Unholy Grounds

Unholy Grounds

Year

1325 AE

Storyline

Personal story

Chapter

Helping Hands

Location

Momoztli Grounds
(Bloodtide Coast)

Level

50

Choice

Hylek

Preceded by

Convincing the Faithful
Chosen of the Sun

Followed by

On Red Alert
Suspicious Activity
Forearmed Is Forewarned

API

269

Unholy Grounds is part of the personal story of hylek-aligned characters who have completed either Convincing the Faithful or Chosen of the Sun.

Objectives

Prepare the hylek village for the undead attack.

• Speak with Chief Quecuan in the village.
• Fortify the village's defenses.
• Join Chief Quecuan at the village gate.
• Fight off the undead.
• Fall back and defend the village.
• Kill the undead so the hylek can evacuate.

Rewards

Click here to edit the reward data

All professions

• Small Bag of Spirit Shards
• Bag of Loot (2)

Profession-specific

• Boots of Barca and one of the following: Ravaging Torch, Rejuvenating Focus
• Boots of Barca and one of the following: Hearty Steel Sword, Hunter's Steel Axe
• Boots of Barca and one of the following: Rejuvenating Warhorn, Hearty Steel Shield
• Ostholz's Kickers and one of the following: Ravaging Steel Pistol, Hearty Steel Shield
• Ostholz's Kickers and one of the following: Ravaging Torch, Hunter's Steel Dagger
• Ostholz's Kickers and one of the following: Ravaging Steel Pistol, Hunter's Steel Dagger
• Cloven Hooves and one of the following: Rejuvenating Focus, Hunter's Steel Dagger
• Cloven Hooves and one of the following: Ravaging Steel Pistol, Ravaging Torch
• Cloven Hooves and one of the following: Rejuvenating Focus, Hunter's Steel Dagger

Walkthrough

Enter the cave and prepare the village for the attack by lighting the bonfire, strengthening the fence and activating the turret. Risen will soon invade the gates; defend them until they reach the inside of the cave.

Keep defeating Risen, prioritizing the Orrian Fingers. Soon after the village will be completely decimated, followed by an attack from either the High Priestess Ecolotl or Techutli. Defeat them to finish the story.

Warning: Being too efficient at killing the waves of undead can cause the mission to bug, requiring a restart. Allow the Risen to get into the cave.

NPCs

Allies

Mentor

• Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw, Magister Sieran, or Warmaster Forgal Kernsson

Hylek

• Amini
• Chief Quecuan
• Coyolaqui
• High Priestess Ecolotl (if Convincing the Faithful was previously completed)
• Ikniu
• Nahualli
• Tlamatini
• Techutli (if Chosen of the Sun was previously completed)
• Villager

Foes

Risen

• Elite Locust Swarm
• High Priestess Ecolotl (if Chosen of the Sun was previously completed)
• Risen Abomination
• Risen Brute
• Risen Grub
• Risen Plague Carrier
• Risen Thrall
• Techutli (if Convincing the Faithful was previously completed)

Objects

• Campfire
• Fortification Wall
• Poison Launcher
• Orrian Finger

Dialogue

Talking to your mentor at the start:

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: I've heard that hylek can be real bruisers in a fight. Guess I'll see for myself now.

That makes both of us.

Magister Sieran: It feels good working together like one big team. If we keep these hylek alive, who knows how much we could learn from them?

Let's make sure we keep the alive so we can find out.

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: Looks like we really got through to these hylek. I just wish it hadn't taken so long.

Agreed.

Approaching Ikniu

Ikniu: This way. The chief is waiting.

Talking to Ikniu:

Ikniu: You have already done so much for me, my family, and my people. I will never forget the debt we owe.

You can pay me back by surviving, and by joining my order's cause.

