Welcome to Halloween 2010!

It’s that time of year again, when the Mad King’s laughter echoes through the chilly autumn air—Halloween is here! Once a year, Mad King Thorn and his spooky cohort return to Tyria for a creepy celebration full of new holiday quests, the Costume Brawl PvP event, Halloween-themed guild vs. guild battles, imposing new Halloween costumes, and lots of other tricks and treats! This year, however, the Mad King and his court plan to overstay their welcome and make every day Halloween!

The frightening festivities begin on October 21^st and run until 12:01 a.m., Pacific Daylight Time, on November 2^nd. While the main events take place in Lion’s Arch and Kamadan, you’ll find the Halloween spirit in other outposts all over Tyria.

All Hail the Mad King!

The Mad King Thorn visits Lion’s Arch and Kamadan every year on Halloween to challenge players with his malevolent games and groan-inducing jokes. Those who participate in the Mad King’s games take a risk, for the Autumn Lunatic hands out holiday prizes to those who succeed and instant death to those who fail. Fortunately, death in Mad King Thorn’s game is a temporary thing—you’re always welcome to return from the grave and play some more!

Mad King Thorn appears multiple times on October 31^st in both Lion’s Arch and Kamadan, always preceded by his undead heralds and accompanied by his nightmarish entourage. Participate in any of his appearances and you’ll earn a special piece of Halloween headwear. Remember—the Mad King rewards participants in each city with different pieces, so feel free to get both festival hats by attending his game in both Lion’s Arch and Kamadan. You don’t have to play the Mad King’s tricky game to get a Halloween treat; there are plenty of other ways to earn prizes throughout our 13-day celebration!

As much as he likes to be the center of attention, the Mad King isn't the only exciting part of the festivities.

New Halloween Quests

The Lunatic Court, an assembly of devoted disciples of Mad King Thorn, has concocted a ridiculous plan to break the seals that keep their insane ruler trapped for most of the year. In this series of quests, you’ll help these courtiers try to achieve their goal of making Halloween an all-year event, but be warned: the Lunatic Court is just as deranged as the Mad King himself!

We’re also bringing back Halloween quests from years past, so you can make the path to Dhuum a regular holiday tradition! Beginning October 25^th, talk to the candy-coated Mad King’s Steward in Lion’s Arch or Kamadan to begin these quests, if you dare!

Ghoulish Guild-Versus-Guild

The Halloween spirit has taken hold in guild vs. guild, where we’re swapping out all the NPCs with spooky undead counterparts. Fight alongside a cohort of unloving allies to protect your Halloween Guild Lord: Mad King Thorn! We’re also sweetening the deal with extra treats for our holiday GvG players.

The Costume Brawl

Suit up and join our retooled PvP Costume Brawl, where you can fight your way to rich rewards dressed as one of many famous Guild Wars characters. We’ve got a lot of new characters this year, and the battles are now more random and rewarding! To enter, speak with Bobby [Costume Brawl] in Lion's Arch, Kamadan, or the Great Temple of Balthazar.

Calendar of Events

Spooky decorations, Halloween treats, creepy new quests, and the Mad King's malevolent games—all this and more await you during the Halloween Festival! Here's a schedule of events:

• Thursday, October 21^st: The Halloween celebration begins at Noon (PDT)! The mood will be set with eerie decorations in the cities of Lion’s Arch and Kamadan, the town of Droknar’s Forge, and the Tomb of the Primeval Kings. Plus, the Costume Brawl starts today!
   
• Monday, October 25^th: The new Halloween quests begin in Lion’s Arch and Kamadan. Pit your skill against the Lunatic Court, delve into the Underworld to take on Dhuum with your allies, or embark on a classic Halloween quest from holidays gone by. Speak with the Mad King’s Steward to begin your adventure!
   
• Sunday, October 31^st: It’s Halloween! Mad King Thorn appears every three hours in Lion’s Arch and Kamadan. Participants in the Mad King’s games will receive holiday treats, and those who complete his challenge will get one of this year’s two Halloween masks. The Mad King rewards participants in both Lion’s Arch and Kamadan with a different mask, so be sure to attend at least one of his events in both cities to get both masks!
   
• Tuesday, November 2^nd: The seasonal festivities conclude at 12:01 a.m. (PDT).