An Arrogant Search

Listen. I'll tell you the story about an ancient king who gained eternal life but paid the price by being imprisoned in a high tower by the gods? After being trapped for hundreds of years without being able to die, the king went mad and turned into a monster... The key to eternal life, the mountains of treasure from the ancient empire... and the secrets surrounding the "seal"... These were the distressing things that people had to obtain from the king.

(Only characters above level 60 can take on this quest.)

Have you heard the story of the ancient emperor who achieved immortality? He was imprisoned by the gods in a high tower where he suffered for hundreds of years before going mad and becoming a monster.

The secrets of immortality, the vast treasures of the ancient empire, the secrets of the "seal"... All this important information locked within the mind of a mad monster.

• "Is this the story of Baium?"

Yes. The poor wretch is under the guard of the Platinum Tribe. Even demons gather at the Tower of Insolence expecting to obtain something... This will not be an easy task, but I intend to uncover his secrets for the good of all mankind.

• "Why?"

Would you believe for the good of the world? Well, it wouldn't exactly be a lie.

Look, I thought you would be intrigued by this story. Whether it is the treasure, the knowledge, whatever... You can find what you want... Do you seek my help?

• "Please help me."

Very well. But you must first prove your worth. I'm a poor judge of character, so I don't want to see my efforts come to nothing just because you have a kind faith.

Hmm... We don't have to go far to settle this. Do you know the Forsaken Plains? Go there and hunt either Yintzu or Paliote. As proof of your victory, bring me the Monster's Shell.

You haven't left for the Forsaken Plains yet? Do you remember what I said? Go to the Forsaken Plains and hunt Yintzu or Paliote, and bring back the Monster's Shell as proof. Don't keep me waiting!

Have you brought me a powerstone? This should fetch a handsome price from the Dwarves. I'll give it to Blacksmith Wilbert later.

Well, now at least you will avoid dying in vain. Your task will not be easy... If you have any comrades you should bring at least two with you...

• "I work alone."

Good! Go and bring back two comrades with at least your level of skill. I'll tell you more about your mission upon your return. You don't all need to come back at the same time. Take these flowers, keep one for yourself and give the other two to your comrades. No, I'm not being romantic...

Will you accept these flowers?

Very well, as you wish...

Inside the Tower of Insolence you will find a teleportation device called the Dimensional Vortex. Oh, I see you are familiar with it. All the other devices in the tower have been activated, but this device, located on the top floor of the tower, has frustrated all attempts. It is known as the Angelic Vortex.

To activate it you must collect the relics of Saint Solina. We have been searching for these relics for years, and have only recently discovered that they are contained in three separate arks, hidden in different locations. We have people currently looking for them.

• "What do you want me to do?"

Greedy, thoughtless people disgust me. Didn't I tell you to give two of the flowers to your comrades? If you can't follow simple instructions, I'll have nothing further to do with you.

It makes no difference who you are. I explicitly told you to keep one of the flowers and give the other two to your comrades. If you chose to throw them away so easily, I have no use for you.

Ah, I see that you've gathered your comrades. Good! Now, let me give you specific instructions.

Inside the Tower of Insolence you will find a teleportation device called the Dimension Vortex. Oh, I see you are familiar with it. All the other devices in the tower have been activated, but this device, located on the top floor of the tower, has frustrated all attempts. It is known as the Angelic Vortex.

To activate it you must collect the relics of Saint Solina. We have been searching for these relics for years, and have only recently discovered that they are contained in three separate arks, hidden in different locations. We have people currently looking for them.

• "What do you want me to do?"

He was supposed to give the flower to a qualified person! You certainly don't fit that description. You should give the flower to someone who can actually use it.

(This quest can only be undertaken by a character of level 60 or higher.)

Hmm, the fact you are holding the flower means that you are the "capable" comrade he referred to. Hmmph.

• "What is wrong?"

Well, I don't really know you so I can't say for sure... I suppose I can go ahead and give you specific instructions...

You may have heard all of this before... Inside the Tower of Insolence you will find a teleportation device called the Dimensional Vortex. Oh, I see you are familiar with it. All the other devices in the tower have been activated, but this device, located on the top floor of the tower, has frustrated all attempts. It is known as the Angelic Vortex.

