Lore Lounge (General Discussion and Q&A Thread)

[Quintus Antonius]

They look wrong to me. The Searing was sometime between late 1069 and 1070.

[Gmr Leon]

On the discussion of dates, this has to be the most confusing piece of in-game dialogue I've read so far.

In the year 1062 AE, the Charr invaded all three human kingdoms. The continent of Tyria was in turmoil. The scepter was lost somewhere between when the Charr attacked Ascalon and when they reached the borders of Orr. Those who knew of its whereabouts were all killed in the Cataclysm. You see when the Charr reached the Orrian capital of Arah, the entire nation exploded in a flash of blinding light. Some say it was the vengeful wrath of the old gods. These days, though, only fools believe in the powers of Grenth, Balthazar, and the rest of the false pantheon. The more rational thinkers among the White Mantle believe the Cataclysm was the work of foul black magic, dragged from the forbidden tombs deep below the streets of Arah.

I think it's just a mistake, but...It seems pretty odd that after 2 years they've yet to fix it or anything..

[Troal]

Normally I'd interpret it to mean the Charr began their invasion in 1062 and we've been fighting them for 8 years, but according to the Manuscripts they invaded in 1070. So you're obviously right - this truly is an error.

I wouldn't expect them to change it anytime soon though. Textual fixer-uppers are, as far as I can tell, low on ANet's priority list. Just take a look at General Yurukaro's regular dialogue in the Zaishen Elite. It's been over a year and there's still a terribly botched up grammar job near the end.

The 1062 date must a remnant from when the Guild Wars story was still being fleshed out. Someone must have forgotten to clue Karriya in to the official dates.

[Quintus Antonius]

Well, when one secondhand source contradicts all confirmed official sources, it can be dismissed as a typo or misspeak by the person talking.

[raziel blacknife]

Quick question, and sorry that I couldn't find it neither by using the forum search, nor on google.

Is there any lore behind the 8 skill limit, or is it just a game mechanic (like resurrection)?

The reason is I read on one of the threads suggesting a dedicated rez skill slot, the poster said something to the effect of "8 rings, 8 skills".

I didn't want to open a new thread just for a small question. Thanks!

[Nikhera]

Yes, that's the way it used to be, in the earliest betas. All skills were rings, so you'd wear them on your 8 fingers, with the exception of thumbs.

It's been suggested that Signets are rings even now, which is why it takes no energy to activate them. I forget where I've seen that short of fanfics though...

EDIT: This is the closest tangible evidence I could find:

(Taken from the Glossary section of the Prima Guild Wars Tournament Guide, enclosed a part of the Prophecies pre-order package)

"Skill: a term that encompasses all abilities, i.e. spells, enchantments, rings, signets."

[raziel blacknife]

I see, thanks Nikhera!

Was that lore ever updated? Or did they just leave it as a game mechanic?

This isn't really a big deal, I was just curious why they chose the number 8 as opposed to 7 or 9.

Thanks again for the help!

[Quintus Antonius]

A "signet" is a type of ring with a large inscribed stone. So yes, signets are rings, or at least, jewelry.

[aptaleonII]

Is there any lore behind the 8 skill limit, or is it just a game mechanic (like resurrection)?

I wouldn't take resurrection to be entirely game mechanics, actually. It is, after all, referenced by several NPCs, and the Forgotten can resurrect.

[Gmr Leon]

I just had an idea, that maybe, the Gods after defeat or the Exodus, may transcend into the Mists. Losing their physical form, and becoming pure energy. However, due to this action, they lose all ability to interact with the physical world. As in Tyria or any other worlds existent. For instance, when Kormir ascends to her position as a Goddess, we see Abaddon lose his physical form and become pure energy unwillingly. The only way this is contained is by Kormir choosing to contain the power within herself.

After this, we no longer see or hear from her at all. What if, after the Exodus, not only can the Gods no longer retain their physical form on Tyria, but they must transcend into the Mists.

The reason for doing so may be that after they witnessed what their interaction could do to Tyria, they decided they should do one final act, to hopefully end the turmoil, and leave forever to become one with the Mists. In this way they can no longer intervene and cause strife.

Think about it, they seal magic into the Bloodstones, chain their dark brother Abaddon down, and then leave. It's as though they were trying to do a few good deeds to leave the world in a state of peace before they could no longer intervene. The only intervention they may retain is simply in the form of their avatars, their messengers to allow Tyrians to know that they're still watching.

This would explain Kormir herself never just walks up to us and tells us that she needs assistance clearing up the Domain of Anguish or why Grenth and Balthazar don't clear up their domains by themselves. They can no longer intervene, but they know that if anyone were to rise to power in their domains it could be disastrous.

Grenth probably thought he had killed Dhuum and actually left him alive, which is how he can aspire to take over the Underworld. Menzies, we know, is alive and kicking although we never see him and who knows what may happen if he takes over the Fissure of Woe.

It seems to me that their power resides in the domination of their realms, and if someone conquers these realms they command the force of a God in some ways. I'm not absolutely certain and thus the reason I'm only posting this in the lounge as it is not a theory, but mainly just a thought.