Guild Wars 2

Lethalvriend.1723:

Have you ever taken a look at the Harathi Highlands cave to the east of the map with the giant? A little to the north while inside the cave you will find really odd markings on a cave wall which, as far as I’m aware are not related to any races nearby. The one in this screenshot looks mostly like Jotun stones like pointed out by the rest.

Care to take a screenshot or give more accurate guide to that, please? Been couple of times in the cave and never noticed any weird markings. Went there now too and didn’t notice anything.

The problem with killing off someone, like Faren, is that it would interfere with the personal story and would make no sense whatsoever to the new players. Also, if that character has a role in it that creates conflicts with the cohesion, it’d be a mess. Faren was well played during this arc and devs have said the will start to blurr the line between PS and LS. Hopefully we will see more.

PS was really a BIG mistake for this game, in all senses, in my opinion.

I don’t think the materials are to be taken as lore-tied. In the latest video stream the developer -Lindsay Murdock (SP?)- said (paraphrasing) she’s a big fan of GW1 and thought it’d be cool to name it like that.

So far, ascended only seems to be a mechanic.

Exactly what turned me off in this update. The ONLY dialogue at the start, besides Opening Ceremony and idle talk of Braham and Rox in the pavilion, was the minstrel and the drone. Which was just a comedic touch. And then they got another one at Closing Ceremony. And another one at every step you take in Scarlet’s Funhouse.

It was good in Southsun Cove, it was funny and I liked it. Still like it, but when they try to picture chaos and destruction with them and the playful manner of Scarlet… it all seems like a big joke.

Maybe they will attempt to buy the idea from Moto once more. But I doubt they will get anywhere with negotations and clean business about it. I hope this update does get connected with the rest of the Living Story, rather than being something completely apart. We still are missing the big secret Jennah was going to give in her speech.

Sorry if it was asked before, search function didn’t help me.

The speech was interrupted, and considering our time is the same as the in-game time, it will be 2 weeks since the attack. Will Jennah give the actual complete speech next update or when?

Thanks!

Tobias Trueflight.8350:

Eluveitie.1290:

Perfect example of how it could be done.

No, it’s really not There are much better ways, and I know because I came up with THAT one first.

Perhaps not, but it does sound like gold compared to what we have.

Tobias Trueflight.8350:

DeShadowWolf.6854:

Then tell me, given the dialogue and cutscene systems and how books are used in-game, how they could put this in game without having an incredibly long dialogue chain or some such thing. It isn’t easy, especially if they had to put some design work to insert it in an easy-to-understand manner, and that would draw even more work away from the actual content that isn’t just a wall-o-text broken up by clicking a green arrow. It would be nice to present at least some of the story itself in-game, but the current systems can’t convey it well.

Do you really want me to? Oooookay.

I think the smith mentioned in Hoelbrak actually exists somewhere in game. Have it be a dialogue option in the next Living Story to ask him about “Scarlet” and if he ever tried teaching a sylvari.

Next, allow characters to talk to people in the college areas in Rata Sum and actually use the “Charm/Dignity/Ferocity” to gate whether or not you get a reply (i.e. your Charm must be at least this value to use the Charm option successfully).

Have a LS instance to dialogue with the Pale Tree, who says something along the lines of “Poor (Scarlet’s original name), she could have had a large part in what must come if she hadn’t turned her back on it.” And explaining Scarlet has to be stopped since she now defies the order of things.

All these can be tacked onto or spaced out in minor bits during the SAB update, since it’s light and simple.

Perfect example of how it could be done. Almost like an innocent child believing in Santa Claus, I went to several key NPC’s that could be connected to this whole story arc to see what they could tell me… and nothing. It’s really game-breaking.

The whole living story concept rather seems to be an excuse to sell items and hoard more achievement points than anything. The last time I was actually happy about an update was with Dragon Bash month, in my opinion, that was very well executed and kept things interesting. Also BotFW was pretty nice, but had more potential. Then Halloween and Winsterday are the only other memorable ones. Now…

It’s sad for me to admit the game is losing my interest, specially because the lore is what kept me interested in the first place.

Agreeing to what Thalador said in his post… the whole sci-fi feel, the major disconjectures, mostly flat/boring/typical characters, small updates that never really change anything, attempts at making the game a comical show (the only dialogue in Queen’s Jubilee was the Hobo-Tron and the minstrel -really?- while it was good, there was so much potential to give use to those random citizens around considering the history behind the Great Collapse… not to mention no riots or anything of the people who lost thier homes and jobs there).

