Guild Wars 2

I play as a thief that emphasizes the use of stealth skills. The class that can take the most advantage of stealth (the thief) already has several factors that balance out its many advantages. The thief is actually pretty vulnerable without stealth (and dodging).

The only thing that’s OP with stealth is the combo skillset to perma-stealth: which the devs themselves admitted was going to change. Otherwise, I say leave stealth just the way it is.

I have to congratulate them as well. Every ticket I’ve sent was always answered promptly and handled effectively. Good job Anet.

Sophiera.1209:

((Wait, what? A filter? It exists?! I thought the Kitten is an injoke about filters, not the filter itself ))

Yup, the kitten filter is real. You never knew? It replaces offensive words with the word ‘kitten’. I guess it’s Anet’s way of saying, “Don’t get mad! Kittens make everything better!”

I mean, look at this. Don’t tell me you didn’t just go “D’aww”

As an update….nope, I don’t think anyone else found anything. The city is still in a state of red alert panic.

Yerol.9546:

After the drink with Titan I went home too give the Dossiers a closer look. When I open my door, I find a note:

Yerol Star,

Midnight is in LA she’s in vigil holding, you wanted to see her right?

Best whishes,

Duma.

I rushed to LA to try convince the vigil warmaster, but he wouldn’t let me.
If only I still had my Mystery Potion, I could sneak past everyone, but I just had too destroy it.

I’ll try again tommorow, now I’m going back home to read the Dossiers.

((Redekitten tried to “copy” you for a bit, 1. make a short post and 2. put some text on the images. Tell me how do you do it? I improvised a bit))

Aw, that’s so cute!

Allow me to respond with one of my own…

Jaric.5679:

Reil kittened her head slightly, and looked at her aide for a moment, before returning her attention to me.

It seems the filter got you. Although now I’m thinking of a cute kitten on top of Reil’s head.

I did not have to wait long. I looked up at the sound of the cell door opening. The Charr stood at the doorway, one hand resting on the frame. “Had a change of heart?” he asked.

I shook my head. “The price remains the same. My freedom, and a nice sum of gold, for the location of the krait city.”

The Charr rapped his claws against the wooden frame. “And if I refuse?”

“Then I guess all those people will get sacrificed by the krait priestess,” I replied nonchalantly.

“And you can live with yourself like that?”

“I can,” I answered. “But I don’t think you can.”

“No, you’re right…” he growled. “I couldn’t…” but instead of making any gesture to let me follow him, he turned to the side and look across the hall. “Heard enough?” he asked.

“Indeed I have.”

I blinked. The Charr stepped away, allowing a familiar Asura into the cell. My eyes widened in disbelief. “…Londatt?”

He nodded. “Greetings, Anakysha.”

I stammered, my heart sinking. “I…how?”

“Ooh, it wasn’t easy,” he replied. “My predicament was not lightened by you and your ally’s escape. I am no fighter, and I barely made it out alive.”

I stared, my mouth agape. “A myriad of explanations was going through my head as I watched you swim off. Perhaps you assumed I had gotten free myself, and I was supposedly behind you? Or perhaps you would come back when it was safer? Certainly you would not leave me there alone to deal with the krait, especially after you had procured their increased hostility.”

He shook his head. “All you had to do was reach over and turn the key. Was it really that difficult?” he glared at me. “I could have forgiven you, Anakysha. I honestly could have. You were fearful, desperate…fine! Such emotions cloud judgment! But after hearing your demands for our freedom, I could not.”

He angrily pointed at me. “When I heard you had landed yourself in prison, my first reaction was to come here and help clear up whatever misunderstandings you had acquired. Certainly the young human girl who had kept me company in that forsaken pit could not deserve to be in here. But after hearing how you were more than willing to SELL the information of the krait’s whereabouts…or else leave the rest of us condemned – my previous inference about you changed. It appears you are very deserving of your new confinement.”

I stammered. “It’s not like that…”

“Oh really?” he asked. “Then do enlighten me on ‘how it is’. You did not only condemn the other captives in the krait city, but future captives as well! You have seen the ruckus in Lion’s Arch! You had just willingly condemned all of Lion’s Arch to the krait’s treachery!”

“And do not attempt to tell me ‘you did not know,’ Anakysha. You are no bookah. Oh no, you are a very clever girl. You are a clever, deceitful, conniving, treacherous, cold-hearted, and ruthless little girl…

“Wow,” the charr muttered. “You’re like a walking dictionary…”

Londatt shot a look over at the Charr. “On the contrary, I’d be akin to a walking thesaurus. But whatever. I am done here. I will inform you of whatever you wish to learn about the krait city.”

Londatt looked back at me, and shook his head in disbelief. “You have one thing to be thankful for, Anakysha,” he said. “At least this cell is bigger than your last one.” Without another word, the Asura strode off, without looking back.

I numbly sat on down on the bed as the charr locked the gate of my cell. I sat there for a long time, I had not even noticed the Norn guard, Omaya, until she was standing in front of the bars, shaking her head with a sigh.

“You know kid,” she said, “when I first saw you I just thought you ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time. But after hearing that little Asura…by the Bear. Seeing you terrified back on the beach, then you crying in your sleep at the hospital…I couldn’t even believe you’d be so heartless. IT was all just an act, wasn’t it?”

I wasn’t terrified, I was startled. tears welled up in my eyes again. I angrily brushed them away.

“Nu-uh, kid. Waterworks ain’t gonna work this time,” she said. “Wonder what your parents must think of you…” she shook her head and walked away.

I pulled my legs up to my chest and cried for a long time. I laid down on the hard plank bed and eventually I cried myself to sleep.

After only a half hour of waiting, I was led into the interrogation room. My time alone in the cell prior had allowed me to gather my thoughts and construct the next steps of my plan. It was fairly simple and straightforward, but I would need Lyssa’s guidance to pull it off.

If I thought Lion’s Arch was bustling with activity, it was doubly so inside the the Vigil outpost. Guards were running off, carrying orders from their lieutenants and commanders. I was ushered off for questioning before I had any chance to listen in and pick up on any important details of their conversations.

The Charr walked into the room shortly after, shutting the door behind him. He turned and looked me over. “So,” he said gruffly. “This is the criminal Midnight…”

“Bounty Hunter,” I corrected. “Bounty Hunter, Midnight.”

He walked over to the other side of his desk. “I don’t care what you want to call yourself, Anakysha. Bottom line is, you’re deep in trouble.” He leaned across the desk, extending his claws over the hardwood surface. “So, mind telling me what you’re doing in the restricted side of Lion’s Arch?”

“I was escaping my captives,” I replied.

“Really. Who captured you?”

“Krait.”

The Charr drew in a long breath, his whiskers twitching slightly. “How’d you get caught by krait?”

“I was hunting for the mermaid,” I shrugged. “krait caught me instead.”

“Where?”

I smiled sweetly. Bingo

The Charr frowned at my sudden change of expression. “There something more you wanna tell me?” he growled.

“Well that all depends,” I answered. “What’s in it for me?”

“…excuse me?”

“You see, I’m beginning to think there’s a lot more going on than what the surface holds,” I said. “The mermaid, the krait, the pirates, the nightmare courtiers, and now, Scarlet…”

The Charr’s tail twitched in slight annoyance. “I’m not the patient type. Get to the point…”

“When the Krait captured me, they took me to an underwater city. They made us build something.”

