The Heart of Nightmare

The Heart of Nightmare

Year

1325 AE

Storyline

Personal story

Chapter

Following the Dream

Location

Ogham Wilds
(Caledon Forest)

Level

10

Race

Sylvari

Choice

Shield of the Moon

Preceded by

Deeply Tangled Roots

Followed by

After the Storm
Wild Growth
Where Life Goes

API

216

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The Heart of Nightmare is part of the personal story for sylvari characters who have dreamed of the Shield of the Moon and completed Deeply Tangled Roots and decided to help Tiachren rescue Ysvelta.

Objectives

Rescue Ysvelta from the Nightmare Court.

• Speak with Ysvelta.
• Defeat Ysvelta's Nightmare Court minions
• Defeat Ysvelta
• Speak with the Pale Tree.

Rewards

Click here to edit the reward data

All professions

• 2,641 
• 1  40 
• Black Lion Chest Key (Once per week)
• Letter from Caithe
• Thorny Seed Pouch

Profession-specific

• Duty-Bound Duffers
• Ragamuffin Toeshoes
• Homespun Espadrilles

Walkthrough

You will face off against Ysvelta after realizing it's impossible to bring her back to the Dream. You will encounter 3 waves of enemies as Ysvelta becomes invulnerable. Once you've defeated her you must head back to the Grove with Tiachren.

NPCs

Allies

Sylvari

• Avatar of the Tree
• Caithe
• Tiachren
• Depending on character's cycle:
  • Aife
  • Kahedins
  • Malomedies
  • Niamh

Foes

Nightmare Court

• Nightmare Courtier
• Nightmare Court Jaguar
• Nightmare Hound
• Nightmare Spider
• Ysvelta

Objects

Bundles

• Elixir Bottle
• Green Plant
• Spikeroot Fruit

Dialogue

The Clearing

Upon approaching Tiachren:

Tiachren: This place holds many memories for us. Perhaps I can use those memories to entice Ysvelta back to the Dream.

Tiachren: Look! There she is. My lady is so beautiful. Quickly, before I lose heart.

Nightmare Courtier: Ysvelta said you'd come. She said your love would compel you to find her.

Talking to NPCs:

Tiachren: This was our private garden. Ah, Ysvelta! You still remember. We can save her! Love will find a way.

If she feels the same, you could be right.

You're as wise as you are brave. I can't lose hope.

I understand.

I'm glad you're still optimistic.

Nightmare Courtier 1: Stand aside, sprout! Courtier Ysvelta awaits her true love.

Not on your life.

Nightmare Courtier 2: Welcome, stranger. Mistress Ysvelta waits for Tiachren, but you are also welcome to join nightmare.

I'm not here to join you. I'm here to save Ysvelta.

You speak so passionately, but you don't know. She's already saved—and soon too shall be Tiachren.

You won't touch him. I'll stop you.

Coutier Ysvelta has chosen him as her escort. She will not be denied!

We'll see about that.

I've heard enough. Get away from me!

What are you doing here? (same as "You won't touch him. I'll stop you.")

Not on your life, Courtier.

Nightmare Courtier 3, 4, 5, and 6: We protect the Lady Ysvelta. She and her love will soon be united in nightmare!

We'll see about that.

Cinematic with Ysvelta:

Ysvelta: My love. I knew you would come. Do you remember? This is the clearing where you first said you loved me.

Tiachren: I still bear the shield you gave me that day. I still love you. Please listen to me. I want you by my side again.

Tiachren: The tablet guides us. It bears wisdom, but encourages each Sylvari to decide their own path. It's not evil, and neither is the Mother Tree. You've been deceived.

Ysvelta: Oh, dear heart. The nightmare hasn't deceived me. It has freed me! It can free you, as well. Leave behind Ventari's shackles and take my hand.

Ysvelta: Together we will conquer Astorea, and then the Grove. We will bring nightmare to the Pale Tree herself—and free our people, forever.

<Character name>: Look at her, Tiachren. Nightmare has changed her. Is this really the woman you love?

Tiachren: No. Ysvelta wouldn't say such a thing. You're right. I've truly lost her. There is no return from nightmare. I see that, now.

Ysvelta: No! You can't leave me. You mustn't. I would die for you... and I will kill to have you!

