The Crystal Desert and Elona connected?

[Gmr Leon]

Thanks to Zingeri for this:

Loregasm! (from new NPC near storage)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v258/Zinger314/norge.jpg



Now read what's in the last box: "In the lands of Elona, there is a vast wasteland known as the Crystal Desert."

Does this mean one of the first signs of Tyria(continent)being connected with another? If so this is an amazing and interesting unveiling in the midsts of the Dragon Festival. I'm guessing this is probably one of those small hints for us about chapter 3 myself.

Seriously though,who would have thought Elona was connected to Tyria? Assuming it is of course!

[GregR]

I always thought Elona is the crystal desert. I may be wrong though.

[Malhavoc Adhamar]

I'm going to have to confirm it but didn't the lore from the desert say that the Elonan's travelled by boat to the desert? If they are connected by land then why sail there.

Also it's plausable the reference to Elona is to the kingdom itself. Looking at the map we only see the central part of it. It's possible that there are/were major cities to the north west and smaller settlements following the bases of the mountain chains.

However that said it does look like the desert extends eastwards for some while so it could be a link to where ever chapter three takes place.

[lavenbb]

Connected by land doesn't mean you are able to traverse through it right? We have no idea what hazards are in Elona, it is believed that the place will be desert'ish, so maybe there're frequent sandstorms or other hardy-predators. Anyway I think we'll have to wait till chapter 3? to see what Elona actually looks like.

While we're at this it looks like Acolyte Norge also said something about those purplish portals and graspings, etc:

"They enter our space from a plane of existence beyond our own realm, driven by force of pure chaos and destruction."

Could be a subtle hint of possible Dhum(deity of chaos)+Menzie(deity of destruction) interference.

[Gmr Leon]

Also,look at the monsters we fight in the Crystal Desert,those aren't your weak little Grawl those monsters are tough. If going from the kingdom of Elona by land meant a hard troublesome travel through those beasts I'd surely take a water route!

I agree with you on the hardships that may exist in-between the kingdom of Elona and the Crystal Desert,who knows? Maybe there's a treacherous mountain range that alot of their people have went in and never came out of. That's always a possibility,but that is also just my example.

Laven I would suggest pointing that out in this topic: http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?t=408189&page=2

Though as Quintus pointed out here:

The reason I suspect Dhum or his supporters is because of the fact that the Rifts lead to the Underworld. If they led to the Fissue of Woe, or some other realm, I'd suspect Menzies, but to our current knowledge, Menzies doesn't have a presence in the Underworld, nor motivation to conquer it.

[lavenbb]

Also,look at the monsters we fight in the Crystal Desert,those aren't your weak little Grawl those monsters are tough. If going from the kingdom of Elona by land meant a hard troublesome travel through those beasts I'd surely take a water route!

I agree with you on the hardships that may exist in-between the kingdom of Elona and the Crystal Desert,who knows? Maybe there's a treacherous mountain range that alot of their people have went in and never came out of. That's always a possibility,but that is also just my example.

Laven I would suggest pointing that out in this topic: http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?t=408189&page=2

Though as Quintus pointed out here:

I've read that actually :P

But do we really know the motivations behind those two? since they both want the present "Gods" out of their office, why can't the two unite?

I actually don't think that Menzie or Dhum is restricted to just one plane, first for them being quite powerful, second for their supposed banish from those places anyway. and the portals seemed to be opened to attack tyria, not the other way around. Since the troops seems "underworldly" enough I guess it is quite likely that they are from Dhum's, but I wouldn't cross Menzie out just yet. It could very well be that Dhum provides something that he has (assume he's a MM nec), and Menzie provides something that he can (assume he's a smiter). Didn't someone say the shadow army are possibly white mantles? It's entirely likely that Menzie has some other power besides having minions. Bestowing destructive power, is one possibility.

[Goldfish God]

minor point, doesn't the mention of Chaos (along with Fingers of Chaos, the mesmer mobs) sorta suggest Lyssa's realm (though maybe not her/their specific control).

[Quintus Antonius]

Someone else pointed out that because the Zaishen are so strongly fighting these creatures and Menzies is at war with their patron god, that it may be Menzies. The more I see, the more I believe Menzies may be involved, however I still believe Dhum has a strong influence as well.

The thing is, Dhum is dead. If you notice, I've been saying the FORCES of Dhum, not Dhum himself (or herself, I'm not sure ot be honest). Perhaps the former forces of Dhum are allying with Menzies or something like that.

How about a four of us get together and do those quests for scientific purposes.

[Zayren]

A lot of people are speculating that this could be related to C3, and that Elona is a desert like area... Well, from what we've heard C3 is North African themed, and the Sahara Desert is in North Africa. SO, if Elona is truly a desert type area, then it is VERY likely that C3 will take place in Elona. (But, can somebody explain Elona to me? I thought it was another name for the Desert.)

[Quintus Antonius]

Elona is the nation that sent colonists to the Crystal Desert to build outposts and seek Ascension.

