Unscheduled Departures
Unscheduled Departures
- Year
- 1338 AE
- Storyline
- Visions of Eternity
- Chapter
- Unscheduled Departures
- Locations
- Level
- 80
- Preceded by
- Prologue: On the Sly
- Followed by
- Solid Ground
|
Unscheduled Departures: Rata Sum Port Authority 
Unscheduled Departures: The Unending Ocean _loading_screen.png)
Unscheduled Departures: Shipwreck Strand |
Unscheduled Departures is the first chapter of the Visions of Eternity story.
Objectives[edit]
- Look into suspicious Inquest activity.
- Meet Councillor Ludo at the Rata Sum Port Authority.
- (Question dock workers and sailors for eyewitness accounts.)
- Dock Workers and Sailors Questioned
- Head up the stairs to the port authority records terminal.
- (Defeat the Inquest.)
- Inquest Defeated
- Follow Ludo.
- Search for a level two security access card.
- Use the access card to enter the port authority records database.
- Peruse recent database entries for any useful information.
- Hack the port authority records terminal to view the encrypted information.
- Read through the decrypted files.
- Take the asura gate to the Idea Incubation Lab.
- Sneak into Flax's compound.
- Ask Ludo about her plan.
- Talk to Ludo to obtain the glamour spell.
- Infiltrate the lab.
- Create a distraction to draw Flax out of his office.
- Slip into Flax's office while everyone is preoccupied by the commotion.
- (Defeat the security golems.)
- Security Golems Defeated
- (Poke around in Flax's office for information.)
- Information Found
- Return to Ludo and Sayida with what you've discovered.
- Prepare for the journey to Castora.
- Meet your allies in Lion's Arch to make voyage preparations.
- Cross the Unending Ocean.
- Set sail on the Dark Leviathan from Lion's Arch.
- Check in with Sayida about the situation.
- (Defeat the krait raiding party attacking both ships.)
- Krait Raiders Defeated
- (Extinguish lightning-strike fires on the Martingale.)
- Ships Fires Extinguished
- (Defeat the creatures of the deep attacking the Martingale.)
- Creatures of the Deep Defeated
- (Hurl harpoons at the tentacles to defend the Dark Leviathan.)
- Tentacles Defeated
- Find safe passage through the fog.
- Talk to Sayida about the fog that has rolled in.
- (Defeat the crabs attacking the fleet.)
- Crabs Defeated
- Speak with Isgarren about navigating through the magical fog.
- (Collect coalesced magic to reveal the safe path forward.)
- Magic Collected
- Ascend to the crow's nest on the Dark Leviathan to call out which direction to go.
- (when choosing the wrong direction - can happen each time you are ask to choose a direction)
- (Fend off the aggressive creatures stumbled upon while lost in the fog.)
- Aggressive Creatures Defeated
- Wait for the fleet to reorient before trying again.
- Ascend to the crow's nest on the Dark Leviathan to call out which direction to go.
- Continue traveling through the fog.
- (Collect coalesced magic to reveal the safe path forward.)
- Magic Collected
- Ascend to the crow's nest on the Dark Leviathan to call out which direction to go.
- Continue traveling through the fog.
- (Collect coalesced magic to reveal the safe path forward.)
- Magic Collected
- Ascend to the crow's nest on the Dark Leviathan to call out which direction to go.
- Continue traveling through the fog.
- (Collect coalesced magic to reveal the safe path forward.)
- Magic Collected
- Ascend to the crow's nest on the Dark Leviathan to call out which direction to go.
- Continue traveling through the fog.
- (Throw rescue ropes to the overboard survivors of the Martingale.)
- Overboard Survivors Rescued
- Set foot on Castora.
- Check in with Sayida.
- Help unload supply crates from the ship by bringing them ashore to Kiango.
- Complete!
Rewards[edit]
- First time
Bag of Loot (5) (guaranteed) 
Castoran Cache of Riches (3) (guaranteed) 
Tale of Adventure (guaranteed)
Walkthrough[edit]
Rata Sum Port Authority[edit]
From 
Magicat Court Waypoint — , the entrance of Rata Sum Port Authority instance is at the southwest of the waypoint.
After entering the instance, talk with Councillor Ludo and then question/fight the various dock workers (if you are missing one, look under the stairs near where Ludo is when entering the instance).
After the interrogations are done, head up the stairs at the start and deal with the inquest at the top. Find an access card in one of Port Authority Toolboxes inside of the main room to proceed. Eventually, using the access card on the Port Authority Access Terminal, which leads to a 4-layer password system of Simon Says. Failing simply kicks one out to the beginning, so take it slow if needed.
| # | Skill | 
|
|
Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Activate... | ... | ||
| 2 | Activate... | ... | ||
| 3 | Activate... | ... |
- 3-1-3-2:
- 1-1-2-1:
- 2-3-3-1:
- 1-2-1-3:
Head a bit east to take a Idea Incubation Lab portal to the final spot of the instance. Talk to Ludo for an asura disguise and head into the lab. After their little conversation, speak with Zeba to distract Flax and be able to sneak into his office. Defeat the two Veteran Golems in the office and investigate the evidence laying around.
- Using the Office Console to approve Zeba's job transfer request and increase her salary awards the achievement
Zeba Deserves Better.
Return to Ludo and Sayida with the information to finish the instance.
- Speaking with each of them again before leaving awards the achievement This Can't Be Good.
Leave the instance and head to Sanctum Harbor Waypoint — . The Unending Ocean instance is at the south of the waypoint.
The Unending Ocean[edit]
After boarding the ship, head down to the main deck and speak with Sayida. Deal with the Krait raiders on first Sayida's ship and then jump over to Canach's ship with the jumping pad to deal with the rest of them. Staying on Canach's ship, extinguish the fires, then deal with first the boarding sea creatures and throw harpoons at the tentacles near Sayida's ship.
You'll be returned to Sayida's ship for a final attack by some rather large crabs, which also have to be dealt with on Canach's ship.
Returning to Sayida's ship once more, Isgarren will guide you in how to collect magic and navigate the fog. Grab magic on both ships climb the ratlines of Sayida's ship to steer either straight (forewards), port (left), or starboards (right). Wait a few seconds to see magic pulsing from you to see the correct direction. Do this 4 times to finally reach the coast of Castora.
