Meeting the Elroki

Have you heard of the natives of this island, the Elroki tribe? Perhaps you've heard the common drivel about an uncivilized race abandoned by the gods, beset by primitive and ferocious creatures. Hogwash!

Those rumors are spread by people ignorant of the truth. The Elrokians I know are different than us, but no less intelligent. Their culture is steeped in tradition, in fact.

And I will never forget the aid they gave me and my expedition.

• Ask when the conflict between humans and Elrokians began.

Do not judge the Primeval Isle by only looking at this wharf. It is a dangerous place where primitive dinosaurs hide in the thick jungle, waiting for weak ones like you to wander by unawares! I've seen many like you who came to a bad end here!

Exploring this island is not something to be done on a whim, mark my words. One day, when you are more experienced, you may be ready to explore its mysteries.

(Only characters level 75 and above are permitted to take on this quest.)

The conflict between Humans and Elrokians began when the explorers built this wharf and maintained a presence here.

Our two races are divided by differences in culture and language; what seems normal to one is often strange, even offensive, to the other. Despite my efforts to teach both sides to live together in harmony, misunderstandings are common. Blood has been spilled on more than one occasion, and the peace that now exists here is fragile at best.

The Humans see the Elroki tribe as nothing more than violent savages, while the Elrokians see Humans as invaders. How can either side learn to respect the other?

I tell you this because you seem to have no prejudice against the Elroki tribe -- will you help me help them?

• Tell him that you will help.

Thank you! Then listen carefully. I have received news of the Elrokian chief, Mushika, the leader of his tribe.

In his youth, he ventured into the Lost Nest in search of relics that could shed light on his people's history. During that time, I led an expedition to the Lost Nest which nearly met with disaster. Only Mushika's intervention saved us, and he and I became good friends.

But I recently received a letter from him in which he tells me that he is dying from some disease. The pain must be unbearable, since it seems that his son Asamah had to finish the letter for him.

• "What kind of disease?"

I have received news of the Elrokian chief, Mushika, the leader of his tribe.

In his youth, he ventured into the Lost Nest in search of relics that could shed light on his people's history. During that time, I led an expedition to the Lost Nest which nearly met with disaster. Only Mushika's intervention saved us, and he and I became good friends.

But I recently received a letter from him in which he tells me that he is dying from some disease. The pain must be unbearable, since it seems that his son Asamah had to finish the letter for him.

• "What kind of disease?"

I don't know... His son Asamah wrote that he thinks he has found a cure, but needs a strong young adventurer to obtain it.

Were I younger, I would go myself...but I know in my heart that this is a task for another. If I cannot go, though, I will at least send someone worthy of this trust, one who can help me repay the life-debt I owe Mushika.

Will you go and help? You will find Mushika and his son Asamah in the Elrokian tribal chief barracks located southeast of the Primeval Plains. To get there, though, you will need the help of a native warrior named Orahochin who lives near the foot of the mountain that lies between the southern shore of the Primeval Plains and the Lost Nest. When you get to the Elroki camp, visit Mushika first if possible, but do not forget to speak with Asamah as well.

Are you afraid to face the Elroki tribe? My friend, Mushika's life is at stake!

Every moment of hesitation is another moment lost. I beg you, travel immediately to the Elroki tribal barracks located southeast of the Primeval Plains and there meet Mushika.

You! Haven't you already left for the Primeval Isle? You haven't been at the wharf, have you? I don't know why you've come back here, but please -- go now! My friend, Mushika, is dying; any delay might be fatal to him.

I have been visiting the wharf every day in the hope that news will come from the island that he has been cured. Don't disappoint me!

Marquez sent you? Thanks be to Shilen! I am Asamah, who asked Marquez to send an adventurer to help us.

You spoke a little while ago with my father, Chief Mushika. He is only a shadow of his former self, tied to this life only by his will and his warrior pride. He is in such agony of body and spirit that the people are frightened out of their wits!

We have never seen such an illness and do not know how to cure it. We are powerless even to soothe some of his pain! But with your coming I have hope at last! It is as if Shilen herself has answered my prayers.

• Ask him to provide more details regarding the situation.

It is no easy task for any outsider to come and find the Elroki tribe these days. Personally, I have no quarrel with outsiders, but I can't say that our warriors share that sentiment.

In any event, you have invaded the chief's barracks, and that is an insult for which they will wish to punish you... perhaps harshly. This is your last chance -- leave here quietly before the guard returns!

Perhaps you should listen to this story to better understand the situation. You have already heard the tale of how my father and Marquez met, haven't you?

The Lost Nest where they met is a very important place for the Elroki tribe.

According to legend, it is the place where the goddess of water, Shilen, the mother and founder of this Primeval Island, blessed the Elrokians, transforming them into the bravest warriors the world has ever known.

• "Tell me more about the Elroki tribe."

Long, long ago, Shilen placed ancient creatures on the Primeval Isle. While her power kept these dangerous beings known as dinosaurs in check, she also, in her wisdom, allowed our ancestors to govern them.

If we had more time, I could tell you fantastic tales about the ancient Elrokian warriors, whose courage and skill awed even the mighty-limbed dinosaurs.

But now, we have fallen so far from those heights that the world refuses to believe we are even descended from that heroic race.

