Curse

Gmr Leon · Mar 23, 2008, 06:37 PM // 18:37

Quick note: Click on the images to see the examples, I did it this way to avoid having to fill a few posts with just pics.

As Bahltek reveals to you if you meet with him in Mehtani Keys

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bahltek

Water is powerful; more powerful, I'm sure, than you realize. It can be used as a mirror to see into places that are magically obscured.

I believe that we were mistaken in our initial assumption that he was meaning that it could be used to unveil people. No, he said places, but these are only places that are magically obscured, so we are stuck at that. However, we may also remember that he mentions it as powerful. Abaddon was the God of Water and Secrets, given the task of distributing magic to the races of Tyria. Water itself is related to magic and the divine. We have several floating anomalies in Tyria, the only ones with some semblance of an explanation are in Vabbi.

What does water have to do with floating structures? Think about it for a moment, if you will. Every structure that floats in Tyria with the exception of the chunks of ice in the Rabbit's Den and the structures in the Realm of Torment are above or in very close proximity to water. The water can be flowing, the water can be placid, it seems not to matter through my observations. However, the most interesting observations are near waterfalls and even the Asura Renk notices something about them as Plaxx mentions to us.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Plaxx

Lately, he's been hanging around Riven Earth researching the flow patterns of mountain waterfalls. Apparently he sees patterns in things where others just see chaos.

It's extremely easy to observe throughout the Tarnished Coast that the floating stone anomalies are all along rivers that hold origins in waterfalls.

Unfortunately the Tarnished Coast may easily be discounted as a good place to make these observations because of the wave of magic that swept over it after the Cataclysm. This, I realize, and this I discount with the evidence provided me by our friendly carven head in Sparkfly Swamp that holds around it floating stones. It's the only such place nearly directly east of the Tarnished Coast to hold such an anomaly in the most primal of forms.

So, to help in my research I decided to mentally classify my observations as Primal and Modern. I will list these below.

Primal:
The floating ice in the Rabbit's Den.
The floating stones around Tarnished Coast.
The floating stones at the carven head at Sparkfly Swamp.

Modern:
The Garden of Seborhin's floating plants.
The Sebelkeh Basilica.
The floating plants anywhere in Vabbi.
The Wizard's Tower.
The Asuran structures.

The Primal cases seem only to be in areas ranging from the most minute magical concentrations to the most incredible. The minutest being the floating ice in the Rabbit's Den, but this in itself is an anomaly above all others in the floating structures. I will divert from the main focus for a moment to explain why. All other displays of floating structures have been stones or metal and have been around water. These bits of ice seem to be around a blue magma of sorts that is in an area of minor magical concentration with the demon Nulfastu residing there. The tree itself in the center of the pit seems to be burnt at the top of the trunk. However, this would seem to show us that water, at least in crystallized form may only float around magma with a high concentration of magic.

Back to the main focus, the most incredible sights of the Primal cases have to be in the Riven Earth and Magus Stones region. Both areas contain some of the largest stones of natural origin to be found floating. Which clearly indicates that these areas must have a high magic concentration. But what is the magic concentrated in or, in other words, what is conducting it? Water.

It would seem obvious that as a God of Water, Abaddon would distribute this gift in the easiest of ways. Through water everything gains magic as everything seems to require it to stay alive. Abaddon conducted magic through water and the only way it seems the Gods found to contain it was to make gigantic magic sponges or in other words, the Bloodstones themselves. In some way they contain the most powerful forms of magic known to Tyrian life.

On to the Modern forms..Well, the Wizard's Tower has existed the longest and remained elusive in mystery the longest so I will siege it with my arsenal of knowledge. After a certain mass, I observed, that objects lessen in their rotations speed. This makes sense, as it would take more force to keep it rotating, but unfortunately, it seems that this mass is fairly random and dependent wholely on the concentration of magic in the area or in the structure itself. Why does the Wizard's Tower have those floating stones, that seem as anchors to hold it down, but the Sebelkeh Basilica require no such thing?

The Wizard's Tower contains a powerful magical concentration, it would seem. The stones that seem to anchor it down do not do so, rather they actually halt its rotations and uncontrolled movement. This is easily discerned from what we learn from the quest Villainy of Galrath and what Firstwatch Sergio tells us.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Firstwatch Sergio

Galrath must be stopped! If he gains whatever secrets are locked within the wizard's tower in Kessex Peak, gods be merciful, I know not who to trust within the Lionguard.