I’m giving the game one chance to see how this -already too long and mostly dissapointing- living story reachs its climax.

I think this is more relevant to the suggestions forum, but I do agree.

Found it. The internet is a marvelous invention.

http://nl.twitch.tv/guildwars2/b/327657138

I agree. This redeemed my view of her as character, but the bitter taste of what we already saw and experienced is there. It would’ve been a much better strategy to release this story beforehand the update.

All in all, this is really interesting and the implications it could have in the world are gigantic. I hope the next chapters live up to this.

I believe to have heard something like that from an interview as well… which was it, I’m not really sure and wouldn’t be able to track it down. In any case, what’s said in interviews (specially old ones, as it is in this case I believe) is not cast on stone. They can change what they said at one point in the past, to adjust it to their view of the world now.

Although I do think they didn’t emphatize that Kuunavang wasn’t tied at all, or in any way, to Elder Dragons. Probably they would’ve left space for speculation and doubts.

I will try to find the interview.

https://www.guildwars2.com/en/news/short-story-what-scarlet-saw/

This story is, by far, the best released until now, in my opinion.

“Please: go no further. In seeking to comprehend the forces that shape us, you will unleash them. Society cannot withstand that.”

Ominous. I’m looking forward to the continuation of this all.

Seems to me that the purpose of that areas might be to study corruption of the land done by Elder Dragons, posibbly to try and generate it, reverse it or general knowledge about how it functions.

Haven’t really seen the other areas, but I shall go take a look later tonight.

Aha, finally a time to mention this.

“I don’t think there’s anywhere on the planet where Glint could have hidden the scepter from the Elder Dragons.”

In the Godslost Swamp, at the Priory camp, there’s a mention of a journal from a female that tried opening a portal to the Underworld. Her fate is unknown, all that is left is the journal and a ritual, which is used to open a portal and a Reaver comes through.

May be something completely unrelated, but found it interesting.

They will keep doing these short stories, so better get used to it. I don’t mind them, but sometimes they put important info in them that SHOULD be in game somehow.

Mad Queen Malafide.7512:

Eluveitie.1290:

Very interesting read.

We do know the Elder Dragons aren’t evil. They are forces of nature.

No, they ARE still evil. We had a very long discussion about this. Even if they are forces of nature, they still make conscience decisions, and commit evil acts. Even if they have no intention to be evil, and even if their acts are needed to balance magic in the world, the nature of their acts is still wrong.

What I don’t like about this interview, is how it seems to imply that the Bloodstones are completely irrelevant to magic in Tyria. What the hell?!

I agree that, from the point of view of any Tyrian, they are evil. I saw the dicussion, but didn’t seem to be getting anywhere since there were several personal opinions and points of view. We still have a lot to learn about them, specifically their way of thinking, but they are still forces of nature with an specific purpose, which is balance magic in the world. The way they do it may be evil, but they’re not necessarily evil.

That’s my point of view, at least.

Regarding the Bloodstones -I can no longer access the interview- but what I got from that part (as I remember) is that, as a society, Tyrians no longer limit themeselves in that way of thinking. Pretty much as how science evolves, and with new discoveries and knowledge, the way of thinking about certain things evolve… you break paradigms, break limits, open your mind to new things, to change, etc.

I’ve tried searching this, but no results.

There’s certain NPC’s whom have different dialogues according to the Order you belong to. For example, in Hoelbrak, if you’re in the Durmand Priory, there’s one that tells about the prophecy regarding Knut Whitebear’s fate. In Lion’s Arch, there are some that have information for you if you are in The Order, and so on…

To the question though, is there any source that has a list of these dialogues? They tend to be pretty interesting, but to go around the world speaking to every NPC with every Order… it’s quite the tedious task.

Or perhaps we could start it ourselves here, I’m guessing if everyone collaborates we could nail down a lot of them. If there’s interest, I will post the ones I have found.

Good hunting!

One dev confirmed it was a bug. Though I’m not so sure about that, maybe he said it to calm the people down, because there’s no fix still.

“The actual shrine to Balthazar is near the Balthazar waypoint. Yes his statue used to be down there but I’m fairly certain the human god of warfare doesn’t mind having a secondary shrine replaced by an arena.

It wasn’t an oversight. There wasn’t any need for the second, smaller shrine down there."

From Anthony Ordon, on QJ’s forum. I highly doubt we’re getting it back.

Very interesting read.

We do know the Elder Dragons aren’t evil. They are forces of nature.

