The Battle for Cragstead

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The Battle for Cragstead

Knut Whitebear's Loft loading screen.jpg

Loading screen for Knut Whitebear's Loft.

Cragstead loading screen.jpg

Loading screen for Cragstead.

The Battle for Cragstead is the second story step of Flame and Frost, the first episode of Living World Season 1.

Objectives[edit]

  • Leave the area to plan your next move.
  • Read the letter from Rytlock.
Follow Braham Eirsson to the Great Lodge of Hoelbrak.
  • Head to Knut Whitebear's loft.
  • (Optional) Visit the refugee camp in Hoelbrak.
  • Listen to the conversation.
  • Speak with Braham.
Meet up with Braham Eirsson to defend Cragstead against the Molten Alliance.
  • Head to Cragstead.
  • Meet up with Braham.
  • Save the villagers.
  • Accompany Braham to the next area.
  • Secure the area to rescue the captured villagers.
    Event bar empty2.jpg Event flag green.png
  • Head to the caves.
  • Defeat the invaders.
  • (Defeat the enemy leader.)
  • Caros Burntgrip
    Event bar green.jpg Event boss (tango icon).png
  • Talk with Braham.

Rewards[edit]

Walkthrough[edit]

Achievements[edit]

Braham - Eirsson Flame and Frost 1Achievement points
Witness Braham's meeting with Knut Whitebear.Given Tribune Brimstone's refusal, Braham has no choice but to go to Hoelbrak and ask Knut Whitebear to send Wolfborn to help defend his homestead.
Prerequisite: Braham: Help from the Legions
Witnessed Braham's meeting with Knut Whitebear. 1Achievement points
Braham - Retake Cragstead Flame and Frost 1Achievement points
Help Braham retake Cragstead.Having received no support from Rytlock or Eir, Braham enlists your help to retake Cragstead, in the Wayfarer Foothills, from the Molten Alliance.
Prerequisite: Braham - Eirsson
Helped Braham retake Cragstead. 1Achievement points
The Battle for Cragstead Flame and Frost 1Achievement points
Complete the story chapter The Battle for Cragstead. Completed The Battle for Cragstead 1Achievement points
Visions of the Past: Retake Cragstead Visions of the Past: Steel and Fire 1Achievement points
Help Braham retake Cragstead.Having received no support from Rytlock or Eir, Braham enlists your help to retake Braham's village from the Molten Alliance. [This mission is now playable in Living World Season 1: Episode 1]
Prerequisite: Visions of the Past: Cragstead
Helped Braham Retake Cragstead 1Achievement points
Investigative Study 1 Flame and Frost 1Achievement points
During the Flame and Frost storyline, find and read sources of information on the Molten Alliance.
  • Letter from Knut (The Command Core)
  • Field Report from the Ash Legion (The Command Core)
  • Intel from Crecia (The Command Core)
  • Bloodstained Letter (Cragstead)
  • Gigarg's Armor (Molten Furnace)
  • Rodion's Blood Transfusion Results (Molten Furnace)
  • Torn Page from Kostya's Lab Journal (Molten Furnace)
...
  • Bloodied Journal Entry (Molten Furnace)
Lore Located 1Achievement points
  • The fourth objective can be found during this story instance:
    • Bloodstained Letter - On the ground after defeating Caros Burntgrip. The Letter will appear in front of the portal.

NPCs[edit]

In Hoelbrak[edit]

In Knut Whitebear's Loft[edit]

In Cragstead[edit]

Allies[edit]

Norn

Foes[edit]

Dredge (Molten Alliance)
Charr (Molten Alliance)

Objects[edit]

Dialogue[edit]

Mail[edit]

Mail.png

Rytlock

Need Message Carried


As long as you're going to Hoelbrak—you are going to Hoelbrak next, right? Give that mangy old mutt Knut Whitebear a message for me. Tell him I've got norn refugees showing up in my office, and I don't appreciate it. Especially ones that claim to be Eir's son.

Oh, and I wouldn't protest if you hefted a norn ale while you're there. It's far stronger than the watered-down dirt we've got at the Citadel.

—Rytlock Brimstone


Knut Whitebear resides in the Great Lodge of Hoelbrak. Many norn take shelter there.
Braham is looking for Knut Whitebear in the Great Lodge of Hoelbrak.''

