The Corrupt Ruler

[NeferJackal]

POSSIBLE SPOILER!!!
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Ive posted some speculation in this thread http://forums.gwonline.net/showthread.php?p=4387519&posted=1#post4387519
after someone found a retailer site with a few new tidbits on Nightfall, including a Varesh minipet.

It could be highly interesting if it proves to be true, having a high probability of it. As the earlier leaked info from EBGames was proved to be true.

As Ivan Drago states:
Warmarshal Varesh is the ruler of the Khourna Province, a direct descendant of Turai Ossa, whose family rules there under the hereditary title of Warmarshal for centuries by now.

Warmarshal Varesh is a female, btw.

And my comment:

Good catch, but to choose Varesh as a pet. Could that be that Varesh is the titular 'Corrupt Ruler' whom is summoning the Outcast God? Im guessing it will show some kind of monstrous, or possessed form.

[Ivan Drago]

http://www.discshop.se/shop/img/omslag/front_large/0/56970.jpg

Warmarshal Varesh?

The elaborate armor/clothing could be that of a priest or king/warmarshal.


Some speculations: Who corrupted Varesh? Is she black sheep of the family? Or the classical "evil" advisor?

Just assuming that the corrupted ruler is indeed Warmarshal Varesh. It is time the Preview starts, but I fear we might not get to know too much.

[NeferJackal]

Quoting from the post about the Lore from the Nightfall Preorder Disc, posted by Ivan Drago.

I think this indeed hints at that there is something rotten in the state of Kourna. Especially with the possible implication of Varesh being the Corrupt Ruler, and it looks to be a quite nice setup for the players to get involved in the story and politics of Elona and to dismantle this 'rogue state', under the mandate of the Sunspears.


10 History Unearthed Each province of Elona has its own rulers, each
with a vision for the future of the nation. Vabbi has its merchant
princes, while Istan rewards the best and brightest as Clanmarshals.
As for Kourna, it is—and always has been—ready for war. Warmashal
Varesh Ossa, the current ruler of Kourna, commands a legion of loyal
and obedient soldiers. She inherited the title from her father—a
legacy reaching back to the triumph of Turai Ossa—and plans to defend
her birthright until her dying day. By all accounts, Kourna is well-
protected and prosperous. But its neighbours to the west have become
suspicious of late. An influx of Kournan agents has been spotted in
Istan; many found exploring near the ruins at the western end of the
main island. Dedicated Sunspears have guarded these forbidden ruins
for generations, since the days of the infamous Scarab Plague. Special
papers and permission are required to enter the site, and only a
chosen few keep watch over what transpires within. Sunspear patrols
guard the periphery, but do not speak of its hidden secrets. Many
inquisitive Istani have watched these Kournan travellers come and go.
They report that some have the bearing of scholars and academics...or
perhaps even arcanists and occultists. Some believe these expeditions
are purely archeological; an entirely academic enterprise. But every
sighting raises countless questions. If the Scarab Plague disappeared
almost fi ve hundred years ago, why are the ruins so carefully
guarded? Do the Sunspears really know what lies within? And why would
allies from Kourna suddenly show such interest in exploring them? In
the best of times, the three provinces work together. But these days,
it would seem, are not the best of times. Some Sunspears work to quash
all rumours and questions, confi dent the situation is not as dire as
it seems. Perhaps if a small contingent of Sunspears were to enter the
ruins, they would see how innocuous these expeditions really are.

11 Aid from the Sunspears—your band of Sunspears—should confirm, one
way or the other, what lies within the Istani ruins.

[Santax]

http://www.discshop.se/shop/img/omslag/front_large/0/56970.jpg

Warmarshal Varesh?

The elaborate armor/clothing could be that of a priest or king/warmarshal.


Some speculations: Who corrupted Varesh? Is she black sheep of the family? Or the classical "evil" advisor?

Just assuming that the corrupted ruler is indeed Warmarshal Varesh. It is time the Preview starts, but I fear we might not get to know too much.
From the screens I've seen, I'd say that person is Morgahn, a former Elonian general and one of the 12 hero NPCs available.

And as for Varesh, she is a descendant of Turai Ossa, and just as fascinated with Ascension as he was.

As I said in another thread... perhaps she, like her ancestor, is slightly overzealous in her effort to Ascend, and inadvertendly brings forward the destruction of her people, just in a different way.

Either way, by "corrupt ruler" I don't think it means inherently evil, but that this ruler unleashed the god accidentally, perhaps for personal gain or what (s)he percieves to be a help to Elona, while actually the opposite is the case.

