Pogahn Passage

This article is about a mission. This name is also used for an outpost and a Zaishen mission quest. For the explorable area, see Gandara, the Moon Fortress.

Pogahn Passage
Campaign	Nightfall
Region	Kourna
Type	Cooperative
Party size	8
Required hero	Margrid the Sly
Duration	Short
Preceded by	No Me, No Kormir
Followed by	Moddok Crevice A Thorn in Varesh's Side

Kormir has been captured! She is to be executed, but with the assistance of Margrid the Sly, you've managed to secure a set of Kournan armor and plan on infiltrating Gandara to rescue her. As her price, Margrid asks that you also help her acquire the Diadem of Lady Glaive from the base's vault. After which you will proceed to the prison, break out Kormir, and rush to the docks to escape.

This mission represents a branch in the storyline which is determined by your choice of Margrid the Sly or Master of Whispers. If you have chosen Master of Whispers, you may return to this mission after completing Abaddon's Gate or enter with someone who has Margrid the Sly.

Mission information

Requirements

• All party members must have accepted the reward for No Me, No Kormir or To Kill a Demon.
• Margrid the Sly must be present in the party.

Objectives

Rescue Kormir from Gandara.

• Escort Margrid to the Gandaran treasure vault to retrieve the Diadem of Lady Glaive.
• Free Kormir from the Kournan prison.
• Escape from Gandara with Kormir and Shahai.
• Optional: Escort the Sunspear prisoners to the prison.
• Optional: Obtain the prison code for entry into the prison.
• Optional: The demon is out of control! You can either help the guards or stand aside and let them fight on their own.
• Optional: Take over gate duty for some guards.
• *BONUS* Complete optional objectives.

Rewards

Normal mode	Optional objectives accomplished	Rewards
Standard	0 - 2	1,000 XP	100	1	20
Expert's	3	1,500 XP	150	1	20
Master's	4	2,000 XP	200	1	20
Hard mode	Optional objectives accomplished	Rewards
Standard	0 - 2	1,000 XP	200	1	70
Expert's	3	2,000 XP	300	1	70
Master's	4	3,000 XP	500	1	70

Walkthrough

Your party starts under the Kournan Guardsman effect, disguised as Kournan guards to avoid early confrontations. During this time, players can accomplish the bonus objectives which are very simple.

Proceed to the treasure vault (point 5) to trigger Margrid's dialogue to retrieve the Diadem of Lady Glaive and now head to the prison gate (point 6). Prison Keeper Shelkesh will ask the code to clear passage.

• If you acquired the password from the guard at the entrance of the fort, you can pass through unobstructed.
• However, should you not have the password or choose the option to give the wrong password, the 3 hostile Kournans will spawn, and Shelkesh will turn hostile, although he will not move or attack. The gate will open when all 4 foes are dead.

Upon reaching the prison, kill Jailer Gahanni and the other guards and a cinematic will start (point 7).

Now, you have fifteen minutes to escape by reaching the docks with Kormir and Shahai. The exit can be found in only half the counter's time so there is no need to rush through as the clock may imply. There are two deadly spots:

• The second and third Kournan groups after crossing back the bridge: Players will find the second group to be small and static, but a third larger group is on its way towards the bridge. Instead of engaging the second group, wait until the third climbs the stairs and move far ahead from the second group. This will help avoid over-aggroing and having to fight a large mob with two Kournan Priests healing each other. Since Margrid the Sly is a required hero, she can be used to lure the third group (flag and un-flag), because if a player attempts to pull, Kormir and Shahai will follow, risking mission failure.

After dispatching these groups, you may either travel north through the fort or south along the docks, both paths rejoin at the dock.

• The final battle at the docks has four static guards and another group behind them lead by Captain Nebo, a powerful elementalist boss capable of dealing massive area damage with Fire Magic spells. Lure the four guards first to reduce enemies and only then engage the last group.

Finally, walk to the end of the dock to complete the mission.

Bonus

These are four tasks that need to be accomplished before Kormir and Shahai's cinematic:

• Talk to Guard Captain Kahturin to obtain the prison code.
• Talk to Captain Nahnkos to escort Sunspear Prisoners, who will assist in battles but are not required to survive.
• Trigger the Kourna Guards dialogue involving the Demon Spawn, either helping them or not will count as done.
• Talk to Guard Linko to take over gate duty. You don't need to watch them leave nor stay, just continue with the mission.