To activate it you must collect the relics of Saint Solina. We have been searching for these relics for years, and have only recently discovered that they are contained in three separate arks, hidden in different locations. We have people currently looking for them.

• "What do you want me to do?"

The relics are contained in three separate arks. The arks are hidden in Aden, Giran and somewhere in the Dark Elven Forest beyond the Misty Mountains. Here in Aden, Madam Claudia Athebaldt is searching for the ark. In Giran, a fixer named Martien of the Town of Giran is searching for the ark, and in the Dark Elven Forest, Magister Harne of the Dark Elf Village is searching for the ark. All three have reported that their searches are almost complete.

Take these letters with you and find them. They will tell you what they have found so far. When you find the three arks, bring the relics back to me.

• "Tell me more about the sacred relics."

The three sacred relics are contained in three separate arks and hidden in Aden, Giran and somewhere in the Dark Elven Forest across the Misty Mountains.

We Dark Elves have a great natural interest in the Tower of Insolence and Baium. Not long ago the lover of a former chief created a huge ruckus in the tower...

You must go to the Dark Elf Village and meet with Magister Harne. She recently sent word that she had located the ark in the Dark Elven Forest. There seemed to be something wrong, but she didn't go into it. I realize this is a long journey, but could you please go and check it out? Take this letter with you.

The three sacred relics are contained in three separate arks and hidden in Aden, Giran and somewhere in the Dark Elven Forest across the Misty Mountains.

We Dark Elves have a great natural interest in the Tower of Insolence and Baium.

Please go and meet with Madam Claudia Athebaldt in this village. She has been searching in this area for the ark for quite a while. I believe she has made some progress. I am fairly sure that she can be found strolling in the flower garden near Aden Castle... If you show her this letter, she will tell you where the ark is.

The three sacred relics are contained in three separate arks hidden in Aden, Giran and somewhere in the Dark Elven Forest across the Misty Mountains.

We Dark Elves have a great natural interest in the Tower of Insolence and Baium.

You must go to the Town of Giran and meet with Martien. At first glance he may appear a little slow, but show him some money and he comes to life. We hired him to search the area near Giran Castle... There is word that he is making progress. Take this letter to him and he should show you where the ark is.

There were three relics left behind by Saint Solina. The first one is her staff. The second is her diary. And the third is her own blood... When you collect all three of these items, the ancient emperor will grant an audience with you.

• "Why am I doing this?"

The story of the construction of the Tower of Insolence and the defeat of Baium is recorded in the book of the saint. However, the book itself does not impart knowledge. About 20 years ago a book was circulated purporting to be a copy... It was total rubbish. It was a book of hymns, so shabbily written that it could hardly have been produced by a saint! Besides, the book was full of modern grammar, and couldn't have come from ancient times. Perhaps the saint did not just write the secrets in her book. Perhaps her staff may actually conceal a key to all of the mysteries of the book...

• "Tell me about the blood of the saint."

Well, there is no guarantee that this will work... But to open the door, my theory is that any gatekeeper would respond to the owner's blood...

Yes, you heard correctly. The woman known as a saint was actually the daughter of Baium! Apparently after losing his mind he murdered his own child! There are unproven rumors that some descendant of Baium ran away to Goddard, but so far that has been neither proven nor disproven.

Why are you still here? You must hurry! These sort of affairs inevitably attract troublemakers, we must be very careful. You need to collect all three relics so you had better get going... First, go and meet Madam Claudia Athebaldt in the village. The other two are expecting you as well. You must eventually deliver all three of the letters I gave you.

Why are you still here? You must hurry! These sort of affairs inevitably attract troublemakers, we must be very careful. I have received an urgent request for help from the Dark Elf Village. Magister Harne is expecting you there. If you dawdle you will incur the wrath of at least two powerful Dark Elven magisters. All your travel expenses will be covered! Leave immediately!

Why are you still here? You must hurry! These sort of affairs inevitably attract troublemakers, we must be very careful. Claudia Athebaldt has been expecting you for some time now. She will start complaining soon, and I'm sure you don't want me to have to tell her that you are unreliable and dishonest!

Why are you still here? You must hurry! These sort of affairs inevitably attract troublemakers, we must be very careful. I have already sent some funding to Martien of Giran Castle. If you don't report there immediately he will get angry and call the Contract due! I don't want to have to have him killed, but I will! Your life would be in danger as well, and I know you don't want that to happen!

