Mhenlo backstory with Kurzicks

[Serendipity]

There is several hints of something happening between Mhenlo and Kurzicks in the past. There is at least 3 I can remember.

The guy before the funicular.
Count zu Heltzer after the first meeting in arborstone.
Master Togo when we come back from Arborstone.

But at the end of the game, nothing has been revealed. (or I missed it)

Can anyone enlighten me ?

[Santax]

There are quite a few more references in the game, and not with just the Kurzicks but many Canthans. From what I can grasp they all seemed to think he was dead.

[Serendipity]

There are quite a few more references in the game, and not with just the Kurzicks but many Canthans. From what I can grasp they all seemed to think he was dead.

Yes but why ? what happened ?

It looks like they forgot to add the explanation somewhere.

If you have played to KOTOR2, this is a familiar feeling.

[nebulouskitsune]

It also seems like Mehnlo intimately knows every woman in Cantha.

[Quintus Antonius]

When I call Mhenlo a pimp, I do so nonjokingly. Look at the Viznuah Square mission. When he "convinced" that she-guard, I don't think it was with words or violence, that wave was a bit too friendly...

[lamlamlam]

Comparing to most of the other Male NPCs about the same age as Mhenlo,
(i.e the mes hench, the kurz warrior hench etc. )
I have to say Mhenlo is much more aborable lol

[Karuro]

Referencing to the thing that they thought he was dead..
There was this thing called the Searing, remember? If that news didn't reach Cantha, i'm stumbled. =X

We all know Mhenlo was a former student in the Shing Jae monestary. Maybe Togo referred him to study a little at the Kurzicks and help them out a bit in the process or something?

[Quintus Antonius]

Searing, Charr Invasion, trek over the Shiverpeaks, Summit-Deldrimor War, White Mantle trying to kill him off, Ascension, and of course, the Flameseeker Prophecies.

There are many reasons for one to think that Mhenlo didn't survive. So many others didn't.

[Chloe]

I figure he was in Kurzik land exerting his ladies man aura on danika. At first he wanted to go visit the jade sea, but one one look at elder rhea scared him off.

[Serendipity]

So rather than saying

" we thought your were dead after what happened.."

they could have said

" we thought you were dead after what happened in Tyria"

The very fact that is never explicetly said is mindboggling.

[Erasculio]

I have a strong feeling, from what is said in game, that the Kuzick believed Mhenlo was dead after he did whatever it was he did to help them, not after going to Tyria. But I don't have the exact quotes at hand (neither in my head), so I can't try to prove it...

(Also, I have the feeling we see Mhenlo before he ascends. From what he speaks when you go from Cantha to Tyria, it seems the Mhenlo in Cantha has just arrived from Ascalon in Lion's Arch, and has not yet been inducted into the White Mantle/Ascended/finished Prophecies yet.)

What I would die to know, though, is, where were the first hints of the Mhenlo/Cynn thing? I saw it mentioned in the Forums before Factions, but I thought that was only a wide spread joke :laugh:

Erasculio

[Karuro]

There was a strong hint around Yak's Bend, that Cynn was looking for Mhenlo and going all dramatic during the quest lol.

What I wonder though, how did Mhenlo get to lvl 20 so fast from Ascalon to Lions Arch? o_o

[Quintus Antonius]

No, the Mhenlo in Cantha is Ascended. When you first arrive in Cantha from Tyria, the NPCs talk about how Mhenlo was instrumental in ending the Flameseeker Prophecies in Tyria, and that is why he was called, and brought the players.

[jvxmtg]

My belief is that the current head of the Houses in Kurzick's Faction used to be in the same class as Mhenlo under Master Togo when they were studying in Shing Jea Monastery. Togo said that Mhenlo left the Monastery due to the Charr invasion that Ascalon needs him to train the new recruits (aka the players). If you notice, only those with monk profession has a strong history with Mhenlo.

If you are bringing your Tyrian character to Cantha, Mhenlo, who was waiting outside LA, seems to have run from the Ascalon Settlement to meet you suggesting that after defeating the Lich, the heroes retire to the Settlement.

