Path of the Artisan

I teach young Dwarves and manage the Test of the Artisan. All apprentice Dwarves arrive at an important turning point where they must decide their future occupations. Dwarves may choose the path of the Artisan or the Scavenger.

Artisans, who I'm responsible for testing, create something from nothing. They have unbelievable talents and use the most modern techniques available in the world today for their creations. The Artisan is the middle step in the process of becoming a Warsmith. If you wish to become the greatest skilled craftsman in Aden, you must walk the path of the Artisan.

• Say you want to be an Artisan.

But one moment! You wish to be an Artisan? You must be mistaken. You cannot become an Artisan! Impossible! Go walk your own path. I do not have time to spare for dealing with those who are not qualified.

You! You must be mistaken. You are already an Artisan! Are you joking?!

Sorry! You are not yet qualified to be an Artisan. I warn you: it is not an easy path. To even take the test, you must first meet certain minimum qualifications. Gain more experience. Then return to me after you have reached at least level 18.

What are you doing, loitering around here when you've already taken the test? Go on and change profession to an Artisan!

Oh, fine, fine! I see that you are ready for the Artisan test.

It is administered by the guild master of the Black Anvil, of whom you have certainly heard - a blacksmith of great renown! I will give the first, most basic of the tests; if you pass, you may go on to the second test.

Shall we begin?

• Take the first part of the test.

The first test is very easy; Though the Artisan's main task is making things, to be sure, he must also be able to find the materials needed for manufacture by himself, and not depend on others. The first test puts its focus on those basic skills. Oh, and by the way, take this ring while you are taking the test. Ok?

Now I will give you the task. If you look around the Abandoned Coal Mines, you will come face to face with the nasty boogle ratman gang. They are the bad guys that trouble us Dwarves. Kill them and come back. But when you look at them, you'll see that they have nasty front teeth. The funny thing is that their front teeth are very useful materials. You know the famous motto of the Dwarves, right? "Whatever it is, there is nothing to throw out!"

Catch boogle ratmen and boogle ratman leaders and bring their front teeth.This is my task. See that you bring me ten boogle ratman teeth and two teeth of the boogle ratman leaders. If you come up short, you fail! So make sure you have the right number.

Ok, if you've brought your homework, let me take a look! One, two, three ... There's not enough! You don't want to fail your first test do you? I told you clearly! Ten boogle ratman front teeth, and two from the boogle ratman leaders!If you understand that, go and find them! Hurry up!

Have you brought all the boogle ratman teeth? Let me see ... One, two, three ... The number is exactly correct. Ok! With this, you pass the first test. Congratulations!

Now, you must go and take the second test. First, go to Blacksmith Kluto in Gludin. He will guide the next step. Good luck!

Let us see, then, the front teeth of the Boogle Ratmen. Did you get them all?... Yes, the count is correct. My congratulations!

The first test is completed. The second test is held in one of two places, and you may choose where you take it: Gludio Territory or Schuttgart Territory. Which do you choose?

• Gludio Territory
• Schuttgart Territory

Very well, then! Seek Blacksmith Kluto in Gludin Village. From him you will receive the second of the tests. Good fortune to you!

Let it be so! Seek out Railroad Worker Obi on the Plains of Plunder. He shall instruct you in what to do next. Good luck, candidate!

Why are you still here? To take the second test, I told you to go to Gludin ... Quickly go and meet Blacksmith Kluto. He will give you detailed instructions for the second test. Well then, good luck!

Ho, now! Why do you tarry? Your next test lies on the Plains of Plunder, not in my shop! Go there at once, and good luck!

The Artisan's test? Isn't that test conducted by the Black Anvil Guild?

Obviously, I'm a miner from the Gray Pillar Guild. I have nothing to do with Artisans!

• "Oh, I'm sorry."
• "I was sent to see you."

Hey, why did you give up so easy?

It doesn't matter whether I belong to the Gray Pillar guild or not, does it?

All six guilds are closely related and share collaborative relationships with each other. I even know some Collectors who work in Blacksmith Shops! Then, it shouldn't be so strange for me to give the test of an Artisan, right?

• "I'm sorry."

