Western Gribade Highland sits inside Altgard, the opening region for Asmodian players in Aion 2. The sector packs 12 Empyrean Traces, 4 Sealed Dungeons, and a single Stronghold into a stretch of coastline, canyon, and cliff. Most traces are perched on platforms or ledges that need gliding or a careful climb, while the dungeons sit behind glowing cavern portals.
Quick answer: Collect all 12 Empyrean Traces on the platforms, ridges, and chasm ledges across the Highland, then clear Shulak Cave, Scale Altar, Lonely Rock Chasm, and Empty Cave (all recommended level 35) and the Detlef Thieves Camp Stronghold.
All 12 Empyrean Trace locations
Each node registers as Empyrean Trace: Altgard (Bound) when you interact with it. The route below runs roughly south to north through the subregion, then along the plateau rim. Deploy your wings for the drops and cliff grabs.
Trace 1: Climb to the wooden scaffold balcony next to the cluster of red tents and interact with the node on the platform.
Trace 2: Head to the southwestern coast and run out along the rocky ridge above the sea. The trace rests on a boulder overlooking the water.
Trace 3: Behind the large decorative red pavilion tent, step onto the high wooden dock walkway and grab the trace there.
Traces 4, 5, and 6: These three sit together in the northern ravine. Trace 4 is on a dirt slope, Trace 5 is lower among the rocky boulders inside the canyon, and Trace 6 is tucked under a narrow stone archway.
Trace 7: Drop into the deep canyon rift and glide down between the two cliff walls. The trace floats on a small ledge partway down.
Trace 8: Follow the path uphill onto the rocky overlook above an enemy camp. The trace sits at the top of the outcrop looking over the road.
Trace 9: Near the green-lit entrance to Lonely Rock Chasm, drop into the ravine and grab the trace on the ledge beside the portal.
Traces 10 and 11: Both are on the plateau rim. Trace 10 is on a rocky spur near the enemy cannons, and Trace 11 is tucked in a small cliff niche just below the rim. Grab 11 by gliding off the edge and hugging the cliff face on the way down.
Trace 12: Fight into the Blades encampment, glide onto the high timber gateway above the camp gate, and collect the last trace on the wooden canopy.
Sealed Dungeon locations, bosses, and rewards
The four Sealed Dungeons are reached through green glowing cavern portals and all carry a recommended level of 35. Each one shares the same base clear reward for Asmodian players.
| Dungeon | Location | Clear condition | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shulak Cave | Northwestern shoreline | Defeat Mad Lazekhi | Anti-Doping Task Force |
| Scale Altar | Southern coastline | Defeat Warrior Wasti | Can’t Hear You |
| Lonely Rock Chasm | Inland rocky valley | Defeat Informant Zibro | My Enemy’s Enemy Is Still My Enemy |
| Empty Cave | Far western beach cliffs | Interact with the Philosopher’s Stone | Philosopher’s Stone |
Clearing any of these four awards Kina x15,000, Sealed Wing Featherdown (Bound) x2, Statue Scrap: Night Illusion Wings (Bound) x2, Daevanion Crystal (Bound) x2, Wisdom Stone (Bound) x2, and Enhance Stone x1,250, along with the dungeon’s title.
Elyos players can also clear these dungeons by teleporting into Altgard through Spacetime Rifts. They receive 2,500 Enhancement Stones per clear but do not get the Wisdom Stones or Daevanion Crystals.
Shulak Cave
On the northwestern shore, you’ll find Shulak Cave. Razekin, its prisoner, is a Shulak who endured Fafnite dust exposure and went mad. Defeat Mad Lazekhi, the boss, to finish the cave.
Scale Altar
Scale Altar lies along the southern coastline, where Naga Wasti holds ceremonies to empower the Dragon Lord. Wasti is feared under the title Daeva Slayer. Defeat Warrior Wasti to complete the dungeon.
Lonely Rock Chasm
In the rocky valley inland, Lonely Rock Chasm is next to the portal you pass when collecting Trace 9. A Daeva who turned against the Blades once lived in this cave, and restless spirits are rumored to linger there. Defeat Informant Zibro to finish the dungeon.
Empty Cave
Empty Cave is set into the cliffs on the far western beach. The Lepharists once used it to experiment on Krao, and test subjects who survived still roam its depths. There is no boss here; interact with the Philosopher’s Stone inside to complete it.
Detlef Thieves Camp Stronghold
The only Stronghold is the camp of a thieves’ band in Western Gribade Highland. After preying on refugees, they joined forces with the Blades and now hand suspicious outsiders over to them. To clear the Stronghold, complete three actions in sequence.
How to confirm everything is done
Each Empyrean Trace shows the “Acquired Empyrean Trace: Altgard (Bound)” prompt the moment you interact with it, so a trace already collected will no longer appear on the map. The Sealed Dungeons register as cleared once the named boss falls or, for Empty Cave, once you read the Philosopher’s Stone, at which point the clear rewards and title drop into your inventory. The Stronghold completes when the Treasure Chest opens and the Altgard Stronghold Sweep V achievement pops. When all 12 traces, all 4 dungeons, and the Detlef Thieves Camp are marked off, Western Gribade Highland is fully completed.
