Trouble at the Roots
Trouble at the Roots
- Year
- 1325 AE
- Storyline
- Personal story
- Chapter
- Justice for Riannoc
- Location
- Guardian's Pass
(Gendarran Fields) - Level
- 30
- Race
- Sylvari
- Preceded by
- The Blossom of Youth
Secrets in the Earth - Followed by
- Dead of Winter
A Tangle of Weeds
Flower of Death - API
- 241
Loading screen at Overlake Haven |
Trouble at the Roots is a part of the Sylvari personal story for characters who chose Cai's (Order of Whispers) plan during Secrets in the Earth or The Blossom of Youth.
Objectives[edit]
Ensure Waine's downfall, and retrieve the sword Caladbolg.
- Speak with Cai at the pit-fighting competition.
- Bribe the Seraph captain.
- Trick Waine into drinking the drugged alcohol.
- Watch Waine's first bout.
- Check in with Cai.
- Replace the Waine-biased announcer.
- Complete Cai's Antidote at the nearby springs.
- Get Waine back to the tournament grounds.
- Return to the pit announcer.
- Survive Waine's Final tournament bout.
- Secure the sword known as Caladbolg.
Report back to the Grove.
- Speak with the Pale Tree.
- Join an Order of Tyria, and carry out their plan.
Rewards[edit]
Click here to edit the reward data
- All professions
- Bag of Loot (3)
- Profession-specific
- One of the following: Vigorous Iron Hammer, Rejuvenating Iron Mace, Honed Iron Greatsword
- One of the following: Vigorous Iron Hammer, Rejuvenating Iron Mace, Rejuvenating Simple Staff
- One of the following: Honed Iron Greatsword, Vigorous Iron Hammer, Honed Iron Rifle
- One of the following: Ravaging Iron Pistol, Honed Iron Rifle, Hearty Iron Shield
- One of the following: Honed Iron Greatsword, Hunter's Journeymen Longbow, Ravaging Simple Short Bow
- One of the following: Ravaging Iron Sword, Ravaging Simple Short Bow, Ravaging Iron Pistol
- One of the following: Ravaging Iron Dagger, Ravaging Simple Scepter, Rejuvenating Simple Staff
- One of the following: Honed Iron Greatsword, Rejuvenating Simple Staff, Ravaging Iron Sword
- One of the following: Ravaging Simple Scepter, Ravaging Iron Dagger, Rejuvenating Simple Staff
Walkthrough[edit]
Speak with Cai to trigger a cinematic, she explains that you need to get Waine drunk, bribe a sergeant to disrupt the fight, and replace the commentator.
Start by spiking the ale, then speak with Waine and give him the spiked drink. Then find the sergeant and bribe him. Return to Cai to trigger the first fight. Afterwards, speak with the announcer to convince him to retire. Following that, speak with Elli to ensure that she becomes the new announcer. Finally, fetch Waine from the cave - fight off the Warg phantasms on the way back, and encourage Waine to return to the ring.
Everything goes a bit nuts in the fight at this stage, with archers firing into the ring, Dredge appearing out of the ground, spontaneous combustion of the area, things turning into moas... Try to stay alive while the hallucinogenics are still having an effect on you, after about a minute or so you will blackout and it will be the morning after. Retrieve Caladbolg from Waine's corpse to end this segment of the mission.
Back in the Omphalos Chamber, you have to choose how to deal with Mazdak. With this decision you will permanently join one of the orders.
- Cai — Order of Whispers — Deceive the Centaurs and Risen to decimate each other. Leads to A Tangle of Weeds
- Branthyn — The Vigil — Command the order troops in an assault. Leads to Flower of Death
- Iowerth — Durmand Priory — Rig the tomb set traps. Leads to Dead of Winter
NPCs[edit]
Allies[edit]
- Various
Foes[edit]
Dialogue[edit]
Guardian's Pass[edit]
Cai beckons to <character name>.
Speaking with various NPCs before talking to Cai:
- Elderly Commentator: Waine! Waine the undefeated! I've been looking forward to this bout for days!
- So, you'll be doing the announcing?
- Darn tootin' I will be! I wouldn't let Waine down...and he won't let my moneybag down. Heh!
- We'll see about that.
- Hmm.