Interactive map

Refugee camp[edit]

Field Reporter Ela
Primary article: Magister Ela Makkay#Hoelbrak
Ahava Greywolf
Primary article: Ahava Greywolf#Dialogue

Knut Whitebear's Loft[edit]

Cinematic upon entering:

Braham: All I'm asking is that you send a group of Wolfborn to Cragstead. Dredge and flame charr are burning our homes!
Knut: I'm well aware. The smart ones are evacuating, coming here, where we can protect them.
Braham: The smart ones? You mean the wounded and near-death ones! The fierce are fighting. Dying.
Knut: I'm sorry. I can't spare anyone. Perhaps there are others who will help you?
Braham: What about you, Eir?
Eir: Braham, you need to stay here, in Hoelbrak. The people of Cragstead will—
Braham: No. You stay, cowering around your bonfires. Soon as I restock my supplies, I'm going to get my people.

After cutscene:

Eir Stegalkin: I didn't mean... (sigh)
Knut Whitebear: Who was that kid?
Eir Stegalkin: My son.
Knut Whitebear: I see the resemblance. He has your stubbornness.

Talking to your allies:

Braham: Doesn't Knut realize that people are dying? I guess I have to go alone. Some of my homesteaders refused to leave Cragstead, and they're going to be massacred if I wait around for "help."
Talk quest option tango.png You don't have to go alone. I'll help you.
Spirits guide you! I'll meet you at the gates of Cragstead, in Wayfarer Foothills.
Thank you, my friend. Thank you.
Talk end option tango.png See you there.
Talk end option tango.png Sorry to hear that.
(If norn)
Knut Whitebear: So, the slayer's back in Hoelbrak. Did you come to help with our Dredge and Flame Legion problem? Your timing couldn't be better.
Talk more option tango.png So it seems. How can I help?
That kid, Braham... He was requesting aid. He's got the idea that he can defend his homestead from the Molten Alliance by himself. If you're not too tired to fight, go with him. Please.
Talk more option tango.png I can do that. Why didn't you help him?
My Wolfborn and I have our hands full. Scattering our forces would put them, and Hoelbrak, at risk. Talk to the kid. He needs help I can't provide. Wolf go with you.
Talk end option tango.png And you.
Talk end option tango.png I can't right now.
Talk end option tango.png I can't right now. Maybe later.
(Otherwise)
Knut Whitebear: Welcome to Hoelbrak. What brings you here?
Talk more option tango.png I'm here to offer my services. How can I help?
That kid, Braham... He was requesting aid. He's got the idea that he can defend his homestead from the Molten Alliance by himself. If you're not too tired to fight, go with him. Please.
Talk more option tango.png Sounds right up my alley.
I'd consider it a personal favor. I'd send reinforcements myself, but we can't spare the bodies right now. The kid has it in his head that he can do this on his own, and I assure you he can't.
Talk more option tango.png Why didn't you help him?
My Wolfborn and I have our hands full. Scattering our forces would put them, and Hoelbrak, at risk. Talk to the kid. He needs help I can't provide. Wolf go with you.
Talk end option tango.png And you.
Talk end option tango.png Will do.
Talk end option tango.png I can't right now. Maybe later.
Talk end option tango.png Just passing through.
(If norn)
Eir Stegalkin:<Character name> I'm sorry you had to see that. I'd help him if I could, you know?
Talk more option tango.png Why can't you? (Same as 'otherwise')
Talk end option tango.png I see.
(Otherwise)
Eir Stegalkin: Hoelbrak hasn't seen an influx of refugees like this since the dragon's last fight. We're overwhelmed. Not to mention, the extra road traffic has stirred up the Svanir...
Talk more option tango.png Do you know what's happening?
Only what I've been told. Knut Whitebear sent a few scouts north to see what they could see, and those who returned told terrible stories of homesteads in ashes and the bodies of the dead everywhere.
Talk more option tango.png What can I do to help?
You're serious? Well, it would ease my mind if you'd talk to Braham there, my son. Either convince him not to go, or—if he insists—don't let him go alone to defend his homestead.
Talk more option tango.png Why doesn't Whitebear send more?
Many have already gone. Those who remained are needed. Part of our fear is that Hoelbrak is the next target. We're bolstering our defenses so we can defend the elders and children.
Talk end option tango.png I see.
Talk end option tango.png I'll see what I can do.
Talk end option tango.png I see.
Talk end option tango.png I'll leave you to it.