The Charr frowned, listening intently. “Go on…”

“The sailors from the shipwreck were enslaved there, and all the parts from the shipwrecks were used as building material,” I said.

“Where is it?” He asked.

“THAT…I can’t tell you.”

The charr’s stance dropped as he gave a sidelong glare to the side. “You don’t remember…”

“Oh no. I remember. I remember every bit of it. Every inch from my escape to the beach where I was found…” I nodded quietly as his eyes looked back up at me. “I remember where the krait ambushed me, and where they kept me after I woke up.”

I smiled. “Question is…how much do you want to pay for that information?”

The Charr was taken aback. “…what?”

“I’m serious,” I said. “How much gold do I get for telling you where it is?”

The Charr growled. “How about I don’t throw you in prison right now so you can rot behind bars?”

I shook my head. “Going to cost more than that…” I looked up. “There were people there. Quite a few. And the krait priestess was talking about sacrificing them – no, us – for some kind of ritual.”

I dropped my gaze and steadied it with the seething charr. “I want a paycheck for the information. I’ll tell you everything you need to know to find the krait city. And I also want a free pass out of Lion’s Arch.”

A deep angered growl emitted from his throat. “You’ve got to be kidding me,”

“Not at all…I’m serious. And you better make your decision fast…those people enslaved by the krait might not have much time…”

His fur riled up. He reached over and grabbed my hand, shoving his snout inches from my face. “Now listen here mouse,” he growled. “You’re gonna tell me where those people are and maybe I’ll consider shorting your time in the dungeon.”
I shook my head. “My terms…or no deal.”

“I don’t make deals with criminals…”

“Well then, can you live with the conscience that you condemned several innocent people to their watery death?”

The Charr snarled, spinning me around and dragging me to the door. He threw the door open, throwing me into the startled arms of the guard outside. “Take this piece of filth and lock her up!” he bellowed.

The guard quickly nodded, dragging me to the cell. My face was contemplative, but deep inside I was smiling. There was no way they’d pass up the opportunity to learn about the krait’s whereabouts. It was only a matter of time and all I had to do was wait.

Sophiera.1209:

Didn’t they keep Mai Thrin in that cage in the bar?
They have some kind of a ‘prison’. It’s far south of the city where the bar is. Then go up the stairs and there should be some cages. Or two.

Really? I’ve never seen them. I just used the Vigil outpost. I’m gonna check there now. It’s inside Fort Marriner? The only cage I’ve seen is the one with Mai Trin inside.

I hope people like what I write as well. XD I’m not that great at writing comedy, but I try. Even though, it still has a realistic-ish tone. Eep.

I just came across a dilemna. LIONGUARD HAS NO HEADQUARTERS. How am I supposed to get Ana interrogated now?

Perhaps I can use the Vigil outpost….would that go along with the story?

Gosndarnit, did my last segment really need to be divided into three seperate posts?

Double-goshdarnit.

Making a double post last time was bad. Now it’s triple. I wonder if my next has to be quadruple…

Triple-goshdarnit.

“And with all the recent chaos, the hospital’s been so full. Lucky you – well, sorta – you needed intensive care. So you got to go on the upper floor.”

I heaved a sigh. “So…the mermaid’s dead…”

Omaya – as I had learned was the name of my guard – nodded. “Afraid so. Or, at least that’s the word on the street. Haven’t heard of anyone finding the body yet.”

I looked over. “So she could still be alive?”

Omaya shrugged. “Maybe, maybe not.”

I propped myself up on my elbows and frowned. “I’m actually kinda surprised you’re sharing all this with me…you know…seeing as I’m the criminal and you’re the Lionguard…”

Omaya chuckled. “This is all gossip. I don’t even know if it’s legit. I’m fairly sure telling you won’t change a thing. Besides,” she tapped the cuffs on my ankles. “You’re not going anywhere, anytime soon.”

I eyed the key tucked in her belt. “Nu –uh,” she said. “Don’t even think about it, dearie.”

I sighed and flopped back on the bed. Mermaid potions. Go figure. If I had not gone after Bubbles, and just stayed here in Lion’s Arch, I’d have made more money than this trip cost me! I know how to make fake potions! And I know how to sell it too!

It was not too long until the priestess came back. “Let me give your prisoner one final check-up and then she should be good to go.”

Omaya nodded, moving aside to let the Priestess look me over. I watched them quietly. Maybe I could grab the priestess neck and hold her hostage? No…that wouldn’t work. The Norn was more likely to bash the side of my head and knock me out, then agree to my demands.

“She’s good to go,” the priestess said. Omaya hoisted me up, snapping a pair of cuffs over my wrists, before removing the ones on my ankles. “You got boots over here,” Omaya said, handing them to me.
I quietly slipped the boots on, and stood up. Omaya gently snapped another pair of cuff links over the boots. Long enough that I could walk, but not run. She tugged the end of the chain, leading me down the steps. I dropped my head, letting my bangs cover my face, and trying to hide from all the curious children that had flooded the hospital.

“Mama, why is that Lionguard leading that person in chains?”

“She must be a criminal. Don’t look, dear.”

Bounty HUNTER. Not all of my work is illegal. So I’ve taken a few hostages and…assassinated some…targets. Doesn’t make me a criminal your daughter shouldn’t look at…

“Maybe she’s the one that made the mermaid potions.”

“You think so? Man, if I could get my hands on her for what she did to my daughter.”

“Who?”

“That girl. She must be one of the people that made the mermaid potions.”

I rolled my eyes. Gossip in Lion’s Arch flew faster than the crow flies.

I asked Omaya if she could at least lead me through the backstreets instead of the main streets, so I could avoid being stared at by passerbys. She refused, but was kind enough to purchase a wide brimmed hat. At least it partly covered my face.

The streets were full of people, bustling about. Every snippet of conversation I heard was about the mermaid. Mermaid this, mermaid that. She had certainly made quite an impression within the past few days. Anyone who wasn’t talking about the mermaid was talking about Scarlet. I guess she really had made her appearance here in Lion’s Arch. I even managed to catch someone talking about a Sylvari using – what, a gun? – and making a daring leap off the edge of a cliff and into the harbor lighthouse. That I had to dismissed as another tall tale. No one could make THAT jump. Not even if the Sylvari in question was high on caffeine and sugar.

A slight twinge of jealousy crept up. Everyone was so enthralled by the recent events, but not a single person seemed to take any notice of me. Not the ‘unknown criminal in chains’ – that I could live without – but ‘Bounty Hunter Midnight captured’ or ‘survivor from krait slavery.’

How could I be so coldhearted? Someone just died… I clenched my eyes. I was supposed to be coldhearted. And the only reason people didn’t know about me was because I did my job right. The less I was known, the better.

Except for that Whispers agent. He knew about me…he knew my name. My mind went back to him. How much did the Order of Whispers know about me? Was I really his mission? Just me, and not every other single prisoner in the krait city? The thought of the Orders actually having any kind of interest in my actions unnerved me. Maybe they were the ones that tipped me off to the Lionguard. No…they couldn’t care about me THAT much.

Right?

“You’re slowing down,” Omaya said, giving a gentle, but firm tug on the chains. “Come on. I know you don’t like where we’re going but you’re gonna get there eventually.”

I nodded quietly and picked up my pace – just not too much. I needed time to think.

If life gives you lemons, it was time to make them combustible.