- Mercenary: Have you seen Waine's sword? It's got some sort of crazy magic on it. The thing's powerful! Oh, why did I agree to this?
- Just do your best.
- Thraex the Vicious: What're you looking at, shrub? Get out of my way. I'm going to bring the fury!
- Good luck!
- Villager: OoOOoo, all this fighting makes quaggan want to play, too!
- {dialogue icon|exit}} I'm sure you'd do great, little buddy.
Cinematic after speaking with Cai:
- Cai: Hey there, Herald. Ready to have a little fun at this villain's expense?
- <Character name>: I have no pity for Waine. He stole Riannoc's sword and fled, leaving the firstborn to die. He deserves the worst we can throw at him.
- Cai: I like that attitude! We're putting a lot of pieces in motion, so let me explain the setup.
- Cai: First, we replace the pitmaster with someone that doesn't like Waine, so all his fights will be hard ones.
- Cai: Second, we bribe a Seraph sergeant to have a few archery "misfires" into the pit during Waine's tournament rounds.
- Cai: Lastly, we spike Waine's drink so his reflexes are impaired during the fight. If all that doesn't take him down, I don't know what will!
- <Character name>: You're tremendously thorough. Are all Order of Whispers agents like that?
- Cai: Yes. We have to be. The Order of Whispers is the oldest organization in Tyria. We've known about the dragons the longest, but we've managed to survive.
- Cai: That's because we're cunning. You'd fit in very well. If you ever decide you'd like to join, I could put in a good word.
- <Character name>: I'll remember that—after we swipe the sword.
- Cai: You've got it. Now, c'mon, let's sow some chaos and get home before anyone knows we were here.
Speaking with Cai afterwards:
- Cai: Do you need a refresher on our exciting schemes?
- What am I spiking Waine's drink with?
- A potion we use to help new mesmers reach a trance state to practice magic. It'll make him dizzy and disorientated.
- Good. He'll be barely functional.
- Tell me more about the Seraph sergeant?
- Giles is scum. Put a few coins in his palm, and he'll tell those archers to have some inconvenient "target practice."
- Sounds good.
- What's wrong with the commentator?
- That old cuss is terribly human-biased. If we leave him in there, Waine'll get easy fights.
- Okay. I'll see what I can do.
- I'm on it. Ready to go!
Passing a villager and his child:
- Child: Daddy, look! Walking ferns!
- Villager: Hey now, it's rude to stare. Now watch the fighters and let daddy drink his beer.
Interfering with the ale bull:
- Ale-Carrying Bull: Several mugs and beer dispensers hang at the pack bull's sides.
- (dialogue option only available while holding the Spore Sack)
- Take and fill a mug, then spike it with the spores.
- The pack bull eyes you suspiciously.
- Pat the pack bull reassuringly.
- Leave the animal alone.
- Leave the animal alone.
Talking to Waine:
- Waine: Gods, but I'm parched. What are you doing here, you dirty plant? Get out of my way.
- (dialogue options only available while holding the Spiked Beer Stein)
- Perhaps a drink would settle your nerves?
- A plant. A walking, talking, plant. I don't like your kind, sylvari.
- And I don't like yours. Good luck in the tourney.
- Thanks. Now, leave me to prepare in peace.
- Peace? I'll bet a drink would settle those nerves.
- Don't move, I'll be back.
What did you call me?
- Maybe I can change your mind with a bit of good will.
Cinematic after offering Waine a drink:
- <Character name>: So, you're Waine? I've heard of you. You're a famous gladiator from Lion's Arch. Let me buy you a drink to celebrate your upcoming victory.
- Waine: Nah. I don't drink before a fight without a good reason, and I don't drink alone.
- <Character name>: Er... well, that's all right. I'll share one with you. Come one, just this once? What's the harm?
- Waine: Well, I suppose. Not like you twigs are any threat, after all. Bottoms up!
Speaking to Sergeant Giles:
- Sergeant Giles: What can I help you with?
- Actually, maybe I can help you. With some gold...
- Help me? Hmph. What are you thinking? (only the option(s) for your current psychology will be available)
- charr. Be a sweetling and help my wager come true? (Charming)
- Just leave it to me and the archers. We'll come up with a nice tide-turner for you.
- Lovely.
