Chronicles of Tyrian Palaeolography, 5th Edition

[Eratimus]

Over the past year since the release of Guild Wars and even during its Beta, me and a number of others have conducted research to uncover the lost languages, runes, glyphs and scripts for GuildWars. This is still an ongoing project. For those who have yet to see what was originally found, I will give you the research thus far. We are still seeking images and other sightings of runes. Please send anything that may be of use to eratimus@gmail.com

I am interested in any new runic findings in the new areas, IE Sorrow's Furnace etc or anything that has been release over the past months.

[color=blue]Updates in Edition[/color]

1. Revealing Charr/Mursaat connection
2. Uncovering connection with the Druids and Talmark Wilderness spires
3. **SPOILER** Earlier connection between White Mantle and Mursaat established prior to storyline.
4. Establishing Nation and Group flags and emblems.
5. Possible connection between Shining Blade and Cantha or Shining Blade Seafaring history.
6. Possible identification of Trade Guilds or Druid runes.
7. **SPOILER** Mursaat found to be behind the searing of Ascalon.

Unknown Alphabet and Rosetta Map:

Runic Alphabet:
http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/3563/...lphabet4xu.jpg

Map:
http://img287.imageshack.us/img287/7...rianmap5co.jpg

Translated:
http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/3...nslated0gg.jpg

As found by multiple people in the Guild Wars Community, banners displaying a map of the world were found during Beta. After a short while, the runes on them were translated into a near complete alphabet. This alphabet has been thought as an ancient or old alphabet of the Orr, but this is still under scrutiny. As the Orr existed during the previous "GuildWar" before the current civilizations of Kryta and Ascalon existed, these runes may be some of the last evidence of their existence. You do not see the runes in any Ascalon, Kryta, Crystal Desert, or Maguuma areas, other then on these maps. Right now you can find them by the bridge in the Ember Light Camp in the Ring of Fire. While this alphabet is not complete, as we are still missing about 6 letters, it is complete enough to translate the whole map. This lead us to the discovery of the Crystal Desert before any official release of its existence was made during beta. We finally had this proved when ArenaNet released the Crystal Desert after GuildWars went live. It was also noted that the runes used for these were a mixture of the Norwegian - Swedish, Fulthark, and Gothic style Runes. Although the majority it would seem were custom made by ArenaNet all giving different alphanumeric meanings then those found in the latter civilizations.

How was the alphabet translated?

I wont go over how I translated ad figured out all the runes and glyphs in the research, be will only concentrate on the Tyrian Alphabet itself as these findings is what got you started on this road.

The idea of an obscure runic language came to me when Banegrivm, Guild Leader of the 1st Fist of Light posted a "strange map" he had found a screen shot of that was on sign up north of the "Wall". I took one look at it and realized that indeed they for the most part they were Runes. Not any obscurely created runes, but in fact resembled those used in Gothic, Fulthark, and Swedish-Norwegian runic alphabets, as the various I saw on the map included a mixture of all three. I did also find that the Devs may indeed have change a few, perhaps to make them unique.

The first thought that came to me was that they are using real world runes and the letters corresponding to them. At which point I began trying to translate the upper most set of runes which was believed to spell "Tyria". In the end of that process after combining a mixture of real life runes and their letters, I came to realize that in fact the runes are NOT using the same letters as used in real life. That in fact, the image of the runes were used, but the devs. designated their own letters to each rune.

With this new insight, and the knowledge and of what the locations were representing, I soon was able to translate and document those areas, ending with a at least 3 groups translated. Those being Ascalon, Tyria, Kryta. You can say, "Well ok, you think you know what an area is representing, then you assumed those runes were letters?" Well I backed and continue to prove that the translations were correct because of cross-comparison. The "y" in Tyria uses the same "y" rune in Kryta. The rune for "a" is used all in the right places for all three of those groupings. This lead to the discovery of the letters A, S, C, L, O, N, T, Y, I, and K. Soon after I was able to decipher the south central set of runes where we see the Shiverpeaks. But, this was a mistake by me, as I originally thought that the first set is Shiver and the second set below is Peaks. This uncovered the letters, P, V, and H. I wondered why the words were separated. It was until I got a screen shot originally taken and submitted by "Fina" was I able to get a clearer written set of runes. The SW area by Linea and Androgial was mentioned to have been either the Ring of Fire or Fire Isle. After some close translating I was finally able translate and find the right runes for Ring of Fire, which revealed the letters G, F, and E.