- Choosing the correct direction all 4 times awards the achievement Nautical Divination.
After Canach's ship gets attacked by something unknown in the fog, grab the Rescue Ropes to help save the survivors in the water, granting the special action skill Throw Line. Target one of the 8 survivors while holding a rope and use Throw Line on them, which will change the skill to Heave! to haul them aboard. Grab a new rope, and rinse and repeat.
- Rescuing all 8 survivors within 1 minute and 40 seconds awards the achievement Crew Overboard!.
After the introduction splash screen, speak with Sayida and unload the supply boxes to finish the instance and the chapter.
Story and replay checkpoints[edit]
Four checkpoints are available during the story and can be freely accessed afterwards when replaying the episode for achievements:
Replay Unscheduled Departures: Rata Sum Port Authority for achievements: Sneak into Flax's compound, the start of the last section, Idea Incubation Lab, in Rata Sum Port Authority.- Replay Unscheduled Departures: The Unending Ocean for achievements: Cross the Unending Ocean, the initial fight on the ocean.
- Replay Unscheduled Departures: The Unending Ocean for achievements: Find safe passage through the fog, after the initial fight and starting the navigation through the fog.
- Replay Unscheduled Departures: The Unending Ocean for achievements: Set foot on Castora, the very last section after reaching Castora.
Achievements[edit]
 Unscheduled Departures
|
Visions of Eternity: Act 1 | 1  1
|
|---|---|---|
Set sail toward mystery.Journal: Unscheduled Departures
|
Completed Unscheduled Departures | 1
|
- Complete the mission.
| Zeba Deserves Better | Visions of Eternity: Act 1 | 1
|
|---|---|---|
| Find a way to make it up to Zeba for becoming Flax's scapegoat.Journal: Unscheduled Departures | Found a Way to Make It Up to Zeba | 1
|
- While in Flax's office during the Port Authority instance, use the Office Console to approve Zeba's job transfer request and increase her salary.
| This Can't Be Good | Visions of Eternity: Act 1 | 1
|
|---|---|---|
| Hear Ludo's and Sayida's thoughts on the unfolding Inquest plot.Journal: Unscheduled Departures |
Heard Ludo's and Sayida's Thoughts on the Unfolding Inquest Plot | 1
|
- In the Port Authority instance, speak with both Ludo and Sayida again after relaying the information from Flax's office to them (before leaving the instance).
| Nautical Divination | Visions of Eternity: Act 1 | 1
|
|---|---|---|
| Navigate through the magical fog without error.Journal: Unscheduled Departures | Navigated through the Magical Fog without Error | 1
|
- Successfully steer the ship in the correct direction from the crow's nest during the Sailing instance.
- From the crow's nest on top of the ship, there will be a "slice" which will go towards a certain direction (accompanied by a sound). You must steer the ship in the direction of that "slice". Note that you must be facing the front of the ship to point in the right direction. Look into the fog ahead for an animation. To make it easier to see through the fog, set shaders to High in settings.
- Order is Port (left), Port (left), Starboard (right), Straight (up/forward).
- Eligibility is tracked by the effect
Achievement Eligibility: Nautical Divination.
| Crew Overboard! | Visions of Eternity: Act 1 | 1
|
|---|---|---|
| Rescue overboard allies in the allotted time.Journal: Unscheduled Departures | Rescued Overboard Allies in the Allotted Time | 1
|
- During the 'Overboard Survivors Rescued' objective at the end of the Sailing instance, use the Rescue Ropes to successfully bring aboard all 8 survivors within 1 minute and 40 seconds.
- The special action skill Throw Line is extremely sensitive to line of sight, and may make the achievement difficult to complete in the time allotted. Simply stand on top of the railing, click a survivor, then grab a rope and use your special skill twice. Then repeat. Also, the special action key will report that there is no target selected if you are using action camera. If you fall into the water you will be teleported back into the boat, so if you slip, get into the water to get back to the rescue operation quickly.
- Eligibility is tracked by the effect Achievement Eligibility: Crew Overboard!.
NPCs[edit]
Allies[edit]
Rata Sum Port Authority[edit]
- Assistant Dockmaster Patta
- Captain Ookavii
- Councillor Ludo
- Dock Worker
- Port Authority Employee
- Saljax
- Shipwright
Idea Incubation Lab[edit]
- Asura
- Citizen
- Councillor Ludo
- Flax Compound Gate Guard
- High Councillor Flax
- Krewe Researcher
- Lab Technician Pett
- Lab Technician Krizz
- Lab Technician Meeg
- Lab Technician Eemi
- Lab Technician Indegi
- Lab Technician Kepp
- Lab Technician Yesakk
- Lab Technician Zeba
- Golems
- PM-632z
- Veteran PM-632z
- Humans
- Sayida the Sly
Lion's Arch[edit]
- Humans
- First Mate Kiango
- Sayida the Sly
The Unending Ocean and Shipwreck Strand instances[edit]
- Asura
- Astral Ward Scout Trima (The Dark Leviathan)
- Colonel Rheff (The Dark Leviathan)
- Daxx (Martingale)
- Deckhand Dyma (Martingale)
- Paxx (Martingale)
- Zeke (The Dark Leviathan)
- Charr
- Ash Legion Scout (Martingale)
- Ember Doomforge (Martingale)
- Vanak Faithwalker (The Dark Leviathan)
- Rytlock Brimstone (Martingale)
- Humans
- First Mate Kiango (The Dark Leviathan)
- Garrick (The Dark Leviathan)
- Sayida the Sly (The Dark Leviathan)
- Scout Yakuti (The Dark Leviathan)
- Sly Brawler (Martingale)
- Sly Cutthroat (both ships)
- Sly Swashbuckler (both ships)
- Deckhand Begbie (Martingale)
- Wolfborn (Martingale)
- Seer
- Isgarren (The Dark Leviathan)
- Sylvari
- Astral Ward Mage (Martingale)
- Canach (Martingale)
- Narcisse (The Dark Leviathan)
- Magister Keadin (The Dark Leviathan)
- Vigil Scout Premhoc (Martingale)
- Kestrel Choole (The Dark Leviathan)
- Various
- Priory Historian (Martingale)
Foes[edit]
Rata Sum Port Authority[edit]
- Inquest Amalgam Assassin (undercover)
- Veteran Inquest Amalgam Assassin
Idea Incubation Lab[edit]
- Golems
The Unending Ocean instance[edit]
- Krait Damoss
- Krait Nimross
- Krait Slaver
- Veteran Krait Damoss
- Veteran Krait Hypnoss
- Veteran Krait Nimross
Objects[edit]
- Rata Sum Port Authority
- Level Two Security Access Card
- Port Authority Access Terminal
- Port Authority Crate
- Port Authority Refuse Pile
- Port Authority Toolbox
- Idea Incubation Lab
- Crumpled Memo
- Lab Console (if engineer) [verification requested]
- Letters of Correspondence
- Meeting Notes
- Office Console
- Research Volumes
- The Unending Ocean instance
- Shipwreck Strand instance
Dialogue[edit]
Rata Sum Port Authority instance[edit]
- Talking to Councillor Ludo
- Councillor Ludo: I appreciate your efficiency, Commander...and friend of Commander?