I jerked awake, momentarily confused to see myself in a medical ward, instead of outside of my house. I was even more confused to see a priestess of Dwayna and the Norn guard who had saved me earlier, instead of my father. I blinked a bit, quickly wiping the tears that had dripped down my eyes.
“I see she’s awake.” The priestess smiled, gently catching my hand and laying it back on my side. She adjusted a bandaid on my arm. “Don’t move so much. You’ve been through a lot, but you’re safe now.”

The Lionguard Norn smiled. “See? I told you. You’re not gonna see Balt-sarr yet.”

The priestess looked over. “Balt…who?”

“Balt-sarr.” The Norn replied. “You know, human god of death?”

“…No no no. You’re thinking of Grenth.”

“Grenth? I thought that’s the nature god.”

“…that’s Melandru.”

“Then who’s the pretty god?”

“The who?”

“you know, the one with two forms?”

“THAT is Lyssa. And she’s not two forms, they’re twin sisters.”

“So wait…Lyssa is two gods?”

“Yes.”

“So why do you call them the Six and not the Seven?”

“I – you – oh! Just keep to your animal spirits!”

“Fine by me…they’re less complicated. So…who’s Balt-sarr then?”

“Oh by the Six…BALTHAZAR is the god of war.”

“I thought that was Kormir…”

“…No. She’s the goddess of Order.”

“Huh…”

“…you’re going to tell me you thought that was Dwayna, aren’t you?”

“Yep.”

“…that’s the goddess of healing.”

“Oh! I get it! You’re a priestess of Dwayna because you heal people! That makes sense!”

The priestess shook her head in defeat. “I give…”

I couldn’t help but grin. “so how long do I have to stay in here until I can go back out again?” I asked.

The priestess shook her head. “I’m sorry Anakysha. But we can’t let you go.”

I blinked. “What? Why? I feel fine…matter of fact I feel great. Why can’t I leave…the…”

I slowly looked over at the priestess. “…What did you call me?”

“Anakysha,” the priestess replied. “That is your name, correct?”

My eyes darted from the Lionguard to the priestess. I immediately scrambled up, knocking the priestess back.

“Whoa now!” the Lionguard firmly pressed the head of her mace against my chest. “Sorry, but you’re not going anywhere. I got orders to take you back to Fort Marriner once you’ve been patched up.”

Forget that! I immediately casted stealth and dove between the two of them – only to trip with chain cuffed to my ankles.

I yelped, crashing on the floor, losing the stealth. The Lionguard solemnly shook her head. “Sorry kid,” she said, effortlessly hoisting me up like a rag doll, and dropping me back on the bed. “You’re not going anywhere.”

The priestess dusted off her robes. “It’s bad enough we don’t have enough doctors. I’d appreciate not being knocked over!” she snapped. “Don’t try to escape again, Anakysha. You’ll only pop your stitches.”
I groaned, lying back down on the bed. “Out of the frying pan and into the fire…then back into the pan and out on the fire…this isn’t fair…”

The Norn shrugged. “Is there a human god of luck?”

“…No…”

“Too bad. You could have prayed to him.”

“Ana? Are you awake?”

I turned around in my bed, still half asleep. The moonlight filtered through the small window, casting soft shadows in the room. “Mmm…Kristie…what time is it?” I muttered. “Why aren’t you in bed…”

A small hand tugged at my sleeve. “I hear someone downstairs. He smell like gunpowder.”

“Gunpow-wha?” I pushed myself up, rubbing the sleep out of my eyes. “Kristie, what are you talking about?”

“I said I heard someone downstairs,” Kristie repeated a bit anxiously. “Mama’s really angry…and…I think It’s dad.”

I looked over at my little sister’s unfocused glassy eyes. “Did you hear what they were saying?” I asked.

Kristie shook her head. “No.”

Dad’s here? “Stay here,” I told her. “I’m gonna go check it out.”

I stood up and gently placed my hands on my little sister’s shoulders, leading her to sit on the edge of my bed. “Don’t move, all right?” I said. “I’ll be back soon.”

Kristie nodded, intently listening to my soft footsteps pattering down the hall. I think I heard her sigh as my footsteps moved over to climb up on the hallway table, and swing out over the ledge of the window. Mom would always scold me for using the window as an exit, telling me one day I’d break my neck.

“I have nothing more to say to you!” The door slammed downstairs. I frowned. That voice certainly was mom.

My gaze darkened. And the man standing outside certainly was dad.

He sighed, starting to walk away. I leaped down, habitually stealthing upon my descent. It did catch him off guard, as his hand went straight for the pistol on his belt.

“Mom might have nothing left to say to you but I do!” I snapped. “One day the Seraphs come knocking on our door, and you vanish out the back! Then we don’t hear or see you for eight months!?”

He slowly let go of his pistol. “….You’re getting good at stealthing…”

“Oh spare me…where’ve you been!?” I demanded. “You promised you’d stop working with bandits! You remember that promise?! You promised you’d come home!”

He guiltily looked down, adjusting the cuffs of his jacket. “Ana, I-“

“It’s because of the bandits Kristie lost her sight!” He looked up, confused. “Oh, you didn’t know?” I glared at him. “Bandits poisoned the drinking water in town one day. Some of that water got into her eyes. So now she’s blind!”

“Ana, I’m only doing this because our family needed money…”

“Money isn’t going to get Kristie’s sight back!”

“If that’s so, then why are you still in Lion’s Arch?”

I stopped. “That’s…different.”

He sadly shook his head. “Like father like daughter…if I was still alive, I’d have stopped you. You made the same mistakes I did.”

I blinked, tears welling up in my eyes. “No! You’re not gone!”

He sighed. “I am dear, I am. Like father like daughter…just use people to get ahead…”

“I’m not like that!”

He looked up. “You’re not? Are you sure? What about Londatt? You left him behind at the krait city.”

“That…has nothing to do with it,” I yelled “The krait…they were coming, dad!”

He nodded quietly. “You can use that excuse if it makes you feel better. I don’t blame you.”

“Londatt’s fine! He – he had a key!”

“I’m sure he wanted to see his family again. His little girl was the spark of his life.”

I covered my face with my hands. “Stop talking, stop talking…”

No one here would happen to have a female Norn character decked in full Lionguard attire and able to do the shrug emote, do they?

-sigh- Sometimes I wish I had photoshop.

Regardless, I love how this story is going. I am loving the Scarlet in here – and I hate how Bubbles died!! I wanted a chance for Ana to meet Bubbles!

/cry

Hm….should I update now….or wait for others to post their stories first…..

Oh gosh, I don’t know.

I didn’t need to be told twice. I quickly backed away, standing behind the three Lionguards. The brief thought of fleeing crossed my mind, but I pushed it away. I was likely not to get very far anyway if one or two of the pirates went after me.

“If you want to play that way, fine.” The pirate leader dropped to the ground. “We don’t need her, just kill her!” Smoke enveloped him and he leaped forward with his sword high. The other pirates quickly followed suit.

The Lionguard retaliated just as quickly. I backed up a bit, pulling out my dagger. “Stay close to me kid!” the Norn yelled, grabbing me with her powerful hands and pulling me behind her shield, blocking an attack just in time. “You’re not about to see your death-god Balt-sarr just yet!”