Oh, well, you're a youngster, and youngsters make a lot of mistakes!

Just don't forget that all of our guilds have the same aim, that is, we exist to protect all Dwarves and independence!

Are you ready to hear about the test?

• "Tell me about the test."

You have a good mind, and I think you'll make a good Artisan.

Never forget, we Dwarves stick together, no matter which guild we belong to.

• "Tell me about the test."

The test isn't very hard at all.

All you have to do is listen to a story and deliver it Mineral Trader Hitchi in the Town of Schuttgart as it is, and follow his orders. Isn't that simple?

• "Yes."

OK, but remember, you must never tell this story to anyone else! All Artisans must learn the importance of keeping secrets!

And, you must suppress your curiousity as well. Your role is only to deliver my words just as they are. Well, are you ready?

• "I'm ready."

The Golden Wheels are shaking. If you hit now,

you can change the balance of the six pillars

Deliver these words to Mineral Trader Hitchi in the Town of Schuttgart. I'll answer no questions! If you want to pass the test, follow my words to the letter.

I already told you. Deliver the message to Mineral Trader Hitchi in the Town of Schuttgart.

You're back so soon?

Do you have a message for me?

• Message received, will wait for the execution date

I see.

Then I'll proceed with my assignment.

Haven't you felt anything while doing this?

• "Why did you use me?"

I didn't use you! That was the test!

Well, let's call it your education.

Artisans make things. Once things are made, they are out of our control. Therefore, we must always think carefully about what we're making.

• "I thought about it."

That's right! That's the conclusion after serious thought, but doesn't just want to admit fostering trouble in our Dwarven Guilds.

We, Dwarves have been persecuted too long. Even though we're extremely dextrous, and quite rich, we lack any real political power!

Why? We've been too selfish!

We should think more about our entire race, not just personal wealth!

Just the words of an old Railroad Worker who remains alone at the place of dreams...

• "I got it."

Now I'll give you this Final Pass Certificate.

You're fully qualified to become an Artisan.

Speak with the Head Blacksmith near here. Congratulations!

Oh! Do you want to be an Artisan? I see you've already passed the first test! That Silvera, who gave you the first test, has a strange way of speaking, but she's actually quite a good-natured girl. Traveling has changed her accent though ... oh well ...

My son is infatuated with that girl these days. He's quite a good boy, not just because he's my son ... What do you think? Do you think you can help my son?

• Fine, I am a genius in matchmaking, though I may not look like one
• Look here, sir, I'm here to take a test!

Oh, really? But aren't you here to take the test? One who has come to take a test mustn't let his mind wander to other things ... How will you take the test properly with such an attitude? I was only testing you with the story of my son ... I'm taking off points! Oh dear ...! It will be difficult to pass the test, I fear ....

• Please give me another chance

Give you another chance? Hmm ... Very well! In return, you must do one thing that I ask you without fail. If you complete it properly, I will give you one more chance. What do you say, will you do as I tell you?

• Just give me the orders

Good! So now listen carefully to what I have to say. First, take this letter to Blacksmith Pinter in the town of Gludio. If you give him this letter, he will give you something. Bring that back to me. What do you think? It's very easy, isn't it?

If you've understood, go and get started!

Ah, look at myself. I said something unnecessary. My apologies.

But it seems you have quite a strong character. Actually, all that I said was simply to test your qualifications. You have passed, for now. I see you are a fine Dwarf. It is an unwritten law that we Dwarves do not put our efforts into something that is unprofitable, and I can see that you have some talent!

But ... There is something I must confess ... There is a bit of a problem ... You cannot take a test in these circumstances ... What should I do ...?

• What is it?

Hmm ... Actually ... It is a complicated matter that is a bit difficult to explain to you. However, if you help me, I will make some arrangements so you can definitely take the test of the Artisan. What do you think? Will you help me?

• I have no choice, I will help you

Thank you, youngster. So, from now on I want you to listen carefully to what I say.

Take this letter that I give you to Blacksmith Pinter in the town of Gludio. If you give him the letter, he will give you something. Bring that back to me. What do you think? It's very easy, isn't it?

Now that you know, depart quickly! Every moment is critical!

