Basin of Unnumbered Flames

Name: Basin of Unnumbered Flames · Type: Permanent Location · Region: Natlan · Version Released: 5.0

Stadium of the Sacred FlameArena of Glory and TriumphIn the center of Natlan lies the Stadium of the Sacred Flame. Members of the Saurian Relics Association once surveyed the terrain and concluded that this basin was not a natural formation, but rather the result of a colossal object crashing down here many years ago. However, what exactly that colossal object was remains a mystery that no one has been able to solve. Above the entrances to the main areas of the Stadium are massive stone pillars of identical shape, adorned with intricate serrated patterns. Like countless sparks uniting as one, they blaze together to form the mighty flame of the Natlan that we see today.Various ceremonies and tournaments are held in the arena of the Stadium of the Sacred Flame. The second stage of the Pilgrimage, individual duels between the captains of the winning teams in the first stage, is held there. On one side of the arena stands the throne of the Pyro Archon and Stele of the Sacred Flame, the symbol of Natlan and the nation's main defense against the Abyss. The creator of the Night Kingdom, the Lord of the Night, constantly draws on the power of the flame to combat the corruption of the Abyss. If the flame were to fade even for a moment, there would be no defense against the Abyss. Therefore, the Pilgrimage of the Return of the Sacred Flame is meant to nourish it, so that the flame burns even brighter. When an Archon ascends to the divine throne, the Sacred Flame grants them vast knowledge and memories of the land, and when the Archon's life comes to an end, they return to the flame once more.During the Abyssal attack, the Stadium of the Sacred Flame became the primary shelter for civilians and wounded from across Natlan. After the Abyss was stopped, doctors at the Stadium treated humans and Saurians exposed to Abyssal energy, who were experiencing symptoms such as long-term emotional instability, a lack of vigor, or mental disarray. This malady, known as Abyssal Corrosion Syndrome, could cause hallucinations or mental breakdowns, making those infected extremely dangerous to themselves and others.Related Entries:Temple of PaxThe Temple of Pax is located south of the Stadium of the Sacred Flame. Academic research is conducted in the temple, and the Pyro Archon resides there. The Temple of Pax also houses the Speaker's Chamber, a watchtower-like building in one corner of the Stadium of the Sacred Flame. The Pyro Archon presides over this body, which coordinates the various affairs of the Stadium and the six major tribes. Ancient tradition dictates that the tribal chiefs must gather by the flame here at regular intervals and negotiate business without reservation under the Pyro Archon's watchful eye. The most important decisions in Natlan are discussed here, as well as trials, expeditions, competitions, and project approvals. Behind the Speaker's Chamber is the residence of the Pyro Archon, Mavuika. This place was once filled with relics from various eras, handed down to the Archon by her acquaintances. Five hundred years ago, when Mavuika first agreed on the plan to save Natlan, all the warriors of the nation visited her, offering their most treasured possessions to use as "fuel" in case of any future emergencies. These brave people were proud of this necessary sacrifice and did not hesitate in the least. Mavuika spoke to them each in turn, offering them a hot drink and listening to the stories behind these objects. She wanted to carry these stories with her into the future, for memories can surpass time, where human lifespans may fail. And though these objects might not endure into the future, so long as someone still sang their stories, they could welcome the victorious dawn alongside the people of the future. Some asked the Archon if she had similar stories, and she spoke of her parents, her sister Hine, and two mischievous Yumkasaurs, the things she held most dear in the time she was about to lose. But none of that mattered. All of it ceased to be important the moment we decided on the plan to fight the Abyss, even herself. Five hundred years later, these relics were joined by important modern items, such as an amulet given to Mavuika by her hot springs companion, the People of the Springs' elder, Atea. Atea knew her time of death was approaching, so she gave the amulet to Mavuika. After one of the Night Warden Wars, the Ode of Resurrection failed to bring back one of the fallen, and her friends went to the Night Kingdom to retrieve her. Mavuika used all the relics in her office as fuel for the Sacred Flame to bring them back.At the side of the Temple of Pax stands the gigantic Salutary Furnace, overseen by the blacksmith Alom. Here, the Children of Echoes, most skilled in craftsmanship, use Liquid Phlogiston purified by the Sacred Flame to forge unique personal weapons for warriors from across the land. Near the Salutary Furnace is a weapon wall. It is said that some of the weapons on the Temple of Pax's weapon wall once belonged to warriors who achieved great fame in past competitions. For these warriors, their weapons were not just companions in battle, but extensions of their very souls. And given the fiery nature of their spirits, perhaps the best place for their honor to reside is within the Stadium grounds, where their legacy endures.Next to the Salutary Furnace is the Tablet of Tona — a symbol of the connection between the tribes of Natlan and the Sacred Flame. The Sacred Flame allows each Natlanese to establish a strong bond with other tribe members, with the Saurians, and with the Pyro Archon. Offering Pyro Sigils obtained during adventures to the Tablet of Tona grants protection and the blessing of the Sacred Flame.Near the entrance to the Stadium, to the side of the Temple