Skill recommendations

• If your party has anyone that deals damage via attacks, consider bringing skills that remove stances, bypass blocking or punish blocking to use against the Kournan Bowman, who use Whirling Defense.
• The final elementalist boss is dangerous to the NPCs you must keep alive.
  • Ward Against Harm and/or Ward Against Elements help reduce the damage, until they move outside the wards. Shelter and Union will also help keep the NPCs alive
  • Interrupts also help against the boss. Since Margrid is required for the mission, equip her with Distracting Shot and/or Savage Shot and lock her on the boss to help suppress damage.
• Enchantment-based builds are vulnerable to enchantment removal by Kournan Oppressors and Seers.
• Hex removal skills could be unnecessary; the only hex spells your party will encounter are Enchanter's Conundrum (the hex that is applied has no impact if your party does not use enchantments) and Life Siphon (ends when its caster dies).

NPCs

Allies

Humans

• 20 (20) Captain Nahnkos
• 20 (20) Guard Captain Kahturin
• 20 (20) Kournan Captain
• 20 (20) Vault Master Eijah
• 20 (20) Guard Linko
• 20 (20) Jailer Gahanni
• 20 (20) Kournan Guard
• 20 (20) Prison Keeper Shelkesh
• 20 (20) Vabbi Guard
• 20 (20) Shahai the Cunning
• 20 (20) Kormir
• 20 (20) Sunspear Prisoner
• 20 (20) Sunspear Prisoner
• 20 (20) Sunspear Prisoner

Foes

Demon (Torment creature)

• 20 (29) Demon Spawn

Humans (Kournan military)

• 20 (20) Jailer Gahanni
• 16, 20 (26) Kournan Guard (axe, sword, hammer)
• 20 (20) Prison Keeper Shelkesh
• 22 (26) Kournan Elite Guard
• 16, 20 (26) Kournan Bowman
• 16, 20 (26) Kournan Priest
• 16, 20 (26) Kournan Oppressor
• 20 (26) Kournan Seer
• 20 (26) Kournan Scribe
• 22 (26) Kournan Elite Scribe
• 16, 20 (26) Kournan Phalanx
• 22 (26) Kournan Elite Spear
• 20 (26) Kournan Zealot
• 22 (26) Kournan Elite Zealot

Bosses

Humans (Kournan military)

• 24 (30) Lieutenant Nali → Enchanter's Conundrum
• 24 (30) Captain Nebo → Master of Magic
• 24 (30) Colonel Kajo → Cautery Signet

Dialogue

Opening cinematic

See No Me, No Kormir (cinematic)

Initial dialogue

Margrid the Sly

"Remember our deal, Sunspears. First we grab the Diadem of Lady Glaive. Then we rescue your precious Kormir."

"The last I knew, the Kournans stored the Diadem in the vault, which is heavily guarded. I'll handle the guards when we get there. You just keep quiet and we'll be fine."

"Keep your eyes open for anything that might help cover our escape while we're in the fortress. Once we break Kormir out we'll need every advantage we can get to escape from this rock."

If Zhed Shadowhoof is in your party:

Zhed Shadowhoof

"You're all mad! You may be able to dress up as Kournans, two-legs. But what am I supposed to be, your mascot?"

<Party leader>

"Margrid, hand me those manacles there, will you? Okay, now I'm going to put these on you..."

Zhed Shadowhoof

"Grrrrr...ROOOAAAR!"

<Party leader>

"Okay.... Margrid...you put these on him."

Margrid the Sly

"Don't worry, Zhed. I think I know what <Party leader> has in mind."

Intermediate dialogue (1)

Guard Captain Kahturin

"Halt! Give me your name and rank, soldier. This is a restricted area."

If Zhed is not in the party:

"We were in General Kahyet's guard. We seek shelter and reassignment"

If Zhed is in the party:

"We're here to escort this prisoner. He's a prison transfer being reassigned from cell one-one-three-eight."

"Very well, soldier. But you can't just saunter in. This is a secure area. You'll need the password. Memorize it. You can't get into some areas without these numbers for verification. Twenty, one, eight, seven. You got that?"

Captain Nahnkos (when you go near him)

"Hey you! Give me some help over here!"

Captain Nahnkos (when you talk to him)

"More prisoners! These Istani seem to breed like rats! We caught this batch of Sunspears sneaking into the fortress. I'm sure they want to rescue their precious Kormir. I don't have time to deal with this riff-raff! You're heading towards the prison. Take them with you and toss them in a dark, deep cell."

"Right away. The prison is just the place for scum like these!"

"Sorry. We're not the guards you're looking for."

Guard Linko

"Gods, my feet are killing me. We've pulled eight straight night shifts. And, when we aren't here, we're out hunting Sunspears. We're so tired we keep falling asleep standing up. Would you mind taking over our shift?"

"No problem. We need everyone sharp. Those Sunspears could be anywhere."

"Excellent. I owe you one. Here's the gate key. Guard it with your lives."

"Sleep tomorrow. Those Sunspears aren't going anywhere."

