Guild Wars 2 Lore: The World

[@WordsOfTheTeacher]

Watching this video again for nostalgia and almost as a sort of time capsule, and man does it take me back! 3:10 it's kind of funny to hear this now, with a world map that DOES show not only Elona and Cantha, but much, much more. And both of those regions can now be visited in game

[@RPGOmen]

The war in Ascalon -- for those who want a little more depth -- was a complicated one. The Charr were constantly defeated by the humans until they used Forbidden Magic to cause a cataclysm, thus destroying the city. So the Flame Legion won against Ascalon, but in the actual story, the Humans defeat the Charr and their "Gods" (the ones that granted them the ability to cast said cataclysm) in the war during the events throughout the game. So Ascalon lost against the Flame Legion, but the Humans ultimately won against the Charr. After their Victory, Lt. Thackery and Gwen Thackery (ancestors of Logan Thackery) settled down into what is now known as Ebon Hold. By their actions (and the actions of your Hero), the Charr were freed from the Flame Legion's Influence -- their leaders and gods were defeated by a small band of humans -- and they founded what is known as the Black Citadel. The Ebon Vanguard didn't have the numbers to take back Ascalon -- and it was in ruins, anyway. Not to mention, they (the leaders of the Ebon) probably didn't really want to now that the true evil behind the charr was defeated and a small amount of respect was shown to the few Charr who wanted freedom and helped them usurp the Flame Legion. Settling their own city seemed like the best thing to do. During the events of the Eye of the North (detailed above), it is presumed (I don't know the exact timelime) that the Flame Legion overwhelmed the remnants of Ascalon (those who did not follow Prince Rurik to Kryta), thus making the king release what would be known as the Foe Fire. This might've also weakened the Flame Legion enough for the forces up north to conquer the Flame Legion. The remnants of the Charr moved into the ruins thereafter, seeking new leadership and new lives. I believe it is then when the new leadership -- led by those who assisted the Ebon Vanguard -- banned the consumption of human flesh (there is a story regarding one of the main characters of GW1 almost being consumed by a charr when they were a child). Or it might've been Rytlock later on. Not 100% on this. Irregardless, the Flame Legion still had a blighting presence on the world, and likely became antagonists to both the new Charr Nation and the humans of Ebon Hold over the next two hundred and fifty years.

[@joshuabadach543]

This is lightly explained in the novel "Ghost of Ascalon" if anyone is interested in reading it.

[@Art2D2]

This is the lore I remember from when I played GW1 all those years ago. And it feels good to go down memory lane from this comment alone.

[@gabrielfoxok]

So, i've been playing the elder scrolls series for many years and currently playing Elder Scrolls Online pretty much every day, i love the lore of that series. I started playing GW2 couple of days ago for the first time ever and was amazed by the sheer amount of things to see and do in the world and it seemed there was quite of history i needed to catch up on, since i'm a new player so HUGE THANK YOU for this. Always love reading about the lore of the games i play. Anyways this game is amazing. Cheers! 👏👏👏

[@77wolfblade]

same here! cant wait to try it out!

[@nirau]

Same here. And i also very much like TES series, for lore especially. I've been playing GW2 a few days and it's truly amazing, feel of adventure lies ahead.

[@kirapyromantic4431]

I feel like it's so hard to dig at the lore in GW2 compared to ESO

[@Dallo422]

I remember when this first came out, I was in my first year of university, and I would sit and listen to this during my part-time job. How the time flies. Thank you WP for all the wonderful content you've given us over the years

[@NUSensei]

This is an amazing summary of the lore. This video alone is a wonderful retrospective.

[@shibukamiya8428]

Wh. Why are you here??

[@jouy859]

i’m back to watching these videos because Cantha is confirmed as the 3rd expansion

[@Nafeess98]

The moment you mentioned Zhaitan, i’ve got this flashbacks of the journey fighting him, Modremmoth, Palawa Joko, Balthazar, Kralkatorik and now... Jormag. And ANet is about to release Cantha... Man.... what a journey 😊

[@chiyodinplays5753]

"Part one: The world" Ohh how many times I've listened to this over the years. I want to thank you WoodenPotatoes for this playlist. I've listened to this playlist more times then I can count while I play GW2. Best lore video playlist imo. :)

[@WoodenPotatoes]

Yeah, Primordus doesn't impact the surface world as much as the others - so he gets a mention but not a specific paragraph. He is there, though!

[@jonclendenen1815]

As a new GW2 player, this is awesome to watch.

[@kompotDestroyer]

Thanks for the story playlist !

[@WoodenPotatoes]

+kompotDestroyer Np!!