You still have not found all of the arks. Please hurry! I know you are encountering many difficulties, but I have faith in your abilities.

The Book of Saint, the Bough of Saint, and the Blood of Saint! Finally, the three holy items have gathered in one place. You did well, truly. I will use these to find a way for you to stand up to the mad king. In the meantime, I must ask another favor from you. It isn't anything difficult... I am asking because I am a bit tired. Can you go to the store next door and get me one Healing Potion and five Antidotes? I will finish this by the time you come back. I'm sorry to ask, but please do this for me.

I don't understand... I heard that you had obtained the arks, but where are they? If I didn't know better I would accuse you of hiding them away somewhere... You must have forgotten to bring them with you, am I right? You will go and get them NOW, am I right?

Yes, I'm hard at work on the items that you brought me. I don't even have time to blink! I understand that you are in a hurry... But could you do a simple favor for me before you go? Just buy me five Antidotes and one Healing Potion. Please?

Have you brought what I asked for? Please give them to me! I shall mix them together...(Gulp Gulp) Ahh~! That feels good.

My research is complete. It is as I expected. The incantation that I learned from the book of the saint and the branch of the saint I wove into the fabric that will activate the Angelic Vortex. This must be soaked in the blood of the saint, but unfortunately we don't have enough to color it completely.

• "What do I need to do?"

How much do you know about the Platinum tribe? They were ordered by the gods to guard Baium... They will not let anyone in or out of his room... They will even attempt to kill anyone who dares approach the top floor where the throne is located!

Although their devotion to their job is admirable, they stand between us and the king.

• "What can we do?"

Oh, well, I digress...

High-ranking members of the Platinum tribe and bloodless angels have been using the Angelic Vortex to visit the Emperor.

Perhaps if you disguised yourself to look like them, you could pass through the vortex! Follow my instructions carefully and you may survive. Are you up to this?

• "I'm ready."

Magister Hanellin: Listen carefully. Soak the White Fabric in the blood of Platinum tribe shamans and overlords and wrap yourself in it. The Angelic Vortex will accept you.

This money should cover your travel expenses, with a little something extra for your trouble... I'm sorry that it can't be more.

Once you pass through the vortex you should go immediately to the emperor. There will be no need for you to return here.

You'll find the Tower of Insolence is much more dangerous than you've anticipated. You may not survive...

Stop sniveling! If you're not up to it, then don't do it! Whatever you choose, good luck!

Good job! You killed all the guardians and recovered the relics!

Actually, before I tell you how to disguise yourself so that you can visit the Emperor, I've got a question for you. You seem like an ambitious sort... Rather than going to meet with the old Emperor, would you rather make some money?

• "No, I want to meet the Emperor."
• "I want to make some money."

Oh, really? I thought this would be a good opportunity for you... I suppose I'll have to find someone else.

If you want to meet the Emperor so badly, I have an idea... You could disguise yourself as a member of the Platinum tribe! If you can trick the Angelic Vortex, you'll be able to enter the room of the Emperor! Soak the White Fabric I gave you in the blood of Platinum tribe shamans or overlords and wrap it around yourself. This is sure to deceive the Angelic Vortex!

Here's your money. This should cover your travel expenses. I've put in a little extra for your trouble... I'm sorry it can't be more. After you see the Emperor, there will be no need for you to return here.

You'll find the Tower of Insolence is a much more dangerous place than you've anticipated. I'm not certain that you'll survive...

Stop sniveling! If you're not up to the task, then get out of here! Either way, I wish you luck!

Ah, yes, I've always admired that about you.

In order for me to explain our work to you properly, I must first tell you how to access the emperor's room. First, you must disguise yourself as a member of the Platinum tribe. You still have the White Fabric I gave you, right? Soak it in the blood of Platinum tribe shamans or overlords and wrap it around yourself. The Angelic Vortex will let you pass.

Now, listen carefully... After soaking the cloth in blood, leave the demented Emperor where he is and come back here. There are many lives in the balance...

You shall learn more later.

I've done everything I could do for you. Now you must kill shamans and overlords of the platinum race, soak the white cloth in their blood, wrap it around your body and present yourself to the demented emperor... Good luck!

