The Nightmare Court is a radical faction of sylvari in Guild Wars 2 who reject the teachings of Ventari’s Tablet and the guidance of the Pale Tree. Embracing the darker aspects of sylvari nature, the Court seeks to corrupt the Dream of Dreams and plunge sylvari society into fear and chaos. Their goal is to convert the Pale Tree to Nightmare and reshape the race’s destiny.
History[]
The Nightmare Court formed as a reactionary movement against the perceived pacifism of sylvari society. Believing that the Pale Tree, influenced by the centaur Ventari’s Tablet, robbed the sylvari of their true nature, the Court’s founders turned toward darker instincts: fear, anger, and cruelty.
Grand Duchess Faolain, one of the original firstborn sylvari and once a close companion of Caithe, became the Court's charismatic and fearsome leader. Under her rule, the Nightmare Court sought to expand their influence by kidnapping and corrupting sylvari, subjecting them to psychological torture to sever their ties to the Dream.
Following Faolain's fall and the rise of Mordremoth, many Court members were absorbed into the Mordrem forces. Though diminished, remnants of the Nightmare Court continue their mission to this day.
Beliefs and Goals[]
- Reject Ventari’s Teachings: They believe Ventari's ideals suppress sylvari freedom and emotion.
- Embrace Nightmare: Through fear and torment, they believe sylvari can achieve true understanding.
- Corrupt the Dream: By injecting terror into the Dream, they aim to influence unborn sylvari.
- Convert the Pale Tree: Their ultimate goal is to plunge the Pale Tree into Nightmare, altering the foundation of sylvari society.
Structure and Hierarchy[]
The Nightmare Court adopts a feudal structure:
- Grand Duchess/Duke: Supreme leader of the Court.
- Courtiers: High-ranking inner circle with influence and authority.
- Knights: Enforcers and commanders of Nightmare doctrine.
- Squires: Recruits and initiates undergoing indoctrination.
Court titles often reflect their twisted values, such as “Knight of Pain” or “Lady of Thorns.”
Notable Members[]
- Faolain – Grand Duchess and former firstborn; powerful mesmer and leader of the Court.
- Knight of Embers – A prominent commander known for sabotage and ritual activity.
- Duchess Chrysanthea – A fanatical courtier involved in dark experiments.
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 Villains
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