I'll be updating this with new info, pics when they become available.
Everything here is conjecture based on different sources, NOT official.
Iron Citadel Charr capital, possible starting location for Charr characters. Built by Iron Legion on the ruins of the human city of Rin.
Divinity's Reach Capital of Kryta, and possible Human starting location.
Arbor Bay Location of the tree that grows the Sylvari race. Called Ventari's Sanctuary or Ronan's Refuge by fans, the island does not have an official name yet.
Ebonhawke Last Ascalon stronghold versus the Charr. Located where the eastern Blazeridge and western Shiverpeak Mountains merge. Probable location of some casual PvP events. Probable outpost that leads to Charr controlled areas of Ascalon.
Confirmed Ebonhawke pic (thanks to pumpkin pie for posting)
Lion's Arch The new "Battle Isles", populated by pirates, mercenaries and the priests of Balthazar. Here will probably be GvG battles, the GW2 version of Hero's Hall, and other PvP events.
Ascalon City Now a literal ghost city, the eternal defenders of Ascalon fight friend and foe alike. (Expect Mission to return legendary swords to their rightful owners to quell the spirit of King Adelbern and his followers).
Corrupted Orr
Orrian Dragon homebase, will probably be end-game or elite area. "Only the greatest of heroes dare venture within the ruined cities of Orr; to adventure there is to face the dragon and its minions directly, and that creature's power is not to be underestimated."
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pi...6714208&ref=mf
....more to come
EDIT: It's also possible that the actual starting areas will be more like tutorial areas, with Iron Citadel, Divinity's Reach, Rata Sum, etc. being each races capital city that must be traveled to in game. This wouldn't work for the Sylvari.
If anyone has ideas at all about possible Norn "capitals", please post!
GW2 Starting Locations / Places of Interest
Mordakai
Kwith
A couple more possibilies:
Rata Sum Above world capitol of the Asura. Possible start for them.
Arbor Bay The supposed birthplace of the Sylvari. Possibly the starting location for them.
Rata Sum Above world capitol of the Asura. Possible start for them.
Arbor Bay The supposed birthplace of the Sylvari. Possibly the starting location for them.
Dont Nerf The Perma
why not make it simple and have them all start at the same place? it'd b easier if say as a charr cub you're seperated from your pack and rescued by humans and they take you to the place where all charecters meet at a starting point?
Konig Des Todes
I would say the beginning of Asura would be at the (in GW1) ruined temple where you end the quest "O Brave New World" - as Rata Sum was a quickly made location, the temple, imo, would make a better home for a bright light-hating race.
And I'd disagree with all the races starting in the same place. For your example, Charr cubs would more than likely be killed off by a majority of humans - especially Ascalonians/former Ascalonians. Would be more likely, lore wise, that a Charr adult left his warband for a guild for fighting in things like the Hall of Heroes. Though, due to the Charr loyalty, that wouldn't make much sense (in a PvE lore sense).
And I'd disagree with all the races starting in the same place. For your example, Charr cubs would more than likely be killed off by a majority of humans - especially Ascalonians/former Ascalonians. Would be more likely, lore wise, that a Charr adult left his warband for a guild for fighting in things like the Hall of Heroes. Though, due to the Charr loyalty, that wouldn't make much sense (in a PvE lore sense).
Shewmake
I'd rather the starting place be different for each race like LOTRO.
Robbeh The Mad
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Originally Posted by Dont Nerf The Perma
why not make it simple and have them all start at the same place? it'd b easier if say as a charr cub you're seperated from your pack and rescued by humans and they take you to the place where all charecters meet at a starting point?
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Horrible idea based on the fact that if I play a Charr character I want a Charr story. I don't want some goofy rised by humans crap that would in the end leave my character wondering just who the hell he is. Leave my ruthless human hateing future Charr warrior out of your boo-hoo storylines.
Mordakai
I agree there will be different starting places. ArenaNet has been careful to build up distinct histories and beginnings for all the "new" races, I doubt they will all start in the same area.
So, I hope all the playable races will all have unique starting areas, with unique quests and stories. It will give players a good reason to try out all the races!