[@williamverheijen5450]

Was wondering if there are still people actively playing the OG Guildwars, starting to get back into it but don't want to do it alone. Would u like to CO-OP?

[@hyydyke]

This is so far the most informative and clear explanation at the same time that I've seen on the subject. Really clears things out to a person who hasn't played the original Guild Wars "completely through" or has played only a few campaigns halfway or so. Will be waiting for the next part, definitely. :) Nice work!

[@llamasrockmore]

I cant bloody wait to spend hours even days exploring every inch of Tyria.

[@NanoByteGhost]

I am completely new to guild wars but know how much extra enjoyment can be extracted from a game when the player knows the lore. So thank you very much mate, I truly appreciate the effort you went too here.

[@MonkyTales91]

This was the first video of WP that ive seen. It was thanks to this video that made me to check his channel on monthly basis, weekly since LS S2 and daily since the anouncement of HoT! I am not the type of person that posts reactions so ive really made the decision to take some time to write a nice reaction on the first video of WP ive seen. Dear WP, Thank you very much for your efforts, although im not a hardcore follower of your channel, you do provide fun videos and I enjoy watching them! It is also thanks to you and the Lore series that 2 of my friends are playing gw2! Now I want to thank you and I will buy HoT via one of your links in the recent videos of HoT. I consider myself as a huge GW fan and also know a lot about the lore, however, you are out of my league which makes watching your videos so much fun because there is often something new for me! Nobody knows your real name, but I guess its gotta be Durmand! (hinthint :D) I hope you can and will continue making videos as long as you will love to do it! Oh and dont forget to enjoy HoT!

[@Ouchfish]

I just discovered this channel and can already tell this series/playlist is going to be incredible. I was originally searching for GW1 back story/lore, but was disappointed when I couldn't find much of quality. I kept passing over this video because GW2 was in the title. Glad I finally click on it. Maybe adding GW1 somewhere in the title could help your discoverability, since you also cover the important GW1 bits in your series.

[@nickpass]

Wonderful...I finally know what's going on in game. Thanks so much

[@TheDJswordgames]

I cannot express to you how much I enjoy all of your videos and i know this series summing up the lore is fantastic. I am slowly making my way through your full play through of the first game and I am loving it. Thanks again for all this effort you have put into making these, Great Job.

[@MrTheMachoMan]

Please cover the lore of Heart of Thorns :D

[@csgillarjag]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU This is what i've always wanted, a chain of videos connecting all of guild wars lore ! Thank you, keep up the good work man and hope to see you in game! Much love from Sweden !

[@Mrjackcool2]

2:00 "Elona" Hmmm... Hmmm, Oooh! ELONA. WERE GOIN THERE IN THE EXPANSION. AAAAAAAAHAWHOOOOO

[@kreidas]

Thank you so much for this! A Vet GW1 player here, definitely impressed on how much of a description you have explained. Keep up the good work!

[@aliciavivi2147]

If the universe is infinite, then Tyria exists somewhere out there...

[@WoodenPotatoes]

Somewhere..

[@stalkingpedrochannel]

this is so true

[@thorntamer3113]

Wow. WoodenPotatoes responding to comments on a video he made 5 YEARS AGO. I think that's awesome! I love all the work you do WP. Please keep it up. Looking forward to lore speculation from Flashpoint. And can't wait to see what happens in the upcoming expansion!

[@alchemxstxavier5225]

Tyria does exist out there. Humans are not native to earth. There is much about Tyria that reflects our own world. Inner earth etc...

[@aliciavivi2147]

Wow I wasn't expecting to see my comment here lol

[@RockcrabOnShiva]

This is the right way to do lore! This was so entertaining and I got a boat load of information. It ended and I went, "Awwwww, it's over already." Keep up the great work!

[@CrOzZtheBozZ]

Would be so cool if they put Elona or Canta into gw2 but this will probably not happen ;(

[@zoomzoomkaboom]

Won't it? :)

[@j.brandonpaine6365]

Elona is playable now in path of fire

[@brunogouvea2906]

Coming from the future to tell you: It’s Happening!!

[@Blackcivicsi1]

I come back and watch this entire series everytime a new expansion is slotted for release. It gets me hyped up. Thanks WP

[@tn9711]

How did the Dwarves become extinct?

[@mekosoro4130]

+Aatrox Sagitarius They are not really extinct. They became "the great dwarf". There flesh was exchanged with stone and their thoughts were replaced by a hivemind and they now fight underground to stop the army of Primordus from reaching the surface. There is one last dwarf in Tyria. You can find him in a secret area of the Durmand Priory. His name is Ogden Stonehealer.

