The War Council (story)

This article is about the Secrets of the Obscure chapter. For The War Council point of interest, see The War Council.

The War Council is the fourteenth chapter of the Secrets of the Obscure story.

Objectives[edit]

Check in at the war camp.

Head to the Astral War camp.
Speak with Galrath.
Attend the war council.
Check in with Ramses.
Check in with Galrath.
Check with Arina before leaving camp.
Go with Arina to see the new volunteers.

Explore Nayos and aid the efforts to thwart Eparch.

Complete events in Nyedra Surrounds to help Ramses's scouts find Nephus.
Complete events in Inner Nayos to help Ramses find Nephus.
Find Galrath at the forward bivouac.
Locate the ancient artifacts.
Return to Galrath and tell him what you've learned.
Complete events in Nyedra Surrounds as Ramses's scouts locate Nephus.
Complete!

Rewards[edit]

Walkthrough[edit]

At Astral Ward Camp, enter the instance. Join in with your allies and follow the dialogue. Then talk to Ramses and Galrath, and Arina afterwards. Follow her up the camp to find Frode. In the camp behind Major Emund are three Astral Ward Volunteers. Salute them two times for the Salute the Troops achievement. This completes the instance after which you can talk again to Ramses and Galrath for the Knowledge Is Power achievement.

Back in Inner Nayos, do events to fill up the progress bar. Once you're done, Galrath will contact you, asking to meet him near Forward Bivouac Waypoint. Talk to him to unlock the next step in which you will complete the Astral Ward Arsenal achievement.

You need to find four artifacts that are spread over the western part of Inner Nayos. The artifacts are marked as areas on the map and the objects will have a star over them, making them easy to find. Interact with each to progress this step. The final fifth artifact, the Ancient Scroll of Astral Ward Weapons, is sold by the Astral Ward Skirmisher at Astral Ward Camp for 150 .

Finally, you will have to complete 6 events in Nyedra Surrounds to fill the progress bar. Ramses will contact you afterwards.

Achievements[edit]

Astral Ward Arsenal

The Realm of Dreams

1

Find all the ancient artifacts in Nyedra Surrounds to learn new weapon proficiencies.
Players can also unlock this achievement by purchasing the artifacts in WvW from the Heroics Notary vendor.Journal: The War Council

Objectives: 5 objectives in total

Mysterious Tablet

Ancient Scroll

Ancient Tome

Shattered Kryptis Carapace

Ancient Scroll of Astral Ward Weapons

Found 5 Ancient Artifacts

1

This achievement is completed as part of the story steps at Inner Nayos.

Salute the Troops	The Realm of Dreams	1
Salute Major Emund and the troops at the campfire.Journal: The War Council	Saluted 2 Allies	1

Go to the upper plateau to find two Astral Ward members and Major Emund and /salute them at any time during the instance.
You will find them as you follow Arina to the upper plateau to the left of the stairs during the story.

Knowledge Is Power	The Realm of Dreams	1
Speak with Ramses and Galrath to learn more about the situation.Journal: The War Council	Had 5 Optional Conversations with Ramses and Galrath	1

After meeting the volunteers, go back down to the camp to speak to Galrath & Ramses.
- Galrath has 2 additional dialogue options.
- Ramses has 3 additional dialogue options.

The War Council	The Realm of Dreams	1 1
Meet with your allies and venture further into Nayos.Journal: The War Council	Completed The War Council	1

Complete the story instance.

NPCs[edit]

Allies[edit]

Demons

Norn

Undead

Galrath the Undying

Various

Foes[edit]

Open world demons

Dialogue[edit]

Upon activating the story: Peitha: Oh, Wayfinder, I've missed our little talks.; <Character name>: I'm certain of that. How are things on the front lines?; Peitha: The moment of opportunity has revealed itself, but there is much to be done before we can seize it.; Peitha: One of Isgarren's pets has found his way here, and he only seems interested in hearing from you.; Peitha: We are gathered at the war camp. Don't keep us waiting, dear.

Astral War Camp instance[edit]

Upon talking to Galrath the Undying: Galrath the Undying: Wayfinder.; <Character name>: Galrath. Didn't expect to see you here.; Galrath the Undying: Didn't expect to be here. But someone has to keep an eye on this mess for Isgarren, and it fell to me.; <Character name>: He still has his doubts, then?; Galrath the Undying: Plenty. But you'll get to plead your case.; Galrath the Undying: Let's get to it.

Attending the war council: Ramses: Ah, the last of our ensemble arrives. Good. There is much to cover, and our window will close if we don't move quickly.

Peitha: What questions do you have, Wayfinder?

What's the situation?

<Character name>: What's the situation?

Arina: The first barrier has fallen, so we can breach farther into their defenses to gain more ground.