Good ideas on possible Asura starting points, and I agree the Sylvari will start near their tree in Arbor Bay.
Any ideas on Norn starting areas? It would be cool if they started at Droknar's Forge, since the story is they move into the dwarves old territory thanks to the Dragon of Ice and Snow.
So, I hope all the playable races will all have unique starting areas, with unique quests and stories. It will give players a good reason to try out all the races!
Good ideas on possible Asura starting points, and I agree the Sylvari will start near their tree in Arbor Bay.
Any ideas on Norn starting areas? It would be cool if they started at Droknar's Forge, since the story is they move into the dwarves old territory thanks to the Dragon of Ice and Snow.
Hanging Man
Cool thanks for posting this.
i like the idea that each race has its own starting point.
specially since it gives you diff point of views each time
i like the idea that each race has its own starting point.
specially since it gives you diff point of views each time
Helix Dreadlock
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Originally Posted by Dont Nerf The Perma
why not make it simple and have them all start at the same place? it'd b easier if say as a charr cub you're seperated from your pack and rescued by humans and they take you to the place where all charecters meet at a starting point?
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I'd like to see some of the races fight each other, i.e. in the charr storyline, you fight humans, mursaat, titans, ect.
Oh, and Kwith.....Mursaat isn't a play-able race.
Gmr Leon
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Originally Posted by Mordakai
Any ideas on Norn starting areas? It would be cool if they started at Droknar's Forge, since the story is they move into the dwarves old territory thanks to the Dragon of Ice and Snow.
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Neo Atomisk
I'd say that the Norn will just start in the northern shiverpeaks, as leon said.
We really need a GW2 speculation subforum..
We really need a GW2 speculation subforum..
Thor Brackenstall
While I understand that there are many problems with the single-start idea, i kinda wish that were true so there would be another 'pre' for gw2 (assuming that its before then after the dragons awaken).
If there are separate starting locations, an easy way out would be somthing like the quest that led us to eotn. Every race would have their own little quest to lead into the 'tunnels', (or in this case maybe an asura gate?) to the eye.
If there are separate starting locations, an easy way out would be somthing like the quest that led us to eotn. Every race would have their own little quest to lead into the 'tunnels', (or in this case maybe an asura gate?) to the eye.
Mordakai
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Originally Posted by Thor Brackenstall
While I understand that there are many problems with the single-start idea, i kinda wish that were true so there would be another 'pre' for gw2 (assuming that its before then after the dragons awaken).
If there are separate starting locations, an easy way out would be somthing like the quest that led us to eotn. Every race would have their own little quest to lead into the 'tunnels', (or in this case maybe an asura gate?) to the eye. |
Based on Anet history, I feel pretty strongly there will be a tutorial area. And since pre-searing is so special to many fans, we can only hope the area can somehow capture that magic again.
Gmr Leon
I'm kind of hoping that it won't start out in any major location though. That is to say, I would hope the tutorial wouldn't happen, with humans, in Divinity Reach or Durmand's Priory, rather, I would prefer it to start in a neutral area, Lion's Arch. Not to mention, that location is perfect for humans to start out in, outcast, mercenary, adventurer, and what-have-you, would be bound to begin there. Matter of fact, could say the same for any of the other races, assuming it has regained its constantly beaten path status. That is, major trade location, or just general gathering point.
In fact, it seems possible, considering it becomes the central nexus for all the guilds of the world. (Odd, considering Tyria's cut off from the rest of the world. Guess Tyria then becomes THE world to them.)
In fact, it seems possible, considering it becomes the central nexus for all the guilds of the world. (Odd, considering Tyria's cut off from the rest of the world. Guess Tyria then becomes THE world to them.)
Nature Loves Me
Maybe since we're supposedly the Children of the Legends(our selves currently), we could end up starting off as a child/teenager.
FYI: Don't wanna elaborate anymore than that since I really dunno what's gonna happen lol.
As for starting area... I don't know...
FYI: Don't wanna elaborate anymore than that since I really dunno what's gonna happen lol.
As for starting area... I don't know...
