Testimony of Prosperity

You must know that all dwarves such as I are union members. Dwarven society is extremely competitive by definition and their unions are even more so.

You must not think that just because we are always smiling that being a union member is an easy life. In or out of the union, life for a Dwarf is a never-ending struggle for survival.

(Quest for Dwarves of level 37 and above.)

You should consider aspiring to be an upper-level member of the union, possibly a Bounty Hunter or a Warsmith. What do you think? Keep it in mind.

In order to be an upper-level member, you must pass the Test of Prosperity. You are not yet ready to take this test. Return when you advance beyond apprentice and we will discuss your future.

(Quest only for Dwarves who have changed occupations and are of level 37 or above.)

You joined the union and now you act like your struggle is over! You must start preparing to be an upper-level member of the union! How about a Bounty Hunter or a Warsmith?

In order to advance in the union you must pass the Test of Prosperity. It is much harder than the test you took to join the union, and you are not ready for it. Return when you have more experience and we'll talk about your future.

(Quest for Dwarves who have completed an occupation change and are of level 37 and above.)

You joined the union and now you act like your struggle is over! You must start preparing to be an upper-level member of the union! How about a Bounty Hunter or a Warsmith?

In order to advance in the union you must pass the Test of Prosperity. It is much harder than the test you took to join the union, but I think you might be ready...

• "I will take the test!"

As you know, all Dwarves serve Maphr, the God of fertility. Fertility and goodness are one! It is the greatest virtue and the standard of right or wrong! The word 'fertility' derives from the ancient words for wealth, profit, rich soil and a healthy body. You must discover for yourself the true meaning of fertility. First you must find the 4 Tokens of Fertility.

Wear this ring while you are taking the test. This will tell other union members that you are taking the test and they will help you. When you submit all 4 marks to the union, you have passed the first test. I wish you luck and that Maphr's will be done.

• Ask about the Token of Wealth
• Ask about the Token of Fertile Lands
• Ask about the Token of Fecundity.
• Ask about the Token of Health

First Elder Lockirin has more authoritative knowledge of wealth than anyone else. He is leader of the 6 guilds that control the economy of this continent. Go to the Dwarven Village and meet Lockirin, ask him about the token that symbolizes wealth.

In the Wastelands northwest of Gludio there is a farmer who sows crops and cultivates the land in spite of the rampaging Orcs. His name is Piotur. You should ask him about the Token of the Fertile Lands, since he is able to cultivate the Wastelands which everybody else has abandoned.

In the Town of Dion there is a woman who bore 12 children and raised them alone. For that reason, she is called the Great Mother. She is the utmost expert of fertility. You should go and see her... I don't know her name, only that she is called the Great Mother. One of her sons is a guard of the village...

It is said that on Talking Island there is an Elf that has been waiting for his lover's return for 1,000 years! It is very unusual, even for an Elf, to live that long, isn't it? He must have amazing health.

I heard this story from the Warehouse Keeper Wilford of Talking Island. You should go and ask him to tell you more about the Elf that lived for over a thousand years.

As you know, Maphr is the god of the Dwarves, the god of riches. For Dwarves, the acquisition of riches is a means by which we win favor with Maphr. Ah, but you must first learn the true meaning of richness. This is the first part of your test.

You must find the 4 meanings of richness before you can go on. Traditionally, richness has connotations of wealth, fruitful lands, fertility and health.

Take this ring with you so other guild members will recognize you and help you with this test. Bring me proof of all 4 meanings and Maphr will be pleased.

Also take this Dimensional Diamond, which you can exchange with the village Gatekeeper for special items or services. I know it will help you on your journey.

• Ask about the proof of wealth.
• Ask about the proof of fruitful lands.
• Ask about the proof of fertility.
• Ask about the proof of health.

You must collect the 4 Tokens of Fertility.

• Ask about the Token of Wealth
• Ask about the Token of Fertile Lands
• Ask about the Token of Fecundity
• Ask about the Token of Health

So, you have found all 4 of the tokens? Let's see...