After some close observations I soon uncovered that my translation of "Shiver Peaks" was wrong. In fact, the first line DID spell out the complete Shiverpeaks, and surprise to me, as again the Alphabet proved itself, I translated _ o_ntns. Hmm, I wondered what that could mean. Then, out of the blue a realization came that hit me like a freight train. OF Course that is what it is, it was "mountns" This spelling does not include the ai when referring to the correct spelling of mountains, but it did give some insight as it revealed the letters M, O, and U.

Soon after I began my translations of the set of runes in the South East. I originally translated the runes to Try_ _a_ Desert. This left me at a standstill as those missing letters I could not see clearly. It was not until "Linitas" mentioned that the first set could even be Crystal, did it hit me that he was right. I had miss translated the first letter as a T and not C. It was found that location was the Crystal Desert, which just now as I was updating this article as I have been making changes, an blurb from the last Gaile Gray interview was submitted to me.

"The Crystal Desert is a nexus of powerful mystical energies. For centuries entire cultures have made pilgrimages to the burning sands in search of spiritual atonement. Their bones litter the dunes, a testament to the dangers of this inhospitable environment. The only other evidence of their existence is the hollow, wind-torn buildings of their temporary civilizations."

The one location that had bewildered me for the longest time was that set of runes to the West. Drytchnath and Androgial had mentioned that it could be Majesty's Rest or Maguuma Jungle. It was not until I realized those central two letters of the first set of runes was uu and not a c or v, did it come to me that the first letter of the second group wa s a J. A letter that had eluded any sort of translating. This revealed it to be Maguuma Jungle and the letters J, and a new rune for M and G.

This completed the entire translation of the Map. It also completed the alphabet, save the translations for B, X, W, Q, and Z. I have come to see that map as a "Rosetta Stone" of sorts for this ancient runic language.

That brings up another point, WHERE did this language come from, is it perhaps from a past fallen Kingdom?

There were a few more sets of rune found that were quite original. The runes found on the road signs were not of this unknown Alphabet. We also located runes on 4 obelisks located in the "Talmark Wilderness" just west of "The Black Curtain", which after some discussion, were soon thought to be a zodiac of some kind. It was originally thought the screen shot was taken in the Maguuma Desert, but I soon confirmed the location to not be that far West, but to be just west of the Temple of Ages.

We had also located what appear to be hieroglyphs on he walls of the Tomb of Primeval Kings which appear to be Egyptian, but were not able to get clear enough imaging to decipher them. These same hieroglyphs were recently found on the base of a Dragon Statue in the Crystal Desert.

"Common" Runes

The runes have been dubbed "Common" Runes until its creators are discovered.

http://img332.imageshack.us/my.php?i...igncomp6ki.jpg

http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/8...arisons4nt.jpg

This rune set has been found in a number of different locations.

1. Banner found among Charr camps depicting what looks like some sort of fierce toothed creature which could refer to Charr, or their leader, or something they worthship. These runes are found along both edges.

2. Banner found near the entrance to the Ascalon Arena gate and in the Nolani Academy which depicts the runes along each side with what looks to be a figure with four wings in the center.

3. Four obelisks in the Talmark Wilderness display a number of these runes. It has been thought that perhaps the obelisks there could be a druid shrine, circle, or belongs to some ancient culture. It is thought that perhaps these obelisks could in fact be Rosetta stones for the alphabet itself, as they include runes that are not on any of the others such as the |69 and a number of others. It has been considered that these obelisks are indeed Druid relics or spires.

http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/8...belisks3gj.jpg

4. There are pillars in the Ruins of Surmia staging area with a women’s face at the top and a single row of these runes down the center.

5. The statues in the staging area of the Tomb of Primeval Kings along each side of the entrance that have these runes at their base. Each statue has the same set of runes displayed.