What, you haven't left yet?

Hurry up and take the letter to Blacksmith Pinter in the town of Gludio. Then, you must return to me with the item he gives you. If you understand, then be off!

Ha ha ha, you have finally brought it. Well done!

Hmmm, but isn't this the certificate for the second test of the Artisan? Where did you get it?

• Now, what was I going to do with these? I have no idea.
• Blacksmith Pinter gave it to me

Ha Ha Ha, with this, you have passed the final test. Congratulations! Are you confused?

I was testing your loyalty to see if you would keep a secret until the last moment. All that you have done until now was actually part of the test. The box that you brought is in fact just an empty box. I am sorry if I seemed like I was tricking you for a while, but this is how we Dwarves give our tests. "Always pursue profit" and "Never betray your colleague in a crisis" are two very different proverbs, and it is difficult to live up to them both.

Since you have done both splendidly, I will give you the final certificate for passing the test of the Artisan. Now take this and go to Head Blacksmith Tapoy to change profession to an Artisan. Of course, you know the required level is 20, right?

If you understand, go on now and become an Artisan. From now on, we are colleagues!

Are you sure? Did Blacksmith Pinter really give this to you?

I see I have no choice. What a shame, but we will have to eternally banish our old friend from our Black Anvil guild. How could he have done such a thing, what a foolish friend ...

No, I have been mistaken. A kind Dwarf on the road gave it to me, so I unknowingly accepted it.

Really? So you've met such a kind-hearted Dwarf. Then I guess I have no choice.

Ha ha ha, do you think that I would fall for a lie like that? But anyway, with this, you have passed the final test. Congratulations!

Are you confused? My question was to test your loyalty and see if you would keep a secret until under pressure. All that you have done was actually part of the test. The box that you brought is just an empty box. I am sorry if I seemed like I was tricking you for a while, but this is how we Dwarves give our tests. "Always pursue profits" and "Never betray your colleague in a crisis" are two very different proverbs, and it is difficult to live up to them.

Since you have done both splendidly, I will give you the final certificate for passing the test of the Artisan. Now take this and go to Head Blacksmith Tapoy to change profession to an Artisan. Of course, you know the required level is 20, right?

If you've understand, go on now and become an Artisan. From now on, we are colleagues!

Is this the test of the Artisan?

Then you definitely have something to tell me!

Huh, then the final execution day is...!

Well, what is it? Please tell me!

• "Well you see, it's like this..."
• "I'll have to think about it."

The golden wagon wheels shake..!

By the way, do you have any idea what you just said?

• "I don't think. Thinking is someone else's job."
• "I did think about it and decided to say something."

Ha! Awesome! Just like a craftsman, eh?

Thanks for telling me that story. Now you should go talk to Lockirin in Dwarven Village at the Iron Gate Guild. He'll tell you what you need to do next. Ha!

Thank you for telling me the story. Now go to Lockirin in Dwarven Village at the Iron Gate Guild. He'll tell you what you need to do next. Ha!

Is that so?

Well, that has nothing to do with me, anyway!

Please go and speak with the Railroad Worker Obi and deliver this:

Registration complete. Will wait for execution date.

Do you need something else?

• "No, not at all. I'll deliver the message."
• "I don't want to get involved in this! I'm leaving."

Please give this message to Railroad Worker Obi.

Registration complete. Will wait for execution date.

That's it.

Is that so?

Oh, it's not that bad!

Please deliver this to Warehouse Keeper Rydel in the Town of Schuttgart.

Good news arrived that you've been waiting for. Give messenger appropriate reward.

Please deliver this to Warehouse Keeper Rydel in the Town of Schuttgart.

Good news arrived that you've been waiting for. Give messenger appropriate reward.

Just a minute, what's the hurry?

Come on, why don't you wait here for a while? Wouldn't you like to be an Artisan?

Don't get me wrong... I just wanted to find out what you thought about our six Dwarven guilds.

• "Stop right there."

I think Obi probably told me this story... The six Dwarven Guilds are like the columns that support the house of Dwarves.

Architecture, trade, iron manufacture, warehousing, collecting.. Dwarves would cease to exist if even one of the six Guilds went missing.