The account book of the first elder Lockirin. This is indeed a suitable token of wealth!

The recipe of Emily? Ah, this was given to you by the woman who bore and raised 12 children, the secret recipe passed down through her family that is traditionally eaten after giving birth to a child. It is perfect as the proof of fertility!

Is the next a seed? Yes, I can smell the scent of a matured seed. I guess it must be a seed which Maphr, the God of earth has blessed. Good!

Oh! Isn't this an Elven wafer? I guess it is from the Elf on Talking Island that has lived for more than a millennia. At one time wafers were common, but they have been rarely seen in modern times. I'm surprised you were able to get one, as wafers are known for not being sold nor given to other races.

Well, you have gathered the 4 Tokens of Fertility. Congratulations! You have passed the first portion of test! However... It is not over yet. Now you must take the second test.

• Ask about the second test.

Now the real test has begun! The trial up to now has just been to test your skill and determination. Next you must participate in the guild association's long-cherished project and do well at it. You are not yet ready for this task. Come back when you have more experience and I will tell you what to do next.

Now the actual trial has begun. . Now you must take part in the Guild Guild's long-cherished project and achieve real results. The project is to excavate Maphr's Tablet and recover the Secrets of Absolute Geometry.

Recently an ancient relic was unearthed by a team exploring the Cruma Tower. It is thought to be a part of Maphr's Tablet. Take this letter to Maestro Nikola at the Cruma Tower. He will tell you more.

• Ask about Absolute Geometry

Absolute Geometry is an ancient science passed down to us by Maphr. It is the explanation of everything, the laws of space and motion for all things. He who understands Absolute Geometry can control the world.

Our ancestors pursued the study of Absolute Geometry, which led to discoveries in mathematics, thermodynamics, measurement, architecture, astronomy, navigation and economics. This knowledge enabled us to build great architecture such as the sky garden of Shootguart and the great palace of Harnark. We were able to replace the barter system with the concept of monetary economy, and to develop warrior golems and such.

But since the downfall of Giants, most of this technology has been lost. What a pity...

• Ask about Maphr's Tablet

Maphr's Tablet is written in the language of the Giants, but we Dwarves are the true owners of the tablet. It was the Dwarves who learned directly from Maphr and to this day we retain our traditions of manufacturing, trading, and architecture! Other races, ignorant to our advances in math, dynamics, measurement and architecture won't even be able to follow the basics of Absolute Geometry.

Obtaining Maphr's Tablet has always been our greatest wish and long-cherished dream. If only we could recover the secrets of Absolute Geometry, we would be able to rebuild our kingdom of Dwarves, and eventually control the entire continent! We could create a world where everything runs smoothly like a well-greased cogwheel...That is our heaven which we will create with our own hands.

Unfortunately legend says that Maphr's Tablet was damaged when the war between the Gods and the Giants broke out. It is said that fearing the advanced technology of the Giants, the gods stole the tablet, broke it into 12 pieces and scattered it across the continent.

• Ask the whereabouts of Maphr's Tablet

Recently news came to us of an ancient relic thought to be a part of Maphr's Tablet. Since the tablet was made during the era of the Giants, it seems very likely that it will be found somewhere among the Giants' Ruins. The investigation team exploring the Cruma Tower has reported that they have discovered a box in which they think the fragments of Maphr's Tablet are contained.

You must go to the site and collect Maphr's Tablet fragments! This will not be an easy task. First, go and meet Maestro Nikola there. You should find him near the entrance of the Cruma Tower. He will tell you more.

Your enthusiasm is admirable but you aren't ready for the second test yet. Return when you have more experience.

Finally ready to take the second test, are you? Well, let's begin! You must take part in the Guild Guild's long-cherished project to excavate Maphr's Tablet and recover the Secrets of Absolute Geometry.

Recently some information came to us about an ancient relic, thought to be a part of Maphr's Tablet. The investigative team exploring Cruma Tower have reported the discovery of a box thought to contain fragments of Maphr's Tablet. Take this letter and meet Maestro Nikola at the Cruma Tower. He will tell you more.

