Discussion about the new 5.1 dungeon: The Grand Cosmos

[Riastrad]

My 1.0 memory is fuzzy, but didn't Silvertear technically span a large area to the west as well? Past Silvertear Falls. Or rather, it should have, but the aftermath of the Battle of Silvertear Skies effectively drained the lake, reducing it to what we have these days. With no Battle of Silvertear Skies in the First, it stands the reason the lake is much more expansive than what we have on the Source.

Although now that I think about it, I don't think Silvertear Falls (or would that be Source Falls on the First?) isn't oddly absent on the First. Different geological history and all that, but it's a shame if nothing else, we get a really amazing shot of the Falls in 1.0s opening cinematic, would have been nice to see a recreation of that.

Oh, it's definitely been drained in places farther south and to the west as you said. You can see briefly what the lake used to look like in the 1.0 trailer in with the water falls and all. The Source (the lake) not sharing the same history with Silvertear will obviously affect its size. I was just stating that Silvertear is still part of Mor Dhona as the Source is still part of Lakeland, even the farthest shore of it. If you head south from Lakeland you would end up in Ahm Arang, same as you would end up in Thanalan if you went south of Mor Dhona. The Grand Cosmos has purple trees in and around its area.

I'm sure there is a better way to explain my thought process on this. But, this is what I came up with so far.

[Iscah]

It's a technicality really, but there are two ways you might use "Lakeland" - the geographical region known to residents of the First, and the zone accessible to us in the game. It's probably in the region, but nowhere near the zone.

[KageTokage]

Welp, if the place has absolutely nothing to do with Eulmore, maybe we'll get something in a future patch.

The whole ascension/meol thing still seems like it was way too big of a deal to be casually conducted within the city itself when its discovery could've completely undermined their society.

[EdwinLi]

Welp, if the place has absolutely nothing to do with Eulmore, maybe we'll get something in a future patch.

Well it may turn out related to Eulmore in some way once we get into the 5.1 MSQ but for now we just wait and see.

On topic...

I am curious who is this Mage we are probably going there to look for is. We now know it was once the Palace for the Elves Kingdom but now a home for a Mysterious Mage.

[Noitems]

Well this threw me for a loop. Wasn't expecting an area near Lakeland to get a dungeon but it's totally welcomed. I was guessing the Crystarium as my second main guess and it's close enough I figure.

Going to be mirroring 4.1's MSQ but my guess is we'll search for the mage to help send the Scions back. We'll go through the dungeon and either meet the mage as the final boss or just see them after.

Then we'll most likely have to go to Eulmore to talk to the Chai's about a specific thing the mage needs, and possibly use a Talos considering Sir Chai has his motivation back. Potentially a solo instance around here as well that will set up for 5.2.

All in all I'm really digging the Cosmos' courtyard area. It really has this essence of fall especially with the trees dropping all of their leaves to the ground.

Taking a look from the synopsis and the original photos we'll start outside leading to the courtyard where the first boss will be, then it'll be walking down the chambers to the second boss, and probably finishing it off in the castle's deepest area where the mage is.

[Erendis]

Gear choice for the dungeon is peculiar considering pictures of the Grand Cosmos we've seen so far. Are there some strange rituals going on in the palace?

[Nalien]

Gear choice for the dungeon is peculiar considering pictures of the Grand Cosmos we've seen so far. Are there some strange rituals going on in the palace?

The armor is based on Gnoles, which inhabit parts of Lakeland. I believe there is some FATE lore associated with them that implies that they were once Elves, effectively turned into Werewolves by the Shadowkeeper prior to the Flood. Given the Grand Cosmos is an Elven dungeon, I guess it makes sense to have Gnole themed armor? Could be more to it than that, but that's all I have at the moment. Wouldn't be surprised if the mage in question is doing some research into Gnoles, or something like that. I'm going with Elf prince trying to undo the curse, personally

[RicaRuin]

Well it may turn out related to Eulmore in some way once we get into the 5.1 MSQ but for now we just wait and see.

On topic...

I am curious who is this Mage we are probably going there to look for is. We now know it was once the Palace for the Elves Kingdom but now a home for a Mysterious Mage.

Pretty sure that's another FF I reference. We had quite a few on the First, and the mage might very well be Astos, since FF I Astos resides in the Swamp Palace which formerly belonged to the elves...

[JeanneOrnitier]

I really like the backstory. Of the societies destroyed by the Flood, Lakeland's Elves are the ones that caught my curiosity the most. I'm also interested in this mage who's moved in.

[Edax]

If I had to guess, I'd say Chateau Villandry was the inspiration for this place.