A new mystery appears in Nektropos Castle...

[Cusashorn]

<DIV> <DIV>The Adventurer recieved a letter one day.  A day just like any other. It was not raining, it was not cold. Ro's light managed to peak through the treetops of the forest in some areas. Just a normal day in Nektulos forest.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>It was no ordinary letter. The wax seal had the Everling Family Seal stamped into it. The paper had a gold outline around the edge. Official stationary of Lord Everling and the Everling family.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><EM>"Greetings, brave adventurer. </EM></DIV> <DIV><EM></EM> </DIV> <DIV><EM>I have heard stories of your great accomplishments and travels across the world, and I must say I am intrigued. This is a letter of invitation to join me at my castle. I wish to learn more about your adventures and journeys over a banquet in your honor. Present this letter to our doorman. I've told him to expect your arrival.</EM></DIV> <DIV><EM></EM> </DIV> <DIV><EM>-Lord </EM><EM>Everling"</EM></DIV> <DIV><EM></EM> </DIV> <DIV><EM></EM> </DIV> <DIV><EM>---</EM></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>The adventurer proceeded his way towards Nektropos Castle, deep in the woods. Even though the trees of Nektulos often prevented the sunlight from ever touching the forest floor, the adventurer could tell that nighttime would soon arrive.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>When he reached the castle gates, he presented the letter to the doorman, who graciously opened the doors and allowed the adventurer inside. "Please follow me, sir. The Master cannot be here to greet you personally, but has instructed me to show you to his personal servant's quarters untill he is ready to meet you."</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>The adventurer followed the servant to Pellas' personal quarters. "Ahh, You must be the guest our Lord has been expecting. I am Pellas, Lord Everling's personal servant. I know it's not much, but please, make yourself at home. I shall go tell the master that you have arrived." And just as he finished his sentence, Pellas was on his way.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>The adventurer decided to sit on the edge of the bed and wait. Before long, a personal servant entered the room and placed a painting on the chest next to the bed.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>"A gift from the resident Brushwuttle." </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>She left just as quickly as she came.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>The adventurer looked at the painting. It appeared to be a family portrait. He noticed six daughters in the picture, one of which was holding a simple stuffed doll. The central patriarchal figure held a wicked looking idol.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Before the adventurer could get a closer look, the painting disappeared! He rubbed his eyes in disbelief. He swore he was just looking at a painting, but now its gone.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Pellas returned. "I appologize for the wait, sir. Please, follow me. The master wishes to see you now."</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>---</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>The banquet hall was busy with activity. Servants were busy setting the final meals on the table, and filling the glasses with wine.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>The adventurer expected a private dinner with the lord. He was not expecting this, but was not surprised either. Pellas showed him to his seat at the end of the table. On either side of him were other guests of the castle. Aristocrats, landlords, diplomats... guests one would expect to see at a banquet in a castle.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>As the guests took thier seats, Lord Everling entered the room from the balcony to the east. Before he took his seat at the other end of the table, he raised his glass. "Welcome, esteemed guests, sirs and ladies, one and all, to this very special banquet this evening. Let us raise our glasses and toast to our guest of honor at the end of the table.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>The adventurer also did not expect this much attention. He was surprised to see everyone drink in his honor as the room filled with applause. As the room quieted down, Everling continued.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>"Eat well, my friend. Please feel free to entertain us with stories of your travels. After we're done, I'll show you around the castle.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>... I'm sure you'll just love to meet my daughters..."</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Something didn't sit right with the adventurer. Somewhere in his mind, something was telling him nothing was as it seemed... All he could hope was that he would make it through the night with his life intact.</DIV></DIV>

[vikingthug]

Sounds a lot like the old Dracula lore wheather it be his three brides or his three sisters.  Creepy, yet alluring..  On a side note, if his daughters are hot, Im sure not too many adventurers wouldnt mind spending some "quality" time with them.

[Cusashorn]

<DIV>Hmm. I'm wondering if anyone's actually caught on yet?</DIV>

[Mary the Prophetess]

<P>I looked up 'resident' Brushwuttle at the Library in Qeynos:</P> <P>C. M. Brushwuttle, a famous Gnomish artist, renown for designing the sculpture <STRONG>'The Cavalier'</STRONG>, as well as many other famous paintings; <STRONG>'Leviathan Unbound'</STRONG>, <STRONG>'Remains of Honor'</STRONG>, <STRONG>'Nagafen, Lord of Flame'</STRONG>, <STRONG>'Servant of the Storm'</STRONG>, and <STRONG>'Traitor's Insult'</STRONG>, to mention but a few.</P> <P>Other known paintings include, <STRONG>'Sylvan Triptych'</STRONG>, <STRONG>'Gnoma Obscura'</STRONG>, <STRONG>'Siege of Gukta'</STRONG>, <STRONG>'Her Royal Highness, Queen Higgbee'</STRONG>, <STRONG>'Rivervale Remembered'</STRONG>, <STRONG>'Daughter of the Void'</STRONG>, <STRONG>'Gnomish Dreams'</STRONG>, <STRONG>'Velious Mourns'</STRONG>, <STRONG>'Exodus of the Knights of Marr'</STRONG>, and <STRONG>'Children of Thunder'</STRONG>.  </P> <P>A decendant, Fryda Brushwuttle, operates a studio in North Freeport.</P> <P>I could find no listing for <STRONG>'An Everling Family Portrait'</STRONG>, perhaps it was commissioned privately.</P><p>Message Edited by Mary the Prophetess on <span class=date_text>05-09-2006</span> <span class=time_text>10:23 PM</span>

[Vhalen]

C.M. Brushwuttle also created all those "creatures playing poker" paintings found throughout Norrath's taverns in EQLive. But let's not get off topic, we were talking about the 'resident' Brushwuttle.

[Mary the Prophetess]

<P>Hmmm.  So the resident Brushwuttle is not the Shade of the renowned artist.  </P> <P>Now, I wonder what <EM>other</EM> Brushwuttle's there are wandering around?</P> <P><EM><FONT size=2>*heads off to the library again*</FONT></EM></P>

[Kikena]

Doesn't Brushwittle hang out in North Freeport? Or is that yet another Brushwittle entirely?

[Cusashorn]

<DIV>This is a BrushWUTTLE, though.</DIV>

[Trepan]

<div><blockquote><hr>Cusashorn wrote:<div>This is a BrushWUTTLE, though.</div><hr></blockquote>Yeah but at 3'6" tops I'd say he/she is still pretty wittle.Apart from the Brushwuttles in Freeport, have we any other hooks for members of their family?  (apart from the obscure reference of the "resident" brushwuttle in Nektropos).Vhalen's post is pretty clear on the resident being different than CM... Cusa, where'd you get that bit in your original post?</div>

[syous01]

By resident he is referring to something that is haunting the place. Ghosts don't really haunt a house, the correct term is reside.

[Cusashorn]

<DIV><BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Trepan wrote:<BR> <DIV><BR><BR>Cusa, where'd you get that bit in your original post?<BR></DIV><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Oh... I'll tell you when someone starts to figure it out. I can tell you this much right now: I'm the only player in the whole game who knows whats going... :smileywink:</DIV>

[Mary the Prophetess]

<P>/sighs</P> <P>You're gonna force me to go there and look around aren't you?</P> <P>Ok, I haven't been to version two yet, and I'm guessing that's the place to start snooping.  I'm just not too sure I'm really ready for it at 54th level though.</P> <P>But what the hey, I'm a Ranger; and dying, (er, I mean scouting), is what Rangers do best!</P> <P> </P> <P>Some thoughts:</P> <P>The term 'resident' Brushwuttle, may refer not to a specific person named Brushwuttle, but might be describing any aspiring artist, a 'would-be' Rembrandt, (or in this case, Brushwuttle).</P> <P>Did any of the Everlings paint?</P> <P>Is Pellas a mis-spelling of Pelleas, or is it correct, and there are perhaps two different personnas here?</P> <P>The events discribed most likely take place in the past.  Pelleas is not a ghost, (or at least the adventurer does not react to him as such).  The other guests and personal servants all elicit no special notice on the part of the adventurer.</P> <P>There are no Gargoyles mentioned, nor woods full of patchwork men and undead.  The castle seems to be in good repair and staffed normally.</P> <P>It seems as if everyone (except the adventurer) is privy to some shared knowledge about the adventurer, including the servants and the other guests.</P> <P>The daughters are, (conspicuously), absent from the banquet.</P> <P>There is too much deference being paid to the adventurer by everyone.  It is out of proportion.  Something isn't right.</P> <P>The adventurers' reaction to the disappearing painting seems too subdued, almost as if it were not out of the ordinary.</P> <P>Particular note is made of the doll one of the girls in the portrait holds and to the, (notice the pejorative word, 'wicked'), idol in the hands of the patriarch in the painting.</P> <P>The adventurer feels a vague sense of foreboding, but why would that make him leap to the conclusion that his life may be in danger?</P> <P>The starting place would be Pelleas' quarters, and that is where I will head first.</P> <P><SPAN class=time_text></SPAN> </P><p>Message Edited by Mary the Prophetess on <span class=date_text>05-13-2006</span> <span class=time_text>09:31 PM</span>

[Cusashorn]

<DIV><BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Mary the Prophetess wrote:<BR> <P>/sighs</P> <P>You're gonna force me to go there and look around aren't you?</P> <P>Ok, I haven't been to version two yet, and I'm guessing that's the place to start snooping.  I'm just not too sure I'm really ready for it at 54th level though.</P> <P>But what the hey, I'm a Ranger; and dying, (er, I mean scouting), is what Rangers do best!</P> <P> </P><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>I went into The Return once. Most of the doors are physically blocked off beyond the courtyard at the zone in. you won't find anything there. I'd rather you find that lesson out yourself, but I'm saving you a few deaths.</DIV>

[Lonissa]

<div></div><div></div>OH! So I went and sat in Pelleas' room and along came a personal attendant <a href="http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/7898/eq20001442ly.jpg" target="_blank">screenshot</a> <div></div>I followed her to a secret passage, where she just seems to disappear (under Diedre's room) Edit: I sat around and waited in the banquet room too, but nothing happened.  Oh well, it's 3am here, time for bed, I'll wait for others to figure it out <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> <p><span class="time_text"> </span></p><p><span class="time_text"></span></p><p>Message Edited by Emaleth2000 on <span class=date_text>05-12-2006</span> <span class=time_text>03:07 PM</span>

[Jacklam]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Cusashorn wrote:<BR> <DIV><BR>Oh... I'll tell you when someone starts to figure it out. I can tell you this much right now: I'm the only player in the whole game who knows whats going... <IMG height=16 src="https://88.107.75.191/cgi-bin/nph-225433.cgi/010110A/http/eqiiforums.station.sony.com/i/smilies/16x16_smiley-wink.gif" width=16 border=0><BR> <HR> </DIV></BLOCKQUOTE> <P><BR>Lies! The monk was assisted in part by a rather handsome conjuror <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></P>

[Lonissa]

<div></div>Edit: In the interest of not spoiling the fun for everyone I removed this little spoiler.<div></div><p>Message Edited by Emaleth2000 on <span class=date_text>05-12-2006</span> <span class=time_text>12:30 PM</span>

[Mary the Prophetess]

<P>Well, I went there this morning; killed a couple of the sisters, took a quick glance in the dining room, (nothing I could find there), and was just on my way to Pelleas' room when the server came down for maintenance.</P> <P>When I came back on, I was in Nektulos; locked out for 17 hours.</P> <P>I HATE those lock out timers, (though I do understand why they are there)</P>

[Tarkin-Wretch]

You do?  Explain it to me then please.  The loot in there sucks.  Ive never killed the epic in there though so I dont know about his loot.  Nektropos and tombs of night have the worst loot Ive ever encountered and they are both instanced.  Id prefer them to not be instanced.

