Sandswept Isles - Home of the Jealous Cat People
Three months.
Three whole months.
It took three months for me to figure out how to escape the confines of this map, set in place by Anet to entrap us within a net of their own devising. To keep us surrounded by diabolic little frog-eared Asura, and charr who seem to be intent upon seducing us whilst hiding half way up a cliff-based village.
But I did it. And for once, I am very proud.
You see this map appears to be pretty straight forwards. It appears from a distance that what we see is what we get - but as usual it isn't.
Three whole months.
It took three months for me to figure out how to escape the confines of this map, set in place by Anet to entrap us within a net of their own devising. To keep us surrounded by diabolic little frog-eared Asura, and charr who seem to be intent upon seducing us whilst hiding half way up a cliff-based village.
But I did it. And for once, I am very proud.
You see this map appears to be pretty straight forwards. It appears from a distance that what we see is what we get - but as usual it isn't.
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To be fair though, much of the unseen section of this map is purely tree-based and unoccupied, but this doesn't stop it being remarkably pretty. |
Overall this map is fascinating. The complex structures that is the Asura tech mixed with the Olmakhan homeland and lifestyle brings it a charm that I don't think I have ever come across in any other map. Comparing this Charr 'Homeland' to the giant mechanical structure that is the Black Citadel brings the race into stark contrast with the warlike people that we have known since Guildwars 1.
Though it is important to note that the Olmakhan were originally a warband in themselves, they fled rather than join Kallas rebellion as they believed it would fail and they feared the consequences. Because of this, they developed a different culture and way of life that differed from our own, for without the rebellion in their own history they found little need to adopt a love for violence and bloodthirst. They adapted to having a council of elders and made their peace with Nature.
Although they have proven to be quite capable (see the meditating charr surrounded by wrecked Golems who had apparently "disturbed his meditation" for example.) they dislike violence as a whole and prefer to live in harmony and maintain the balance in any way that they can.
All of this works together to bring a heartwarming feel to this entire area. The weather conditions and interactive mini-games such as the fishing contest (that we are still waiting on being fixed Anet!) make it feel like it is simply missing its own mother tree to be perfect.
Though it is important to note that the Olmakhan were originally a warband in themselves, they fled rather than join Kallas rebellion as they believed it would fail and they feared the consequences. Because of this, they developed a different culture and way of life that differed from our own, for without the rebellion in their own history they found little need to adopt a love for violence and bloodthirst. They adapted to having a council of elders and made their peace with Nature.
Although they have proven to be quite capable (see the meditating charr surrounded by wrecked Golems who had apparently "disturbed his meditation" for example.) they dislike violence as a whole and prefer to live in harmony and maintain the balance in any way that they can.
All of this works together to bring a heartwarming feel to this entire area. The weather conditions and interactive mini-games such as the fishing contest (that we are still waiting on being fixed Anet!) make it feel like it is simply missing its own mother tree to be perfect.
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One thing that I did find very interesting though was the presence of a 'path' of sorts that let to an outlook from which you could see one of the other mountain tops with the Charr statue atop.
Whilst it is in a location you would never have been able to access it does beg the question: Would we have been able to climb this mountain had Anet found more ways to bulk out that area? To look out over the Olmakhan village and its statue and marvel at the amazing view? Who knows? (Besides Anet) and no-one but them can really answer this. |
One thing I did find, that absolutely fascinated me, was the fact that during one of the story instances, we could just about see the land below the Rata. of course this story was the only chance we had to explore it as Anet have actually placed a massive wall around it, despite the fact I had managed to fly OVER the wretched thing, I couldn't get into it due to this box.
So instead I decided to explore the countryside around it when we were not meant to.
So instead I decided to explore the countryside around it when we were not meant to.
What is interesting is that they didn't even reduce the textures down for this - they just didn't add any! A part from a few patches of grass, this part of the map is essentially empty - a part from a dozen or so teleport/kill fields that made good exploration impossible. Saying this, I at least managed to capture a small part of this fascinating landscape they had created - one that was far different to the one we see today, and that brings to mind the possibility of how it may have originally been designed.
(Excuse the bare-arse shenanigans. This exploration absolutely destroyed my armour and it seemed wiser to not bother repairing until completed.) |
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But enough speculation. I hope you enjoy the below images of sights seen around the map.