Hello Mr. Fassino,
the german roleplay community has succesfully gathered and voted for the
12 questions that they are interested the most. Thank you again for giving
us this wonderful opportunity, we're very thankful for that and appreciate all
the work you and your team is doing. Special thanks also to Bobby Stein for
helping us out.
In case people aren't familiar with the term "roleplay", I'd like to give a brief
introduction about that term: Roleplaying in Guild Wars 2 means taking on the role
of a character and acting it out in-game through text chat and emotes. Telling
stories - big and small. Roleplaying has similarities to improv theater, with the
participants acting out characters in unscripted situations. Underlying this social
play style is the perspective players have on their characters, as fully-fledged
fictional beings that are more than just avatars of themselves. The character's
personality, goals, morals, and quirks may resemble that of the player or be
completely different. As roleplayers, we're preeeeeetty serious when it comes to
topics like lore, immersion ... and fashion wars! These help us feel more connected
to our characters and the world that they live in. The characters we portray are
most often made to fit the story of Guild Wars and the world of Tyria, thus we are
keenly interested in all the little bits and snippets, that tell us more about the
world. And it's from this perspective that we ask the following questions:
Preface from BOBBY: The answers below were given in the spirit of empowering
our passionate role-playing community to act out their commander in the ways
they see fit while providing enough guidelines for flexibility. In many cases, we
confirm what we can based on what’s already in the game, but more often than
not we’re simply providing food for thought about cases in which we haven’t
addressed something through story or lore content expressed by events or
inhabitants within the game world.
The reasons for this are simple: we typically can’t/won’t comment on anything
that’s not already expressed in the game, as we may plan on addressing it via
future update. It’s also possible that we purposely left something open for
interpretation, as the mystery allows for exciting theories to manifest. With that in
mind…spoilers ahead.
1. Does the Mist War function like some kind of fractal where 'alternate versions' (or
'echoes') of real Tyrians fight against each other or are most or all participants real
people who fight and die for their worlds?
BOBBY: Tyrians understand the Mist War as a constant battle at the shallowest edge
of the Mists, meaning it’s the easiest realm to access through ordinary portals. Since
it’s a case of corporeal beings traveling to a spiritual realm, most who travel there
don’t experience permanence. For example, if they “die” at the Edge of the Mists,
they can be revived at little risk to their Tyrian form. Also of note: the Mists are
vaguely understood, so Tyrian concepts of existence and chronology don’t
necessarily apply there.
So, while the Mist War (a.k.a. World vs. World) may physically resemble Tyria, the
same rules of life and death don’t strictly apply there, which allows adventurers to
travel there, fight their wars, and return relatively unharmed (physically, at least).
There’s no avoiding the mental and emotional tolls of war. Ankka showed us as
much in End of Dragons—experiencing traumatic events while in the Mists can
numb or otherwise change you in profound ways the longer you're there.
In other words, WvW locations such as the Edge of the Mists are not fractals.
They’re merely battlegrounds that have different rules than you’d find in the
physical realm, that are usually populated by “war tourists” from Tyria. What
happens deeper in the Mists is anyone’s guess.
2. What are the goals of the Tyrian orders (Durmand Priory, the Vigil, Order of Whispers)
now that threat posed by the Elder Dragons is gone?
BOBBY: It’s probably safe to assume that the orders have refocused their efforts
elsewhere in the absence of draconic threat: the collection and interpretation of
knowledge (Durmand Priory), military operations against new or existing threats
(Vigil), and intelligence gathering and subterfuge (Order of Whispers). Possibly for
hire, but mostly for their own gains.
INDIGO: Exactly as Bobby said, but I also imagine all of these groups are trying to
figure out what the world looks like without the threat of the Elder Dragons looming
on the horizon. Especially after the initial events of Secrets of the Obscure, the world
needs to recalibrate a bit (and also needs to react to the fact that we just suffered a
demon invasion, of sorts—I expect that, even though the Astral Ward tried to keep
things under wraps, the rest of the world was bound to notice that something was
amiss).
I also fully expect that the Order of Whispers is going to have a field day with our
secretive, wizardly organization. I’d love to see that confrontation.
3. In Amnytas we meet the sylvari 'Ithil', former member of the Nightmare Court. How did
he achieve to break free from the Court and what obstacles did he have to overcome?
INDIGO: One of my favorite things about working on the various Astral Ward
members was figuring out their backstories—given that this organization has
individuals from across Tyria, there was a plethora of opportunities to show differing
perspectives and worldviews. While they have like goals now, that wasn’t always the
case.
When I was writing on the Strength of the Unseen collection and exploring the
various characters whose lives were impacted by Mabon, I was drawn to flawed
individuals with complicated backstories. Ithil was one of them (Callon, as well).