of Pax, is Xocolatl Beverages, an open-air shop with a sign in the shape of an Iktomisaurus. There, people can buy juice made from the finest fruits and vegetables, seasoned with mysterious spices for the most unforgettable and intense flavor. "And once you've tasted it, there's no going back! You'll feel like you've had all the world's blessings bestowed upon you by the Wayob, as light as a Qucusaurus feather floating up into the clouds..." The unique design of the liquid-filled sign makes the store's specialty unmistakable, even from afar. This liquid, the essence of a special beverage, must be exposed to direct sunlight for a prolonged period of time before it can reach its optimal flavor. Due to space constraints within the Stadium of the Sacred Flame, merchants had nowhere else to store these containers, so they placed them on the roofs of their stalls, creating a striking visual amidst the bustling crowds. Over time, this practice became Xocolatl Beverages' defining feature and has since been incorporated into the stall's permanent branding. Not far from the store, near the stadium's eastern entrance, the merchant and criminal, Soncoyoc, can be encountered at night. He's involved in the trade of strange Saurian Crackers. The recipe for the Strength Tonic can be bought from him.A crafting bench can be found in the Temple of Pax. One day, when the Traveler and Paimon were about to use it, they heard a sneeze and changed their minds, but a woman arrived in their place, determined to brew a potion. While it was synthesizing, she introduced herself as Sumac and offered to spar to test the resulting potion. When they stepped away to a clearing near the Stadium and decided to fight, Sumac drank the potion but suddenly felt sick. After taking the woman to a doctor, the Traveler and Paimon learned that this was not the first incident involving the crafting bench. In Natlan, there are factions that the Speaker's Chamber allows to manage the Stadium's facilities. Previously, this was the responsibility of the Hawkwings faction, which followed the rules and tried to fulfill its duties well. In recent years, with fewer people and more responsibilities, the Speaker's Chamber held a competition open to other factions, with the winner receiving the right to manage the arena's facilities. As a result of the competition, the Hawkwings faction was replaced by the Locusts, who were obsessed with profit and constantly trying to please their superiors. During that competition, a suspiciously high number of accidents occurred with Hawkwings' participants, but no one could find any evidence. Believing that the accidents involving the crafting bench might also be the Locusts' doing, the Traveler and Paimon took up the investigation.First, the Traveler, Paimon, and a doctor from the Hawkwings faction went to collect statements from other victims, but they were reluctant to testify and only agreed after the Traveler passed their tests. The last person to agree to testify was Tozan of the Locusts, who passed on information about his faction. After gathering all the information, they submitted it to the Speaker's Chamber for a resolution. The Hawkwings presented the judge with a photograph of a crafting bench, which showed someone using Loach Pearls found in the victims' potions. But the Locusts identified Sumac in the photograph and claimed the crafting bench was not theirs. Although the evidence pointed to the Locusts' involvement in the incident, there was insufficient proof of their guilt, so the trial ended. But when Tozan, who handed the Hawkwings the Grasshoppers' invoice and a photograph of the crafting bench with Sumac imprinted on it, appeared in court, he began to deny his involvement. Sumac, the Traveler, and Paimon suggested that there were actually two crafting benches: one fake and a real one. And there were also two "Tozans": one testified against the Locusts, and the other one denied it. Although the judge didn't believe their explanation, they decided not to give up.Sumac proposed a plan to prove there were two Tozans. She told a story about a foolish thief who stole a gem from someone and hid it in a place only he knew of. The owner of the gem only knew who it was who had committed the theft, not where the gem was hidden, so he said, "Hey, you! Thief! I know you stole my gem, so I've nicked it right back. Don't believe me? Go see for yourself!" The foolish thief went to the treasure and led the owner there himself. Sumac suggested following Tozan so he could lead them to the "treasure." As she expected, Tozan led them to a secret location where his twin brother, Tlalepa, was. The Traveler and Paimon wanted to take them to the Speaker's Chamber, but the brothers attacked, so they had to be locked in a cage. With the evidence presented, the Traveler and Paimon were able to appeal to the Speaker's Chamber again to have the case reviewed so that justice could be done, but the Hawkwings faction was already in such decline that it could not be saved.The World Quest can be found here.Related Entries:Chuwen FairThe Chuwen Fair is located on the ground floor behind the Arena of Glory and Triumph. This bustling location houses numerous shops and businesses, including the Natlanese headquarters of the Adventurers' Guild. Speaking with the guild secretary, Katheryne, grants access to the commissions in Natlan. A variety of merchants can be found at the fair: Cipac of the Collective of Plenty, from whom people can purchase Saurian Crackers; Bounama of the Masters of the Night-Wind, the shopkeeper of Bounama Grocery from whom people can purchase cooking ingredients; Cintli of the Collective of Plenty, from whom people can buy the tribe's finest fruits and vegetables; Echuah of the Children of Echoes, from whom people can purchase trophies obtained during adventures; Acat from the Frida's Palette, who sells graffiti paints; and