Pathfinder: WotR Act 2 Drezen Guide: Routes, Bosses, and Mythic Path

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous is not a seasonal game. It is a buy-to-play RPG, with content added and updated through continuous patch updates and paid DLC. The latest major DLC is "A Dance of Masks." This article is based on information as of June 7, 2026.

Drezen, the demonic stronghold towering at the heart of the Worldwound. Its conquest is the biggest highlight of Act 2, determining the fate of the Fifth Crusade and shaping your story. Which route will you take, whom will you trust, and which "Mythic Path" will you choose? This article thoroughly explains everything about the quest "Banner over the Citadel," where your choices forge your future.

Quest "Banner over the Citadel" Basic Information

Most Important Choice Before Starting the Conquest: 3 Assault Routes

The conquest of Drezen begins with selecting one of three strategies during the war council. This choice affects the difficulty and progression of the conquest, as well as the reactions of your companions, so choose carefully.

Frontal Assault Route with Queen Galfrey

This is arguably the most straightforward route. You lead the main Crusaders force with the Queen to assault the main gate from the front. Since you're attacking with overwhelming numbers, there are no penalties like a decrease in Crusaders' morale. However, enemy forces will also be concentrated at the front, so be prepared for attacks from Ash Giants on the city walls and intense combat against numerous demons. If you aim to be a traditional hero in your role-play, this route best suits that atmosphere.

• Pros: No morale penalty. A traditional conquest route.
• Cons: Highest number of enemies, prone to fierce battles. Delayed dealing with Ash Giants.

Flank Attack Route with Regill (Hellknight)

This strategy, proposed by Regill who leads the Hellknights, involves a surprise flank attack to neutralize enemy catapults. Choosing this route incurs a penalty of -10 morale for the Crusaders, but offers a significant strategic advantage by allowing you to eliminate the troublesome Ash Giants early. This is an effective option if you want to lower the combat difficulty. On this route, Regill may be forced to join your party during the conquest.

• Pros: Annoying Ash Giants can be neutralized quickly, making urban combat easier.
• Cons: Crusaders' morale decreases by -10.
• Alignment Impact: May be considered a lawful choice.

Nurah's Proposal (Secret Passage) Route

This is the most unique route. It's a strategy proposed by Nurah, a tiefling advisor, to infiltrate through a secret passage leading to the fortress. However, this is a trap. She is a spy for the demons, and choosing this route will lead to an ambush in Drezen's prison, starting combat in a highly disadvantageous situation. However, the scenario changes if you've already discovered her betrayal.

• If unaware of the betrayal: Your party will be split, starting with an ambush battle in the prison. The difficulty will be very high.
• If aware of the betrayal: You can find Nurah's diary in the Lost Chapel beforehand or discover "Midnight's Kiss" perfume in her tent, giving you an opportunity to confront her. If you choose this route after confronting her, you can turn her trap against her.
• Trickster-exclusive option: If you have chosen the Trickster Mythic Path, a special option arises where you can, even knowing her betrayal, deceive her back and use her as a double agent. This is a unique development characteristic of the Trickster.

Drezen City and Fortress Conquest Procedure

Regardless of the route chosen, the ultimate goal is to reclaim the "Sword of Valor" located deep within the fortress. The city is vast, and exploring it yields a lot of experience and items.

1. Securing the City: Advance from your chosen route's starting point and clear out the demons in the city. Enemies and items are also located in buildings (barracks, churches, taverns, etc.). There are climbable sections on the walls that can be reached by succeeding on Athletics or Mobility skill checks (which are distinct from feats and class features in Pathfinder), allowing for shortcuts and advantageous positions.
2. Infiltrating the Fortress: While breaking down the main gate is the common method of entry, other options exist. Defeating specific Dretch (minor demons) in the city may yield three "Rusty Keys." Collecting all of them allows you to enter the fortress via a secret passage, potentially bypassing some combat.
3. Searching for the "Sword of Valor": Once inside the fortress, your goal is to find the "Sword of Valor." However, a fake "Sword of Valor" is placed inside, which triggers a powerful trap if touched. The real one is in the heavily guarded innermost chamber. Knowledge (Arcana) or Knowledge (World) skill checks (which are distinct from feats and class features in Pathfinder) may allow you to detect the fake.
4. Meeting Arueshalae: The reformed succubus demon Arueshalae is imprisoned in Drezen's dungeon. Solving the mystery of Desna's altar in Act 2's "Lost Chapel" quest and having had dreams of her are essential prerequisites for recruiting her. If these conditions are met, you can persuade her to join your party. Choosing Nurah's route will lead you to the prison earliest.

Boss Battle Guide: Staunton Vane and Flaurous

Deep within the fortress, in the throne room, you will face the traitorous dwarf Staunton Vane, the minotaur demon controlling him, and the vengeful Minagho. Depending on the situation, you may face multiple bosses in succession.

Boss Information and Strategy

• Staunton Vane: A powerful melee attacker wielding a two-handed weapon. He boasts high attack power and defense. Defensive buffs such as Protection from Evil, Blur, and Displacement are extremely effective in protecting your front-liners from his attacks.
• Flaurous (Minotaur): While some sources might list Darrazand, a Balor, as the boss, it is often a minotaur demon controlling Staunton. He uses fire-based magic and powerful charge attacks. Increasing fire resistance with Resist Fire, Communal is essential. He also uses fear-inducing attacks, so counter them with Remove Fear or Heroic Invocation.
• Minagho: A recurring nemesis from early in the game. She moves swiftly and can confuse your party with charm-effect spells. Apply buffs to increase Will saves and prioritize neutralizing or focusing fire on her to defeat her quickly.

Before combat, apply as many buffs as possible to your entire party, such as Haste, Bless, and Prayer. Feats like Greater Spell Penetration are also crucial for overcoming boss spell resistance.

Mythic Path Confirmation: Your Story Begins

After breaking through fierce battles and defeating the boss, and raising the true "Sword of Valor" on the ramparts, the quest is complete. Amidst the cheers of the Crusaders soldiers, your power awakens, and your Mythic Rank reaches 3.

Here, you will formally choose one Mythic Path from those you've unlocked throughout your adventures, which will form the core of your future story. This choice is the most important decision, completely transforming your future gameplay.

• Available Mythic Paths (Initial): Angel, Demon, Azata, Trickster, Aeon, Lich
• Impact of Choice: This selection significantly changes your protagonist's abilities, exclusive quest lines, relationships with companions, development of your base, and the story's ending. For instance, an Angel can heal allies with benevolent power, while a Lich can command undead armies. Choose the path that suits your role-play carefully, as this decision cannot be reversed.

Summary

The Drezen conquest quest, "Banner over the Citadel," is a major turning point in the story of Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous. The choice of conquest route influences combat difficulty, and unique companions like Arueshalae await. Most importantly, the selection of your "Mythic Path" after defeating the boss will define your character and is the ultimate decision that colors all subsequent adventures. With thorough preparation and choices based on your own convictions, liberate Drezen and weave your unique epic.