I didn’t bother correcting her on the pronunciation, let alone telling her that it was the wrong god she was referring to. I stole a glance over her shield. For a moment, I was slightly confused to not see a pirate, but a Sylvari. Sylvari pirates would at least wear leather clothing – I could remember an old acquaintance of mine mentioning something about their planty clothes not faring well out in the sea. But this Sylvari was dressed in leaves…wait, no. She wasn’t just a Sylvari. Her expression of hatred and anger was too powerful, a stark contrast from the pleasant and cheerful Sylvari. A nightmare courtier?

I didn’t have much time to analyze my observations. The Norn blocked another powerful strike. I grabbed my dagger and leaped out from behind her shield. I had a weapon, and I was very capable of fighting.

All of my pent up rage and hatred at the krait came crashing down on the pirates. Another Sylvari – or courtier, whatever – came at me, raising her blades. I dashed out of the way and leaped back, plunging my dagger deep into her sides. She screamed.

My movements were quick and fluid, leaping in and out at each attacker, and rolling out of the way in time. I only had one dagger, but it was all I needed. In another strike I buried it deep into the heart of a pirate, before yanking it out and pulling away.

“Kid’s got some moves,” The Asura muttered, firing at the pirates with his pistols. “Even if we’re still outnumbered.

“Just keep em coming!” The Charr fired another blast of his rifle, sending a pirate back. “I haven’t had this much fun since the night we got ambushed by a pack of drake!”

“Typical Charr…”

I was too caught up in the fight to pay much attention to their conversation. I leaped over the Norn to deliver a striking blow at yet another pirate, quickly dodging out of the way. I rolled to the side, just narrowly missing another blade.

“Stand still so I can kill you!” It was the pirate leader. I jumped up with a strike, but he blocked my attack with a shield.

“I’m not going back to that krait pit!” I yelled, striking again.

“I don’t care where you end up, I just want you dead,” he swung his sword, nicking me on the shin. I tripped in my retreat, covering my head and rolling across the dirt floor.

“I got ya!” The Charr barreled in, using her armored body to block another attack. I managed to flip back up on my feet, leaping out of the way and – straight into a pirate! I screamed in pain as bullets tore through the rags of my clothing. Pain…so much pain…

I staggered and fell. I could feel blood seeping into the rags. “Jenna!” The Norn rushed in, slamming her mace on my attacker, momentarily dazing her. She rushed to me and threw her shield over me, but a shot from a pirate’s rifle slammed into her back, alighting her with fire. She yelled but gritted her teeth, fighting off the pain of the fire and successfully shoving the pirate a good distance away.

I was dazed. I reached out and called for help as the fight continued around me. My vision became foggy. I couldn’t tell who was winning the Lionguards or the pirates. I slumped into the grass, as the sound of fighting slipped from my notice.

“Blasted pirates,” The Asura returned his pistols to his belt, watching the last few flee. “Once their leader goes down they all run. Happens all the time.”

The Charr nodded. “Why they want the human though?”

“That question will have to wait.” The Asura rushed over to the Norn. “So how’s our captive?” he asked.

“She’s wounded,” the Norn answered. “I managed to stop the bleeding, but we need to get her to a doctor, and fast.”

The Charr frowned. “You’re also hurt,” She commented, looking over the Norn’s burned hand.

The Norn smiled. “Don’t worry about me. This Lionguard armor is made for the job. I’ll be fine. Our priority is her.”

The Charr nodded, reaching down and gently picking me up. “One heck of a fighter…”

“Indeed…she’s good," The Asura commented. "Too good. Too good to be your average ‘I’m lost’ damsel-in-distress. Perhaps we should check her records and verify her story…”

I woke up with a start – and the high tide in my mouth.

Sleeping on the beach was not the best idea I jerked up and coughed on the salty seawater. I must have slept for a long time – the sun was already up. I decided to rest and take it easy, before continuing my way back to Lion’s Arch. Luckily, my knowledge of poisons also extended to include antidotes and medicine. It wasn’t too long until I managed to find the plants to make the salve for my wounds.

It was around the evening when I left the cave and headed for the small spring I found the day before. I wanted to get a drink before it became dark, and the sea cave didn’t have any fresh water. My dagger in one hand and my torch in the other, I set off.

Now, what was I to do? The last few days had left me in a whirl. A part of me still couldn’t believe I was really free from the krait. I-

“Halt! Stop where you are and identify yourself!” I froze. Spinning around, I raised my hand, ready to summon my stealth at the sight of three figures running straight for me. But just as I was about to stealth myself, I stopped. They were not thugs, pirates, or bandits. They were Lionguards!

My heart leaped with joy at the sight of them, but was quickly replaced with tension. They didn’t look very happy. They surrounded me in seconds, and I didn’t dare move.

The Charr in the group growled. “Who are you and what are you doing here?” she demanded.

I stammered. “I…”

The Asuran of the group chimed in. “You are in violation of article nine, section four-fifty six B, dash two-point-nine. Identify yourself immediately!”

“Oh stop it you two. Look at the poor dear, she’s terrified.”

I am not terrified…startled, not terrified I glanced at the female Norn. “I have no idea where I am…”

The Charr growled. “You’re right outside Lion’s Arch, in a restricted area. No one but Lionguard patrol is supposed to be here.”

“What’s your name?” the Norn asked.

I hesitated. “Jenna.”

“Well, Jenna,” The Asuran remarked, “You’ll be pleased to know that we’ll be escorting you back to Lion’s Arch for detainment and question-”

“Oh stop that. Look at her!” The Norn snapped. “She’s dressed in rags and covered in cuts and bruises. She’s not some intruder.”

The Asuran crossed his arms in defiance. “Could be a clever disguise.”

“Honest, it’s not,” I said. “It’s…a long story. I’ll explain everything. I just want to get out of here. I’ll come quietly.”

The Charr growled. “Finally find someone and they don’t even put up a fight. Figures…” She jerked her head down the path. “Come on! We got a bit of a walk before getting back to the city. You-” she pointed at me, “You stay in front of us where we can keep an eye on you..”

“Sure thing,” I said, not daring to disagree. They led me down the path, the Asura to my right, Norn to my left, and the Charr right behind me.

The Norn turned her head and smiled at me. “Don’t let the other two bother you so much, Jenna. Everybody’s been on edge with what’s been going on lately.”

“I wouldn’t know what’s been going on lately,” I said. “I’ve been sorta lost the last couple of days. What happened?”

“Well, you see-”

The Asura immediately stopped, and I almost tripped over him. I looked up, stopping as well. A team of pirates had cut off our path, and they did not look the least bit friendly.

“Pirates…” the Charr growled, grabbing her rifle from her back. “Lots of em…”

The leader of the pirates pointed directly at me. “This doesn’t need to be bloody. Hand her over and we’ll leave you lot alone.”

“Oh that’s rich – pirates threatening Lionguard.” The Charr shot a glance at me. “What’s your relation to them, Jenna?”

I quickly shook my head, keeping my eyes on the pirates. “I don’t know them, I swear. Truth.”

The Charr growled, not really buying my story. “Whatever. Get behind me.”

Woo! Storyteller is back!!

I shivered a bit in a slight breeze. Even if it was a warm tropical climate, I was still dripping wet. My rescuer had disappeared before I could get him to talk any more or give me any information Now that I was finally on dry land (how delicious the fresh air tasted outside my rebreather!) weakness finally settled into my bones. I was cold, tired, hungry, thirsty, lost, and alone.