Talking to Chief Quecuan

Depending on player character's order

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: Looks like you've been busy. The defenses are coming along nicely. How long until they are ready? (when a member of the Order of Whispers)

Magister Sieran: Hello again, Chief. It looks like you've been busy. How long until your defenses are ready? (when a member of the Durmand Priory)

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: You've been busy. And these are actually solid defenses. How long until they're ready? (when a member of the Vigil)

Chief Quecuan: Not long. I will not let this village die because I could not see such an obvious threat.

Depending on player character's order

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: You're not the first to underestimate the dragons. By rights, something so powerful shouldn't be so subtle. (when a member of the Order of Whispers)

Magister Sieran: Don't be too hard on yourself. The dragon's minions can be very sneaky. Lots of folks don't notice them creeping in until it's too late. (when a member of the Durmand Priory)

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: I've learned to rise above my mistakes. You should, too, Chief. The enemy is cunning, relentless. Identifying them as a threat is the first step toward victory. (when a member of the Vigil)

Chief Quecuan: I'm grateful that you opened my eyes. Now, I must see to the main gate. I sent my best scout to observe the enemy, and he should be back soon.

Chief Quecuan: It would help the villagers to see you standing with us. Would you check the rest of our defenses and make sure they're done?

Talking to your allies:

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: I've heard that hylek can be real bruisers in a fight. Guess I'll see for myself now.

We'll see after we're done preparing the defenses. Any thoughts?

Let's see: defenses, defenses...standard procedure is to check the walls, bump up morale, and make sure there's plenty of fire. You know, for hurling at the enemy.

I'm on it.

That makes both of us.

Magister Sieran: It feels good working together like one big team. If we keep these hylek alive, who knows how much we could learn from them?

First things first: fortifications. Any thoughts?

Well, textbook defenses include strong walls, high morale among our allies, and lots of handy fire to hurl at the enemy.

I'll get started.

Let's make sure we keep them alive so we can find out.

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: Looks like we really got through to these hylek. I just wish it hadn't taken so long.

These fortifications still need work. Any thoughts?

Let's stick to the basics: shore up the walls, improve morale, and make sure we've got enough open flame available to light up the undead.

Understood.

Agreed.

Chief Quechan: You and your order have already done so much. For that, and for standing with us now, the entire village is in your debt.

We're all in this together, Chief. That's the point.

Checking the campfire:

Campfire: The campfire is almost out. If the flames were stoked and burning brightly, they could light torches to be used as weapons against the undead or to ignite combustible objects.

Stoke the flames.

Checking on the poison launcher:

(When done Convincing the Faithful)

High Priestess Ecolotl: There's so much to do...all these villagers in danger. May the Sun God forgive my arrogance that led us to this.

What are you doing? Shouldn't you be with the others?

I am empowering this launcher with the Sun God's blessing. It will make the device more effective against the Sunless. If you would accept such a gift from me, I can empower you as well.

I would. Thank you. (grants Protection for 30 seconds)

Talking to High Priestess Ecolotl again:

High Priestess Ecolotl: You have the gratitude of our entire tribe. May the Sun increase your strength, speed, and skill for the coming battle.

Thank you.

(When done Chosen of the Sun)

Techutli: I know what you and your mentor did to help us. I look forward to fighting the Sunless with you.

Thanks, but shouldn't you regroup with the others?

I will, as soon as I finish fine-tuning this poison launcher. I just need more time.

Time is running out. Finish up and leave the rest to me.

I'm already done. When the Sunless get a taste of my alchemy, they'll know they've been in a fight.

Excellent. I'll take it from here. (grants Fury for 33 minutes)

Checking the fortification wall:

Amini: We've been at this for hours and we're starting to falter. This wall is the last fortification that needs to be strengthened. Can you help us complete the work?

I'll do whatever it takes to protect the village.

After you've checked three defenses:

Magister Sieran: I was hoping to fall in love at least once before I died...but I guess I'm ready. If you are.

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: Marauding? Marauder? I don't know the right word, but I'm ready to maraud! Let's go.

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: Change doesn't come easy to an old soldier. You didn't give up on me...and I won't give up on you. We do this together.