[@tn9711]

+Mekosoro It would be cool if they will add it as another race

[@tn9711]

+Aatrox Sagitarius That is playable

[@lilnataku]

This was extremely cool, thx for making a visual for all your discussions I've heard thus far. Brings new life to what you have already explained in the past

[@Quantumtalesxx]

This is the best and most informative description of the GW lore. I've been looking for this for a long time now. Cheers!!

[@dianepf1016]

Aw man, that music brought back memories. None of this info is new to those who played the first Guild Wars games, but extremely helpful to those just starting in GW2.

[@cvrc11]

I LOVE that all the little annotations and pictures are in New Krytan! Brilliant idea!

[@Fabiannorrby]

I didn't think i could be more intrested in the game, but your videos totaly hooked me on the lore side of things. can't wait for more videos, good job!

[@x-ileelegance619]

*slow applause* dude....just.....woah....impressive, im just speechless right now after getting a glimpse of your knowledge. Thank you man, so friggin much!

[@PossumGaming]

This is by far one of the best pieces on Guild Wars 2. Thank you for this fantastic contribution to the community. Such an informative and incredibly great video. Keep it up!

[@LordNefas]

That was an amazing watch, thank you for that. I have been a GW player off and on for 6 years. The lore and stories never cease to amaze me. Both myself and now my son are looking forward to GW2

[@BloodiedShingle]

Nicely done. I had not one clue about the Guild Wars setting before this, despite being interested in the game and a bit of a lore nerd when it comes to other games. The presentation is clear and easy to follow. Kudos.

[@dilipbs1066]

Dude, been playing a lot of games since so many years and this lore series is definitely THE best i've seen on youtube.

[@Jubanen12]

I was a little hesitant to watch this video 'cause most of the time I don't care about game lore.. but when it started and I realized how full the video is packed with interesting info I couldn't help but like it... VERY well done man, 10/10 lol

[@PrimordialKitten]

I loved all of the bits of New Krytan scattered about! Keep it up, this series is awesome!

[@boggbill]

I love your GW videos about lore and mysteries. I've watched all of them and i hope that you will continue with the last videos that you didn't done yet. I'm talking about "250 years", The great Dwarf and Destroyers. Please continue those because i really like the way you present everything and i've red so much about lore in wiki that i prefer now to just watch your videos instead. Keep up the good work!

[@Nesterfesterbester]

Very impressive. Great job. I've been playing GW1 for about 4 years now and even I learned a couple of things. I'll be watching more of you.

[@gilium125]

Potatoes! I found your channel a while back and have been enjoying your countdown videos a lot, as I've been looking forward to GW2 a great deal. I've heard a lot about the great story and lore behind Guild Wars from friends, and I've been starting to feel cheated that I never played the original game. Then I find out you've been doing these lore synopsis videos, and I'm really excited to watch them. Keep putting up these great videos!

[@cyberthopp]

I'm amazed by your knowledge of the history and lore of the game and the fact that you have a really good narrative voice. Keep up the good work!

[@miggyboiboi]

I have always been a BIG fan of the lore of Guild Wars, and this is video is GREAT. Keep it up! I'm already introducing it to my friends who might be playing Guild Wars 2 but never played Guild Wars. Absolutely enjoyed it and loved it. Great, GREAT job man. :) Can't wait for Part 3 and the other parts! I hope you finish it before the release of Guild Wars 2! :D

[@yngvildrthevoracious]

Thank you a lot for your time ! I didn't feel like playing GW1 in full (finding a guild and stuff for the instances) to know the full story. This is really helpful.

[@Make_It_So]

I have been looking forward to you starting your lore series. If this first part is any indication, we have a fantastic journey ahead. Thank you very much.

[@Kiva999]

I have had GW2 (and the original GW no expansions though) since it launched but I didn't play and delve in until I started watching your videos. You have made GW2 so much more interesting and engaging. So thank you for your content.

[@FierceArc]

Thanks for this. I'm just starting out with Guild Wars lore, so it's nice to know the story behind the gameplay. It makes the gaming experience much more satisfying for me.

[@chicano79us]

Here I was thinking I was going to watch a lore video but oh my. Absolutely amazing video along with part 2. Wonderful. Thank you for taking the time to make them.

[@waxon_baron]

This was fantastic! I only played the initial release of GW1 and this is the perfect reintroduction. Your videos are the best.

[@VII_Spiritual]

Hope you're well, thank you for these videos. They made my experience in GW2 memorable and enjoyable. Tyria seemed so massive at the beginning, the lore videos you made helped me understand and have context as to what was happening and why. Hope you're well and hope you plan to make lore videos for whatever game you move on to.

