922 replies to this topic

[Konig Des Todes]

It's highly suspected that Grenth's father was Malchor. However, all we know was that Grenth's father was a "mortal sculptor" and Malchor was in love with Dwayna (Grenth's mother, obviously), who is implied in one and only one case to have shared feelings.

And yeah, you can make a new thread, but its probably best to just search wiki since most of that information's been put up on the god pages (for Dhuum and Abaddon, the info got put on GWW since they don't have GW2W articles yet). Other than graves and a couple ghosts, not much info is gleaned about GW1 NPCs. Same with heroes, actually.

[Saul Spotter]

Thanks.  The Wiki though has so little, I thought it was incomplete, but I guess there's just nothing to find.

[Skaald]

Do we have definitive date for when firearms such as rifle and handgun were invented? I began to wonder as I did the Romke path of finding the heart of Orr and saw those ghostly norn explorers wield rifle and handguns. This would mean there were guns about in 1219 AE. I know dwarves' had explosive powder back in the days aswell as luxons using cannons on those sweet turtles of theirs, but I can't put a date on when general use of firearms began. Of course, it might be just game-y thing with the ghosts wielding those weapons, seeing as there are orrian rifles/pistols despite there not being guns back in the day (unless you want to call them more modern weapons getting corrupted in that way).

[Konig Des Todes]

There's no date given to the first firearm as far as I remember. But the charr would likely only begin making them sometime after 1116 AE.

[Piippo]

I was wondering the other day, how did the Harpy species (native to Elona) spread to Tyria? I think it's logical to assume they would'be have been able to cross the Desolation nor the Ocean (and Kralkatorrik later on) to reach the northern continent, and I find it highly unlikely they would have actually made the long trek around these obstacles solely to arrive in Tyria.

I thought something along the lines of some Elonians bringing Harpies along with them (traders or refugees), but why would they do that? Harpies aren't known for being the most cooperative creatures so why bring one with you on a long voyage to the north? This is just a little thing, but it's been bothering me for a while.

[draxynnic]

The impression I've had is that there have always been harpies living in the lands north of Elona and east of Ascalon. In GW1's time, they were kept out by the Ascalonians and by the Searing (no point moving into a devastated land unless you're expecting it to recover, and the harpies don't strike me as thinking that far in advance) and probably then by the charr until the distraction of the Dragonbrand allowed them to establish a foothold.

[Kraviec]

Before GWEN we used to think mantids are native to Cantha so it's definitely possible that harpies were just not present on these lands. They could also migrate north from Vabbi, through the mountains. The Desolation was the only land passage for humans but harpies can fly. They had plenty of time between GWEN and Kralkatorrik's awakening to travel. In fact, this migration could be forced by Joko's assault on Vabbi. I'm not sure if it's stated otherwise somewhere but it would only seem logical if The Scourge of Vabbi invaded Vabbi first. It is the most influential (maybe not after Sunspear success) and wealthy country. And since it's in the north of Elona, Harpies that dwelled there were forced to either flee north (to Crystal Desert and then expand all the way to Ascalon) or south, to Kourna.

[Piippo]

I'm not convinced with Elonian Harpies migrating, but the theory of them already living on the northern continent sounds plausible enough, I guess.

[draxynnic]

It is stated. In fact, from the Movement, Vabbi was the only province that Palawa actually fought for - Kourna buckled due to famine, and Istan probably surrendered on the basis of knowing it couldn't stand alone. In fact, it's unclear just how much direct control Palawa has assumed - he may not have formally absorbed Kourna and Istan into his empire, instead making them into puppet states that retain the illusion of self-governance as long as they do everything he says.

[Saul Spotter]

I would guess that the Harpies prefer dry, hot areas given where they lived in Elona and now in Ascalon.  If the Crystal Desert really was changed into a tropical jungle environment, the humidity and thick jungles might've made it difficult to fly.  Their nests are already on the ground, and I never imagined them being able to fly that high.  It could've forced the stronger flyers to move further and further north and the weaker ones to become some type of arboreal ambush predator.