The more we hear, the more it's looking like the nation of Elona is south or southeast of the Crystal Desert, connected to Tyria. I guess to be fair, they never said that Elona was a continent, so that leaves it rather open ended.

[One Last Anthem]

I've read somewhere that the next one was supposed to be based in Africa, so this wouldn't surprise me:grin:

[lavenbb]

Someone else pointed out that because the Zaishen are so strongly fighting these creatures and Menzies is at war with their patron god, that it may be Menzies. The more I see, the more I believe Menzies may be involved, however I still believe Dhum has a strong influence as well.

The thing is, Dhum is dead. If you notice, I've been saying the FORCES of Dhum, not Dhum himself (or herself, I'm not sure ot be honest). Perhaps the former forces of Dhum are allying with Menzies or something like that.

How about a four of us get together and do those quests for scientific purposes.

*spoiler~

Being dead doesn't mean gone forever tho, Shiro died, twice, but he can still say "this is not the end of me!" XD

[Quintus Antonius]

Yes, especially for a "god". Plus, we don't know the specifics of Grenth's conflict with Dhum, which makes me think that ANet kept it open for elaboration. When you consider how much emphasis is put on the Underworld and things coming out of the Underworld, it is rather suspicious.

I just pointed out that Dhum was dead to cover my own butt, so someone can't say "Oh look! Quintus doesn't know his information, he isn't qualified!!11!!" Or something like that.

[Volitar]

Does anyone have the quest completion text from completing the Four Horsemen quest in The Underworld? I've only tried it once and it was at the end of a very long Underworld clearing with Guildies and only a few of us remained so we couldn't complete it. However, one thing that is interesting is that I am almost 100% sure that the Riders of Dhuum that attack you in that quest are accompanied by Terrorwebs. Now, according to the lore of The Underworld, it is stated that the Terrorwebs are invading The Underworld. This, in my opinion, sort of shows a direct link between Dhuum (or the forces of Dhuum) and the Terrorwebs and all of the other Underworld-type of monsters popping up from these Chaos Rifts. This is why I feel that Dhuum (or his followers if he is dead) is behind these Chaos Rifts being opened up.

One thing I am wondering though is where did these creatures originate from? Were they simply denizens of the Chaos Planes and rose up against Grenth? Or are they from somewhere else? It is said by the Reaper of the Chaos Planes that the souls sent there are "without valor or redemption" and that this was also the very spot where the tower of Dhuum stood. Perhaps when Grenth destroyed Dhuum and the tower he sent all the surviving loyalists to Dhuum to the Chaos Planes and this is their revolt against the current god of death. All speculation though.

[Quintus Antonius]

Does anyone have the quest completion text from completing the Four Horsemen quest in The Underworld? I've only tried it once and it was at the end of a very long Underworld clearing with Guildies and only a few of us remained so we couldn't complete it. However, one thing that is interesting is that I am almost 100% sure that the Riders of Dhuum that attack you in that quest are accompanied by Terrorwebs. Now, according to the lore of The Underworld, it is stated that the Terrorwebs are invading The Underworld. This, in my opinion, sort of shows a direct link between Dhuum (or the forces of Dhuum) and the Terrorwebs and all of the other Underworld-type of monsters popping up from these Chaos Rifts. This is why I feel that Dhuum (or his followers if he is dead) is behind these Chaos Rifts being opened up.

One thing I am wondering though is where did these creatures originate from? Were they simply denizens of the Chaos Planes and rose up against Grenth? Or are they from somewhere else? It is said by the Reaper of the Chaos Planes that the souls sent there are "without valor or redemption" and that this was also the very spot where the tower of Dhuum stood. Perhaps when Grenth destroyed Dhuum and the tower he sent all the surviving loyalists to Dhuum to the Chaos Planes and this is their revolt against the current god of death. All speculation though.

What I wonder is if Dhuum was really killed or if he was simply "vanquished" or "imprisoned".

[Trojan]

Or that he retreated from Grenth after being beaten to 'lick his wounds'.
I think (from poor memory) that if you check the diagloue on Grenths shrines (where it says that he overthrew Dhuum), it doesn't say that he is actually dead...

There's a possibility that he's still out there...

Edit: found it.

"Before the time of Grenth, when death was ruled by a cruel and unjust god, there stood a tower and a throne on this very plain. But Grenth rose up and destroyed the one called Dhuum and shattered down his tower, leaving only these storms of chaos as a reminder of the power that once held dominion here. My vigil over these lands was broken for a time, and I can feel a resurgence of the old taint. Four horsemen approach, riders of Dhuum. Destroy them before they can reclaim this place and throw the underworld into chaos!"

It says Grenth destroyed Dhuum, not killing him. You can destroy something without killing it, e.g, breaking it's power, or state.

[Quintus Antonius]

In that, it also mentions that chaos is a reminant of Dhuum, which seems to strongly suggest what I proposed is corrected and Dhuum is behind this latest insurgance of chaotic forces.