Konig Des Todes
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Originally Posted by GmrLeon
The Dredge have taken over the Dwarves' old territory, and now the Norn are stuck between the Northern Shiverpeaks and the Far Shiverpeaks. A minor mix-up.
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Logic is failing me on this.
Here is the passage on the Norn going south:
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| An elder dragon of ice and snow arose in the farthest northern peaks, driving even the most stalwart hunters south into Dwarven lands. There they found abandoned Dwarven forts and a new challenge in the form of the Dredge, the old nemeses of the Dwarves, now almost unrecognizable from the primitive, frightened creatures of the past. |
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Originally Posted by Thor Brackenstall
While I understand that there are many problems with the single-start idea, i kinda wish that were true so there would be another 'pre' for gw2 (assuming that its before then after the dragons awaken).
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Originally Posted by Thor Brackenstall
If there are separate starting locations, an easy way out would be somthing like the quest that led us to eotn. Every race would have their own little quest to lead into the 'tunnels', (or in this case maybe an asura gate?) to the eye.
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Mordakai
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Originally Posted by GmrLeon
I'm kind of hoping that it won't start out in any major location though. That is to say, I would hope the tutorial wouldn't happen, with humans, in Divinity Reach or Durmand's Priory, rather, I would prefer it to start in a neutral area, Lion's Arch. Not to mention, that location is perfect for humans to start out in, outcast, mercenary, adventurer, and what-have-you, would be bound to begin there. Matter of fact, could say the same for any of the other races, assuming it has regained its constantly beaten path status. That is, major trade location, or just general gathering point.
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I also don't think the capital cities will be a good place to start, they would be very hectic and overwhelming to new players. (I edited the top post to reflect that). It will be interesting to see what happens.
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Originally Posted by GmrLeon
In fact, it seems possible, considering it becomes the central nexus for all the guilds of the world. (Odd, considering Tyria's cut off from the rest of the world. Guess Tyria then becomes THE world to them.)
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Nodakim
Actualy we dont know if Tyria will be the only continent on which you will play.
By the GW logo i would think that you could explore the whole wrold of Tyria,not just the continent.
Also I am interested in those northern parts of Tyria.
By the GW logo i would think that you could explore the whole wrold of Tyria,not just the continent.
Also I am interested in those northern parts of Tyria.
Mordakai
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Originally Posted by Nodakim
Actualy we dont know if Tyria will be the only continent on which you will play.
By the GW logo i would think that you could explore the whole wrold of Tyria,not just the continent. Also I am interested in those northern parts of Tyria. |
Does anybody know of a fan-made theoretical GW2 map? I'd like to see all these possible capitals mapped out, and see how far they are from one another...
wow, did a google search for Divinity's reach, and found this:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bldgblog/2438141799/
Konig Des Todes
@the logo - that is just the center most portion of the continent of tyria.
A GW2 map? None that I know of.
And that concept art/page - old. It's just a work presumed to be Divinity's Coast.
A GW2 map? None that I know of.
And that concept art/page - old. It's just a work presumed to be Divinity's Coast.
Mordakai
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Originally Posted by Konig Des Todes
I'd think the Norn now occupy from the Iron Mines/Yak's (if not slightly lower) to around Snake Dance (would be plenty close enough to Sorrow's Furnace for the Dredge. Unless the Dredge don't occupy all the Southern Shiverpeak dwarven locations (which would be from Dreadnought's drift to Droknar's Forge, to Thunderhead Keep, to Tasca's Demise - too big, imo, for such a seemingly small race that would rather be underground). |
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Originally Posted by Konig Des Todes
Pre cannot happen, as the first dragon to wake up (Primordus) does so about 40 years after EN - the Orrian dragon does so at least 100 years prior to GW2 starts. The only "pre dragon awakening" that can happen would be the Grothmar Dragon awakening.
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But whatever it is, there will be some sort of tutorial, I'm sure.
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Originally Posted by Konig Des Todes
Or the storyline starts from 5 different areas (racial starting) and eventually goes into 5 different storylines (dealing with the different dragons) which are like the EN storyline - can choose your order, but all must be done - then you go to the final dragon (either Orr or Primordus, I'd assume). That, of course, is assuming we kill all the dragons in GW2 and not letting some live/escape. Though the former would give reason for an expansion without making an entirely new enemy ("Malchor" and the Deep Sea Dragon escape and head to Elona/Cantha respectively!)