[Lightow]

Someone needs to make a pimp-Mhenlo fan art asap. :laugh:

[Zaxares]

What I would die to know, though, is, where were the first hints of the Mhenlo/Cynn thing? I saw it mentioned in the Forums before Factions, but I thought that was only a wide spread joke :laugh:

There are hints to their relationship right from the start in the Prophecies manuscripts (instruction manual). I don't have the exact page number with me, but there was a mention of Mhenlo touching Cynn in a rather affectionate/intimate manner. Given what we know of Cynn's personality, if that touch was unwanted, she'd have let Mhenlo know. :tongue:

Karuro also mentions a quest with a strong hint to their relationship around the Yak's Bend area.

There is unfortunately a logical inconsistency between the status of Mhenlo between the two campaigns. If you are a Factions character coming to Tyria, Mhenlo's dialogue suggests that he is returning right about the time that the undead start to invade Kryta in search of the Sceptre of Orr. If you are a Tyrian character going to Cantha, on the other hand, the dialogue suggests that most of the storyline in Tyria is complete (although it doesn't specifically mention anything about the Flameseeker Prophecies being complete).

There is a subtle hint that Mhenlo was Weh No Su even before he left Shing Jea Monastery to return to Tyria for the first time. At the end of the Vizunah Square mission, Master Togo mentioned that 'Mhenlo and I know it well', in reference to the Celestial Test. That seems to suggest that he and Mhenlo are both Weh No Su, although it's not explicitly stated.

[Gmr Leon]

Mhenlo stepped around Cynn, letting his hand brush across her hip as he did.

Straight from the Manuscripts;I'm surprised Cynn didn't blast him with the skill Fireball.

[Scutilla]

I have a strong feeling, from what is said in game, that the Kuzick believed Mhenlo was dead after he did whatever it was he did to help them, not after going to Tyria. But I don't have the exact quotes at hand (neither in my head), so I can't try to prove it...
That was my impression as well, though like you I don't have the exact quotes. Perhaps I'll make some notes when I take my necro through Factions.

(Also, I have the feeling we see Mhenlo before he ascends. From what he speaks when you go from Cantha to Tyria, it seems the Mhenlo in Cantha has just arrived from Ascalon in Lion's Arch, and has not yet been inducted into the White Mantle/Ascended/finished Prophecies yet.)
Besides the reason Quintus gave, at one point Togo says "Ah, the Celestial Test. Mhenlo and I know it well", implying Mhenlo has already Ascended.

Of course, that opens up a few more cans of worms. If Togo meant the Tyrian test, why does Togo say he knows it well? There's no evidence of Togo travelling to Tyria, according to Elder Rhea he likes to stay cooped up in the Monastery and doesn't travel much. If he means the Canthan test, why did Mhenlo need to Ascend in the Crystal desert? Though the fact that all Canthan players need to do it as part of the plotline, and that all players can Ascend on both continents, implies to me that Ascension and the Celestial Test are two different things entirely.

But I digress... from what I've seen, the two continent's timelines are interchangable- from a Canthan's perspective, they go to save Kryta from the undead after ridding Cantha of Shiro.

What I would die to know, though, is, where were the first hints of the Mhenlo/Cynn thing? I saw it mentioned in the Forums before Factions, but I thought that was only a wide spread joke :laugh:
Other than the infamous "brushing her hip" quote, there's a good deal of evidence in the official lore that Mhenlo and Cynn end up being lovebirds, though we don't get to see much of their interaction in Prophecies, other than that one monk quest in the North Shiverpeaks where you help Cynn find Mhenlo.

Someone needs to make a pimp-Mhenlo fan art asap. :laugh:
Hmm...

Heh heh heh...

Keep your eyes peeled in the Fan Art Forum...

[Quintus Antonius]

I'd like to point out that someone can be familiar with a test and never actually have taken it.

Think of ancient Rome, I "know it well", but I've never actually been back in time to see it. Mhenlo and Togo both studied at the Shining Jea Monestary, other than the Tyrian Academy of Sciences and Nolani Academy, Shining Jea is one of the places with the most research and papers on various subjects. It is concievable that there are articles on the test that have been studied. Keep in mind that Togo is the brother of the Ascended Emperor. He and the Emperor both became Closer to the Stars as part of their ritualistic rights and Mhenlo was essentially Togo's apprentice. Even without becoming Closer, Mhenlo could have easily learned all about the test.