• Ask about Absolute Geometry

Why are you still here? You must take the letter to Maestro Nikola at Cruma Tower. He will tell you the details of Maphr's Tablet.

• Ask about Absolute Geometry

The recovery of the secrets of Absolute Geometry hidden within Maphr's Tablet is the long-cherished wish of our Dwarven Guild. If you can find at least one stone fragment you will pass the second test.

• Ask about Absolute Geometry

This is a fragment of Maphr's Tablet! Amazing! I certainly chose the right person for this mission. Well done! The elders will be very pleased. I should tell you that it is rumored that another fragment of the tablet was recently found as well. With two of them, our studies can rapidly move forward!

Now we must send this fragment to the Dwarven Village. Only the elders are able to decipher the Giants' language inscribed on it.

Now that you've passed the second test, I can give you the Mark of Prosperity as a reward. At this rate, you'll soon be a high-ranking guild member! May Maphr's abundance be yours and your children's children!

So, you were sent by the guild! We have been looking forward to meeting you! If you're ready I'll get right down to business.

A week ago, I went into the tower alone to do research. I admit it was a dangerous thing to do, since field investigations are not my specialty. During the search I found a very old, tightly locked box. The box appeared to be constructed of a material not of this earth.

• Ask about the box

Totally fascinated by the locked box, I devoted all my time to investigating it. The lock was impossible to pick, and the box seemed unbreakable.

The box remained unopened for a while as I investigated its surroundings. This tower is well known as a former research center in the age of the Late Giants. On the floor I found some rather otherwise-ordinary looking stones that seemed to be engraved with the language of Giants...

Before I go on, you must swear that you will not tell anyone of these stones...

• "Why shouldn't I?"

Well, actually, decoding of the Giant's characters is only allowed by the Elders of the guild. They keep all the knowledge from Giant records for themselves. I will probably not be suspected of breaking this rule since I secretly taught myself. It is an unfair rule anyway. I don't know what they are thinking...

Anyway, as soon as I saw the stone, I knew that Maphr's Tablet Fragments were hidden inside the box. Suddenly I heard roars from the creatures all over the tower. I had to run away immediately. As I said earlier, I am not much of a fighter, so if I was attacked by the creatures I would most likely be killed.

It has been a week since that day, and still I cannot bring myself to enter the tower. But I have an idea... I know where the box is and have determined that a special key must be used to open it. I have researched the materials and methods of creating such a key, and am quite sure I can do it!

• Ask about the key manufacturing

I know the materials needed to create the key, but still lack the shape. I need your help with this. Please go to the tower and copy the pattern of the keyhole! If we have a copy of the keyhole we can write down the recipe for making the key.

Now take this clay and copy the pattern of the keyhole.

Now go into the tower and find the box. Do not try to open the box by yourself. All you have to do is make a copy of the keyhole with the clay I gave you!

Excellent! You have copied the keyhole! Well done! Now give me a moment while I write down the recipe for the key. Now... shall we get started Mapping the key's structure? Hmmm...I see that it is a very complicated structure in which many triple spirals are layered and connected to double spirals. I have never seen such a fantastic thing. But it won't be a problem for me!

Done! I guarantee that you will be able to open the box if you follow the recipe. Just collect the needed materials. I will tell you which creatures you must hunt, as well. You will find everything in the Cruma Marshlands, so don't worry. I don't think this will be a problem for you. If everything is clear, let's get started!

Simply follow the recipe and you'll be able to make the key to open the box. Here is the list of the creatures that are needed and you will find the recipe materials in the Marshland of Cruma. If this is clear, then be on your way!

Once the key is done, take it to the tower and open the box. Wouldn't you like to know what is in the box?

Yes, we have finally obtained Maphr's Tablet Fragment! This is amazing. let me see... Hmm... Could it be?

Knowing the characters is not enough to decipher this language. It will be impossible for us to interpret the tablet without the help of the Elders...

