Keiran Thackeray

Lieutenant Keiran Thackeray is an officer of the Ebon Vanguard and leader of the Ebon Falcons. He made his first appearance during the Wintersday 1078 AE celebrations, when he was left in charge of the Eye of the North. During his time in charge, he went to great lengths (or more accurately, enlisted the help of hapless players to go to great lengths for him) to cheer up a lonely Gwen.

In the time since then, a romance has developed between the two of them, however for a time this was on hold after Gwen's refusal to celebrate her own birthday led to a falling-out between the pair. He was then dispatched, along with Captain Langmar and the rest of his unit, to Kryta to help the Shining Blade in their civil war in exchange for Krytan aid against the Charr, with words left unsaid between him and Gwen. Although his role was mainly limited to training new recruits, during the Battle for Lion's Arch, he bought Ascalon settlers time to escape to the relative safety of the capital by helping to divert White Mantle forces, along with Captain Langmar and Captain Greywind. He did not return after the battle, and was listed as missing in action. A devastated Gwen, now in command of the Ebon Vanguard, used one of his bows and the Scrying Pool to locate him, witnessing the events that followed the battle.

Traveling through Kryta, a bedraggled Thackeray encountered Miku, with whom he hunted down and killed Danthor the Adamant. The two then pursued the remaining White Mantle forces to their base in the Maguuma Jungle, where they discovered a plan to massacre Beetletun and place the blame on the Shining Blade. They returned to the town and Thackeray used his newfound leadership skills to rally townspeople to fight the Mantle, and together they successfully repelled the attack. With his potential as a Paragon now realized, Miku invited him to join her on her return to Cantha, but Thackeray declined, instead opting to return to the Vanguard. Eventually, he made his way to the Shiverpeaks, and at Anvil Rock he was reunited with Gwen. After returning to the Eye of the North to recover, he proposed to Gwen, and the two were married in Olafstead.

Locations

 * Eye of the North
 * Far Shiverpeaks
 * (only during Wintersday 2008 and 2009)
 * (appears after completion of Wintersday 2008 quests or Eye of the North)
 * (during Charr-broiled Plans, Snowball Dominance, and before the Ebon Falcons dispatch to Kryta)
 * Beyond
 * War in Kryta
 * (randomly, as an ally)
 * (randomly, as an ally)
 * (only during dialogue)
 * (randomly, as an ally, and during Mustering a Response)
 * (randomly, as an ally, and during Mustering a Response)
 * (only during dialogue)
 * (randomly, as an ally)
 * (randomly, as an ally)
 * Hearts of the North
 * (during Reunion)
 * (during The Wedding)

Missions

 * Beyond
 * Hearts of the North

Quests
Quests given:
 * Beyond
 * War in Kryta
 * A Good Deed.
 * Hearts of the North
 * Norn Catering
 * The Wedding

Quests involved in:
 * Eye of the North
 * Wintersday
 * Charr-broiled Plans
 * Snowball Dominance
 * Beyond
 * War in Kryta
 * Ebon Vanguard Allies
 * Mustering a Response
 * Hearts of the North
 * Reunion

Recruitment
Keiran Thackeray joins your party upon completion of the quest The Wedding given in the Hall of Monuments at the end of the Hearts of the North quest chain.

Far Shiverpeaks
? Expertise, ? Wilderness Survival, ? Marksmanship
 * (elite)
 * (elite)
 * (elite)

War in Kryta
? Expertise, ? Wilderness Survival, ? Marksmanship
 * (elite)
 * (elite)
 * (elite)
 * (elite)
 * (elite)

Hearts of the North
20 Expertise, 20 Marksmanship, 20 Wilderness Survival

Hall of Monuments
16 Motivation

Hero
11 Command, 12 Leadership, 6 Motivation
 * (elite)
 * (elite)
 * (elite)
 * (elite)

Armor
Keiran's default armor is Ebon Vanguard armor with an armor rating of 80.

Like M.O.X., his armor cannot be upgraded, at this time. John Stumme has stated that Keiran has two alternate armor sets but they are not implemented due to lack of support for the Hall of Monuments.

Eye of the North
Note: Keiran Thackeray no longer appears in the Eye of the North during Wintersday, so it is now impossible to witness these dialogues.
 * During Wintersday
 * "Merry Wintersday. Lieutenant Thackeray, at your service. It is my honor to handle the defense of the Eye during these festivities."


 * After completing Wintersday Cheer
 * "Thanks to your efforts, we brought Wintersday to the Eye of the North, and a little happiness to Gwen."