[Trepan]

<blockquote><hr>Tarkin-Wretched wrote:<div></div>You do?  Explain it to me then please.  The loot in there sucks.  Ive never killed the epic in there though so I dont know about his loot.  Nektropos and tombs of night have the worst loot Ive ever encountered and they are both instanced.  Id prefer them to not be instanced.<hr></blockquote>Lore > Loot on the Lore Board.  <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /><div></div>

[Cusashorn]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Trepan wrote:<BR><BR><BR>Lore > Loot on the Lore Board.  <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /><BR> <BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>And with that, you've just discovered the purpose of this new mystery.

[Xentin]

where is the sword clue!!!!!!!! been looking for this single one for going on 2 hours<div></div>

[Cusashorn]

<DIV><BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Xentin wrote:<BR>where is the sword clue!!!!!!!! been looking for this single one for going on 2 hours<BR> <BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>next hint: It has nothing to do with a sword.</DIV>

[Xentin]

im not looking for a sword, im running around trying to highlight everything i can<div></div>

[Lonissa]

I had the same problem finding the sword, and managed to get myself locked out of Nek castle in the process of finding it <img src="/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /><div></div>

[Xentin]

all i gotta say is the next part is a pain and i wish i could just find one of the updates<div></div>

[Xentin]

alright me and a guildie have been running around this zone for a long [expletive haxx0red by Raijinn] time, i been here for 6 hours she has been here for about 4, for the past 3 of that we have been stuck on the finding the daughters 5 dolls, can anyone confirm of completing this step or is the quest unfinished by chance? We cant even get 1 of 5 updates<div></div>

[Lonissa]

<div><blockquote><hr>Xentin wrote:alright me and a guildie have been running around this zone for a long [expletive haxx0red by Raijinn] time, i been here for 6 hours she has been here for about 4, for the past 3 of that we have been stuck on the finding the daughters 5 dolls, can anyone confirm of completing this step or is the quest unfinished by chance? We cant even get 1 of 5 updates<div></div><hr></blockquote>I can confirm it's working</div>

[Xentin]

the collecting the 5 dolls? not the running around and clicking the items in their rooms.<div></div>

[Lonissa]

Yep, I have all 6 dolls collected.<div></div>

[Cusashorn]

<DIV>The only thing preventing her from completing the quest is the Nektropos Castle lockout timer.</DIV>

[Kyrsten]

<P>Thanks to Cusashorn and Vhalen for a fun, if somewhat mindwracking, quest - and HUGE thanks to Lonissa for a few key hints and encouragement!!!</P> <P>This was fun, more please!</P> <P> </P>

[IrishWonder]

<DIV>Is this still in-game? I'm very interested in checking it out :smileyhappy:</DIV>

[Cusashorn]

<DIV>It's not going anywhere. Go for it.</DIV>

[Lonissa]

I think that was the longest 18 hour wait in my life lol.Thank you Vhalen for giving us such a wonderful quest, and Cusashorn for all your help  <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  I had a blast and I hope we get more quests like these in the future <img src="/smilies/283a16da79f3aa23fe1025c96295f04f.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /><div></div>

[ganng]

A little lost on this.  If this is a quest may I please have the name of it?  I wandered the castle and found the room where the adventure stayed, the banquet hall and what I beleive is the adventure himself but can not quite figure out what I should be doing.

[IrishWonder]

<DIV>"Clues to the rag doll that belonged to the daughter with the sword" is killing me too, hehe... but the quest is getting gooood :smileywink:</DIV>

[Cusashorn]

<DIV> <DIV>I decided I'd wait out for someone else to figure out and solve the quest before I explained what was going on. I now know that at least two people from other servers have completed it now.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#ff0000>(WARNING, THIS IS A LONG POST, BUT I WOULD APPRECIATE IT IF YOU READ MY INTRIGUING TALE ANYWAY.)</FONT></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I'll be using Black text to hide the spoilers of this quest, so you don't need to read them if you don't want to. And if you do, then just highlight and find out.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>On May 2nd, before Live Update #23 went live, our good friend Vhalen sent me a private message here on the boards.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><EM><FONT color=#6699ff><SPAN><STRONG></STRONG></FONT></EM> <HR> Forum Reward</SPAN> <P><EM><FONT color=#6699ff>Hello Cusashorn. I am writing you this PM because you are one of the devoted lore readers of Norrath. I enjoy reading and participating in the many threads in the Lore and History forum. As a nod to all you lore readers I have added my first secret forum quest into Nektropos Castle. It should go in with the next update, but you won't see any mentions of it in the notes. The reward is nothing too great, but for a lore junkie it is a bit nice and may prove useful down the road.<BR><BR>When the update goes live seek the beginnings of Nektropos Castle and find the gift of the resident Brushwuttle. Gaze upon the gift and be swift.<BR><BR>Good luck and should you find it, please share it through hints with your fellow lore junkies of the Lore and History forum. </FONT></EM></P> <HR> <P></P></DIV> <P> </P> <P>Well I prominantly went to Nektropos Castle and started looking around. I noticed right away that there were a couple new objects placed in the zone. The first of which was a Lucan Training Dummy in the corner where that necromancer is at the zone in.</P> <P>In Pelleas' quarters, I found a small painting placed on top of a box-desk next to the bed, <A href="http://img239.imageshack.us/img239/7898/eq20001442ly.jpg" target=_blank>as pictured here, thanks to Lonissa's screenshot.</A> I also noticed that it disapeared rather quickly. Although I already examined the painting, I intentionally waited for it to respawn. Thats when I saw the personal servant come in and place it there.</P> <P>Upon examination, it said: (Highlight for spoilers)</P> <P><FONT color=#000000>"It appears to be a family portrait. You notice six daughters in the picture, one of which is holding a simple stuffed doll. The central patriarchal figure is holding a rather wicked looking idol."</FONT></P> <P>(I am paraphrasing btw. I don't remember the EXACT wording)</P> <P>I was not given a quest by examining it, but I knew it wasn't going to just be that easy. I knew the daughters were important to the mystery at hand, so I started looking around. I found nothing new in Elise's room, but the other 5 daughters had something new.</P> <P>In Crysta's room, I found a larger painting above the dresser.</P> <P>Upon examining it: (Highlight)</P> <P><FONT color=#000000>"This portrait seems to be one you have seen on another wall of the castle. But this particular one seems a bit different than the rest. You note that all the daughters in this picture are holding a simple stuffed doll, except for one, the one who had the same doll in the other portraits. That same girl is now holding a sword.</FONT></P> <P><FONT color=#000000>You also notice that the scene outside the window in the portrait shows an ash covered Nektulos Forest of today rather than the blue skies of the other painting.</FONT></P> <P><FONT color=#000000>You find something barely visible on the painting. Each of the girls that are holding a doll have another item in their possession. One girl has a paintbrush, one has a wrench, one has a leash, one has a flower and one has a hand mirror."</FONT></P> <P>The quest journal told me to search for clues about the six daughters in the paintings.</P> <P>Right there in Crysta's room was a canvas. (Highlight)</P> <P><FONT color=#000000>"There are a few incomplete drawings on the canvas. A drawing of a halfling dancing around a campfire in a vale. A drawing of six rings forming a circle in a library somewhere."</FONT></P> <P>Crysta's update was found. I moved on. Next up was Shiela's room. I noticed a large mirror hanging on the wall. (Highlight)</P> <P><FONT color=#000000>"This mirror does not appear to have been crafted by humans. You notice a large heart symbol engraved on the mirror."</FONT></P> <P>Shiela's update was complete. Moving onto Melanie's room, I noticed a broken canister next to the dresser. (Highlight)</P> <P><FONT color=#000000>"This canister seemed to have been damaged a long time ago. It's design does not look very terrestrial."</FONT></P> <P>Melanie's update was found. Moving onto Jenni's room, I noticed a giant leash hanging on the wall. (Highlight)</P> <P><FONT color=#000000>"His remains may be buried with his clan, but his soul rests in my heart"</FONT></P> <P>Jenni's update was complete. Finally, there was Diedre's room. I found nothing in the room itself, but when I went down the stairs, I noticed a shovel resting against the wall. (Highlight)</P> <P><FONT color=#000000>"As you remove the rust and dirt away, you see an engraving of a ribcage."</FONT></P> <P>All that was left was Elise's clue. There was nothing in her room though. I searched all over the place, even in the basement. I ended up having a conversation with Alexa at the end of the hallway in the basement as she is usually found. Her conversation had no relation to the quest. It did let me open up the hidden wall.</P> <P>(Highlight)</P> <P><FONT color=#000000> Inside the room were six panels forming a circle in the room. It was obvious this was part of the quest, especially with the clue given by the canvas. The rings appeared as if something was needed to be placed on them.</FONT></P> <P><FONT color=#000000>Finally, back at the zone-in to the castle, I noticed a rag doll laying on the ground next to the necromancer. I picked it up and realized I just found Elise's update.</FONT></P> <P>The quest updated. Now I needed to find the 5 dolls of the other girls. I already had Elise's doll.</P> <P>Now. I scoured the ENTIRE CASTLE. Every last square inch of the zone to see if I could find any new updates, but I found nothing. I admit, I was stumped. I thought for a while and realized that I had to look outside the castle for the rest of the updates. The detail about the drawing of a halfling dancing around a campfire in a vale had to be a clue. I figured I'd go look around Enchanted Lands to see if anything new was added there. There wasn't. Then I thought back to the portrait, of how it showed a Nektulos Forest with Ash colored skies of today. The updates had to be in Nektulos.</P> <P>I thought back to one of Vhalen's messages he sent me after his initial first one. He told me that some of the clues may have already been posted on the boards....</P> <P><A href="http://eqiiforums.station.sony.com/eq2/board/message?board.id=lore&message.id=9929#M9929" target=_blank>Hey wait a minute, I deffinitly remember him giving some info about the personal interests of each of the daughters on the boards somewhere...</A></P> <P>Think think think think! AH-HA! I didn't know if it was appropriate to call it a vale or not, but I remembered there are halflings in Nektulos... or at least, there were...</P> <P> </P> <P><FONT color=#66ff00>Vhalen asked me to post some hints about this quest on the boards once I started to piece things together. I decided from the very beginning that I would not do this untill I had a clear grasp of what was going on in this quest.</FONT></P> <P>(Highlight)</P> <P><FONT color=#000000>I made my way to Camp Leott to continue my search.</FONT></P> <P><FONT color=#000000>Bingo. There it was, inside one of the caravans, a rag doll. I picked it up, and there was Crysta's doll.</FONT></P> <P> </P> <P>I thought back to what Vhalen posted about Jenni's personal interests.. Hmm. a pet bear... I think I know just the spot... (Highlight)</P> <P>Sure enough, Jenni's doll was found in one of the bear caves in the eastern part of the forest.</P> <P> </P> <P>Ok. Two dolls down. 3 to go. At this point, I was studying the map of Nektulos forest. I knew that these 5 dolls would not be found relatively close to each other. I knew that each of the 5 dolls would be strategicly placed around the zone. I started weighing my options for remaining locations. I started traveling around Nektulos to see what would make good locations. I searched the docks... figured it was worth a shot.. Searched around N'Marr's Ascent, Black Lake, Bone Lake, around the Fairie Mound east of the spires...</P> <P>Think think think think.. Deidre... Loves gardening.. The shovel.. image of a ribcage... Where have I seen a ribca- OH MAN! HOW THE HECK DID I NOT SEE THIS SOONER!??</P> <P>And that's where I found Diedre's rag doll... (I'm HOPING you guys have figured this location out by now...)</P> <P>3 dolls down. Two remaining. Shiela and Melanie. I decided to search for Shiela first. It says she is rather skilled in the arts of stealth and sneaking around. Rumor has it she learned these skills from a member of the Ebon Mask, who was a frequent guest at the castle. Looking over the map of Nektulos, I figured Gul'Thex Citadel would be a likely location.</P> <P> </P> <P>As I entered into the citadel, I saw a ghost walking around the rampart. The Ghost of Pazin Punox.</P> <P>"MY LOVE! WHERE HAVE YOU GONE, MY LOVE!?"</P> <P>He kept screaming it over and over as he searched about the ramparts for his lost love. I soon found Shiela's doll very, VERY close nearby. His ghost stopped screaming after that.</P> <P>I would not piece the connection together untill after I found her doll. I knew that Pazin Punox sounded familiar, and <A href="http://eqbeastiary.allakhazam.com/search.shtml?id=2350" target=_blank>sure enough, he was a rogue guild master in Neriak.</A> I thought that was pretty a pretty cool detail.</P> <P>All that was left was Melanie's doll. This was a tough one to find. Her clue is that she shared a facination with the Occult, as her father does.</P> <P>Ok. Time to pull out the dictionary for this one, because I have a feeling i know where it may be, but I need to make sure...</P> <P><STRONG><EM>Occult, o - kult', ok'ult, Adj.</EM></STRONG></P> <BLOCKQUOTE dir=ltr> <P><STRONG>Not disclosed; kept secret; communicated only to the initiated; <FONT color=#ff9933>beyond the bounds of ordinary or natural knowledge; mysterious; transcendental.</FONT> </STRONG></P> <P><STRONG></STRONG> </P></BLOCKQUOTE> <P>Time to piece together Melanie's clues. She shared an interest in secretive things of which very little is known about. The Painting in Nektulos Castle mentioned she was holding a wrench. The containor in her room looked like it was not designed from terrestrial origins.. meaning it was not created by anyone native to this land....</P> <P>I started searching all Over Nektulos for it. I never did find it. It was at that point that my guildmember, Jacklambe, suddenly stumbled upon it. Being the guy that he is, he insisted on finding out what I was doing, because he took interest in this now. He was on the same part as me, finding the dolls, but he hadn't found any of them yet. Suddenly he sent me a tell and said he found one. He found Melanie's doll. With a quick cast of Call of the Hero, I found it laying on the ground. I don't know how the heck I overlooked this doll. I apparently passed by it a couple times. I picked up the last doll and was ready to head back to Nektropos Castle to finish everything up.</P> <P>(Highlight)</P> <P><FONT color=#000000>Her doll was found with a couple of broken containors close-by to the Obelisk of Lost Souls zone portal in Nektulos Forest. I suspected this much. There was really nothing else left that could have made sense.</FONT></P> <P><FONT color=#000000></FONT> </P> <P>I decided to show Jacklambe the locations of the other dolls before I headed back to Nektropos Castle. Jack had a lockout timer to worry about, so he had to wait before he could finish up.</P> <P>Back inside Nek Castle, I headed down to the 6 platforms in the hidden library in the basement and put the dolls onto each platform as they asked for. Suddenly, an idol appeared in the middle. I picked it up and got the Game-wide discovery.</P> <P> </P> <P><FONT color=#ff0000 size=5>*WARNING: STOP READING RIGHT HERE AND NOW, AND JUST SKIP DIRECTLY TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO FIND OUT WHAT THE REWARD IS*</FONT></P> <P> </P> <P> </P> <P> </P> <P> </P> <P> </P> <P>Vhalen told me this quest would not appeal much for anyone who desires big loots like armors and weapons. However, a lore junkie like myself would appreciate it very much. It also just happens to knock 200 status off my rent in the 5 room house I just recently moved into, so it actually is useful to me too. :p</P> <P><IMG src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a291/Cusashorn/Idol.jpg"></P> <P> </P> <P>What you see before you in that screenshot is the Idol of Everling sitting on top of a T5 Cedar Table. It's not terribly large, and I wasn't expecting it to be. It has no special properties when placed as a house item.</P> <P> </P> <P> </P> <P>This item is Cursed. It is not known what this curse is, but it may be revealed sooner or later.</P> <P>As for the faded message inscribed on the idol... Well.. it may be cryptic due to it's decay, but it doesn't take much to make out the words <FONT size=5>"Vul" and "OBELISK"</FONT></P> <P><FONT size=5>... Thats right folks. The shadowmen...</FONT></P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P><FONT size=5></FONT> </P> <P>I can't wait to see what this will lead to. A new connection to a grand mystery has been revealed.</P></DIV>