Very well, then! Now deliver this to Warehouse Keeper Parman. This is all we can do now. I plan to return to Shootguart after looking around the tower a bit more...

Ah, The Great Mother...? Yes, that is how my mother is known. She greatly deserves the title. She raised 12 children on her own. My father died before I was born. I was the last born child, and a posthumous one at that.

My mother had no time to grieve my father's death and worked hard to raise us well. She had no rest until I was grown. Now that I have grown and settled down I can finally provide for my her.

Would you like to meet her? She is probably at home right now... She is a bit shy around strangers... Lately she has been depressed and moody. I am sure she misses my father... I try to comfort her, but it is easier said than done...

• "How about giving your mother a present?"

A gift...? We are simple folk and rarely have the luxury of giving or receiving gifts...

• "It is not the gift, but the thought that counts!"

Yes, it is only the thought that counts. There is one thing that my mother loves, now that I think about it. It is a bouquet made from Mandragora Petals. I don't know the story behind it, but she always seems quietly happy whenever I give her that bouquet.

I will create one for you to give her if you will bring me the materials. I will need 20 mandragora flower petals and 10 bunches of Crimson Moss. You can get the petals from the mandragoras plants that grow on the western part of the execution grounds. The moss can be found near the giant crimson ants of the Cruma marshlands. Good luck on your journey!

Do you remember all the materials needed for the bouquet?

20 mandragora flower petals and 10 bunches of Crimson Moss. You may acquire the petals from the mandragoras that grow on the west parts of the execution grounds, and the moss is found near the giant crimson ants of the Cruma marshlands. Good luck, then. I hope to make the bouquet soon and see my mother smile.

I see you have brought all the necessary materials. Good job! Now I will create a Mandragora Bouquet. Let's see, some Crimson Moss here, some petals there...hmm...

There, all done! Take this bouquet of mandragora flowers to my mother. Her name is Emily. I know this will cheer her up...

Take this bouquet of mandragora flowers to my mother. Her name is Emily. I am on duty and cannot leave my post. I hope these flowers will cheer her up...

Have you found the Mark of Fertility that you sought? Mother's recipe...? Well, I'm not sure if there are any side-effects... I hope that this recipe may be of help to you.

So we meet again, Dwarf traveler! How have you been? Mother has been feeling better since she received the bouquet. I really appreciate your help with that. Thank you!

Welcome, young friend! So, you are taking the exam to advance within the guild? I took the same exam long ago. Ha, of course now I've forgotten all about it! So you seek the Mark of Health?

I remember talking with Parman before about a similar subject... My memories are fading away... What did I tell him...

• A Dwarf more than 1,000 years old
• A turtle more than 1,000 years old
• An Elf more than 1,000 years old

No I don't think that that was our subject. Cause I've seen only one Dwarf up to this day who lived more than 1,000 years. Besides, he died when I was young. Ever since, I've never heard of a Dwarf who lived more than 1,000 years.

• A turtle more than 1,000 years old
• An Elf more than 1,000 years old

Yes, I heard something similar to that the other day when I was out drinking with Rant. They said that there was a turtle in the ruins beneath the west sea that was more than 5,000 years old.

But I don't think it was about the turtle...

• A Dwarf more than 1,000 years old
• An Elf more than 1,000 years old

An Elf more than 1,000 years old? Yes, that's it! You mean Lilith! Yes, she didn't just live for more than a thousand years, she has been waiting for her lover for over 1,000 years. So that means that she must be well over 1,000 years old.

I don't know if Elves just have unusually long life spans, or if she missed her lover so much that she could not die.

You should go and see Lilith for yourself. You can find her in the temple of this town. She is quite gloomy these days, so why don't you take her this brooch as a present? It might cheer her up, Elves adore pretty ornaments.

You have not found Lilith yet? She can be found in the temple. Don't forget to present her the brooch that I gave you. That way, she'll respond to you better. Elves are helpless when it comes to flashy jewels!