I bet on that scary - Waine's a liar and a cheat. I'd like some wrong done to him.
- A cheat, is he? Well, we can't have that. I'll take your gold, and he'll take an arrow in the foot. Deal?
- Fantastic.
Waine's a liar and a cheat. I'd like some wrong done to him. (Militant)
- My friend's in love, but Waine won't leave her alone. He needs a lesson. (Honorable)
- My friend's in love, but Waine won't leave her alone. He needs a lesson. (Militant)
- Now that's just not right! My own wife left me for a pit fighter. I'll give him some pain for you, I will.
- Excellent.
My friend's in love, but Waine won't leave her alone. He needs a lesson. (Noble)
- Let me think a moment.
- Nothing, sir. Moving along now.
After the cinematic:
- Cai: Psst, over here! The fight's about to start. I saved you a good standing place.
- (Cai beckons to <Character name>.)
Speaking with Cai:
- Cai: Now, this is exciting. Go join the commentator on the platform. You wouldn't want to miss anything.
- Whee...
- Elderly Commentator: Go on, then.
- Waine: Wargs? Is this some kind of cruel joke?
- Elderly Commentator: Good old Waine. Waine the undefeated! That boy's all right by me.
Talking to Cai:
- Cai: Well done so far! Waine looked tremendously disoriented. It's a shame the archers aren't as accurate as they are greedy.
- The warg attack worked out, too. They must've been drawn to the blood.
- Oh, dear. I didn't see any wargs. Did you drink some of Waine's drug? You must've been hallucinating.
- Waine saw the wargs, too. How's that possible?
- Now that you mention it...is that an iguana over there? (Same response as "Ugh. Is there an antidote?")
Observers:
- Villager (charr): Why'd I bet on that runt? I should have known Waine would win!
- Villager (norn): Waine always wins. I told you that three bouts ago.
- Villager (charr): Yeah, you're right. I'm just a sucker for the underdog.
Speaking with Cai again:
- Cai: Better get yourself cleaned up, <Character name>, and don't forget to replace the commentator!
- Remind me about the commentator plan?
- Play on his insecurity and he'll step down. Then, get the asura Elli to replace him, and Waine gets harder fights.
- I'll see what I can do.
- These hallucinations are crazy. Am I going to die?
- No, silly. It'll eventually work its way out of your system. It just...takes a while.
- Glad I won't be fighting anything!
- On my way.
Talking to Elderly Commentator:
- Elderly Commentator: Blast it all! I can barely hear my own voice. Victory to Waine! To Waine, I say!
- Truly, my throat has seen fresher days. Say, is that an ale-carrier bull by the tents? It might have just the thing.
- Don't worry. I'll find a worthy replacement for you.
Maybe a bit of ale will refresh your voice.
- Some kind of bully, you are! Gods preserve me in my old age. I need a drink...
- I've got a stand-in. All you need do is step aside.
Your eyes are worse than your voice. Give it up and step down.
- [sic] of gold for you, if you let me find a new announcer.
- A bribe? Why, I'd never—My word, that is a lot of coin. Right! Victory to ale!
- Good choice.
I have bag - Right. Victory to...meh.
After convincing the commentator to step down:
- Elderly Commentator: I'm too old for this drivel.
Speaking with Elli:
- Elli: Cogs and grumblecakes! That old coot has no fire. No gusto! Even my generous ears can't hear his mumblings.
- We need a new announcer. Interested?
- You bet I am! I've been dying for someone to ask. I'll set up my commentator hologram!
- Up and at 'em.
- Your what?
- Commentator hologram. It was my Snaff Prize project at school in Rata Sum. A perfect duplicate of myself, but ten times louder.
- Aha!
- Who are you complaining about?
- That bookah across the pit always babbles about Waine. "Ohhh Waine, I love you Waine, kill them all Waine." Pah!
- We need a new announcer. Interested? only if you already spoke to Elderly Commentator
- I bet I can persuade him to step down. Hang on.
- He is something of a drag, isn't he?
Talking to Elli again:
- Elli: When that bookah Waine gets his tiny head back here, we can start this thing—Elli style!
- "Elli style"?
- Loud and raucous! Color commentary like a rainbow anvil falling right on your head. Wait'll you see my hologram in action.