many others. In addition to the merchants, there are numerous couriers at the fair, delivering food, letters, or packages. One day, the Traveler and Paimon met a courier who was supposed to deliver a package from Fontaine. Although the package traveled a long way to the Adventurers' Guild and then to the Scions of the Canopy, the courier was able to locate the recipients on the very first day.In one corner of the Chuwen Fair, there is the Saurian Relics Association store. Since many ruins in Natlan are believed to have been left by even more ancient Saurians, an organization was created to study items recovered from the ruins. However, despite its name, the Association's activities cover a wide range of topics unrelated to Saurians. Members of the Association research ancient ruins, relics, and scrolls. The manager of the Saurian Relics Association store in the Stadium is Siyah, who can be contacted if ancient items are discovered.The fair also features a variety of tourists flocking to Natlan from all over the world. One such tourist is a Ministry of Civil Affairs employee from Liyue, who wrote on his vacation application that he was going to study folklore to find poetic inspiration. The Ministry worker responsible for granting vacations took this seriously and wished him luck with his poetry, and soon the entire Ministry learned of it. However, the employee himself was unsuccessful in his poetry, and even the photographs he wanted to take for inspiration failed. Thanks to the help of the Traveler, the employee was able to obtain photographs of shops and various landmarks in Natlan for his poems.Another tourist is Grispan from the Fontaine Daydream Club, who came with the black cat, the club's president, Grobel. Grispan came to Natlan to study the effects of phlogiston on hypnosis and use its "thermal energy" to conduct hypnosis. He devised a system consisting of a box half a person in height containing a steamer that continuously generated steam and maintained the box's internal temperature at a specified value. The person undergoing hypnosis was required to sit in the box with his head outward, so that the hypnosis would work faster. Thanks to the Traveler's help, Grispan obtained samples of items containing phlogiston to continue his research.In addition to Grispan, employees of the Maison Gestion, Iaune, and Roialte also arrived from Fontaine to establish preliminary trade contacts between the nations. They needed to find opportunities for cooperation, but after some searching, they hadn't even found any leads. After meeting the Traveler, they asked for help and together traveled to various tribes of Natlan to search for contacts.On the floor below the Chuwen Fair is "Zakan's Street Bites" restaurant and "Weary Inn" hotel, both owned by Chanca. The "Weary Inn" provides free accommodation and food to warriors taking part in the Pilgrimage of the Return of the Sacred Flame, and it was there that the Traveler and Paimon stayed during their Pilgrimage. The name was once given in the hope that warriors would leave their weariness in the inn and step into the Stadium filled with energy. It is said that every manager of this inn was selected and designated by the Speaker's Chamber.The World Quest can be found here.Related Entries:Stadium of the Sacred Flame OutskirtsAt the foot of the Stadium of the Sacred Flame lies an Obsidian Totem that opens the way to the Trial Grounds of Restive Nightsouls. To open the passage, three Shards of Night Jade, located in the Tequemecan Valley and Coatepec Mountain, should be found. In the Trial Grounds, a night spirit can be encountered, and the souls of warriors can be dueled to earn a reward, as through the blaze of battle alone can these unquiet Nightsouls be stilled to slumber. Near the totem, Oroluk, an employee of the Natlan Fishing Association, can be met. She joined the Association to see, catch, and raise more adorable fish, and she doesn't share the view of those who fish simply for the tasty fillets. Various types of fishing equipment are available for purchase from her.To the east of the Stadium is a memorial dedicated to the Natlanese who perished during the war with the Abyss: "May the Wayob grant you peace, and may songs be sung of your life's journey." During the invasion, this place was used as a shelter for the wounded evacuated to the Stadium of the Sacred Flame. Now, the names of those whom the Ode of Resurrection could not save are inscribed there. Among these names are Chuychu, a doctor from the Flower-Feather Clan and the sister of one of the six heroes of Natlan, Chasca; Vichama, a warrior from the Scions of the Canopy who once helped find an Ancient Name in the Night Kingdom and provided his tribe with information throughout the invasion; Wayta, a courier from the Scions of the Canopy who relayed information from the front; Batz, a member of the Children of Echoes who rushed to save a Tepetlisaurus trapped under rubble; Hunza, an adventurer from the Scions of the Canopy who practiced extreme sports with his Yumkasaurus, Katari; and Tlilhua, a wrestler from the Collective of Plenty.At the very south of the location is an excavation site belonging to the Saurian Relics Association. Anyone can try their luck at the excavation for three hundred Mora in the hopes of discovering a priceless relic. One day, the Traveler, Paimon, and their Saurian companion stumbled upon the excavation site and decided to search for the relics. Thanks to the Tepetlisaurus's unique senses, they discovered the Secret Source Ball Mechanism, which the excavation site's guard offered to buy for ten thousand Mora. Although the Saurian Relics Association would have valued it at five thousand Mora, the guard was fascinated by the unique patterns on the mechanism.The World Quest can be found here.Related Entries:Huitztli HillHuitztli Hill is a small mountainside named "Smoke