During the battle with Ysvelta:

Nightmare Courtier: Dreams are for the weak!

Ysvelta: You took him from me! I'll kill you!

Nightmare Courtier: For the grand duchess!

Tiachren: Ysvelta, stop. Please, don't do this!

Ysvelta: Creatures of Nightmare! Rise up, show your power!

Ysvelta: My beloved Tiachren. Love me as you once did, and all can be mended between us.

Nightmare Courtier: Nightmare is eternal.

Ysvelta: I will fight to the last beat of my heart.

Tiachren: Ysvelta, stop. Come back to me. Let go of the nightmare.

Ysvelta: Please, Tiachren. Why are you doing this? I love you! I always have... always will...

Cinematic after the battle:

<Character name>: I'm sorry, Tiachren. I hoped that you were right, but in the end, nothing could turn Ysvelta back to the Dream.

Tiachren: I... I can't feel anything but pain and emptiness. I've lost my true love. I don't know what to do.

<Character name>: This isn't your fault. The Nightmare Court took her from you. It blighted her virtue and turned her to an evil path.

<Character name>: Try to remember Ysvelta as she was before all of this. Remember her sweetness. Tell others about her, and let those memories soothe you.

<Character name>: The real Ysvelta loved you. She would be very proud of you for turning away from darkness.

Tiachren: You're right. She would want me to remember us as we were that day in the forest, when we sang beneath the sun.

Tiachren: Thank you for everything. I believe I will stay in the Bower, but first, I would like to speak with the Mother Tree. Perhaps she can ease my mind.

<Character name>: If you don't mind, I'd like to go with you. You shouldn't go alone, not after all you've been through. I'll meet you back at the Grove.

Talking to Tiachren:

Tiachren: My heart is full of grief, my friend. But I am grateful you are here to stand by me in this moment of pain.

Ysvelta had good in her, once. Her love will live on to nurture others in the Dream.

She was my world. I hope others realize that such happiness should be deeply cherished.

They will. Now come with me to the Mother Tree.

To the Mother Tree. Perhaps she can console you.

The Grove

When approaching the Mother Tree:

Avatar of the Tree: Ah, Tiachren. I have seen your memories in the Dream, and I know how much you and Ysvelta loved one another.

Avatar of the Tree: I know you are in pain. Remember that the heart is also a garden. Though burned, it may still bloom again one day.

Tiachren: Thank you. It gives me peace to know that Ysvelta's spirit will live on within the Dream.

Avatar of the Tree: Rest now, gentle Tiachren. Valiant... I wish to speak with you.

Cinematic with the Mother Tree:

Avatar of the Tree: Greetings, my valorous child. Caithe has told me of your deeds. I'm so proud of you.

<Character name>: I'm honored to meet you, Mother Tree. I dreamt of the symbol on Tiachren's shield, and when we met, I knew I had to help him. Is that because of you?

Avatar of the Tree: No, dear heart. I do not control the Dream. I am simply its caretaker.

<Luminary>: The tale of the Knight of the Moon and his beloved will be told in the Grove, to inspire others. Your victory will be remembered.

Avatar of the Tree: An excellent suggestion. Let the lesson be that love itself is not evil, even if others try to make it so.

<Character name>: If I may ask, Mother—in my dream, I also saw a fierce, horrible dragon. I've been told it is my Wyld Hunt to face this monster. Is that true?

Avatar of the Tree: I fear that it is. A Wyld Hunt is a sacred thing, a burden placed by the Dream upon the strongest and the bravest of my children.

Avatar of the Tree: In your Dream, you fought an Elder Dragon face-to-face. Only two of my children have had such a dream. You, and Caithe.

Avatar of the Tree: All sylvari fight the dragon's servants, the undead, but I believe you will face Zhaitan itself. I also believe you will prevail.

<Character name>: I understand, Mother. Thank you.

(Luminary of your cycle)

Aife: Be proud of your victory, Valiant. For now, rest. The new dawn will bring new adventures.

Niamh: Be proud of your victory, Valiant. Until battle comes once more to challenge you, may you be at peace.

Kahedins: Be proud of your victory, Valiant. Spend your leisure in learning and in well-deserved joy.

Malomedies: Be proud of your victory this day, Valiant. But remember: peace is short-lived. You will be needed again—likely, very soon.