Intermediate dialogue (2)

Margrid the Sly

"You there! General Bayel sent me for the Diadem of Lady Glaive! You'd better get it quick...before he sends one of his pet demons instead."

Vault Master Eijah

"General Bayel sent you? It must be for that ambush he's setting up. Here is the Diadem. Make sure it doesn't fall into enemy hands!"

Margrid the Sly

"The general will be most pleased with your quick response. We'll be sure to keep the Diadem from falling into the...wrong...hands."

Margrid the Sly

"The stories about Bayel must be closer to the truth than I thought if that little ruse worked so well. Let's get out of here before they get suspicious."

Intermediate dialogue (3)

Prison Keeper Shelkesh

"I wasn't notified of anyone that needed access besides the executioner. Unless you have the code, I'll have to clear it."

"We're fully authorized. We have the password. It's twenty-one-eight-seven." (This option only appears if you spoke to Guard Captain Kahturin and received the password.)

"Very good. We have to be careful. Those Istani are planning something. They want their precious commander back. But it's too late anyway. Her hours are numbered. Praise Varesh! Hail Kourna!"

"Uhm, the password.... Right...hmm.... Yeah. Isn't it...er...Blue harvest?"

"That's not the code. Impostors! Guards!""

Jailer Gahanni

"Your time is almost up, Kormir. The executioner is on his way here to take care of you and your friend."

Margrid the Sly

"Looks like we're just in time. Lets [sic] move in before we're too late!"

Quotes

Quotes that appear when you go near certain NPCs

Kournan Guard (1)

"I hear the Sunspear leader is to be executed today."

Kournan Guard (2)

"Did you hear we are preparing to invade Vabbi?"

Kournan Guard (3)

"I'm not getting close to those demons. I hear they've eaten some of our troops!"

Kournan Guard (4)

"Sunspears have been seen near Ronjok."

Kournan Guard (5): "Gah. I can't believe they make us eat this stuff. It's worse then gruel. It's...it's..."

Kournan Guard (6): "Soylent?"

Kournan Guard (5): "Well, that wasn't the word I was going to use, but I suppose..."

Kournan Guard (6): "Don't eat the cornbread. Trust me on this one."

Kournan Guard (7): "I didn't know those demons could die. My hands are still shaking."

Kournan Guard (8): "Oh, wow! We killed it. I mean, you killed it. You'd better get out of here before Varesh finds out. She won't be happy about this."

Kournan Guard (9): "Istan! Can you believe it? My family's been poor for years; all our wealth appropriated to support the military. But now, Varesh is giving us lands in Istan once it's conquered. A new beginning!"

Kournan Guard (10): "Congratulations, my friend. I knew your loyalty to Varesh would be rewarded. Hail, Kourna!"

Kournan Guard (9): "Hail Kourna, indeed. And may the throne of Ossa grow to encompass Elona."

Kournan Guard (10): "May Varesh and her patron god...whoever that may be...bless all our houses; from now until the end of time."

Kournan Captain (1): "We got a report that some Sunspear stragglers are regrouping near the southern ship-docks. Do you want to assign a company to go flush them out?"

Kournan Guard (11): "Send a force, but tell them to watch their backs. Those Sunspears are up to something. It could be a distraction."

Kournan Captain (1): "I'll let them know. And...sir? Off the record? Do you know why Varesh is so concerned with the Sunspears? They're a small faction, and Istan isn't giving us any political trouble. Can't we just..."

Kournan Guard (11): "That's enough, soldier! Question Varesh's orders one more time, and I'll have you whipped for insubordination. And believe me, that's better than what she'd do to you if she found out."

Vabbi Guard: "Ow! Ow! Do you have to use that stuff?"

Kournan Guard (12): "Look, you got bit by a Centaur. Those creatures are filthy and disease-ridden. You could lose that arm. Now sit still..."

Vabbi Guard: "Ow! C'mon doc! Go easy on me."

Kournan Guard (12): "This is what you get for hunting Centaurs. I know we need to eliminate them, but stay out of their reach. Keep that in mind, and you'll have fewer bites to contend with."

Kournan Captain (2): "I hear our soldiers will reach Vabbi in just a few months. Isn't that exciting?"

Kournan Captain (3): "I should say so! Varesh is a visionary. With Elona united under Kournan rule, we can keep all of the cities safe, ensuring a peaceful, profitable way of life for everyone. Why the Elders in Istan are fighting her so fiercely, I'll never know."

Kournan Captain (2): "Some people are addicted to power. Clearly, the Istani Elders are poor leaders, clinging to power despite the benefits that merging our two countries would bring their people."

Kournan Captain (3): "It's sad, really. What a waste of life. Can't those Sunspears see they're being used and manipulated?"

Intermediate cinematic

<Party leader>: "Kormir! We're here to free you!"

Shahai the Cunning: "Sister! You've come to rescue me!"