[draxynnic]

Actually, we do see harpies in some of the wetter parts of Istan, including the swamp.

[Saul Spotter]

I remember, but they were smaller, weaker, and lived on the cliffside, not in the jungle area.  I imagine they'd be able to catch sea fish.  Gulls fly easily in cliffs so I imagine the harpies could get around.

So maybe the humidity isn't a factor, but:

The harpies in Vabbi would be carrion feeders, like vultures, since they live in a desert environment.  Probably not easy to find dead animals to feed on as the land became more jungley.  And I'd imagine those insects, termites I think would find it easier to get at the carcasses than the harpies.  What with all the dense jungle.

[draxynnic]

Incorrect. There were harpies in Lahtenda Bog, mostly in the southwestern corner where the Sunspear crypts were. Some of them appeared to be ambush predators dropping out of the foliage to attack

[EyeOfBast]

Birds can migrate pretty danged far if they want to. The global map of Tyria suggests the Harpies could take multiple land routes if they wanted to. Lore places them as living Northeast of Vabbi, which is pretty far inland, probably around the sea depicted.

[Kraviec]

For flying that high - if you can ascend one meter above ground and keep that altitude, you can repeat that step a hundred times and you're hovering 100m above ground. The only factor limiting them would be getting tired and lower air density in the mountains. Getting tired is also so-so an argument because they are seen almost constantly flying. Even when not moving, they are flying. I imagine it would be hard to fly for a creature that is so heavy and has wings so small but apparently it works different in Tyria lol.
The air density could be a problem when passing mountains but I'm having an impression this discussion is slowly turning into "how could a swallow carry a coconut from Africa to Britain".

[draxynnic]

African or European?

[Alexwentworth]

Is there any general rule to what should and should not be on the wiki? I'm surprised that a lot of GW1 lore didn't make the transition to the second wiki. Is it just a lack of manpower?

[draxynnic]

That (I recall that the GW1 wiki was more complete after nine months in) and, it has to be said, politics.

[BuddhaKeks]

A friend of mine made a discovery on Southsun Cove. There was a hidden cave, in it a wall of steam that blocks further entry. However he (playing a necro) managed to time a jump and port skill well enough to blink behind the wall. These are screenshots of the interior space.

Spoiler

Spoiler

Spoiler

I suscpect that this will be either the place were Canach hides, or were we fight the Karka Queen.

[draxynnic]

I suspect you're right there - that looks distinctly like it might be Canach's hideout to me. Those growths certainly look a lot like those samples we've been collecting.

Any chance you can mark just where on the map the cave opening is so we can see if we can reproduce your friend's break-in?

[BuddhaKeks]

Sure, here we go:

Spoiler

Spoiler

On the second pic, it's the way to the rigth, were the dead player lies. I couldn't go closer because I was overrun by Karkas, but that should be enough to reveal the location.

[draxynnic]

Ah, yes, I think I know where that is. Thanks!

*ponders whether it would be best to try that with a mesmer for using reflects on karka, or a thief for more stealth - guardian would probably be better for fighting karka, but is lacking in teleports*

Edited by draxynnic, 16 May 2013 - 12:27 PM.

[draxynnic]

Okay, so, for the record, using mesmer staff 2 in hope of triggering the bug that gets you stuck in terrain doesn't work the one time you WANT it to...

In other news (and why I'm double-posting rather than editing, so people can see there's a new discussion - I'll merge in a day or so) - we now have a bit more information about Lady Kasmeer. Apparently, she works for a private investigator in Divinity's Reach, which raises two questions.

First, is she genuinely on vacation in Southsun, or is she investigating something?

Second, is this the first appearance of someone who's going to be leading the investigation of whatever problem is going to arise for the next set of updates?

In continuing the speculation, the image we have of her shows an outfit that could easily be a form of scholar armour - I wonder if this is a hint as to her profession?