After the cinematic:

Avatar of the Tree: Caithe, I wish for the valiant to meet my eldest child.

Caithe: Trahearne has returned from Orr? Mother, is that wise?

Avatar of the Tree: Do not question the Dream. We must all play our parts.

Caithe: Yes, Mother Tree. I will see that it's done.

Talking to the Luminary of your Cycle:

(Cycle of Dawn)

Aife: I am proud of you, Valiant <Character name>. This was a difficult task, but you have proven yourself stalwart.

Can you tell me more about the Pale Tree, please?

The Pale Tree is mother to all sylvari. That golden form is a manifestation of the tree itself.

If she's not sylvari, what is she?

To our knowledge, she is unique in all of Tyria. A truly wondrous creature. She guides us and shepherds the Dream.

We are fortunate to have her. May I ask something else?

Thank you for the information, Firstborn.

What can you tell me about the dragon?

They appeared before sylvari came into the world. The dragons are evil, and wish only destruction.

There's more than one dragon?

Yes. Primordus, Zhaitan, Jormag, Kralkatorrik[sic]...each has awakened, bringing terrible destruction across the world.

We are fortunate to have her. May I ask something else?

We have a lot to do to make Tyria safe. Thank you, Firstborn.

What do we know about Zhaitan, in particular?

He is a rotting shell, an undead dragon, and he sits at the heart of Orr—a dark, cursed land across the sea.

May I ask another question? [sic]

Sounds chilling. Thank you, Firstborn.

What's it like to be firstborn, like you and Caithe?

We constantly grow. I awakened as the sun rose on the first dawn of our race. I am an archer and a traveler, but now I stay here and help others.

Have you traveled to many places?

Oh, yes—Lion's Arch, the Maguuma Wastes, the great desert...the world is wider than you can dream, Valiant.

How wonderful. May I ask another question?

Fascinating. Thank you, Firstborn.

Thank you for answering my questions.

Can you tell me more about the Cycle of the Dawn?

We awakened during the early morning hours. We are diplomats, wanderers, and seekers. You are of our cycle, Valiant.

I'm happy to be a member of the Dawn. May I ask another question?

That explains my urge to travel! Thank you.

What about the other cycles?

Noon, Night and Dusk. They each have their own strengths and interests.

How curious. May I ask another question?

Thanks for the explanation.

Thank you, Firstborn.

(Cycle of Noon)

Niamh: An excellent beginning, Valiant <Character name>. I think you will do very well in Tyria.

Can you tell me more about the Pale Tree, please? (Same as above)

What can you tell me about the dragon? (Same as above)

What's it like to be firstborn, like you and Caithe?

We are always learning. I awakened at the zenith of the first day of our race. I am a warrior and a defender, and I founded the wardens.

I've seen wardens in the Grove. Can you tell me more?

They are honorable friends, protecting the Grove from any who would harm the sylvari or the Pale Tree.

How wonderful. May I ask another question?

Fascinating. Thank you, Firstborn.

Thank you for answering my questions.

Can you tell me more about the Cycle of Noon?

We awakened during the heat of the day. We are adventurers, daredevils and soldiers. You are of our cycle, Valiant.

I'm happy to be a member of the Cycle of Noon. May I ask another question?

That must be why I love exploring! Thank you, Niamh.

What about the other cycles?

Noon[sic], Night, and Dusk. They each have their own strengths and interests.

How curious. May I ask another question?

Thanks for the explanation.

Thank you, Firstborn.

(If Cycle of Dusk)

Kahedins: Excellently done, Valiant <Character name>. I'll be watching your career carefully. I expect great things out of you!

Can you tell me more about the Pale Tree, please? (Same as above)

What can you tell me about the dragon? (Same as above)

What's it like to be firstborn, like you and Caithe?

We are visionaries. I awakened as the sun first set on our race. I am a scholar and an architect, and I shaped the Grove in the shadow of the Pale Tree.

What do you mean, you shaped the Grove?

I am a shaper, someone who grows our houses and roads. I began by shaping the Grove, and have overseen its growth since.

How wonderful. May I ask another question?

Fascinating. Thank you, Firstborn.

Thank you for answering my questions.

Can you tell me more about the Cycle of Dusk?

