Ascalon: "You won't be back for a while..."

Hi everyone. Just signed up after buying GW over the weekend. From what I gather, there's something called "the searing" that'll take place in Ascalon City, right? I've gotten to the point where I can accept the quest in Ascalon City and the guy says "are you sure you want to go, you might not be back for a while" but I'm hesitant to accept this one yet. What exactly does "not coming back for a while" entail? Will I just be barred from Ascalon City for a bit, or is will that whole area (Ascalaon City, Ashford, the manor, etc.) blocked off?

m19

That means after you go through the Academy, you won't be able to come back to the city as you know it. The pre-searing part is kind of introduction to the following parts. I would suggest to wait until lvl 6-7, do as much quests as you can, it will be easier afterward.

I did the academy at lvl 5, and I had tough time afterward.

So it's just the city itself that changes? How about when I accept, does that then put me in the academy and locks out any and all other quests until I'm done in the academy?

m19

I agree with Boubou. What Sir Tydus is referring to is joining the Academy, and upon completing that mission a major world event occurs which changes the face of the game and main starting town (Ascalon). Once you join the Academy and the game changes, you cannot go back. Players commonly refer to the before and after of this event as "pre-sear" and "post-sear".

I just entered Post-Sear, and was lvl 7 when I did. I have found a few mobs that are lvl 5, but most mobs I've run across are a minimum of lvl 8 so I'm glad I did as many quests as I could and waiting until lvl 7 before embarking post-sear.

While you are at the academy the Charr attack and destroy Pre-searing Ascalon. You'll see it in the Cutscenes. Completing the "Path to Glory" quest lands you in Post Searing Ascalon 2 years after you enter the Academy. And NO they don't really explain where you were for those 2 years except to say you were out on patrol (long patrol). Since it has been destroyed you can't go back!

GET all the skills available from trainers for both primary/secondary professions as they are free before the academy and can cost a skill point later after going through the academy

Morgan, post-searing, everything you've seen will change. There's a time lapse of about 2 years, and once you go through with it, you can't go back to the happy green Ascalon.

I didn't talk about the attack.. i was keeping it as a surprise! There was no need of spoiler there!

What spoiler? That info is even in the guide that comes with the game?!?

No worries, I'd gathered as much from the cinematics, people talking in-game, and the boards here. I think it all makes sense now, thanks guys.

m19

I need to find the person to speak with that tells you to go talk to Tydus about joining the academy. I talked to him once, but then I told Tydus I was not ready . Now I am but cannot get Tydus to ask me again!

You cannot get Tydus to ask you again??

Just go up to him and ask.

I was level 9 when I went through