Talk:Nicholas the Traveler

June 6th
Found in Tasca's Demise, west of exit to Mineral Springs, asking for 3 Stone Summit Badges Zohane Trueaim 15:29, 6 June 2011 (UTC)


 * Confirmed. (86.103.172.5 15:40, 6 June 2011 (UTC))
 * [[File:TaschaTraveller.jpg]]

Tong2 15:50, 6 June 2011 (UTC)


 * BTW: Leaving from Frost Gate, killing the Summits to the north might be best farming location, e.g. spirit spammer...to whoever is able to contribute the the farming guide (86.103.172.5 15:57, 6 June 2011 (UTC))
 * I went got mine going trough Traveler's Vale and Iron Horse Mine. Low levels, easy kill. 85.19.140.9 16:16, 6 June 2011 (UTC)


 * Doesn't seem to appear during the quest Defend Droknar's Forge, if anyone can confirm --Graile 17:25, 6 June 2011 (UTC)
 * i farmed these solo using general searing flames build outside yas bend, just went in a circle to the west of yaks, got 12 in one cycle of the rock, very easy this week.Spark-TBa 17:47, 6 June 2011 (UTC)
 * Graile, from this page: "Active quests can alter spawns in the area. To fix this, complete or abandon the local quests before returning. Alternatively, visit the area with a different character without the relevant quests." Pretty much any quest that alters spawns is almost sure to keep him from appearing ;) Tribbles 18:15, 6 June 2011 (UTC)


 * I got lots of badges while doing dwarven boxing for survivor -- BramStoker (talk, contribs) 22:35, 6 June 2011 (UTC)
 * Those are Stone Summit Emblems, not badges... common mistake87.208.165.35 05:20, 7 June 2011 (UTC)

I dropped the quest "Defend Droknar's Forge" and went back in but still no Nick after zoning out and going back into Tasca's Demise. 20 minutes before Nick moves :( RandwulfX 18:42, 13 June 2011 (UTC)

June 13th
Anyone? Had a look in Flame Temple Corridor, not there this week. 85.19.140.9 15:35, 13 June 2011 (UTC)
 * It would be poetic irony if Nic saved that location for last. Disconnect 16:21, 13 June 2011 (UTC)
 * Hidden City of Adashim, 1 Diamond Djinn Essence per gift. Refia 18:03, 13 June 2011 (UTC)
 * http://www.wartower.de/forum/showpost.php?p=7418411&postcount=114
 * Here is the english version: Nicholas hidden city.jpg Balwin 18:35, 13 June 2011 (UTC)
 * Whoa, I thought he was never supposed to go in a non-mappable area. 66.183.75.200
 * I'll have to go and get a better image. I can't use that one, due to the pixels looking bad. :-( Kaisha  User Kaisha Sig.png 18:47, 13 June 2011 (UTC)
 * Hidden City is a Vanquishable area, hence a valid location --188.220.249.213 18:50, 13 June 2011 (UTC)
 * Yeah, and a long time ago he was in The Undercity. That area isn't mappable nor needed for VQ track.  85.19.140.9 19:00, 13 June 2011 (UTC)
 * Oh yeah I forgot about The Undercity. There's really nothing stopping Nick from having an ecto collecting week then, huh? xD Though for some reason I recollect a developer saying he'll never go there, but unless someone can point me to that again, who knows? --66.183.75.200 19:51, 13 June 2011 (UTC)
 * Nick doesn't spawn if you accept the Gift of the Djinn quest after stepping through the door. You must remap.Cinnamongod 20:02, 13 June 2011 (UTC)