[jvxmtg]

I don't think that the Celestial Test is comparable to the the Ascension since the Celestial Test don't automatically level you up to level 20 like the Ascension do.

Obviously Mhenlo have not taken the Celestial Test, since the first time we met him in pre-searing, he's still harnessing his powers.

There is unfortunately a logical inconsistency between the status of Mhenlo between the two campaigns. If you are a Factions character coming to Tyria, Mhenlo's dialogue suggests that he is returning right about the time that the undead start to invade Kryta in search of the Sceptre of Orr. If you are a Tyrian character going to Cantha, on the other hand, the dialogue suggests that most of the storyline in Tyria is complete (although it doesn't specifically mention anything about the Flameseeker Prophecies being complete).

I agree that the events in Prohpsies are happening at the same time as the events in Factions IF you choose it to be so. Let me explain. If you choose to cut the story by going to LA right after getting to the main land with you Canthan character, then it will not make sense at all. But each quests are grouped into to 2 categories: main quest and side quest. Chaos in Kryta is a side quest, therefore you will break the storyline if you choose to skip quests and missions that are in between. I believe the flaw is the timing of the quest's availability like giving you the Titan quest without beating the game first, nor ascending. Just like the quest in the Jungle where you fight the White Mantle even before doing the Bloodstone Fen mission.

[Zayren]

No, the Mhenlo in Cantha is Ascended. When you first arrive in Cantha from Tyria, the NPCs talk about how Mhenlo was instrumental in ending the Flameseeker Prophecies in Tyria, and that is why he was called, and brought the players.

I believe Mhenlo was called, not because he helped end the Flameseeker Prophecies, but because he was one of Togo's best students who went to Tyria and Togo think he probably has more allies, that can help in Cantha. But, your theory could be correct...

[Quintus Antonius]

So then why does Mhenlo mention that the players were pivotal in ending the Flameseeker Prophcies?

He brings us because we helped bring the situation in Tyria to an end.

[Azrail]

To add on, Cynn and Mhenlo are in a relationship. If you bring a character to Cantha from Tyria, that part before you enter the Center they have a conversation with Sister Tai and they have an argument over him.

[Dorsk Khomm]

Or maybe they have made their feelings known but not in a relationship... is completely plausible for 2 people to have feelings for each other yet not be dating. Maybe Cynn likes him but feels dating Mhenlo would make her look weak for "relying" on someone else :tongue:

[Erasculio]

Or maybe they have made their feelings known but not in a relationship... is completely plausible for 2 people to have feelings for each other yet not be dating.
:huh:

She claims he's hers, so I guess they do have a relationship. Besides, I don't think Cynn would be one so prone to let things go.

Erasculio

[Nazpharoz]

Their are more lovebirds inside Guildwars.

Cynn + Mhenlo
Su + Jinzo (I think it was Jinzo, she talks sometimes in open area about his eyes, also in a mission for prime necro only)
Lo Sha + Mei Ling (pointed in multiple ways, also in the manuscript)

[Quintus Antonius]

I dont know, you don't necessarily have to be in a relationship, or have even ever had one, for one party to become violently posessive over the other. It's happened to me before, and to many people I know. Plus, that seems to fit with Cynn's personality anyway. If Mhenlo is the mack-daddy of Guild Wars like we are seeing, then he obviously wasn't even around Cynn for her personality anyway (I don't need to draw that one out). I don't think Mhenlo is that upstanding of a guy when it comes to the ladies. Right now, I see him almost as a Quagmire or a Boomhauer.

[lavenbb]

huh?

http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/295/gw0078tp.th.jpg (http://img163.imageshack.us/my.php?image=gw0078tp.jpg)

taken straight from elder rhea..

[Quintus Antonius]

Can you explain the relevence of this, or the point you are trying to make by posting it?

[Skyy High]

Pretty sure he's trying to say that Mhenlo was putting the moves on Elder Rhea as well...which is just....*shudder*.

The dude's like a bald Austin Powers...without the British accent.

[Troal]

So then why does Mhenlo mention that the players were pivotal in ending the Flameseeker Prophcies?