- Sayida the Sly: Captain Sayida of the Captain's Council, at your disposal.
- <Character name>: The captain has some intel on our Inquest situation. You can trust her.
- Councillor Ludo: The more the merrier, as far as I'm concerned. What've you got?
- Sayida the Sly: I was tasked with observing the ley-infused jade filter trade between Cantha and Elona in Lion's Arch.
- Councillor Ludo: Ah, right.
- Sayida the Sly: Early that morning, I witnessed five ships depart the bay. No record of where they were going.
- Sayida the Sly: They were manned by Inquest. Joined a few other Inquest vessels a ways out. My tech tracked their signal before it was cut.
- Sayida the Sly: Unfortunately, the trade vessels from Cantha and Elona arrived shortly after, so I had to pivot my attention.
- Councillor Ludo: (sighs) Excellent. Thank you for sharing, Captain.
- Councillor Ludo: As I told the commander, things have been odd around here as well. I suspect their funding is coming from somewhere else in Rata Sum.
- Councillor Ludo: If they're seabound, then perhaps we can learn more from the dock workers. The Inquest vessels would have boarded right here.
- <Character name>: As good a place to start as any. Let's go.
- Talking to one of the Dock Workers
- I don't have time for jibber-jabber. Make it quick.
Do you know what the Inquest were doing here recently?
Never mind.
- I'm up to my ears in work. What do you need?
- Notice any suspicious activity, perhaps from the Inquest?
- I won't take up more of you time, then.
- Possible responses from the Dock Workers:
- Dock Worker: Eh, I'm too busy for any of this. Talk to the Inquest if you have any questions for 'em.
- Dock Worker: Got enough on my plate today, buddy. Try somebody with more time to spare.
- Dock Worker: Sorry, I was on a repair assignment in another sector for the last month. Don't think I'm much help.
- Possible responses from a Dock Worker that turns out to be Inquest:
- Inquest Amalgam Assassin: Careful, now.
- Inquest Amalgam Assassin: I tried to play nice...
- Inquest Amalgam Assassin: Don't make a scene.
- Talking to one of the Shipwrights on the ships
- I've got a long list of repairs ahead of me. If you want yours done sooner, take it up with Patta.
- Actually, I was wondering if you've seen anything unusual around here lately.
- I won't take up more of your time, then.
- Possible responses from the Shipwrights:
- Shipwright: I don't know anything, and you'd be better off if you stopped asking.
- Shipwright: Things've been shady around here, for sure. Someone stole my lunch two days in a row!
- Response from a Shipwright that turns out to be Inquest:
- Inquest Amalgam Assassin: Overseer's orders. Huh! Nothing personal.
- Talking to Assistant Dockmaster Patta
- I swear, if one more bookah tries to dock their vessel in a slip without the proper registration, I'll quit...
- Did any of those unregistered ships belong to the Inquest, by chance?
- Assistant Dockmaster Patta: My pocket is heavy enough.
- Sounds stressful.
- Talking to Saljax
- Welcome aboard. What can I do for you?
- I'm looking for information on Inquest ships that sailed from here recently.
- Saljax: Inquest are a real nasty bunch, that's for sure.
- Never mind.
- Talking to Captain Ookavii
- Fine day, isn't it? Feels good to be back at port again.
- Have you noticed anything unusual around here since you've been back?
- Captain Ookavii: I guess it's been a little quiet around here. Usually a lot more bickering.
- I bet it does.
- After having questioned enough workers and sailors
- Councillor Ludo: Not especially concrete, but validating. Hm. I suppose we could head to the Port Authority database...
- Councillor Ludo: Might need to use a little elbow grease, but if we can access the port's terminal, we can leverage their operations log.
- Councillor Ludo: They should have information on all recent departure activity, along with the appropriate authorizations.
- Councillor Ludo: We love paperwork in Rata Sum. The gates simply won't disengage unless you've submitted your paperwork!
- Reaching the top of the stairs
- Veteran Inquest Amalgam Assassin: Code Axis. Intruders!
- Councillor Ludo: Intruder? Ma'am, I am Arcane Council. You can stand down.
- Councillor Ludo: Commander, you have my full permission to end this swiftly. I shouldn't engage.
- After defeating the Inquest
- Councillor Ludo: Further confirmation that we're looking in the right place, I'd say.
- As Ludo reaches the port's terminal
- Councillor Ludo: All right... Let me enter my verification code.
- Councillor Ludo: What? I have an A2 security clearance! Someone must've manually blocked my identification.
- Councillor Ludo: (sighs dramatically) We'll need a physical access card. Look around. Maybe one of the workers set theirs down.
- Rummaging for the access card in wrong locations
- Possible lines (in addition to nothing):
- <Character name>: Nope.
- <Character name>: Nothing here.
- Upon finding the access card
- <Character name>: There we go.
- Accessing the Port Authority Access Terminal
- Welcome to the PORT AUTHORITY ACCESS TERMINAL. What can I assist you with?
I'd like a list of every record recently accessed.
- I have compiled a list of all recently accessed files, starting with FILE 9B-2901H. I will summarize 9B-2901H: A new Inquest leader has been named and Inquest productivity has increased.
- New Inquest leader, huh?
- <Character name>: New Inquest leader, huh?
- Councillor Ludo: It's been an eventful year for the Inquest. It's sad that they're relevant at all these days.