 * He might collect ecto, but he won't be collecting it in UW, tombs, or FoW. There are 137 locations (reference from Nick's page). There are 136 VQable areas, leaving 1 more, which was the Undercity. The remaining (predicted) locations are all VQable/mappable. — Tennessee Ernie Ford ( TEF ) 21:51, 13 June 2011 (UTC)
 * Remember that he already collected Phantom Residue and Gloom Seeds, which should fill his quota of UW/FoW-Items. Though Umbral Shells or Dark Claws sure would be fun. Tub 12:11, 14 June 2011 (UTC)
 * I've got 9 stacks of Demonic Remains now, still building up, in the hopes he would ever collect them. But with my luck he probably won't now.  :P  193.215.199.34 09:05, 15 June 2011 (UTC)

June 20th
let the hunt commence :)Spark-TBa 16:21, 20 June 2011 (UTC)
 * wartower.de says 1 Sentient Lodestone per gift. Haven't confirmed, though. Tub 16:27, 20 June 2011 (UTC)
 * Confirmed. Bahdok Caverns, start from Wehhan Terraces. Disconnect 16:35, 20 June 2011 (UTC)
 * I can confirm it too, I've got screenshots so I'll upload the map and add info. -- [[Image:User_Kirbman sig.png]] Kirbman 16:42, 20 June 2011 (UTC)
 * anyone know a semi-decent place to get these, im not getting any drops :(Spark-TBa 17:07, 20 June 2011 (UTC)
 * I'm farming in Dejarin Estate, going out from Poghan Passage. There are 3 groups there easily accessible.  85.19.140.9 18:35, 20 June 2011 (UTC)

I'm starting to believe that Tormented Lands cannot drop trophys. I've killed them all 3 times, got plenty of drops, but not a single lodestone. If someone got a lodestone from them, please post a screenshot. Tub 12:22, 21 June 2011 (UTC) Elonian jumping gourds, heh. Why has no one mentioned the mexican jumping bean? -Wrei110.175.241.56 10:39, 27 June 2011 (UTC)

June 27th
According to GWGuru, Sunqua Vale. 3 feathered scalps per gift. 85.19.140.9 16:30, 27 June 2011 (UTC)
 * Please not just say "GWGuru" or any other site but provide a link to the specific entry.--Fogeltje 16:56, 27 June 2011 (UTC)
 * Gwguru link Murthag


 * I confirmed the screenshot before updating the links. — Tennessee Ernie Ford ( TEF ) 17:11, 27 June 2011 (UTC)
 * If you've not yet done the quest, defeat and talk to Wulk Cragfist, you can get the quest Revenge of the Yeti which spawns a group of 6-8 sensali just to the north. -Bramblefeet 17:32, 27 June 2011 (UTC)

a nice way to get easy featherd scalps is to do that quest but let him die and restart so u can kill all the sensali again easy scalps.--Rit tow of the champion killers guild 03:29, 28 June 2011 (UTC)
 * Is it worth mentioning that the Sensali in Jaya Bluffs drop a similar item, Feathered Crest as opposed to the Feathered Scalp, and players should be mindful of where they are farming? (I farmed 15 Crests then couldn't figure out why he wouldn't take them). FleshAndFaith 05:19, 29 June 2011 (UTC)
 * Wich means that the suggested farming locations do not work because they do not drop the required trophy. Allow me to add to it that only Sensali Fighter, Sensali Blood and Sensali Assassin in Sunqua Vale drop feathered scalps and not Sensali Cutter, Sensali Darkfeather and Sensali Claw in Jaya Bluffs. I hope this will prevent confusion wich Sensali is required to farm. Damysticreaper 11:23, 29 June 2011 (UTC)

July 4th
guildwiki.de (image) says he's in Ettin's Back. No idea what he's collecting. udas 15:43, 4 July 2011 (UTC)
 * 3 Mossy Mandibles apparently. User Judas Sig.pngudas 15:45, 4 July 2011 (UTC)
 * Confirmed. User Judas Sig.pngudas 15:48, 4 July 2011 (UTC)
 * Confirmed. 3 Mossy Mandibles in north-center part of Ettin's Back~. Zohane Trueaim 16:47, 4 July 2011 (UTC)