Hall of Monuments

 * Before the War in Kryta
 * "Greetings! I was just checking the duty roster with Gwen. Did you need something?"


 * After Reunion
 * "Hello, friend. What can I do for you? I feel like I owe you one... or about twenty at this point!"

Ice Cliff Chasms

 * Before Thackeray's scavenger hunt
 * "Lieutenant Thackeray, leader of the Ebon Falcons, at your service. The Falcons are one of the advance scout groups for the Vanquard. We were deep behind enemy lines when we received word of the attack on Captain Langmar's unit. We returned immediately, but it seems we were too late. It was a blessing that you came to their aid, and for that we owe you a debt of gratitude.


 * Allow us to shoulder the responsibility now. My unit will be stationed here for the time being; you can leave the Vanguard to us."


 * At the beginning of Thackeray's scavenger hunt
 * "It's good to see you. Perfect timing in fact. You travel a lot, right?"
 * &rArr; Uhh, sure. You could say that. Why?
 * "I need some... supplies. I know you aren't necessarily a merchant by trade, but I'm a little short on options being so far north... did you know that Gwen's birthday is coming up?"
 * &rArr; Oh, is it? She never mentioned it.
 * "Of course not. I found out from Nicholas, when I last saw him. Listen, I have a plan. But I need a few items to make my plan work, and I thought perhaps a well-traveled soul such as you may have come across them. "
 * &rArr;Back up a second. A plan?
 * "Oh yes. A plan. A plan. A glorious plan! I'm a little bit excited about it."
 * &rArr;I noticed. Were you going to tell me about your glorious plan, or just giggle like a schoolgirl?
 * "Ha ha ha! An officer of the Vanguard never giggles, my friend. I'll tell you about my plan, but first you must promise to not tell Gwen. Bad things will happen if this is ruined for her. "
 * &rArr;I swear to you that I will not ruin this for Gwen.
 * "Good! Come a little closer so no one hears...I've been cultivating...a garden."
 * &rArr; A garden?
 * "Yes, a garden. As you know, I spend most of my time in the field, doing what I can to crush the charr and help Ascalon. Well, for some time now, I've been cultivating a hanging garden on an overlook in the mountains. I check in on the garden whenever I'm on my way to or from a mission and when I'm off-duty. This garden has become particularly important to me because I planted it shortly before I met Gwen. As I watch the garden grow, it's as if all my feelings for her have manifested themselves in this beautiful green place nestled on the side of a mountain near our homeland."
 * &rArr; You, sir, are smitten. So, are you taking her to the garden?
 * "Yes! I'm going to finally reveal my hidden sanctuary to its muse, but first I have to gather the final perfect touches to make this day go just right. I seek something sweet, drinks, an exotic meal, and lots of candles for my picnic with Gwen in the secret garden."
 * &rArr; Candles? Hmm, that might be a tricky one. Do you know a candle maker? (if no Votive Candles are in your inventory)
 * "Sorry. You don't know one? I was hoping you would... Isn't there anywhere you can think of that you have seen candles that you might be able to ask where they originate from?"
 * &rArr; Are you serious?
 * "Well, heh, it's a starting point isn't it? Just think about it and let me know if you find some, at least half a dozen or so."
 * &rArr; I have 6 Votive Candles direct from Necromancer Munne. I made them just for you!
 * "Amazing! From Ascalon? I'm nearly speechless. I think Gwen will really love these. Thank you. And you get any more, I'd take a few more bunches of 6!"
 * "I am quite fond of these candles; thank you for bringing me so many. Eighteen should be plenty, right? I thought so too."
 * &rArr; I think I found your "something sweet!"
 * "Something sweet? I hope it's not too messy...what have you got?"
 * Yes Birthday Cupcake
 * "A Birthday Cupcake! Yes. Yes, I think it must be this. What else could be more perfect?"
 * Yes Chocolate Bunny
 * "Aww, a Chocolate Bunny! Well, that's just too cute to pass up, and those are hard to find this far north. It's adorable! *sigh* Gwen isn't really the type to like adorable, is she? Eh, it's worth a shot anyways"
 * Yes Crème Brûlée
 * "Crème Brûlée is delicious, but I'm afraid it will spill out and make a mess during the hike. I suppose I could try, but I sense a goopy pack in my future..."
 * Yes Pumpkin Cookie
 * "Hmm...A Pumpkin Cookie. Easy to transport. Light. Doesn't scream "BIRTHDAY!" though, does it? I'll take it anyway."