When she woke up from her dream and didn’t find the answers that she needed,
she turned toward a darker path—but not necessarily because she was a nefarious
figure from birth. The Grove and the Pale Tree simply couldn’t help her in the way
that she needed, so she joined the Nightmare Court (she probably thought that this
was her only option; she didn’t have enough exposure to the world yet). She was
lured by promises and whispers that there were other answers out there, and not
ones “manufactured” by their “mother.”
Ithil learned very quickly that she’d been impulsive in joining the court and that her
entourage was quite villainous. But it also wasn’t something she could walk away
from immediately, so she went along with them for as long as she could stomach
(probably out of curiosity too; she may not have liked their actions but did
appreciate their search for answers that weren’t simply given by the Pale Tree).
While she hasn’t shared the circumstances of her departure, it was not a kind one.
Most importantly, it gave her and Mabon common ground. Our mursaat wizard
came from similar origins—origins that were even more paved in blood and
torment. But he grew and learned from those experiences and sought to use that
growth to help others who may be astray. Individuals like Ithil and Callon, both
having complicated and tragic personal histories. They needed him the most—they
were individuals that needed to be shown that, often, you can choose a different
path. Mabon got to Ithil when she needed that voice the most, and even after his
passing, she’ll likely carry those values with her.
4. Is the Horn of Maguuma - by virtue of its position high above the clouds - closer to the
mists than the rest of Tyria?
BOBBY: It’s not closer to the Mists due to its altitude, but more because the
metaphysical barrier that separates the Mists from physical Tyria had been breached
via portals. Bastion of the Penitent, for example, is located in the Woodland
Cascades north of Kryta. It’s essentially below ground yet just as close to the Mists
as the Horn of Maguuma due to the barrier between realms being compromised or
otherwise weakened.
5. What are the challenges the charr of the Black Citadel face today, now that various
threats (Kralkatorrik, Flame Legion, civil war etc.) have been dealt with?
BOBBY: It helps to look at the end of the Icebrood Saga for a hint at what’s likely
going on in charr politics. The Flame Legion are earning the trust of fellow legions
and slowly reintegrating back into society. With the legions reunited but still marred
by the discontent that was sowed in the Icebrood Saga, some are calling for the
instatement of a second Khan-Ur. What about the demon threat? Have Kryptis
knocked on the door of the charr home city? Have old grudges or habits returned
now that their society is free from the Elder Dragons?
6. How did Deimos come to rule the Bastion of the Penitent? Did he conquer it, was it
given to him, did he claim it once the Mursaat were already gone or did it happen some
other way?
BOBBY: The facts are murky, but we know several things. Deimos latched on to Saul’s
guilt, which bound him to the bastion and allowed him to travel between Nayos and
Tyria. Was it part of Saul’s punishment, or simply a possession of convenience?
We know that Isgarren built the bastions, but that this one—the Bastion of the
Penitent—was abandoned by the wizards and then commandeered by Tyrian
mursaat. It was eventually converted into a prison. Its foundation was built upon by
the incarcerated, who with their hands created the abomination we know today. They
placed political prisoners there for “reeducation” to break their spirits and make them
fall in line. So, while it’s unclear why, exactly, Deimos chose Saul as his host, it was
likely an opportunity between parties with mutual or overlapping interests.
INDIGO: As a small addition to Bobby’s observations, Deimos came to Tyria with a
mission: to help find ways for Eparch and the Kryptis to breach the Veil (which is what
the Kryptis call the ethereal wall between the various realms of the Mists, including
Tyria and Nayos). Some secrets may have yet to be told, but Eparch has looked to
some very…nefarious tactics to find his way back to Isgarren, even before the events
of Secrets of the Obscure. Saul just happened to be the perfect vessel for one of these
splinter attacks, although Deimos’s gluttony for suffering would prove dire.
7. There are many benevolent ghosts all across Cantha. Why haven't these ghosts moved
on to the Underworld and what does it take to become such a good-natured kind of
ghost?
BOBBY: Spirits of the departed (usually but not always human) will normally be
transported to the Underworld in the Mists upon death. But if their death was
traumatic or their life was unfulfilled or unresolved, they could end up in one of at
least two places: the Domain of the Lost (where we saw the commander go after an
untimely and violent death at the hands of Balthazar in Path of Fire) or “chained” to
a location on Tyria, such as we saw with the Bloodstone-freed ghosts of Spirit Vale in
the Forsaken Thicket.
It’s safe to say that the benevolent ghosts you see around Tyria—those who weren’t
murdered or whose lives weren’t taken prematurely by circumstance—may be
bound to the people they love, the land they own, or some other attachment like
unfinished business or a renewed mission. Perhaps they don’t know the way to the
Mists or refuse to go due to personal reasons. I don’t believe there’s a single reason
that can be applied to all ghosts who remain, other than to say they are compelled
to stay either to complete an unresolved mission or task, or they’re so emotionally
bound or otherwise tethered or chained that they can’t or don’t want to move on.
Or that something is keeping them here against their will.