So you have met Lilith. You got the Lilith Elven Wafer? What a precious thing! Would you consider selling it to me? If that's not possible, please let me have just one bite! Is that impossible too? Oh, well... I guess you need it to pass the test.

Maphr's Tablet Fragment? You came all the way to Talking Island to find it? Hmmm... I have not heard of any relics from the Giants on this island...

Many years have passed since you left for the mainland. So, how are you? Have you managed to earn some money?

Ah, yes, The Test of Prosperity. It is gratifying to see ambition in one so young...I suppose Parman told you that I am the one to see if you want the Mark of Wealth. I, First Elder Lockirin, Leader of the Dwarves, am he who holds the economy of the land in his grasp!

• Ask about wealth

To a Dwarf, nothing in the world is more important than wealth. We serve the God Maphr because it is he from whom flows all wealth and abundance. Please don't misunderstand me, I mean no disrespect.

My race possesses unfathomable wealth. Personally I could well afford a human estate. In spite of our embarrassment of riches, my race is still unsatisfied...

If we could just get our hands on all of the fragments of Maphr's Tablet, we could buy the entire continent...our wealth would finally eclipse that of the humans! Only Maphr knows if I shall live to see this come to pass...

Oh, pardon the idle musings of an old man. We have business to discuss. Let's talk about that Mark of Wealth that you are looking for. I would be happy to oblige, if only you would run a simple errand for me. Is this acceptable?

• Say you will run the errand

This won't be very difficult. I only ask that you collect some overdue guild dues on my behalf. All guild members must pay dues periodically, but there are some who have not yet paid, even though their due dates have long passed. The Steel Gate Guild dues have all been collected, but some of the other guilds have some delinquent members. I would like you to visit them and collect their guild dues. I'm sure this will be a swift task for you.

Here, take this badge and report to the 5 Elders here with me. They will give you the names of the delinquent members. Go and collect the dues and return them to the Elders. Collect 5 receipts from the other Elders and bring them to me.

Remember to speak with all 5 Elders about overdue guild dues and make collections immediately. The elders will each give you a receipt when you turn in the dues to them. Collect all 5 receipts and bring them to me. Then you shall have your Mark of Wealth.

Golden Wheel, Silver Balance, Black Anvil, Bronze Key, and Gray Pillar... Yes, that is all 5 receipts. Thank you for your troubles. I find overdue payment collections so tiresome. As the First Elder, I don't have time to chase down every freeloader. Thanks to you, all the accounts are settled. We are in your debt.

You mentioned a Mark of Wealth? This should do nicely. Here is an accounting book that I have been keeping since I was a very young Dwarf. If you read this, you will discover the secrets of my wealth. Good luck with you future in the guild!

Ah, a searcher for the four marks of abundance... That is not an uncomplicated task. Money alone will not solve all problems. Tenacity is essential to your success.

If I could only get my hands on one the fragments of Maphr's Tablet I would be able to buy the entire continent! At last the humans would be subservient to us! Just one fragment!

May the abundance of Maphr be with you! Well, look at you! Aren't you the one that hunted blade bats for me? So, how are you doing? I'm sure your situation has improved thanks to the hard work you did back then.. You look good! I wouldn't be surprised to see you get a promotion soon!

Ah! You are collecting guild dues on behalf of the First Elder? Wait a minute. All right... Let's see who has not paid his dues yet! Oh my! That infamous rascal Carrier Torocco has not yet paid! I knew it. Always the troublemaker, he is! Go and collect the guild dues from Torocco.

Most of our guild members pay their dues in a timely manner. However, Torocco is always late. Please. Go to Carrier Torocco and collect his guild dues.

Hmm.... A piece of paper in lieu of payment? Another one of Torocco's tricks? Let me see... 'The bearer of this document hereby agrees to pay the Bronze Key Guild dues in place of Carrier Torocco.' Hmm...

How generous of you! Offering to pay dues in place of that rascal. Well, I have no complaints as long as the dues are paid. I understand. You may make the payment for him.