- A hologram?
- A magical construction of light emitted by this device on my belt. It projects my voice and mimics everything I do.
- Very clever. Good luck!
- I'm ready. I think.
- That's what I like to hear!
Talking to Waine:
- Waine: Hey, plant! Hey, plant! Did you see them?
- See them? See what?
- Did you see the wargs? Where did they come from?
- The wargs! The wargs? I don't see any... By the Tree—wargs!
- I knew it! I knew I wasn't crazy!
- Here, drink this. It'll help.
Approaching Thraex:
- Waine: I don't know where the organizers found you, charr, but you're going down all the same!
- Thraex the Vicious: The last guy who talked to me found himself talking out of his stomach. If you know what I mean.
- Villager: Whoa, that big charr is a scary beast. I hope the new commentator takes bets!
- Villager: Why do you do this to yourself? You'll lose that coin as soon as Waine gets in the ring.
- Villager: Maybe you're right...but I'll bet anyway. What's the harm in hoping?
As the fight begins:
- Elli's Hologram: Welcome, young and old, asura and charr, sylvari and...quaggan? Really? We have a quaggan? Huh.
- Elli's Hologram: Welcome, one and all, to an afternoon of extravagant face-punching!
- Elli's Hologram: On one side of the pit, we have our undefeated champ, Waine. On the other side, Thraex the Vicious!
- Elli's Hologram: How vicious is she? Why, she's so vicious, she'd throw a drowning man both ends of the rope!
- Elli's Hologram: She's so vicious, if you kicked her in the heart, you'd break your toe!
- Elli's Hologram: She's so vicious... What? All right, all right, fine. Let's see some carnage!
- Elli's Hologram: What a surprise! Like fire from the mists, a surprise volley has tippy-tapped their heads. Awww.
- Waine: Wh-what's going on? Oozes! Get them off!
- Elli's Hologram: The bookah's still fighting! Is this a hall-ooze-ination?
- Waine: Back off dredge! You won't take me alive!
After the cinematic depicting the entire arena being engulfed in flame and chaos ends:
- Cai: Ah, there you are, bright eyes. C'mon. The sword's waiting.
- (Cai kneels.)
- Cai: A shame you missed the fight. It was quite exciting, though I suppose you had other things on your mind...
- What happened? Where'd everyone go?
- Waine was defeated by Thraex, and a riot broke out among the betting folk. Elli calmed them down with threats via her hologram.
- Elli? Huh. Do you think her hologram magic would be useful?
- With a little help, she could utilize those holograms very effectively. For more than just tournament announcing.
- What happened to Waine? I'm surprised no one took the sword.
- I think I see how the Order of Whispers operates. Nice.
- What happened to Waine? I'm surprised no one took the sword.
- Waine fell like a rock. I didn't let anyone take the sword, though. Told them it was cursed, and the superstitious lot fled.
- Sneaky. And after today, they have every reason to believe that's true.
- Nicely done. Let's get Caladbolg back to the Pale Tree.
- That's one way to put it.
- Elderly Commentator: Oh, Waine, Waine, Waine! Why did you lose your mind...and my money? Why? Bah!
- Better luck next time.
- Elli: What an amazing fight. I love this job!
- You're really something. it was good to meet you.
- Thanks for getting me this opportunity to show my stuff. It was fun!
- You'll go far. Good luck!
- Glad to hear.
- Sergeant Giles: Gods, I have no idea what happened last night. That fighter is dead. I didn't think anyone would die.
- Yeah, you're right. I'll pull myself together. We need to be in top shape to defend against the centaurs.
- Chin up, Giles.
These things happen during pit fights. Unfortunate, but true.
- You're right. He went round the bend there, at the last. It was a mercy killing.
- Exactly. Get yourself together, Giles.
Waine was babbling about oozes and dredge. He went insane. It wasn't your fault.
- I hope not. It's not the legal issues, it's...maybe I need to stop watching the fights.
- You have a soft heart, Giles. Be kind to yourself.
No one will blame you for what happened. You have my word.
- Try not to think about it. See ya.
Moving towards Caladbolg, with Whispers Agents appearing out of nowhere:
- Cai: Here's an idea! I'll grab that big mudgy sword for you.
