Dig Up the Sea of Spores!

Since the era of Shunaiman, the first emperor of the ancient Elmoreden Empire, the Mystics of the Ivory Tower have been researching the Sea of Spores. Around E.D. 500 they constructed a force field tower which stopped the spread of that wretched sea. Their research has continued through the centuries.

They could use some help in their studies, but I'm afraid you're not yet ready.

(This quest may only be undertaken by a character of level 43 or above.)

Since the era of Shunaiman, the first emperor of the ancient Elmoreden Empire, the Mystics of the Ivory Tower have been researching the Sea of Spores. Around E.D. 500 they constructed a force field tower which stopped the spread of that wretched sea. Their research has continued throughout the centuries.

Although the ancient barrier appears to be holding, the Sea of Spores continues to threaten us. A final solution to this problem must be found.

• "What can we do?"

Frankly, I'm not sure. Up to now our research has been focused on sustaining and strengthening the magic force field tower.

However, it has become clear that we need a more permanent solution. For this we must return to the Sea of Spores itself.

We must shift our strategy to researching each individual spore, one by one.

We must study the colonies they build, how they spawn and the complex relationships between the plants and animals of the sea.

• "Very interesting."

I must have a tissue sample of an organism that has joined with spores and grown roots. Rotting Tree Spores and spore zombies will do nicely.

• "I'll do it."

There are many different types of spores, all with unique and often dangerous characteristics. Are you sure you want to do this?

• "I'll do it."

Your resolve is admirable! Go and get the spores that live as parasites on rotten trees and spore zombies. Put the spores from the spore zombies in this grey pouch and put the spores from the rotten trees in this yellow pouch. The capacity of the pouches varies according to the size of the spores. Each pouch usually holds about 50 spores. Thank you for your assistance.

Have you been to the Sea of Spores? Bring me the spores from rotten trees in this yellow pouch and the spores from spore zombies in this grey pouch. Fill the pouches with 50 spores each and then bring them back to me.

Have you just returned from the Sea of Spores? I see that you have filled the yellow pouch. Due to inevitable...ah, shrinkage, I had hoped that you would fill both pouches. Well, no matter. What do you wish to do? Will you give me the yellow pouch?

• Give him the yellow pouch.
• Say you will continue.

Have you just returned from the Sea of Spores? I see that you have filled the grey pouch. Due to inevitable...ah, shrinkage, I had hoped that you would fill both pouches. Well, no matter. What do you wish to do? Will you give me the grey pouch?

• Give him the grey pouch.
• Say you will continue.

Ah, you've returned! Give me the pouches. Hmm...

Actually, I'm a little busy... Just put them anywhere...

• Put down the pouches.
• "All of that trouble and you aren't even going to look at them?"

Go to the Sea of Spores and bring back the spores that are parasites on the bodies of rotten trees and spore zombies. Collect 50 of each kind in each of the two pouches. Please do this and restore peace to the community.

I'll hold onto this for now.

Do you wish to continue collecting spores or would you like to quit?

• "I will collect more spores."
• "I quit."

I'll keep this with me for now.

Do you wish to collect more spores or do you want to quit?

• "I will continue to collect spores."
• "I quit."

Please put them in that box over there. Thanks to you, we can continue to conduct highly productive and effective research. Your contribution will be duly noted.

Would you like to help us some more?

I'm sorry, I was distracted. Let's see, first we must sort them... What do we have here?

• Open the pouch.

Oh yes, this is great! Splendid work! Even experts aren't so neat!

You must be rewarded! Please take this. You have greatly aided our research. I may ask for your assistance again. You are very good at this!

Here we go... I acknowledge that I received from you 50 Herbivorous Spores and 50 carnivorous spores. Here is your reward. If you wish, come back and help me again. We have enough for now, but I'm sure that in the future we shall need more.

What's this? They're all crushed together! I can't count them when they're like this... Well, they feel to be about the right weight...

They have been too badly damaged to be useful for our research. But a deal's a deal, I shall pay you. If you wish to continue in this job, you must be more careful!

Thank you very much.

If you ever return to the Sea of Spores, come and see me.