[ShadowSword]

ArenaNet do love cross linking their chapters don't they? Anyway Elona can still be a continent though attached to Tyria. Just look at Europe-Asia. Now I'm wondering whether there's going to be a mass demon invasion over in Elona.

[Warison]

It's interesting that the Acolyte says the Crystal Desert is Elona wasteland while there is an NPC at Amnoon Oasis that says his family was granted trading rights there by the emperor of Cantha. Kind of contradictory. How could the emperor of Canth grant trading rights for generations knowing that the Elona still exist. Granted it has clearly been some time since the Elona visited the Crystal Desert.

[Quintus Antonius]

It's interesting that the Acolyte says the Crystal Desert is Elona wasteland while there is an NPC at Amnoon Oasis that says his family was granted trading rights there by the emperor of Cantha. Kind of contradictory. How could the emperor of Canth grant trading rights for generations knowing that the Elona still exist. Granted it has clearly been some time since the Elona visited the Crystal Desert.

Yeah, but we also don't know the circumstance of the trade agreement. The guy's family may have been super annoying and the Emperor simply sent them to a wasteland to get them out of his hair.

[The Stiehl]

Perhaps he was a trader hoping to get jump start ahead of his collegues by being the first to import expensive luxury goods to the frontier? Maybe he had to ask the Emperors permission.

[Warison]

Perhaps he was a trader hoping to get jump start ahead of his collegues by being the first to import expensive luxury goods to the frontier? Maybe he had to ask the Emperors permission.

The NPC at Amnoon implies that the Crystal Desert (at least Amnoon Oasis) is "ruled" by the Emperor of Cantha. I'll post a screen of the dialogue a little later. Not that is makes or breaks the story line, I just found it interesting.

[lavenbb]

Notice Acolyte Norge said "in the lands of Elona".

I find it difficult to grasp what that actually means..

Firstly, is Elona refering to a continent, a nation, or a region?
Secondly, does it imply that crystal desert belongs to this "Elona"?

[shadow the hero]

a God with so Much Power as Dhum had, It's Unlikely he was Totally Destroyed.
In Lord of the Rings: Followship of the Ring when Isildur(sp?) Defeated Sauron and Everyone thought He was "dead", He Only needed Time for getting his Power back, the same Could have Happen to Dhum. Lately his powers must Have comed back to him (Not His Full Power) and He must Have Used them to Open Chaos Rifts into Mustly Holy Place's of the Old Gods and Send His Minions in (First ToPK, then the attack on Monastery which Trains All the Old Gods Professions, Nows the Question whats Next?)

[Docho]

Well, I don't know if anyone has posted it somewhere already but in Wajjun Bazaar there is someone who says "Salt is getting very expensive now that traders from Elona aren't coming any longer"
His name is Nobleman Kagita.

What could that mean: Salt can easily be obatained from places where once was a sea... (think of what the Dead Sea is becoming) The Crystal Desert once was a sea...

Sidenote: Are the boats from Elona not coming anymore because of the troubles in Cantha or because of troubles in Elona...?

I can post the image of him saying that , but I don't have a hosting-thingie... (or however I should call it)

[Quintus Antonius]

Well, I don't know if anyone has posted it somewhere already but in Wajjun Bazaar there is someone who says "Salt is getting very expensive now that traders from Elona aren't coming any longer"
His name is Nobleman Kagita.

What could that mean: Salt can easily be obatained from places where once was a sea... (think of what the Dead Sea is becoming) The Crystal Desert once was a sea...

Sidenote: Are the boats from Elona not coming anymore because of the troubles in Cantha or because of troubles in Elona...?

I can post the image of him saying that , but I don't have a hosting-thingie... (or however I should call it)

I think that it may be because Elona is having issues of its own. That seems to be what the game is hinting at, because no one alive right now would remember the Elonian's who settled in the Desert two centuries ago.

If ANet's previous system of dropping hints is any indication, what is happening now at the Dragon Festival is a huge plot sneakpeek for Chapter 3 which is due out in a few months.

[Gmr Leon]

If so,then I imagine we'll see entire towns ravaged like the Tomb of the Primeval Kings. All I really wonder is,does this mean that Elona has hordes of these creatures we're seeing wandering about like everyday monsters. If that is so,then for Elona still to exist means they must be powerful or have found the source of them and is keeping them at bay like the Zaishen at the Tomb.

Either way every place we go to has ended up ravaged by something..

[lavenbb]

Well.. the "hero that saves the day" is pretty standard, wouldn't you agree?

Though I must admit I wanted something other than that.. especially during festivals... oh well.

[Quintus Antonius]

If so,then I imagine we'll see entire towns ravaged like the Tomb of the Primeval Kings. All I really wonder is,does this mean that Elona has hordes of these creatures we're seeing wandering about like everyday monsters. If that is so,then for Elona still to exist means they must be powerful or have found the source of them and is keeping them at bay like the Zaishen at the Tomb.

Either way every place we go to has ended up ravaged by something..