- Councillor Ludo: But their unorthodox approach to research still garners support in Rata Sum. Some, at least.
- (Exit database.)
- I hate computers. Just let me hit something!
- Welcome to the PORT AUTHORITY ACCESS TERMINAL. What can I assist you with?
- Can you summarize the next record?
- Here is a summary of FILE 9B-9203T: A storage facility containing Zinn's research was recovered from Rata Novus. A few months ago, that research was broken into. The Arcane Council is investigating.
- New research from Zinn? Shocked that wasn't more newsworthy.
- (Exit database.)
- I hate computers. Just let me hit something!
- Welcome to the PORT AUTHORITY ACCESS TERMINAL. What can I assist you with?
- Summarize the next file.
- Of course. Accessing FILE 9B-6702G... FILE 9B-670... FILE 9B-6... FILE 9... I'm sorry, I am unable to read this file.
- What's happening?
- <Character name>: What's happening?
- Councillor Ludo: Encrypted. We'll have to go deeper. Commander, the honors?
- (Exit database.)
- I hate computers. Just let me hit something!
- You have been locked out of the system. How would you like to proceed?
- (Hack the terminal.)
- I need to think this through.
- After an unsuccessful hacking attempt (one of the following)
- Port Authority Access Terminal: Error.
- Port Authority Access Terminal: Warning! Warning! Repeated failure attempts will result in a two-hour lockout.
- Port Authority Access Terminal: Please back away from the terminal.
- Port Authority Access Terminal: Access denied.
- After the successful hack
- Welcome to the PORT AUTHORITY ACCESS TERMINAL. What can I assist you with?
- Let's pick up where we left off, starting with file 9B-6702G.
- Here is a summary of FILE-9B-6702G: The Inquest have been approved for departure. VESSELS: REDACTED. DESTINATION: REDACTED. APPROVER: REDACTED.
- Lot of information was wiped, but it isn't nothing.
- <Character name>: Lot of information was wiped, but it isn't nothing.
- Councillor Ludo: Ah! Here we go...
- Sayida the Sly: Looks like the destination was corrupted.
- Councillor Ludo: As was the authorizer's identity. Convenient.
- Councillor Ludo: The evidence continues to stack. It's all coming together now, for better or worse.
- (Exit database.)
- I hate computers. Just let me hit something!
- Welcome to the PORT AUTHORITY ACCESS TERMINAL. What can I assist you with?
- Next file.
- Here is a summary of FILE 9B-0517F: This is a work order for the Port Authority Operations Team to redirect rations from DOCK 03, the Tyrian Alliance vessels, to DOCK 07.
- You're not going to like this, Councillor.
- <Character name>: You're not going to like this, Councillor.
- Councillor Ludo: Bookah. I'm supposed to approve or deny all alliance operations in Rata Sum.
- Councillor Ludo: Keep looking.
- (Exit database.)
- I hate computers. Just let me hit something!
- Welcome to the PORT AUTHORITY ACCESS TERMINAL. What can I assist you with?
- All right, any files on who sent that order?
- Certainly. FILE 9B-0517F is redirected to FILE 9B-0516F. Allow me to summarize FILE 9B-0516F: Councillor Yahk formally requested that rations be redirected from Tyrian Alliance vessels to the Inquest.
- And somehow, it gets worse.
- <Character name>: And somehow, it gets worse
- Councillor Ludo: Yahk. Of course.
- Councillor Ludo: Why anyone ever supported Inquest being on the Arcane Council, I'll never understand.
- (Exit database.)
- I hate computers. Just let me hit something!
- Welcome to the PORT AUTHORITY ACCESS TERMINAL. What can I assist you with?
- Anything else?
- Here is a summary of FILE 9C-0204L: High Councillor Flax has ordered an audit of all PORT AUTHORITY TERMINAL records. Special verification may be needed to access records during the audit.
- The High Councillor?
- <Character name>: The High Councillor?
- Councillor Ludo: The high councillor, too? Flax, I though we were above this now...
- Councillor Ludo: Okay... Okay! If Flax is invovled somehow, then things are likely more dire than I expected.
- Councillor Ludo: Officially, I don't condone breaking into the councillor's office. Unofficially... Our—your options are limited.
- Sayida the Sly: A pirate's heart in this one.
- Councillor Ludo: We can take a portal downstairs. It'll get us close to the high councillor's laboratory. We'll strategize from there.
- (Exit database.)
- I hate computers. Just let me hit something!
Idea Incubation Lab[edit]
- Asking Ludo about her plan
- Councillor Ludo: His lab is just ahead, but this is as far as I can go. If I were to get caught, that'd be a whole other can of wurms.
- Councillor Ludo: This time of day, ah... The old fart's probably in there with his personal krewe. Security will be aggressive.
- If asura:
- Councillor Ludo: Though, they're certainly not letting you in. Not like that. You are far too recognizable in Rata Sum.
- Otherwise:
- Councillor Ludo: Though, they're certainly not letting you in like that. Far too tall.
- Councillor Ludo: I'll put a glamour on you, make you look like one of his krewe. Let me know when you're ready, Commander.
- Sayida the Sly: Probably best if I stay behind, too. One person is less conspicuous.
- Approaching the gate to Flax's lab without the disguise (one of the following)
- Flax Compound Gate Guard: Back, citizen!
- Flax Compound Gate Guard: Back! Visitors are not allowed here.
- Talking to Ludo
- If asura and you chose to steal a power source from Flax during the Infinity Ball storyline
- Don't think I don't know that this isn't your first time sneaking into Flax's office, Commander. I imagine this should be easy for you.
- I assume you're referring to certain events related to the Infinity Ball. Wait, how'd you find out about that?
- Ha! Please. Flax complained endlessly about how his new crozier "just wasn't the same" as the old one. I have enough connections in Rata Sum to figure out what happened.
- And you didn't tell Flax?
- Flax touts innovation and progress above all else. The way I see it, you were doing just that.
- Thanks, Ludo. All right, enough chitchat. We have a plan to carry out. (continues with the otherwise dialogue below)
- Fair point.
- Heh. Good times.
- I couldn't possibly guess what you mean by that.
- If asura and you chose to help the Order of Whispers forge papers during the Choosing an Order storyline
- Don't think I don't know that this isn't your first time sneaking into Flax's office, Commander. I imagine this should be easy for you.