• Pay Torocco's guild dues

There is not enough money here! You don't have enough money to pay the guild dues? This is a problem!

Guild dues of 5000 Adena, paid. I see Torocco has a good friend. Here, take this receipt. First Elder Lockirin has been very concerned about overdue payments, so take the receipts to him immediately!

Hello, young friend, we meet again! I see you are working hard to collect the guild payment receipts! Please renew your efforts and think of the First Elder, who must be frustrated that guild dues are not being collected in a timely manner!

What is a Dwarf doing on this remote island? You have come to see me?

The Mark of Health? News has recently come of the death of my lover, for whom I have waited these thousand years...Do you feel my grief?... How could you bother me with something as trivial as a mark? Are all Dwarves like you? How could speak this way to a person in agony... You selfish, selfish Dwarf!

• Give the brooch as a present

A present...? What is this...!

Did you really think that I would be pleased with such a thing? Could you have possibly thought that I would forget my 1,000 years of pain for the gift of a simple ornament?

That's the way of the Dwarf, isn't it? You people know of nothing but worldly goods. Go away!

• Beg her to give the Mark of Health

What a nerve! You still want the Mark of Health? OK. Whatever. Take it! Are you happy now? Now that you have what you wanted, leave me! And don't ever come back again, you horrid little Dwarf!

I already gave you an Elven Wafer, why are you here again? I have nothing further to discuss with you.

I have nothing to discuss with you. Leave!

Great Mother...? Yes, I have borne and raised 12 children. Surprised? People are always telling me that I do not look my age. People call me the 'Great Mother'. So embarrassing... There's nothing great about it.

I loved my husband and children so much that I bore and raised as many as I could. It was terribly hard when I lost my husband in battle. Raising the children alone became so hard that I considered sending them away to foster homes. But we carried on through it all, and my children have all grown up and married. Well, all but my youngest. My work will be done when my youngest has married and set up house for himself. I will feel relief and sadness at the same time.

• Present her with the bouquet of flowers

This bouquet...? Ah...! This bouquet holds a very special meaning for me... Bright said to give this to me? Oh my...

When my husband proposed to me, he risked his life hunting the mandragoras to create this bouquet. And he proposed to me with it! I still remember that day so clearly...

Oh my... I apologize, I still cry at that memory. Is there anything I can do for you?

• Ask about the Proof of Fertility

The Mark of Fertility...that reminds me of something. There's a reason why I am so healthy, even though I have produced 12 children. It is because of the secret dish that has been passed on to me by my mother. Whoever eats this dish experiences less pain with childbirth and an easier time with the next pregnancy.

This recipe is a closely guarded secret that is passed down only to the daughters of my family... But I will make an exception and give you the recipe. Here is the recipe for the dish. I think this will serve as sufficient proof of the Mark of Fertility. I hope this will help you..

This recipe I have given you... I hope that it signifies the Mark of Fertility that you seek.

My word! So we meet again. Thank you for delivering the gift from my son. By the way, was the recipe I gave you of any help?

This box was created during the period of Titan.

• Make a pattern of the keyhole

Make a keyhole pattern out of clay.

This box was created during the period of Titan.

• Use the Key of Titan

You have found 'Maphr's Tablet Fragment'.

The box is locked.

May you be blessed with wealth and the virtue of generosity! I am Spiron, the Chief Elder of the Golden Wheel Guild.

Ah! I remember you. Did you not rid us of the goblin brigand? Though my memory has faded somewhat... You have grown much since I last saw you.

So, you have come to collect guild dues on behalf of the First Elder? Let's have a look at the delinquent payments... Oh! I see Trader Shari of the weapons shop has not yet made his payment. I hear business has been bad since travelers have started to trade among themselves... I guess his financial worries are as bad as they say...

Go to Shari and collect his dues, and then return with his payment.

Go see Trader Shari of the weapons shop, collect his guild dues and bring them to me.

Thank you very much. With this payment all of our members have paid their dues. Here is the receipt. Please take this to First Elder Lockirin.