DPL magic to reduce redundant editing?
I've been reading up on the DPL and #time extensions. We're displaying the current item on the main page, using dpl magic to fetch it from Nicholas the Traveler/Research. We could do the same on this page, so we'll only need to update Research every week. Just one slight difference: the Research page doesn't list the region. We can either add a parameter for region, or we could use DPL to dynamically read the region from the Location infobox. Should I try to code something, or is there a reason why updating in two places might be preferred? Tub 14:56, 6 July 2011 (UTC)


 * Please be GWW:BOLD. It's unlikely that folks remember to update all the instances. (Plus, assuming the cycle starts to repeat (or repeat with only small variations), we shouldn't have to update this page at all.) A third element that also has to change is the map (and caption) pointing to his location. That's trickier because it's not yet yet included in the /research page. — Tennessee Ernie Ford ( TEF ) 17:05, 6 July 2011 (UTC)
 * I'll note that my sandbox has a copy of the research page as of January with regions added, for when Poke was talking about a similar update. In fact, I'll even update that to current in a few. So if you want to change Nicholas the Traveler research to include a region parameter between campaign and location, that'll be ready to go. I'll also note that, last I was aware, the thing stopping Poke from already doing it was needing to prepare Wikichu so it didn't break Twitter updates. - Tanetris 17:27, 6 July 2011 (UTC)
 * Oh, that's nice, but I've already coded the DPL stuff to fetch the information from the location article. Adding a parameter right in the middle isn't easy because that will require adjusting some protected templates, and adding region at the end would result in Campaign|Location|Optional stuff|Region. So I guess we'll keep using DPL?
 * About image descriptions: we can use an additional parameter on Research (parameters at the end are no problem), or we can keep editing the article. Depends on the preference of those that usually upload images. Comments?
 * Below is the code that would go on the article. I'd prefer waiting until next monday to see if it behaves before copying it there, though. Tub 17:45, 6 July 2011 (UTC)
 * (outdated code removed)
 * Thank you Tub for this excellent work! This is pretty much what I was thinking of doing somewhere in the (no-idea-how-distant) future. If you don't mind, I'll just implement it :) poke | talk 20:47, 8 July 2011 (UTC)


 * What Poke said. — Tennessee Ernie Ford ( TEF ) 21:24, 8 July 2011 (UTC)
 * Okay, it's live! I had to modify your idea a bit as we need the map data before we display the data, as such I expose all information to variables instead. I also split up the data up, so that the actual format can be set together on this page, so it is not hidden deep inside the template namespace.
 * Also the page should work fine for unknown data. As soon as no information is available, the date functions default to the current day, so all dates and especially the map link (which will be a redlink then) will be correct on Monday (it won't on Tuesday though, but I expect everybody to discover Nick on Monday). poke | talk 21:42, 8 July 2011 (UTC)
 * Thanks! Variables are indeed a lot cleaner.
 * I've fixed the "maplink in tuesday" issue, using  and a few conditionals.
 * For consistency, you may want to semi-protect Template:Nicholas the Traveler research.page, too. Tub 23:14, 8 July 2011 (UTC)

11. July 2011
wartower.de says 1 Spiked Crest in Tears of the Fallen. Can someone please confirm? Tub 16:07, 11 July 2011 (UTC)
 * Confirmed. I've just talked to him. Forgot to take a screenshot. He's at the north-west corner of the southern lake, north of the spiked crest collector.Zohane Trueaim 16:13, 11 July 2011 (UTC)
 * Drakes during Drakes on the Plain drop these as well... though similar named items havent worked before, do these work as well? 74.210.50.20 16:25, 11 July 2011 (UTC)
 * Drakes on the Plain spawns the same drakes as found in Kryta, which drop the same item, not just similarly-named. So yes, they'll work. - Tanetris 16:42, 11 July 2011 (UTC)
 * I previously farmed Spiked Crests from the Lightning Drakes in the Gates of Kryta and Sanctum Cay missions. They are easily accessable and repeatable for farming 99.152.30.158 21:57, 11 July 2011 (UTC)EdStargazer
 * This one was rather painful imo. I just did Sanctum Cay. There are 2 groups of Inferno Imps at the beginning then 6-9 Lightning Drakes in 3 groups, I killed them and then ported back and restarted. I dont know if it is the most efficient way but it works and no quest or anything required. ·•· Cr yp to  ·•·  16:27, 12 July 2011 (UTC)