Well, their cities do float.

It's also possible they found some way to contain this, or something like that. To be fair, we also don't know how much part Elona will play in the next chapter, it may just be a place we visit once or twice.

[Gmr Leon]

Well I wouldn't go out there and say their cities float yet,that was a building in the concept art,not an entire city. You are right that we don't know how much of a part Elona plays in the next chapter though.

[Quintus Antonius]

Well I wouldn't go out there and say their cities float yet,that was a building in the concept art,not an entire city. You are right that we don't know how much of a part Elona plays in the next chapter though.

I personally think it's dangerous to assume anything yet, as I'm sure anyone here would agree. We can speculate, but what we say is far from fact. Who knows, the writers of ANet may be watching just to see what we come up with. :tongue:

[Zayren]

Well guys, Gaile was just on, you can check the Gaile Log in a bit, but I beat Gaile in Dragon's Nest, so as a reward (kinda) she answered my question. Will C3 be in Elona was my question. And, she said that C3 will be in a land unknown to us yet....

[Quintus Antonius]

Well guys, Gaile was just on, you can check the Gaile Log in a bit, but I beat Gaile in Dragon's Nest, so as a reward (kinda) she answered my question. Will C3 be in Elona was my question. And, she said that C3 will be in a land unknown to us yet....

To be fair, we don't know anything about Elona yet, so that could still be Elona. I do feel Elona will be part of the next chapter, just because of the hints being dropped everywhere.

[Mookle X]

I asked Gaile about Elona and the Crystal Desert and she said something about Elona Reach. Go check the latest Gaile Log in teh evening, first page for her exact answer.

[Laibeus Lord]

Hmm I can't find that. What I read tho, she said, Elona is in the desert.

-- But my theory is (unless the (1) Cantha team got confused with the Elona/Crystal Desert/Elonia SL; or (2) the Elona team changed the SL a bit and the Ascalon and Cantha team didn't bother much or wasn't informed)::

Elona is indeed in a desert, to be exact the Crystal Desert.
I've been wondering about this for months already. If you read the Factions manuscript, in the timeline, they specifically stated that the Humans that landed and settled in Cantha were "not affected by the Forgotten". This bit keeps me wondering, why do they have to mention it when we know for a fact that the Forgotten are in Tyria not Cantha.

Following that, they were referring to Canthans, why should Canthans worry about the Forgotten? Why do they know the Forgotten in the first place? (Unless of course it was just some product-writer's fantasy to write unnecessary details..)

If there were reasons behind that, and we know that the "Crystal Desert" was under water before it assumed its current state. If Elona is in the Desert. If those NPC dialogues are not a mistake, THEN:

The Crystal Desert is huge, and the Kingdom of Elona stretches across the Crystal Desert itself.

Coz how can the Empire of the Dragon have trading agreements with Elona? They kept that trading longer than they kept trading with the Kingdom of Ascalon.

And if the Crystal Desert was still underwater when the Elonans "supposedly" arrived to Crystal Desert of Tyria by ships, then could it be that the Canthans came from Elona as well? Could it be the reason why the Canthans know about the Forgotten? Coz the manuscripts act as a historical book written in the perspective of a Canthan (the lore part of course).

It's no question anymore why the Canthans have records about Tyria since the Empire of the Dragon came into existence years before the Kingdom of Ascalon did.

But of course why didn't the Canthon historical records didn't include Elona in their manuscripts? Again we can derived various reasons but maybe best to leave this part alone first.

So back to the Elona and the Crystal Desert, it is possible that Kingdom of Elona stretches far and wide into the Crystal Desert. For all we know, just like in the real-world, the deserts were once green fields or were underwater. Some of the towns of the Kingdom of Elona could very well be standing in what was before a green field, and they were surrounded by water before.

A long-lived spirit will of course explain it to us that the Elonans arrived in the "Crystal Desert" by ships because that's what we call that region "today".

Hmm, I made a long post touching left and right... but you get the theory.

Again all these assuming the dialogues were not (honest) mistakes of confusion or uninforming the other teams, and assuming the manuscripts were indeed written to be viewed in the eyes of the locals.

[Gmr Leon]

The Crystal Desert was still underwater when the Margonites came,but it was a desert when the Elonians made it there. The Forgotten helped guide the creatures around during the creation of the world so it isn't surprising there were some in Cantha. Although where they went into hiding on Cantha is unknown to us.

[Laibeus Lord]

Hmm, I'm not sure (I don't have the manuscript with me right now), but in the Factions manuscript, it was stated that the Forgotten appeared only in Tyria and the Canthans are unaffected of the Forgotten's "guidance".

[Gmr Leon]

No,it meant the Canthans progession inward from the coast was unaffected by the Forgotten.

[Laibeus Lord]

If that's how its supposed to mean, then:
1) The planet is indeed called Tyria (as history tells us the gods gave magic to the Tyrians);
2) The Forgotten were in every continent of the Planet Tyria.

