White Mantle
From secret society to Mursaat-worshipping cult, they wear white masks of devotion.
The White Mantle is a notorious organization within Tyria with origins dating back to the Guild Wars era. Originally founded as a secret society within Kryta to resist the Charr invasion, they later became corrupted by the Mursaat and devolved into a theocratic cult serving the Unseen Ones. In the modern era of Guild Wars 2, they remain fanatical followers of the Mursaat, manipulated by the false Lazarus, and stand as enemies of the Commander—but they are not aligned with any Elder Dragon.
Lore & Background
In the current timeline, the White Mantle operates primarily from Bloodstone Fen and Lake Doric, with their main stronghold being the Fortress of the Unseen. They do not serve Kralkatorrik; instead, they are fanatical devotees of the Mursaat, believing in human purity and the purging of non-humans and heretics. Their members wear distinctive white robes and masks, symbolizing their anonymity and total submission to the Unseen Ones. They utilize ancient magic and fanatical zeal to maintain their influence, but have no significant presence in the Crystal Desert as an active faction. Their original purpose was to resist the Charr invasion, but over time they were corrupted by the Mursaat.
Reader's Guide
The White Mantle serves as a primary antagonist faction in Guild Wars 2, particularly within the Crystal Desert storyline. Originally formed to defend human interests against Charr aggression during the First Guild Wars, their ideology has shifted drastically over centuries. Today, they are cultists devoted to Kralkatorrik. Their members believe that submitting to the Elder Dragon is the only way to ensure survival and order in Tyria. They operate out of hidden enclaves in the desert and mountains, often using fear and deception to recruit new followers or eliminate rivals. Their goals involve accelerating Kralkatorrik's awakening and dismantling human resistance. Unlike mindless minions, White Mantle members are intelligent tacticians who use magic and technology effectively. Players encounter them as hostile forces guarding ancient ruins and conducting dark rituals that threaten the stability of southern Tyria.
Did You Know?
- The White Mantle was originally founded as a secret society within Kryta during the Guild Wars era to resist the Charr invasion, not to oppose the Shining Blade; it was only later corrupted by the Mursaat.
- They view the Mursaat as divine beings and seek to purge non-humans and heretics, not to serve any Elder Dragon.
- They have no significant presence in the Crystal Desert; the faction serving Kralkatorrik there is the Branded.
More in Factions & Orders
Elsewhere in Guild Wars 2
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