Overhaul
I've produced a small overhaul of the page, which can be seen here. The section for collector items is currently broken, but it does work if you use this revision of the collector subpage (see here). I was told I'd need to post here before implementing, so is anyone against these changes? --Bobit 20:34, 12 July 2011 (UTC)
 * Personally, I'm against the change. The current way summarizes what he's about better and it keeps the most-wanted information closer to the top (location and collection for the week). --JonTheMon 20:40, 12 July 2011 (UTC)


 * What do you mean the section for the collector items is currently broken? I would like to know more before agreeing to a solution. Also, your proposal does far, far more than attempt a fix; it also substantially changes the introduction. I recommend that you separate the two distinct suggestions by offering draft versions of each (perhaps in your user space); this will also allow people to comment directly on each suggestion and also to propose tweaks (neither of which is easy in looking at a diff between two versions of the article). Thanks. — Tennessee Ernie Ford ( TEF ) 20:44, 12 July 2011 (UTC)
 * He means the example he wants to show is broken. --JonTheMon 20:48, 12 July 2011 (UTC)
 * Yes, sorry, my wording was unclear. What I meant was that in the draft, the section for collector items does not work (it is non-existent in the current revision), but there is a fix that can be implemented if and when the overhaul is implemented. --Bobit 20:51, 12 July 2011 (UTC)
 * Also against this "overhaul" - firstly, it's too inconsistent. Secondly, it's too flavorful, disorganized, and in need of a lot of rework on its own; I especially dislike the gallery in the center, that's the most disdaining part to me tbh. Thirdly, I'm just a tad bit upset if something like this gets pushed when my Mad King Thorn rework was not allowed. That said, if re-written some of the intro paragraphs could be placed into the background section.  Konig / talk 20:55, 12 July 2011 (UTC)
 * The gallery section can be moved if need be, would that change your position? As for organization, I made sure it conformed as closely to the NPC formatting guidelines as possible, my hope is that it's more organized than the current revision. --Bobit 20:58, 12 July 2011 (UTC)

(Reset indent) Let me be more clear: I'm strongly against the proposal in its current form. I would be willing to reconsider after (a) the fix to the collector section is separated into its own draft and (b) the proposal to overhaul the introduction is setup as a draft page, upon which people can comment and to which people can offer edits.