- You mean the time I needed a way to access Professor Gorr's lab? How do you know about that?
- I helped cover up Gorr's research on Elder Dragons—a mistake I should've learned before Primordus was at our doorstep, I know—then led an inquiry into the aftermath. I'm practiced enough to know a forged document when I see one.
- And you didn't tell Flax? (same as above)
- I don't envy your position on the Arcane Council.
- I couldn't possibly guess what you mean by that.
- Otherwise, for other asura stories, other races, or after picking "Enough chitchat"
- Ready to sneak into Flax's lab? Say the word, and I'll cast a glamour to disguise you as a Usability Station lab technician.
- I'm ready.
- I need a moment.
- Upon receiving Ludo's Glamour
- Councillor Ludo: There. Be quick.
- Approaching the gate to Flax's lab while disguised
- Flax Compound Gate Guard: Halt—oh, you here for the krewe change? Hurry up! The high councillor isn't feeling patient today.
- If ranger:
- Flax Compound Gate Guard: And you brought a pet? Flax is going to hate that. But, hey, it's your retirement ceremony.
- Upon entering the lab
- High Councillor Flax: These numbers are substandard. I'm trying to fortify our data collection, not expose it to our competitors.
- Lab Technician Pett: Yes, ah, sir. We're trying. The waypoint frequencies have never been the most secure. And Cantha—
- High Councillor Flax: Cantha? Don't mention Cantha in here. I refuse to compare our legacy of excellence to their gimcrack infrastructure.
- <Character name>: Need to get him out of that office...
- Attempting to enter Flax's room
- High Councillor Flax: Do you not see that I am busy? Out. Out!
- Talking to Lab Technician Yesakk, or Lab Technician Krizz
- Are you the new tech from Councillor Zudo's krewe? I didn't think you were slated to start for another week.
- That's definitely me! Reporting for duty!
- Not the best timing, but okay... Soon as we're done with this cycle, I'll give you a tour. Might take a bit, so try not to bother anyone. Especially Zeba. She's angling for a transfer and can't afford to be distracted.
- Oh yeah? Wouldn't want to disrupt her focus...
- Talking to Lab Technician Meeg, Lab Technician Eemi, or Lab Technician Pett
- My ears, did Flax finally hire another lab tech? It's about time!
- How do you mean?
- We're spread so thin here, one of us is bound to make a catastrophic mistake from the pressure. Not me, of course.
- What a terrible commotion that would cause!
- Talking to Lab Technician Indegi
- You're not my shift replacement, are you? I've been going for twelve hours and I'm starting to lose feeling in my toes...
- Twelve hours! How are you still functioning?
- I ate twenty pieces of Zhaitaffy on my last break. Just enough to keep my eyes open, but not enough to send me into a fugue state. If anyone makes a mistake, none of us are going home tonight.
- Oh yeah? What a ruckus that would be...
- Talking to Lab Technician Kepp
- Don't talk to me. Don't look at me. And do not touch anything until we've completed this cycle.
- What cycle? Can you show me?
- Walk. Away.
- Okay. Okay! I'm walking away!
- Talking to Lab Technician Zeba
- What is it? Can't you see I'm working with very delicate technology?
- What kind of technology?
- The delicate kind. Now go away, I'm trying to focus. Please.
- What happens if you stop focusing so hard?
- All of the alignments would enter a rapid desync, and Flax would have both of our heads. Now scram.
- Why?
- Alchemy! What did I just say? Stop! Distracting! Me!
- Okay, guess I won't tell you which lab tech said your ears looked funny.
- I'll stop distracting you, then.
- Lab Technician Zeba: Oh—no, no, no! I wasn't paying attention–
- High Councillor Flax: Why has the flux correlator halted data organization? Zeba, a word?
- High Councillor Flax: So, what happened here?
- Lab Technician Zeba: I don't know—it was going fine until...
- High Councillor Flax: Everyone, stop what you're doing. We are going to stand here and watch her fix it.
- Lab Technician Zeba: Ah...
- Interacting with Lab Console (if engineer or asura, in reference to the Carry a Big Stick story instance in which you interact with the same console to gain access to the same office)
- <Character name>: Still got it.
- High Councillor Flax: Why has the flux correlator halted data organization? Zeba, a word?
- High Councillor Flax: So, what happened here?
- Lab Technician Zeba: I don't know—it was going fine until...
- High Councillor Flax: Everyone, stop what you're doing. We are going to stand here and watch her fix it.
- Lab Technician Zeba: Ah...
- Entering Flax's office
- Veteran PM-632z: Intruder—detected.
- If asura or sylvari:
- <Character name>: Quiet!
- If charr:
- <Character name>: Burn me.
- If norn:
- <Character name>: Of course.
- If human:
- <Character name>: Come on.
- Reading the Meeting Notes
- <Character name>: Ludo's going to hate this...
Arcane Council Meeting Summary
Notes Taken by Phlunt's Golem Secretary
Attendance
High Councillor Flax
Councillor Haia
Councillor Vark
Councillor Zudo
Councillor Yahk
Councillor Bleent
Councillor Phlunt
Meeting Minutes
- Quorum has been reached, with two members of the council absent. Councillor Ludo is in Lion's Arch on behalf of the Tyrian Alliance, and Councillor Canni is guiding an ecological research study in Cantha. Catering has been provided by Chef Prazz.
- A petition was proposed from Councillor Phlunt to change the time of Arcane Council meetings to Canthan standard time so that he does not have to disrupt his daily tea ceremony. The petition will be taken into consideration.
- Councillor Vark volunteered to read a letter from Councillor Ludo. She says that the Captain's Council will be hosting a summit between the nations of Cantha and Elona two weeks from today in Lion's Arch. Cantha will be demonstrating their new ley-infused jade filters, and Councillor Ludo has suggested that the council send students from each of the colleges to watch. Councillor Yahk dismissed the notion, expressing concerns over wasting resources. Councillor Phlunt seconded Yahk's concerns. Councillor Zudo dissented, but was quickly dismissed by High Councillor Flax.
- High Councillor Flax has pivoted to issue a formal complaint about the catering, noting that the blueberry tarts are "dry and unsatisfying." Councillors Bleent and Yahk agree.
- Councillor Yahk notes that the ooze custard, however, is superb. Given that, the formal complains against the blueberry tarts have been dismissed.