[Cusashorn]

<DIV>Now then, about my story in the opening post.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I'd like some feedback please. Was I able to throw you off with the story? Were you given the idea that certain elements might have something to do with everything? Were you able to get the actual clues themselves alright?</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Vhalen asked me to provide hints for the rest of you, and I got the inspiration to throw together a fan-fiction story about an adventurer who was invited to the castle one day, all the while puting the hints in right there.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Hehe. I soon recieved a message from Vhalen stating that my innovative story was very well writen, and... well... there's more to it that I'm not inclined to tell you.... :p</DIV>

[Lonissa]

<div></div>When you first posted your message I was intrigued, but as I read it at work, I totally forgot about it until you posted a little reminder.  Then of course I was determined to follow in your footsteps.I went and sat in Pelleas' bedroom and couldn't believe my eyes when the personal attendant walked in and placed a portrait on the dresser.  My heart skipped a few beats when I realized there was definitely more to this mystery.The banquet of course threw me off... I spent a lot of time up there, waiting for a possible scripted event, thinking maybe I had to be in a certain location to trigger it or something, but it was late and I gave up.I hadn't been to Nek castle in a long, long time.  I knew that adventurers would have to complete the locket quest one more time to get access to the secret passages.  I wasn't offered the locket quest, but I had to go through the motions of speaking to Alexa, finding the note, etc, before I could rotate the sconce to head upstairs  (I really, really, really dislike Billy by the way, always ambushing people entering Elise's room).Well, exploring these rooms paid off, and the clues were obvious, save Elise's sword.  I killed Elise, I traveled all over the castle, eventually killing Maltus himself when he attacked me.  Finally I went back to the courtyard and found Elise's update.  Remembering the second painting, mentioning the ash covered forest of today rather than the blue skies of the past, I thought I'd need to head out to Nek forest, but was very reluctant to do so because of the lockout.  Well, nothing I could do about that...Remembering Vhalen's post about the Everling daughters, I went searching... the most obvious clue was Jenni's and then I knew I was on the right track.  Even if I had to visit every landmark in Nek forest I knew I would eventually collect all the dolls.  I read back through the clues given when inspecting the items themselves too, and It didn't take me very long to get the rest of the updates (I was speaking to Cusa in PM's by this time, and was given quite a few helpful hints too).  When I realized the next part had to take me back in to Nek castle though, well, *sob* I prepared to wait out the timer.<blockquote><hr>Cusashorn wrote: <div>Hehe. I soon recieved a message from Vhalen stating that my innovative story was very well writen, and... well... there's more to it that I'm not inclined to tell you.... :p</div><hr></blockquote>Cusa, the fan fiction story was a great touch, even though you got me stuck waiting in the banquet room for quite a long time before thinking of going off exploring <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  But, what is this, more mystery? <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /><div></div>

[Thax]

<P>First off, the story written was well done.  Honestly, until Vhalen replied, I thought it was just a bit of fanfic and nothing more.  The day of the live update, I went into the castle to work golem lore and legend and noticed the new ghost - the personal attendent.  I then ran all around the castle looking for other new things.  The first place I looked was near the servant's quarters, which unfortunately for me, did not have the painting there because the attendant hadn't made it there yet.  The new items around the zone intrigued me, but since none were clickable (remember, I didn't see the painting), I hailed the necro to see if there was a new quest and eventually left.</P> <P>I then forgot about my curiousities from the castle until I came across this thread.  As I said, I still thought it was merely a bit of fanfic until Vhalen's post.  The screenshot finally convinced me there was more to be done, as I had not seen the attendant say anything.  At first I thought the new items in the bedrooms were for flavor, until I realized they were clickable after getting the quest from the second painting.  The clues were interesting, and I love the addition of more lore to the already immersive Nektropos Castle.  I scoured the ramparts and the sister's towers, top to bottom, before I remembered the practice dummy at the entrance, and lo and behold, there was not a clue, but the doll itself!</P> <P>I did most of this quest myself today and was disappointed to find out that there should have been a ghost at the Gul'Thex citadel when there was not for me.  Someone was there wiping the place out though, so maybe that had something to do with it.</P> <P>The connection with the Obilesk is very interesting, tying in nicely with the nightblood archfiend.</P> <P>What I would love to see is something that I heard happend in EQ1, but never actually saw: a way to see the past (Unrest).  It would be awesome to see the end of the days of the living in the Castle: the revolt of the servants, the deaths of the residents and random guests.  To be honest, I'd even be happy just with more lore dedicated to the history of the castle and family.  All in all, a great stealth-inserted quest!</P>

[Thax]

<DIV>Also, did the daughters all have individual tutors/teachers in addition to the caretakers?  It would make sense, considering you see Jenni's teacher in her room (which I don't remember from my early Nek Castle days, is she relatively new?).  Perhaps there was a Brushwuttle on hand to provide decoration for the castle and also to instruct one of the girls?  There are no gnomish ghosts, zombies, or skeletons, but it could be that they wish to remain hidden or actually managed to escape.</DIV>

[katalmach]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Cusashorn wrote:<BR> <DIV>Now then, about my story in the opening post.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I'd like some feedback please. Was I able to throw you off with the story? Were you given the idea that certain elements might have something to do with everything? Were you able to get the actual clues themselves alright?</DIV> <DIV><BR> <HR> </DIV></BLOCKQUOTE> <P><BR>When I first read your story my only thought was, "Pelleas! Not Pellas!" and as the uber pedantic lore junkie I am, I nearly even posted a correction in the thread. <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> </P> <P>The next day I was browsing the forums again, and read your post again, as it had intrigued me.. after all it was about one of my favourite zones, and it did seem to imply there was actually something going on that perhaps I too could experience in the game. The first part was well done, clue-wise. I managed to get the painting, see and follow the personal attendant, etc.. but the banquet bit threw me off a little. I sat in that dining room for AGES waiting for Everling to appear and to have dinner with him! Yes, I actually thought we would have dinner.  <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> In fact, I ran around the castle trying to figure out how to get on to the next piece of the puzzle from midnight til about 3.30 AM, at which point I logged out because the server was about to come down anyway. So definitely, your story intrigued and motivated me, hehe. And I did re-read it about 25 times while doing the quest! It made it feel a bit more.. I dunno, coherent maybe, to have that story to go along with it.</P> <P>Then, the next day, I went back together with my boyfriend. Strangely enough, we did the exact same thing I had done the night before - only this time Everling was in the dining room when we appeared, and the quest starter was clickable this time around (hadn't been the night before). </P> <P>We solved the quest pretty quickly. The clues in the quest were nice - standard for SOE quests seems to be either a) no clues at all b) very, very vague clues or c) very vague clues that end up not making sense anyway - but in this case they actually all made sense and were fun to figure out! I only had a problem finding Sheila's doll, but that was just because somehow, I managed to miss it the first three times I went to the place where it is.. <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> ..in the end my boyfriend went there to double-check, and found it immediately! How annoying! <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> And I also had to translate the inscription on the mirror of course, from Thexian to English, just for fun, so that took a while too (nice detail! very sweet). </P> <P>Apart from a few minor bugs (for one thing, we had to do the entire lockets quest again in order to be able to enter the room where the last update is, even though we already had access to everywhere else.), this quest was LOTS of fun, and really made me happy! I've been really disappointed with some decisions by the devs lately, but doing this quest made me realize that they don't only nerf things - they can actually create really cool quests too! So yeah.. it made me feel happy about the game again. </P> <P>Only complaint - the reward is a bit boring. It should sparkle or something (evil sparkles, of course)! <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></P> <P>More quests like this please! Well done both Vhalen, Cusashorn and anyone else involved. </P>

[katalmach]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Thax wrote:<BR> <P>I did most of this quest myself today and was disappointed to find out that there should have been a ghost at the Gul'Thex citadel when there was not for me.  Someone was there wiping the place out though, so maybe that had something to do with it.</P><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Same here - I didn't get to see the ghost either, even though the place was empty apart from myself and the mobs. Shame..