My thoughts went back to Londatt, and all the other slaves still trapped below. I grimaced. Even if Londatt had a key, it was going to be difficult for him to escape. The krait would be ever so vigilant in keeping watch. Those pleading eyes to be let out as well would haunt me for a long time. And the sheer disbelief that struck his face as I swam away…

I shook my head. I couldn’t feel sorry for everyone. It was survival of the fittest, dog eat dog. I had learned that the hard way. I couldn’t feel sorry for one Asura – not after the brief thought of kicking down my rescuer into the path of incoming krait, to ensure my own getaway. The only thing that stopped me was the realization that I would be alone in fighting off other enemies ahead of the journey. I needed someone with me, someone with weapons. Conscience wasn’t what stopped me………right?

Two faced Lyssa blessed me to such a point I can’t even tell the difference from myself I shook my head and stood up. It was going to get dark soon, and I had to get moving. I had one dagger, and by the looks of it, was tainted with some kind of krait poison. But that wasn’t going to protect me from the jaws of a wandering drake or skelk. I needed to find shelter before nightfall.

I still had no idea where I was, but my best guess was to head north, so with the direction of the sun setting to the west, that’s what I did. I relied on my shadow art’s stealth to keep unseen from predators. I wanted to put as much distance between myself and the krait city.

After a bit of walking, I came across a spring of fresh water. I was overjoyed! I scooped the sweet, sweet water into my mouth, drinking it down greedily. Then I jumped right into the small waterfall, washing off the sticky and salty residue from my hair and skin. I cleaned my dagger of the krait venom – I didn’t want any part of their treachery on my beautiful dagger. I still needed to get the other dagger back, but not until I was able to regain my strength. Part of me wanted to tear off these filthy rags and take a proper bath, but something was nagging me that I still wasn’t alone. I felt like I was being followed.

I glanced over my shoulder. Even if I couldn’t see anyone, I wasn’t about to let my guard down. But once I had drunk enough water to be content, I set off again. It was getting dark fast, and I really needed to find some shelter.

Luckily, I came across a low-lying sea cave not too far from the spring. By now, my bare feet were sore and blistered from walking. I grabbed a branch, and found some dried coconut husk to make wrap around one end for a makeshift torch. I managed to get it lit after awhile, using my dagger and striking it against the rocky floor. A trick my dad taught me.

I searched the cave before settling in. The last thing I wanted was to find out was that I had wandered into a monster’s den. Thankfully by the looks of it, it seemed empty. The cave was filled with small tide pools, and the pools were full of little crabs. Using my dagger, I caught the crabs, and cooked them with the fire of my torch. Smoked crab tasted a lot better than raw barracuda and seaweed. I ate them hungrily.

I was still genuinely worried about being out here alone in the middle of nowhere. Once I had finished my meager dinner, I picked up my torch. There was another trick my dad taught me. It took me a few tries, but eventually I managed to do it. I summoned a fire emblem right from the torch! Or…at least it looked like one. Truth is, it was more of a fancy illusion than anything else. Trying to fight it would give it away and have it vanish in a puff of smoke. But it was enough to scare off predators.

I settled down on the softest part of the cave – the sandy beach outside. I didn’t really want to risk falling asleep, but I was so exhausted and fatigued my body wouldn’t let me stay awake. Before I knew it, I was dreaming of a place far from here. I back in Kryta, with my family.

—

(Thanks to the people that helped me get a Fire-emblem-summoning-torch-bearing thief!)

I’ll be posting my segment soon hopefully, but for now I will leave this:

Were you guys wondering where Anakysha was the whole time? Well….I got the inspiration from this spot on the map. I was quite literally, in uncharted territory.

I’m not telling you how I did it! ;D

They removed him with all of the Halloween decor. He does exist in one of the outposts in Orr. I don’t think he’s related though.

How was I supposed to know he actually had a key with him?

Londatt was too busy trying to fiddle the key into his lock. the key fit, but was stubborn with turning. his arms were shorter than a human’s, and he was struggling with mustering the force to turn the key.

“Not to worry,” he said excitedly. “It’s the proper key – it has to be. Once I’m freed, I’m sure we’ll get you out just as quickly.”

I desperately hoped so, keeping an eye out for any other Whisper agents that might be swimming in these waters. There had to be more…that lone stranger couldn’t be the only one. And there was no way I was their prime target. I wasn’t important enough to catch the interest of the Whisperers. I just couldn’t risk letting myself get left behind when they infiltrated the krait city.

I can’t help but notice we’re missing a very important character in this tale. Where’s Captain Storyteller?!

Sophiera.1209:

Mini update:

Entry to the Lighthouse is barred, as usual. No entry except for emergencies. Despite the suspicious state of affairs, red tape still reigns supreme.

I tried asking Klaag at the Eastern Ward vista for his rocket gun. He refused.
I tried to run away with it, but the device self destructs after a certain distance away from the owner.

Dagnabbit.

So I got myself a huge mug of coffee, added chocolate and milk…. and downed it in one go.

Charged by the power of caffeine and sugar, I tried to jump the lighthouse from the ouside. After obtaining ‘Honours in Applied Jumping’ and decked out in Tribulation Mode SAB weapons, the lighthouse should be a piece of cake.

Or so I thought. In SAB there are no Lionguards. In Real life, they’re everywhere!

I ended up in the medical ward for ‘Overdose of various stimulants’. They won’t discharge me until the next morning.

Hah!! That’s hilarious. Note to self: Don’t give Sophie an over-excess of anything that contains caffeine and sugar…

Karizee.8076:

That’s the Dragon Bash song

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOWxK38ISoE

Now I have the song looping in my head. Hah.

But what about the first song I found? Where is that from?

Zaxares.5419:

((Dang it, Arikyali. Now you make me feel bad about all those slaves I leave behind when doing Hearts. ))

You should feel bad!

“Krait priestess at three o’clock,” Londatt whispered.

I glanced over. The priestess was indeed swimming over. My eyes rested on the dagger in her hand. “Great…”

“It seems we’ll need to speed things up and get the ssacrificess sooonnerr,” She chided. “Are you ready for eternal ensslavement in the afterlife?”

“….what happened to my other dagger?” I asked, ignoring her comment. “You usually carried both with you.”

She hissed. “Why are you interested?”

I glared back at her. “That way, when I get out of here, I can shove both daggers into your your skull to pluck your eyes out, you ugly witch-”

The priestess hissed angrily, plunging my dagger between the bars and stabbing foot. I scrambled backwards, pressing my back against the bars of my cell.

“Something got you angry,” I growled back. “What’s the matter? Forgot to shine your scales this morning?”

“You will suffer for your insolence!!” She shrieked. She raised her hand, summoning a swarm of barracuda that swam into my cage. I screamed, covering my head with my arms as their sharp teeth bit through the fabric of my rags.

Once the priestess was convinced I had suffered enough, she called off the swarm. “You will be the first of ssacrifice,” She hissed, rising to her full height to tower over my cowering form. “Enjoy what little time you have left alive!”

The priestess swam off, leaving me to nurse my wounds. “Well,” Londatt remarked, “I certainly hope that was worth it…”

“It was,” I said, painfully rolling up a sleeve.

“Well please do explain,” he said. “Before I extend the title of ‘Bookah’ to you as well.”

Grimacing, I pulled out a barracuda tooth. “I got this,” I said, showing it to him triumphantly.

“…Congratulations. You managed to get a tooth off a barracuda. Your overextended stay here has clearly made you gone insane.”