I hear Shari's business is not doing so well. I wonder how she managed to pay her dues...? What? She went into debt to make this payment? My my! I didn't know her financial status was that bad! I'll help her this time. I cannot ignore the troubles of a fellow guild member. I'll make her payment for her, and return her money. Good job, you can be on your way. I'll take care of the rest.

I see you are working hard to collect the guild payment receipts. You will be generously rewarded for your efforts. Have faith!

Pleased to meet you, very pleased indeed. I am Balanki Rollingrock. I am the lead Elder of the renowned Silver Balance Guild. So you are the one that the First Elder has sent to collect overdue guild dues? Let me see... Who has yet not paid...

Hmm... Trader Mion of the grocery shop has not paid yet. I hear business is good, so why is she not paying her dues?

And another one! Maryse Redbonnet! I guess revenge is more important to her than guild dues.

Go at once and collect the guild dues from these two!

Trader Mion of the grocery shop, and Maryse Redbonnet! Those 2 have not yet paid their dues! Go at once and collect the guild dues from them!

Ah, Mion... So rich, but always late with guild payments. This is not the first time this has happened. She ignores her obligations on purpose. She must be taught a lesson! I see you have received Maryse Redbonnet's dues. I thought she was so blinded by revenge that she couldn't see anything else. At least she knows how to pay.

Many thanks for your troubles! Here is the receipt. Take this to the First Elder.

I see you are working hard to fulfill First Elder Lockirin's request. Hmmm... Well, the First Elder cannot go and personally collect the dues himself... Maybe you should work harder...

May the blessings of the rich earth be with you. You have come to collect the dues in place of the First Elder? But... You look strangely familiar... Let me see... Yes! Aren't you the one that helped me find the Map of the hidden vein? It's been too long! I am glad to see you again. So, how is life treating you these days? Have you managed to earn some money?

Oh yes! Right...I should not waste my time like this! Gossiping while you have so many things to do. Let me see, who has not paid his dues... Oh my! Miner Bolter has not yet paid. Strange that a diligent Dwarf like him has not paid. Go to him and find out why.

Have you met Miner Bolter yet? No? He has not yet paid his guild dues. Go and collect payment from him.

What? He already paid 13 days ago? That can't be... Wait a minute. I need to check my books again.

Hmm... Miner May paid a week ago... Let me see... Bolter....

Oh! He's right! I must have missed this notation when I transferred the figures into my new book. What a mistake that was! Miner Bolter has a good memory indeed!

Our guild has collected dues from all of our members. I will create a receipt for you to deliver to the First Elder. He has been worried about all the unpaid dues. I am sure he will be greatly pleased with your success.

Are you still collecting overdue guild dues? Then why are you here? On your way, finish the task! Good luck!

I am Arin Curdhammer, a representative of the Black Anvil Guild. But wait! Haven't we met before? You look very familiar. Hmmm. Very strange, I never forget a face... Oh, well, I guess I am getting old.. Let's get on with the business at hand.

Let's see, who has not paid his dues... Dear, dear! Master Toma is late with his payment! Oh my...this is quite a predicament. He is certainly old enough to know better... He hasn't been here for ages, probably still off roaming about the countryside. He must have forgotten that his guild dues are due.

Please! Go to Master Toma and bring back his dues payment. He won't be easy to find, as he is always wandering...

Please bring back Master Toma's contribution. No doubt he is traveling and simply forgot about the due date... Ah, he can be so elusive -- I heard some time ago that he was fishing on the northern coast...

Phew!. Ah, the guild dues of Master Toma! So, how was he? Enraged? Yes, I thought he might be. He is one strange duck, that for sure. He looked down on me when I was a child, and still treats me like one, even though I am an Elder now...

Anyway, I am glad it worked out. I'm sure that there would have been a greater fuss if I had personally gone myself. Thank you.

Please take this receipt and deliver it to First Elder Lockirin.

I hate all this paperwork! Don't be in such a rush and do the tasks properly!