[Vhalen]

<DIV>This quest is the beginning of something I always wanted to add... Forum Quests based on lore discussed on the board. I hope to add more in the future. The next is already planned. I will always notify a few of the lore forum participants before it is released. They will not always be the same ones that were clued in before. Not all of the forum quests will be as difficult, or easy, as this one. But I do plan to add more. The purposes behind these quests are to reward those that follow lore, (especially little-known lore), and provide clues to new mysteries. If you are looking for weapons and armor forged by the gods, look elsewhere. These quests are for those that seek knowledge and not riches. </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I would advise you all not to jump to spoilers, at least not right away. The clues can always be found here. So share clues and help your fellow lore fans. Together, we may just begin to uncover the answers to some age old and forgotten mysteries.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>As for the wicked idol, it provides clues to understanding a bit about a curse that befell the master of the estate. But it is just one of the many. This castle is filled with curses. </DIV>

[Thax]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> YubiMusubi wrote:<BR> <BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Cusashorn wrote:<BR> <DIV>Now then, about my story in the opening post.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I'd like some feedback please. Was I able to throw you off with the story? Were you given the idea that certain elements might have something to do with everything? Were you able to get the actual clues themselves alright?</DIV> <DIV><BR> <HR> </DIV></BLOCKQUOTE> <P><BR>When I first read your story my only thought was, "Pelleas! Not Pellas!" and as the uber pedantic lore junkie I am, I nearly even posted a correction in the thread. <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> </P> <P>The next day I was browsing the forums again, and read your post again, as it had intrigued me.. after all it was about one of my favourite zones, and it did seem to imply there was actually something going on that perhaps I too could experience in the game. The first part was well done, clue-wise. I managed to get the painting, see and follow the personal attendant, etc.. but the banquet bit threw me off a little. I sat in that dining room for AGES waiting for Everling to appear and to have dinner with him! Yes, I actually thought we would have dinner.  <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> In fact, I ran around the castle trying to figure out how to get on to the next piece of the puzzle from midnight til about 3.30 AM, at which point I logged out because the server was about to come down anyway. So definitely, your story intrigued and motivated me, hehe. And I did re-read it about 25 times while doing the quest! It made it feel a bit more.. I dunno, coherent maybe, to have that story to go along with it.</P> <P>Then, the next day, I went back together with my boyfriend. Strangely enough, we did the exact same thing I had done the night before - only this time Everling was in the dining room when we appeared, and the quest starter was clickable this time around (hadn't been the night before). </P> <P>We solved the quest pretty quickly. The clues in the quest were nice - standard for SOE quests seems to be either a) no clues at all b) very, very vague clues or c) very vague clues that end up not making sense anyway - but in this case they actually all made sense and were fun to figure out! I only had a problem finding Sheila's doll, but that was just because somehow, I managed to miss it the first three times I went to the place where it is.. <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> ..in the end my boyfriend went there to double-check, and found it immediately! How annoying! <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> And I also had to translate the inscription on the mirror of course, from Thexian to English, just for fun, so that took a while too (nice detail! very sweet). </P> <P>Apart from a few minor bugs (for one thing, we had to do the entire lockets quest again in order to be able to enter the room where the last update is, even though we already had access to everywhere else.), this quest was LOTS of fun, and really made me happy! I've been really disappointed with some decisions by the devs lately, but doing this quest made me realize that they don't only nerf things - they can actually create really cool quests too! So yeah.. it made me feel happy about the game again. </P> <P>Only complaint - the reward is a bit boring. It should sparkle or something (evil sparkles, of course)! <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></P> <P>More quests like this please! Well done both Vhalen, Cusashorn and anyone else involved. </P><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P>You don't actually have to do the locket quest again.  All you have to do is talk to the version of Alexa that would normally tell you to go into the secret library.  Once she's done speaking, you can open the wall there and continue.  You also don't have to talk to any other version of Alexa, only that one.</P> <P>The only Everlings I ever saw in the dining room were shadows of the sisters, unless you mean the one downstairs, I didn't go in there when I finally started knocking out the quest.<BR></P>

[troodon]

<DIV>That's so awesome.</DIV>

[shadowscale]

<DIV>unfortunatly cusashorn it cant be obilsik as there is a n on the last word not a k. but i do find it interesting how antiquitor Mor'Tael ties into this. he seems to deal alot in cursed artifacts.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>edit: just noticed a posability for the engraveing. Mor'Tael of Vul Merchant of Oblivion</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Edit agen: seems Mor'Tael has nothing new to say however. was hopeing to ask him about the idol</DIV> <P>Message Edited by shadowscale on <SPAN class=date_text>05-13-2006</SPAN> <SPAN class=time_text>02:57 PM</SPAN></P> <P>Message Edited by shadowscale on <SPAN class=date_text>05-13-2006</SPAN> <SPAN class=time_text>03:03 PM</SPAN></P><p>Message Edited by shadowscale on <span class=date_text>05-13-2006</span> <span class=time_text>03:10 PM</span>

[Zulian]

Anyone else notice Jenni's doll was behind a grave?  Knowing Vhalen, I can't believe that was a coincidence <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  What does it mean though?And what is the Everling's connection to the behemoth?Couple other things...The inscription is "Mor'T_el_o_Vul_me_ch_t_f_ob*li_I_n"  The * might be a space, can't tell.Now, Vul was mentioned earlier, Tower of Vul/Obelisk/etc."Mor'T_el" - In Maj'Dul, there's Antiquator Kantus Mor'Tael...I'd wager he's related somehow.  Maybe not him personally, but his family.  After all, Everling also was a collector of various artifacts.  Perhaps him and Everling were rivals?  Maybe the Mor'Tael family is responsible for the curse?Er, I just checked the thread while I was writing this, and it looks like someone beat me to the full translation <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  I don't know if merchant really fits in the spaces, but I'd chalk that up to font issues...Mor'Tael of Vul merchant of Oblivion seems to make sense.And I checked Mor'Tael too, also tried reading his book, looking for new clickables, etc, nothing.<div></div>

[Lonissa]

<div><blockquote><hr>shadowscale wrote:<div></div> <div></div> <div></div> <div>unfortunatly cusashorn it cant be obilsik as there is a n on the last word not a k. but i do find it interesting how antiquitor Mor'Tael ties into this. he seems to deal alot in cursed artifacts.</div> <div> </div> <div>edit: just noticed a posability for the engraveing. Mor'Tael of Vul Merchant of Oblivion</div> <div> </div> <div>Edit agen: seems Mor'Tael has nothing new to say however. was hopeing to ask him about the idol</div> <p>Message Edited by shadowscale on <span class="date_text">05-13-2006</span> <span class="time_text">02:57 PM</span></p> <p>Message Edited by shadowscale on <span class="date_text">05-13-2006</span> <span class="time_text">03:03 PM</span></p><p>Message Edited by shadowscale on <span class="date_text">05-13-2006</span> <span class="time_text">03:10 PM</span></p><hr></blockquote>I had come to the same conclusion, and tried hailing Mor'Tael first without the idol in my possession, then went back and picked it up from my room hoping that would make a difference.</div>

[Thax]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Zulian wrote:<BR>Anyone else notice Jenni's doll was behind a grave?  Knowing Vhalen, I can't believe that was a coincidence <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  What does it mean though?<BR>And what is the Everling's connection to the behemoth?<BR>Couple other things...<BR>The inscription is "Mor'T_el_o_Vul_me_ch_t_f_ob*li_I_n"  The * might be a space, can't tell.<BR>Now, Vul was mentioned earlier, Tower of Vul/Obelisk/etc.<BR>"Mor'T_el" - In Maj'Dul, there's Antiquator Kantus Mor'Tael...I'd wager he's related somehow.  Maybe not him personally, but his family.  After all, Everling also was a collector of various artifacts.  Perhaps him and Everling were rivals?  Maybe the Mor'Tael family is responsible for the curse?<BR>Er, I just checked the thread while I was writing this, and it looks like someone beat me to the full translation <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  I don't know if merchant really fits in the spaces, but I'd chalk that up to font issues...Mor'Tael of Vul merchant of Oblivion seems to make sense.<BR>And I checked Mor'Tael too, also tried reading his book, looking for new clickables, etc, nothing.<BR> <BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P>The grave would be the grave of her bear, Everling, I'm about 95% certain.</P> <P>I'm also not altogether certain that the blanks all equal 1 space.  In fact, I'm pretty sure they're not, because that means you have the first and last letter of every single word, so that means there's no "of".  I think y'all are onto something with the Mor'Tael though.  Is there any known connection within the Obelisk to the Mor'Tael family?<BR></P>

[shadowscale]

<DIV>heh i might be grasping at straws here but would be interesting of Mor'Tael was one of the shadow men like KaI Vhri'Jah in feerrott is.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>and notice Mor'tael can be pronounced as mortal?</DIV>

[Zulian]

Ooohhh, the bear's name is Everling?  Hahahah, that makes the leash a lot less kinky...Thanks for clearing that up <img src="/smilies/69934afc394145350659cd7add244ca9.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /><div></div>

[Xentin]

all i gotta say is great job to cusa and vhalen, and very much thanks to lonissa. If it wasnt for Lon i would have probably killed myself on the 5 dolls part, i was thinking nektulos forest but i didnt want to take the lockout hit since i killed all the daughters hoping that would do something <span>and ran around the zone with a guildie for 3 hours. now to figure out this Merchant of Vul Oblivion or Obelisk w.e it is.</span><div></div>

[Lonissa]

Hrm... from another <a href="http://eqiiforums.station.sony.com/eq2/board/message?board.id=lore&message.id=11030#M11030" target=_blank>Vhalen post</a>: <blockquote><hr size="2" width="100%">Vhalen wrote:</blockquote><blockquote><div>The Obelisk of Lost Souls has many names. The Obelisk is a myth to most Norrathians. This deadly place has also been called the Obelisk of the Void, The Tower of Shadows, The Tower of Rot and the Obelisk of Vul, as well as many others less popular. This place is <font color="#ffff00"><b>oblivion</b></font> and those unlucky enough to discover this dungeon are forsaken and never to be seen again save for the few who live to tell the tale. Those who often tell the tales are not those who enter the dungeon, but are those who stand at its arcane gate and watch as the brave and foolish enter this place of no return. But some of those tales include tales of the halls of the obelisk stretching on farther than the exterior would allow. Tales of fiendish creatures and shadowy men soon follow, as does a call for another round of Blackburrow Stout. This obelisk is like a phantom as it vanishes from one location only to appear at another, days later. Does this dungeon truly exist or is this yet another dungeon created in the basin of a goblet of ale?</div><div> </div><div>Understanding this mythical place would require knowledge of the history behind those that maintain the mysteries of the Obelisk of Lost Souls.</div></blockquote> <blockquote><hr size="2" width="100%"></blockquote><div></div>Or I might be grasping at straws.