6. These runes have also been found on pennanti seen in Bergen Hot Springs in the Kryta nation now.

Why do we find the same runes through out different cultures. So far they are being used by the Charr, Kryta, Ascalon, the Orr who are found in the Tombs, and whom ever built the Talmark obelisks.

Could they all be sharing a common ancestor, or writing system for specific needs?

Ultimately, what situation would cause 5 different cultures/civilizations to use the same set of runes for what ever reason they are used?

I have attempted to try and cipher them into an alphabet, but so far no success. There does not seem to be any logical correlation between the use of runes depicting letters. Of course the runes could symbolize images or concepts. But you also find the same runes in separate orientations. All of them but one of the runes change orientation in specific locations.

It has been stated that like real life languages the inhabitants of the Talmark area could have adopted a similar language as the Charr. But, I am not sure if ArenaNet would have gone that far, if in fact they have gone as far as all this actually meaning anything, which we all hope it does. So you must wonder, if they are separate, yet adopted languages, what language does the Talmark belong to? If they are the same language, which points to being Charr, does this mean the Charr once were found in the western lands of Kryta? It has also been suggested that this could be an adopted language of the serpent creatures of legend, later adopted by the Charr and the Talmark inhabitants.

Others suggest that perhaps these runs for to words or ideals rather then being letters.

Crystal Desert findings:

http://img366.imageshack.us/img366/4...nglyphs6gu.jpg

As we finally gained access to the Crystal Desert once Guild Wars had gone gold, we were introduced to 1 if not 2 separately new sets of runes/glyphs.

Crystal Desert Hieroglyphs

I have also made efforts in the translations of the Primeval King Hieroglyphs found on the walls, on the base of a dragon statue in the Crystal Desert, and various other locations. It has come to me that the alphabet is very similar to the Egyptians, but certain symbols were modified to give variations between them to. I have uncovered some of the alphabet from these inscriptions and was able to partially translate a stone submitted by oGgaming Moderator Eolan, thank you. Right now the translations are jumbled and no words can be found from them, it is still a great start in uncovering the hidden lore of Tyria.

Crystal Desert Hieroglyphic Alphabet:
http://img310.imageshack.us/img310/5...ation016mh.png

Transporter Runes:

It would seem that the transporters used to magically move from one transporter artifact to another have a ring of runes encircled which we believe to be the origin of the magic. It may seem as if they are a full set of runes all around, but in fact are 7 distinctly different runes, reversed at least 4 times as they encircle the portal area. These runes have yet to be seen anywhere else nor do they resemble any others.

Ascension Runes:

There are another set of 5 glyphs found on multiple pillars/towers/obelisks through out the Crystal Desert that give sight of magical properties. Excitingly so, 3 of these glyphs are actually found within the portal area one must travel to prior to your Ascension Mirror Self battle. You must step on the correct sequence of the three glyphs. We have yet to locate any other locations for the remaining 2 glyphs anywhere else but those pullers.

Crystal Desert Signs

There are another set of runes found on signs before one zones to different areas in the desert. It would seem these signs perhaps would state the area your entering, but all the signs say the same thing, so that may not be possible. Perhaps they say "Zone" or "Enter" or something of the sort. It is currently unknown. Perhaps also these runes/carvings are of the language of the Forgotten Ones.

Hieroglyph Translations:

Eolen's Original Image:
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/1...circled6qm.jpg

Translation from Eolen's Original Image:
http://img310.imageshack.us/img310/5...ation016mh.png

It still needs some work, and they may not be using the Egyptian translations and just the image, but it is a start.
"The Wilds" bonus rune set

http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/808...dsrunes2mo.jpg

There is a set of three glyphs found on three small stone pillars in the Wilds mission area. Each pillar has these same three glyphs. One depicts what looks like an image of a dragon, perhaps Glint or a Bone Dragon, or some other creature of legend. The origin of the other tree are unknown.

[Eratimus]

The Bloodstone Legend

A Bloodstone is one of five stones that control magic in the world of Tyria.

When the Gods of Tyria created the land of Tyria, they culminated their creation by gifting the races of Tyria with the gift of magic. When this gift was misused by the races of Tyria, King Doric made a plea to the Gods in the city of Arah that they intervene.

