for nearly a hundred years. It cannot fall!

Watch Commander Talon: We'll fight them to the last soldier! To the last sword! We'll never surr—

After Commander Talon got hit (cinematic):

Deputy Mira: Medic! We need a medic over here! Commander Talon, hold on. You'll be all right.

Watch Commander Talon: Quiet, Mira. Soldiers don't need lies. Retreat to the city. Tell the commodore...we did all we could...

Deputy Mira: By your will, Commander. I swear to you...this isn't over.

<Character name>: Mira, the island is overwhelmed. We have to evacuate the Lionguard and ignite the watchtowers to warn the city.

Deputy Mira: No. You'll never make it to the beacon with these Risen monstrosities chasing you. We'll have to fight our way back.

Deputy Mira: The Lionguard will make a stand in the courtyard while you go for the tower. Gods willing, the Risen will be too busy fighting us to stop you.

Trahearne: Your bravery is commendable, Deputy Mira, but your soldiers cannot survive a protracted battle against this many undead.

Deputy Mira: It's the duty of every Lionguard to lay down our lives to protect our city. If that's what it takes, that's exactly what we'll do.

Deputy Mira: We'll rally in the courtyard. You light the warning beacons. Now, go!

After the cinematic:

Deputy Mira: Everyone, fall back to the courtyard! Rally to me, for one last stand.

Deputy Mira: Push them back! Keep your courage up!

When the creature appears:

depending on the player characters order

Magister Sieran: Everyone, get to cover! It breathes corruption!

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: Watch yourselves! That creature's breath attack could corrupt you!

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: By the Spirits! I never thought I'd see one of those! Quick, attack!

Deputy Mira: My eyes! My eyes! I can't see... By Kormir, it burns!

Regrouping beyond the courtyard (cinematic):

If Durmand Priory:

Magister Sieran: The dragon's servants will never let our ships sail. If they surround the docks, they'll slaughter us— and Zhaitan's forces will grow.

<Character name>: Our soldiers are too injured to fight. They can barely walk. We can't form a defense and still get them all aboard.

Magister Sieran: Someone needs to hold them off and give everyone else time to escape. No, not someone. Me.

<Character name>: You can't win against those monsters, Sieran! There are too many of them!

Magister Sieran: If I can keep them busy, it's enough of a win for me. Gixx always said I was an exceptional troublemaker.

Magister Sieran: When you and I met, I didn't think about anything but myself. I wanted fun, excitement, risks... I didn't really care about others.

Magister Sieran: In my short life, you've taught me the most important lesson. Friends will go through anything for each other. That's why I have to do this.

Magister Sieran: I've always wondered what it would be like to go to the mists. It'll be an adventure...

If Order of Whispers:

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: The dragon's servants will never let our ships sail. If they surround the docks, they'll slaughter us—and Zhaitan's forces will grow.

<Character name>: Our soldiers are too injured to fight. They can barely walk. We can't form a defense and still get them all aboard.

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: I haven't always lived bravely, but I think...I think I'd like to die that way.

<Character name>: What? Tybalt, what are you planning?

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: After I lost my hand, I joined the Order of Whispers...because the charr thought I was useless. Nobody needs a shaky engineer.

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: I said I wanted to fight the dragons, and I did. But then I spent six years as a researcher, never facing my fears. Never even trying.

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: Nobody believed I had courage. Not even me... And then you came along. You trusted me then, my friend. I need you to trust me now. I can do this.

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: Go! There's no time to argue. Just believe in me.

If Vigil:

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: The dragon's servants will never let our ships sail. If they surround the docks, they'll slaughter us—and Zhaitan's forces will grow.

<Character name>: Our soldiers are too injured to fight. They can barely walk. We can't form a defense and still get them all aboard.

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: A heroic but nearly impossible task, against great odds and an unrelenting enemy. This, my friend, is a death worthy of legend.

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: Get the wounded to safety. Warn Lion's Arch. One day, you'll come back and retake this island—of that, I have no doubt.

<Character name>: Forgal! You can't hold them off alone!

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: I lost my mate and children to the dragons. I thought my legend was buried with them, that I had no one to walk in my footsteps and tell my tale.

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: Now that's changed, my friend. Thank you for being my legacy. Tell my tale at the hearth fires, where the skaalds sing of heroes.

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: Go. I will not fail.

After the cinematic (in-game cutscene):

If Durmand Priory:

Magister Sieran: There was so much left that I wanted to see...

Magister Sieran: I can't let you hurt them. I won't!

If Order of Whispers:

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: I've done a lot of things wrong in my life. But this one thing, I'm gonna do right.

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: I won't let you have them!

If Vigil:

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: You may win the battle, dragon, but you will never defeat our spirit!

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: I am Forgal, son of Kern. My father was the last Dolyak Shaman! I am a Warmaster of the Vigil! You will never make me kneel!

When fleeing to the ships:

Trahearne: Mira is in bad shape. You'll have to cut a path for us. Lionguard! Follow me!

Trahearne: Hurry, to the ships! This sacrifice shall not be in vain!

My story

“ I arrived on Claw Island just ahead of a Risen attack and found a new ally in the scholar Trahearne. We lit beacons at the fortress to warn Lion's Arch of Zhaitan's offshore forces, and we saw the Lionguard survivors of Fort Stalwart safely back to the mainland, though our retreat came at a terrible cost. After the defeat at Claw Island, the survivors returned to Lion's Arch. It will take Zhaitan's minions some time to get reinforcements from Orr, but when they do...they will attack the city. — My story

Notes

• Most enemies in this mission respawn infinitely and give no experience.
• A bug will occasionally prevent the mission from automatically advancing after the dragon lands. This can be fixed by running close to the dragon and being struck by its fear attack.
• Except for their Mentor's dialog, this segment is identical for all characters and all story line choices.
• Once the mission has been completed, dynamic events to avenge Forgal, Sieran or Tybalt can appear by approaching certain locations in Bloodtide Coast, depending on the player character's Order.

Trivia

• Although Talon implies that Port Noble fell before Claw Island's construction, it was still standing at least until 1256 AE according to the novel Sea of Sorrows.

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The Order storyline