[Meniphisto]

<div></div>Very fun quest, thank you for pointing it out. For the longest time I was also stuck in the dining room hoping that Everling would show up. After a couple hours of him ignoring me, I reread Cusa's post and the last quote caught my eye. "... I'm sure you'll just love to meet my daughters..." So off to the daughters!  Finding the clues were pretty easy, and I'm suprised that some people had trouble with the sword clue. In a corner in Elsie's basement, you can see a training dummy lying face down. There is another training dummy in the castle, so seemed easy to me. (Guess it wouldn't if you didn't notice them, hehe) One thing I did notice was that while running around Nek, I ran into a bunch of shadowmen in area's that I never recalled them being there. Perhaps its just been that long since I've run around the forrest. Definatly loved the tie to the Obelisk.  Being a shaman, I've always been fasinated with my so-called "chosen" enemy, the Shadowmen. So any lore or quests involving them have always caught my attention. Thanks again for the great quest, and I look forward to more clue and hints to more like it. <div></div><p>Message Edited by Meniphisto on <span class=date_text>05-14-2006</span> <span class=time_text>04:11 PM</span>

[Cusashorn]

<P>I've been trying to figure out was the "Mor'T" part of the idol could have ment. I had all but forgotten that Antiquitor Mor'Tael in Maj'Dul most deffinitly deals in cursed artifacts. The Bones of Dalgin B'Dynn for example.</P> <P> </P> <P>I'm glad you guys thought about this, because I never would have considered that possibility.</P> <P> </P> <P> </P> <P>And as someone already mentioned, the idol is decayed and worn out. The inscription is barely readable, so it makes sense that there can be more than one letter missing with each space shown in the message. Obelisk fits there nicely.</P><p>Message Edited by Cusashorn on <span class=date_text>05-13-2006</span> <span class=time_text>06:43 PM</span>

[Zulian]

If Obelisk fits, something has to come after it.  That's why I'm inclined to say it's oblivion.  And as far as the spaces issue, I was assuming one space would represent one character, that's all.  Like a book with letters that have been worn away.  But I don't think that applies in this instance.<div></div>

[Zabjade]

<div></div><font color="#66ff00"><font size="2"><font face="Comic Sans MS">Sweet Lore quest, and I'm not the only lore junky in my guild hehe. I'm Befallen-Faydark discovery. </font></font></font><div></div><p>Message Edited by Zabjade on <span class=date_text>05-14-2006</span> <span class=time_text>01:17 PM</span>

[Mary the Prophetess]

<P>Tip o' the hat to both Cusashorn and Vhalen.  It is this type of thing that holds my interest in a fantasy game.</P> <P>Your intro piece Cus was first rate.  I thought it was copied and pasted from in-game text.</P> <P>Vhalen and Cusashorn, sincerely, thank you both.</P> <P>/salute</P> <P>[waiting out the lock out now]</P>

[MrWolfie]

<P>Just a note; if a group are doing this quest alongside the lockets quest then it is likely one of them will have had Archfiend Izzoroth aggro on them. As there's not enough distance between Izzy and any other part of the castle, that encounter will remain unbroken & that character will be on his hate list from then on and unable to harvest anything in Nek Castle.</P> <P>Unfortunately, the reward item needs to be harvested!</P> <P>While there are ways around the problem (/quitting and coming straight back) it shouldn't happen...</P> <P> </P> <P>Also, while I'm here, the doll in the courtyard (the first one you collect) does not respawn immediately, like the following ones do ~ requiring a group of people to stand around waiting for it to come back...</P> <P> </P>

[katalmach]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Thax wrote:<BR> <BR> <P>You don't actually have to do the locket quest again.  All you have to do is talk to the version of Alexa that would normally tell you to go into the secret library.  Once she's done speaking, you can open the wall there and continue.  You also don't have to talk to any other version of Alexa, only that one.</P> <P>The only Everlings I ever saw in the dining room were shadows of the sisters, unless you mean the one downstairs, I didn't go in there when I finally started knocking out the quest.<BR></P><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P>No, we tried that. Talking to Alexa made no difference whatsoever (until I redid the lockets quest - only when I was actually on the step to enter the room did it work). I could open all the other secret doors after speaking to Alexa the first time, but I HAD to do the lockets quest and BE on the secret library step in order for me to enter it.<BR></P> <P>And I mean the banquet room upstairs. The Shade of Lord Everling was stood in front of the fireplace. I have never seen him there before either, only the sisters, but he was there yesterday when I did the quest. </P>

[Trepan]

<div></div><div></div><blockquote><hr>YubiMusubi wrote:<div></div><p>Only complaint - the reward is a bit boring. It should sparkle or something (evil sparkles, of course)! <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></p><p>More quests like this please! Well done both Vhalen, Cusashorn and anyone else involved.</p><hr></blockquote>Hmm... I think a little purple cloud around it would be quite apropos 8-)Yes, thank you for putting this in, Vhalen.  For the longest time I couldn't tell if you were trying your hand at Fanfic or not, Cusa - hence my previous query about where you got that info from  <span>:smileytongue:</span>  The subsequently removed screenshot from <a target="_blank" href="../view_profile?user.id=148529"><span>Emaleth2000</span></a> let me know that something was up for real and post #1 was rife with clues...  Took until saturday before I had time to drop in and check it out after that.Go go Lore Junkies! Yubi: The above poster was correct.     I too was locked out of the secret library, but I went and talked to the basement Alexa and waited for her little schpiel to finish.   When she was done talking, the proper fixture high-lit.   Took about 2 minutes after I hailed her (I was THIS close to running off and trying something else). <div></div><p>Message Edited by Trepan on <span class=date_text>05-14-2006</span> <span class=time_text>05:37 AM</span>

[Auelaen]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Emaleth2000 wrote:<BR>Hrm... from another <A href="http://eqiiforums.station.sony.com/eq2/board/message?board.id=lore&message.id=11030#M11030" target=_blank>Vhalen post</A>: <BR><BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR width="100%" SIZE=2> Vhalen wrote:<BR></BLOCKQUOTE> <BLOCKQUOTE> <DIV>The Obelisk of Lost Souls has many names. The Obelisk is a myth to most Norrathians. This deadly place has also been called the Obelisk of the Void, The Tower of Shadows, The Tower of Rot and the Obelisk of Vul, as well as many others less popular. This place is <FONT color=#ffff00><B>oblivion</B></FONT> and those unlucky enough to discover this dungeon are forsaken and never to be seen again save for the few who live to tell the tale. Those who often tell the tales are not those who enter the dungeon, but are those who stand at its arcane gate and watch as the brave and foolish enter this place of no return. But some of those tales include tales of the halls of the obelisk stretching on farther than the exterior would allow. Tales of fiendish creatures and shadowy men soon follow, as does a call for another round of Blackburrow Stout. This obelisk is like a phantom as it vanishes from one location only to appear at another, days later. Does this dungeon truly exist or is this yet another dungeon created in the basin of a goblet of ale?</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Understanding this mythical place would require knowledge of the history behind those that maintain the mysteries of the Obelisk of Lost Souls.<BR></DIV></BLOCKQUOTE> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR width="100%" SIZE=2> <BR></BLOCKQUOTE> Or I might be grasping at straws.<BR><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <DIV> <P><STRONG>Well, I read the book next to Mor'tael about The Tale of Mal'Ahkt. It does mention oblivion, but I am not sure if it leads to somewhere or not.</STRONG></P> <P><BR>It began long ago in the days when the Dal roamed the land and the sand was a lustrous green. This was the Elddar the great forest from which all sprang. It was within the majesty of this green that the Dal came to exist. </P> <P>Within the towering Elddar pines the Dal constructed a great city and in this great city they paid tribute to the gods that graced Norrath with the Elddar and all that is green and good. This great society was one of benevolence and together the Dal and the Elddar did prosper from such goodness. </P> <P>There was a day when a Dal named Mal'Ahkt questioned the power of benevolence and grew curious of darker arts. Mal'Ahkt wished to delve into the Dal's hidden vault of such things, a place where they hide such things for the good of all that breath. Such a place was the Pagoda of Tal'Thex. </P> <P>The Pagoda of Tal'Thex was known to few. It was constructed far to the Southwest beyond the jungles, beyond the hills and bordering the Buried Sea. In the land barren of life the great citadel was built. Only here could the Dal hide evil from evil. </P> <P>Mal'Ahkt had learned of the Pagoda of Tal'Thex from a dying old man, dying from the clutches of Mal'Ahkt that were wrapped around his wrinkled neck. This elder had constructed the great guardians of stone that crept across the dead lands. These were the Guardians of Tal'Thex. </P> <P>The Guardians of Tal'Thex were behemoths of handmade stone. Great magical blocks stacked in a towering obelisk. For many suns and many moons great mages would bombard the obelisk with great powers, forming it into the most powerful constructs to ever lumber. </P> <P>As the obelisk's power shined bright within the obelisk was transported to the land it would be bound to. The Guardians of Tal'Thex would find their place in the barren land between the pagoda and all else. Here in this land devoid of life the greatest sculptors of Dal carved the obelisks into towering warriors. And there the sculptors would give their life. </P> <P>The land that was barren drained all creatures of life and the sculptors knew of this, but did their art for the protection of Norrath. As they completed the sculpting of the titanic Guardians of Tal'Thex, life ebbed from their bodies. A few of the sculptors attempted to escape the death of the hills, but only one escaped the grasp of the hills. The sculptor was Haldinous of Rynthele and he lived to sculpt again. </P> <P>Haldinous of Rynthele lived a great grand life, sculpting for many empires and telling tales of dead hills. He lived a long and prosperous life after escaping the hills, but his work there would lead the evil Mal'Ahkt's hands around the frail neck of the sculptor. In final gasps the location of the Pagoda of Tal'Thex was given, as was the secret to Haldinous' escape from the barren hills. </P> <P>Haldinous of Rynthele knew his trip to the dead hills would see the end of his life, unless his power of sculpture could provide him with a means to save him from the deadly clutches of the hills. Haldinous had learned of the Clay of Cosgrove, magical clay taken from the planes themselves. This could make a new life. </P> <P>In great stealth Haldinous acquired a portion of the Clay of Cosgrove that rested in the Workshop of Alidon, home to the greatest of sculptors. With but a simple pinch of the clay Haldinous was able to fashion and identical match to himself. All that was missing was a mind. </P> <P>Haldinous began to carve magic words into the golem of his self. These magic words would temporarily transfer a portion of his self into the golem. In a great fury of pain the golem came to life and there Haldinous stood staring at himself from himself. With this new body of clay he shall march in and out of the dead hills. </P> <P>Haldinous marched across the barren hills in a body of magic clay. He found the transported obelisk of the Guardian of Tal'Thex he was to sculpt, one of many. Other sculptors worked feverishly to complete the sculpture before their bodies would die. Haldinous would lose his life, a life of clay. </P> <P>Back in a secret place the real Haldinous sprang to full life! He had managed to survive, but could not tell the empire who would frown on the use of the sacred Clay of Cosgrove. He gathered his notes and hid them away. He emerged days later to tell a fable of his journey in the land of dead hills. </P> <P>Haldinous grew old and became a friend to all mages. His love of mead and good song often brought about whispers of his past exploits. It was his whisper of the Pagoda of Tal'Thex that reached the ear of Mal'Ahkt. The evil mage forced the secret from the now old and enfeebled man. Now he had the location of the vault of evil artifacts the Pagoda of Tal'Thex and a way past the dead hills. </P> <P>The evil mage Mal'Ahkt would see the end of a few more Dal's before he began his journey in a body of clay. In the secret lab of the dead Haldinous Mal'Ahkt found a smidgen of the Clay of Cosgrove to form his clay self. After his sculpting was complete he began to scribe the magic words and transfer his soul and the clay Mal'Ahkt opened his eyes. </P> <P>In amazement the new Mal'Ahkt stared before himself with a smile and smirk of the plunder to come. As he smiled he began to hear a laugh not his own. He stared at his other self and saw two hands reach about it with a dagger at his other throat. </P> <P>"You are a fool" said the being behind his real self. In a shock he saw Haldinous' face emerge from the shadows. "I cannot die, I am clay forever as are you." With a bloody swipe the real Mal'Ahkt fell to the floor. The clay Mal'Ahkt could not move! He had used a false clay stored as the true thing. The evil mage had been fooled. </P> <P>Haldinous never was two. Haldinous was always clay, given life from a sculptor to live a secret life amidst the living. He aged himself appropriately and even would accept deconstruction at an appropriate age to mimic his new fellow residents. </P> <P>Haldinous was as much a Dal as any, swearing allegiance to their causes such as the keeping of the secret of the Pagoda of Tal'Thex. Mal'Ahkt was fooled into a near immobile body of inferior clay. Haldinous then began work on his final work with the now helpless soul of Mal'Ahkt. </P> <P>Haldinous formed a final Guardian construct for the Elddar Empire, one to wage war against undead empires, one that needed a dab of dark arts. And so the sentience of Mal'Ahkt was painfully removed and all his great power used to form the construct defender called the Guardian of Nief. </P> <P>Mal'Ahkt was foolish to betray his people and paid his full price. His soul is now in a void of <STRONG>oblivion</STRONG> and his powers within the guardian. Mal'Ahkt is no more. - The End </P></DIV><BR>

[Cusashorn]