The Gods gathered all the magic from all the races into one tall stone then smashed it into five parts. Four of them were Stones of Magic, each representing one school of magic: Preservation, Destruction, Aggression and Denial. The fifth stone was required to reassemble the other four. This they called the Keystone. Never again would any one person control all types of magic.

Following that, the Gods sealed the stones with the blood of King Doric (hence the name Bloodstones) and placed him and his dynasty in charge of guarding these stones. The stones were then dropped into Abaddon's Mouth, the great volcano in the Ring of Fire Islands. Content that the stones were sealed away, the Gods left Tyria that same year which became known as the year of the Exodus.

A hundred years later, however, the volcano erupted spewing forth the Bloodstones back into the world and causing strife and struggle to commence once again.

In the current world of Guild Wars, the locations of the following Bloodstones are known:

* The Bloodstone at Bloodstone Fen in the Maguuma Jungle which can only be accessed through the mission. This stone is under the control of the White Mantle and is used for their ritual sacrifices of the Chosen.
http://img392.imageshack.us/img392/6...odstone8mt.jpg

* The Bloodstone at the caldera of the great volcano Abaddon's Mouth, which is used to power the Door of Komalie and keep it locked.

* There are rumors that there is a bloodstone in the Southern Shiverpeaks which the White Mantle planned to sacrifice Evennia on.

The Bloodstone seems to be entwining runes. The tangle of what looks like runes could simply be knot-work design that are not suppose to resemble runes. As seen in the image they transmit power from the central Triangle out to what are no doubt 5 power source platforms that have the same "Glyph" on each "platform". These could act as power centers for the receiving of power. Although you can note that the "chanters" or whom ever are along the edges of the outside knot-work/rune circle. Additionally there is a single different Glyph designed different then the other 5. So far I have not seen either of these glyphs anywhere else in the world.

Ascalon/Kryta Road Signs:

http://img452.imageshack.us/img452/4...adsigns2as.jpg

It would also seem there is another set of runes that all signs and road posts are written in. These are similar to the ones found on the Obelisks in the Talmark Wilderness , yet none are the same in configuration. Additionally, no matter what their hover text description of the sign is, IE Ascalon City or Yak's Bend, they say they are written with the same runes. Here is something odd though. Post Searing Signs have different runes then Pre-Searing. What I mean is, while all Post Searing signs are written with the same runes, and all pre-searing are written with the same runes, the actual runes seen pre and post are different in themselves. IF ArenaNet has a reason as to why the signs all are written the same, it is thought the signs may simply say, "This Way" or, "Over There" or the like to give a reason as to why they all say the same thing.

Additionally, you will notice with the rectangular signs a few of them actually correspond somewhat to the "Common" runes. I do not yet know what the connection is.

http://img332.imageshack.us/my.php?i...igncomp6ki.jpg

Diety Statue Plaques:

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/114...rplaque5vr.jpg

Yet again we have more runes that are similar yet different from others we found. Plaques found before statues have runes similar to the Orrian, yet none are a match. The other quandary is, they too all are written exactly the same. Whether the "hover text" of Statue of Dwayna or for others are different, each and every plaque are written with the same exact runes in the say exact pattern, saying it says the same thing. Which either this means they all say something, but is something basic like Deity Statue, or the like, or again Arena Net simply did not have an intention to have them mean anything and thus make them all the same.

Ruined Temple of Balthazar Runes and Glyphs

http://img66.imageshack.us/img66/950...andglyphs3.jpg

There is found a Glyph depicting what is assumed to be the Eye of Janthir, the same eye one uses to gather the Chosen in the Divinity Coast mission. We also see various other eye symbols referring tot he same symbolism. Although you must note what looks to be four crescent moons with in the primary large eye Glyph. What th reference is, I do not know.