Have you forgotten your task? After soaking the cloth with the blood of shamans and overlords of the Platinum tribe, come back here. We have some more business to attend to...

Oh, I'm surprised to see you still alive! Is this the blood of the saint? Well, this alone will not be enough. You must also gather the branch of the saint and the Book of the Saint...

Oh, I'm surprised to see you still alive! Is this the book of the saint? Well, this alone will not be enough. You must also gather the branch of the saint and the blood of the saint...

Oh, I'm surprised to see you still alive! Is this the branch of the saint? Well, this alone will not be enough. You must also gather the book of the saint and the Blood of the Saint...

I have heard all about you from Magister Harne. It seems she really likes you. By the way... What happened to the blood? Did you already give it to your companion?

Madam Claudia Athebaldt was very impressed by you. She seemed to like you very much... By the way... what happened to the book? Did you give it to your companion?

Martien was very impressed with you, but coming from him, that is not saying much. Ha! Just kidding. By the way... what happened to the branch? Did you give it to your companion?

Oh, you're back! Did you bring what I asked for? Oh, thank you! Please give them to me! I'll just mix them up and...(Gulp Gulp) Ahh~! I feel much better.

My research is complete. I wove the incantation from the book of the saint and the branch of the saint into the fabric that will activate the Angelic Vortex. However, it will take more that this to activate the vortex. I'll tell you more when the others get here. Give one cloth to each of your comrades, keep on for yourself and then come back to see me.Until then...

Why do you still have all three cloths? Although they are quite expensive, it does you no good to have more than one, and it would be advantageous for you to work with reliable friends!

Surely you are now aware of the incantation woven into this cloth? When soaked with the blood of the saint it will activate the Angelic Vortex. Unfortunately, we don't have enough of the blood of the saint to soak the entire cloth... And besides, there are three cloths that need soaking...

• "What do I need to do?"

Ah, I am truly happy to see that you survived... Now I can continue my story... Do you recognize this? Would you like more of it?

• "What do you want from me?"

Do you remember when I mentioned the bloodless angels? There is something I must tell you... That wasn't exactly true. When angels return to heaven, their physical bodies disappear. During this process a large amount of pure water is produced... This is known as the "blood of an angel." It cannot be contained in any vessel, it must be soaked into a piece of fabric...

And although I cannot speak their names, even to you, there are many people who would do anything to obtain the "blood of an angel".

• "Tell me more about the blood of an angel."

Now we have no use for the blood of the platinum tribe. They no longer wish to meet with Baium. We must obtain the "blood of an angel". Go and kill guardian angels and seal angels, soak these cloths with their blood and bring them back to me.

What are you doing? Don't you still have work to do? Go and kill the Guardian Angels and Seal Angels. Then, dip these clothes in their blood and bring them back to me.

Ah, yes, 10 pieces. It is good that your conscience doesn't bother you about murdering angels. Others in your position have gone mad! In fact, one died yesterday by jumping into the Blazing Swamp, shouting something about being "punished by the gods"! It is good that you can keep things in perspective.

I wish I could pay you now, but "those people" I mentioned are wanting the items delivered to them first...

• "Who are 'those people'?"

Where are the other pieces? I distinctly remember asking you to bring me 10 pieces of White Fabric soaked in blood... You haven't thrown them away or given them to someone else, have you? Oh, well, nothing can be done about it now. Since you've done the work, I'll pay you, but I must say that I'm very disappointed... I thought you were trustworthy! Oh, well, live and learn. Goodbye.

You haven't answered my question... What do you want to do? Do you want to continue to do this work or do you want to quit?

• Continue
• Quit

All right. Here, as always, are 10 pieces of white fabric. You know what to do next don't you? Go and kill guardian angels and seal angels. We are truly tempting the wrath of the gods...

You are quite a disappointment to me! I thought we were starting a long relationship... Or...have you found another? Ha! Do what you want.

I appreciate your hard work and hope to work with you again some day.

Well, I suppose I will have to tell you now, since you'll have to deliver the items to them anyway...

First is Sir Gustav Athebaldt of the Town of Oren. He is a black-hearted scoundrel, a distant relative of Claudia Athebaldt. He has been secretly supporting young warlords and expanding his power base.

The second person is Hardin. I need not say more, right? I hesitate to even call him human...