Talking to your mentor:

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: I think we're ready to go. Chief Quecuan is preparing to address the villagers.

Let's hear him out.

Magister Sieran: I think we've done all we can. Oooh, and Chief Quecuan looks like he's ready to give a speech. This should be interesting and inspiring!

Let's go listen in.

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: I think the chief is ready to address the villagers. We're as ready as we can be. Let's hear what Quecuan has to say.

I'm with you.

After arriving at the gate:

Chief Quecuan: Listen, my people! Listen to your chief! The Sunless dragonspawn deceived us.

Chief Quecuan: They defiled our champions and are now coming for us. But we will fight!

Chief Quecuan: I've sent our best scout to observe their approach. When they come, we will be ready to—

Coyolaqui: Chief...Quecuan? I failed. The undead...they're coming...

Chief Quecuan: Coyolaqui? Can you hear me? Hang on. We can still open the gates—

Coyolaqui: Don't...it's too late. They're already here.

Chief Quecuan: Run, then! Hide yourself! We will come for you when the battle's won.

Chief Quecuan: Coyolaqui? Please, by the holy Sun, answer me!

Chief Quecuan: The sunless are here! Stand fast!

Talking to your mentor during the battle:

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: Some battle, huh?

It's something, all right.

Magister Sieran: Wait until Gixx sees my notes from this battle!

Keep fighting. We'll get it all down on paper later.

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: I don't like this. There are too many of them. If we had a whole week to prepare and a whole army to fight with...

We can't give up.

When falling back into the village:

Chief Quecuan: The wall can't stand against their assault! Fall back and protect the village!

depending on player character's order

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: Watch out! They're coming out of the ground, too!

Magister Sieran: Watch the ground! Those grabby tendril things look dangerous!

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: Watch your feet! Those things are coming out of the ground!

Further dialogue:

Chief Quecuan: Fight! Fight! The Sunless are strong, but we are stronger!

Depending on player character's order

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: You've lost, Quechan. The village is destroyed. You need to get your people out.

Magister Sieran: It's no good, Quecuan. We need to evacuate. The village is lost-save your people.

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: This battle is lost, Quecuan. So is the village. Get your people out while you still can.

Chief Quecuan: I...I... you're right. Amini, to the front! Protect the retreat. Everyone else: flee!

When the undead champion appeares:

(When done Chosen of the Sun)

Techutli: Blasphemy! The undead have claimed the high priestess. She's one of them now!

(When done Convincing the Faithful)

High Priestess Ecolotl: All is lost! The Sunless have their own champion!

Cinematic after defeating the Risen:

When a member of the Durmand Priory

Chief Quecuan: Gone. Our homes, our hunting grounds, our breeding grounds, all gone. But it would have been worse without the Priory.

<Character name>: We're sorry you lost your home, but this is just a sliver of the dragons' power. Unless we all work together, this will happen to all of Tyria.

Ikniu: Then send for me when you need allies against the dragons, and I will come. For my brother and my village, I owe you that much.

Magister Sieran: Good, because that fight is coming. Soon. And we will need all the help we can muster.

Magister Sieran: We have more work to do, but I wish you luck in settling new grounds. May the holy Sun shine on you and protect you until we meet again.

When a member of the Order of Whispers

Chief Quecuan: Gone. Our homes, our hunting grounds, our breeding grounds, all gone. But it would have been worse without you folk here to help us.

<Character name>: A terrible loss to be sure, but this is just a sliver of the dragons' power. Unless we all work together, this will happen to all of Tyria.

Ikniu: Then send for me when you need allies against the dragons, and I will come. For my brother and my village, I owe you that much.

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: We will. We'll need all the allies we can find when the final fight begins.

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: We're expected elsewhere, but I wish you luck in settling new grounds. May the holy Sun shine on you and protect you. Till we meet again.