- Councillor Zudo once again brought up her petition to give the colleges additional access to funding following recent budget cuts. She claims that multiple research krewes have expressed concerns about funding and may need to halt progression. High Councillor Flax asked to delay discussing the petition, citing a lack of preparedness, but suggested that each of these krewes submit requests for funding so they can be assessed individually. This suggestion satisfied Councillor Zudo.
- Since Councillor Ludo is in Lion's Arch for another week at minimum, Councillor Yahk volunteered to oversee the rations and supplies that are being prepared for the Tyrian Alliance. High Councillor Flax approved.
- Two Councillors discussed a "playdate" between their two progeny. Nothing came of it after both agreed that the children detested one another on ideological grounds.
- The meeting was adjourned when High Councillor Flax received an urgent note to return to the Usability Station. The Arcane Council will reconvene when Councillors Ludo and Canni return from business outside of Rata Sum.
- Reading the Letters of Correspondence
- <Character name>: Well, this confirms Flax's involvement... The high councillor, working with the Inquest behind closed doors.
High Councillor,
When the rest of Tyria witnesses and respects Rata Sum as the monument of Tyrian brilliance—asuran brilliance—you will know that we made the correct choice.
I will inform the Inquest that they are free to depart. They will not be stopped.
Your friend,
Councillor Yahk
- Snooping the Office Console
- Office Console: (One of the open files is an application submitted by Zeba, requesting job transfer to the Applied Development Lab. Based on the submission date, Flax has clearly ignored it.)
(Approve the request, effective immediately. And give her a salary increase.)- (Leave.)
- Snooping the console again after approving the request
- Office Console: (One of the open files is an application submitted by Zeba, requesting job transfer to the Applied Development Lab. Based on the submission date, Flax has clearly ignored it.)
- You'll be off to greener pastures soon, Zeba. Made sure of it.
- Reading the Research Volumes
- <Character name>: Castora? This must be where they're headed. I wonder what else Zinn knew...
High Councillor, this is the passage that I spoke of before. When we meet next, I would be happy to share the rest. I worry about circulating too much information unprotected, especially before our imminent departure.
After poring through Lenusso's journal, there are a handful of assumptions that I can make about traveling to the island of Castora:
One. Based on various maps and documents that I've been able to uncover in Lion's Arch, I believe I've identified the correct landmass. It is to the far southwest, farther than most sailors have traveled. This aligns with various statements found throughout the source text.
Two. It would be a deeply complex journey. While I suspect that it is about equal distance from the Tyrian mainland to the Canthan continent, that stretch of ocean is highly treacherous. Most sailors that I consulted with have urged me to proceed with immense caution, if not drop the aspiration entirely. Not only did many refute the existence of such a place, but the general consensus is that modern vessels may not be enough to make it there intact.
Three. Based on some of Lenusso's accounts, I am not entirely sure what to expect in terms of danger. There are hundred of sketches of creatures I've never seen—references to incomprehensible magic! A dream to any researcher, explorer, or innovator...but perhaps more than I can conquer when the rest of the continent is focused on the rise of the White Mantle.
Four. But I cannot ignore the possibility of what I may find on that island. While I can only guess based on the desperate musings of a now-deceased lab speciment, the picture that has been painted for me is one of intrigue and existential revelation. Imagine Rata Novus, which is already a spectacle of innovation, but better. No restrictions. Limitless power.
- Reading the Crumpled Memo
- <Character name>: Good to know Ludo isn't alone in all of this. I can't imagine all of Rata Sum aligning with the Inquest.
TO: High Councillor Flax, Arcane Council
FROM: Director Ezuli, Rata Sum Port Authority
DATE: 1338 AE
SUBJECT: Port Authority Records Sealing Inquiry
High Councillor, I demand any and all infomation on your little "audit" of my database. Must I remind you that this is my jurisdiction and does not follow protocol, which even you must obey?
I am more than happy to direct my krewe to assist the Arcane Council in whatever skylarking they pursue, but not blindly. I expect answers, or I will take my distaste to the next public forum with the council and city directors.
Director Ezuli
- After having gathered the information
- <Character name>: (sighs) Well, that confirms it. Time to get out of here.
- Upon leaving the office
- Lab Technician Zeba: I-I'm so sorry, let me try again—
- High Councillor Flax: I have all day.
- Talking to Ludo after returning to him and Sayida
- <Character name>: Flax is in on the whole thing. Coordinated with Inquest leadership to raid Zinn's storage facility for data.
- <Character name>: They're headed to an island called Castora. Searching for something, but they were smart enough not to write it down.
- Councillor Ludo: Damn it.
- Sayida the Sly: Castora, huh? I've heard the name. A seafarer's fable. It's an island to the far southwest. A couple week's journey, at minimum.
- Sayida the Sly: Not approachable, best I know. I haven't heard of anyone going and leaving. But that explains why they needed ships.
- Sayida the Sly: Too far for airship capability. And I didn't think it was even possible by sea. That's a very dangerous stretch of ocean.
- Sayida the Sly: But such a journey could put my name next to Margrid's... I could surpass her glory, even.
- Sayida the Sly: I can try to get you there, Commander, if we think it's a good idea. If the Inquest think they can reach the island, I bet we can too.
- Councillor Ludo: Calm, Captain. I'll confirm with the alliance, for the sake of protocol. But as a councillor of Rata Sum, I'll encourage it.
- Councillor Ludo: As for the Arcane Council... (sighs)
- <Character name>: I do not envy your status, Ludo.
- Councillor Ludo: Neither do I.
- Talking to Sayida
- Sayida the Sly: Castora is the sort of place that you hear stories about but question its existence. This is a once-in-a-lifetime voyage.
- Sayida the Sly: It's appeared on our maps under a few names, and you can see it if you stray far enough from the route to Cantha.
- Sayida the Sly: I'm sure people have tried to land, but since we've never heard those stories...they likely never made it back.
- Sayida the Sly: But it's a strange choice for the Inquest. We don't know what's there. Though, perhaps they do now...
- Talking to Ludo
- Councillor Ludo: I'm going to touch base with my sister next. She's been overseeing some changes to the Dynamics curriculum. Hard to book.
- Councillor Ludo: But if Flax and Yahk are moving in shadow, I need to make sure the rest of the Arcane Council is ready to take action.