We Dwarves must put the good of our entire race above personal enrichment!

We must never forget the bitter experiences that we've had in the past... We were enslaved by a tribe of savages... Only to see them destroyed by the very weapons they forced us to make for them!

You passed the test! I'll give you this Pass Certificate and the Head Blacksmith will make you an Artisan.

Just a minute, what's the hurry?

Come on, please wait here with me for a while. Wouldn't you like to be an Artisan?

Don't get me wrong... I just want to know what you think about our six Dwarven guilds.

• "Stop right there."

Ah, this letter! Have you really brought this from Kluto? It is beyond my power, what should I do ...

• What is the matter?

Actually, Kluto asked me for something before... I kept it hidden in the corner of the blacksmith's shop for a long time, but oh dear, the item has been stolen! If I don't have it, Kluto will be terribly angry... he may seem like a gentleman but he has a temper like fire. When he is angry, not even the head blacksmiths can calm him. How will I find that item?

• I will find it

Are you sure? Could you do that?

If so, I can give you one clue. This is a footprint that was discovered on the floor of the blacksmith shop on the night of the robbery. I think that it is probably the footprint of the thief. Looking at the footprint, there is no doubt that it is one of a Vuku Orc Fighter. If you catch them and destroy them, I'm sure something will come out.

Here, I will give you an impression of the footstep to use as a clue in catching the thief. By the way, the thing that was stolen was a large box. Thank you.

I see you have not found the stolen item yet. Please hurry and find it. My life depends upon your success. You know who the thieves are, right? We strongly suspect the Vuku Orc Fighters. Hurry and catch them!

Yes, this is it! Thank you so much. Let me look it over once more, then I hope you will take it to Kluto.

• Look here, shouldn't my efforts receive some kind of compensation?

Compensation ... right. Dwarves do not operate without something in return ... Hmm, what would you like?

Ah, you are in the midst of taking the test of the Artisan, aren't you? If that is so, then I will give you this. However, you must not tell anyone what you have done. If this becomes known, we could all be permanently removed from the Black Anvil Guild.

Well then, please take this box back to Kluto. Thank you.

Go and take the item to him. Isn't that enough compensation?

I tell you again, this task is an absolute secret. If things go wrong, I'll be ruined for the rest of my life!

Hmm. I see you have come a long way, and I thank you, but... since you are here, I infer that you failed the Artisan Test.

• "What do you mean? What is the Artisan Test?"

Well, it's not a fatal problem. However, I'll have to give you a bit of a history lesson - specifically, the history concerning the war between the Orcs and the Elves.

• Listen.

We Dwarves sold weapons to the Orcs. Armed with our steel, they were a match and more for the Elves. However, we also sold weapons to the Humans, once they arrived on the scene. We were shortsighted; all we thought of was the profit in the arms trade. Can you predict what happened?

• Listen.

The Orcs were defeated with the help of the Humans, and then the Elves turned on us. They held us responsible for the losses they suffered in the war. They killed the great Dwarf King, and the fall of the Dwarves soon followed.

After that, the Black Anvil Guild made a new rule: they would no longer sell weapons to outsiders. You see? It is not enough that you can do something; you should always ask if you should do it.

• "I understand."

Very well. You have passed this test and I shall certify that. When you become an Artisan, remember the lesson you learned today, and always consider the consequences of what you make.

What brings you here? You aren't here to apply to be a Warehouse Keeper, are you?

• "I've got good news you've been waiting for. I'll take the reward now."

Oh, you're the one who is taking the Path to an Artisan!

What a surprise! I haven't seen anyone taking the Path to an Artisan in a long time!

Let me see, the good news... Means you're qualified to be an Artisan!

• "Can you tell me more?"

Well, the stories? They are all kinds of passwords for the test. Some are stories about a hard mission, considering the question and coming up with an answer.

Don't worry, it probably won't fail this test. Keep this in mind!

You and I, we're both Dwarves.

• "I've got it."

Good, then take this certificate.

You've passed the Path to an Artisan! Go see Head Blacksmith Tapoy in Gludin Village and he'll make you an Artisan. Good luck!