“Just watch and learn,” I said. I took the tooth and stuffed it inside the lock of my cell door, forcing it in with a shell. “Now the krait can’t open the lock…they’ll have to break the cage. With weapons. Weapons I can grab and fight my way out…”

“And you can fight off a multitude of krait?”

I looked over at the symbol behind the lock, then up into the distant surface above. “If not, I’m going to die trying…”

“You got any family?” Londatt asked.

“..My little sister lives with my mother,” I said quietly, thinking of the beautiful rolling hills of Kryta. The thought of my family made me miss them all the more.

“And your father?”

“Killed by centaurs.”

“Oh…” Londatt hesitated. “My condolences.”

I shook my head, trying to ignore the sudden feelings of sadness that overwhelmed me. “What about your family?” I asked, eager for a subject change.

Londatt gave a heavy sigh through his mask breather, thinking of his own life. “My wife and daughter live in Rata Sum,” he replied quietly. “Little girl is the spark of my life…top of her class. I want her to attend the College of Statics, but my wife insists on Synergetics. I guess it’s only natural that parents want their children to follow their footsteps…”

He looked over. “What about you? You must have some kind of schooling.”

I shrugged, trying to stretch a crick in my arm within the confines of the cage. “…My mother taught me how to make potions…and I sort of got an apprenticeship in making jewelry.”

“Well, that’s commendable,” Londatt replied, trying to sound cheery. “I myself have always been fascinated by the magicology presented in precious gemstones.”

“…Not that kind of jewelry,” I answered. “Mostly I just made trinkets to sell to tourist.”

“Ah, I see…” Londatt scratched the back of his ears, trying to keep the conversation going. “So! Um..what brought you to Lion’s Arch then?”

I glanced out of my cell, watching the krait, swimming in the dark murky waters. “…Came to look for work.”

“Oh? What is it you do?” he asked

“…Let’s just say I’m freelance.” I replied, leaving it at that. “What about you? Why’d you come to Lion’s Arch?”

“Well, my specialty falls in ship designs,” he said. “I was researching the causes of several ships sinking at the docks within the harbor.”

“so you build ships?”

“Oh, no no no, I design ships,” he replied. “I let others do the building for me.”

“Ah, right.”

He nodded. “One day I had hired a sailor to take me to the outskirts of the harbor. I wanted a proper analysis of the outer geographical region. But that was when we were ambushed by….krait.”

He sighed heavily, staring grimly at the underwater towers ahead. “…We’re going to die here…”

I didn’t reply. There was nothing to say that could change the situation we were in.

It wasn’t too long until the krait came back to our cells, ordering us out and directing us to more work. they had us construct support beams for a newer tower, tying together the broken debree of shipwrecks.

“An utterly inefficient design,” Londatt muttered quietly. “It’s a wonder how these bookah managed to survive as a species…”

“Keep your voice down,” I whispered back. “They might hear you.”

I watched a krait lead another prisoner into the cells. “That looks to be another sailor,” Londatt remarked, watching as well. “Pour soul, likely another unfortunate victim of these shipwrecks.”

Suddenly there was a bright burst of light above, followed by angry shrieks. Krait swam around in a frenzy. I tensed, shooting a look over to Londatt. If we could make a break for it in the ruckus-

“Get the slaves back into their cells!!!” the outburst was quickly followed by a sharp prod to my side. So much for the distraction. All of the slaves were ushered back into the holding cells as the krait began a headcount.

“We are missing a prisoner…” one of the slave drivers hissed.

The krait priestess riled up, seething with rage. “Find them! Kill them! and bring me back their skulls! None must escape this place! None! We must not be found!!”

“Lucky fella whoever that was,” Londatt whispered. “If he manages to evade his pursuers.”

“Lucky for him, not lucky for us,” I said. My heart sank. the chances of getting out of here were getting closer to none. I was just about to give up all hope, until I spotted a strange marking on the inside of my cell.

My fingers brushed over the mark. That wasn’t there before. The Order of Whispers? my heart fluttered. Was that them? are they here? How-how do they know? How did they find us? Are they really looking for us? And why is the mark inside my cell? We’re they searching for me?

Londatt glanced over. “See something?” He asked.

“…No,” I answered. If the Order really was here, then I had to keep it quiet. I couldn’t risk telling Londatt.

I felt for the two tiny shell pieces inside my pocket. My mind was made up. I was going to get out of here, or take along a few krait with me to my watery grave.

Interesting thing to note: When I ran from the tavern to the hideout, with the song still playing, I somehow got a different song to play. This time it was a string ensemble. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JE_qIcRSzA

-shrug- What are the devs up to….

At the very least, we should get a bouy built on that rock.

One day while exploring, I stumbled across a strange song playing inside Lion’s Arch. It was close to the Fort Marriner, but any attempt to follow its source didn’t lead to anything. It appears to only activate when you stand in a specific location. I tried moving anywhere else, and it wouldn’t start. But once started, it kept playing until it finished.

Just recently I was walking around the Order of Whisper’s hideout, and I heard the exact same song again. It really does seem to be triggered only when you stand in the right spot.

I’m going to poke around the Priory’s outpost in LA and see if they have the song play there too. I’m just wondering if anyone else ever discovered this….and I’m very curious as to what significance it may hold.

Edit: I couldn’t find anything in the Priory’s location, but here’s the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcCdi9MAzvs Shows the locations and the entire song.

The krait hissed angrily, swiping at me with his blades. “Back in your celll!!”

“I’m going! I’m going!” I cried, straggling along as fast as I could with my twisted ankle.

The slave driver gave an annoyed hiss, roughly shoving me behind the bars and slamming the door shut. I rubbed my sore ankle as he clicked the lock on my cell door.

As the krait swam off, the Asura in the next cell glanced over with a concerned look. “You don’t look so good,” he said. “What happened?”

I gritted my teeth, ripping off a piece of cloth from my ragged outfit, and bandaging my ankle with it. “They had us build another tower….” I said. “….I didn’t build fast enough for them…”

The Asura sighed. “Well, it could be worse.”

I looked at him incredulously. “We’re slaves being worked to death by krait in the forsaken watery pits of who-knows-where. How could this be any worse?”

He shrugged. “Well, there’s still the viable possibility that you could be dead.”

“…You must be a real riot at parties,” I muttered. I rolled my ankle, working the muscles underneath the bandage. “You’re an Asura. Can’t you come up with some kind of brilliant plan to get us out of here?”

“Believe me, I’ve been attempting to concoct such a ploy ever since I got in here,” he said. “You wouldn’t happen to have a hairpin, a pistol, three rubberbands, some flaxseed, and a banana, would you?”

“Aaah….I got a broken seashell and a belt buckle?”

“Then you and I are, to put bluntly, pretty much screwed.”

“Great…” I groaned, drifting listlessly in my cell. “it can’t get any worse.”

“Well, look on the bright side,” he said. “It will all be over soon.”

I looked up. “How you figure that?”

“Consider your condition. The krait are becoming inherently more impatient with you, as you grow weaker from malnourishment, and unable to complete the desired tasks in the allotted time. That priestess bookah comes by your cell in greater frequency to gloat and prod you with your daggers, and chides you about becoming a favorable sacrifice. The likelyhood of you being killed within the following days only increases with each passing minute and twenty-three seconds.”

“………You’re a real help, you know that?”