If they were to be destroyed, the ley lines would probably collapse due to the high amount of magic flowing through them. Potentially being catastrophic for Tyria. But if we don’t do something about the dragons, they’ll destroy everything in their path…

I’m so glad about this interview, always had doubts about how magic is used and this cleared them up.

This should go in the fan-made content forum, since fan-made isn’t lore. Also, I’d consider writing it in a better format, the huge chunk of text isn’t appealing.

Tom Gore.4035:

Eluveitie.1290:

Of course the centaurs are unorganized and in disarray at the moment, but as mentioned in the interview, another leader can raise up and organize them. The war is far from over.

No kitten, Sherlock? I would imagine Harathi Hinterlands filled with nothing but friendly Seraph and ambient creatures would be one kitten boring zone.

My response was directed to Rainbow whom mentioned it was not over. Unless you have something to contribute on the topic besides being a smart-kitten , yours is uncalled for.

In any case, the usage of elementals, I don’t believe, is tied to necromancers at all. Probably meaning that nor Verata nor his apprentices are Isgarren. I could be wrong though, since I haven’t reached that part in GW1 since I bought it yet.

Of course the centaurs are unorganized and in disarray at the moment, but as mentioned in the interview, another leader can raise up and organize them. The war is far from over.

I found something that might be interesting today while taking a Divinity’s Reach tour. According to her, the garden of the upper city level were creation of Grand Wizard Garren.

Maybe there’s a link there, but nothing else to speculate on other than a similar name, that might actually mean nothing.

Thought I’d bring this one up from another thread regarding the subject. Seems the Raving Asura has another line which doesn’t trigger often due to a bug. It is as follows:

http://i.imgur.com/j6Bc2MR.jpg

“I couldn’t save them. I heard them all. Pleading. All gone. All on my watch!”

Doesn’t contribute much to figuring out what this fractal is all about, but still interesting because gives us a little bit more of insight.

Personally, that line leads me to believe the Raving Asura was a tutor or guardian in charge of the progeny, also because the golems seem to be child-customized. Or he might have been some important key figure in this Rata Sumwhereelse dealing with the overall security of the populace.

https://www.guildwars2.com/en/the-game/releases/august-06-2013/

“Mini Watchknight
Once you complete the Queen’s Jubilee meta achievement, you’ll receive a miniature Watchknight, modeled after the Queen’s new mechanical sentinels, to follow you into battle.”

Regardless of it just being a mini, seems like humanity is catching up technologicaly to the charr and asura with their newest “robots.”

This might be really interesting considering how they deliver the lore about clockwork mechanisms and how do these “robots” work, and of course, how did humans came around it all. If they’re going to be able to prodcue armies of them or not, it could vastly improve the odds in their favor. If they’re effective in combat of course, they could drive off the centaurs slowly by the simple rule of humans not taking casualties or reducing them, and centarus slowly dying out, regardless of reinforcements. This could, as well, be used against Elder Dragons.

I guess we will have to wait and see!

Right here:

http://www.mmorpg.com/newsroom.cfm/read/28202/Guild-Wars-2-Queens-Jubilee-to-Commence-August-6th.html

draxynnic.3719:

Konig Des Todes.2086:

Narcemus.1348:

I dare say, it be dangerous for ArenaNet employees to write in this forum. Just one comment and BAM we drag you in!

tosses net on Scott OKAY BOYS! Let’s reel ’im in!

Engineers, power up your magnets! Mesmers, deploy your Temporal Curtains! Guardians, throw your Binding Blades! Necromancers, prepare your Spectral Grasps! Thieves, ready your Scorpion Wires! Annnnnd GO!

HEY! Don’t neglect Warrios, we have throwing bolas. I can trip him over if he tries to escape

But yeah, we need more dev involvement down here. Lore is the number one reason I play this game.

It’s going to be the Crown Pavilion, and the release is related to the celebration of Queen Jennah’s 10th year of rule.

1) Logan is surprised to see Lady Kasmeer in The Dead End bar because she was a high class lady, whom wouldn’t be in such place at all.

2) Marjory would’ve noticed it was a big kitten Charr coming from behind her in her story or recognized the paws when he covered her mouth. Neither happened.

3) Anyone can manipulate the Asura panels, even us.

4) Evon doesn’t have ANY reason to be concerned about the dark foces at play in Divinity’s Reach & world. His personality doesn’t really fit saving the world, but saving himself.

I don’t believe this theory will come true at all.

