Lions Arch - The Main Hub
Lions Arch - at least in its current state - is a fairly new addition. in 2014, it was attacked by Scarlet, and subsequently destroyed by her drilling. In 2015, it was rebuilt into the touristy style mariners hub that we see today.
Despite many peoples complaining about the 'plastic' feel to the new lions arch and their pining for the old, wooden jetty filled waterways of the previous, Lions Arch still holds its feeling of inclusivity. From its literal Krait Oil salesmen, to the totally-real-and-not-fake 'Evon Gnashblade', everyone finds their place in this city.
Although many of the vaults within the Black Lion are still closed, you used to be able to enter them and explore using a commonly known explorers trick that we shall not reveal.
Certainly makes you wonder how much more Evon is holding out on us.
Despite many peoples complaining about the 'plastic' feel to the new lions arch and their pining for the old, wooden jetty filled waterways of the previous, Lions Arch still holds its feeling of inclusivity. From its literal Krait Oil salesmen, to the totally-real-and-not-fake 'Evon Gnashblade', everyone finds their place in this city.
Although many of the vaults within the Black Lion are still closed, you used to be able to enter them and explore using a commonly known explorers trick that we shall not reveal.
Certainly makes you wonder how much more Evon is holding out on us.
It is easy to see why some people are less than happy about the 'new' style of Lions Arch, it is missing the gritty style that it used to wield, the Mystic Forge is no longer a glowing blowfish but instead an astral forge that is clean and sterile, the stone bridges lined with flowerpots are a long shout from the wooden planks that used to span the waterways. But as you can see below, it has at least held on to one aspect of old Lions Arch. (And a plethora of other games)
Wooden Crates.
History of Lions Arch
Lion's Arch is considered the most diverse and cosmopolitan city on the continent of Tyria. The Lion's Arch we know has been rebuilt at least 3 times.
The original city was of Krytan origin, destroyed by a large wave that struck it after the Rising of Orr.
For those who don't know, the Elder Dragon Zhaitan woke up in 1219 AE. Zhaitan was the undead dragon, and called forth the long-drowned land to rise from where it has been sunk by a king of old.
(I shall avoid spoiling the story, but for those interested I really recommend reading Sea Of Sorrows, which is one of the official Guild Wars 2 books. It'll give you the entire history of Cobiah Marriner who founded the Lions Arch most of us know today.)
After the initial destruction, the ruins were used by ships looking for safe harbour from the Orrian ships that has begun sailing from Orr. It took more than 10 years for the waters to finally recede from the coastline and from the ruins, began to spring little shanty towns.
As some may know in this time period, most races were at war with each other, but none more so than the Charr and the Humans. Lions Arch changed this dynamic.
Cobiah, who had passed most of his time upon a Charr ship (again, Sea of Sorrows will give you all the info!) had decided that Lion's Arch would be a safe haven for all races - indeed Lions Arch was void of any allegiance to the Krytan throne.
Lions Arch accepted anyone no matter what their history was, as long as they would lend their vessels to the cause against Orr.
The City would be destroyed several times, right up until the Lionsguard built a fortress upon Claw Island. This island gave them the upper hand they needed to stand strong against the undead forces crawling up from the south.
The City ended up being run by the Captains Council - Run by sea captains and wealthy merchants who could pay themselves a spot upon the council. (As bad as this sounds, it was not as simple as just paying. They needed to to have contributed towards the cities growth and be seen as a leader within the community. Only then could they purchase a seat upon the council and only then, if one was available.)
In 1327 AE, Lions Arch was destroyed by Scarlet Briar - or rather by her airship drill, the Breachmaker. The Breachmaker kept drilling for several days after Scarlets death, until it hit a Leyline and exploded.
It was this explosion that razed the city to the ground, and flung parts of the airship around the harbour.
If you were present for the rebuilding, you may remember that many parts of the airship was left in the water and simply rebuilt around.
Although more of it has been removed at this current time, the drill is left where it hit the leyline, in the deepest part of the water.
These days you can still see the final fight in the community event with the Twisted Nightmare, and admire the huge scale of the Breachmaker. Although unless Anet decide to release the first season again, this will be the most you will ever see of it.
The original city was of Krytan origin, destroyed by a large wave that struck it after the Rising of Orr.
For those who don't know, the Elder Dragon Zhaitan woke up in 1219 AE. Zhaitan was the undead dragon, and called forth the long-drowned land to rise from where it has been sunk by a king of old.
(I shall avoid spoiling the story, but for those interested I really recommend reading Sea Of Sorrows, which is one of the official Guild Wars 2 books. It'll give you the entire history of Cobiah Marriner who founded the Lions Arch most of us know today.)
After the initial destruction, the ruins were used by ships looking for safe harbour from the Orrian ships that has begun sailing from Orr. It took more than 10 years for the waters to finally recede from the coastline and from the ruins, began to spring little shanty towns.
As some may know in this time period, most races were at war with each other, but none more so than the Charr and the Humans. Lions Arch changed this dynamic.
Cobiah, who had passed most of his time upon a Charr ship (again, Sea of Sorrows will give you all the info!) had decided that Lion's Arch would be a safe haven for all races - indeed Lions Arch was void of any allegiance to the Krytan throne.
Lions Arch accepted anyone no matter what their history was, as long as they would lend their vessels to the cause against Orr.
The City would be destroyed several times, right up until the Lionsguard built a fortress upon Claw Island. This island gave them the upper hand they needed to stand strong against the undead forces crawling up from the south.
The City ended up being run by the Captains Council - Run by sea captains and wealthy merchants who could pay themselves a spot upon the council. (As bad as this sounds, it was not as simple as just paying. They needed to to have contributed towards the cities growth and be seen as a leader within the community. Only then could they purchase a seat upon the council and only then, if one was available.)
In 1327 AE, Lions Arch was destroyed by Scarlet Briar - or rather by her airship drill, the Breachmaker. The Breachmaker kept drilling for several days after Scarlets death, until it hit a Leyline and exploded.
It was this explosion that razed the city to the ground, and flung parts of the airship around the harbour.
If you were present for the rebuilding, you may remember that many parts of the airship was left in the water and simply rebuilt around.
Although more of it has been removed at this current time, the drill is left where it hit the leyline, in the deepest part of the water.
These days you can still see the final fight in the community event with the Twisted Nightmare, and admire the huge scale of the Breachmaker. Although unless Anet decide to release the first season again, this will be the most you will ever see of it.