Ridge" by local tribesmen. It is said that these two names were given because subterranean magma streams from the Great Volcano of Tollan flow through it, often causing smoke to rise between the valleys. The temperature here is too high even for the tribespeople who regularly deal with Phlogiston, but perhaps that's precisely why this reclusive and unusual Qucusaur has chosen to live there.In a cave on Huitztli Hill, a huge Qucusaurus, named Tyrant of the Golden Flame by people, can be found. Five hundred years ago, Holawaqa Ngoubou was a companion of Menilek, one of the six heroes of Natlan. It was born with a special mark on its horn called theBlessing. Saurians with this mark often possess incredible abilities, but the bodies of modern Saurians cannot withstand such power. The Wayob and the Night Kingdom reject this power and refuse to accept such Saurians. As they grow older, this power either kills them or drives them mad. Legend has it that one must find a gift divided into two parts and make a pilgrimage to the Great Volcano of Tollan. There, the tribal warriors could wash away the name of their companion, which the late Xiuhcoatl remembered, and remove the mark so that the Night Kingdom could accept them. When Ngoubou was still a small, sickly whelp, dying in Menilek's arms, the hero heard a prophecy from a sage who warned him to sever the Qucusaurus's neck and grant it the joy of freedom. But Menilek ignored these words and touched the young Saurian's bloodstained feathers with precious elixir, utterly ignoring the sigh that marked the sage's departure. The hero believed that no one and nothing could force the descendants of the Flower-Feather Clan to bend their knees. And if a curse had bound the Qucusaurus from birth, he should follow the example of his ancestors and break these chains.And so, Menilek and his loyal companion Ngoubou embarked on a pilgrimage, but were never able to complete their journey. Five hundred years ago, Natlan was engulfed by aand Menilek and Ngoubou joined the exiled Tenoch and fought shoulder to shoulder with him and the other heroes of Natlan for many years against the black wave. Menilek convinced himself that tomorrow, tomorrow, and tomorrow again they would complete their pilgrimage, but tomorrow never came. Along with the other heroes of Natlan, Menilek and the Pyro Archon set out for their final battle and never returned. Although the hero of the Flower-Feather Clan drank himself into oblivion before the battle, he fought bravely and, even after death, did not release the monster from his grip. After Menilek's death, Ngoubou was left alone, and under the influence of the Flamelord's Blessing, its body acquired a supernatural form. It lost its mind and became the Tyrant of the Golden Flame.Near the lake on Huitztli Hill, three Fatui Skirmishers: Vasily, Sidorenko, and Nomonkonov, working at the Phlogiston Research Center near Coatepec Mountain, can be found. Before joining the Fatui, Nomonkonov was a technical specialist and, along with two other soldiers, was stationed in Natlan. They didn't know why they needed to capture Saurians and research phlogiston, so some of them were more interested in the Fire-Water sent from Snezhnaya than in the properties of phlogiston. One day, Sidorenko accidentally locked himself in a Saurian cage and attempted to smash open the lock, thereby necessitating the activation of the braking system and freeing all the Saurians, whom he and Vasily had to recapture and return to their cages.North of the hill, a totem challenge that leads to the Night Kingdom can be found. There, warriors can duel with the Will of Scales Resilient, "Ichcahuipilli's Aegis." To activate the challenge, Saurians should be used to retrieve the totem buried underground.

Pilgrimage of the Return of the Sacred FlameTwo thousand years ago, when Xbalanque defeated the Pyro Dragon and was reborn from the Sacred Flame, he became the first Pyro Archon and made a deal with the Ruler of Death, Ronova, one of the four shades of the Heavenly Principles. Ronova granted him the use of her power and also created the rules of Natlan: the Ode of Resurrection, which can return the lost bearers of Ancient Names from the Night Kingdom, and the Pilgrimage of the Return of the Sacred Flame. The heavens bestowed the Stele of the Sacred Flame, which burns eternally and banishes darkness. This flame must never be extinguished, for it represents the pillar of Natlan's stability and protects the nation from the Abyss. The Pilgrimage was created to maintain the Sacred Flame and combat the Abyss in Natlan, becoming the main competition for all Natlanese. The winners earned the right to participate in the Night Warden Wars. Moreover, the Pilgrimage is the Pyro Archon elections. Since Natlan is the only nation where all Archons are mere mortals, countless people have borne this title. The Pilgrimage allows people to prove their strength, and the current Pyro Archon, Mavuika, achieved an overwhelming victory during her tournament, and even the tribe elders had never seen an Archon with such strength before.Due to the large number of participants, the Pilgrimage is divided into two stages: a team competition and individual duels. All Natlanese can participate in the team competition, and it is a duty for all bearers of the Ancient Names. Bearers of the Ancient Name typically serve as team captains, leading their teams in various battles across Natlan territory, the goal of which is to seize the Sacred Flame. During the competition, the Contending Fire is generated, which feeds the Sacred Flame. After the team competition, members of the winning teams earn the right to compete in one-on-one duels, and the winners of the second stage are used to participate in the Night Warden Wars, the true war against the Abyss. Because the Ode of Resurrection could only resurrect those bearing the Ancient