I didn’t say they weren’t dengerous, I said I don’t think they’re capable of the destruction and chaos that is implied to have happened though.

The line mentioned refers to others -other Asura- rather than the attackers.

Sadly, I haven’t been able to run Proxemics Lab (hopefully we get it tonight) but it’s highly unlikely, in my opinion, that the Skritt would be that violent and capable of such destruction. Perhaps they might have tampered with something dangerous that caused it in their way to escape, but when he says “breached” seems to be tied to an actual breach of the security system/safeguard of the place by something or someone outside of the complex.

Also, the “falling” part dosn’t seem to fit the place -I know there’s some jumping and falling involved- but the Raving Asura doesn’t seeem to be referencing that kind of falling.

There’s also a dialogue that seems to be glitched and doesn’t appear as much: http://i.imgur.com/j6Bc2MR.jpg

“I couldn’t save them. I heard them all. Pleading. All gone. All on my watch!”

This leads me to believe the Raving Asura was a teacher, tutor or guarding in charge of the progeny. Or he might have been some important key figure in this Rata Sumwhereelse dealing with the overall security of the populace. Also, by how his golems are named, it further supports my theory.

Furthermore, a few rampaging Skritt doesn’t seem to fit the chaos and desperation we can catch in his lines. It sounds a lot more complex than an experiment gone wrong.

It is stated on the Candidate Trials that it is an Aetherblade ship with plunder from Lion’s Arch. The real question is, what is it doing that far away from any known Aetherblade base we know of? What or whom caused it to crash?

Perhaps the Zephyrites had something to do with it, or Kiel personally took it down with her airship.

To me, it seems it was heading towards the Crystal Desert, the Bazaar (to buy stuff with their plunder? Attack the Zephyrites?) or the Deldrimor Front.

Not sure if this is the right way to do it, but I’ll do so because the people interested on the matter are the ones that frequently come to this sub-forum. I’m sure many of the frequent users would back up the request, and would be a very useful tool for everyone.

I think it would be greatly appreciated if we can get a stickied topic regarding common Q&A’s and discussed topics/theories (with links leading to those threads).

Currently, the search function is very lacking (I can’t even get results for typing Zhaitan), which leads to a creation of dozens of threads about this, all basically asking the same question (is he dead?).

Stickies would be a great way to organize the sub-forum, better guide people with questions, merge common discussions in a single place, answer questions that people may have without the need of creating another thread and so forth.

That was quite an intersting read. Good job, guys. Hope to see more of this in the future.

Dragons and gods (I guess you are implying the human gods) are amongst the most powerful beings we know of currently. Which ones are stronger is not something we can conclude at the moment.

Champions (I guess you mean dragon champions) are below dragons and gods, obviously. And while they’re quite powerful (lore-wise, not game-wise), probably Palawa Joko, Shiro Tagachi & others are more powerful than them, in my opinion.

Asura, as a race, are quite powerful due to their magi-technology and knowledge. But individualy, you can find from weak as a mosquito to strong as champion.

The description of the wounds does seem to indicate it’s not the work of common bandits or wildlife. It likely is a professional assassination. I recall seeing a Largos in Brisban Wilds, whom you fight with. I will have to go take a look.

As Konig says, it might also have something to do with the next update.

EDIT: It seems she was a bandit guard. The heart nearby is Seraph Spy Ivy dressed as one. According to her, the bandit killed one of their Seraphs in their base and once they found her, they killed her and Ivy took the outfit to infiltrate their base.

First came the “Flame & Frost” saga.

It started off with mysterious attacks to the Norn and Charr settlements north of their respective cities, by an unknown force, that was hinted to use both fire magic and sonic technology. There was as well steam vents surfacing and micro-climate changes in Wayfarer Foothills and Diessa Plateau caused by them. We helped refugees seeking shelter at Hoelbrak and The Black Citadel while trying to find out what was happening. Some time later, the unknown forces that were attacking appeared in both zones through magic portals and dredge carriers; they were the Molten Alliance -an unlikely alliance of Flame Legion and Dredge- whom sought to merge their technologies in order to gain supremacy. At this point we meet the first two new heroes that were introduced: Rox, the Charr and Braham, the Norn.

You can learn more from them here:

https://www.guildwars2.com/en/news/roxs-tale/
https://www.guildwars2.com/en/news/brahams-story/

Braham was denied support from both Rytlock and Knut (as well as Eir) to aid his homestead, Cragstead, against the Molten Alliance. So we went on to help him. After being successful and rescuing the homestead we find out the Molten Alliance has taken prisioners to their hideouts, amongst them Ottilia, whom apparently Braham is in love with.