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Maybe someday we will defeat Primordus, but I'll be very surprised if it's in the first "chapter" of GW2.
Dont Nerf The Perma
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Originally Posted by Robbeh The Mad
Horrible idea based on the fact that if I play a Charr character I want a Charr story. I don't want some goofy rised by humans crap that would in the end leave my character wondering just who the hell he is. Leave my ruthless human hateing future Charr warrior out of your boo-hoo storylines.
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Konig Des Todes
The only place that makes sense for dozens (note: Not one) of any race to start in the same location is Lion's Arch - which wouldn't need something rediculous as the whole charr cub found by humans thing. But having a PvP central location being the spot of the beginning of the game is rather... idiotic, imo, due to how full it would be.
Mordakai
I really can't see the starting location being a big anything!
Probably best to have a instanced area to explore by yourself, then go to a small persistent starting point for your race, then go to a major city which will be full of spam.
Probably best to have a instanced area to explore by yourself, then go to a small persistent starting point for your race, then go to a major city which will be full of spam.
Gmr Leon
Eh, you're both talking about the areas being busy or hectic as downsides for it to be a starting location. However, I found Ascalon City pretty busy when I started the game, and I'd say Shing Jea Monastery is pretty busy, and I know Kamadan is very busy. I haven't been looking in particular, but I haven't heard too many complaints. Most people, I'd even be willing to say, like this hectic feel. It gives the game an initial life with which to meet people, play together, and etc. Starting out in an area that's empty and desolate because all the experienced players are already deep into the game, would cause many to quit very soon, I would think.
As to the Dredge, I wasn't saying they were in the Northern Shiverpeaks, but north of them, and south of the Far Shiverpeaks, as the way I was reading the Movement, I thought the Dredge held control over all of the Dwarven territory in the Shiverpeaks and fought the Norn to keep them out. However, it does seem likely that, being an underground race, the Dredge would control it, but not be roaming above-ground in packs, thus allowing the Norn to seize some of the old Dwarven forts as homesteads.
As to the Dredge, I wasn't saying they were in the Northern Shiverpeaks, but north of them, and south of the Far Shiverpeaks, as the way I was reading the Movement, I thought the Dredge held control over all of the Dwarven territory in the Shiverpeaks and fought the Norn to keep them out. However, it does seem likely that, being an underground race, the Dredge would control it, but not be roaming above-ground in packs, thus allowing the Norn to seize some of the old Dwarven forts as homesteads.
Konig Des Todes
Leon, you forget, the Movement of the World specifically state that the Norn control former Dwarven structures as well as the Dredge. The former dwarven (deldrimor and stone summit).
Anyways, regarding the starting point. Nowadays, I don't hear complaints, when NF first came out, I heard constant complaints in Great Sunspear Hall. And I never said the starting point should be desolate. Heck, the fact that it is a starting point makes certain that it will not be desolate. Even take a game like Perfect World, where the starting point is away from a major town, the starting area is filled with WTB/S/T's. So it wouldn't matter if the starting point is at a major town or not, people will congregate at the starting spot.
Also, I never said that starting places should not be at a major town. What I said is that all races should not start in a single spot.
(Side note: Technically, NF's starting spot is the first mission, not Kamadan).
Anyways, regarding the starting point. Nowadays, I don't hear complaints, when NF first came out, I heard constant complaints in Great Sunspear Hall. And I never said the starting point should be desolate. Heck, the fact that it is a starting point makes certain that it will not be desolate. Even take a game like Perfect World, where the starting point is away from a major town, the starting area is filled with WTB/S/T's. So it wouldn't matter if the starting point is at a major town or not, people will congregate at the starting spot.
Also, I never said that starting places should not be at a major town. What I said is that all races should not start in a single spot.
(Side note: Technically, NF's starting spot is the first mission, not Kamadan).
