A Comprehensive Guide to Joining the Vanguard in Stoneshard
Hello, aspiring mercenary! Are you tired of the petty bandit contracts of Osbrook and Mannshire? Do you feel a calling for something grander, something that truly impacts the fate of Aldor? If you've been wondering how to align yourself with the powerful and influential Vanguard faction in the city of Brynn, you've come to the right place. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from getting to Brynn to becoming a respected member of their ranks. Let's get started on your journey to glory!
Step 1: Gaining Access to Brynn - The First Hurdle
First and foremost, you need to reach Brynn. This isn't a simple stroll through the woods. The journey from the starting villages to the grand city is a significant rite of passage in Stoneshard. You can't just waltz in; you need to earn your way there.
Complete the Main Questline: Your path to Brynn is intrinsically tied to the main storyline. To even unlock the city, you must first complete the quest to retrieve Verren's caravan from the Prologue. After this, you'll be able to travel between Osbrook and Mannshire with Verren.
The Journey to Brynn: Once you have a caravan and have completed the initial quests, Verren will eventually offer to take you to Brynn. This is a one-time offer, so make sure you're ready. The journey itself is an experience, and once you've arrived, Verren will no longer provide transport between towns. You'll then have to rely on other methods, like speaking to Ol' Tott for a fee.
Step 2: Establishing a Foothold in Brynn
Congratulations, you've made it to the bustling city of Brynn! But don't expect a parade. The city is a new beast entirely, with different districts and a more complex social structure. To start your journey with the Vanguard, you need to build a name for yourself within Brynn and its dominant faction, the Magistrate.
Understand the Factions: Brynn is a city of political intrigue, controlled by the Magistrate. Within the Magistrate, however, are three competing factions: the Silver League, the Vanguard, and the New Guild. The Vanguard is a powerful military force, and your goal is to get in their good graces.
Start with the Guild Quarter: Head to the Guild Quarter in the southwest part of Brynn. This is where you'll find various workshops and important NPCs. You need to start building your reputation, and the best way to do that is by taking on contracts.
Locate the Quartermaster: Your main point of contact for the Vanguard will be Bern the Quartermaster. You can find his post in the Old Towers district of Brynn, which is in the northeast. He is the key to unlocking Vanguard-specific quests and opportunities.
Step 3: Building Your Reputation with the Vanguard
Now, for the main grind. The game's reputation system is crucial here. You won't be able to just walk up to Bern and join the army. You have to earn their trust and respect.
Focus on Magistrate Contracts: While you're in Brynn, take on all the contracts you can get from the Town Official or Bailiffs. These contracts will increase your reputation with Brynn and the Magistrate faction. This is a foundational step to being recognized by the Vanguard.
Increase Your Benevolence: You need to reach a certain reputation level to access better contracts and services. The reputation levels are: Hatred, Resentment, Neutrality, Benevolence, Amity, and Respect. You start at Neutrality. To get into the good graces of the Vanguard, you should aim for Benevolence first. The wiki states that two completed contracts are required to reach this level.
Find the Quest Givers: In Brynn, contract givers are not always obvious. The Quartermaster, Bern, will be your main source for Vanguard-specific quests, but you'll also find other quest givers around the city. Keep an eye out for NPCs with a quest marker over their heads.
Complete Specific Quests: While generic contracts help with your overall Brynn reputation, there are specific quests that directly impact your standing with the Vanguard. These quests will often involve military tasks, such as clearing out specific dungeons or dealing with threats to the city. Look for quest descriptions that mention the Vanguard or military operations.
Step 4: Gaining a Letter of Recommendation
This is a critical step in accessing the full benefits of being affiliated with the Vanguard.
The Quartermaster's Quests: As you increase your reputation, Bern the Quartermaster will offer you more significant quests. Completing these quests will eventually lead to him giving you a Letter of Recommendation.
Unlocking Workshop Access: This letter is a game-changer. It grants you access to the workshops in the Guild Quarter and gives you a discount on the quests to unlock the vendors' best items. For example, a blacksmith might ask for a few rare items, but with the recommendation, they might only ask for a couple of easier-to-find ones. This allows you to purchase high-tier equipment that is essential for a mercenary of your caliber.
Step 5: Becoming a True Vanguard Member
While you won't get a "Join Vanguard" button in your UI, your affiliation is based on your reputation and the quests you complete.
Continue to Build Amity and Respect: Keep completing contracts and quests for the Magistrate and the Vanguard. As you reach Amity and Respect, you'll unlock the best possible gear from Brynn's vendors and gain access to more challenging and rewarding contracts.
Benefits of High Reputation: A high reputation with the Vanguard and Brynn offers a plethora of benefits, including:
Significantly better prices when buying and selling items.
Access to a wider selection of high-level gear.
Larger stock sizes from vendors.
The Game Recognizes Your Status: While there isn't a "Vanguard Member" tag on your character sheet, the game acknowledges your status through dialogue options, vendor interactions, and the quests you are offered. You are now a trusted and respected mercenary working for one of the most powerful factions in the land.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to get to Brynn in Stoneshard? You need to complete the main questline to retrieve Verren's caravan, after which he will eventually offer to transport you to Brynn as part of the story.
How to increase reputation in Brynn? You can increase your reputation in Brynn by completing contracts for the local Village Elder, Town Official, or Bailiffs. Completing these contracts on time is key.
How to find Bern the Quartermaster in Stoneshard? Bern can be found at his post in the Old Towers district of Brynn, in the northeastern part of the city.
How to get a Letter of Recommendation from the Vanguard? By completing quests for Bern the Quartermaster and increasing your reputation with the Magistrate and Vanguard, he will eventually give you a Letter of Recommendation.
How to unlock the workshops in Brynn? To unlock the best gear from the workshops in the Guild Quarter, you need to gain a certain reputation level and often complete quests for the respective vendors. The Letter of Recommendation from Bern will make these quests much easier.
How to find contracts in Brynn? You can find contracts from the Town Official/Bailiffs, usually located in a central part of town, or from specific NPCs like Bern the Quartermaster in the Old Towers.
How to check my reputation in Stoneshard? You can check your reputation by opening your Journal (press the 'J' key) and navigating to the Reputation tab.
How to deal with crime in Stoneshard and its effect on reputation? Committing crimes like theft or assaulting NPCs will decrease your reputation. If caught, you will become wanted, fined, or sent to jail. Serving jail time can gradually restore your reputation to Neutrality.
How to get better equipment in Brynn? By increasing your reputation to Amity and Respect with Brynn, you will gain access to vendors who sell a wider selection of higher-level equipment.
How to make money in Brynn to afford gear? Completing contracts is the primary way to earn Crowns. You can also sell loot from dungeons to vendors, and for the best prices, sell to the appropriate vendor (e.g., weapons to a blacksmith).