He brings us because we helped bring the situation in Tyria to an end.

The way I see it, a character travelling from Tyria is assumed to have completed the storyline, and so Mhenlo's involvement in the Flameseeker Prophecies is mentioned as a reason for Togo calling him to Cantha.

But, for Canthan characters, they won't have finished Prophecies and so its said that Togo called Mhenlo only because he was a good student.

So basically, I think Togo's reason for bringing Mhenlo to Cantha is entirely dependant on what he is expected to have done up to that point.

[Quintus Antonius]

That's not true, because at the end of the game, Cynn and the rest of the crew talk about returning to rebuild Ascalon, and battle dialouge reflects a group already through the Prophecies campaign.

[Troal]

Hmm, that is true. However, I'd like to know if they mention any of the events that come after settling in Kryta. Canthan-born characters first arrive in Kryta when travelling to Tyria, so Mhenlo and the others would have made it through the Searing, set up the Kryta settlement, yadda yadda by the time Factions takes place. In other words, half the Prophecies campaign will already be over by the time a Canthan character is 'born.'

[Quintus Antonius]

Yup, and if you complete Prophecies with a Canthan and talk to the Vision of Glint, she tells you that you are needed in Cantha to stop Shiro. I believe that the Prophecies end while a Canthan is training on Shing Jea. I also believe there is a time-lapse between the end of Shing Jea and the start of the portion of the game where Mhenlo joins. This time lapse has to be at least four months because Togo finds out about Shiro when the players do on Shing Jea, and then sends for Mhenlo. According to the Canthans in Tyria, it takes two months to get to Tyria, so the letter would take two months to get to Mhenlo, during which time the Flameseeker Prophecies are complete. Then Mhenlo rushes to Cantha, which takes another two months, and the came picks up in Viznuah Square.

[Troal]

It's all so confusing. Maybe I'll stop trying to make sense of the continuity before my brain turns to mush.

I guess, given the ability of Nightfall characters to travel 3 years into the past to take part in the Prophecies storyline, then my vision of Factions and Prophecies taking place at the same time isn't realistic.

Prophecies came first then. Now I forget what I responded to with my original post.

[ShadowReapr]

It's more Anet-continuity errors than anything.

Technically, I believe they both follow the same timeline. Trip to Kaineng City corresponds with just-after-Gates of Kryta. Defeating Shiro happens at about the same time as Sanctum Cay/travelling to the Crystal Desert.

While it's impossible to be absolutely certain, you'll notice an odd lack of the Heroes of Ascalon from Lion's Arch through Amnoon Oasis. They are always somewhat there before, and the same afterwards. While we are traversing Kryta and the Maguuma Jungle, Mhenlo and crew are off kicking Canthan butt. Also notice the lack of story-based Lore for the Heroes of Ascalon during this time.

If it is the Divine Path that inspires curiousity, consider this:

How exactly did the Imperial Cleaners clear up all those bodies, blood and gore, and how exactly did the Imperial Party Arrangers arrange such a faboo party in such a small amount of time? While it's touched into being an actual talent in Nightfall, I'm pretty sure it's accepted that Map Travelling is merely a game mechanic.

Perhaps our Divine Path parade takes place a week or two after Shiro's pwnage. Much mourning would have taken place regarding Togo and other losses first, surely.

EDIT: Oh, as for ascendancy, what is ascending? Surely it's a different process every time, unless you want to go ahead and suggest that the Mursaat are all Envoys.

[Harjubal od Uo]

They're definitely continuity errors if you try to think of Mhenlo, or any character in fact, including ourselves, as being one single entity and not just representative of whole groups or classes of people.

There's definitely a single person named Mhenlo in the GW universe, but, more importantly, he and the other Tyrian heroes who travel with him represent all of the hundreds, probably thousands, of wanderers who went all over the world in the Ascalonian diaspora following Rurik's Crossing. He's in Tyria before and after the Ascalons arrived in Lion's Arch because there were Ascalons who stayed behind and others who went to Cantha and others who also went to Elona, all at the same time.

Guild Wars is actually a snapshot of a world which is completely falling apart in every corner all at the same time and trying to force a sequential timeline onto the information we've been given just makes the storyline implode, unfortunately.