 * Yes Red Bean Cake
 * "A Red Bean Cake will transport quite well, it's evocative of the coming of Spring, and it has a subtle sweetness that Gwen might like. Or she might find it bland and sort of gummy. It's a risk, but I could try it."
 * Yes Slice of Pumpkin Pie
 * "Pumpkin Pie? That could work. Who doesn't like pumpkin pie? Charr, that's who. Still... doesn't quite feel perfect, does it?"
 * &rArr; I have something that passes for food in many parts of the world. Do you want it?"
 * "What do you mean, "passes for food?" What is this mysterious fare?."
 * Yes Drake Kabob
 * "Now that is a meal! Simple, delicious, and appropriate for the setting. Yes. That will do perfectly."
 * Yes Bowl of Skalefin Soup
 * "Mmm, Skalefin Soup. Such a delicate mix of flavors, but it would be difficult to carry up the trail unnoticed. Maybe I could cobble something together..."
 * Yes Chunk of Drake Flesh
 * "I suppose I could cook that on a spit, but something that requires less prep work would be better."
 * Yes Herring
 * "Herring is fairly easy to make, sure. I could throw that on a fire and whip up a tasty meal pretty quick. There is the problem presented by fishy fish-breath, though..."
 * Yes Pahnai Salad
 * "Pahnai Salad would be a very refreshing way to start off a meal, but is it really suitable for a main course?"
 * Yes Truffle
 * "Truffles! I've always been a fan. I could flavor a main course with these very well, but I'm not sure I see the need when dealing with picnic fare."
 * &rArr; I've got a drink here that I think you'll really enjoy.
 * "You haven't been experimenting, have you? I am NOT a mixed drinks kind of man. And I hope it's better than that last thing you gave me."
 * Yes Hard Apple Cider
 * "YES! How did you know? That would add just the right touch to the picnic. Gwen loves apples. She tries to hide it, but I've seen her eyes light up when we get in a new bushel."
 * Yes Bottle of Rice Wine
 * "Rice Wine does warm the blood, though perhaps something a little less... refined would be best?"
 * Yes Bottle of Vabbian Wine
 * "Hmm, Vabbian vineyards are renowned for their excellent wine. A good choice, but not quite PERFECT."
 * Yes Dwarven Ale
 * "Dwarven Ale is a favorite among the Vanguard, but I'm not sure I want to chug flagons of the stuff at a romantic picnic. Though, if things go wrong, some ale to chug down may come in handy..."
 * Yes Eggnog
 * "I love Eggnog, but it’s sort of heavy and rich for a picnic, don’t you think? Maybe I’m just nervous…"
 * Yes Hunter's Ale
 * "Ah, an old favourite. Not quite perfect, but reminiscent of home, which might be good."
 * Yes Shamrock Ale
 * "Well, I suppose her favourite color is green... It might be a little over the top for a birthday picnic, but it's worth a try!"
 * "I'm on the lookout for something sweet, drinks, an exotic meal, and lots of candles. The perfect touches to go with a perfect day."
 * &rArr; Candles? Hmm, that might be a tricky one. Do you know a candle maker?
 * &rArr; I've got a drink here that I think you'll really enjoy.
 * &rArr; Back up a second. A plan?
 * &rArr; Let's speed this up, shall we? What exactly do you want?"
 * "Oh, I'm sorry! You must be in a rush and I'm keeping you. I just need something sweet, drinks, an exotic meal, and lots of candles. It's for a picnic."
 * &rArr; Candles? Hmm, that might be a tricky one. Do you know a candle maker?
 * &rArr; I have 6 Votive Candles direct from Necromancer Munne. I made them just for you! (if at least 6 Votive Candles are in your inventory)
 * &rArr; I have something that passes for food in many parts of the world. Do you want it?"
 * &rArr; I think I found your "something sweet!"
 * &rArr; I've got a drink here that I think you'll really enjoy.


 * After finding the perfect items
 * "That's it! That's almost everything I need. Just down to lots of candles and sweets. I think I already have something perfect to serve for lots of candles, but I'm still curious to see what else you might come up with for it."
 * or
 * "That's it! That's almost everything I need. Ah, I'm still looking for lots of candles, sweets, and an exotic meal. I hope someone's able to come through for me. Though I do think I have the perfect things to serve for lots of candles and sweets, I might be willing to look at alternatives to one of those..."
 * or
 * "That's it! That's almost everything I need." (if you have given him enough items to receive 4 Paper Wrapped Parcels and 12 Sacks of Random Junk)
 * &rArr; Almost? What more could you possibly need?
 * "The hardest part. I still need to get the girl."