And, finally, there is Iason Heine of Heine... He dreams of one day taking over Innadril with the influence of his wealth. He is the biggest financier of this project. Take the blood-soaked cloths to these people. Your compensation will await your return.

You still have the items with you, eh? Sir Gustav Athebaldt of Oren, Hardin and Iason Heine of Innadril... They are not the kind of people you want to get on the wrong side of... They have been promised the items! Please hurry...

Good job! Thank you for your hard work. We haven't heard the last of those three, I guarantee... Ha! They may be a lot of trouble, but the money is good, no? Here is the compensation I promised. What do you want to do now? I still have quite a bit of work to do. Would you like to continue working with me or do you want to quit?

• Continue
• Quit

What did you do with the 10 pieces of Blooded Fabric I gave you? Don't tell me you lost them!?

You're a terrible disappointment to me! I've no use for the likes of you!

Be gone!

Would you please give me the letter given to you by Magister Hanellin?

Now you shall learn the results of our investigation. The ark can be found in the northern Marshland along the eastern edge of the Misty Mountains. We do not yet know its specific location as they do in Aden and Giran, but as in those places we expect it to be protected by a Guardian of the Ark. You must search for the ark where I said. If you find it, open it and retrieve the sacred relic contained within. I wish you all the best.

• "Why do you and your people want this relic?"

What business is that of yours? Have you been listening to gossip?

I suppose you didn't believe Magister Hanellin when she said we were doing it to achieve world peace, eh? Very well, I shall tell you the truth. We Dark Elves seek to break open the seal in order to free our great Hierarch Mitraell from Baium. Earlier we sent an Abyss Walker to the Tower of Insolence and have not heard back from her.

I'm afraid my personal feelings are getting in the way... Forget I said that...

You still haven't found the ark and its key? If you are as capable as Magister Hanellin said, you should at least have obtained some clues by now... Perhaps I am being impatient. All right... I will monitor your progress a while longer.

The Guardian of the Ark has been murdered? How could Shilen allow such a thing to happen!

I must learn more about this "Angel Killer". Its best you don't get involved any further. Open the ark and take the relic within to Magister Hanellin. I am far too busy to talk with you now. Thank you for your hard work and goodbye!

A man entrusted with the blood of Baium, and the person who sent him to god... is this her blood? The blood is dried up and hardened. It doesn't seem to possess any powers... Perhaps this is a mere token that responds to the magical power of the tower. Since we found the blood of the saint here, this means that the book of the saint and the branch of the saint must be in the other two places. You understand this, right? Collect all three relics and take them to Magister Hanellin. Then she will introduce you to Baium. From there you are on your own...

Ah, I've been expecting you! Do you have a letter for me?

Have you found the ark? I guess not... Everyone that has gone to investigate the ark so far has been attacked by a crazed werewolf and thrown off the mountain... The last party was completely devoured except for one corpse!

• "Whose corpse?"

Ah, yes, the sorcerer. Bright chap he was... He somehow managed to crawl home while dragging his guts behind him. It made me sick! His last words were, "The Guardian of the Ark". You would think he would come up with something clever like, "Bury me in a sunny place" or, "take care of my only daughter"... What was I supposed to do with that cryptic message?!

We cannot delay this matter any further. Once I saw Shadow Fang, the Guardian of the Ark, from a distance. He had a blank expression, devoid of any clear emotion or thought. He should be beaten to death, don't you think? I hope you can help me with this. I am at a loss! Please try harder this time, OK? Good luck!

Put that thing away! What possessed you to bring that key here? Proud of yourself, eh? Surely you are aware of the consequences of pride? Perhaps you should go ahead and sell the sacred relics and run away to Avella! You may have bitten off more than you can chew!

Wow, the Branch of the Saint! You must have paid a pretty penny for it! Does it call down lightning from the heavens? Trigger earthquakes or volcanoes?

Humph, probably not.

I guess it is as it appears, just an ugly, twisted stick. I hope you didn't make a special trip just to show it to me... Please take it, the blood and the book to Magister Hanellin. Your task is now complete. Next time, I'll give you an easier task. Hope to see you soon!

Magister Hannellin told me that you would be coming. You have the letter, I suppose?

You will find the ark in the Cemetery of Kings. Of course, the cemetary is locked and can only be opened with a particular key... a key carried day and night by the guardian of the ark.

• "Who?"