<Party leader>: "Sister?"

Margrid the Sly: "Shahai! Um, of course! You think I would leave my sister to the Kournans?"

<Party leader>: "Kormir?"

Kormir: "Give me a moment. Night has fallen. At least for me."

<Party leader>: "What happened?"

Kormir: "Our hosts were... less than gracious."

Shahai the Cunning: "Varesh's demons blinded her. They have a taste for eyes."

Kormir: "I can manage. You lead. I shall follow."

Margrid the Sly: "Let's ditch these outfits. Now that we've sprung the prisoners, this place is going to be crawling with soldiers!"

Intermediate dialogue (4)

Margrid the Sly

"Let's get out of here! We have boats waiting by the dock. We just need to get to them...."

End cinematic

<Party leader>: "Kormir, we're going to get you back to Istan."

Kormir: "Istan? No, you need to go north, to Vabbi."

<Party leader>: "There's no way to get past the fortress at Jahai."

Kormir: "There is another way. There is a passage at the back of the Waterworks of Mahnkelon."

Margrid: "You told her about that?"

Shahai the Cunning: "So I took a risk."

Kormir: "The passage leads to an old smuggler's cave. The cave will lead to Vabbi."

<Party leader>: "You need a healer's attention."

Shahai the Cunning: "I can get Kormir to safety."

Margrid: "And I can take you to the passage, but we'll have to be quick about it

Margrid: "Very quick about it!"

Bayel: "What is your problem hound?!"

The Hunger: "A prisoner has escaped. The one touched by Abaddon."

Bayel: "Sunspears! After them!"

The Hunger: "All in good time, mortal."

Bayel: "What are you waiting for?"

The Hunger: "You misunderstand, little mortal. You are not my master."

Bayel: "You are charged to help me hunt these Sunspears. You will do as I say."

The Hunger: "I answer to my lord Abaddon. I answer to Warmarshal Varesh. I do not answer to you. Are we clear?"

Bayel: "I am Varesh's general. You should respect..."

The Hunger: "Varesh does not need generals anymore. She needs us. Do not make her choose."

The Hunger: "We are partners, at best, until all your Sunspears are slain."

Bayel: "And then?"

The Hunger: "Then? We renegotiate. I know where these Sunspears are going. Follow me."

Notes

• Kormir follows the party leader, never attacks and rarely uses skills except for "Incoming!". Foes cannot target her but she does take damage from area of effect skills.
• Occasionally, Kormir and/or Shahai may get stuck in the prison around the bridge. Make sure they are following as they are required to reach the docks to complete the mission.
• Before entering the fortress gate, you can explore the Gandara, the Moon Fortress area, which is completely free of foes.
• There is a dialogue sequence between a Kournan Guard and a Kournan Captain that seems to be reversed, that is, the Guard speaks the Captain's lines, and the Captain, the Guard's.
• Using your keyboard to move around during the end mission cinematic will contribute about 0.1% to the Elonian Cartographer title.
• After completing this mission, your party will be taken to Moddok Crevice.
• Completion of this mission will fill in page #5 in the Night Falls storybook.

Bug. Sometimes Guard Linko will not show up. In that case you will have to re-do the mission for the bonus.

Bug. For some characters the map will not be uncovered during the cinematic, even after moving using the keyboard

Bug. Sometimes the mission will fail when encountering the last group of enemies even without Kormir / Shahai dying and with time still available

Trivia

• Jora, M.O.X, Ogden Stonehealer, Pyre Fierceshot, Vekk and Zhed Shadowhoof will not be disguised.
• There are numerous references to George Lucas' Star Wars series:
  • Much of the dialogue involving Zhed Shadowhoof is similar to when Luke, Han and Chewbacca infiltrate the Death Star and go to the prison deck disguised as Stormtroopers performing a prison block transfer for a Wookie to cell block 1138. Zhed will prompt a dialogue and be disguised as a prisoner despite his expected protests. Later, you will end up telling Guard Captain Kahturin that you are transferring Zhed to cell block 1138. (from The 1977 film, A New Hope)
  • The incorrect answer to Guard Captain Kahturin when gaining access to the prison is "Blue Harvest", the name of the cover movie used to hide the filming site for Return of the Jedi. (1138 is also similar to Lucas' first film, THX 1138.)
  • The password for the prison transfer, 20, 1, 8, and 7 is the same as Princess Leia's cell number, 2187 (from A New Hope)
  • "We're not the guards you're looking for" from the decline option of Captain Nahnkos mimics, "These are not the droids you are looking for". (from A New Hope)
• Other movies (and books) are also sources for other dialogue within the mission, including:
  • Soylent Green: A conversation between two guards: 5: "It's worse than gruel...it's..." — 6: "Soylent?"

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