Lion's Arch[edit]
- Talking to Sayida
- Sayida the Sly: Commander! We've been cleared to sail. Our crew's all here. Just getting things boarded up and ready to go.
- If charr or norn:
- <Character name>: I don't know if I'm impressed or deeply concerned about this team.
- Otherwise:
- <Character name>: I don't know if I'm impressed or deeply concerned about this lineup.
- Sayida the Sly: It's all the alliance could sanction at the last minute. Everyone is a little at odds on how to approach this one.
- Sayida the Sly: They're intrigued by Castora, but a bigger fleet would need more consensus. And we don't want to give the Inquest leeway.
- Sayida the Sly: Oh, and you're in charge.
- <Character name>: I'm what?
- Canach: We were just making our acquaintance with your darling friend, Isgarren. Tell me, does the Astral Ward invest?
- Rytlock Brimstone: (grunts) I didn't think we were here for profiteering.
- Isgarren: After Councillor Ludo informed the alliance of the Inquest's movements, I thought my expertise would be beneficial to all.
- Isgarren: This Castora is a dangerous place, from what I've heard.
- Sayida the Sly: And Canach will be lending the Martingale in supplement to my own ship, the Dark Leviathan. "Baby's first voyage."
- Canach: And if she gets scratched, I will scream.
- <Character name>: Then that leaves you, Rytlock. Are you here for pleasure, punishment, or both?
- Rytlock Brimstone: Crecia thought I could use some air. If I had to keep listening to Bangar's rhetoric, I'd probably be in a cell too.
- <Character name>: When do we set sail?
- Sayida the Sly: As soon as you tell us to.
- <Character name>: Then let's get going.
The Unending Ocean instance[edit]
- Upon entering the instance
- Sayida the Sly: Steady now, this is going to be a long voyage...
- First Mate Kiango: Aye-aye, Captain!
- <Character name>: Weather sure took a turn... I should track down Sayida.
- Talking to Sayida
- Sayida the Sly: Look who's awake! I swear, you slept for half the journey, Commander.
- Isgarren: I don't know how you get any rest on this vessel...
- If human:
- <Character name>: Probably would've kept sleeping if the weather hadn't turned. Wish I were in Salma, snoozing in the sun.
- If asura:
- <Character name>: Probably would've kept sleeping if the weather hadn't turned. Oh, I don't want my ears to get wet.
- If charr:
- <Character name>: Probably would've kept sleeping if the weather hadn't turned. Don't make me regret this.
- If norn:
- <Character name>: Probably would've kept sleeping if the weather hadn't turned. Exciting, isn't it?
- If sylvari:
- <Character name>: Probably would've kept sleeping if the weather hadn't turned. I could wilt.
- Sayida the Sly: The storms have only just begun. I expect things to get much more bumpy.
- Sayida the Sly: Wait–did you hear that?
- First Mate Kiango: Krait!
- Sayida the Sly: Surprised we made it this far without an attack. Crew, weapons up!
- After defeating all krait on the ship
- Sayida the Sly: Canach's ship is being boarded!
- <Character name>: On my way.
- Reaching Canach's ship
- Rytlock Brimstone: 'Bout time you showed your face.
- After defeating all krait
- Canach: She's on fire! Commander? Commander!
- After extinguishing all fires
- Rytlock Brimstone: (snarls)
- After having defeated all creatures of the Deep
- Canach: Look! Something is attacking the Dark Leviathan! Oh, I never had the cannons repaired...
- Rytlock Brimstone: Got these harpoons, at least. Just try not to take out Sayida's ship.
- After having defeated the tentacles
- Sayida the Sly: Keep it up!
- First Mate Kiango: (grunts)
- <Character name>: Hold on, everyone!
- Fading in from black (Checkpoint)
- One Week Later
- Talking to Sayida about the fog
- Sayida the Sly: I don't like this fog...
- Isgarren: It has a magical quality to it. Stings the senses. Even I cannot look beyond with a bare eye.
- Sayida the Sly: It's scrambling our navigation instruments, too. I can't tell where we are. I can't see anything!
- First Mate Kiango: Captain, we're being attacked by...crabs!
- After having the defeated the crabs on Sayida's ship
- Canach: GET OFF OF MY SHIP!
- Sayida the Sly: Commander?
- <Character name>: Moving out.
- Rytlock Brimstone: "It'll be fun," Crecia said... (snarls)
- Canach: Leave my Martingale alone! This is the finest elder wood, sourced by hand from Orr! Oh, don't scratch her!
- Returning to Sayida's ship after having defeated all crabs
- Sayida the Sly: Starting to understand why no one gets this far. I'll steer us straight into a rock at this rate.
- Talking to Isgarren
- <Character name>: What do we do?
- Isgarren: This fog... The magic is trying to obfuscate our senses by manipulating the atmosphere around us. It's a very complicated spell.
- Isgarren: But if I can isolate the energies into distilled pockets of the magic's purest form, we may be able to see through it.
- Isgarren: It will take all of my focus to maintain these pockets. Wayfinder, you will need to guide us.
- <Character name>: Willing to give it a try.
- Isgarren: Sayida, man the ship. I will begin when the wayfinder is ready.
- Isgarren: I will channel the energies in the air while you collect them. You should be able to see a break in the path.
- Choosing to go left
- <Character name>: Head to port!
- Choosing to go straight ahead
- <Character name>: Straight ahead!
- Choosing to go right
- <Character name>: Head to starboard!
- If you chose the wrong direction
- One of the following:
- Sayida the Sly: I think we're headed the wrong way. I can't see the path ahead.
- Sayida the Sly: (grunts) I can't see anything. I don't think we went the right way.
- Sayida the Sly: I don't know, Commander. I think we're lost.
- Sayida the Sly: I'm losing all sense of direction...
- As the aggressive creatures appear after choosing incorrectly
- One of the following:
- Sayida the Sly: Where did these things come from?
- Sayida the Sly: We're under attack!
- Having defeated the aggressive creatures after choosing incorrectly
- One of the following:
- Isgarren: The attack has settled. You can try again, Wayfinder.
- Isgarren: Try to see the path forward again, Wayfinder.
- Choosing the correct direction
- One of the following:
- Sayida the Sly: Haven't hit anything yet. Must've been the right direction.