Through these observations of the chains and the water, though, I discovered something even more incredible. While it may not be so, I will determine throughout the rest of this that the Mage Lords held a part in the floating Wizard's Tower. In Pre-Searing, many Elementalists, players with Elementalist as their secondary profession, or the random traveler are bound to eventually come into the area Wizard's Folly and note the vague tower up in the mountains and make a journey there to examine it. Why was this area called Wizard's Folly? Why was it that the tower held chains to several rocks?

This was a Mage Lord's folly, as is noted by the name of the area. It would seem apparent that he or she attempted to raise the tower there and make it float, but clearly there's something missing. Water. But there's water frozen and in the form of snow there! One may claim. This acts as a stumbling block for even myself, but I come to find that it seems highly likely that the water must be flowing. This is determined by observing that every other floating structure is actually above or at least near moving water. The Wizard's Folly, however, is not. It would seem that the Mage Lord who attempted this feat had tried to heat the water around the tower as is shown by the frozen water there, but failed to acquire a substantial amount to lift such a large structure.

Ah, yes, and it seems that as adept mages themselves, even the Asura have learned of this. As can be easily seen in Alcazia Tangle by the Asuran towers dotting the riverbanks. It's even more obvious when one realizes that they are harnessing the magical properties of water by going through Riven Earth and Magus Stones prior to entering this area and noticing a lack of floating stones along the riverbanks when they had been so plentiful previously.

Now, to branch off for a moment, and mention a bit of speculation. This has to do with the Mage Lords of which we know extremely little. We know of Lord Kree, Lord Sybitha, and Lord Odran, but of the existence of any others we know nothing. It is my observation that the Mage Lords have never been given a species, so they may be of any race, and that their influences are seen in the most peculiar of places. As a result I have to come to the conclusion that it may be possible, be this the most apparent bit of speculation, that they were a society dedicated to the more complex magical arts. I think that they show their influence in the Tarnished Coast in the carven faces at the waterfall in Riven Earth and the carven head at Sparkfly Swamp, the symbols on the Bloodstones we have seen thus far. What leads me to this conclusion and makes it less than utter speculation?

Storm Riders. While they are called this, I think it is simply to differentiate between the professions, and that they are in fact all of the same species. A species unleashed by none other than Lord Sybitha. The Riders stretch across from the Maguuma Jungle, to the Tarnished Coast, and even into the Crystal Desert. A luckily dirty trail laid by our power mad Mage Lord friend, Sybitha. If it was in fact Lord Odran who opened the gateways into the Rift and thus the Hall of Heroes in the most remote regions of Tyria, how did he build them? It is suspected that the Temple of Grenth in Lornar's Pass, Heroes' Ascent in the Battle Isles, and the Tomb of the Primeval Kings in the Crystal Desert were all some of the gateways opened by Lord Odran. Yet, oddly, described as being built by the Mursaat for their supposed Eye of Janthir markings.

I think, however, that we are mistaken in such thoughts. I think the Mursaat could possibly have had some hand in it, but in fact it would happen to have been the Mage Lords possibly multiracial/special secretive society. In fact, it may be possible that this society existed mainly in Orr and spread out from there.

jonnieboi05 · Mar 23, 2008, 07:12 PM // 19:12

hmm... this is interesting and i admit honestly this is a little too in-depth for me. i DO understand everything you are saying but personally i'd say just let things be and enjoy the scenery.

ps
----
very nice job on the theories and all of the facts you gathered and utilized to further prove (if in fact it IS correct) your theory. i'm very impressed by all of this. nicely done. ^^

~LeNa~

Gmr Leon · Mar 23, 2008, 07:20 PM // 19:20

Thanks. I kind of expected your type of response from this forum, but I feel that as moderator of the Lore Forum over in GWO the only way to progress is to transmit some of the theories from there over to here. That way the Lore Community as a whole can progress at the same rate. At least that's my hope.

Free Runner · Mar 23, 2008, 11:00 PM // 23:00

Thats a rather interesting theory. Especially with the fact you've given a lot of proof to it. I dont have much time so i dont really want to go deep into anything in this post. However are there any floating objects that are not near water? you appear to have listed most if not all of them but i do feel theres a missing one.

Quote:

i DO understand everything you are saying but personally i'd say just let things be and enjoy the scenery

Enjoying the scenery isnt half as fun as unraveling the mysteries behind it

Gmr Leon · Mar 24, 2008, 05:08 PM // 17:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Free Runner

However are there any floating objects that are not near water? you appear to have listed most if not all of them but i do feel theres a missing one.

