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This post is by guest writer Erin Burke.
From Ruin to Redemption
They come from far and wide, searching for a way to build a new life, make a fast fortune, or simply find a safe harbor from war. In Guild Wars 2, Divinity’s Reach might be the largest city in Kryta, but the nationless Lion’s Arch boasts the greatest accomplishments when it comes to wealth and warfare.
It’s not all been smooth sailing for the city that began as the capital of Kryta. The original Lion’s Arch was destroyed when the Elder Dragon Zhaitan rose from his deep sleep beneath the ocean, creating a tsunami which drowned the city. Afterward, the ruined city became a home for pirates and disreputable types looking for trade and a safe place to stay. As Zhaitan’s undead armies from the lost nation of Orr wreaked havoc on the open oceans, Cobiah Marriner set up the Captain’s Council and brought together all who would serve to protect Lion’s Arch against the dragon. Zhaitan would continue to send minions such as the undead Captain Whiting to harass Lion’s Arch into submission.
After Zhaitan’s defeat, there was a brief attack by the karka, a species of large crustaceans displaced by the settlers on Southsun Cove.
Then a new arch enemy arose in the form of Scarlet Briar, a corrupted sylvari bent on harvesting the magical energies flowing beneath Old Lion’s Arch, deep within the harbor. Her attempt at harnessing the draconic power under the city succeeded only in awakening the Elder Dragon Mordremoth.
Finally, after a year spent rebuilding Lion’s Arch yet again, the city is ready to move on and face the trials of the future.
Phoenix Roost Lighthouse
Once known as the Lion’s Gate Lighthouse, Phoenix Roost Lighthouse stands as a testament to the overall resilience of Lion’s Arch. The original lighthouse was destroyed in an invasion by the karka and was once again razed, along with much of the city, by Scarlet Briar in her assault on the city in what is known as the Battle for Lion’s Arch.
Fort Marriner
Founded by Cobiah Marriner, this fort serves as the base of operations for the Lionguard and the headquarters of the Lion’s Arch branch of the Vigil.
While Lion’s Arch seems to have left behind much of the violence associated with its corsair citizens, those who get caught making trouble are confined to the prison. An adventurous player can test their mettle against other players by entering the Mists through the asura gates at the center of the fort.
Spanning across the Inner Harbor to the main city is the Captain Theo Ashford Memorial Bridge. Theo Ashford was of the Ashford family of Ascalon, and it was his assassination that nearly allowed for one of Scarlet Briar’s spies to take his seat on the Captain’s Council. Fortunately, Inspector Ellen Kiel saw through Scarlet’s plan and managed to be elected to Ashford’s seat, thus preventing the evil sylvari’s subversion of the city’s politics.
The Bloodcoast Ward
From the Bloodcoast Ward, you catch the sight of an array of large cannons lining the coast. Here is what’s left of Tenanera’s Pit, a place where the Lion’s Guard would occasionally practice. Unfortunately, it is also one of the areas of the city that is yet to be fully rebuilt.
The Bloodcoast has also retained some of its brutal nature, evident from the murder victims present on the beaches — even as tourists relax nearby.
Farshore Ward
Tigg’s Moa ranch is just up the rocky hill. The attack by Scarlet Briar killed most of his trained racing flock, so he had to rebuild from scratch with new chicks. Watch your step!
Behind the abandoned Tokk’s Mill, you’ll come to the entrance of Sharkmaw Caverns.
Sharkmaw Caverns
Rumors of buried treasure abound in a former city of buccaneers, and Sharkmaw Caverns may hold one of the legendary chests if you can brave the many challenges of this pirate lair.
As expected, there are leaps of faith, hidden spikes of death, and mazes aplenty to occupy your time and fill your physician’s pockets.
Captain Weyandt is said to haunt these caverns along with his first mate Shane and his beloved pet shark Chompy. Many souls have been trapped here due to the misleading guidance of his spirit.
Postern Ward
Hardworking members of the many guilds of Tyria can be found at the Guild Initiative Headquarters. Here, one can register their guild and work with the Guild Bank to shore up savings and plan for the future expansion of their business.
In a cave to the north, you can meet with Urmaug, who is hoping to establish trade between Lion’s Arch and the ogres. Just be careful not to stare.
Eastern Ward
The newly rebuilt Coriolis Plaza allows for easy access to all of the major capitals and the tourist and research mecca of Southsun Cove. Refugees running from the Molten Alliance in the Shiverpeak Mountains are also expected to settle on Southsun courtesy of the asura’s Consortium corporation.
The Black Lion Vaults contain some of the most powerful weapons in the world. As such, these items are under strict lock and key. The rearmost vault is completely unavailable for tour due to some strange incident involving killer boxes coming to life.
Of course, if anyone knows anything about bloodthirsty boxes, Evon Gnashblade, owner of the Black Lion Trading Company, would be your charr. He has yet to live down his involvement in the “Mini Angry Chest” fiasco, the bulk of the blame of which he has foisted onto his hapless former employee, the asura Krepet. Another in Evon’s employ is the skritt collector Terksli, who interested in grabbing up any foil candy wrappers you might have from the Halloween event.