My father always said that the first and most important duty of the Elrokian chief is to bring forth to our people the lost truth of our heritage, that we are the descendants of the Elrokians and chosen by the goddess herself. He believed we would find that proof in the Lost Nest, deep in the island's wild interior.

• Ask if his father's illness has anything to do with the Lost Nest.

Yes, or so the shaman Karakawei and I believe. My father is the only Elrokian to have explored the Lost Nest, bringing back the ancient relic. He has truly devoted his entire life to restoring the lost stature of the Elroki tribe.

Despite his efforts, some malcontents accused him of dwelling on the past while neglecting the present. Now their influence has spread like a grass fire in summer.

Amidst all this chaos, my father fell ill, and I have searched everywhere for a cure. Eventually, I found references in the ancient tomes about a mysterious medicine capable of healing any illness. It was known to the ancient Elrokians back when they inhabited the Lost Nest.

• Ask about the mysterious medicine in detail.

Unfortunately, all I could discover was when the medicine existed. So I asked the shaman Karakawei to summon the spirits of the Elrokians of that time and ask them where the medicine is.

Karakawei knew the risks, but for my sake he attempted to summon our ancestors' spirits. For many days, his efforts were in vain, but finally he was able to contact a spirit who possessed knowledge of the medicine's whereabouts. Since then we've been anxiously waiting for an adventurer with the courage and skill to recover it for us.

There is not a moment to spare! Please go straight to Karakawei -- you'll probably find him praying around the barracks. After you've obtained the medicine, please return to me at once. In the meantime, I will attempt to discover the cause of this illness while protecting my father from the riots.

May Shilen guard your steps!

We cannot waste any more time! Please go straight to Karakawei and ask for his help.

I suspect that you will likely find him praying near the barracks.

Is this the mysterious medicine? Blessed are you, Shilen! Thank you, my friend. Now we must wait to see if it is Shilen's will whether my father recovers or perishes.

Whatever the result, you will be a friend of the Elroki forever, always present in our hearts and welcome at our hearths.

If my father's health does improve, as I believe it will, I know he will wish to speak with you again.

You received no help from Karakawei? Or were you simply too frightened to take the medicine?

Courage! You are under the protection of Shilen and the ancient Elrokians. Simply listen to your instincts and fate will guide your course. Calm your worries and concentrate on finding the medicine, I beg you!

Friend of the Elroki, be welcome here. You need not tell me who you are or why are you here -- the ancestors surrounding me have already told me that you are the outsider destined by fate to save the Elroki tribe from the evil facing it.

Outsider, my ancestors wish to convey a message to you through me. Are you ready to hear it?

• Say that you are ready.

You, outsider! Are you lost?

Fate has not decreed that we should meet yet. Hasten back to where you belong; there wise Elrokians will awaken you.

Be patient and the ancestors will speak to you in time.

Alas, our chief, Mushika, should have never begun the exploration. His arrogance aroused the wrath of our ancestors and brought on his illness. But Shilen has promised that Mushika would not perish, and will soon recover to help save the Elroki tribe. The key to his recovery lies in your willingness, fated outsider, to help our people.

Wait! One of my departed ancestors wishes to speak with you through me.

• Talk to Karakawei while he is chanting a spell of invocation.
• Talk to Karakawei after the spirit of his Elrokian ancestor enters him.

Such disrespect! Do you not know that I am readying myself to enter the sacred space where life and death coexist?

Though you are the outsider of fate, you must not trifle with these matters. They are beyond your comprehension. Be still and watch!

Lost to my people's memory, unremembered and unknown, I, Elrokian of old, speak with you!

The wisdom of the ancestors is this: find the egg laid by the Mantarasa dinosaur. The gods have bestowed upon it the gift of healing. To find it, make your mind as light as an eagle's feather and as clean as the morning dew and travel north.

You will find the Mantarasa Egg on the border between the Primeval Plains and the Lost Nest. Only the Mantarasa Egg can save these poor children of the Elroki. May their former glory be restored to them!

I am Elroki... Kuk... Karakawei is returning from the spirit world. This Elrokian is telling you one last time...

Outsider, please find the Mantarasa Egg... on the border of the Primeval Plains and the Lost Nest... Shilen's divine protection be with you always!

Did you forget where to take the Mantarasa Egg? Shame! The egg was supposed to be used to save the life of Mushika, our sick chief. Take the egg to Asamah, his son, immediately. Make haste!

Uh... Shilen, our mother... Do not abandon your chosen people, the Elroki tribe...

Elroki! Bestow on us your mighty power...

• He seems to be delirious because of fever. Tell him that you are here at Marquez' request.

Invader...(coughing)...invader!

Ma...Marquez! My friend...(coughing)...I'm sorry. Before... your book...is...finished...I, Mushika...must...go to...Shilen's side. Please, call my...son...Asamah...(coughing)...

My son...Asamah...(coughing)... Do you not...see...him...there?

It may be the Mantarasa Egg. Its shell resembles that of a giant tortoise. When you touch it, it feels surprisingly warm.

• Take the egg.

You carefully pick up the egg and place it in your bag.

You've finally found the egg! Looking closer, it appears to be only a shell, however. What's happened to whatever was inside?

Upon closer examination, it appears to be rooted to the ground almost like a large old tree. You think it must be some kind of sentient being, but can only wonder at its abilities right now.