I listed every floating object in-game probably with the exception of the Sebelkeh Basilica, but that's because I didn't take the time to snap a screenshot of it. Oh, and the floating Stacks in the Realm of Torment are the only floating objects that aren't above water. As I noted in my theory, stuff floats in areas of high magical concentration. Not to mention the Realm of Torment is in the Mists, so who knows how things work there.

draxynnic · Mar 25, 2008, 03:34 AM // 03:34

As a quick note: You also get Riders in eastern Ascalon (Erudine even gives Prophecies Mesmers a quest to hunt one down), the Ring of Fire, and the Verdant Cascades. Seems they show up pretty much anywhere in Tyria which lacks glaciation or a civilisation strong enough to push them out.

Which likely means they won't be in the Tarnished Coast for GW2, with both the Asura and Sylvari hanging around there

.

Konig Des Todes · Mar 25, 2008, 03:48 AM // 03:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by draxynnic

As a quick note: You also get Riders in eastern Ascalon (Erudine even gives Prophecies Mesmers a quest to hunt one down), the Ring of Fire, and the Verdant Cascades. Seems they show up pretty much anywhere in Tyria which lacks glaciation or a civilisation strong enough to push them out.

Which likely means they won't be in the Tarnished Coast for GW2, with both the Asura and Sylvari hanging around there

.

Verdant Cascades...why can't I remember where that is. Anyways, unless Verdant Cascades is in the maguuma jungle, you for got the Maguuma Jungle

. Also, I don't think you can include living creatures as part of this theory.

the kurzick eater · Mar 25, 2008, 07:12 AM // 07:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonnieBoi05

hmm... this is interesting and i admit honestly this is a little too in-depth for me. i DO understand everything you are saying but personally i'd say just let things be and enjoy the scenery.

ps
----
very nice job on the theories and all of the facts you gathered and utilized to further prove (if in fact it IS correct) your theory. i'm very impressed by all of this. nicely done. ^^

perfectly stated. nicely done, very impressive.

Seraphim of Chaos · Mar 25, 2008, 11:17 AM // 11:17

Sebelkeh Basilica is above a pool of water.

draxynnic · Mar 25, 2008, 12:26 PM // 12:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Azazel The Assassin

Verdant Cascades...why can't I remember where that is. Anyways, unless Verdant Cascades is in the maguuma jungle, you for got the Maguuma Jungle

. Also, I don't think you can include living creatures as part of this theory.

I was replying to the specific part of the OP discussing the range of Riders... which included Maguuma, the Tarnished Coast, and the Crystal Desert. I was pointing out parts of the range that the OP has missed.

Verdant Cascades is that little bit of 'Asura territory' just to the west of the Varajar Fells.

Gmr Leon · Mar 26, 2008, 11:11 PM // 23:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seraphim of Chaos

Sebelkeh Basilica is above a pool of water.

I know. Like I said, I just didn't snap a screenshot of it. Most the shots that I did gather were during a 2 to 3 hour run from the area of Drakkar Lake and the entirety of the Tarnished Coast.

Quote:

Originally Posted by draxynnic

As a quick note: You also get Riders in eastern Ascalon (Erudine even gives Prophecies Mesmers a quest to hunt one down), the Ring of Fire, and the Verdant Cascades. Seems they show up pretty much anywhere in Tyria which lacks glaciation or a civilisation strong enough to push them out.

Which likely means they won't be in the Tarnished Coast for GW2, with both the Asura and Sylvari hanging around there

.

Yeah, I had someone point that out in my thread (which this is an exact copy of, mind you) over on GWO. Also, to the last bit of your post about them not existing around the Tarnished Coast in GW2..I actually think they will.

Erudine wanted to study them, the Asura study just about everything, so I suspect they'll keep a few around assuming they've never encountered them prior to surfacing.

Malis Of Monrovia · Oct 16, 2008, 01:27 PM // 13:27

Simply awestruck, how someone can deepen himself in researching this, in a MMORPG. The game is big and welcome to every kind of appreciation. I shouldn't be surprised, but instead I find that I am.

Your theories are very appealing since you have backed them up by ingame facts.
This little piece has opened, and broadend my view on the world of Guildwars we play in.

I love your speculation, especially concerning the Mage Lords having a society, discarding race or origin, that dedicated themselves to the complexities of magic.

U deserve some more credit for these finds.

Shasgaliel · Oct 17, 2008, 09:53 AM // 09:53

There is one more very important thing connected to water but not connected to floating. It is a scrying pool. Eye of the North is a gigantic tower build by nobody knows whom on the island in the frozen lake containing magical device based on water.... Maybe some mages were had something to do with this? Please note that the pool is still, but it starts floating when used (at least that is my impression).