[NeferJackal]

As some already have pointed out, the back of the Prerelease bonus disc states:

Bought forth by an EVIL ruler and HER exiled god.

It is a strong indication for that it is Varesh who is the corrupted ruler. And from the text, it sounds like that she already have crossed the line beyond fanatical obsession. Without doubt, Abbadon is whispering in her ear with promises of Ascension if she follows him and foreswears the 5 true gods.

[Quintus Antonius]

No, it's a strong indication that the story focuses on a female ruler and her exiled god. We don't know if any of the other provinces have female rulers or not, or if it is even the ruler of one of the countries. We are making assumptions based on one or two sentances on a box which are highly circumstancial. Does that mean that you are wrong? No, but at the same time, we can't confirm it until we learn more.

[NeferJackal]

Yes, but hypotesis and circumstantial evidence does point towards Varesh. It is a strong indication that things might be like this:

Hints of a pet made about Varesh, naming her. Indicating she might be a boss, just like Kuunavang. Though only time will tell if she can be redeemed and shaking off evil influence to come to the assistance of the heroes. Or if she begs for a merciful death to end her torment, taking cues from Kuunavang and Rurik here.

Kournans being up to mischief in best left forgotten ruins, she are the ruler of that province and obssessed with Ascension.

Preorder box mentioning an 'evil female ruler'

Only significant female Elonian Ruler curently named, Varesh.

[Ranger Nietzsche]

Only significant female Elonian Ruler curently named, Varesh.

Umm, is there a significant ANYTHING Elonian Ruler named other than varesh? Who is the leader of vabbi? or istan?

you say its probable.

well heres a theory nearly as equally backed up by proof except the mentino of the gender of the leader and the existance of a minipet:

The EVIL and corrupt female leader of Vabbi, a merchant empire obsessed with money, becomes over suspicious of routine research efforts by kourna and istan and launch a pre-emptive strike after the research unearths something or other. The princess, obsessed with gaining wealth for her already wealthy empire, prays to a dark god to assisst with the money-grubbing.

[Karuro]

That goes down the drain as the "rulers" of Vabbi are 3 (I think?) Princes, not a Princess x.x

[Ranger Nietzsche]

from where is this? not doubting just trying to acquire all possible sources

[Ivan Drago]

I am just watching a TV interview of the german community manager.

1. The lady on the pic is DEFINITELY Warmarshal Varesh. Saw her in a cutscene talking to general Morgahn and another General.

2. The name of the Istan Port city is "Kamadan, Jewel of Istan".

3. Issnur Island - another area (lots of movement of flags in the wind)
Henchies: Khim (Healer) and Sokolon (Paragon)

4. Hero Koss (Warrior, the big dude in the middle of the pic) and a Sunspear named Kormir accompany you very early in the game.

5. The interviewer obviously played never GW, and the questions get more and more boring!

6. Damn, that was it all. Nothing new actually.

[Karuro]

Guild Wars Nightfall takes place on the continent of Elona, Land of the Golden Sun. It is a nation comprised of three great provinces; 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. Elona is a land of wealth and power, protected by its champions, the Order of the Sunspears.
Source: http://guildwars.com/press/releases/pressrelease-2006-08-01.php

[shadow the hero]

what does all people with power want? more power!

[lavenbb]

I am just watching a TV interview of the german community manager.

1. The lady on the pic is DEFINITELY Warmarshal Varesh. Saw her in a cutscene talking to general Morgahn and another General.

2. The name of the Istan Port city is "Kamadan, Jewel of Istan".

3. Issnur Island - another area (lots of movement of flags in the wind)
Henchies: Khim (Healer) and Sokolon (Paragon)

4. Hero Koss (Warrior, the big dude in the middle of the pic) and a Sunspear named Kormir accompany you very early in the game.

5. The interviewer obviously played never GW, and the questions get more and more boring!

6. Damn, that was it all. Nothing new actually.


I'm interested in this "Khim", does he look anything like this?

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/8281/gw016qz1.th.jpg (http://img168.imageshack.us/my.php?image=gw016qz1.jpg)

[Ranger Nietzsche]

that khim doesn tlook like much of a healer

[Ivan Drago]

Hehe, I remembered a "Khim" from Factions, too. It rang a bell.

But no, he looks totally different. The Paragon Sokolon looks like a 1:1 copy of the Paragon promo art, while I could not really identify who was Khim. I just read the name and description in the party window. I phail as a Spy, obviously. But this damn hot female there had 3 rings on her left, 2 on her right hand, was sleek & slender and was very graceful and ... sorry.