Hmm, could it be then that when history said "The Forgotten retreated to what is now known as the Crystal Desert", it was referring not only to the Tyrian part of the Crystal Desert, but to the whole Crystal Desert itself?

I mean by that, is if the "Crystal Desert" is like Russia, where a small portion of it is in Europe and the rest in Asia. For the Crystal Desert, a small portion of it is in Tyria, and the rest in the continent where the Kingdom of Elona is located.

If that's the case, then they are indeed connected, and maybe, just maybe, the other theory presented by another poster could also be correct, that the Continent of Cantha is possibly connected to the continent where Elona is. There are still lands East, South-East and South of what we know as the Continent of Cantha. Imagine something like Europe in the North (Tyria), Africa in the South (Cantha), Asia in the East (the Continent where Elona is).

PS
We still are not sure if the Continent's name is "Elona" so I write it as "the Continent where Elona is".

[hexal]

Sorta makes me think that we were just lab rats for the gods. Give one land the forgotten and another land, don't. Then you just drop in the humans and watch for results.

[Laibeus Lord]

hehe yah true. Even in the real-world, our own Planet Earth do have beliefs like that - that we were or are lab rats in a universal scale. :p

And we know that GW Lore Gurus are basing their stuff from real-world mythologies, legends and beliefs.

[Gordon Michael]

Yeah, but we also don't know the circumstance of the trade agreement. The guy's family may have been super annoying and the Emperor simply sent them to a wasteland to get them out of his hair.
Well the Crystal Desert seems to be a magnet for treasure hunters, fanatics and seekers of wisdom. It's just a niche market.

[Skig Galco]

dunno if it's relevant, but i seem to remember an NPC talking about "the three kingdoms of tyria". they explained they all had problems dealing with the char. the krytan's defended themselves by calling upon the power of "the unseen ones", ie, sacrificing people to summon the mursaat from the fire islands via the magic given to them by the dwarves, passed from the lich. the ascalonians tried a really big wall, but the char...well...you know. and elonia, trying to make such an awesome weapon, blew themselves to kingdom come. i also found an NPC in the desert ((right before the statue you have to cross to complete the first 15 attribute point quest)) who mentioned a similar event. the elonians tried to craft a weapon that could strike down any warrior, and ended up blowing themselves up.

i've always hoped that we'd get to see what kind of wasteland elonia made of itself, and we'll probably even get to see a "presearing" situation once more. elonia, as it was before the "incident", some idiot mage making a really big boom device, said mage setting off said boom device. welcome to the crystal desert!

also, didn't the elonian ghosts in the desert mention that the statues, architecture, and the likes all came from a civilization there BEFORE the settlers arrived?

[Trojan]

Elonia was in the past. They never encountered the Charr during the searing because they were all dead and gone, minus for ruins and ghosts. It was Ascalon, Kryta and Orr.

I would go into how Orr was destroyed during the Searing Charr invasion, but I'm concerned about Spoilers...

A majority of the statues and architecture that the Elonians (200 years ago) encountered were from the Margonites.

[Skig Galco]

my apologies, i realised about as soon as i typed it out that it was orr who went nuke happy, lol. HOWEVER there is still a ghost in the desert at the said location, telling the elonia, too, blew itself up. maybe this is why they quit being so active in the world?

[Cealin De Rythia]

I believe it was the Elonians, not Elona. As in, the colonizing Elonian's who were there to ascend, not the continent itself.

[Quintus Antonius]

Nation of Elonia = colony of Elonians in the Desert
Elona = Continent which Nightfall happens on, seperate from Elonia

[dfscott]

Nation of Elonia = colony of Elonians in the Desert
Elona = Continent which Nightfall happens on, seperate from Elonia

True, but Kourna, a province of Elona, is at adjacent to the Crystal Desert, if not technically part of it.

[Quintus Antonius]

I was just clarifying everything in case there was confusion. It is possible at some point in the past, Elona was one united nation, and Elonia was a part of that.

My statement wasn't meant to add or detract anything from the discussion, it was just a clarification.

[windcaller]

To be Honest i read somwhere that the empty part of the Crystal Desert will not stay that way for a long time.

Another thing that leads to the idea that Elona = Crystal Desert is that both the Dervish AND Paragon are very attuned to the godly power. So who would be more suitable of taking the ultimate Test of Power (aka Ascention) other than Elonians.

Maybe Elona interrupted their trade routes with Tyria when the Guild Wars started. and due to some malefic energy they couldn't retie the bonds.

Another thing that kept me wondering was this sentence: "We will surely hear more of Shiro". Nightfall due to Shiro? Or?

[Durza the Shadeking]

A majority of the statues and architecture that the Elonians (200 years ago) encountered were from the Margonites.

This would be incorrect, as its is known from Turrai Ossa (a.k.a Ghostly Hero) that the Elonians were the 1st to settle (or at least try to) in the desert. He also states that two groups have followed in this attempt, The Well Known Margonites, and the less well-known Seekers.