[@Burninwill]

So incredible, so well done, I enjoyed this more than the starting videos of gw2! I haven't been able to get the willpower needed to finish gw1 before I get into gw2 but thanks to your series I'll be fine for lore! Thanks again.

[@Rugaar]

Hi WoodenPotatoes. TB just sent me to your channel. I have been casually following GW2 over a few months, and after watching your video my excitement level has quadrupled for this game and its story, when I didn't think it could get more exciting. The quality of your video has amazed me, it really is such a pleasure to watch, thank so you much for making these. It's 2am here and I am setting aside the rest of the night to watch as many more videos of yours as I can! +Subbed! Big kudos to you

[@NecroTechs]

Wow. Truly amazing.... I'm new to the Guild Wars Universe coming into the game's sequal. However, I'm very much interested in learning all the lore I can in games I play, and even moreso with this one in particular. I cannot overstate how amazing this series of videos is. I've told all my friends about them and we've watched them several times. You're extremely talented and I hope you finish them soon! Subscribed! :)

[@Rebstorm]

Just wanted to say thanks for the videos, you put so much effort into letting people like me (who have never played Guild Wars original series) understand and experience lore I would have otherwise missed.

[@Ylltimate]

Thanks man. I started playing Aion recently and a lot of what's said in Dead But Dreaming comes back in the game. Every myth/legend is basically based on the same thing, just with different names and details.

[@StopTakingMyName2]

Very good job, loved the artwork and the way you told us the info, and a slow but not too slow manner, It's really top notch quality right there. A million thumbs up (if i could)

[@Rozonkomo]

This is amazingly well done, positively inspiring quality! Please continue this post-haste, I simply cannot wait for more. I feel like these help me understand the lore a lot more than just reading the wiki, or the guild wars homepage and fanpages.

[@alexanderlloyd4336]

This is brilliant. These videos really illuminate the lore that can become easy to miss in-game.

[@mirarift]

Wow! You have a great way of putting things and events into perspective. This will enrich my GW2 experience by understanding pieces of landscape that were considered decorative, into meaningful archeology.

[@zelgriever]

I love this, Potatoes! Here I thought I knew something about the game's story, but you taught me some things that I didnt know. I can't wait to watch more of this series! Please keep up the good work, whenever you can.

[@PixlatedCheeze]

gosh this gives me shivers,i remember GW1 but it was soo long ago ive practicly forgot all this.

[@62Roybe]

So much awsomesauce in this series so far, it's amazing! Please keep up the work!

[@wil0whisper]

Fantastic :D I have several friends who are interested in the game but know nothing of the lore, and we're slowly working our way through playing GW (emphasis on slowly), so these are going to be perfect for them :) Can't wait for the next one!

[@Shiina42]

This video was seriously great, it's was interesting to watch and very informative for those not knowing anything about the series. Thank you for making these, I look forward to seeing more in the future. :)

[@JazzLafayette]

It's a testament to how well put-together this is that the biggest gripe I have is a superfluous "c" in Kralkatorrik. My credibility may be shot, however, given that you threw my favorite GW1 composition (Over the Shiverpeaks) in there. Awesome, great, wonderful job, man.

[@Origolio]

I can't think of a better Guild Wars 2 video. This is just epic in every way.

[@Kernog]

Thanks for these videos. GW2's lore is one of the more interesting lores I know : detailled, coherent and non-sterotypical. Every race has its goods and bads, and there is no "evil" race. For instance, not every Charr is some kind of bloodthirsty warrior. When visiting their capital, you can meet traders and clerks, visit a school, and even speak to a lawyer, the last kind of people one can expect in this place. The Charrs are my favourite race, for these reasons and many others.

[@popopopbubblegum]

Thanks for these lore vids Wooden Potatoes! It's pretty interesting learning about these things. I wish the game had an easy to access compendium of lore, but as there's none, this is a really nice substitute. Those mini icons at the lower left are quite amusing as well xD

[@Charathlie]

Different planets? I've been with the game for what...6 years now? You learn something new everyday, thanks man!

[@markorius]

This was fantastically put together. I have been looking forward to these video's even though I know almost everything already.

[@gpcovenant]

Best video series yet. Keep up the great work. Much appreciated

[@99bulldog]

Very nice man, one of your best videos. I will definately recommend this link to anyone who wants more information about lore on GW2.