We awakened during the evening hours. We are artists, crafters, and entertainers. You are of our cycle, Valiant.

I'm happy to be a member of the Dusk. May I ask another question?

I am here to see the beauty in the world. Thank you.

What about the other cycles?

Noon, Night, and Dawn. They each have their own strengths and interests.

How curious. May I ask another question?

Thanks for the explanation.

Thank you, Firstborn.

(Cycle of Night)

Malomedies: You were the fulcrum of great change, <Character name>. You have questions?

Can you tell me more about the Pale Tree, please? (Same as above)

What can you tell me about the dragon? (Same as above)

What's it like to be firstborn, like you and Caithe?

We are always learning. I awakened on the first night of the sylvari race. I am a philosopher, a mathematician, and a watcher of the world.

What do you mean by watcher of the world?

I predict the evolution of events. For example, I see that you will be a force of change in Tyria.

Well, I can't wait for that! May I ask another question?

Fascinating. Thank you, Firstborn.

Thank you for answering my questions.

Can you tell me more about the Cycle of Night?

We awakened during the dark of night. We are mathematicians, scoundrels, and sentinels. You are of our cycle, Valiant.

I'm happy to be a member of the Night. May I ask another question?

That explains why I'm so interested in seeing the world.

What about the other cycles?

Noon, Dawn, and Dusk. They each have their own strengths and interests.

How curious. May I ask another question?

Thanks for the explanation.

Thank you, Firstborn.

Talking to Caithe:

Caithe: You have done well, Valiant. We will make a formidable alliance against Zhaitan someday.

What do you know about Zhaitan?

The undead dragon at the heart of the cursed land of Orr. Only two living creatures have ever seen it: myself and my brother Trahearne.

Can you tell me more about Trahearne?

Another of the firstborn. His Wyld Hunt draws him to Orr as well, though he did not dream of fighting the dragon.

What did he dream about, if not battle?

In his dream, he saw Orr as a beautiful land, once more green and fresh... an impossible task. Dragon corruption cannot be cleansed.

Is there such a thing as an impossible Hunt?

Yes. A hunt you do not survive.

I... see. May I ask you another question?

Chilling. Thank you for the wisdom.

I'll have to think about that. Thank you.

You've seen Zhaitan?

Larger than you can imagine, and ceaselessly hungry. It is death beyond compare. Ask me no more.

I understand. Can I ask about something else?

Thank you for telling me.

Can I meet Trahearne?

Yes. I sent him word of your Dream. He's already on his way to the Grove.

I look forward to it. Thank you.

That's wonderful. I look forward to meeting him. Thank you.

Thank you. That's all I need for now.

Thank you for your confidence in me, Firstborn.

Talking to the Avatar of the Tree:

Avatar of the Tree: I am so very proud of you, my child. This is only the beginning.

Are you really the tree I see all around me?

Indeed, but I have manifested in this form so that you and I may speak.

I am glad to meet you, Mother.

What can you tell me about Zhaitan?

It's a powerful source of evil. You have already fought its undead minions on our shores.

Caithe and I both dreamt of fighting this horror. Will that come to pass?

You are destined to fight for Tyria's future. Zhaitan will be the largest of many obstacles.

May I ask another question?

I will do my best, mother tree.

Did you know that I would end up fighting Ysvelta?

Not exactly. But I knew that you could. That is the inspiration of the Dream.

May I ask another question?

What an interesting perspective. Thank you.

I heard you talking about Trahearne. What else do you know about him?

He is another of my firstborn. His Wyld Hunt, like yours, concerns the land of Orr.

How very interesting. May I ask you something else?

I look forward to meeting him. Thank you.

Thank you, Pale Tree. I am at your service.

My story

“ We tried to save her, but nightmare would not release Ysvelta. Caithe was right—once you've fallen, there is no road back to the Dream. Poor Tiachren was forced to make a tragic decision, and is heartbroken. I will take him to the Mother Tree, to see if she can give him comfort. I spoke with the Pale Tree and told her about Tiachren and Ysvelta. I asked her about the Dream, and she told me that only two sylvari have ever dreamed of facing the dragons head-on—me, and Caithe. I wonder what that means? Nevertheless, the Mother was proud of me, and I look forward to my next adventure. — My story

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Sylvari storyline