<DIV>Oblivion is a word describing a state of chaos. It's not a noun describing a place.</DIV>

[xentavius]

Awesome quest Vhalen and excellent writeup Cusa! I got the discovery on Unrest.  At first I thought you were writing fan lore as well based on the thread of the rare paintings! I look forward to many more of these! <div></div>

[Ozymundas]

<DIV>Thank you Vhalen and Cusa!  That was a blast, and it was a great opportunity to go back and explore an older zone with new insight into it's history.</DIV>

[shadowscale]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Cusashorn wrote:<BR> <DIV>Oblivion is a word describing a state of chaos. It's not a noun describing a place.</DIV><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>in normal context yes, but this is a game we are talking about. just look at elder scrolls 4

[retro_guy]

Just a thought - the entrance to The Obilisk of Lost Souls in Ferrott is sometimes referred to as the Obilisk of Vul. <div></div>

[Mary the Prophetess]

<P>Has anyone actually BEEN to the Obelisk of Lost Souls with the idol?</P> <P>*Turan has spent a little too much time at the Lion's Mane Inn to do it tonight, but I am curious.*</P>

[SageGaspar]

Excellent job on the quest, hope for many more of these.Question to everyone on the mirror: from what I can guess the language on it would either be Thexian or shadowed tongue, neither of which I have.I can confirm it's none of the good language, not druzaic, not dragon, not any of the KoS languages, or any of the old world drops besides shadowed tongue.<div></div>

[IrishWonder]

<DIV>OK, now I have a question, too, hehe.... where can you get the means to translate text? I had no clue there were actual written down translations for different scripts in-game... now I have to know, hehe.</DIV>

[TheManInTheBox]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Vhalen wrote:<BR> <DIV>This quest is the beginning of something I always wanted to add... Forum Quests based on lore discussed on the board. I hope to add more in the future. The next is already planned. I will always notify a few of the lore forum participants before it is released. They will not always be the same ones that were clued in before. Not all of the forum quests will be as difficult, or easy, as this one. But I do plan to add more. The purposes behind these quests are to reward those that follow lore, (especially little-known lore), and provide clues to new mysteries. If you are looking for weapons and armor forged by the gods, look elsewhere. These quests are for those that seek knowledge and not riches. </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I would advise you all not to jump to spoilers, at least not right away. The clues can always be found here. So share clues and help your fellow lore fans. Together, we may just begin to uncover the answers to some age old and forgotten mysteries.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>As for the wicked idol, it provides clues to understanding a bit about a curse that befell the master of the estate. But it is just one of the many. This castle is filled with curses. </DIV><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P><BR>Very interesting! :smileyvery-happy:</P> <P>I am always excited to see more lore added into the game! With rewards for those who devote themselves into following it even more so! I enjoyed doing the quest. It took me a little while as I am not no great detective, but it was a very fun quest. More entertaining than most the hack n' slash quests out there you have to do for some decent lore. </P> <P>I guess I'll have to try and start posting more often in the history and lore forums more often. Thanks Vhalen for adding these type of quests, and I am more than happy to see more coming.</P> <P>As for Cusa.. Congratz, a job well done on uncovering the mystery. The story you wrote was well written. I figured it was in-game lore myself. :smileytongue:</P>

[Lonissa]

<div></div> <blockquote><hr>SageGaspar wrote:Excellent job on the quest, hope for many more of these.Question to everyone on the mirror: from what I can guess the language on it would either be Thexian or shadowed tongue, neither of which I have.I can confirm it's none of the good language, not druzaic, not dragon, not any of the KoS languages, or any of the old world drops besides shadowed tongue.<hr></blockquote> I didn't realize the mirror had any different language... all I got from examining it was "You look over the mirror and discover that you are quite handsome for an intrepid adventurer. You also notice the mirror's design is not of human origins. A heart is etched into the frame." ( grr at handome btw, handsome girls = ugly girls <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> )<blockquote><hr>IrishWonder wrote:<div>OK, now I have a question, too, hehe.... where can you get the means to translate text? I had no clue there were actual written down translations for different scripts in-game... now I have to know, hehe.</div><hr></blockquote>You can find all the race fonts in your eq2 folder.  They can be used just like regular fonts in windows.Edit: Instructions to install fonts... Go to Control Panel in Windows, Fonts, click on File, Install New Font.  Under Folders, choose C:Program FilesSonyEverquest IIUIFonts (or replace with the location you installed to), click on Select All, then OK.  You can now use the fonts like any other system font.<div></div><p>Message Edited by Emaleth2000 on <span class=date_text>05-15-2006</span> <span class=time_text>03:32 AM</span>

[SageGaspar]

Just in case anyone's interested, by the way, you can visit Sheila's undead consort in the Ebon Hand in Third Gate, where he's part of the epic 1.5 quest apparently, according to allakhazam:Pazin Punox glares at you, 'So, ______. You have finally come - no doubt to steal away with my darkest secrets. The rumors you may have heard, they are true. I do carry with me the ability to capture tormented spirits and enslave them in cold steel. The deadliest Teir`dal weapons have been twisted to a dark sweet purpose by my hand. You'd like to know how, wouldn't you? ______, I would rather perish than share that knowledge with anyone.' <div></div>

[DionysosTom]

<DIV>really good im quite impressed by such quality of quest <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>If I still have enough time to play  I will prolly take part of those search .</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Tomas</DIV>

[Kindayr]

<P><IMG src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a291/Cusashorn/Idol.jpg"></P> <P> </P> <P>"Mor'Tael of Vul, Merchant of Oblivion"? Lol thought i'd take a stab at it. I though it was Oblivion also, Obelisk could fit also, hmm.</P>

[Anoixia]

<DIV><SPAN class=time_text>notice that the idol is the same shaped idol that has been used for teleporting into Harla Dar's instance. Prehaps related to shadow man teleportation abilities?  Just a thought =p</SPAN></DIV> <P>Message Edited by Arnou on <SPAN class=date_text>05-15-2006</SPAN> <SPAN class=time_text>12:55 PM</SPAN></P><p>Message Edited by Arnou on <span class=date_text>05-15-2006</span> <span class=time_text>12:55 PM</span>

[Cusashorn]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Kindayr wrote:<BR> <P><IMG src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a291/Cusashorn/Idol.jpg"></P> <P> </P> <P>"Mor'Tael of Vul, Merchant of Oblivion"? Lol thought i'd take a stab at it. I though it was Oblivion also, Obelisk could fit also, hmm.</P><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Hmm. quite possible.

[Random Elf]

<P>Just finished this quest, thought I'd add a few observations, and take a guess or two...</P> <P>So, we know that Mor'Tael doesn't add to anything, nor does the book near him, nor the chest.<BR>Rikantus in Antonica does not offer any new information at this time.<BR>The Flesh Bound Tome does not offer any new information at this time.<BR>From my observation, nothing in Nektropos Castle was otherwise changed to provide additional information.<BR>I didn't check Arquis, not out of discounting his contribution to anything, but because I'm lazy.</P> <P>Speculation on Antiquator Mor'Tael<BR>Knowing that Sony has at times drawn upon the lore of H.P. Lovecraft implicitly (in the manner of Cazic-Thule [Cthulhu] ), might it be conceivable that they have drawn upon another element of lore? I would refer interested parties to the connection provided by <EM>The Dream Quest of Unknown Kadath. </EM>Were one to think of the uncanny connection this individual has to the strange and arcane relics...and the peculiar manner by which he must have come by them, might he not be party to the method of acquisition in some way?<BR></P> <P>Great quest, I had a lot of fun time learning more about the Everling family!</P> <P>Adirelia Glimmertouch<BR>Shadow Company<BR>Antonia Bayle<BR></P>

[FreddyF]

<DIV>Ok havent been able to do this quest yet as im only 41 and cant seem to find anyone that wants to do this instance... theres still some named mobs that i cant quite get. Just some thoughs on the current state.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Tower of Vul in Feerot seems a good place to start for the obvious reason that we all think the first part is "Mor'tael of Vul". Obilvion may be the descriptor for the alternate plane the the Oblisk of Lost Souls leads to.. IE souls lost to oblivion. And The statue kinda looks like a badly sculpted Nightblood in a robe.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Im just hopeing that this actually continues and we arent chasing our tails in circles after something that doesnt exist.</DIV>

[Anoixia]

<DIV>As the zone recently got an overhaul perhaps OBL may hold some new clues.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Also perhaps the peacock club may hold some new clues.</DIV>

[Cusashorn]

<DIV>Keep in mind folks this was only the first of Vhalen's Forum Quests.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>When he thinks its a good time to add in new clues regarding this mystery, he will do so.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Untill then, there's nothing futher related to this idol scattered around the game... yet.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I think Vhalen would have clued me or the rest of the forum in if there was. We'll just have to wait and see.</DIV>

[troodon]

<P>That was an awesome quest!</P> <P>I was a little disappointed that I didn't get the server discovery on it, but I finished it just after looting my fabled class helm, so I don't think I'm allowed to complain :smileytongue:</P>

[Jal]

Great fun, im eager for the next part.

[KindredHeart]

<P>Okay no laughing at me... but I'm having a hard time getting the quest.  I went to Pelleas' room, examined the painting there.  Went to the upstairs dining room saw the shadow of Everling but found nothing examinable in that room.  I suspected it would have been one of the chairs around the table...but nothing.  I checked the downstairs dining room as well....again nothing.  I went back upstairs and tried killing all of the mobs in the dining room hoping that maybe something would trigger as examinable ... nothing.  I waited for everything to respawn...again nothing selectable.  <img src="/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  Basically I seem unable to start the quest.  None of the items in the daughter's bedrooms mentioned were examinable - basically just that first painting which doesn't give a quest.  Any advice would be welcome.  Thanks <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></P> <P>Signed...hungry adventurer awaiting dinner.</P>

[Cusashorn]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> KindredHeart wrote:<BR> <P>Okay no laughing at me... but I'm having a hard time getting the quest.  I went to Pelleas' room, examined the painting there.  Went to the upstairs dining room saw the shadow of Everling but found nothing examinable in that room.  I suspected it would have been one of the chairs around the table...but nothing.  I checked the downstairs dining room as well....again nothing.  I went back upstairs and tried killing all of the mobs in the dining room hoping that maybe something would trigger as examinable ... nothing.  I waited for everything to respawn...again nothing selectable.  <img src="/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  Basically I seem unable to start the quest.  None of the items in the daughter's bedrooms mentioned were examinable - basically just that first painting which doesn't give a quest.  Any advice would be welcome.  Thanks <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></P> <P>Signed...hungry adventurer awaiting dinner.</P><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>read my spoiler post if must.