Talking to Braham again:

Braham: I'm waiting for the weaponsmith to sharpen my dagger. As soon as he's done, I'm running to Cragstead to save my friends. Whatever this "Molten Alliance" is, they haven't met Braham Eirsson.
Talk end option tango.png I'll be there to help you.

Cragstead[edit]

Approaching Braham:

Braham beckons <Character name>.
Braham: I can do this.
Braham: (breathing)
Braham: Hey, I smell smoke. We have to go. My friends...

Talking to Braham inside Cragstead:

Braham: I can't see through all this smoke... We need to find the survivors, see who all stayed behind.
Talk end option tango.png We'll find them, Braham.

At the first spot:

Braham: No! Not another attack!
Molten Stalker threatens <Character name>.
Molten Axe Fiend threatens <Character name>.
Molten Ratnik taunts <Character name>.
Wounded Villager: No! I can't handle this!
Veteran Molten Axe Fiend: Attackers! There!
Rescued Villager cheers for <Character name>.

At the second spot:

Wounded Villager: Run! Get to safety!
Veteran Molten Blademaster: Engage pursuit!
Rescued Villager cheers for <Character name>.

At the third spot:

Wounded Villager: No! Nooo!
Molten Oscillator taunts <Character name>.
Molten Ratnik taunts <Character name>.
Molten Shadowblade threatens <Character name>.
Veteran Molten Oscillator: To the front!
Rescued Villager cheers for <Character name>.

After clearing the area:

Braham: Over there!

Defending the villagers:

Wounded Villager: I'm not scared. (sob) I'm not scared!
Veteran Molten Disaggregator: Attack!
Veteran Molten Bladestorm: Show no mercy!
Dredge Ratnik: Sounds like trouble!
Veteran Molten Axe Fiend: I'll taste your blood!
Molten Resonator: To my side!
Veteran Molten Blademaster: Follow me into battle!
Molten Excavator: I hear death calling your name.

After rescuing Haslo and the villagers:

Haslo: What are you doing here? You're supposed to be in Hoelbrak!
Braham: I came back for you. Where are the others?
Haslo: They were chased up the mountain. I...I couldn't move fast enough.
Braham: I'll go. Will you be—
Haslo: I'll be okay. You be careful!

Talking to Braham after rescuing Haslo and the villagers:

Braham: Maybe the rest of the homesteaders are in the shrine... May Wolf protect them.
Talk end option tango.png Let's look.

On the way to the cave:

Veteran Molten Excavator: Don't let them get away!
Braham: We need to get through.
Braham beckons <Character name>.
Braham: Please, Wolf, let us not be too late.
Molten Shadowblade: Begin the incursion!

The villager's cave:

Braham: There they are! Hurry!
Molten Axe Fiend threatens <Character name>.
Molten Bladestorm threatens <Character name>.
Veteran Molten Resonator taunts <Character name>.
Wounded Villager: No. This can't be happening. Not like this.
Veteran Molten Blademaster: Enemy contact.
Molten Oscillator taunts <Character name>.
Molten Disaggregator taunts <Character name>.
Veteran Molten Blademaster threatens <Character name>.
Veteran Molten Reverberant: This means war!
Veteran Molten Stalker threatens <Character name>.

Talking to Braham in the cave:

Braham: We can't be defeated—not now, not here!
Talk end option tango.png I'm with you.

After defeating the invaders:

Wounded Villager: Look out!
Braham: Hey, ugly!
Caros Burntgrip: (laughs) You're kidding, right? Look at you! I'm surprised you can even lift that mace!
Braham: This mace will be that last thing you ever see!
Caros Burntgrip: I'm going to enjoy punishing you.

After defeating the boss:

Ornan: Oh, my young wolf. We should never have stayed behind. I'm glad to see friendly faces.
Braham: C'mon, let's get out of here.
Ornan: Braham, they took Ottilia and her family.
Braham: They what? Where? Why?
Ornan: They're collecting prisoners. I don't know where they took them or why.
Braham: I hate this. We have to help Ottilia—and her family—but first, I have to make sure these 'steaders are okay.
Braham: I've got this under control.