Name, ordinary Natlanese did not participate in the Night Warden Wars. Only the victors of the war could be restored by the Ode of Resurrection, while the Ancient Names of the defeated warriors were forever dissolved into the Night Kingdom."The victors shall burn bright, while the losers must turn to ash."During one of the Pilgrimages, a team of five warriors set out for the Night Warden Wars: Chasca of the Flower-Feather Clan with her sixth consecutive win; Iansan of the Collective of Plenty, who managed to turn the tides all by herself; Kaiulani of the People of the Springs, who had prepared for this return for ten years; Kibangu of the Scions of the Canopy, a seasoned and renowned warrior; and the young Kachina of the Children of Echoes, who had won for the first time. Although the team defeated the Abyss, Kachina died during the battle. When everyone gathered again at the Stadium of the Sacred Flame to sing the Ode of Resurrection and bring back the warrior, the Pyro Archon was unable to find her Ancient Name in the Night Kingdom. To investigate, Mavuika halted the Pilgrimage lest any more of the fallen won't return.To help Kachina, her friends sought out her Ancient Name in the Night Kingdom using an artifact from the Masters of the Night-Wind. Using the Ancient Name, the Pyro Archon was able to find Kachina in the Night Kingdom so her friends could cross the realm's border in physical form. In the ruins left by the ancient dragons that once ruled Natlan, the Abyss invasion left an entrance to the Night Kingdom, and Kachina's friends used it to reach her. The entire Night Kingdom, including Wayob, was tainted by the Abyss. When Kachina's friends found her, she had been hiding from the monsters for a long time. The Wayob tried to protect her, but her own power was fading due to the contamination, and only the abilities of the Traveler were able to cleanse it. As Kachina and her friends prepared to leave the Night Kingdom, it began to collapse, and the light that was supposed to bring them back was extinguished. The Pyro Archon used all the relics from her chamber as fuel for the Sacred Flame to breach the Night Kingdom and bring them back.Due to the Abyssal infestation of the Night Kingdom, the Pilgrimage was suspended, leaving the Contending Fire insufficient to sustain the Sacred Flame, weakening Natlan and the Pyro Archon. While waiting for all six of Natlan's heroes to be ready for the plan to destroy the Abyss, Mavuika decided to sacrifice her power to keep the flame burning.When the Abyss was defeated, and victory ended the suffering, the Pilgrimage of the Return of the Sacred Flame lost its primary purpose: to nourish the Sacred Flame and to protect Natlan against the Abyss. But because the Pilgrimage had become a significant cultural event for Natlan, it continued to exist even in times of peace. The Pyro Archon, together with the Speaker's Chamber, transformed the Pilgrimage into a sporting tournament, encouraging fair competition and inspiring participants to develop. Iansan, one of the six heroes of Natlan and the best fitness trainer from the Collective of Plenty, designed the layout of the tournament site to effectively utilize all the space in the Stadium of the Sacred Flame. In the updated tournament, the preliminary round involved chasing a flame along a special obstacle course. The Natlanese then had to compete in traditional Natlan ball games. The top eight participants with the highest score would advance to the final battle. Although the Night Warden Wars no longer existed, spectators still wanted to witness beautiful duels. The winner of the renewed Pilgrimage of the Return of the Sacred Flame was one of the six heroes of Natlan and the renowned Saurian Hunter, Kinich, who easily outscored his opponents.Related Entries:Battle with CapitanoFive hundred years ago, during the Cataclysm, Sentinel Knight, Thrain, of the destroyed Khaenri'ah and his squad set out to exterminate the monsters of the Abyss in Natlan. Although many Natlanese blamed them for what had happened, the chief of the Masters of the Night-Wind was kind to them and helped them in their time of need, so Thrain decided to help them. Even if he couldn't save his homeland, he was determined to win. During the war between the Descenders and the dragons, Natlan's Ley Lines had been severely damaged, and during the Cataclysm, they were almost completely destroyed. The Abyss had also contaminated the Night Kingdom, preventing the souls of Natlanese from returning from there after death. Thanks to the heart, enhanced with Khaenri'ah technology, the Sentinel Knight was able to transform it into a vessel for the souls that were unable to return to the Night Kingdom. Before his death, the chief of the Masters of the Night-Wind told Thrain that the Gnosis could weave a giant net from the souls to protect the Ley Lines against the Abyssal corruption at the cost of all the memories stored within them.Five hundred years later, when Thrain became the Fatui Harbinger codenamedand the Abyss was increasingly corroding the Night Kingdom, elite Fatui warriors once again arrived in Natlan. Like several other Harbingers, Capitano was tasked with acquiring the Gnoses, but he wanted to use the Pyro Gnosis to protect the Ley Lines, which had only further deteriorated over the past five hundred years. He also wanted to return the souls that had been kept in his heart for centuries into the Ley Lines. The Harbinger knew that the Pyro Archon, Mavuika, had devised a plan to save Natlan: she would use the power of six heroes of Natlan, who bore the Ancient Names of the people who had fought alongside the first Pyro Archons and the heroes who had died during the Cataclysm five hundred years earlier. With Natlan's time running out and heroes not yet recognized by their Ancient Names, Capitano knew this plan was too risky. If the heroes of Natlan