This is about lore. :)

[Quintus Antonius]

Ha, I think Warrior Khim gives us all some good advice. Ironic for the Lore Forum.

[NeferJackal]

The Varesh Minipet and the nightfall signature dances has been officially proven.

I apologize if its forbidden to link to the official Guild Wars site.

http://www.guildwars.com/support/gamecontents/nightfall/

Look at the bottom of the page for the Nightfall CE contents, and it lists the Varesh minipet and Nightfall Signature Dances.

The Character standee is also revealed to be of Warmarshall Varesh, putting the emphasis on her as a character whom things revolve about.

And more proof things is rotten in Kourna.

MORGAHN
A former general in the service of the Kourna, Morgahn is betrayed by his allies and seeks vindication with your aid.

[Zaxares]

Ha, I think Warrior Khim gives us all some good advice. Ironic for the Lore Forum.

"If wishes were tigers, I'd be eating steak tonight. But no, it's mantid soup. Again." - Khim

Erm, how exactly is that relevant for the Lore Forum? :wink:

[Quintus Antonius]

Lots of people say lots of things that they "hope" are true, without any real evidence or proof of any kind. Myself included in that, from time to time.

[Ranger Nietzsche]

yes we all WISH glint were evil. we all WISH the gods were lying semi-immortal daedra type thingys we all WISH odran was a mursaat.

and we all WISH ANET WOULD GIVE US MORE INFORMATION.


and now it looks like with nightfall im eating steak tonight ^^
*/fanboy*

[CMEPTb]

I'll enjoy the steak too. Though it would be a bit rare for me if the Outcast god was thrown down because she/he lost a bet on poker night with the rest of the gods.

I recently found that PCgamer. Interesting read. I love that Nightfall will tie up loose ends for Phrophecies as well as Factions (as the magazine states). I am also thrilled to see the Zaishen order coming back.

Edit: Had to add something on topic.

As far as the corrupt ruler. I hope that she/ he is evil do to the fact that she/ he are possessed by the outcast god. Kinf of like Lord Voldemort from Harry Potter, infused into the a living body of a host to slowly return to power. GW has had two baddies so far that were evil because they fell for power. I wouldl like to be able to free one who is possessed, and return them back to their good 'ol selfs at the end of the game.

[Minionman]

Just because Varesh is a pet doesn't mean she ends up as the evil ruler. Rurik is a pet, even though he never fought against the character (Hell's precipice he was under lich control), and Kuunavang wasn't either, she was taken over by shiro. It's entirely possible that Varesh gets involved in the story somehow as a fighter without being an enemy, and even then, she doesn't have to be the main enemy.


however, like everyone else, I'll just wait until nightfall actually comes out, to see if they do another white mantle, or if Varesh is fine.

[tomezadas]

I just think on varesh on 2 ways: hero or villain.
Whatever she is i already like her like i did like shiro tagachi, i must say that his style rocks!

[NeferJackal]

Well, It is my feeling that Varesh is going to end up as a major boss. Think like the corrupted kuunavang. Whom is defeated and redeemed to become an ally, when you gear up to the confrontation of the true, main boss whom have pulled all the strings. So i think we are going to see a continuation of that trend.

[tomezadas]

she might turn against Abadhuum!
its a possibily!

[NeferJackal]

Or consider this: When you beat her, you convince her that her obssession with the quest for Ascension has driven both her and her people to the edge of extinction. But unlike her illfated forefather Turai Ossa, she would have a chance to strike back at the Outcast God whom lured her with his dark promises. Imagine Warmarshall Varesh as a henchman(lady) in the last missions!

Now that would be an interesting twist. Kind of alike the Hordes of the Underdark expansion for Neverwinter Nights, where you encounter the fallen Paladin Lady Aribeth and have a chance to redeem her and recruit her as an ally for your party.


Just to remind the Readers, all this talk about Warmarshall Varesh is speculation and hypothesises. We do NOT yet know if she will become a villain, but it is highly likely given the current evidence and hints discovered. And this discussion is about how things might turn out.

But come friday, there should be plenty of new information to dig into, when the Worldevent opens.

[Quintus Antonius]

If Varesh is a villian, which has not been confirmed beyond speculation, my guess is that Turai appears and her guilt of shaming her late ancestor makes her change her ways.

I say that because it is the most obvious, cliched way of doing things, which every series with similar circumstance has used.

[NeferJackal]

If Varesh is a villian, which has not been confirmed beyond speculation, my guess is that Turai appears and her guilt of shaming her late ancestor makes her change her ways.