[@Splincir]

Thanks for doing this. My wife enjoyed it and it helped her tremendously. I really want to catch her up as she hasnt played guild wars 1 but is really interested in the lore of Guild Wars. Shes already addicted to GW2 as am I and would love to see more of these. I know you do a ton but it would be amazing if these were done by release. Anyway great job. Even I learned a few things. Look forward to more. If you need someone to do art I may be able to help. Would be worth it to see the rest done

[@Drewxor]

Wooow, this is so amazing Woody! I was expecting a lot and it surpassed those expectations by miles. So excited to see the parts to come!!!

[@Designs12934y1]

Great video! =) I will admit when I saw it was under 10 minutes I thought to myself, "We waited this long for this?" ... And then I saw the artwork and knew why! Best video yet. Great sound, great story, and great art work. Cant wait for the other ones =D!

[@Mobski4ever]

Thank you again Wooden, for another great video! Quality AND Quantity is the two words to describe your channel/videos

[@IsisGebnut]

Aw man, so love your videos. Been looking forward to this series. Looks like you have a nice series lined up. Thanks so much

[@Hornet85]

Thanks man. I've never played GW before, but now I'm getting into GW2 with no any background information about GW universe. This video is helpful

[@DirectAim]

Finally, been waiting for this for ages, your a credit to the awesome GW Community!!!

[@SmellsVishy]

Every few months I come back to these old playlists to remind me why I love this game's world building. And your videos always keep me interested in the game - even more than the gameplay despite it being amazing. Thank you so much for all those years full of content WP!

[@Ghost-lt4sf]

Rewatching in Quarantine 2020. Always love to come back to these videos

[@NeoAnnubis]

Nice job on this xD My brother and I were planning on playing through GW1 again and recording key parts of it when we did our retelling of the lore.

[@starbuckzero]

really, really awesome start for this series, can't wait for the next episodes!

[@BarFight]

Ill try and help answer some of your questions. 1. The game map is very large, we do not have the full grasp of the actual distance on the entire map as of yet since most of the areas are inaccessible. (walking only, as of right now, no mounts are available in game.) 2. Waypoints are a large part of the travel in the game, pay a fee to travel to each point. (in the Charr starting area, it took about 2 hours to cover the zone W to E. (mostly straight lines as well.) Hope that helps! Have Fun!

[@redhuntero]

this was utterly fantastic such a good way to clarify everything covered so far whilst teaching newcomers everything

[@Archiopterixx]

Known about you for a while, but subbing after this. Top notch video/series.

[@LazyJones1]

This is EXACTLY what I was looking for. Awesome effort, wonderfully put together, and a good voice for it as well. - Subscribed.

[@dennis20014]

Love it man! I'm glad someone made this. Gives me a refresh of the whole game just in time for release!

[@theredviola]

You, sir, are a gentlemen and a scholar (well, game scholar). I thank you for this video and this video series. I gained interest in Guild Wars because of GW2. There's a LOT to read and adsorb and have been wanting someone to make (basically) a "TL;DR" video. Thank-you!

[@Xaielao2]

Wow.. that was fantastic. This needs a few thousand more views. It's up on r/guild wars 2, that should help. Fantastic job on this one WP. Perfect for the potential hordes of people new to the guild wars universe to sink their teeth into and get a crash course on the history and lore of Kryta. :) Really looking forward to the next one.

[@WilBCE]

I am very much one of those people who want to play Guild Wars 2 and is very interested in the lore but has not played the first game. I really appreciate this video and I can't wait for more.

[@nathanielpiano]

Wow, this is awesome man. Keep these up--you did incredibly well with this. I love your use of the original guild wars music to effectively compliment the different areas as you talk about them. You kept this well paced and well scripted. Great use of pictures too--it was all so well put together. Looking forward to the next one :)

[@Ravmunken]

Really great video! worth the wait without a doubt, and the ending screen made me shiver of excitement! Hope this goes well for you, really want you to get the recognition you deserve :)

[@MrGustaphe]

I played GW1 for a loong time. If I remember correctly I managed to get the title of Legendary Cartographer, among others. This video still taught me things.

[@7F0X7]

I read the wiki and trying to imagine all those convoluted names for the places in the game and the major names was next to impossible but these vids make it easy to understand because the names of people and places are put into immediate context with all the pictures and narrative. Mr. Potatoes does such a great job with these vids that Nigel Planar would be proud. (potatoes sounds just like a younger version of him)

[@WoodenPotatoes]

Oh how awesome of them! I'll head on over and say thanks, love their podcasts.

[@Dennyhaynes]

Stunning, simply stunning. Fantastic high class production.

[@Graymoths]

Well put together, around the 8 minute mark you could also add a little trivia about how the Asura were forced to flee to the surface by the minions of Primordus

[@BlazeXIssashixXx]

Short, sweet, and to the point, I like it. Thank you totalbuscuit for showing me this channel :D