did not arrive in time, not only Natlan, but all of Teyvat would pay for this mistake.After arriving in Natlan, the Harbinger sought to speak to the great shaman of the Masters of the Night-Wind, Citlali, who understood the Night Kingdom best. During his search, he encountered Ororon of the Masters of the Night-Wind. Ororon wanted to protect Citlali, so he began to watch the Fatui. To obtain the Gnosis, the Harbinger traveled to the Stadium of Sacred Flame to challenge the Pyro Archon to a duel and claim the artifact."In times of crisis, someone must pick up the mantle of salvationYour plan has reached an impasseAnd now it falls to me to create new 'rules' for NatlanBut before the dawn of a new ageThe old must be destroyed."As a result of a fierce battle between Mavuika and Capitano, the Harbinger was wounded in the heart. Ororon, sensing the strange presence of souls, saved Capitano with a spell so that he would not die, taking all the evidence with him. Just like the Harbinger, Ororon had a heightened sensitivity to souls, so he knew that the Ley Lines were weakening. After seeing Capitano send a soul to the Night Kingdom and hearing their plan to save Natlan, Ororon decided to join Capitano and help him in his plan.After the duel with Mavuika, Capitano abandoned the idea of ​​using the Gnosis and asked the Tsaritsa to relieve him of the duty of obtaining the artifact, to which she responded in agreement. Upon learning that the Traveler, the brother/sister of the Princess/Prince of Khaenri'ah, had arrived in Natlan, the Harbinger attempted to ally with them to help Natlan, but they refused. To find another way to restore the Ley Lines, the Fatui began studying the Source Mechanisms, a technology used by the ancient dragons to strengthen and empower the Ley Lines. This method was of little use in the time of the dragons, as they lacked the skills to navigate the intricate structure of the Ley Lines. Like using the Gnosis, this method required the sacrifice of everything contained within the existing Ley Lines: memories, souls, and history. Upon learning of the Fatui's plan, the Pyro Archon called for all forces to mobilize to destroy the Source Mechanism and prevent it from being activated. When Mavuika, the Traveler, and the heroes of Natlan found the mechanism, Capitano and Ororon activated it but were stopped. When activated, the Source Mechanism did not restore the Ley Lines but awakened the Lord of the Night from her slumber. Although the activation was incredibly painful, the Lord of the Night was able to absorb some of the power into herself, allowing her to speak and help the Natlanese. She was willing to restore the Ley Lines at the cost of her life, but this would destroy the rules of Natlan and leave the country vulnerable to an attack from the Abyss in the future.Related Entries:The Abyss InvasionDue to damage to the Natlan's Ley Lines and the contamination of the Night Kingdom, the Abyss was not driven out of Natlan during the Cataclysm. For five hundred years, the Abyss grew in power by attacking the tribes. At first, the attacks seemed random, and the Abyss appeared to be a natural phenomenon, but it later turned out that the attacks occurred at the tribes' vulnerable points. Using memories stored in Natlan's Night Kingdom, the Abyss studied all the tribes' weaknesses, as if possessing a consciousness. And five hundred years after the Cataclysm, it launched a full-scale invasion of all the tribes of Natlan simultaneously. The Fatui, under the command of Capitano, formed an alliance with the Pyro Archon and joined forces to combat the Abyss.The Pyro Archon Mavuika had already witnessed a battle of similar magnitude five hundred years ago, during the Cataclysm. Although the Natlanese at that time had managed to drive the Abyss into the depths of the Night Kingdom, they knew it would eventually erupt again. Their calculations estimated that they would have a maximum of five hundred years before the Night Kingdom was completely lost to the Abyss, but as it was, Natlan lay in ruins, and the civilization was dying. It was necessary to unite the tribes. Otherwise, it would be impossible to dream of a final victory. So, the Archon had a long and involved discussion with the heroes of each tribe and finally came up with a five-hundred-year-long plan to save Natlan. During this time, the Archons and chiefs were to rebuild the tribes, and when the time came, the Wayob would again choose six heroes of Natlan with the Ancient Names of Xbalanque's companions. Mavuika entered the Sacred Flame to be reborn five hundred years later.Five hundred years later, when Mavuika was reborn, and her plan needed only one hero recognized by their Ancient Name, the Abyss attacked across Natlan. With the Pyro Archon deprived of the power of the Sacred Flame to counterattack, this was the Abyss's best opportunity. The only thing left for the Natlanese to do was defend the Stadium of the Sacred Flame and the civilians. Many warriors, united with the Fatui under the command of the Harbinger Capitano, set out to protect caravans, adventurer groups, and doctors. A 24-hour guard was established around the city to ensure that evacuees from the surrounding areas could safely reach the Stadium. North of the Stadium, important medical supplies were waylaid by monsters, but the transport team met with fortuitous rescue by the Fatui and was able to reach the city under guard.Near the Stadium, the supply shipment was unexpectedly attacked by the Abyss and trapped. Although the warriors tried to repel the monsters, the situation was critical. After the Pyro Archon dispatched all the heroes and tribal defenders to assist where needed, she asked the Traveler and Paimon to assist the caravan. After dealing with the monsters, the Traveler learned that the mother of one of the warriors, a doctor, had learned of the attacks outside the city