Contribution? All I can think about is that wolf! Everything else is secondary right now.

I suppose if you help me get my revenge, I'll contribute as much as you want. Bring me 100 animal skins!

(Animal skins are used to produce other items.)

Bring me 10 Animal Skins and I'll contribute as much as you want!

(An Animal Skin can be used to produce other items.)

Excellent! 100 animal skins! Now we're getting somewhere...

As promised, here's my contribution! You know, that old fellow is really persistent. Sending someone to get the money! He'll get his someday too, mark my words.

That doddering old man really has his nerve! How dare he send a representative to collect money!

The land around here used to be fertile farmlands before the terrible war with Gracia. It was a peaceful place where simple farmers like myself tilled the land to make a living. When we tilled the land earnestly, mother earth would reward us with a rich harvest.

But, because of the war, all the farms were burned down and the earth was devastated. Moreover, a group of Orcs has invaded our land and have settled here. Fertile lands... Gludio's best granary... Those are stories from long ago, but a memory now...

• But, is there not any hope?

Hope..., Yes, I suppose there is hope after all...

These days the hired troops are taking care of the Orcs while my brothers and I work day and night to reclaim the land. Someday this farm will boast the richest land in the kingdom of Aden!

So you seek the Token of the Fertile Lands? Then you shall have it. I was given this from another Dwarf. He appeared at a time when I had just come to this barren land and was having no luck growing crops. He gave me a seed and said that the blessings of Maphr were within it.

When I planted this seed it enriched the soil and my harvests have been improving steadily since then. I put back some of the seeds and have saved them until this day. Now I shall share the seeds with you. This gift from one Dwarf I now give to another.

The seeds in which the blessings of Maphr dwell... This will be your Token of the Fertile Lands.

May the blessings of Maphr shine upon you and your tribe.

Oh, right, a donation! Uh, well, hmm... I don't seem to have any money with me... Oh, my...

Excuse me, aren't you the one who found the Star Diamond for me? Could I trouble you to help me again please? Could you possibly pay the donation for me?

• Say you will pay for his donation

Thank you! Thank you so very much. I will not forget this! I will write you a warrant. It explains how you paid for my donation. You can give this warrant to Elder Keef. Again, thank you. Thank you so much!

Please pay the donation for me and then take the warrant that I gave you to Elder Keef. Thank you so much. I will never forget this!

Yes, I know I need to pay my dues. But...well, my sales are way down lately. What can I do? I can't very well pay if I don't have the money, can I?

I suppose I could borrow the money... In fact, I just took out a loan I was hoping to use to buy some new inventory. Oh, well...take it! Just take it and go!

Now I don't know how I'm going to keep my store open...

Sob! What shall I do? How will I survive?

That bloody old fool never forgets his donation money! I have been too busy to bring it in.

Here it is! Now take it to Elder Balanki. Who does he think he is? Won't even come to pick up the donation in person!

Urhh! Balanki, that bloody old man! He never forgets the donation money!

Well, look what the cat dragged in! Long time no see! Seems like only yesterday that you were hunting Bearded Keltirs in these parts. Now look at you!

Surprised that I remembered you, eh? Oh, I never forget a face -- especially that of a fellow guild member. So what brings you all the way out here?

My dues!? I paid my dues 2 weeks ago! Are you calling me a liar?! Hmmph! I even have a receipt...somewhere around here... In any case, you'd best go straight to Filaur and get all this straightened out. Accusing honest Dwarves of cheating their guild -- hmmph!

How dare you doubt my word! Take this receipt to Filaur of the Gray Pillar Guild and tell him I expect an apology. Hmmph! And to think I once shared my beer with you!

A donation? Let me see... Is it already time for another donation? Strange indeed! It seems like just yesterday I gave one. This wouldn't be a trick from that rascal Arin? He is so full of himself since he became an Elder...

Oh, well, I can't say no to your request... Here is the donation...

Stop bothering me! I gave you the donation, so take it and go! Give it to Arin, see if I'll care!