The Wilds Glyphs

Glyphs have been found within the Bonus area of "The Wilds" mission. It is currently unknown as to their origins, meanings, or reference. Investigation into this is currently underway.

http://img48.imageshack.us/my.php?im...dsrunes2mo.jpg

Elemental Glyphs
On going research to uncover any runic meanings to the Elemental Glyphs

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/4...lglyphs0nn.jpg

Enchantment/Deity Runes

http://img472.imageshack.us/img472/2...tyrunes1yu.jpg

A rune has been found on an anvil in the Bergen Hot springs. It is a possibility this rune could be the symbolism of an enchantment for smithing to give it greater power. The same rune can be found in a number of different areas on anvils in the Ascalon and Kryta regions. Although it is not seen in the Maguuma Jungle, Crystal Desert, or among the Deldrimor Dwarves.

Another piece of speculation is the anvil runes as well as those found at the Temple with Janthir eye rune and in the Under world could in fact be symbols of the respective Deities?

The eye representing Janthir or Balthazar
The A representing possibly Balthazar or similar Deity?
The Glyph on the pillars in the underworld representing Grenth?
I have yet found a possibility for Dwayna.

The Underworld

http://img364.imageshack.us/img364/5...ldrunes7co.jpg

http://img333.imageshack.us/img333/8...dspires3wj.jpg

For the past year the origin of the tree turned to 4 spires in the Talmark Wilderness has baffled me. Many

have suggested they originate from the Druids, other an ancient culture. I try not to make anything more

then a theory until I have enough evidence to state otherwise. Well, after revisiting and exploring Henge of

Denravi, I came upon the huge hollowed out dead tree that acts as a platform and possible old temple. The

way it was built reflects a great deal of what was done by the spires in Talmark. As Denravi was inhabited

by the druids up to a decade ago it would be logical to state that the tree platform/temple was guilt by

these druids. With this knowledge in mind, taking into account the close proximity of the Talmark, the way

the spires were built and the close travels of the druids themselves, I have come to the standpoint to

identify these spires indeed as old Druid spires. Their use is still under speculation as well as the origin

of the runes we find on them and else where in the world.

I see the possible use for the Druid spires as a place of worship and ritual as the roots of the tree/trees

expand deep into Tyria making it ideal for close commune with Tyria and Melandru.

Merchant Guild Glyphs or old Druid runes?

[urlhttp://img66.imageshack.us/my.php?image=druidtradeglyphs6pb.jpg[/url]

The four glyphs atop each other are found on the top of the merchant/crafting tents in Hendge of Denravi.

You also see the symbol to the right that are found on the anvils all over Ascalon and Kryta. This brings an

intriguing thought. There are two explanation for this. The glyphs found at Denravi could be old Druid runes

that were adopted some how as the druids had occupied Denravi up until a decade ago. Another explanation is

that those symbols are Trade guild emblems. In history trade guilds emblemized the craft they made, the

objects they used and displayed them so people familiar with them would notice who they were and purchase

their crafts. This is similar to a guarantee of quality for those who know the guild. This would make sense

as you see them on the merchant tents, and you see the similar emblem I have to the right on the anvils.

They would be to symbolize the guild the crafters represent.

**SPOILER** The Mursaat, Charr and the Searing of Ascalon

[urlhttp://www.1stfistoflight.com/html/uploads/Eratimus/mursaatcharrconnection.JPG[/url]

The Charr gained access to a most unimaginable kind of power, a power that allowed the near complete

destruction of Ascalon, Rin and the surrounding Kingdom. It was never known where the Charr gained these

spells from. Spells that allowed the heavens to fall and what would be seen as fragments from comics and

asteroids to fall upon the land causing great devastation. It is not until one explores north towards the

Grendich Courthouse does the answer come forth. Within the remnance of Ascalon you can find a number of

Charr war camps. Camps that show evidence of those who aided them. You will find burning effigies not doubt

those resembling the Mursaat. In short order many aspects came alive. Only the Mursaat could hold the power

to bring the heavens down upon the people of Ascalon. In this regard the Mursaat as we know with the White

Mantle have gained control. The Mursaat aided the Charr in return for what? Servitude? The worship and

devotion to the Mursaat? There is no doubt an over arching plan to the Mursaat. First we find out the

Mursaat are the unseen gods of the White Mantle who try to aid the White Mantle in gaining great power? Then

we find out it was the Mursaat who added the Charr in destroying Ascalon? What is the ultimate goal of the

Mursaat. Do they desire to rule over Tyria herself?