Rothan Celt · Oct 17, 2008, 11:53 AM // 11:53

Intersting theory but flew right over my head x)

Let peeps enjoy the pretty digies in peace of mind

didis · Oct 17, 2008, 12:39 PM // 12:39

Maybe you should read the article where Daniel Dociu is interviewed:

Part of : An Interview with Daniel Dociu
http://bldgblog.blogspot.com/2008/04...iel-dociu.html

BLDGBLOG: I'd love to focus on a few specific images now, to hear what went into them – both conceptually and technically. For instance, the image I'm looking at here is called Skybridge. Could you tell me a little bit more about that?

Dociu: Sure. The request there was for a tribe that's been trying to isolate itself from the conflict, and the tensions, and the political unrest of the world around it. So they find this canyon in the mountains – and I was picturing the mountains kind of like the Andes: really steep and shard-like. They pick one of these canyons and they build a structure that's floating above the valley below – to physically remove themselves from the world. That was the premise.

I wanted a structure that looked light and airy, as if it's trying to float, and I chose the shapes you see for their wing-like quality. Everything is very thin, supported by a rather minimalist structure of cables. It's supposed to be the habitat for an entire tribe that chooses to detach themselves from society, as much as they can.

BLDGBLOG: You've designed a lot of structures in the sky, like airborne utopias – for instance, the Floating Mosque and the Floating Temple. Was there a similar concept behind those images?

Dociu: Well, yes and no. The reasons behind those examples were quite different. First, floating mosques were my attempt to deal with what is a rather obnoxious cliché in games – which is floating castles. Every game has a floating castle. You know, I really hate that!

BLDGBLOG: [laughs] So these are actually your way of dealing with a game design cliché?

Dociu: I was trying to find a somewhat elegant and satisfying solution to an uninteresting request.

BLDGBLOG: And what about Pagodas?

Dociu: The story there was that this was a city for the elite. It was built in a pool of water and it was surrounded by desert. Water is in really high demand in this world, but these guys are kind of controlling the water supply. The real estate on these rock formations is limited, though, so they were forced to build vertically and use every inch of rock to anchor their structures. So it's about people over-building, and about clinging onto resources, and about greed.

That doesn't touch on the game in its entirety – but that's the story behind the image.

Free Runner · Oct 17, 2008, 06:44 PM // 18:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shasgaliel

It is a scrying pool. Eye of the North is a gigantic tower build by nobody knows whom on the island in the frozen lake containing magical device based on water.... Maybe some mages were had something to do with this? Please note that the pool is still, but it starts floating when used (at least that is my impression).

Sorry if i'm being slow but what exactly are you saying here? i'm getting a little confused

Also the Eye of the North is a pretty ancient structure - it probably goes much further back into history, even further than the Mage Lords considering 4 races know nothing about it (Norn, Humans, Dwarves and Asura)

Konig Des Todes · Oct 17, 2008, 07:03 PM // 19:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shasgaliel

There is one more very important thing connected to water but not connected to floating. It is a scrying pool. Eye of the North is a gigantic tower build by nobody knows whom on the island in the frozen lake containing magical device based on water.... Maybe some mages were had something to do with this? Please note that the pool is still, but it starts floating when used (at least that is my impression).

The Eye of the North is not on an island. It's at the edge of the frozen lake/river.

Also, the Scrying Pool does not float when activated, it just becomes a water-screened TV, so to speak, showing images that answers questions the user has (such as where the Destoyers are).

As far as we can tell, the Mage Lords had nothing to do with this. I would argue that the Eye of the North wass built by the Seers, but that cannot really be supported (other then first we see of the Seers is in the Shiverpeaks, and, until recently, the Shiverpeaks were devoid of Mursaat *seeing how they were enemies, the Mursaat problem kept away from the Seers*).

Jarus · Oct 20, 2008, 11:35 AM // 11:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by GmrLeon

I listed every floating object in-game probably with the exception of the Sebelkeh Basilica, but that's because I didn't take the time to snap a screenshot of it. Oh, and the floating Stacks in the Realm of Torment are the only floating objects that aren't above water. As I noted in my theory, stuff floats in areas of high magical concentration. Not to mention the Realm of Torment is in the Mists, so who knows how things work there.

I would discount the Realm of Torment as a source of observation on this topic. This is not necessarily just because it's in the Mists, but because it is a realm inhabited by a god itself.

Daisuko · Aug 03, 2009, 05:58 AM // 05:58

Well, based on the fact that everything around the tarnished coast (the ruins, that is) are of a type far different than Mursaat... however Mursaat were at war with The Seers (whom I think are evil, but I digress) Seeing as the seers have great strength of their own, but were at war with the mursaat, it's not too hard to suggest they were the ones who build such structures.