He is... gargantuan. A living colossus, a veritable Angel. He has killed so many of my servants that finding replacements is starting to become somewhat troublesome, actually. Oh... I do wish someone would deal with him!

Have you defeated the Guardian of the Ark yet? No?

I've been thinking about that beast, you know, and I actually think we have some things in common. Of course, I'm hardly about to invite him round for tea and crumpets, but he knows what he stands for and has an iron will behind that remarkable strength of his. Convictions, you see, mean everything. What is a knight without a dragon to slay? What is a man without a purpose? Nothing, that's what.

Ah! Could it be? Is that the key to the ark? You mustn't waste any time - go to the cemetery and open the bloody thing! I have no idea what is in it, just take whatever it is along with the other two sacred relics and hand them over to Magister Hanellin!

Hurry along my friend - may our next meeting take place under clearer skies!

Ah, the book of the saint! So this is what was contained in the ark of Aden for so long? Remarkable....

You know you didn't need to bring it here, but I must admit it gives me a great deal of satisfaction to finally see the fruits of our labors. Magister Hanellin believes this book to be complete garbage, a collection of totally worthless sacred songs, but... have you read it? Could you make head or tail of it?

I think it will be interesting to see something so old at any rate; so much can be inferred from incidental details like the phrasing of a sentence, and twist a book's writer puts on certain events.

Now hurry and take the blood of the saint, the branch of the saint and this to Magister Hanellin.

Hurry along my friend - may our next meeting take place under clearer skies!

You were sent by Magister Hannelin, correct? You're late! Now hurry and give me the items before someone sees you!

She was going to send me three pieces of "the blood of the angel"... is this it?! Ha! What a novel idea--I didn't know what to expect when she spoke of blood in terms of pieces....

Well, this has already been paid for, so you've nothing to take back. Leave, before I show you the back of my hand! Off with you!

Leave now. We mustn't be seen together, else you'll risk waking up with a pillow over your face, or a blade in your back. Go!

Did Magister Hanellin send you? Quickly, come here!

Give me the order that I placed then, quickly now, before we're seen.

Ah! Blood soaked fabric--very ingenious... but this fabric couldn't possibly contain the three samples of blood that I ordered. There must have been an error....

I need you to head back and get the rest of the supplies for me, understand?

I've been waiting for you! Let's see the item... Ah, yes, the "Blooded Fabric"... I formally accept it. Goodbye.

Back so soon? What do you want? Oh, I see! You wish to know what I intend to do with the item you brought me...Ha! Well, I'm afraid you won't be very impressed, I just thought it would come in handy in my practice of the dark arts.

I've been waiting for you! Give me the Blooded Fabric!

What? You don't have it? I insist that you go back to her, get the Blooded Fabric and bring it to me immediately!

Welcome, my friend! Have you brought the six pieces of red fabric from Aden? Please give them to me immediately! I have already paid Magister Hanellin at the Aden branch of the Trade Guild.

Ah yes, welcome my friend. I really want to express my gratitude for your professionalism in our last transaction, and I hope that we can do business together again soon.

Ah, come in, come in... Have you brought the six pieces of Blooded Fabric from Aden?

What? Why not?

I already paid for them! Are you trying to rip me off? Go get the Blooded Fabrics from Magister Hanellin immediately!

The key fits the lock on the chest perfectly. When the chest is opened, the key begins to glow red-hot and then melts away, burning your hand.

In the chest is an odd-looking glass bowl with what appears to be dried blood inside.

The chest does not contain anything else.

This seems to be the chest Magister Harne mentioned. It is locked and cannot be opened.

The chest is locked tightly, as we were told. Someone else is here!

The key fits the lock on the chest perfectly. When the chest is opened, the key begins to glow red-hot and then melts away, burning your hand.

Inside is a book with an old, faded cover.

The chest does not contain anything else.

The chest is tightly locked, as Martien said. Someone else is here!

The key fits the lock on the chest perfectly. When the chest is opened, the key begins to glow red-hot and then melts away, burning your hand.

An old, plain staff is in the chest.

The chest does not contain anything else.

Apparently this is the body of the guardian of the sacred ark that Magister Harne told me about. I feel that we are not alone.

Ah ha! The key to the ark!

The guardian of the ark was murdered by an Angel Slayer. I regret I do not know its name...