and gone to help the people, but nothing was heard from her again. Another warrior from the People of the Springs, Uturunku, doubted whether he was a coward, despite fighting the monsters.On the border with the Scions of the Canopy, the fortress was surrounded by monsters on all sides, preventing civilians and the wounded from being evacuated. Although the Traveler and Paimon arrived in time to help them, the fortress was filled with many wounded who were unable to travel far. If they remained where they were, they would become easy prey for the monsters, so it was decided to send one group of the wounded to safety and then return with reinforcements for the rest. Not far from the fortress, the Traveler and Paimon encountered the doctor they had been asked to find. Despite the danger, she had come a long way to help the people and agreed to join the warriors for safety.As the evacuated Natlanese began to retreat to the Stadium of the Sacred Flame, they were spotted by Abyssal monsters. Receiving reports from couriers, the Traveler and Paimon rushed to their aid, protecting the wounded and evacuated people who had taken refuge there. In addition to the monsters, Abyssal Pylons began appearing on the battlefield, constantly summoning monsters. At this camp, the Traveler and Paimon again encountered the first caravan, which, thanks to their assistance, was able to deliver medical supplies to the Stadium. Among the survivors were merchants from the People of the Spring, rescued by the Fatui squad, a doctor who joined the warrior squad when she heard that the Stadium needed medical personnel, and Uturunku, who wondered if anyone would remember him if he died. Thanks to the support of the Traveler and Paimon, Uturunku was able to overcome his fears and survive the war with the Abyss.Despite all of Natlan's resistance, the Abyss Pylons, constantly creating monsters, appeared in ever-increasing numbers, and the Abyss itself used its main weapon: Gosoythoth. The immense energy of the Abyss took on an unimaginable form, looming over Natlan and casting a shadow over the entire sky. The Sacred Flame was extinguished, and monsters began to emerge from portals on all sides. All forces were thrown into defending the Stadium, and the heroes of the Masters of the Night-Wind and the Children of Echoes, Ororon and Xilonen, along with the Fatui and their Harbinger, joined the battle. The Pyro Archon was forced to use the power of the Gnosis to purge the Abyss from the Sacred Flame and briefly disable Gosoythoth, but the situation was only getting worse.On Huitztli Hill, civilians were trapped by monsters, but when the Traveler and Paimon went to help, the Fatui defending the Natlanese were already dead. Only a woman and her daughter remained alive, shielded by a Fatui Skirmisher. Although the Natlanese had long considered the Fatui their enemies, they were grateful for every fallen soldier's aid. After escorting the survivors to the Stadium, the Traveler and Paimon learned from couriers that the fortress on the border with the Scions of the Canopy was under renewed attack. After the first attack, some warriors went with the evacuees to the Stadium, while others remained to protect the civilians. Of these warriors, only one survived. If a new wave of monsters had swarmed, both he and the people hiding within would have perished. But realizing that this was their only hope, even the elders, who had never held a weapon in their hands, volunteered to help so that the bloodshed by the soldiers would not be in vain.When the Traveler and Paimon were about to go to the aid of the Flower-Feather Clan, they encountered the tribe's peacekeeper, Chasca, and her sister, the doctor, Chuychu, surrounded by monsters near the Stadium of the Sacred Flame. Although the attack was repelled, Chuychu was gravely wounded. Even when the Traveler cleansed her body of the Abyss, it was too late. The loss of her sister awakened the Abyssal energy within Chasca, dormant since her childhood injury, but she was able to bend it to her will. The pain Chasca felt at the loss of Chuychu awakened her Ancient Name, and her ancestor, Menilek, who bore the same Ancient Name five hundred years ago, recognized her as the sixth and final hero of Natlan.Returning with Chuychu to the Stadium of the Sacred Flame, Chasca asked for care for her sister's body and went to the Pyro Archon to fulfill Chuychu's hopes and sacrifice. Once all six heroes necessary for Mavuika's plan had been recognized by their Ancient Names, she used their power and the divine throne to banish the Abyss. This power helped destroy the previously invulnerable Abyss Tumors, and the Ode of Resurrection allowed the resurrection of all Natlanese who had perished after using this power. Mavuika was able to attack Gosoythoth, forcing it to flee into the Night Kingdom.After the Pyro Archon Mavuika banished the Abyss to the depths of the Night Kingdom, she had one final step to completely destroy the Abyss in Natlan. Together with the Traveler, whom the Lord of the Night had allowed to create a new Ancient Name,Mavuika entered the Sacred Fire and went to the Night Kingdom. Following the parting words of their friends, whose consciousnesses they had been connected to by the Sacred Flame, Mavuika and the Traveler plotted a battle plan. Since the Pyro Archon knew the structure of the realm better, she set out to find Gosoythoth's core, which made it invulnerable, while the Traveler headed straight for the enemy's lair. On her own, Mavuika encountered the soul of her younger sister, Hine, who had lived five hundred years earlier, while the Traveler was aided by deceased acquaintances when they entered the corrupted by the Abyss Night Kingdom. Even souls that had long since lost their forms were awakened.When Mavuika and the Traveler overcame all obstacles and appeared before Gosoythoth, it assumed the form