After retrieving Caladbolg (cinematic):
- Cai: Fantastic! It worked! I thought we had no chance.
- <Character name>: Hang on. Cai? What happened? Where'd the dredge go?
- Cai: Dredge... right... wow, that stuff was strong. Don't worry. The good guys won, Waine fell over like a chump, and we've got Caladbolg.
- <Character name>: But... the oozes! The oozes! And the dredge!
- Cai: Hoo, boy. We'd better get out of here, before you start calling me Queen Jennah and thanking me for the tea.
The Omphalos Chamber[edit]
Upon entering the Omphalos Chamber:
- Branthyn: Waine is not the only villain in this tale. We must bring down Mazdak.
- Cai: Killing a lich is no easy matter. It will require significant planning.
- Iowerth: Every creature has a weakness. Even Mazdak. If we have the knowledge, we will know where to strike.
- Trahearne: Welcome, Herald. Join our circle—there is much to explain.
Cinematic with the Pale Tree:
- Avatar of the Tree: Greetings, my courageous Herald. I have heard news of your victory. Caladbolg is returned, at last.
- <Character name>: It was difficult, but worth it. Waine's been punished at last.
- Iowerth: Herald, my research at the Priory proved fruitful. I know where Mazdak the Accursed was buried, and I believe I know his next target.
- Iowerth: He's planning to attack a human town known as the "Ascalon Settlement." If we don't stop him, he'll wipe them out.
- <Character name>: He's attacking Ascalon Settlement? They're a peaceful area—they have very few defenses. We've got to stop Mazdak!
- Branthyn: We have the soldiers. If the Pale Tree would allow Caladbolg to be borne into battle, the Vigil can destroy Mazdak. All it takes is firepower, courage, and a direct assault.
- Cai: You always think in a straight line! Look, Mazdak's forces will have to move through the centaur tribes to get to Ascalon Settlement.
- Cai: Why not turn them against each other and take down two birds with one stone? The Order of Whispers could do that easily.
- Iowerth: I know where Mazdak was buried. The Priory could explore his tomb, get past the traps, and find a way to destroy the lich while he slumbers. It's the logical approach.
- Caithe: This lich must be destroyed. For Riannoc. For Tyria.
- Caithe: Listen to me. The orders wish you to join them. If you do, they will lend you strength. With their backing, we can defeat Mazdak.
- Caithe: It is your destiny to fight Zhaitan. Joining an order will help you achieve that goal. Choose wisely.
- Avatar of the Tree: Herald, I place Caladbolg in your care. Choose how to defeat Mazdak, and know that the hopes of the Grove go with you.
- Avatar of the Tree: My brave Herald, it is time for you to defeat Mazdak the Accursed, and begin the journey of your Wyld Hunt.
- Which order should I pick, Mother?
- Fear not. I know you will choose wisely. All three are capable; all three have great respect for you.
- Thank you for your trust, Mother.
- I'll see the lich destroyed and Riannoc's spirit at rest. I swear it.
- Branthyn: My friend, you must join the Vigil. With you among our ranks, we will finally be able to defeat the dragons. I can feel it!
- You're so enthusiastic! Tell me, what's the Vigil's plan for Mazdak?
- A heavy force of soldiers meets the lich and his Risen head-on. It will take strategy, and courage, but it will be glorious.
- And where do I fit in?
- You know the most about Mazdak, so you'll command the troops. What do you say?
- Earnest battle suits me best. I'm ready to join the Vigil.
- I need a moment to think.
- Can you tell me more about the Vigil?
- The Vigil is a military organization. Honor, duty, loyalty—and protection of the people of Tyria. Come, stand with us.
- It sounds very noble. But how will the Vigil deal with Mazdak? (Same as "You're so enthusiastic! Tell me, what's the Vigil's plan for Mazdak?" above)
- Let me get back to you on that.
- Cai: The Order of Whispers could use another cunning agent, ready to fight the darkness. Will you join us?
- I'm interested, but first—what about Mazdak?
- With a little blackmail, we can have the settlement evacuated. It will only take a small push to get the local centaurs to take over.
- How does that help us?
- Centaurs are tough, vicious fighters. When Mazdak's undead come, we let the two forces decimate each other—and take on the lich ourselves.
- Then give the humans back the settlement? Clever. Count me in.