[KindredHeart]

Oh thank god - I was finally able to get the quest started.  Word of warning...seems that the quest trigger is on a timer or something.  If you can't get it to give you the quest just keep going from point A to point B until you can get it <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

[Trepan]

<blockquote><hr>Arnou wrote:<div></div> <div></div> <div></div> <div><span class="time_text">notice that the idol is the same shaped idol that has been used for teleporting into Harla Dar's instance. Prehaps related to shadow man teleportation abilities?  Just a thought =p</span></div> <hr></blockquote>Its also the exact same shape as the idols you use in Cauldron Hollow to force the inhabitants to arise.   One of the second wave mobs that spawns is an Evil Eye.<div></div>

[Vollux]

<P>I loved the quest!  I couldn't believe I remembered reading that post about all the daughter's different hobbies.  </P> <P>I giggled over Pazin Punox being the Everling girls beloved dark elf rogue.  Figures he is still "honeybugger"ing other races.  </P> <P>In </P>

[Vollux]

<P>gah double post.</P><p>Message Edited by Vollux on <span class=date_text>05-16-2006</span> <span class=time_text>10:47 PM</span>

[BlindPari]

<P>Okay - I've read through all the posts here several times, and maybe my brain is just not seeing it for whatever reason - but which instance of the zone is this in? </P> <P>murr... :smileysad: i suck. </P>

[Cusashorn]

<DIV>Nektropos castle. My spoiler post in this thread will tell you everything you need to find.</DIV>

[Feydakeen]

<DIV> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Trepan wrote:<BR><BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Arnou wrote:<BR> <DIV><SPAN class=time_text>notice that the idol is the same shaped idol that has been used for teleporting into Harla Dar's instance. Prehaps related to shadow man teleportation abilities?  Just a thought =p</SPAN></DIV><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE>Its also the exact same shape as the idols you use in Cauldron Hollow to force the inhabitants to arise.   One of the second wave mobs that spawns is an Evil Eye.<BR> <P><BR> <HR> <P></P> <P>The idols look exactly like the ones you had to pck up for the "Lost Idols of Modinthule" quest you get from Hoggle Bogstrutter in Zek, where you ahve to find the idols of fear and terror etc in cazic Thule..</P> <P> </P> <P>A connection maybe?</P></BLOCKQUOTE></DIV>

[shadowscale]

<DIV>would say that all the statues look the same becaus of a lack of options of aperance. not neccesarly lore reasons. but i could be wrong.</DIV>

[Feydakeen]

<P>Aye could be.</P> <P>Will still check Hoggle as he gave quite a few interesting lore-like quests at the time...</P>

[Wolfguard6]

<DIV>Joy this is really neat idea. I love the lore here. Might want to add thou I think that you can buy one of them as a Idiol of Grobb from the city merchat in Freeport. Thou I could be wrong. as to I am just now starting to read more of the lore into this game. I glad I stumbled into this spot. well you have a new person to dicuss things once I catch up on it all. Still working on Quest thou. Brought the Guildys in to it as well thanks. </DIV>

[Mystfit]

<DIV>Thanks for a fun quest. I was not much of a lore junkie until I stumbled accidently upon Tarton's Wheel. Since the quest has such an odd start....how the heck would someone find this quest?!!... we opted to avoid any spoilers and try to complete the quest relying soley on the hints and lore. It got me alot more interested in lore, but perhaps I still need work as a few of these stumped me...Shelia (no idea!!) and Melanie (I actually had a few ideas that didn't pan out and didn't even think of the actual location as I forgot there was such a palce in NF).</DIV> <DIV>Now if yo'll excuse me, I want to learn the lore of one of the locations I ran to today. I ahve osme things to learn <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></DIV> <DIV>P.S. edit...a comment was made that people looking for loot such as swords and whatnot should look elsewhere..may I add myself to the list of people who addooooore things other then weapons and armor. I love stuff that go in my room. love love love love.</DIV><p>Message Edited by STCardGeek on <span class=date_text>05-17-2006</span> <span class=time_text>07:10 AM</span>

[Vhalen]

You may see other statues in Norrath that look the same, (a shortage of appearances,) but I can assure you... they don't hide the secrets this one does. Don't look for that secret on your own. Someday... it just may call to you.

[Mary the Prophetess]

<DIV>An item recieved at the end of one quest which lies dormant for an unspecified period of time, and then 'activates', launching a new quest, is one of the most imaginative game mechanisms I have encountered in any MMORPG I have played!</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Cudos to whoever came up with the idea!  [and keep 'em coming!]</DIV>

[rek6779]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Vhalen wrote:<BR> <DIV>This quest is the beginning of something I always wanted to add... Forum Quests based on lore discussed on the board. I hope to add more in the future. The next is already planned. I will always notify a few of the lore forum participants before it is released. They will not always be the same ones that were clued in before. Not all of the forum quests will be as difficult, or easy, as this one. But I do plan to add more. The purposes behind these quests are to reward those that follow lore, (especially little-known lore), and provide clues to new mysteries. If you are looking for weapons and armor forged by the gods, look elsewhere. These quests are for those that seek knowledge and not riches. </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I would advise you all not to jump to spoilers, at least not right away. The clues can always be found here. So share clues and help your fellow lore fans. Together, we may just begin to uncover the answers to some age old and forgotten mysteries.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>As for the wicked idol, it provides clues to understanding a bit about a curse that befell the master of the estate. But it is just one of the many. This castle is filled with curses. </DIV><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P><BR>/tips hat to Vhalen</P> <P>I'm an avid reader of this forum, and rarely post here becuase I usually feel "behind the times" as my EQ1 experience is limited, but I love lore in game. Peacock, Claymore, I copy the text out of my logs every week or so to save and read again later so i can tie more and more things together, and I relish in the new details of the 2nd world in which I live.</P> <P>But this was taking it a step further. I began doubting SOE in general because of recent problems with raiding, items, etc. (of which the boards are full of) but if you'd take the time to add this into game, wow. </P> <P>Please do more of this, and encourage us to go back to previous zones. Nek Castle holds wonderful memories for me, and I'd love to see more lore in some of the other zones that have been "forgotten" : Obelisk especially (I think I'm the only person on old Highkeep who liked Obelisk), RoV, Drafling... </P> <P>Again, sir, you are a great man.</P>

[Mary the Prophetess]

<P><FONT color=#ffff00>"As for the wicked idol, it provides clues to understanding a bit about a curse that befell the master of the estate. But it is just one of the many. This castle is filled with curses."</FONT></P> <P><FONT color=#ffff00></FONT> </P> <P>I <EM>did</EM> notice after returning to Nektropos (with more language quests completed), dialogue I had missed the first time.</P> <P>Specifically, when Jenni calls for her teacher, she remarks that "Diedre has sent someone to stop me."</P> <P>And Izzy's comment of "So, Diedre Everling, we meet at last, Your sister payed a high price to summon me..."</P> <P>I didn't quite get the comments Diedre made though.</P> <P>I also made note of the fact that there were no guardians (or the shade's of guardians) around, only 'handmaidens'.</P> <P>/just brainstorming.</P>

[Mystfit]

<DIV>**</DIV> <DIV>You may see other statues in Norrath that look the same, (a shortage of appearances,) but I can assure you... they don't hide the secrets this one does. Don't look for that secret on your own. Someday... it just may call to you. </DIV> <DIV>**</DIV> <DIV>snicker..this statement reminded me of the day I went into my room and saw a flash/sparkle coming from my Froglock tailsman on my wall. THe Froglocks are calling..they must need me!!. I rush to Ferrott and zone into the Froglock village and sure enough!! THe Leader has a quest for me to go to CT and kill an epic dragon..gulp...ok..but it may be awhile...not much of a raider, I tell him....</DIV> <DIV>Later that day  I read the update notes to discover that the sparkle had been put back into the tailsman and it was sheer conincidence that I saw it and went back and got the quest....</DIV>

[Terq]

<P>OK, I know that I am missing something insanely obvious here, but I can't find Deidre's (the ribcage shovel) rag doll.  Figured bone lake, lair of the necromancer (or thereabout), the funeral pyre, all to no avail.  </P> <P>Any suggestions?</P> <P> </P>

[Mary the Prophetess]

What body of water in Nektulos might have a, (very), large ribcage located nearby?

[Itazzy]

I have to say, I find this all a very neat idea. I never played EQ1 myself, but I decided I'd play EQ2 after a friend told me about a ton of the lore and its development in the original game. Ever since launch I've been running around reading all the text I come across, completing book quests and just trying to get a good idea of what's going on. This quest just made doing that sort of thing even more rewarding. Thanks Vhalen and Cusashorn, this is great!<div></div>

[Terq]

ok, I found it.  Duh.  That was the first place that I tought of.  Must have missed it on the first pass.

[Dejah]

<P>I really enjoyed doing this quest. :smileyhappy:</P> <P>After I finished I went and said hello to Mor'Teal in Maj'Dul, as others have reported he didn't say anything.  Since I was in the area I decided to stop by the peacock club.  The place had changed since I last went.  The leader (I forget his name) was no longer there, but Flippy was there oddly enough.  Anyways, I saw the Halfling with the Moppets and he said he rescued them from a chest in the tower of the Drafling.  I know Vhalen said not to look for it, and that someday it might call to us, but I'm still really tempted to go back to the tower of the Drafling and see what I can discover.</P>

[Cusashorn]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Dejah wrote:<BR> <P>I really enjoyed doing this quest. :smileyhappy:</P> <P>After I finished I went and said hello to Mor'Teal in Maj'Dul, as others have reported he didn't say anything.  Since I was in the area I decided to stop by the peacock club.  The place had changed since I last went.  The leader (I forget his name) was no longer there, but Flippy was there oddly enough.  Anyways, I saw the Halfling with the Moppets and he said he rescued them from a chest in the tower of the Drafling.  I know Vhalen said not to look for it, and that someday it might call to us, but I'm still really tempted to go back to the tower of the Drafling and see what I can discover.</P><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>The League of Free Thinkers has no "Leader".. at least not for the Peacock Club. Just go enter and exit a few times and you'll see either him, Fippy, or some dwarf.

[Deeply]

<P>I always love to read the lore regarding EQ in its many guises.</P> <P>This is the kind of quest I play EQ2 for , its got a depth to it which most dont , there just usually hack and slash /cheer you have gained a big shiny item.</P> <P>Please hurry up with the next part !! Vhalean ,, im on the edge of my seat waiting .</P>

[SageGaspar]

<div><blockquote><hr>Mary the Prophetess wrote:<div></div> <p><font color="#ffff00">"As for the wicked idol, it provides clues to understanding a bit about a curse that befell the master of the estate. But it is just one of the many. This castle is filled with curses."</font></p> <p><font color="#ffff00"></font> </p> <p>I <em>did</em> notice after returning to Nektropos (with more language quests completed), dialogue I had missed the first time.</p> <p>Specifically, when Jenni calls for her teacher, she remarks that "Diedre has sent someone to stop me."</p> <p>And Izzy's comment of "So, Diedre Everling, we meet at last, Your sister payed a high price to summon me..."</p> <p>I didn't quite get the comments Diedre made though.</p> <p>I also made note of the fact that there were no guardians (or the shade's of guardians) around, only 'handmaidens'.</p> <p>/just brainstorming.</p><hr></blockquote>I think you see the guardians in Nek Castle the Return if I recall correctly, never really understood the plot of the place but maybe if I go back now it'd make more sense.</div>

[Gethani]

Nektropos Castle has always been one of my favorite zones. I really enjoyed going back in and working on this quest. Thank you for your creativity and your time!! I can not wait to see more quests like this!GethaniDevianceUnrest<div></div>

[Lonissa]

I just noticed this on the Test server notes:<font color="#ffcc00"><b>*** Quests ***</b></font> - The final stage of the quest, "Portrait of Destiny," is now timed.

[Cusashorn]

<DIV>Hmm. I suspect it'll be something of like half an hour. that's long enough to find all 5 dolls.</DIV>

[Tainya]

I loved this quest, it was very fun.  I have one word of caution though.   I did this quest with a group.  When we came to placing the dolls at the end of the quest, everyone jumped in at the same time.  The dolls got mixed up and in the end, one of our group memebers did not get their idol.  We are going to try deleting the quest and see if she can repeat it.... we really hope that she can.  She was very disappointed that she did not get her idol.  So if your in a group please make sure that only one person goes at a time. Ashlya Oasis Server <div></div>

[Vhalen]

<P>The last part of the quest was given a timer to prevent people from missing out on their idol. If you don't pick it up, you can place the dolls again. But wait.... this is not the Quest Forum, this is the Lore Forum. </P> <P>Here's a bit of lore. Rikantus Everling scoured Norrath for decades, searching for all things extraordinary and occult. Although his family has always been involved in oddities and curios, the relics never more towards the darker arts than when Rikantus took over the family business. Some say that his dealing with social circles others would call foe planted the seed of evil, indirectly, of course. Rikantus has been cursed, a curse far different than the one that befell his greatest child... Nektropos Castle.</P>

[Wolfguard6]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Vhalen wrote:<BR> You may see other statues in Norrath that look the same, (a shortage of appearances,) but I can assure you... they don't hide the secrets this one does. Don't look for that secret on your own. Someday... it just may call to you.<BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Thanks for this quest makes me really want to dig in on lore now not just read it. I be waiting for that day for it to call. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> outstanding job.