Also, it is known that the Margonite settlement was built using the remains of their ships. So a large statue, towering above the sands and made out of stone, would be a bit out of their reach.

[Renegade Returns]

I think Elona is the area South of Droknars Forge. Its the only green spot south of the Shiverpeaks and is unexplorable atm. Sure we are going to have to travel there by boat and so on but the description of the Scribe on the official GW site matches the area perfectly.

Vabbi: Vabbi is supposed to be the northernmost province of Elona and is settled in the highlands. The northenmost area south of the shiverpeaks is logically mountainous.

Kourna: This is the military province that borders the crystal desert and through which the mighty river Elon flows. The green area south of the Shiverpeaks borders the Crystal desert and a mighty river does flow through it.

Istan: In the same area south of the Shiverpeaks there is a small island that is just at the end of the river.

I say that the area south of the Shiverpeaks is infact Elona since all of these clues match exactly with this area.

[Quintus Antonius]

This would be incorrect, as its is known from Turrai Ossa (a.k.a Ghostly Hero) that the Elonians were the 1st to settle (or at least try to) in the desert. He also states that two groups have followed in this attempt, The Well Known Margonites, and the less well-known Seekers.

Also, it is known that the Margonite settlement was built using the remains of their ships. So a large statue, towering above the sands and made out of stone, would be a bit out of their reach.

No, the Margonites "sailed in when the dunes were still under water", the Elonians sailed in and settled on the drying land, and by the time they left, the Desert had dried up entirely. The Margonites came before the Elonians, there is absolutely no two-ways about that.

I think Elona is the area South of Droknars Forge. Its the only green spot south of the Shiverpeaks and is unexplorable atm. Sure we are going to have to travel there by boat and so on but the description of the Scribe on the official GW site matches the area perfectly.

Vabbi: Vabbi is supposed to be the northernmost province of Elona and is settled in the highlands. The northenmost area south of the shiverpeaks is logically mountainous.

Kourna: This is the military province that borders the crystal desert and through which the mighty river Elon flows. The green area south of the Shiverpeaks borders the Crystal desert and a mighty river does flow through it.

Istan: In the same area south of the Shiverpeaks there is a small island that is just at the end of the river.

I say that the area south of the Shiverpeaks is infact Elona since all of these clues match exactly with this area.

The question I ask is if there is sufficient land for an entire campaign in that small area that is only about the size of the Battle Isles.

[Renegade Returns]

You're right there isnt enough space for them to put it on the Tyrian map so they might have to do it the way they did it with cantha which means we have to travel there by boat.

[Quintus Antonius]

Even though Elona is connected to Tyria, I doubt they would put it on the actual Prophecies map as that would involve updating the map and it would also mean that people without Prophecies but with Nightfall and vise versa, would have visual access to products they don't own. I'd imagine there are also programming issues to such a thing. It's much simpler to just make it all on a new map.

[Laibeus Lord]

Don't forget that the "Crystal Desert" could very well be extending to the continent of Elona as I've explained in another thread.

Geographical areas can extend in different continents. Russia and Turkey extends in Europe and Asia.

Also, during the Dragon Festival, it was mentioned that the "Crystal Desert is in Elona". And then GWN intros mentioned that Kourna "borders the Crystal Desert".

It supports the theory that the "Crystal Desert" extends to the continent of Elona.

Finally, they can't suddenly change the Continent of Tyria just so to fit in the continent of Elona. Whatever is in the continent of Tyria is Tyria's, the continent of Elona is a whole new geographical area that is connected to Tyria via the Crystal Desert and East of Ascalon, probably bordering the mountains. Who knows, the mountains south of Ascalon also extends Eastward, which protected the Continent of Elona from the invading Charr.

[bearsfwd]

I think Elona is the area South of Droknars Forge. Its the only green spot south of the Shiverpeaks and is unexplorable atm. Sure we are going to have to travel there by boat and so on but the description of the Scribe on the official GW site matches the area perfectly.

I thought that general area was were Orr was...maybe I'm wrong. I thought I read somewhere that Orr was located west of the crystal desert.

[Renegade Returns]

thought that general area was were Orr was

Orr lies far west from the crystal deserts and are those few islands that you see near some mountainous area.


Finally, they can't suddenly change the Continent of Tyria just so to fit in the continent of Elona. Whatever is in the continent of Tyria is Tyria's, the continent of Elona is a whole new geographical area that is connected to Tyria via the Crystal Desert and East of Ascalon, probably bordering the mountains. Who knows, the mountains south of Ascalon also extends Eastward, which protected the Continent of Elona from the invading Charr.

I know that it would be a big problem to update the entire continent into Tyria but maybe they could just make the place like Cantha:

A seperate Map like Cantha or the Battle Isles to which we travel to by boat from Port Sledge. This could fit into the whole Evennia theme since she is elonian and is still in the southern shiverpeaks.

Last but not least even Orr was affected by the Charr invasion and Orr, as said lies west to the crystal deserts.