Arina: But more ground means more to cover, and we're stretched thin as it is. One way or another, we need more soldiers.

Arina: Once we have them, we'll be able to pressure their last lines of defense as we prepare for an assault on the citadel.

I need a minute first.

Peitha: What questions do you have, Wayfinder?

Can we get the Astral Ward's full support?

<Character name>: Can we get the Astral Ward's full support?

Galrath the Undying: Isgarren's answer is no. We're still recovering from the Kryptis attack, and this is not our battle.

Ramses: What happens here will affect Tyria.

Galrath the Undying: That's why Isgarren has been kind enough to allow the volunteers to support you.

Galrath the Undying: If you want the full backing of the Astral Ward, prove to us that Peitha can prevent the Kryptis from being a threat to Tyria.

Ramses: Peitha has already proved herself to—

Peitha: Calm now, Ramses. He will get the proof he desires in time.

What about the local Kryptis?

<Character name>: What about the local Kryptis?

Peitha: Eparch's hold on this world is more tenuous than it may appear.

Peitha: My people fear him, but there are limits to the control that fear grants.

Peitha: What we need is someone that they respect, someone they will follow, even against Eparch.

Ramses: You mean General Nephus.

I need a minute first.

Peitha: What questions do you have, Wayfinder?

Who is Nephus?

<Character name>: Who is Nephus?

Ramses: Eparch's former second-in-command. He has always been the more respected of the two, which is why he's still alive.

Ramses: Eparch has kept him quiet and contained, but he can't kill him; Nephus commands too much loyalty from the soldiers.

Peitha: Where he goes, the masses will follow. It's time we track the old general down.

Peitha: This may take some time, but the war has widened, and there is need for your talents elsewhere on the battlefield.

Peitha: Gather what information you can as you assist our forces in the fight. Once he is found, I will have use for you again.

I need a minute first.

Checking in with Ramses

We have an opportunity in front of us, Wayfinder. We'd best do what we can to squeeze every drop from it.

What can you tell me about Nephus?

<Character name>: What can you tell me about Nephus?

Ramses: I served under him myself for a long time. A brilliant strategist, a peerless warrior, and a noble leader.

Ramses: Those things made him a liability to our gluttonous king. He couldn't be trusted to follow the more...gruesome orders.

Ramses: Nephus commands too much respect to be simply disposed of, so instead Eparch forced him into retirement.

Ramses: But he is watched closely. Eparch knows that any movement with the general involved would be a real threat.

That's all for now.

Checking in with Galrath

They took that better than I expected. Still, it looks like you're gonna ask me something. Go on, then. Out with it.

What is Isgarren's plan if we fail?

<Character name>: What is Isgarren's plan if we fail?

Galrath the Undying: The total destruction of Nayos and the Kryptis, most likely. It's what I advised in the first place.

Galrath the Undying: We have no reason to believe they can be peaceful, and the risk if you're wrong is the destruction of Tyria.

Galrath the Undying: Better to not take that risk. You have too much faith in them—far more than they've earned.

Galrath the Undying: But like I said, you've got your chance to prove me wrong. Better get to it.

Galrath the Undying: One last thing, Wayfinder. Isgarren is still allowing volunteers to join you here. The next group will be arriving soon.

Galrath the Undying: They're here because they believe in you, not Peitha. Don't waste their lives.

Nothing at the moment.

Checking with Arina

I expected that Isgarren wouldn't want to commit more resources here. Still, at least we have a chance to prove ourselves now.

Aren't you eager to get back to Tyria?

<Character name>: Aren't you eager to get back to Tyria now that the gate is open?

Arina: Of course. But I need to make sure that Tyria will have a future, and that means finishing this first.

Arina: The front line is where I belong, where I can do the most good. I'll leave when the war is over.

Arina: Besides, Ramses and Peitha saved my life. As long as they need my help, I have an obligation to offer it.

Will Peitha's plan to convince the Kryptis actually work?

<Character name>: Will Peitha's plan to convince the Kryptis actually work?

Arina: I don't know. Has so far. The Kryptis here have been beaten down for centuries. They must want change.

Arina: Fear can only keep people under your thumb for so long, especially when you start killing them indiscriminately.

Arina: Living under Eparch may actually be a fate worse than death. At least with us, they have a chance to survive.

I'll let you get back to it.

After asking Arina the two questions: Hey, before you go, would you make an appearance for our new volunteers? You're pretty popular, you know.; I'd be honored.