He shrugged. “I cannot deny what is basic fact,” he said. “I estimate the likelihood of one of us escaping from this encampment, to be around three and a half percent – and that is with some very generous rounding.”

I waved my hands. “Just-just stop…you’re making the whole situation worse..”

He folded his arms, glancedaway, and drooped his ears. “..apologies,” he mumbled. “I did not wish to antagonize you. We are both in a difficult situation.”

I closed my eyes slightly, breathing deeply through my breather. “…Anakysha,” I said quietly.

The Asura glanced over. “Beg pardon?”

“My name is Anakysha.” I said. “…Figure if I’m gonna die here, I want someone to know my real name..”

The Asura nodded quietly. “It is a very unique name,” he said. He placed his hand over his chest. “My name is Londatt.”

I nodded back. “Pleasure to meet you, Londatt.”

He nodded back. “Pleasure to meet you too, Anakysha.”

I would be ever so honored if Anet planned something like that. I’m really having fun with this story. I only wish I found out about it sooner.

-In a raspy voice-

“Hssssss! Yourrr ssssearch isss futile! You willl never fffind yourrr little friiiiend! Ssshee hasss already outlived her usssefulnessss! Ssssooonn…sssshee willl join the othersssss in sssacrifice!!! Herrr verrry ownn daggerssss willl pierce her hearrrrt!!!

…

“…..who the heck are you talking to?”

“Ssssssilennce, sssacrifice!!!”

…Just my luck. I’m gonna get sacrificed by a krait-zy sea witch…

(Oh my gosh, I love this!)

Twoflower.7031:

I was able (after a number of dead, irrelevant ravens and a lucky shot at the right time) to intercept a message to the Order of Whispers. Reading over it, I grinned. Rescuing an innocent woman and a chance at bagging the sea-witch at the same time? It was killing two moas with one earth elemental! The gate fee would be an issue, sure, but I knew I could find some money somehow. After a few hours spent in the gutters with a shovel and a keen eye, I paid the operator in a pile of dirty coins. Hands on my daggers, I set off towards Caledon to save not just a woman, but countless sailors.

-scratches head- How did he decode the Order’s messages? o.o

runeblade.7514:

-snip-

Can we have this guy as Lion Arch’s new minstrel?

All right, -puts down writing pen- I am truly loving where this community-wide ‘sea-tail’ is heading. Bad pun, I know.

I have next to no idea how this should progress, and I don’t want to add something that would infringe on someone else’s idea. I’ve never really partaken in something like this before. :p Anakysha is swimming in unknown waters. (Another bad pun!)

Whoever wishes to discover this underwater base and save me, don’t hesitate! Whether it be the Asuran Krewe, the Ash Legion, Captain Storyteller, Miss Bubbles, or anyone else, go for it. Just remember Ana’s rule of ‘hands off’ or else. Seashell sharpnels tainted with poison can hurt a lot.

If you need info just message me and I’ll try my best to fill you in on the details.

My struggle below the waves continue. I have no idea what’s going on outside of this krait city. I don’t know if anyone’s even looking for me…. What I wouldn’t give for a breath of fresh air again! I’m so hungry…and thirsty. The krait give us drinking water, but it’s difficult to drink it when you’re already submerged in seawater. I’ve lost all sense of time down here. How long have I been here? And where in Tyria was I!?

The least I could do was observe my surroundings and listen in on my captive’s conversations. I can’t help but notice a lot of the building material seems to come from ship parts. They even had a few slaves build makeshift turrets out of cannons. Maybe this is where all the sunken ships went to? Was that mermaid working with the krait? I wasn’t sure if she was guilty or not. But if she was, then she was certainly dangerous.

A few of the krait let us out, ushering us down deeper into the depths, a slight ways out of their city. My ears popped from the pressure of the water. There was a Lionguard in our group – I must still be close to Lion’s Arch. I wanted to talk to her, but not with the krait watching us.

They led us to a undersea valley with several plants. They ordered us to gather seaweed from the sea floor (guess I know what’s for dinner tonight…or breakfast….or maybe lunch. Yech). I couldn’t slip away here, not with the krait watching us so very closely.

After the food was gathered, they led us to patches of red seaweed. A slight bit of hope lifted my spirits. I knew what these were! They were poisonous underwater plants that often grew south of Lion’s Arch. These must have been transplanted, but that meant I was still close to the harbor! I knew better than to gather them with my bare hands, so I folded my sleeves and used them as makeshift gloves. The other slaves noticed it and followed my lead. Good thing the krait didn’t seem to care. At least they made us gather the food before gathering poison. I guess they don’t want us to contaminate what little nourishment they give us.

I was able to slip a small piece of the red seaweed into my pocket. Perhaps I can use it on my seashell sharpnels later. Once we had harvested enough, they led us back to the city, and locked us in our cells. I overheard them talking about setting us to work on building again. And something about a lighthouse? I wasn’t sure. My hands still itched from gathering the red seaweed (it’s impossible to keep it entirely off your hands, but at least it’s only dangerous if you ingest it).

I prayed to the Six that some kind soul would find me and save me. I don’t know how much longer I can survive down here, and I’m not sure if I’ll ever get the chance to slip away from the krait.

Thalador.4218:

Aaaand if the owner of a wandering but marveling hand belonged to your savior?

I haven’t left >redacted< yet, so I could make a detour to get you out of your tight spot – if you have any clue on where you are. I’m hoping the “krait” there are just our transformed pirate friends, and not real ones. It could potentially provide more pieces to this puzzle… as well as save you from excruciating pain that only those serpents can cause.

Psh, with your kind? I’d rather take my chances with the krait. Hands…off….or else I’ll be cutting off more than just the hands.

As to where I am, I haven’t the faintest idea. I was ambushed by krait just outside Lion’s Arch…but there’s no saying how long I was unconscious before I woke up in that cell. It’s so dark and stank, I can’t get my bearings right I could be anywhere. This krait structure and underwater sea-cliffs all look the same to me. However, my cage is conveniently close to the edge of the encampment, just enough for a timid mermaid to sneak in and try to help me…

(I took the screenshots in Caledon Forest. Best place to find a mob of krait and not die immediately. You have any idea how difficult it is to fight off 4-6 kraits without an interface, and not die? And not kill off the krait you’re fighting?)

Sophiera.1209:

Miss Bubbles, Arikyali need your help to save him from the dastardly depths! Maybe then you can prove to Lion’s Arch you’re not a meat-loving siren.

(And have you considered hiding in my hometown, the Grove?)

-shakes fist- She! I’m a she! Just because I prefer REAL clothes over what some some scantily dressed salty wenches wear, doesn’t mean my gender should be mistaken!

…I can’t believe the Lionguard makes such a big fuss of me beating whatever sailor senseless when he makes a move on me when I’m trying to work. By the Six, hands off….or I’ll make them come off! Literally!

(All things said, if Miss Bubbles manages to save me from these dreadful krait, my life is indebted to her. I may be a sneaky, greedy, bounty-hunting-mercenary, but I got a sense of honor.)

(I am loving this thread. My hat is off to everyone.)

I’m sick of eating raw barracuda and seaweed…..someone get me out of here! A human can’t survive underwater like this for long! The krait are working me to death, and when I’m too weak to work anymore, they’ll either eat me or sacrifice me in their ghastly rituals. They already took a poor Sylvari yesterday.