Gmr Leon
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Originally Posted by Konig Des Todes
Leon, you forget, the Movement of the World specifically state that the Norn control former Dwarven structures as well as the Dredge. The former dwarven (deldrimor and stone summit).
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Konig Des Todes
Quote? I already quoted! Musta been cause the page switched so fast. >_>
Ew-quoting:
Dwarven forts=Dwarven structures. Forts are structures.
Ew-quoting:
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Originally Posted by Movement of the World;Norn
An elder dragon of ice and snow arose in the farthest northern peaks, driving even the most stalwart hunters south into Dwarven lands. There they found abandoned Dwarven forts and a new challenge in the form of the Dredge, the old nemeses of the Dwarves, now almost unrecognizable from the primitive, frightened creatures of the past.
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Gmr Leon
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Originally Posted by Konig Des Todes
Dwarven forts=Dwarven structures. Forts are structures.
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draxynnic
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Originally Posted by Konig Des Todes
I would say the beginning of Asura would be at the (in GW1) ruined temple where you end the quest "O Brave New World" - as Rata Sum was a quickly made location, the temple, imo, would make a better home for a bright light-hating race.
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Regarding the Norn... I would probably consider the prime candidates to be the Dwarven settlements in what we considered to be the north before GWEN: Yak's Bend, Beacon's Perch, Grooble's Gulch (aka Frost Gate outpost), Krok's Hollow, and other Dwarven settlements we come across with names unknown.
Alternatively, the Norn/Dredge distribution might not be be geographic but vertical - as has been stated, after all, the Dredge are an underground-dwelling race by nature. It's possible that the Norn have occupied those Dwarven outposts that don't have any major connection to the underground, while the Dredge control all the former mining locations (including Sorrow's Furnace and Iron Horse Mine) and viciously defend a wide area around them to ward off the risk of being enslaved again. In short, there's no well-defined boundary (on the surface, anyway) - instead, there are pockets where anything non-Dredge is immediately set upon by dozens of mole-men.
Under this consideration, I'd probably expect a Norn starting area to be around Grooble's Gulch - close enough to Iron Horse for the Dredge to be a threat without it being the main Dredge population centre (which is probably SF) with Kryta and Charr-occupied Ascalon close enough to reach post-tutorial. This depends on just how far the Ice Dragon's minions have reached, however - if that's close to the front line, somewhere next-door to Sorrow's Furnace might actually be a better choice, while the Northern Shiverpeaks is a higher-level zone featuring a Dredge/Norn/Dragon threeway.
Konig Des Todes
Regarding the Norn/Dredge, there are also the Avicara Tengu and the Modniir/Shiverpeak (I think they are the same tribe) Centaurs. So instead of it being just Norn vs Dredge and Norn vs Dredge vs Dragon, it would be Norn vs Dredge vs Tengu in Southern and Norn vs Centaur vs Dredge vs Dragon in the North/Middle.
Mordakai
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Originally Posted by GmrLeon
Eh, you're both talking about the areas being busy or hectic as downsides for it to be a starting location. However, I found Ascalon City pretty busy when I started the game, and I'd say Shing Jea Monastery is pretty busy, and I know Kamadan is very busy. I haven't been looking in particular, but I haven't heard too many complaints. Most people, I'd even be willing to say, like this hectic feel. It gives the game an initial life with which to meet people, play together, and etc. Starting out in an area that's empty and desolate because all the experienced players are already deep into the game, would cause many to quit very soon, I would think.
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Another thing to consider is how persistent areas will change the whole feel of the game. No longer will the only activity be in towns and outposts, for the first time we will be socializing in actual "gameplay" areas.
Which brings up another question: Do you think high level characters will be allowed into the starting areas?
Konig Des Todes
allowed into the starting areas? I see no reason why not. Perfect World (just like my above example) allows even low levels to the high-level areas. You just die very fast. 
I don't see why high levels wouldn't be allowed in low level areas, especially since GW1 doesn't do that. Party'ing with low levels is another story though.
I don't see why high levels wouldn't be allowed in low level areas, especially since GW1 doesn't do that. Party'ing with low levels is another story though.
