To get straight to the point, I think that there are good implications that the land of Cantha may not be too far in the future, relatively speaking. I’m not saying this for sure – obviously we can’t know I’m guessing that western Maguuma will open for Mordremoth first. But hey, thought I’d bring this up.
So my understanding of the Cantha issue is that Anet loves it, but they had some complications with the blending of Asian cultures and NC Soft told them it was a no-go, and so the great collapse was created to quickly patch up the now erased Canthan district. Picture: http://wiki.guildwars2.com/images/4/47/2010_May_Divinity%27s_Reach_Canthan_district_Polished.jpg
But Anet has still shown quite a bit of love for that land and so has the community. Anet has expressed a desire to bring it back if they are able to.
So then we get keep getting Canthan styled gear available to us: Dragon’s Jade weapons are clearly Asian in style, with the rifle looking like a Chinese cannon. Then we get the Ancestral outfit which is clearly in the style of Canthan clothing. But then we also get Zodiac armor and weapons which, although they are not in Canthan style, were originally from Cantha in GW1. (Not the armor, but the weapons.)
Also we have Marjory Delaqua taking a major role in the story, and she is of Canthan descent. So while NC Soft may have officially stepped in to prevent Cantha from happening, its influence is still obviously in the world.
So then we have the Zephyrites returning: their decorations and architecture are obviously heavily influenced by Asian architecture and style, that much is clear. I think these assets were probably available to them because they had created them for the Canthan district and decided to recycle them.
But what new information do we have? Aside from the relatively recent addition of the Ancestral outfit, there is a conversation you can find in the Labyrinthine Cliffs where one NPC observes that, while the Zephyrites are genuinely eager to help, they have another goal in mind, and seem to be gathering large stores of supplies as if they are preparing for a long journey. But the NPC doesn’t know where they might be going.
It’s most likely not Elona because, while we do have an Elonan district in DR, there has been no other influence from the Land of the Golden Sun otherwise (unless you count the Pearl gear? Maybe?)
So the way I figure it, there has been a recurring theme of Canthan styled content slowly being drip-fed into the game, and now the Zephyrites are planning to travel far away, so somewhere not in the core of Tyria. So either around to Cantha or over the Crystal Desert to Elona. But the Zephyrites are traders, so they would have no reason to go the Elona, which is under the control of the undead. And historically, Asia (Cantha) has been of interest for trade to the West (Tyria) and since they are right now having Cantha close it’s gates to the outside, mimicking the isolationist Kaikin policy of Japan, so it would make sense to continue this historical imitation and have trade open up. (Different reasons for the actions, but still. Imitation.)
Not sure if any of this is valid. Thought I’d throw it out there for you guys to comment on. Let me know what you think.