of the deceased Pyro Dragon, Xiuhcoatl. With its ability to destroy memories contained within the Ley Lines, transforming them into tangible forces, Gosoythoth extracted the remnants of Xiuhcoatl's will. A once-dead dragon was trapped in the final day of its existence, and his boundless rage consumed all sentience within him, leaving only an insatiable, burning thirst for battle. Despite the efforts of the Pyro Archon and the Traveler, as well as the support of the Lord of the Night, who granted the Traveler Pyro, the Sacred Flame began to fade. The people of Natlan, gathered in the Stadium and believing in victory, began to sing the Ode of Resurrection, which reignited the flame and gave Mavuika and the Traveler strength. And with this power, they were able to destroy Gosoythoth."We won't give up 'hope'We will march forward togetherThis is where we forge our future...With our own two hands!"When Mavuika and the Traveler returned victorious from the Night Kingdom, the Natlanese held a ceremony in the Traveler's honor. They were presented with a crown, and a representative of each tribe presented a feather for the crown as a sign of the Traveler's courage and strength. Every Natlanese wanted an autograph or a photo ofand even to dance with them. The people were grateful for the help of the stranger, who had banished the Abyss from Natlan forever.Related Entries:Return of the First Pyro ArchonWhen the Abyss was finally banished from Natlan, the great shaman, Citlali of the Masters of the Night-Wind, received a message from the Wayob that the soul of the first Pyro Archon, Xbalanque, was about to return to the mortal world. Many Natlanese were alarmed that Xbalanque was returning because he was dissatisfied with Natlan, but the current Pyro Archon, Mavuika, was as calm as ever. Some people decided to catch Xbalanque themselves: some wanted to bait him, others wanted to lure him into a trap, and Mavuika herself was certain that Xbalanque would appear at their tournament, the Pilgrimage of the Return of the Sacred Flame. People like the first Archon adore competition, disdaining dishonest ways of winning and celebrating a fair victory. They are always drawn to what gives hope and excitement. Mavuika personally inspected the tournament preparations across all the tribes to ensure a fitting welcome for Xbalanque.On the day of the Pilgrimage, no trace of Xbalanque was found, and the competition itself was won by a hero from the Scions of the Canopy, Kinich. From the very beginning of the tournament, Mavuika felt something was wrong, not because she sensed Xbalanque's power, but because she couldn't sense it. During the awards ceremony, she recognized the first Pyro Archon in a boy who hadn't even made it to the final 32. To avoid public attention, Mavuika, the Traveler, and Paimon went to a safe place to speak with Xbalanque.Two thousand years ago, when Xbalanque was reborn from the Sacred Flame, he made a pact with the Ruler of Death. He convinced her to share her power to save the nation, which was on the brink of destruction. It was a grand plan, one that would require more than one mortal lifetime to bring to fruition. But Xbalanque was certain that one day someone would complete the task. Seeing that the Ruler of Death had become interested in Natlan's story, Xbalanque asked to see the new world with his own eyes if the Natlanese were victorious, as he had laid the foundation stone. So they made a bet: Xbalanque bet on Natlan's victory, and his return was the reward for winning. When the Natlanese, led by Mavuika, finally defeated the Abyss, the first Pyro Archon was granted the opportunity to see Natlan for one day. The real Xbalanque was over sixty years old when he entered the Sacred Fire. Unable to return in his true body, he borrowed the body of a boy who should have been asleep all that time.When Xbalanque awoke in the boy's body, he wanted to go swimming, but his trouser leg was snagged by a fishing line that came out of nowhere. When he decided to take a stroll and see the sights, he fell into a trap and was able to sleep on a soft bottom prepared specifically for him. And when he finally reached the Stadium of the Sacred Flame, the trainer from the Collective of Plenty made him do twice as many warm-up exercises as everyone else. Since Xbalanque was unable to show outstanding results due to his temporary body, he invited Mavuika to a friendly duel in the land of the sun, created by his soul, where only the sun and those blessed by it could survive. They were transported there in spirit form, freed from the shackles of flesh, so Xbalanque could demonstrate his true strength of spirit. During the duel, the first and last Pyro Archons fought evenly, but Xbalanque conceded Mavuika's victory. For victory, he offered her the remaining power given to him by the Ruler of Death to commune with the soul of the deceased, but Mavuika refused."The past lives on in my memories, and will always remain my treasure.Meeting someone we can no longer see again will only lead to more longing. Rather than cling to the past, we should enshrine it in memory, ever loved and never forgotten."Xbalanque knew Mavuika would refuse, for he felt the presence of all who had fought shoulder to shoulder with her, blessed her, and crossed blades with her. They asked him to convey their gratitude for her victory and their wishes for a happy future."Those who have gone before will never forget you, even as you keep all their names deep within your heart.Mavuika, my dear child. Though we have ascended to Archonhood, never forget that we are still human. Live as you please, in this age of peace you've forged with your own two hands."When Xbalanque's time in the world of the living was drawing to a close, Mavuika offered to take him on a ride on her Flamestrider, to show him all of modern Natlan and share the last joyful moments of life.