This is just a theory not trying to say that its right but it kinda fits :P

[Gmr Leon]

This could fit into the whole Evennia theme since she is elonian and is still in the southern shiverpeaks.

She isn't Elonian,until Anet says otherwise we can't say that she is an Elonian. Let's just leave her as a Krytan rebel for now.

[J Unit]

Yeah chances are they're connected.

Elona:
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/6565/elonacs5.jpg

Pic found here: http://www.teeteehaa.de/~gc2006live/

[Karuro]

After some very bad photoshopping, I can confirm it's more or less south of the crystal desert:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v86/disconected/tyria_elona.png

[Quintus Antonius]

I remember people saying the same thing about Cantha. Until it is confirmed either by the game or ANet, we have to be careful.

Although, my personal opinion is that you are correct.

[Sir Jack]

I'd say it's more to the south though, the mountains don't really match nicely...

[Karuro]

We'll just have to wait for a sharp non photographed map. As this'll even the colors and brings in more visibility. Thought it was mainly that position due the shore, but ofcourse, there's always a possibility with left-out space between the two maps. Or they'll surprise us that there is more sea east of the crystal desert, followed by Elona's map x.x

[Altheus]

i hope nightfall map will be larger than in your crystal desert-elona map

[Karuro]

i hope nightfall map will be larger than in your crystal desert-elona map
I left the Elona-part as it is, because we don't have the original size of it yet (explains the bad photoshop lol). This one was made by a camera. The Crystal desert however, is the minimized Full Map version In-game, made with a screenshot. Again, only time will tell.
I must admit though, I didn't expect Elona to be south of the desert.

[Quintus Antonius]

What I find interesting is that, from this map, we appear to have been correct. I'm assuming the big river in the center of the map is the Elon River, and it goes right up into the area of the Crystal Desert where the dried up Thirsty River is, which in turn heads towards Elona Reach.

[AerasaBloodarrow]

Wow.. so that's a map of Elona? Now we know for sure it's south of the crystal dessert. Or that should be a zoomed in version, which I doubt it is..
Seems pretty cool & real.. I'm wondering who'll be first to say this is photoshopped :)

[Gmr Leon]

I can't wait to see the final draft map of Elona. It will most likely be even more detailed than what we have currently. Though I must say I'm amazed someone found a map before the release.

Edit: I think those islands to the south are most likely where new characters will begin. Not only that,but from looking at some of these pics I must say..we are seemingly right about the Chaos Army in Elona.

[Quintus Antonius]

Well, if you go back in time in the Canthan lore, you will find that we got our hands on a Canthan map before Factions. Back then, people were saying how it was connected to Tyria too, but we were wrong. Point is, don't jump to conclusions just yet.

[Trojan]

Note the ship icon. Looks like you get to Elona via Lions arch, like Cantha.

This also brings an interesting thought to my mind; did Orr have relations with Elona? This also makes one think about the Viziers role in the GW storyline over all.

[Laibeus Lord]

It is still hard to say the map is correct. Although that stiched-in map fits too well to be ignored.

But some problems:
Kourna borders the Crystal Desert
To the north is the city of Vabbi.

If Elona is South of the CD, they described the cities wrongly :p as the city of Vabbi will also be bordering the CD.

I think Elona is a little South-East of the CD, CD itself may be extending beyond Tyria but it not connected to Elona. Go a little farther South-East then that's where the Continent of Elona starts, and the first city you'll see is the City of Kourna.

And oh, the ship icon. If Elona is positioned that way (in my explanation above), it will explain why there is a need for a ship to travel to Tyria. Additionally, the mountain ranges that is surrounding the city of Vabbi (according to the Scribe #9) is not viewable from the Tyrian part of the CD.

[Renegade Returns]

yep and guess what we were all wrong :grin: . Here are the pics of the elonian map: http://www.teeteehaa.de/~gc2006live/

If you scroll down you will eventually come to a desert like map with a small island and a river plus some mountains and this does not look like any part of the crystal desert that i've seen on the tyrian map so yeah lets just wait and see what anet has to explain abt this :smiley: .

And I'm just suggesting it i am not trying to say that im right.

[Ranger Nietzsche]

broken picture

and most likely the mountains wont match up because we will never see a combined map.

im certain the painters didnt bother to try to connect the two visually (in terms of detail with mountains and lines etc.)

[Gmr Leon]

What we really have to consider is whether or not this is the final draft map..

[Quintus Antonius]

I would say probably not. But it will probably be close.

[Heelz]

I'm not very thrilled with this sneak peek at the map. Just seems too boring. Tyria has several regions, all with a distinct look. Factions has a forest of stone and a sea of jade. All this has is an island with flat colors and a big, light brown mass. I really hope this is far from the final map.

[lavenbb]

What I find interesting is that, from this map, we appear to have been correct. I'm assuming the big river in the center of the map is the Elon River, and it goes right up into the area of the Crystal Desert where the dried up Thirsty River is, which in turn heads towards Elona Reach.