Mordakai
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Originally Posted by Konig Des Todes
allowed into the starting areas? I see no reason why not. Perfect World (just like my above example) allows even low levels to the high-level areas. You just die very fast.
I don't see why high levels wouldn't be allowed in low level areas, especially since GW1 doesn't do that. |
I was thinking GW2 might have a similar mechanic, but it might not, and be more like the later chapters.
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Originally Posted by Konig Des Todes
Party'ing with low levels is another story though.
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Sordrax
What I'm most curious about is the fact that everyone has already selected the races. I know from what literature that has been provided in magazines and EoTN that the 5 races featured were a taste. It clearly states and leaves the reader to figure out what races will be playable. Anet has a nice history of throwing monkie wrenches in the works. SO... that being said, perhaps other races will be involved. Sure you got the taste of 'SOME' of the new races that will be playable in GW2, but did we see all of them? Tengu, Centaurs, Dredge...Anet may still have a trick up their sleaves yet.
Konig Des Todes
The races that people say will be in GW2 will be in GW2. And yes, more races are possible. It was said that the only confirmed races are Asura, Charr, Human, Norn, and Sylvari. But that doesn't mean there couldn't be Centaur or Tengu - for instance. And many people, like myself, are hoping for more.
It is not something that is out of the question, and everyone knows this.
*Why do people insist on repeating the things other said countless times? Eventually, it starts getting annoying. >_>*
It is not something that is out of the question, and everyone knows this.
*Why do people insist on repeating the things other said countless times? Eventually, it starts getting annoying. >_>*
Free Runner
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Originally Posted by Sordrax
What I'm most curious about is the fact that everyone has already selected the races. I know from what literature that has been provided in magazines and EoTN that the 5 races featured were a taste. It clearly states and leaves the reader to figure out what races will be playable. Anet has a nice history of throwing monkie wrenches in the works. SO... that being said, perhaps other races will be involved. Sure you got the taste of 'SOME' of the new races that will be playable in GW2, but did we see all of them? Tengu, Centaurs, Dredge...Anet may still have a trick up their sleaves yet.
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We cant really talk about the starting areas or paths of races that are not even confirmed to be playable...which is why we're sticking to the known five races.
draxynnic
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Originally Posted by Konig Des Todes
The races that people say will be in GW2 will be in GW2. And yes, more races are possible. It was said that the only confirmed races are Asura, Charr, Human, Norn, and Sylvari. But that doesn't mean there couldn't be Centaur or Tengu - for instance. And many people, like myself, are hoping for more.
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But yes, those five have been confirmed, but ANet are keeping their options open when it comes to adding more.
Robbeh The Mad
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Originally Posted by GmrLeon
Eh, you're both talking about the areas being busy or hectic as downsides for it to be a starting location. However, I found Ascalon City pretty busy when I started the game, and I'd say Shing Jea Monastery is pretty busy, and I know Kamadan is very busy. I haven't been looking in particular, but I haven't heard too many complaints. Most people, I'd even be willing to say, like this hectic feel. It gives the game an initial life with which to meet people, play together, and etc. Starting out in an area that's empty and desolate because all the experienced players are already deep into the game, would cause many to quit very soon, I would think.
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Benderama
hey sorry if anyone's already posted these ideas D:
ASURA: they could start underground since so far in GW we always start in a training area, whatever happened to that first cavern in EN?
NORN: since they were driven into the southern shiverpeaks (is that right?) they could start at yak's bend? although Boreal station would be a really good starting place is think ^^;
i dunno if this would make it so complicated the whole tutorial process would be very confusing but, could each race have more than 1 starting area? since there are humans in ebonhawke and kryta? isn't kryta supposed to have lots of different races living there?
ASURA: they could start underground since so far in GW we always start in a training area, whatever happened to that first cavern in EN?
NORN: since they were driven into the southern shiverpeaks (is that right?) they could start at yak's bend? although Boreal station would be a really good starting place is think ^^;
i dunno if this would make it so complicated the whole tutorial process would be very confusing but, could each race have more than 1 starting area? since there are humans in ebonhawke and kryta? isn't kryta supposed to have lots of different races living there?