I found an old clamshell and made two pieces of shapnel. They’re not small enough to pick the lock of my cage (not like the slaves are under surveillance 24/7 anyway) but if I can just get a chance, it might be enough to throw my slave driver off guard when no one is looking, and get the chance to escape. But if I fail, I’m a dead fish. I can’t swim fast in these chains, and I’m already weak with fatigue.

I don’t know what they’re making us build or what’s in those boxes and barrels we’re moving. Their krait priestess likes to come over and gloat, showing off the daggers she took from me. Those daggers were hand-crafted and passed down to me from my father…. At least I know where my daggers are; my armor and other weapons are probably long gone. I’m trying not to think too much of the poor soul who last wore these rags….there’s a nasty bloody smudge right over the abdomen. If I survive this, I’m killing the -ugly swear- that tipped me off to get ambushed by krait!

I don’t want to live the last few days of my life being prodded by krait slavers…I can’t die like this. I promised my little sister I’d come home one day…how I miss seeing the sun above the waves!

Is there no one who can help me?

I got a tip of where our aquatic friend might be hiding. And with that, I set off. It was worth scouting around, even if she might not be there. Who knows? Maybe I could set a trap for when she returns…

It’s a completely different world underneath the waves. the grand beauty of it is stunning. If this mermaid turns out to just be an ordinary girl (who can breathe underwater, as I’ve heard) then I can understand why she’d make her home here. But I’d wonder if she’d get waterlogged-

A krait suddenly leaps out from behind the rocks and swipes me at my blindspot! I yelped as its blades sliced my shins. I gritted my teeth, quietly berated myself for being so careless. I took my speargun and aimed at my attacker. Stupid krait…and soon it was to be stupid dead krait.

Another suddenly appeared, sweeping for me. I quickly dove out of the way. Then another, and another. My eyes widened. In seconds, I was surrounded by krait. I had swum right into a trap.

I dodged another attack, desperately firing my speargun at my attackers. If this assault was the doing of that sea witch, she was going to get one heck of a beating before I dragged her back to Lion’s Arch.

A sharp pain stabbed my shoulder, making me yell in pain. Suddenly I felt dizzy. My grip loosened on my speargun, as my eyes became unfocused…I staggered, crying for help….the krait were closing in…

No! I had to fight to stay awake! If I go down, they’d kill me….or worse! I desperately clawed at them, throwing flimsy kicks and punches. I don’t know what happened to my speargun….I must have dropped it. they draped a heavy net over me…long claws gripping my arms and forcing me still….I felt thick ropes weighing me down, pulling me away from the surface…….

……the last thing I remembered seeing was the sun filtering through the waves above……..

…….krait got me……

…

…

…

….stupid krait…….

When I finally came to, I was in one of the last places anyone wanted to be in. I stared out from behind the bars of a krait cell. My weapons were gone, and my armor were replaced with rags. This had not gone as I had planned.

Redenaz.8631:

Pfft, mercenaries like you are usually more talk than stalk. You wanna get paid for keeping the city safe? Take it up with the Captain’s Council. My crew and I are too busy trying to protect the harbor at the moment.

Suit yourself, Mr. ‘think-he-knows-best’ captain. Don’t come back crying to me later on. The Captain’s Council wouldn’t like me. My methods are a bit…eh….let’s just say I like to work alone anyway.

Regardless, a siren is bound to be worth the pursuit, so I begin my work. First and foremost, I needed information. Taverns and local gossip were never reliable. Sailors enjoyed stretching the tale. Instead, I contacted an old colleague of mine. He owed me a favor anyway. I always had the sneaking suspicion he was part of the infamous ‘Order of Whispers’ but he never confirmed nor denied it….but the information he shared (when willing) only made my suspicions stronger.

I met him by the old Gangplank, asking him what he knew about this elusive aquatic lady. He shrugged, asking in turn why I wanted to go after her in the first place. I gave him the same answer I always gave…she could be worth the coin.

He told me there were mixed messages about my target. Some saying she was responsible for the shipwrecks, others thinking she was innocent. She may not even be a siren.

Not the least bit helpful. “You must have something,” I said.

“You really want to go after a creature that might not be responsible in the first place?” he asked.

I frowned, hesitant, but he didn’t see it behind my mask. Or did he? I think his brow twitched. Ugh, If he didn’t possess such reliable information, I wouldn’t be risking this much to be associated with him. “Whether she’s a threat or not isn’t my concern,” I replied. “I’ll let politicians deal with politics. I just want to catch her. I’m bringing her alive anyway….dead fish don’t talk.”

He shook his head, saying he didn’t know anything about mermaids or sirens. The least he could do was introduce me to an acquaintance of his in the Priory (Priory? I swear, he has to have some connection to the Order…)

So I went out of my way to visit the Priory. I have visited the public library a few times before, so I knew my way around well enough. I met this acquaintance, and after a tour, (and my desperate attempt to not sneeze – by the Six, that place could use a bit of dusting) he showed me where to get the books on aquatic creatures.

It was all the information I’d need to hunt down that siren! He even lent me a book on poisons and venoms that could work exquisitely well against aquatic creatures. I could mix the concoctions with my own recipes. I thanked him for his help and returned to my home, and began my preparations.

Don’t worry too much, mermaid. My tranq poison won’t hurt that much…all you’ll feel is a sharp jab, a tingling sensation, and then you’re out.

Soon, I was ready. I sharpened my daggers, loaded my speargun, and readied my poisons. Take a good look at me, because you might not see me again.

Now you see me….

-stealths-

and now you don’t.

Corvax.1675:

Well, ArenaNet should introduce a global filter for the word ‘gold’ and automatically replace it with ‘4-slot leather bag’. Imagine the spam messages after that

“I need to buy more 4-slot leather bag ores.”
“Why do you need 4 slot bags? Don’t you have capped armorsmith for 20 slot bags?”
“No, I need 4-slot leather bag ore to make the ingots.”
“Ingots? You need Ori, not leather.”
“No! I’m trying to cap jeweler!”
“Then what do you need leather for? Jewelers can’t even make bags.”
“Argh!”

…This could be a problem.

-sigh- Never send a man to do a woman’s work. Or go after a woman, for that matter.

I don’t go by names. But you can call me ‘Midnight’. You probably haven’t heard of me, but that just means I’m doing my job right. I figured you lot would have taken cared of your siren problem already. Guess not.

So. How much is her bounty? I hear you want her brought in alive, and that can be done. I won’t rough her up too much…as long as she complies.

DeceiverX.8361:

Only see it as “necessary” to make it such that different armor/dye combinations look better with the attacking colors.

Dunno about you, but it kinda pains me a bit to have my character looking awesome in orange but shooting purple/pink lasers :\

Pretend your an elementalist with your gear, and surprise your foe with butterflies. It’s the best kind of illusion.

If you want insta-80, there’s already a way to achieve it. Make a character and cap all eight crafting disciplines to 400. By the time you’ve had enough playtime to amass the gold and resources to do that, you should already be the veteran gamer who ‘deserves’ a free pass to 80.

And no, it’s not impossible. I have a friend who has done this, and I’ve heard of other gamers as well. What sets it apart is that people didn’t just buy their way to level 80. They already know what they’re doing and they can afford to do it.

ronpierce.2760:

Can’t, you can only put shadow fiend on your bar once. So your army would consist of 1.

Only one? That’s a shame. I wonder if there are any environmental weapons that can summon another shade…