Talking to your allies:

Braham: Thanks for your help, friend. It would've been a lot worse without you on my side. I just wish we could have stopped those...machines from getting away.
Ferocity This isn't the time to whine.
No. You looking for a fight?
Talk more option tango.png Nah. So, what happens now? (Same as "What happens now?")
Talk end option tango.png Some other time.
Charisma You did your best.
Yeah. I guess sometimes your best just isn't good enough.
Talk more option tango.png True. So, what happens now? (Same as "What happens now?")
Talk end option tango.png It's sad, but true. See you around.
Dignity You'll rescue them. We'll rescue them.
Agreed. We can go after the ones that the Molten Alliance took captive, just not right now.
Talk more option tango.png Good idea. So, what happens now? (Same as "What happens now?")
Talk end option tango.png You bet.
Talk more option tango.png What happens now?
I'm going to get the survivors to Hoelbrak. Make sure they get shelter and food, let Whitebear know we didn't need his help. Then, I'll start looking for the Alliance base. Save the prisoners.
Talk more option tango.png Why didn't everyone evacuate in the first place?
They're too proud to admit they couldn't win against that enemy... And this is their home—they'd need more of a reason to abandon it. It's not always easy for my people to accept our own weaknesses.
Talk more option tango.png Cragstead is your home?
Yeah. I've lived here since I was an infant with my father, Borje the Sun Chaser. He died when I was young, but I stayed here and lived with Yngvi Rugnar. He and his mate have taught me well.
Talk more option tango.png So...who's Ottilia?
Ottilia? That conversation might require some ale. Ottilia is amazing... She's beautiful, and...not interested. But she helped me work through some angst about my family. My mom. I owe her.
Talk end option tango.png We'll find her, Braham. I promise.
Talk end option tango.png I understand. See you again soon.
Talk end option tango.png I see.
Talk end option tango.png I'll do my own intel.
Talk end option tango.png Talk to you later.
Ornan: That was close. I'm grateful you were here. We have to gather up the kids and let everyone rest and eat. Then, we'll walk to Hoelbrak—slowly, and with weapons ready.
Talk more option tango.png Tell me about Braham.
He's a good kid. His father, the legendary Borje the Sun Chaser, came to Cragstead with tiny Braham in his arms. I'll never forget that day.
Talk more option tango.png Tell me about the attack.
They gave no warning, and many of our strongest died under the first wave. We sent the kids and elders up the mountain. Shortly after that, those of us still standing followed, locking the gate behind us.
Talk more option tango.png Go on.
They opened flaming portals and poured in on us. We had no choice but to surrender or die. When we saw that we could surrender and live, we chose to protect the kids and hope that help would come.
Talk more option tango.png Then what?
Most left. They put some of us in their machines and took them away. We were next, but then you showed up. If you hadn't, who knows what they'd have done with us.
Talk end option tango.png I'm glad you're safe. Talk to you later.
Talk end option tango.png I see.
Talk end option tango.png I see.
Talk end option tango.png Safe journey.
Talk end option tango.png Good luck.

Follow-up mail after leaving:

Mail.png

Braham Eirsson

You Are Legendary


I mean it. Without you, things would've gone south fast. We made it back to Hoelbrak in one piece, mostly. As for the losses...we'll talk about that another time, but things would've been a lot worse if we hadn't gotten to Cragstead when we did. Thank you, my friend. Thank you.

The Vigil are here, and they're starting to figure out what's going on with the dredge and Flame Legion. They've collected a bunch of intel on Molten Alliance-crafted weapons... They've got labs down in the mines. I'm guessing that's where they took the prisoners, too.

Anyway, I'll let you know when I find out where they're holed up so that we can track them down. I hope you still want to come with me. So, may Wolf have your back.

—Braham Eirsson

My story[edit]

Cragstead loading screen.jpg

Rytlock asked me to check in on the Cragstead situation. When I arrived in Hoelbrak to meet Braham, I walked in on a pretty...colorful chat between him, Knut, and Eir. And here I thought a war council of battle-hungry Tribunes was intimidating.

The Molten Alliance has been striking small villages throughout the Shiverpeaks—including Cragstead, Braham's home. Even though a raid was imminent, Knut was reluctant to send any reinforcements. They've got enough of a refugee crisis on their doorstep, same as the charr in the Citadel. Given the way things escalated at the hatchery, I volunteered to join Braham in fighting back.

Our losses at Cragstead were brutal. We managed to rescue some of the homesteaders, but a few of them were taken prisoner, including Ottilia, an ex-fling of Braham's. We don't know where they were taken yet, but finding their base is next on our list, and the Vigil is hot on their trail.

I didn't know Eir had a kid, let alone one as...hardheaded as Braham. His head may be full of steam, but he's got guts if he's willing to stand up to the Master of the Lodge. Reinforcements or not, he ran right into Cragstead, shield raised.

My story