 * During dialogue with Evennia
 * "The Krytan conflict intrigues me."

Kryta

 * "*sigh* Oh sorry, just thinking of...someone else.."


 * During Mustering a Response
 * "We must move quickly and without distraction."

Olafstead

 * During the Wedding
 * "Thank you, for everything. This day never would have been possible without you.  I, er...I mean we are forever in your debt."

War in Kryta

 * Upon appearing
 * "Well met! I heard you were doing some fieldwork, and I've come to offer my aid. I'm not needed at the camp right now, and you'll have a better chance of success with an extra hand. Let's get moving; the Mantle won't wait for us."


 * Random Quotes
 * "A lot of rangers will talk about living off the land. That's all well and good, but it's a lot easier to just make sure you're well supplied before leaving camp."
 * "Even though Kryta was the only nation to successfully repel the Charr, it seems they paid a heavy price for it."
 * "For Honor and Truth!"
 * ''"I shoot an arrow in the air, and where it lands... there's a dead enemy."'
 * "I wonder how the garden is doing now...maybe it doesn't matter anymore though."
 * "I'd say, "I'll make it quick," but that should be obvious."
 * "I've seen better fighting from squashed mantids."
 * "Maybe I should ask Mhenlo for some advice. He certainly seems to know how to talk to the fairer sex."
 * "No enemy shall escape my sight!"
 * "Sometimes I think I'll never understand women..."
 * "There is actually a sixth member of the falcons. You may have already met him without realizing it."
 * ''"You won't even see this shot coming."'

Battle quotes

 * "Balthazar bless my strength, teach my hands to war, and my fingers to fight."
 * "I am a stone. I do not move. I do not tremble. I have no fear."
 * "One arrow. One kill."
 * "Snap! Headshot!"

Hero

 * "Let me tell you something: dying hurts like hell."
 * "I wonder how the garden is doing now..."
 * "When your luck runs out, you die. That's how war is."
 * "You know, I never found a use for all those Drake Kabobs."
 * "The only way to live a good life is to act on your emotions."

Battle quotes

 * "I have never lost a battle."
 * "This move always impresses Gwen!"
 * "I'm here to win fights and chew mossgum."
 * "Blame it on the misfortune of your birth."
 * "War never changes."
 * "Let's see you grit those teeth!"
 * "Those who have laid eyes on an Ebon Falcon will not live to tell about it."
 * "Mine is the spirit that will pierce the heavens!"
 * "Who do you think I am?"
 * "Keiran's a man's name, and I'm a man!"
 * "If there isn't a path, I will make one with my conviction!"
 * "Mission accepted."
 * "Don't believe in yourself; believe in me, the one who believes in you!"
 * "Go beyond the impossible, and kick reason to the curb. That's the Ebon Falcon way!"
 * "The Ebon Falcons aren't just for show."

Trivia

 * His and Gwen's descendant, Logan Thackeray, plays a major role in Guild Wars 2.
 * He is implied to be the same sniper that aids the player with Ebon Vanguard Sniper Support, as his battle quotes match the ones displayed in the chat menu when the skill deals its highest damage.
 * Starting in Wintersday 2010, Casey Carpenter began offering three Wintersday quests that were previously given by Keiran.
 * His quotes: "Mine is the spirit that will pierce the heavens!", "Who do you think I am?", "Let's see you grit those teeth!", "Don't believe in yourself; believe in me, the one who believes in you!", and "Go beyond the impossible, and kick reason to the curb. That's the Ebon Falcon way!" are references to some of Kamina's more memorable lines from the anime Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann.
 * His quote, "This move always impresses Gwen!" is likely a nod to Koss' quote, "This move always impresses Melonni!"
 * His quote, "I'm here to win fights and chew mossgum" comes from the movie They Live, and is continued in Gwen's battle quote "...and I'm all out of mossgum!"
 * His quote "War never changes" is a reference to the introduction of the game Fallout.
 * His quote "I shoot an arrow in the air, and where it lands... there's a dead enemy", is a parodied line from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem, The Arrow and the Song.
 * His quotes: "Mission accepted.", "The only way to live a good life is to act on your emotions.", and "Let me tell you something: dying hurts like hell." are a few of Heero Yuy's notable quotes from the anime Mobile Suit Gundam Wing.
 * "Blame it on the misfortune of your birth" is a notable quote of Char Aznable from the anime Mobile Suit Gundam.
 * "Keiran's a man's name, and I'm a man!" is a nod to Kamille Bidan from the anime Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, although the original quote comes from the video game Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 2.