Seven Signs, Dying Message

So, are you ready for young Jacob's memorial service?

• "Yes, I am."

x("finishedquest.htm")

(Only characters who are level 79 or higher and who have already completed the Seven Signs and Series of Mysterious Events quests may undertake this quest.)

Good. Now as I trust you're aware, the memorial services aren't actually held here. Unfortunately our time is more often than not spent calming the masses these days, and memorial services aren't particularly good at raising spirits.

Instead we've passed those duties onto the priests of the Service Altar near Oren's lake. I believe Priest Cain is ready to receive you actually.

All you need to do is bring him Jacob's necklace....

I've imbued it with a blessing to ward off evil spirits, and safeguard Jacob's passage. Priest Cain will need it for the service though, so be sure to hand it to him.

Einhasad's grace, my child. Safe travels.

Men and women come into this world screaming and crying, and leave it silent as a winter's night. Still, they each deserve a moment's pause for reflection and consideration.

You see, some walk through life and leave shallow footprints, while some leave marks as deep as trenches, and are remembered forever. I wonder which sort this Jacob fellow is... and will be.

• "He was just a simple contractor. This necklace was his only valuable possession."

Hmm... a contractor? That makes two in two days.

I'm not believer in coincidences, you know. Perhaps there are patterns here that can be discerned--pinpoints that alone mean little, but together map something significant.

This Jacob fellow, where was he based?

• "In Oren."

So then Jacob ran the errands between the Merchants of Mammon and Oren, while the man I buried yesterday was from... where was it... ah yes--Goddard.

Hmm. I will have to think on this for a while. I have heard whispers of others being killed too, but will have to speak with my associates to ascertain the rumors that have foundation, and those which do not.

So what part did you play in this act? I assume you are not family.

• "No. I was hired to find Jacob by Crook, his cousin."

I see. Well then, I can only offer you my heartfelt thanks for doing far more than you were initially hired to do.

Now I'm afraid I have to ask you to do something more. You see, a memorial service cannot be performed without incense, and incense cannot be made without the full complement of herbs.

We've been burning through much incense than normal, what with all the recent deaths, and now I'm completely out of the Deadman's Herb. It's a key ingredient.

• "So you want me to pick it?"

Pick it? No no--I have a supplier already, only he's a forgetful type and I fear he's just forgotten to send me the package.

I need you to visit my supplier, Herb Collector Eric, and bring me the herbs that he should have already gathered. He's normally found in the Enchanted Valley, so I'd suggest you start your search for him there.

Godspeed my friend. Be safe.

You'll find Herb Collector Eric in the Enchanted Valley.

Don't forget to bring back the herbs I need!

Ah good--I assume that package is full of the herbs Eric collected? Pass it here won't you?

Now we can begin the service. Close your eyes, my child, and pray with me....

• Close your eyes.

(The memorial service has already begun. You can speak with Priest Cain when it is finished.)

What was that?! You did see it, right? The black flames billowing out the moment I put Jacob's necklace on the altar?

Something's wrong. Something is very wrong. This has never happened before... now I fear I have released an evil spirit into our very mids....

Look! Behind you!

• Look around.

Don't just stand there! Destroy that... thing!

(Priest Cain is focused on fighting the strange-looking creature. He does not notice you trying to talk to him.)

(Another player is currently speaking with him.)

What was that?! You did see it, right? The black flames billowing out the moment I put Jacob's necklace on the altar?

Something's wrong. Something is very wrong. This has never happened before... now I fear I have released an evil spirit into our very mids....

Look! Behind you!

• Look around.

Don't just stand there! Destroy that... thing!

Oh my! I... I've never seen anything killed before! I don't know quite how I'm supposed to feel.

Come on, Cain--gather yourself--now is not the time for soul-searching! Breathe in... and breathe out. Breathe in... and out....

Okay, that's better. Now let's analyze what just happened. I placed the necklace on the altar, and dark flames erupted in an instant. Now why would that... of course! Dwarven magic!

• "You're going to have to explain this."

Dwarves have been able to inscribe weapons and armor with incantations, friend--their skills with metals are unrivalled throughout Aden.

But what if Jacob were inscribe his necklace with something other than an incantation? What if he left a message within his necklace as he lay dying? A message that would pinpoint his killer?

It seems that somehow that creature was able to hide itself in the message, and when the necklace touched the burning incense... we must have released it.

• "I see... I think."

While you were gone I did some research, by the by, and I believe the Contractor deaths have something to do with the Seven Signs.

As I'm sure you know, the forces of dawn wage war with the forces of dusk for control over the three Seals. I may as well tell you now; I belong to the Order of the Dawn. That's actually how I came to be in charge of this place.

You've had first-hand experiences of these murders, as well as the murderers, and I feel I would be remiss in not extending our hand to you. Help us, and we will reward you well.

• "I'll help you, certainly."

Thank you, friend! Thank you!

Now I will study the necklace and see if my theory regarding Jacob's message holds water. You should hurry to Sir Gustav Athebaldt in Oren. He coordinates our efforts, and will be able to tell you far more than I.

Go - hurry, and keep your sword arm free.

Now can I do for you, eh? I'm Eric, master gatherer and general do-gooder. Yessir, need something found, just come to me. Need something killed, then... go to someone else. Heh.

Oh lord... you've only gone and made me forget what I was lookin' for, haven't you? I wonder if I still have that letter on me....

• "Actually, I'm here to pick up Priest Cain's shipment. You forgot to send it."

Priest Ca... oh! Oh... that's what this package was then.

See, least I remembered to pick the herbs, eh? Picked an' packaged, then just forgot who they were going to.

Well, here you are. Send along my apologies to the good priest, won't you?

Hurry and take the package to Cain, won't you? Lord knows I'm in enough trouble without you loping around here.

Aha! The good priest told me about you! As fast as your legs are, nothing spreads faster than gossip my friend!

So you're here for your reward are you? Let's see what I can dig out for you....

• "Actually I came to offer my services, but I won't say no to a reward."

Ha! Good! I don't trust people who turn down money. Means they've already been paid, usually, and THAT means they aren't in my employ.

Ah yes, here. I believe this should be about right.

Now, there's much I need to tell you, but a man's ears are near useless when his stomach's empty. How about you rest up and get a good fill. Come back when you're good and ready for the next chapter in this messy, messy story, hear?