Deverol Gardens
The Deverol Gardens provide a romantic view of the harbor and features a decorated stage for weddings and get-togethers. The site has proved an overall improvement over the ruined Deverol Island.
Grand Piazza
Carrying on with the maritime theme, the Grand Piazza is a great central area for meeting friends and doing some role-play. A glass canopy mimicking the ripples of a jellyfish provides protection from the elements, while more glass sculptures enhance the aquatic feel of the courtyard.
There’s even a live tour guide available, if you can track her down. If you looking for some more structured play, Cassi the Activity Lead can inform you on the daily game.
Cluttered alleyways and cramped living quarters created from the remains of wrecked ships line the Piazza and provide a taste of local culture and commerce.
Trader’s Forum
Before Scarlet Briar’s destruction of Lion’s Arch, the banks, trade posts, and forges were scattered throughout the city. Now with the introduction of the Trader’s Forum, everything is brought together for efficient crafting, storage, and sales. The Mystic Plaza features the Mystic Forge for those with advanced crafting skills.
If you are still working on getting better at your crafting, or are looking to change your profession, you can find the normal crafting stations just to the west.
There’s even a frog pond which can be used for some thoughtful meditation on your next move as an artist.
Commodore’s Quarter
The Commodore’s Quarter serves as the residential area for the denizens of Lion’s Arch, but the streets here are better fit for the upper class and nobility of the city.
Along the boardwalk to the northwest is the headquarters for the newly founded Consortium, a small but growing corporation founded by the asura and based out of the gift shop in Lion’s Arch. Unfortunately, the Consortium’s pursuit of wealth has led it to cause a lot of trouble for the city. It was their ruthless advancement into Southsun Cove in an effort to make it a tourist destination that caused the upheaval of the karka and the subsequent karka invasion of Lion’s Arch.
At a lower level of the street in an area known as the Canal District, you’ll find a small, nondescript tavern with a bouncer and a robot called Captain Smash. All is not what it seems, however, as this is the headquarters of the Order of Whispers.
This secretive organization is Elonian in nature, but they accept anyone who is willing to use their cunning and guile to fight against the rise of the Elder Dragons. Perhaps if they succeed, their troubled homeland will be restored.
The Western Ward
One of the oldest and most important buildings in Lion’s Arch is the Crow’s Nest Tavern. Here, the Captain’s Council meets to solve the city’s many problems, especially concerning the reconciliation of Lion’s Arch with its infamous past as a pirate haven. Cobiah Marriner’s legacy remains in his grandson, Commodore Lawson Marriner, and the council of famous captains.
Rebranding one’s business isn’t always easy, and if you’re a pirate used to selling your ill gotten wares on the blackmarket, then it can be especially hard when your business is being taxed. The pirates of the Underworld market are experiencing just this kind of change. Scarlet Briar’s attack disrupted operations originally held in a cave near Lion’s Arch. However, after the attack, the gang was prevented from re-establishing itself when their cave and goods were subsequently seized by a group of skritt. Now they are forced to sell in the open, while their goods are taxed by a mysterious person.
Hooligan’s Route
The Undermarket is still around, but it is under new ownership. The skritt who have moved in, after the pirates fled Scarlet Briar, offer many goods to peruse. However, these items still come with the same stigma that always comes with black market merchandise.
Sanctum Harbor
The remains of Scarlet Briar’s massive airship, the Breachmaker, have supplied Lion’s Arch with much material needed in the rebuilding of the city. Macha’s Landing, the main docks for Lion’s Arch, is yet another example of how the ingenuity of the citizens has allowed them to cope with the disaster.
The Moran Memorial nearby serves as a reminder of all those lost not just in the fight with Scarlet Briar, but also of all the other times Lion’s Arch has been threatened with destruction.
While the landed side of Lion’s Arch holds many insights to the history of the city, the depths of the harbor hide many secrets to the past of Lion’s Arch as well.
Currently, the scholars of the Durmand Priory Research Site are investigating the ruins of Old Lion’s Arch.
They’re also looking into the remains of the Breachmaker located deep beneath the waves of the harbor.
Should you choose to explore the underwater depths of Lion’s Arch, make sure to check out Moorookoo Village, as the gentle Quaggan villagers have become more numerous than ever.
White Crane Terrace
One should heed the thorny tengu scouts protecting the Shuttered Gate from intruders, as the bird people have closed themselves off from the rest of the world since the rise of the Elder Dragon Zhaitan. Some restrictions on trading have recently been loosened, but for now, the way to the Dominion of Winds through Lion’s Arch is closed.
Another reminder of those who have died in service to Lion’s Arch, the Field of the Fallen, contains the shattered statue of Cobiah Marriner. Contrary to the rest of the city plans, this statue will not be restored as a reminder of all the tragedy and hardship Lion’s Arch has overcome.
As Lion’s Arch looks to another new beginning, its citizens will be forced to come to terms with its riotous past. Whatever challenges lie ahead, its people will persevere in the face of adversity, as they always have.
- 118Shares
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