Rox was given the task to clear out Nolani Hatchery as a test to see if she could join on Rytlock’s warband (which is a very famous and prestigious one), and so we went with her. After clearing out the place, Rox acquires a new pet, Frostbite -a small devourer- that clinches to her. And we also find out the Molten Alliance has taken prisioners.

At this point the refugees have already made their way to Lion’s Arch and set up a refugee camp with the aid of the Consortium. Whom have offered them the chance for a new beggining at Southsun Cove, where they are building a refugee camp as well.

Afterwards, with the aid of the Vigil, we descend into the Molten Facilities scattered around Wayfarer Foothills and Diessa Plateau’s underground tunnels. With both Braham and Rox we clear them out, rescue the prisioners and take some of our own into the Black Citadel. After questioning them we find out someone (a fast talking female from the city) was behind the alliance.

P.S. It’s late and given how long this has taken and how long there’s to tell, I will finish it tomorrow or someone else can take the duty, as well as correct me if there’s something wrong. I’m, of course, giving the general strokes of what happened rather than a detailed account because that would take several pages.

P.S.2 I might have misunderstood if you meant the most recent releases or everything Living Story related.

Would be great to have stickies, but sadly it seems the devs/moderators don’t care about the existence of this sub-forum, for I have only seen them make a couple of comments and no effort to organize it.

Regarding the topic at hand. You’re not too late to get on GW1 again. I myself have read a lot of the wikis to understand lore prior to GW2, but never got a good grasp of it all (I’m a person that learns more from doing than reading) so I bought GW1 and I’m currently playing it. It is much easier (and fun) to learn the lore this way.

I guess it could get hectic, yes. I’ve tried so many times using this forum’s search function, but it is completely useless. I’ve grinded the Dungeon Master title these few days, so I’ve a good understanding in general of the important ones and what I was missing.

Hope Anet develops further the dungeons we already have and the stories there have repercutions in the way the open world story will keep evolving.

Perhaps we have found differents kind of people. It was only a couple of times they were really obnoxious about it and I’ve been able to watch a lot of the cutscenes, but still missing some. I’ve tried also the wiki, but sadly it’s really incomplete about it.

Plus, I thought it’d also be fun to discuss the repercusions of the stories presented there. Specially the ones in Arah.

Even more now than before, it is almost considered herecy to watch cutscenes in some, if not almost all, the explorable paths. I’ve had the chance to watch some thanks to my guild, but others remain unknown to me and plnty of people, and the wiki does not help with that matter either.

Basically I’d like to know if there’s anything I don’t mention below regarding lore that’s interesting to mention in them. Or just any theory or believe everyone has about what is presented in them and the future it can lead to.

SPOILERS BELOW

To my understanding, the lore in each dungeon is, in order:

Ascalonian Catacombs: basically all paths are about removing the Gravelings that are rising from the depths, since the ghosts can no longer contain them thanks to our actions in story mode, and eliminating key Graveling targets. I don’t think I’ve seen any interesting bit of lore regarding these paths, but I might be wrong since I haven’t watched the cutscenes.

Caudecu’s Manor: besides cleaning up bandits and rescuing Seraphs, we learn that Caudecu’s has been supporting and hiding Separatists & Bandits in his grounds. Apparently one of their purposes was to secretely take away humans through the river connected to the manor towards the north, to Woodland Cascades perhaps or Janthir, with aid of a centaur. I’m still missing path one so I don’t know if I miss something important there as well.

Twilight Arbor: it is basically the same story, with different variations on each, with the same end result: all the bosses die and we destroy the Nightmare Tree. I’m not sure if there’s any interesting lore behind this dungeon.

Sorrow’s Embrace: we help the Dredge fight against their oppressive system while clearing out their leaders, then clear out the remaining Inquest and Kudu’s apprentice, Tazza. Also, we learn that the Dredge were attempting to manipulate and control Destroyers. Not sure if I’m missing something.

Citadel of Flame: being the hub of farming it’s quite difficult to watch cutscenes from the first two paths here. I understand the Flame Legion is attempting two things: create a super weapon, the Searing Effigy, and revive Gaheron Baelfire with their ritual. Eventually both plans fail. What I don’t understand is how they have Searing magic to create the effigy. I haven’t done the last path, but I understand there’s a new Imperator and the objective is to take him out. Not sure if I missed anything interesting in this dungeon so far.