When a member of the Vigil

Chief Quecuan: Gone. Our homes, our hunting grounds, our breeding grounds, all gone. But it would have been worse without the Vigil.

<Character name>: True, it could've been worse. But this is just a sliver of the dragons' power. Unless we all work together, this will happen to all of Tyria.

Ikniu: Then send for me when you need allies against the dragons, and I will come. For my brother and my village, I owe you that much.

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: You bet your happy hylek head. When the time comes, defeating the dragons will take every soldier we can muster.

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: We're expected back at headquarters, but you frog folk have earned my respect. I wish you luck in finding your new home.

Talking to your allies after finishing this mission:

Techutli: Thank you for helping us. We would not have survived without you and your mentor.

What will you do now? Where will you go?

We will press on, establish new grounds and a new home. We will offer no more champions to the Sunless, but I shall be a champion for my people and try to inspire them as you did.

You honor me. Thank you.

It had to be done. The dragons threaten us all.

High Priestess Ecolotl: I was vain and too stubborn to see the truth. Thankfully, the Sun God sent you to redeem my error and save my people.

What will you do now?

We will seek out new grounds and establish a new village there. And I shall meditate and pray every day for a more perfect understanding of the Sun God's wisdom.

I wish you luck, and I welcome you to the fight against the dragons.

May the Sun God continue to watch over your tribe.

Chief Quecuan: We've lost everything, but the tribe remains. We have you to thank for that. Ikniu has promised to join your fight against the dragons. I will see that the entire village honors that promise.

Where will your tribe go now?

What we hylek always do: find new grounds and build a new home. Many of the villagers are already heading for Lion's Arch. From there, only the Sun God knows for sure.

Good luck. May the Sun watch over you until we meet again.

Thank you, Chief Quecuan.

Ikniu: We lost so many, but we would have lost everything if you hadn't have helped us. Thank you.

I'm sorry we couldn't do more. What will you do now?

I must stay with my people until we settle new grounds. After that, I will find you and make sure the debt I owe you is paid.

I'll keep on eye out for you.

You're welcome.

Talking to your mentor:

Lightbringer Tybalt Leftpaw: We saved some lives, but lost the entire village. I think we did all we could, but we have to do better. I don't want to see this scene repeated in Lion's Arch or the Black Citadel.

That won't happen, because we'll be there to stop it.

I just hope we stop it more effectively than we did today. Still, I shouldn't be entirely pessimistic. We do have some good news to share with the Preceptors: hylek survivors and hylek allies.

Let's go tell them, then.

We made a difference here. We can make a difference worldwide.

I believe you, but do the dragons? Anyway, let's head back. We need to report this and find out what our next mission is.

Right.

Agreed.

Magister Sieran: Well, this could have gone a lot better. It could have gone a lot worse, too. Let this be a warning to us all: this could happen to every city, haven, and village in Tyria.

It won't. We won't let it.

I hope you're right. Let's head back to the Priory and tell them what happened here. We still have a lot of work to do.

I'll meet you there.

Not if we keep gathering allies. Together, Tyria can defeat the dragons.

I think so, too. But we won't know for sure until we've forged some more alliances. Let's head back to the Priory.

'Agreed.

We'll find a way to stop it.

Warmaster Forgal Kernsson: Mission accomplished, but we can't call this a complete victory. I hate to think what would happen if this happened to a major population center like Hoelbrak or Lion's Arch.

They'll have to get through us first, and that won't happen.

I like your attitude, but even we can't do this alone. Al least now we can count on some hylek support. Let's head back to HQ.

'See you there.

And it will, unless we can forge a working alliance.

At least we've made some progress on the score. These hylek will join us. Let's get back to HQ and tell the brass the good news...and the bad.

'I'll see you there.

Agreed.

My story

“ The hylek village was destroyed, but we managed to save most of the villagers. Chief Quecuan and Ikniu were grateful, and Ikniu promised to join our fight against the Elder Dragons to repay us for joining his. — My story

---

The Order storyline