- Sayida the Sly: That's it!
- Sayida the Sly: Got it! We're safe to sail on.
- Sayida the Sly: I've got a clear path. Good work, Commander!
- Whenever you need to steer again
- One of the following:
- Isgarren: Quickly, Wayfinder! While the magic is coalesced.
- Isgarren: Once more, Wayfinder. You must collect the coalesced energy and guide us.
- Isgarren: I've distilled the energies so you can collect them once more, Wayfinder!
- After choosing the first correct direction, passing shipwrecks
- First Mate Kiango: Captain, do you see that?
- Sayida the Sly: Yes. It's been here for a while.
- First Mate Kiango: We're probably sailing over a graveyard...
- After choosing the second correct direction
- Sayida the Sly: I'm glad we didn't hit those.
- Isgarren: It is frightening.
- After choosing the third correct direction
- Isgarren: That looks like a modern vessel. Or what remains of one.
- Sayida the Sly: Inquest.
- After choosing the fourth correct direction
- Unknown: (roars)
- Sayida the Sly: What... What was that?
- First Mate Kiango: (gasps) The Martingale!
- Sayida the Sly: Canach!
- Canach: (shouts)
- Rytlock Brimstone: Blazing!
- Sayida the Sly: What is that thing?
- Isgarren: I don't know. It's using the fog as a shield.
- Sayida the Sly: Ropes overboard, now! Save as many as you can!
- While rescuing the crew (some of these lines)
- Wolfborn: Spirits, give me your strength!
- Wolfborn: Stay calm, everyone!
- Daxx: Help! Help me now!
- Daxx: Consider my salary tripled, Canach!
- Paxx: This isn't what I signed on for!
- Paxx: Get me outta here!
- Astral Ward Mage: Something brushed against my foot! Help!
- Astral Ward Mage: Help, please!
- Rytlock Brimstone: Knew this was a bad idea.
- Rytlock Brimstone: (growls) Toss me a damn rope!
- Priory Historian: Help!
- Priory Historian: Someone, please!
- Ash Legion Scout: Get the Blood Legion tribune first!
- Ash Legion Scout: (snarls)
- Canach: What if I swam after her?
- Canach: Oh, fine, just let her sink. Now, help me!
- After rescuing everyone
- Sayida the Sly: Everyone accounted for?
- Canach: No. My darling... My Martingale. She... Can I get a little empathy?
- Sayida the Sly: We have crew to account for first. Then you can mourn that damned ship.
- Rytlock Brimstone: Don't trust water that I can't see the bottom of.
- Sayida the Sly: Just a little farther now...
- A cutscene plays
- <Unknown male>: Land ho!
- Sayida the Sly: The trees, the rock formations...coursing with magic. This must be Castora.
- Isgarren: Mmm-hmm.
- Isgarren: So it is.
Shipwreck Strand instance[edit]
- Upon entering the instance
- (Cinematic over the Soaring Sands, showing "ArenaNet presents", and the Visions of Eternity logo.)
- Checking in with Sayida
- <Character name>: Everyone holding up?
- Sayida the Sly: We're fine. Could've been a lot worse. Most of the crew went ashore—needed some firmer ground beneath their boots.
- <Character name>: All right, good. I'll head that way.
- Sayida the Sly: Do me a favor and grab one of those crates. Just food, shouldn't be heavy. Kiango's taking inventory of what we've got left.
- Sayida the Sly: I'll be right behind you. Need to make note of any damages so I can get her patched. Probably won't be journey ready for a while.
- Talking to Vanak Faithwalker
- Wayfinder! Great seeing you take action, as always. Anything I can do to help you out?
- What do you think of this place, Vanak?
- A breath of fresh air, when you ignore the circumstances that brought us here. I'm eager to explore; it already reminds me so much of home. So much so that I'm feeling kind of homesick.
- I hope you get to visit home again soon.
- Nothing at the moment. Thanks.
- Reading the Lightly Wrinkled Letter
Isgarren,
Couldn't find you this morning for a chat, so I left this brief of what I wanted to discuss in your robe pocket. Waiting Dawn mentioned you were accompanying the wayfinder to more tropical surrounds. She was glad to have a chance to spend time in Amnytas, after all this time. I wanted to get her to jot down some notes on the Heart of the Obscure while she's here, but Dagda asked I not disturb her while she communes with the World Spire.
Once again, trying to extract straightforward answers from you elder wizards is like trying to pry a diamond from a skritt's hands.
Meanwhile, the Tyrian Alliance continues to drag their heels on our proposal to further assess activity in the Realm of Torment after Kormir's exodus and other recent events. My own digging during the titan mess turned up nothing new. Lucky for us, your expedition to Bava Nisos gave you a chance to assess the foundry, albeit from a distance. Maybe one day the alliance council will see the benefit of a more thorough investigation.
For now, I've been fielding the occasional request from Ogden Stonehealer since our talks with the priory began. He and some of the other Deldrimor would like to talk, and I'm of two minds about it—figuratively speaking. You know my facets had some nasty bouts with Kryptis possession while you were wrestling with Cerus. Some of my suppressed memories were dredged to the surface, and well, let's just say my chances of a family reunion are pretty damn slim. Still, with dwarven memories being what they are, who can say if someone's kept a lantern lit for me, you know?
Enough about my own baggage. Enjoy yourself! Let some of the world's weight off those world-bearing shoulders.
Safe travels,
Lyhr
- Talking to Kiango while carrying crates
- First Mate Kiango: Aye. Thanks, Commander.
- First Mate Kiango: Heck of a cleanup job ahead of us. Canach's ship is all over the bay. We don't have eyes on all the crew yet, either.
- First Mate Kiango: But we made it. Hopefully the Inquest don't get too far ahead of us while we collect ouselves.
- (Castorian Survivalist Mastery Unlocked)
My story[edit]
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Trivia[edit]
- Chloë Mills named the asura lab techs after members of the Narrative Team and styled them with each of the members' favorite color palettes.[1]
External links[edit]
- Peering through the Fog: Designing the Journey to Castora, GuildWars2.com
References[edit]
- ^ Post by Chloë Mills, Bsky.social
- Chloë: I named all of the lab techs after folks on the story team, and styled with each of their favorite color palettes. Indigo wanted a little purple lass :)