Reaching the upper camp area: Major Emund: Look alive, soldiers! The wayfinder approaches.; Major Emund salutes <Character name>.; Astral Ward Mage salutes <Character name>.; Astral Ward Mage salutes <Character name>.; Frode: I've got a fresh batch of volunteers for you, ready to face the demon hordes.; <Character name>: Frode! You're an unexpected sight.; Frode: There's battles to be fought, Wayfinder. I may be getting older, but I still never retreat.; Frode: Besides, I needed to check in with our forward group, see how they were handling it.; Frode: Triage is in order, the troops are looking disciplined, and you've secured a solid foothold in the area.; Frode: You've done an excellent job here, solider. Couldn't have done it better myself.; Arina: Thank you, Warden.; <Character name>: Well, I need to get out into the field, but I'm sure Arina will be happy to get you up to speed.; Arina: Of course, Wayfinder.; Frode: I knew this place couldn't beat you. Too much of your mother in you for that.

Talking to Ramses again after the instance is completed

Is there more you would ask of me, Wayfinder?

Has it been difficult to convince the Kryptis to change sides?

<Character name>: Has it been difficult to convince the Kryptis to change sides?

Ramses: A mighty struggle, yes. Understand, it is not because the majority are loyal to the tyrant; they are not.

Ramses: The problem is one of fear, of terror. They have seen what happens to those who cross him.

Ramses: They don't yet believe we can protect them from his ravenous appetites.

Ramses: That's why we must show them that loyalty to Eparch is no shield from his capriciousness. He will gladly devour his own.

Do you believe that Peitha can keep Nayos peaceful?

<Character name>: Do you believe that Peitha can keep Nayos peaceful?

Ramses: I believe in her quest for a new Nayos, yes, or I would not have pledged my horns to her.

Ramses: Ah, but can the Kryptis accept peace at all? That's a more heady question, isn't it?

Ramses: Eparch has ruled this place since your world was young. This is the only order the Kryptis have ever known.

Ramses: I believe a better path exists, but it has to be discovered, and then we have to travel down it. That will take time.

Who else besides Nephus do we need to account for?

<Character name>: Who else besides Nephus do we need to account for?

Ramses: Eparch has a few other generals he can still call on, and all of them are vicious creatures in their own right.

Ramses: We've heard talk that Queen Labris might be slithering out of the citadel, which would be...a significant escalation.

Ramses: There are also the twin generals, Alkaeus and Zantharon, but Eparch likes to keep them close for his own comfort.

Ramses: Let us hope it stays that way. I have seen the horrors they are capable of when their reins are removed.

That's all I had.

Talking to Galrath again after the instance is completed

Inner Nayos[edit]

Reaching 50% progress by completing events in Inner Nayos: Arina: These reinforcements are just what we needed. Think what we could do with the whole ward.; Arina: We think we've found Nephus, but we need to scout the area first. Draw their attention away for a bit longer.

Upon reaching 100% progress by completing events in Inner Nayos: Galrath the Undying: Wayfinder, I need your help with something. Come find me so we can get to work.

Talking to Galrath the Undying near Forward Bivouac Waypoint: Galrath the Undying: Ah, Wayfinder, good. Right on time.; <Character name>: What is it?; Galrath the Undying: I've learned that there are a number of scrolls and tables here that describe ancient fighting techniques.; Galrath the Undying: Might not add up to much, but if they're any good, it would be wise to add them to the ward's arsenal.; Galrath the Undying: I've got some scouting reports about where they might be, but I need to keep monitoring things here for Isgarren.

Reading the Mysterious Tablet at the forward bivouac

Ancient Nayosian Tablet

The tablet is marked with symbols you don't recognize. Scratches and circles defy your attempts to comprehend them. However, there are also diagrams of what appear to be weapons, showing their use in ways you've never seen before.

Reading the Ancient Scroll near the Defiled Cradle

Delicate Scroll

Judging by the fragile nature of the parchment, this scroll must be ancient in origin. The language is unknown and only legible via the Heart of the Obscure, though you do recognize symbols associated with Janthir.

The magic of this world courses with the power of our people, and this power can be turned against those who would defy us. When we march to war, the land comes with us, our home forever in our arsenal. Woe to those who would block our path, for they will face not just sword and claw, but the very essence of Nayos itself. Where we go, they will kneel. As it must be.

Touching the Shattered Kryptis Carapace in The Old Settlement

Visions of the Disquiet

As you pick up the piece of carapace, a flood of sensations fills your mind.

Purple flames rising. Scraping of sinew and bone. A banner of flesh on the horizon.

You have no idea what the Astral Ward will be able to make of this, but hopefully they can learn something from it.

Reading the Ancient Tome south-west of Isolated Grasslands

Lost Tyrian Tome

The ink in the book has almost faded completely, and the battle it's describing has been lost to time, but the language is distinctly Tyrian. This must have found its way to Nayos eons ago. Perhaps the Astral Ward will be able to restore it.