- I need to think about this for awhile.
- Can you tell me more about being a member of the Order of Whispers?
- We may be subtle, but the Order is dedicated. Join us, and discover mysteries, conspiracies, and hidden truths.
- Tempting. But tell me, how will you deal with Mazdak? (Same as "I'm interested, but first—what about Mazdak?" above)
- That's a lot to take in. Let me think about it.
- Give me a little time to think it over.
- Iowerth: Herald <Character Name>. The Durmand Priory would welcome your membership. We can offer so much to someone like you!
- I'm interested, but let me hear more about your plan first.
- The Priory discovered Mazdak's tomb. Although it will be rigged with traps, I'm sure we can find a way through to fight him.
- Traps? Define "traps"?
- Oh, the usual: spouts of flame, secret passages, pressure-plates on the floor... Do I see a little excitement in your eyes?
- Absolutely. Sign me up for the Priory and your plan of attack.
- Sounds interesting, but let me think about it a bit more.
- Can you tell me more about being a member of the Durmand Priory?
- Exploration, the recovery of lost knowledge, ancient tombs—really, the Priory's got everything. Join us, Herald?
- Interesting. Tell me more about the plan to fight Mazdak. (Same as "I'm interested, but let me hear more about your plan first." above)
- Let me consider my options.
- I'll get back to you on it.
- Caithe: Mazdak has Riannoc's blood on his hands. It's beyond time we ended his foul existence.
- It will be done.
- Trahearne: The Orders of Tyria compete for your membership? Impressive. I'm certain that, no matter your choice, you will do well.
- What about you, Trahearne? Are you going to join an order?
- No, I think not. My road is a solitary one. After Mazdak is defeated, I must return to studying Orr. I still have much to learn.
- I understand.
- Thank you for the confidence, my friend.
If joining the Vigil:
- Branthyn: Glorious! You'll be a rising start in the Vigil. We'll handle the formalities after the battle.
- Branthyn: Trahearne, will you accompany us on this adventure? Your knowledge of Orrian undead is second to none.
- Trahearne: I'm not gonna join your order, but yes, I will lend my aid.
- Branthyn: It will be glorious, <Character name>! Your heroism, and the Vigil's strength. We'll make those dragons tremble!
- I look forward to it.
If joining the Priory:
- Iowerth: The Priory is honored that you'd join us. We'll handle the formalities after the battle.
- Iowerth: Trahearne, will you accompany us on this adventure? Your knowledge of Orrian undead is second to none.
- Trahearne: I'm not going to join your order, but yes. I will lend my aid.
- Iowerth: Excellent! Such fantastic news! Gixx will be so pleased that you're joining us.
- Gixx? Who's that?
- Steward Gixx is the leader of the Durmand Priory. You'll find him charming—if you can get past the fact that he's an asura.
- Noted. thanks for the information.
- I look forward to meeting everyone.
If joining the Order of Whispers:
- Cai: I'm glad you decided to join the Order of Whispers! We'll handle the formalities after the battle.
- Cai: Trahearne, will you accompany us on this adventure? Your knowledge of Orrian undead is second to none.
- Trahearne: I'm still not joining your order... but yes. I will lend my aid.
- Cai: I knew you'd see it our way! The Preceptors will be happy that their gamble paid off.
- Who are the Preceptors?
- The Preceptors lead the Order of Whispers. They knew you'd make a great agent—that's why they sent me here in the first place.
- I'm glad that they did.
- I look forward to meeting the other agents. Thanks.
When not joining the NPC's order:
- Branthyn: You're a noble sylvari, Herald. No matter what, it was my honor to meet you.
- Mine as well.
- Iowerth: Ah, a shame. I would have liked to work with you more. Take care, Herald, and fair fortune to you!
- Thank you.
- Cai: I'm glad you've chosen wisely, Herald, though I might have wished for another outcome. Good luck to you.
- Thank you.
My story[edit]
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Notes[edit]
- The choice made at the end of this mission will lock you into the chosen order for the rest of the personal story.
- After completing this story step, the Elderly Commentator will have a different dialogue.
- Elli's dialouge mentions "grumblecakes", a reference to the popular webtoon site homestarrunner.com, specifically Strong Bad e-mail 98 "stupid stuff".