Nation/Group Symbols/Flags/Emblems

If we are collecting and translating all these runes and symbols we might as well as document the many

nation and racial symbols to have in the archive.

http://www.1stfistoflight.com/html/u...olsoftyria.JPG

1. Shining Blade: Note the difference between their Flag and Emblem pointed out by Eolen. There seems to be

a wave like symbol below the blade of their emblem. Perhaps this resembles waves of a sea or ocean. Perhaps

hails to the background of the person? The emblem you see is found on Evennia. Could she in fact originate

from Cantha?

2. Notice the similarity between the Shining Blade emblem and what I presume is the Ascalon symbol found on

a monument by the fountain in Ascalon City.

3. I have not been able to find what the Deldrimor emblem is. The closest I got was those from the banners

used as signs.

4. I am still seeking emblems and flags from the Orr, Forgotten, and Cantha.

5. **SPOILER++ Noticing the White Mantle emblem is it just me or is it in fact a representation of the

Mursaat? It would seem it was there before our eyes who their unseen gods were. We find they are the

Mursaat. But who would recognize that the Mantle emblem reflects their connection with the Mursaat. How much

control over the Mantle did the Mursaat truly have?

In conclusion

Some great work has been done since we started, which I would like to great thank everyone who has

participated.

I accept to the fact that none of that which we have uncovered, deciphered, or translated or anything of

such similarities is in fact intentionally put in by ArenaNet. All that which we have done may be wall

flowers or simple graphics to make it pretty. But, it is not part of mans desire to pursue that which has

not been found and to test the ends of his mind in some of the most craziest of tasks? If it never comes to

anything, we all at least exercised our minds.

[color=red]If anyone locates anything regarding runes/glyphs that do not appear here, please email me

at eratimus@gmail.com[/color]

[Garreth MacLeod]

I was out in the desert the other day and ran across a platform with runes on it. And runes on the wall behind it. It looked similar to the transporter things but without the activation pillars. I'll check to see if I got any screenies or not. It seems like I might have.

[Thundercracker]

whoa, the mursaat gave the charr searing-power? cool

[chin]

I utterly admire you're work. It's like o.O, why would you spend so much time though :/.. But I really like how you translated the runes and stuff.. You're like the people who find murderers o.O.

[Mraezk]

This makes me wish ANet had developed the world-story a little more. With Chapter 2 being centered around an entirely new land, it seems unlikely that anything will ever come of most of this though.

Regardless, it was a wonderful read.

[Zaxares]

Nice find on the similarities between some of the Charr totems and the Mursaat! Although...

**Mild Spoiler Alert**


If the Mursaat really were the ones behind the Searing... Why didn't they just use the Searing Spell again to eradicate the Deldrimmor Dwarves and the Stone Summit? Why bother even fighting their way into the Shiverpeaks?

[Malhavoc Adhamar]

Nice find on the similarities between some of the Charr totems and the Mursaat! Although...

**Mild Spoiler Alert**


If the Mursaat really were the ones behind the Searing... Why didn't they just use the Searing Spell again to eradicate the Deldrimmor Dwarves and the Stone Summit? Why bother even fighting their way into the Shiverpeaks?

One would think that such as spell would require a vast amount of effort, energy and spell components. So they may have not had time to gather the resources and cast the spell before we started to play hunt the Mursaat, where as the Charr had the element of surprise on their hands. Plus I expect the Mursaat didn't think we would survive the large scale meteor shower so had no need to prepare another one.

[Pale Blade]

I utterly admire you're work. It's like o.O, why would you spend so much time though :/.. But I really like how you translated the runes and stuff.. You're like the people who find murderers o.O.

CSI: Tyria

[Pan Sola]

Um, I thought the Charr worshipt the Titans... At least there were burning effegies of Titans all over the place too. There's one right outside the gates of Nolani academy (inside the mission).

If the Mursaat were really the ones supporting the Searing, then there's this big conspiricy: Mursaat support Charr, so they can get through Ascalon to invade Kryta, so the Mursaat can come into power by helping their followers "defeat" the Charr invasion.

Not impossible, but I still find that weird.