Don't you see that there seemed to be a problem? That river on the Elona map has an opening to the south, that means the river are suppose to flow from north to south. Well, where's the starting point? Looking at the Elonian map it should be up in the mountains at the north side of the map. In that case, thirsty river can't be part of Elon is it? In the case that the same mountain feeds both river, they flow at the exact opposite direction. I don't think they will be called the same river in that case, would it?

And if it is the case that thirsty river was indeed part of Elon, wouldn't Elon dry up when thirsty river did? (this is assuming that thirsty river feeds Elon, which as we see isn't the case.)

That map doesn't seem to suggest that thirsty river and Elon was one.

[ObaBear]

NVm already brought up. XD

[Blazing Liger]

Well, if the Elon is based a lot off of the Nile, then it could possibly flow from south to north... Though I admit it doesn't look like that on the map. Meh.

[Gmr Leon]

With all the confusion about the map and where the provinces are here is my edited version of the map. The Princes of Vabbi may just be north of Istan,in which case all goes together.

Also,the mountain range from the Orrian peninsula into Elona looks different in color because of the Cataclysm that destroyed Orr. That gray is probably tons of ash and etc. from the explosion. Which would explain the color difference when you see the mountain range going down into Elona.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a338/GmrLeon00/006_Worldmap.jpg

[Laibeus Lord]

I think Vabbi is in the North-Eastern part of Elona as it was described to be a floating city surrounded by the mountain ranges.

While the Militaristic Kourna was said to be bordering the Crystal Desert.

And Istan, I agree, might be that island, and perhaps the newbie island.

[Gmr Leon]

Where do you get your information? I don't remember reading anything saying that Vabbi was a floating city..

Also,I only said that the Princes of Vabbi may be in that mountainous region simply because they said it was in the rugged north. If we look at that information coming from someone in Istan then indeed it would be in that region.

Then again I could be completely wrong,who knows?

[Karuro]

The island province of Istan is the home of a vibrant people who live among the monuments of an ancient empire. The military province of Kourna, under the command of its great leader, Warmarshal Varesh, hugs the shores of the mighty river Elon. And in the rugged lands to the north, the Princes of Vabbi rule from their opulent citadels.

Guesses look accurate to me.

[Aladar]

Don't ask for sources, I don't have them, but I guarantee I'm not just pulling this out of my you-know-what. I saw in a recent article that Elona is a nation connected to the Crystal Desert on the southern side.

[Laibeus Lord]

Kourna borders the vast Crystal Desert, and thus depends on a man-made irrigation system that brings water from the magnificent Elon River. The Elon River is essentially the only life source in an otherwise arid wasteland, enriching the soil and nurturing the land with its annual flooding. Despite the harsh environment, Kourna is the heart of Elona, housing a majestic army led by the descendant of a long-dead hero named Turai Ossa, whom the Elonians hold in high regard.



The military province of Kourna, under the command of its great leader, Warmarshal Varesh, hugs the shores of the mighty river Elon



Vabbi, the northernmost province of Elona. He spoke with pride about his home in the highlands



in the rugged lands to the north, the Princes of Vabbi rule from their opulent citadels.


Ignore the flying I said before, I was viewing the citadels as flying citadels.

[Quintus Antonius]

Well, we know one of the provinces does have floating/hovering buildings. We don't know the extent of this antigravity though.

[Gmr Leon]

Well, we know one of the provinces does have floating/hovering buildings. We don't know the extent of this antigravity though.

The largest we've seen are gardens and similar structures of the about the same size.

[Quintus Antonius]

Well, remember, also, we have seen floating Wizard's Towers in Kryta. So, the Elonians may have larger structures than just the towers and gardens we've seen.

[Gmr Leon]

Well, remember, also, we have seen floating Wizard's Towers in Kryta. So, the Elonians may have larger structures than just the towers and gardens we've seen.

I know,I was just providing an example of what we've seen so far in accordance to your previous post.

[Drec Sutal]

Well, remember, also, we have seen floating Wizard's Towers in Kryta. So, the Elonians may have larger structures than just the towers and gardens we've seen.

I seem to recall a big floaty thing in pre also.... in the mountains.

[Quintus Antonius]

It didn't float. It was grounded, IIRC.

[Ranger Nietzsche]

yeah the Wizard's Folly tower is grounded, or at least encased in ice

[Laibeus Lord]

Ok, finally, I have something solid to back up my claims that Vabbi is far to the North than Kourna - since we have different interpretations of the past scribe paragraphs.


Kourna, across the channel,.....
Further north is the Province of Vabbi.....


Being spoken by someone who is in Istan.

Reference: http://www.guildwars.com/events/ingame/nightfallworldpreview.php

^_^ There, I hope that finalize the positions :D

[CMEPTb]

Can anything be derived from this in connection with the Crystal Desert? This is from the Nightfall Event:

http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/8079/glyphicsdn0.png

It does seem to me a decorative wallpaper to the side of the building, but if we isolate the main pattern, does it say anything? Just curious.