Honor of the Waves: we deal with the Icebrood forces that are in the sanctuary and clear out their three leaders whom seek to gain Jormag’s favor by destroying the kodan and their artifacts. I’m not sure there’s anything interesting regarding lore here.

Crucible of Eternity: we learn that there’s a 6th possible jungle dragon, named Mordremoth. The Inquest have been trying to manipulate and fuse draconic energy as well as controlling dragon minions, the result being Subject Alpha. Regarding this, I think I missed when it is explained what is the draconic energy, how it is obtained and manipulated. Haven’t done path two here, so I might be missing something important.

The Ruined City of Arah: I have had the chance to watch all the cutscenes here, except for path three, which I have not done yet. We learn how the jotun, by watching the stars, could predict the rise of the Elder Dragons. Also, we learn there’s a new one forming. We also learn about the Mursaat and how they phased out of the world. What is unclear to me is if after killing Operative Brie the knowledge is destroyed for The Inquest, or if they already have the data necessary to begin researching and perhaps achieving what the Mursaat did. At last, we learn about the Bloodstones and how they were made by the Seer/broken apart in Arah by the gods. Also, after interacting with the shard, Randall Greystone dissapears after claiming he heard the voices of the gods. Probably went to The Mists, The Rift, wherever the gods are? How?

As seen on the picture, the map is overlapping Gendarran Field’s one, where the Aetherblade JP is and there’s a sraight line across the upper part of the map until reaching Lornar’s Pass.

Nothing big, but breaks a bit the inmersion of the map, at least for me.

“…with us and build a new sanctum.”

It is possible they had one before and the Zephyr Sanctum is an improved, newer one.

Everytime there seems to be someone popping up that Zhaitan is not dead with a new theory.

He IS dead. He has been for months, probably for half a year already.

People were so dissapointed by how it ended that they’re trying to find ways to create a fantasy where Zhaitan is still lurking and a threat.

Alright, so when I turn the camera to certain angles, the sound goes really low or completely off…can be really annoying during cutscenes when the camera goes around and I can’t hear anything. I supposse its to create an effect of “if I’m not positioned in an angle to hear you, I won’t or I’ll hear you lower”. Can anyone help me set this off or is it just a “feature” of the game?

Not sure if I’m explaining myself correctly.

Do all the dungeons story paths, that’s how the story develops on Destiny’s Edge.

blakdoxa.7520:

Really.
A ragtag band of soldiers/spies/scholars were able to chase an elder dragon, corner it and take it down.
And I thought they were supposed to be the big bads of Tyria??
I’m not so convinced.

Zhaitan may have authority over the dead of Orr, but that seemed to be his only card to play. There wasn’t much else to Zhaitan other than his scary look and poison spit.

What I don’t understand even more is that these Elder Dragons are supposedly stronger than the Human gods yet humans (and other races/species) were able to defeat Zhaitan with their combined intelligence and technological advances. What’s to say that the Humans don’t abandon their own gods in lieu of their victory against one of the elder dragons, with them being “oh so powerful.”

Really I hope at least Primordus and Jormag are decent battles, cause Kralkatorrik might turn out to be a disappoint. Why? If his dragon lieutenant, the Shatterer, is even worth mentioning is a sad battle… His (Its) former lieutenant, Glint, was worlds better, being that Glint actually had intelligence and was powerful as well. (Thank you Forgotten!)

Does anyone share my sentiments that these elder dragons are very lackluster?

If you actually notice the sky in Arah Story, you’ll see there’s quite a big number of airships fighting alongside you, not to mention the ground forces. It’s an army in there, but we don’t really get to see it fully. Also, you ignore the fact that you and The Pact were weakening Zhaitan a long time before actually fighting him by cutting his food source (Mouth of Zhaitan), his primary sources of sight (Eyes of Zhatian) and generals (Tequatl the Sunless and the like).

Nowhere it is mentioned they are stronger than the gods. Their power rivals the god’s powers, but there’s no real way to draw a comparison.

Also, people tend to confuse the gameplay with the lore. Sure, taking Zhaitan down while sitting two minutes on cannons is the most anti-climatic fight I could’ve ever imagined, and in comparison Mai Trin must be a god, but you have to use your imagination to get the real picture.

He was taken down by the united technological supremacy of The Pact and five major races, with a ship as huge as an Elder Dragon, in a weakened state and sorrounded everywhere by an army. Also, the technology used to kill him uses Elder Dragon’s magical energy, so it’s not something to kid about, you see how badly it hurted him.