We funneled them down into the valley, where the small remainder of our soldiers waited, shields raised. Against the flood of their army, the might of their weapons, how could we hope to win? Such was their belief, and it was only as the rocks came tumbling down upon them that they realized the land has weapons too.

Talking to Galrath: Galrath the Undying: Back already? Easy to see why you always get picked for these kinds of things.; Galrath the Undying: I'll have these sent back for translation and study. With any luck, we'll be able to start training with them soon.; Galrath the Undying: If you want to start experimenting with these techniques before then, be my guest.; Ramses: Unsettling news, Wayfinder. Our scouts report that they are being shadowed. Their eyes are upon us now.; Ramses: We must move quickly if we are to beat the spider to our fly.

Once reaching 100% progress by completing events in Nyedra Surrounds: Ramses: The hour is at hand. We have found the general, and Peitha is on her way there now.; Ramses: Meet us at the outskirts of town. I sense there will be more obstacles in our path before we are finished.

My story[edit]

“

The wall of toxic fog blocking the path beyond Heitor's Gate dissipated. The plan can now move forward.
Peitha called on me to attend a war council and meet with "one of Isgarren's pets" at the Astral Ward's camp in Inner Nayos. The mysterious animal turned out to be Galrath, and as Peitha's war council began, he barked—Isgarren had refused to offer the full support of the Astral Ward in their war against Eparch. Ramses protested, but Galrath reiterated that the ward was still recovering from the Kryptis attack on Amnytas and that Peitha's battle was not the ward's battle. However, the wizard would allow for volunteers to join Peitha at their discretion. With further proof of Peitha's ability to keep the Kryptis out of Tyria, Isgarren could be persuaded to offer the Astral Ward's full support.
Peitha put a stop to the squabbling and divulged her plans for overthrowing Eparch. To do so, she needed to locate and persuade a powerful tactician, a hero of the Kryptis, to join her side: General Nephus.
Formerly Eparch's second-in-command, Nephus protested the manner in which Eparch and his queen, Labris, ruled over their people. As a former general and leader of his people, Nephus commanded too much respect and loyalty to warrant execution. Instead, he had been held in exile, living among the commoners of Inner Nayos. As Peitha saw it, convincing Nephus to join her cause could inspire the masses to follow in rebellion against the Midnight King. But we had to strike before Eparch or Labris could react.
With the plan in place, I accompanied Arina to meet with some of the new Astral Ward volunteers. As we approached, I recognized Major Emund, who gathered the troops to attention. Unexpectedly, it was Frode who led them. He had reunited with his daughter, Arina. They'd been apart since I'd first spied on her camp outside Lion's Arch, before my initial encounter with Cerus. It all seemed like a distant memory, back when I'd first learned about the Wizard's Tower and the Astral Ward.
They kept their reunion professional in front of the troops. Sensing their emotion, I ended our conversation to give them a moment to catch up in private, however brief. It would soon be time to put Peitha's plan into action and journey deeper into Inner Nayos.
***
I struck out into the wilds of Nyedra Surrounds, carving a path through Eparch's loyalists and creating diversions while Ramses's scouts tracked down General Nephus. During my mission, Galrath unexpectedly contacted me, requesting to speak at the forward bivouac.
He told me about the existence of ancient artifacts that describe forgotten fighting techniques. Galrath believed these could be useful in fighting the Kryptis as part of the ward's arsenal, so he proposed that I track them down.
I scoured the Nyedra Surrounds, eventually gathering all the ancient artifacts. Returning them to Galrath, I was given his blessing to experiment with the new fighting techniques they described. Whether I'd earned additional goodwill toward convincing him and Isgarren to commit the Astral Ward into fighting the war remains to be seen.
With these ancient fighting techniques added to my arsenal, I continued to battle loyalist forces in the area.
Eventually, Ramses contacted me; his scouts had located the elusive General Nephus somewhere in Nyedra itself. We need to get to him before loyalists overrun Inner Nayos.

— My story

Secrets of the Obscure storyline

Act 1	Prologue: Uncertain Times → Commander without a Cause → Hell Breaks Loose → Mother of Stars
Act 2	Voices beyond the Veil → The Missing Facet → Tower of Secrets → Mabon's Fate
Act 3	Into the Obscure → The World Spire → Treachery
Through the Veil	Duress → The Survivors → Heitor's Gate
The Realm of Dreams	The War Council → Forced Hand → Eventide's March
The Midnight King	Desperate Measures → The Eleventh Hour → Sovereign of Nayos
← Previous: End of Dragons Next: Janthir Wilds →

The War Council (story)

Contents

Objectives[edit]

Rewards[edit]

Walkthrough[edit]

Achievements[edit]

NPCs[edit]

Allies[edit]

Foes[edit]

Dialogue[edit]

Astral War Camp instance[edit]

Inner Nayos[edit]

My story[edit]

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