A Dusty Vase – The Last Stand of Hraxian
The most recent discoverable item in the Zskera Vaults is a Dusty Vase.
“A dusty vase, it depicts a dragon fighting what looks like a djaradin, along with some text you can barely make out.”
Veritistrasz’s reaction is quite intriguing. Though he doesn’t tell us the full story, he does explain that the vase depicts the last stand of the Black Dragon Hraxian during a battle with the Djaradin elders.
Voraxian says: Veritistrasz, <name> found a vase. Is it anything special? It has a black dragon fighting a djaradin on it.
Veritistrasz says: Show me… Oh… This vase depicts the last stand of Hraxian, during the final battle with the djaradin elders.
This leads to an option to ask Veritistrasz further details, but the Red Dragon isn’t ready to elaborate quite yet.
Veritistrasz says: It is a sad tale that is worth telling, but not today.
Veritistrasz says: I will need to ready myself if I am to tell it properly.
Voraxian says: I… would also like to hear the tale when you are ready to tell it.
While we don’t know the whole story yet, we do know about the Djaradin Elders from Tarjin’s Tales, and will learn more about them in 10.1. Players may also have noticed the statue of Hraxian that can sometimes be found in the Zskera Vaults – interacting with it reads,
Hraxian – We honor his memory.
Finally, the toy Hraxian’s Unbreakable Will seems to be related to these quests – it will presumably be rewarded at the end of the questline.
Players are also able to ask Veritistrasz about the Djaradin elders, and thank him for his help. In his replies, he mentions how Distyia, the Black Dragon who used to be his best friend and whose name we helped him remember. Apparently, she would have loved this sort of history – a hint, perhaps, that Voraxian may remind Veritistrasz .
Veritistrasz says: Djaradin of unbelievable power. Their mastery over Earth and Fire was incredible, rivalling Neltharion himself.
Veritistrasz says: They united the djaradin armies and cut a bloody swath through dragonkind that still echoes in our numbers today.
Veritistrasz says: Eventually, they were defeated by Neltharion. I know not how, the Earth-Warder was ever secretive.
Thank you for looking at the vase for us, Veritistrasz.
Voraxian says: A shame though, I was hoping we would find something of power in the vaults.
Veritistrasz says: This is history. The kind Distyia would have loved. She would go on about the brush work and glazing. This is… amazing.
Voraxian says: But… I want to help my flight and be a great warrior, as we were in the past.
Voraxian says: I am not as strong as the others, I thought I could find something to make the difference.
After this, players are able to ask Voraxian to elaborate a little further on his comments about wanting to be stronger.
Why do you want to be a great warrior?
Voraxian says: We were monsters in the dark for ten thousand years. I want to show dragonkind we can be useful.
Voraxian says: I need to show we can fight for good. That we have changed.
Voraxian says: We need to regain our legacy; we need regain our strength.
Veritistrasz says: Oh Voraxian… Neltharion had so much strength, look where that led him…
At this point. Veritistrasz has a new dialogue option as well, one that challenges Voraxian’s view that strength matters most.
What do you think is the legacy of the black dragonflight?
Veritistrasz says: Courage, not strength. Before the fall, your flight was known for their courage in all things, not just combat.
Voraxian says: But… What is courage without battle?
Veritistrasz says: Many of the first draconic artists and philosophers were black dragons. They pushed the boundaries of what we knew, what we accepted.
Veritistrasz says: We are a long-lived race, too often we revert to what is comfortable. Distyia used to always show me new experiences and new ideas. That spark is what we need from you.
Veritistrasz’s words have a significant impact on Voraxian, who has one last gossip option for us. The conversation that follows shows just how much Voraxian has grown to appreciate Veritistrasz, who, in turn, seems to genuinely enjoy Voraxian’s company.
Voraxian you seem troubled, what’s wrong?
Voraxian says: In Outland we were so focused on fighting, on beating the gronn. Strength and survival were all that mattered.
Voraxian says: I had not dreamed there was more to us than that.
Voraxian says: You… Think this more valuable than being able to fight?
Veritistrasz says: Sometimes fighting can protect your friends, your family, your way of life.
Veritistrasz says: Changing your way of life though, that requires courageous ideas, challenging the normal everyone has accepted.
Veritistrasz says: Both have value, it is not one or the other.
Voraxian says: I… Thank you. Both of you. I feel like I have had a weight lifted from my shoulders.
Voraxian says: Could… I stay here and listen to a few more tales?
Veritistrasz smiles.
Veritistrasz says: I would like that.
An Odd Round Object – A Talon Toss Ball
The first item players can find after the egg-tending device is an Odd Round Object, which turns out to be a ball from the game played during the world quest Talon Toss: Shooting 101. While the discussion around this isn’t as interesting as the conversations sparked by the dusty vase, it’s still cute to witness the two dragons talking excitedly about the draconic sport.
“This is slightly squishy to the touch, and has three claw holes of roughly drake size.”
Voraxian says: Veritistrasz, have a look at this. It is a small ball, with 3 divots in it. They are clearly intended for small claws, likely drake sized?
Veritistrasz says: Oh, this is quite the find.
Voraxian says: What is it? Some arcane creation of Neltharion? A long lost item of Titanic significance?!
Veritistrasz says: It is an old Lish Llrath training ball.
Voraxian says: Wait… The game they are starting to play in Algeth’ar Academy?
Veritistrasz says: Are they now? I was quite good back in the day. Huge crowds came out to watch the games. The stadiums were packed and the roars of the crowd were incredible.
Veritistrasz says: Have you ever heard hundreds of dragons roaring at once? It hits you in the chest and… oh that feeling, it was like a bolt of pure energy! You will never feel so alive!
Voraxian says: That sounds incredible! Why did you stop playing?
Veritistrasz says: … When the black dragons fell to corruption, we had other things to worry about than sports.
Voraxian says: Oh…
Voraxian says: Would… you like to go and see one of the matches?
Veritistrasz says: … Maybe another time.
Voraxian says: … Right.