I say that because it is the most obvious, cliched way of doing things, which every series with similar circumstance has used.

Sounds plausible, especially since the GW story tends to be rather cliched and obvious. Which is not to be confused with the deep lore created for the game, which is enjoyable to dig into. Though something struck me, what if you perhaps help her to achieve Ascension? Given that the GW campaigns feature an Ascension point midway through the game, perhaps you have attained that special state she only dreams about. Or perhaps ascension comes after 'defeating' her, and you all do it together?

[tomezadas]

~i think that the forgotten might have a roll in this chapter, but i rather think on varesh as a new togo or a new rurik(although i didn't like both of them)!

[Pei Wei]

Regarding the "redemption" portions - I thought I'd read in the PC Gamer article (which isn't handy for me at this moment :embarassed:) that Nightfall was, according to Jeff Strain, an "apocolypse" type of matter. Which, if that is the case, would seemingly indicate to me that "redemption" isn't a likelihood.

That said, i could also be completely off-base.

[NeferJackal]

I located a picture of Morgahn and Varesh Ossa
http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/5630/014missiongb4.jpg

Proves in stone that the lady in the purple dress is Varesh, since the guy in the picture is Morgahn. Whom is shown on the official GW site with a picture of him.

It looks like that Varesh is a Dervish, as she carries a scythe. Would kind of be fitting, as Shiro, the boss of Factions, was an Assasin.

[Blazing Liger]

Perhaps, if Varesh does become a major enemy, she manages to ascend and you have to ascend to be able to beat her. Wait...that's how it happened in Factions, more or less, so I hope they do something different.

[Quintus Antonius]

That's how it happened in Prophecies and Factions. So, yeah, it is probably going to happen again.

[Zaxares]

That's how it happened in Prophecies and Factions. So, yeah, it is probably going to happen again.

Unfortunately, because Ascension/Weh No Su is a concept so closely tied with the game mechanics, it's going to be inescapable that all GW chapters will have Ascension tied into it somehow.

[NeferJackal]

Especially since Ascension is used to limit access to Fow and UW

[NeferJackal]

From Guild Wiki

Warmarshal Varesh Ossa, a female Dervish, is the leader of the people of Kourna, and a direct descendant of Turai Ossa. She is held in high regard by most Elonians.

Varesh is shown on the Guild Wars Nightfall Collector's Edition box art, easily recognizable by her distinctive bronze/purple armor with a large metal banded collar.


Sounds like the Varesh may well be the unofficial Queen of Elona. Flying high, but going to fall so far. Almost Luciferan. *taking a nod to the elonian civil war thread*

Something this reminds me of, if people knows the Warhammer 40k setting. Which is currently having a book series in progress about the Horus Heresy ten thousand years in the past from current time. Where the Warmaster Horus, is the Emperor's most loyal champion. But the dark gods of chaos whispers in his ears. Causing him to doubt the Emperor's grand plan for the human race, and prompting him to make the push for Terra and attempting to seize the Imperial Throne for himself. Quite Luciferan as well, and tragic. Considering how enlightened and progressive the Imperium was before the Heresy.

[ClarianAeneas]

Perhaps, if Varesh does become a major enemy, she manages to ascend and you have to ascend to be able to beat her. Wait...that's how it happened in Factions, more or less, so I hope they do something different.

Didn't we already ascend in Prophecies? (for old chars) In factions they slapped a new name on the same concept, so they got away with making characters re-ascend. I don't think they can do that in Nightfall though, since the Elonians are so closeley tied to the crystal desert and the original (doppelganger) Ascension.

[NeferJackal]

Well, due to game mechanics there needs to be an ascension equivalent event, due to the fact that Ascension/Closer to the Stars limits access to the underworld and fissure of woe.

[Blazing Liger]

Can't they just make it so you have to beat some quest or mission to access those places? It doesn't HAVE to be ascension exactly, does it?

[NeferJackal]

Well, it will probably called the Elonian equivalent of Ascension.

[Zaxares]

It does all give you a greater sense of respect for what Ascension really means, doesn't it?

In Factions, Weh No Su is something you seem to acquire only in passing, but the process of Ascension in Tyria is much more convoluted and seems to hold a much more lofty ideal.

It makes me wonder if the two processes are actually NOT the same... One could receive the power to see into the Spirit World without actually achieving a 'state of communion with the Gods', as the PRP lore book puts it.