When proposing a significant change to the status quo, it is important to be very clear about the issues with the current version and the benefits of making the change. For this article, I don't see that a case has been made that we need to change things; even if we did, I don't see that a case has been made as to why this is a better alternative. — Tennessee Ernie Ford ( TEF ) 21:06, 12 July 2011 (UTC)
 * Firstly, I agree with TEF that you make a draft - two in fact, one for format, one for flavor (or you can ignore the flavor as that one would likely be disagreed upon by the vast majority). Secondly, it is true that the format of this article is a bit... chaotic, and by far inconsistent with other articles, but that's because Nick is such a unique NPC and, furthermore, some of such situations have been discussed at length. I personally disagree with the format but it's done so that folks don't get "confused." Thirdly, as to your question, no it wouldn't change my position as I also dislike: 1) the wording of the intro paragraph greatly (even in attempting to use flavor to make it more interesting, I can cut that down easily and keep the interestingness in it); 2) the Quests section is partially incorrect; 3) the Locations section should show a difference between collector and non-collector, for the reason of the linked discussion, as it isn't clear in your proposal; 4) the dialogue section change for the Wedding dialogue is incorrect; 5) the "see also" section is 100% unneeded.  Konig / talk 21:42, 12 July 2011 (UTC)
 * I've created a draft page here, so edit away :) the fix is for a problem that doesn't yet exist (although the draft page I've created all works). The main case for why this is better is consistency - if the layout is the same as other collectors, using the page is a lot more intuitive and easy, an aspect which is also improved by the increased neatness of the page. As an added bonus, the category is dynamic (not that this would be difficult on the current page), so that's pretty cool. --Bobit 21:52, 12 July 2011 (UTC)
 * I'll address your points in order, Konig:
 * First point: done, although not in two separate pages since the two are a little intertwined.
 * Second point: that just adds to the argument that it needs to be organised better, then, I think. I'm not sure what that wedding dialogue stuff was all about - I always interpreted the dialogue sub-page as being for dynamic content and, as the wedding dialogue is static, it belongs on this page, not there.
 * Third point: well, you can always edit the intro section on my draft, if you like. I think it's a better intro than the current one, and I don't know why we have a background section when that's not permitted in the guidelines at all. The see also and external links sections are just reorganizations of the guides section. And can I ask for a clarification on why the quests and dialogue section are incorrect? --Bobit 22:06, 12 July 2011 (UTC)
 * It's not easier or more intuitive to use, even if more consistent. Most of the visitors to this page just want to see his weekly location and item. Burrowing the relevant information two pages down is not an improvement, neither is choosing the default collector layout which highlights the awarded item instead of the collected one.
 * Also, the infobox should contain an image of the NPC in question. Though the wallpaper is cute and I wouldn't mind including (or linking) it on the page, the infobox must show nicholas. Tub 22:14, 12 July 2011 (UTC)
 * You make a fair point about the emphasis being on the rewarded item rather than the collected one, although if people are accessing this page for the purposes of checking where and what the next item is, I can think of better places. --Bobit 22:18, 12 July 2011 (UTC)
 * @Bobit: To your #2: The debate was actually for how to divide the dialogues (and in turn location listing). As it stands, it's weird in that aspect compared to every other NPC article, but how it is is the best for clarity. To your #3: guidelines are guidelines, not rules, and as such there can be things on articles not on guidelines, especially for unique articles such as this one. To the quest/dialogue section: the quest section doesn't specify whether he gives or is involved in - which it is the latter; fixing that (and it should be added) would merely require adding a Quests involved in: to the beginning - the dialogue section shouldn't be sub-sectioned "the Wedding" but "Guild Wars Beyond" with a ;Olafstead (during The Wedding) underneath, as is currently done.  Konig / talk 22:31, 12 July 2011 (UTC)
 * I'm not sure if the quests section is wrong, the guidelines state to "Use grouping only if both apply". In this case, only one applies. You may well be right about the dialogue, though; there is no clear guidance on that issue. --Bobit 23:22, 12 July 2011 (UTC)

(Reset indent) I still don't understand the problem that needs to be resolved. The current article has an intro, covers the aspect that interests people most (his role as a collector/traveler and obtaining GotT), covers his non-collector appearance, covers dialogue for both types, and then has notes and links to guides. I'm not saying it's the best article we have on the wiki, but it does everything that it is supposed to (and does so well enough to largely withstand the test of time and countless edits and arguments).

Any policy we have pertaining to quests, NPCs, gifts, or articles in general was written long before the two Nicks were twinkles in anyone's eyes; our guidelines probably aren't equipped to handle this type of NPC. I don't think we ignored them in crafting this article; I think we decided that the current version works better than strict adherence would have. Accordingly, I don't think policy/guideline deviations are a sufficient reason to consider a wholesale rewrite or re-ordering.

So, I ask again: what is broken that needs fixing? — Tennessee Ernie Ford ( TEF ) 00:57, 13 July 2011 (UTC)


 * Im loving Bonit's version; maybe now Nick can finally be a featured article. ^_^ --Falconeye 03:56, 13 July 2011 (UTC)