8. We have seen multiple times how Kryptis possession affects the possessed Tyrians, but
how does the possessing Kryptis experience the process?
BOBBY: I believe we’ve gotten a glimpse of this from how the Kryptis talk about the
sensations they experience when tracking a Tyrian host. They can smell emotions
like fear, confidence, joy, and sorrow. They can get glimpses of memories but might
not understand how they fit together or what they ultimately mean.
Kryptis don’t think and feel the same way as Tyrians, so when they make their first
possession, they don’t know how to process it. Higher Kryptis such as Cerus, Peitha,
and Deimos had possessed many Tyrians by the time the wayfinder/commander
encountered them, thus their inquisitive observations.
INDIGO: It’s a lot like watching a movie with a flimsy blindfold and sound-canceling
headphones. While they’re possessing a host, they can see glimpses of that
individual’s history—blurry scenes, potent memories—and the longer they’re with
that host, the clearer those images get. They’ve also got some pretty fantastic noses,
like Bobby alluded to. Not only can they smell emotion, but they can smell certain
experiences. A trip to the Underworld probably leaves an ethereal stench; they can
smell that (just as Cerus was able to paint a pretty elaborate image of the
commander during their first meeting).
9. How does the Durmand Priory raise funds for its continued operation? Are its members
paid (and if so, paid well)?
BOBBY: I don’t believe the Priory discloses their financials, so we can only guess. If
they’re run like many educational institutions, it’s possible that they are funded by
generous donors (who likely want a say in what the Priory is researching—possibly
for their own means), sale of whatever artifacts they find that they don’t need for
their archive, publication and sale of their research materials, and consultation fees
should a government or private army want access to their library.
Is that funding passed down to the folks doing the work? Not sure. It’s possible that
more experienced or higher-ranking Priory members might have access to funds to
secure themselves finer lodging while out on assignment, or better meals, or
sturdier equipment. But they may not be paid directly as you or I might be through a
job. I often think of the Priory almost as a religious order or private educational
institution rather than something funded by public taxation. But since we haven’t
delved into this in the game proper, I can’t say definitively if the field scholars are
paid a salary, or just given a stipend to cover any amenities or supplies not taken
care of by the Priory itself.
10. How is the education system structured in the different human societies (Lion's Arch,
Kryta, Elona, Cantha)? Is there compulsory education/schooling, how common are
private schools, military academies and private tutors and is there even accessible public
education everywhere?
BOBBY: We know from history that during Joko’s 200-year reign in Elona, he
essentially rewrote history to indoctrinate citizens to view him as a benevolent
leader (at the cost of giving their lives to him in life and death). In Path of Fire we
visited modern Vehtendi Academy and witnessed this firsthand. This is just one
example of formalized schooling in a single region of a single country.
When you travel around Tyria, from Central to Cantha to Elona, you may witness
students studying (or talking about their studies outside of class). In order to remain
competitive on the world stage and stay relevant, human societies undoubtedly
have educational systems in place, but they vary from place to place. In some cases,
formal schooling is unfortunately a luxury of the wealthy. In other cases, local
government or communities will institute and fund their own version. Suffice to say,
humans embrace a variety of educational structures and there isn’t a single one that
encompasses every society.
11. How has the Ritualist profession evolved over the last 250 years? Do they still use ashes,
can they still enchant weapons and armor or has the profession moved away from these
practices? Do they have some new spells at their disposal?
BOBBY: This question is better answered by a skills and balance person, especially
since players don’t have access to a proper ritualist profession or elite specialization
in GW2. I wouldn’t want to speculate too much about that since we haven’t
explored it meaningfully in GW2 as of yet, and speculating here wouldn’t accomplish
anything of value. Feel free to roleplay as you wish!
12. What happens to a Sylvari in the Underworld? Do they move on to the Dream of Dreams
(can they maybe even be reborn from there?), do they move on to an afterlife specific
to their race or is this dependend on the beliefs they held in life?
BOBBY: Interesting question. In the Departing story chapter in Path of Fire (where
the commander descends into the Domain of the Lost—a section of the Underworld
where spirits who met traumatic ends go to find their purpose), sylvari players—like
all playable species in Guild Wars 2—end up here. Each society has its own specific
view of the afterlife, as informed by thousands of years of belief systems (religious
and scientific) and analysis.
The truth is, we don’t really know if they have their neat, separate little corners of
the afterlife by choice or by cosmic engineering. Or if they all meet the same fate but
call it different things. We do know that the Underworld is in the Mists, which is not
only where human spirits have been but other species as well. My gut says that the
fate that awaits all living beings happens in the Mists, but perhaps their own
concepts can form pockets or realms where they congregate out of comfort or
safety.
It would be interesting for folks to explore those types of questions in the future, but
for now we can only guess.
We wish you a wonderful start into the new week!
- Fabijan Forster, administrator for the german roleplay community
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