The Bear Necessities: Insights into the Lowland Kodan and the Tale of Janthir Wilds

Hello there! This is MMOPILOT, the Narrative Lead for Guild Wars 2: Janthir Wilds, along with Chloë, the Story Design Lead for the expansion. We’re excited to give you a sneak peek at the overarching story of Guild Wars 2: Janthir Wilds as we prepare for its launch next month.

The story of Guild Wars 2: Janthir Wilds is rich with lore and intrigue, spanning both historical and contemporary elements. As we explore the long-awaited region of Janthir, we’ll encounter a diverse array of allies and adversaries, picking up from where Guild Wars 2: Secrets of the Obscure™ left off.

Bridging Guild Wars 2: Secrets of the Obscure

To begin, let’s cast our minds back to the events of last year. Following the conclusion of the dragon cycle, Tyria faced uncertain consequences. As depicted in Guild Wars 2: Secrets of the Obscure, Soo-Won’s demise triggered a powerful surge of magical instability, shattering various magical forces and barriers across Tyria. Aurene swiftly took on the role of filtering these magics, restoring stability, but the repercussions of this power shift are only beginning to unfold.

At the outset of Guild Wars 2: Secrets of the Obscure, the commander found themselves thrust into uncharted territory. The World Spire, a crucial conduit crafted by the wizard Isgarren, fractured in the wake of this event. This spire had stood as one of the few defenses against potential calamity, but it took just moments for beings from a parallel realm to breach its weakened state. Thus, the commander became embroiled in the long-standing conflict between the Astral Ward and the Kryptis.

Through the course of Guild Wars 2: Secrets of the Obscure, the commander aided the Astral Ward in rescuing the Wizard’s Court and toppling the malevolent Kryptis king, Eparch. While the battle against the Kryptis was won, there remains much to uncover about our newfound wizardly allies. The Astral Ward has proven a steadfast ally with noble intentions, yet questions linger about their motives—especially concerning their enigmatic leader, Isgarren. They provided aid when needed, but why did they delay their involvement? And what about the fractal troubles?

Returning to the present, as the commander—now known as the wayfinder—confronted Eparch in Nayos, the threat posed by the Kryptis did not escape Tyria’s notice. Indeed, the danger was keenly felt, prompting discussions among nations. At the start of Guild Wars 2: Janthir Wilds, the commander receives an invitation to the inaugural meeting of the Tyrian Alliance—an assembly with strong opinions regarding the latest demonic incursions. After enduring so much turmoil, Tyria’s tolerance for destruction is wearing thin.

While we’ll keep some of the finer details of the Tyrian Alliance under wraps for now—including the impressive array of guest appearances—the alliance serves not only to direct the player’s new mission but also to illustrate Tyria’s development beyond the main narrative path. What developments are unfolding in the wider world? How does progress fare amidst our adventures?

The Greater Janthir Region

One outcome of this initial Tyrian Alliance summit is the dispatch of the commander and a select team of allies into the perilous wilds of Janthir, situated just north of Divinity’s Reach beyond the Krytan border. Our primary objective is to establish diplomatic ties with a small group of kodan known as the lowlanders. Initially cautious, these kodan eventually welcome us into their village, offering insights into their culture as we explore the Lowland Shore (which we’ll delve into shortly!).

Later in the narrative, our journey leads deeper into Janthir, taking us to the islands themselves. This bay holds a history steeped in bloodshed and sorrow, previously avoided for good reason. We know Saul and the fledgling White Mantle sought something here, departing with an Eye of Janthir. Other notable figures have ventured into the region as well. On our first stop, Janthir Syntri, we’ll begin unraveling the tragic past behind Gavril’s ruined village.

But before we proceed, let’s pause for a moment to appreciate one crucial detail: bears.

The Lowland Kodan

One of the most compelling aspects we’ve explored is the emergence of the lowland kodan, a new faction that has made Janthir their home across generations. Despite the region’s harsh and hostile environment, these kodan are skilled survivors who have carved out a comfortable—and at times, even cozy—existence. From infancy, all lowlanders are trained in combat and survival tactics. The wayfinder will spend considerable time in Janthir learning from—and about—the lowlanders, who have much wisdom to impart.

Isolated from their northern kodan kin for generations and adapting to a markedly different environment, the lowlanders exhibit distinct cultural traits. Perhaps most notably, their spiritual beliefs diverge from those of other kodan. While northern kodan revere Koda’s will and seek balance, lowland kodan hold reverence for the environment itself and their role as stewards of the land. Rather than viewing themselves as chosen guardians, lowlanders see their duty as maintaining balance in a challenging environment where survival demands more than it gives.

These distinctions extend throughout their society. Kodan leadership traditionally comprises a Voice, the spiritual mouthpiece of Koda, and a Claw, the physical protector. However, the lowland kodan have a single leader, known as the Claw—a feature of their society rooted in ancient tradition. The Claw’s leadership is balanced by a council representing key roles within the village, offering perspectives and guidance.

As the wayfinder earns the trust of the lowland kodan and delves deeper into their culture, we’ll uncover more about their history and their role as Janthir’s inhabitants.

Heading North to Janthir

Tyria stands at the dawn of a new era, where nations must unite on a global scale. While the seeds of alliance were sown in response to the Elder Dragons, the need for unity persists beyond their threat. As new dangers emerge, alliances forged now may prove crucial. What better place to begin than with our neighbors? If we can earn the lowland kodan’s trust and persuade them of the value in joining the global dialogue, they could become invaluable allies.

We’re thrilled to share these initial insights into the narrative of Guild Wars 2: Janthir Wilds! There’s a wealth of existing lore and history to explore and expand upon with new characters and stories. We can’t wait for you to experience it all!

Pre-purchasing any edition of Guild Wars 2: Janthir Wilds before the expansion launches will grant you the “Homesteader” title, Whispering Serpents Pauldrons skin, and a choice of one Serpent’s Wrath weapon skin.