[ShadowReapr]

We'll have to ascend, in one way or another. In my honest opinion, it's one of the final relics left from the "Expansion pack" stage. Not least because Nightfall "wraps up all the loose ends". Sounds like 'big change next time' to me.

What I'm curious is what form will it take. The Ossa-man and crew all went into Tyria to ascend, so will we? Could we be facing definitively recycled content?

But I'm definitely pinning Bad Gal on that Kourna ruler (Varesh, did you say?) since what all-conquering God wouldn't want someone who's already amassed an army to rule the God's loyal followers.

[NeferJackal]

Spoiler for those who havent gotten so far in Nightfall.
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Warmarshall Varesh was indeed correctly pegged as being the Corrupt Ruler, with Morgahn trying to keep her on the right path, but futily so. Varesh believes its her right to do anything to protect the people of HER province, and she is preparing for the Nightfall and praising Abaddon.

[Quintus Antonius]

Am I the only one who thinks the general who she called "my teacher" looks, sounds, and acts a bit too much like Glint and the Seer?

[lavenbb]

If you mean the tone-less, pitch-less, robotic voice, isn't everyone like that? XD

[Laibeus Lord]

QA has a point. I really have doubts about the Seer and Glint.

The Prophecy/Prophecies foretold, in my view, is a dual-prophecy. It tells of what will happen in the "Continent" of Tyria and what will happen in the "Planet" Tyria.

Glint and the Seer actually made sure the Tyrian "Heroes" fulfill the prophecy. In fact, why title it "Prophecies" when there was only 1 prophecy foretold in GWP?

Then Nightfall, the term Nightfall was also a "Prophecy". Could it be the other "Prophecy" that's why GWP was named "Prophecies"? And the Prophecy also tells about "heroes"... Elona, land of heroes. Similarities?

Could it be that the Seer/Glint actually is making sure the prophecies do happen? The prophecy of "Nightfall"??

How about this:
The "Prophecies of Nightfall that will divide Tyria into Factions".

[Sounds Risky]

In fact, why title it "Prophecies" when there was only 1 prophecy foretold in GWP?

Because it was the Flameseeker Prophecies, not prophecy.

Rurik leading the Ascalons over the Shiverpeaks and the civil war between the dwarves were two of the prophecies I believe.

[Quintus Antonius]

Well, by "seer" I meant the fortune teller in Factions, not the alien race of Seers, although there may be a connection there as well.

The reason I think there is some correlation between Glint, the Fortune Teller, and the new general is because they all manipulated the players. If you want to remove Glint from the picture, that's fine, but both the Fortune Teller and the general are both older woman, who basically incite the corruption of main players in the two games. I refuse to believe that is coincidental.

[Catsohori]

Varesh could be the corrupted ruler, but knowing Anet they don't just give away everything overnight. Generally if this is the former Propehecies team and a new writer your going to have the good old Final Fantasy styled story. What you thought was the plot was in fact nothing to do with the real plot.

[NeferJackal]

Well, so far It seems that the Nightfal story is fairly predictable, and i am not expecting much from it. I think people are too hooked up on Prophecies being the good olden days. That story was fairly shallow and easy to see through.

While Factions wasnt the best in terms of presentation and a bit confusing at times, it had way more intrigue than Prophecies, which I think was rather bland.

[Ranger Nietzsche]

while i disagree immensely with you last point, its completely OT from discussing Varesh.

As to Varesh, as she's being "instructed" by her "teacher" it sounds like your classic corrupt advisor messing with easily tempted ruler where possibly at the end the ruler reforms or else goes all hell into evil.

Personally I see varesh as coming out good in the end just because they put her on teh box (not very lore forum reason tho).

[vivalabail]

I don't know if this would be the right place to say it but.. I had a very strange thought, since we have seen Varesh holding a scythe we can asuume she is a Dervish, am I right? Well, we know of all the avatar elites, so what if she has a monster skill (monster so we cannot cap it) called Avatar of Abbadon, and we have to fight her like that.

[Catsohori]

Dervishes do not have one patron god, but are in fact related to all five gods.

[Catsohori]

Dervishes do not have one patron god, but are in fact related to all five gods.

[Catsohori]

Dervishes do not have one patron god, but are in fact related to all five gods.

[vivalabail]

yes, I know, but that doesn't have much to do with what i said, because she worships the 6th god (abbadon) as well, so whats to say worshippers of that diety can't turn to an avatar of them?

[vivalabail]

yes, I know, but that doesn't have much to do with what i said, because she worships the 6th god (abbadon) as well, so whats to say worshippers of that diety can't turn to an avatar of them?