[Nocturnal Aby]

<P>Something interesting to think about:</P> <P>Not only are their rampant use of magically sentient dolls running about in BOTH Nektropos and Rivervale/Enchanted Lands, but Fiddy Bobbick, a now known member of the Free Thinkers is one of the, what I am tempted to assume to be, hosts that are listed as one to be protected at all costs by the Shodowed Men in the Obelisk!  It would seem that these Extra-demensional beings have very successfully gotten their fingers into everything on Norrath!  And what is their strange fascination with dolls!?!</P>

[SageGaspar]

<div><blockquote><hr>Nocturnal Abyss wrote:<p>And what is their strange fascination with dolls!?!</p><hr></blockquote>I think dolls are just an easy vehicle for possession. It's probably much easier to control something non-living or just barely living than it is to slip inside the mind of a sentient creature.Also, I guess they make a handy container for souls as well, not much they can do except follow your orders if they're stuck inside a little doll.</div>

[Cusashorn]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Nocturnal Abyss wrote:<BR> <P> And what is their strange fascination with dolls!?!</P><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P><BR>Actually they go and explain in strong detail that the moppets in Nektulos have absolutly nothing to do with the moppets running around Rivervale.</P> <P> </P> <P> </P> <P>The moppets running around Rivervale were created by the halflings themselves. they have nothing to do with the shadowmen, nightblood, or lamias.</P><p>Message Edited by Cusashorn on <span class=date_text>05-21-2006</span> <span class=time_text>08:22 PM</span>

[SageGaspar]

<div><blockquote><hr>Cusashorn wrote:<div></div> <div></div> <blockquote> <hr> Nocturnal Abyss wrote: <div></div> <p> And what is their strange fascination with dolls!?!</p> <hr> </blockquote> <p>Actually they go and explain in strong detail that the moppets in Nektulos have absolutly nothing to do with the moppets running around Rivervale.</p> <p>The moppets running around Rivervale were created by the halflings themselves. they have nothing to do with the shadowmen, nightblood, or lamias.</p><p>Message Edited by Cusashorn on <span class="date_text">05-21-2006</span> <span class="time_text">08:22 PM</span></p><hr></blockquote>I know about the ones in Nektropos from that book, just curious where you get the lore on the moppets in Rivervale.</div>

[Cusashorn]

<DIV>Do the line of quests that Sir Tatters gives you in Enchanted Lands.</DIV>

[Vhalen]

Sir Tatters has the knowledge you seek. He knows all about those pesky little Enchanted Lands moppets. Sir Tatters actually has a lot more usefull knowledge stuffed into his head. Unfortunately, he does not even know it's all up there. His master and creator gave him this dormant knowledge, to be released when the time is right. Dor now, Sir Tatters just keeps defending his little floral village as instructed by his creator before he went away.

[Kindayr]

<DIV><BR></DIV> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Vhalen wrote:<BR> Sir Tatters has the knowledge you seek. He knows all about those pesky little Enchanted Lands moppets. Sir Tatters actually has a lot more usefull knowledge stuffed into his head. Unfortunately, he does not even know it's all up there. His master and creator gave him this dormant knowledge, to be released when the time is right. <STRONG><U><FONT size=5>D</FONT></U></STRONG>or now, Sir Tatters just keeps defending his little floral village as instructed by his creator before he went away.<BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <DIV>Vhalen made a.....can I say it? a Typo..?</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>:o<BR></DIV>

[Jal]

<blockquote><hr>Vhalen wrote:Sir Tatters has the knowledge you seek. He knows all about those pesky little Enchanted Lands moppets. Sir Tatters actually has a lot more usefull knowledge stuffed into his head. Unfortunately, he does not even know it's all up there. His master and creator gave him this dormant knowledge, to be released when the time is right. For now, Sir Tatters just keeps defending his little floral village as instructed by his creator before he went away.<hr></blockquote>Hmm doll's enchanted lands..... Fiddy? (bobick not cent)<p>Message Edited by Jalek on <span class=date_text>05-23-2006</span> <span class=time_text>10:01 AM</span>

[Cusashorn]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Jalek wrote:<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Vhalen wrote:<BR> Sir Tatters has the knowledge you seek. He knows all about those pesky little Enchanted Lands moppets. Sir Tatters actually has a lot more usefull knowledge stuffed into his head. Unfortunately, he does not even know it's all up there. His master and creator gave him this dormant knowledge, to be released when the time is right. For now, Sir Tatters just keeps defending his little floral village as instructed by his creator before he went away.<BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR><BR><BR>Hmm doll's enchanted lands..... Fiddy? (bobick not cent) <P>Message Edited by Jalek on <SPAN class=date_text>05-23-2006</SPAN> <SPAN class=time_text>10:01 AM</SPAN><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Nope. Fiddy has no relation to these quests.

[Jal]

No but i wasnt referring to the nektulos quest but vhalens comment about tatters.

[Cusashorn]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Jalek wrote:<BR>No but i wasnt referring to the nektulos quest but vhalens comment about tatters.<BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>I know. Thats what I said. Fiddy is not related to this in any way.

[Jal]

So who is then?

[Lyriel]

<P>There are other crafted, doll-like (though larger) beings... Sticks and clay, imbued with purpose. Perhaps they have somewhat to do with this? Sir Tatters isn't the only one of them to have a name; I can think of one whose history also goes back to before the Shattering. </P> <P>I have made the mistake of not really giving these forums the attention I should have! I love the lore of Norrath, and will have to spend several happy hours catching myself up! Yum!</P> <P> </P> <P>Lyriel</P>

[infernus006]

Neat quest.  I love doing quests that have anything to do with Nektropos Castle and/or the Obelisk of Lost Souls since they are my favorite zones in the game and so I'm glad I stumbled accross this one.  I've always found the Moppets interesting as well so I did all of Sir Tatters' quests, at the end of which you ask him about the one he calls the "Creator" and although he does not give you any more quests he says to look in the tower that was built by his minions (which I thought he said were Halflings since he called them Fur Feets) to be his lair to find out more information about him.  I thought he meant the Drafling Tower so I went back in there but I didn't find anything else of revelance.  He described this Creator as a draconic figure the same height as a Halfling which I thought was strange.  He must have meant the Tower of Vul, though, which harbers the main portal to OLS, because if you do the access quest in OLS to get into the lower level you will learn about another (possibly the same?) figured called the "Creator", but he turns out to be a shadowed man.  There is also a quest called the Soul of Tarinax that you can get from an orc in the Feerrott near the wizard spire that leads you into OLS and it involves a strange container that looks exactly like the one that was in Nek Castle, apparently which are used to harber captured souls.  I am about to turn in this quest and there's another one that is unlocked afterwards so I'm going to try doing them all and see where they lead. <div></div>

[Cusashorn]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> infernus006 wrote:<BR>Neat quest.  I love doing quests that have anything to do with Nektropos Castle and/or the Obelisk of Lost Souls since they are my favorite zones in the game and so I'm glad I stumbled accross this one.  I've always found the Moppets interesting as well so I did all of Sir Tatters' quests, at the end of which you ask him about the one he calls the "Creator" and although he does not give you any more quests he says to look in the tower that was built by his minions (which I thought he said were Halflings since he called them Fur Feets) to be his lair to find out more information about him.  I thought he meant the Drafling Tower so I went back in there but I didn't find anything else of revelance.  He described this Creator as a draconic figure the same height as a Halfling which I thought was strange.  He must have meant the Tower of Vul, though, which harbers the main portal to OLS, because if you do the access quest in OLS to get into the lower level you will learn about another (possibly the same?) figured called the "Creator", but he turns out to be a shadowed man.  There is also a quest called the Soul of Tarinax that you can get from an orc in the Feerrott near the wizard spire that leads you into OLS and it involves a strange container that looks exactly like the one that was in Nek Castle, apparently which are used to harber captured souls.  I am about to turn in this quest and there's another one that is unlocked afterwards so I'm going to try doing them all and see where they lead.<BR> <BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Actually he was talking about the Drafling, who has never appeared in the game.

[BonadmerII]

<P>Fantastic quest had a great time going back to Nek castle and Nek Forest. I even discovered parts of Nek Forest I had not been to yet. Looking forward to the sequel <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></P> <P> </P>

[KidMangaX]

<DIV>Ok I am so surprised no one has caught on yet.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>"The resident Brushwuttle" is being referred to here as a noun, not a proper noun because of the word "THE" there. Otherwise, he would just be called "Resident Brushwuttle", not "The Resident Brushwuttle"</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Often times, this same use of the word "The" was used when referring to indentured servants, vassals ("The resident fieldworker", "The resident baker", etc...) and so on.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>"The resident Brushwuttle" is probobly a servant of some kind (possibly a vassal, considering his "Lord" is "Lord Everling") who paints portraits for Everling in exchange for a room. Also, this "The Resident Brushwuttle" is probobly not DIRECTLY related to the Brushwuttles, but rather a distant distant family member, otherwise he would probobly have greater skill and would not need his vassalage because he would have inherited great wealth even if he did suck as an artist.</DIV> <DIV><BR><FONT color=#ff0000>Final conclusion: "The Resident Brushwuttle" is most likley a vassal to Lord Everling, who paints pictures in exchange for protection or a home. He is most likley a distant relative of the original C.M.Brushwuttle, but close enough in relation that he still bares the same surname and has inherited enough skill to get by.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#ff0000></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#ff0000>:smileyvery-happy:</FONT><FONT color=#ffffff> have fun with it lore junkies :smileyvery-happy:</FONT></DIV>

[Cusashorn]

<DIV>FYI: There are at least two families of gnomish painters.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>The BrushWHUTTLES mentioned here in this quest.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>And the BrushWHITTLES that have painted mainy of the most famous paintings in Norrath, who's shop can be found in Freeport.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Note the difference with the U, and the I.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>This is hardly anything of big importance, but I felt you shouldn't be confusing the two. Either way, it has no impact on this quest.</DIV>

[Vhalen]

If you paid for a "Brushwhittle" original, you got ripped off. There is only one legendary artist in Norrath. His name is C.M. Brushwuttle. Owning a "Brushwhittle" would be the same as owning a "Pickasoe".

[Ishbu]

EDIT - nm, im slow, long day at work <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /><p>Message Edited by Ishboozor on <span class=date_text>05-31-2006</span> <span class=time_text>03:04 PM</span>

[Lord Montague]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Vhalen wrote:<BR> If you paid for a "Brushwhittle" original, you got ripped off. There is only one legendary artist in Norrath. His name is C.M. Brushwuttle. Owning a "Brushwhittle" would be the same as owning a "Pickasoe".<BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>*thinks of the painting forgeries he saw in the Gigglegibber Hideout* Now it all comes together...yes.... :smileysurprised:

[Bucksno]

<DIV>I haven't been able to get any of the sister's objects to highlight since LU24. I can still examine the painting of the sisters but when I go to their rooms none of the objects highlight. Any one else seeing this?</DIV>

[spacebear]

<div></div>I finally got around to finishing this off a few nights ago.  This was a great quest, including one of my favourite zones in the game (it's really a tie between Nektropos and the Obelisk).  There was enough head scratching to keep things interesting, but not so much that I got overly frustrated.  These Lore quests are a fantastic idea, thank you Vhalen (and Cusa for the great lead-in).  I will most definitely be looking forward to more of these in the future!<div></div><p>Message Edited by spacebear on <span class=date_text>06-15-2006</span> <span class=time_text>09:48 AM</span>

[Salmastryon]

Is this lore quest stillin game?  someone told me it wasn't. <img src="/smilies/9d71f0541cff0a302a0309c5079e8dee.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  I've been helping some guildies do stuff before the adv pack and was finally going to have free time this week to work on it...<div></div>

[Lonissa]

I don't think the quest is going anywhere, although the clues may be a bit outdated now that Nek has been revamped... Camp Leeot no longer has any halflings for example.<div></div>

[Cusashorn]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Emaleth2000 wrote:<BR>I don't think the quest is going anywhere, although the clues may be a bit outdated now that Nek has been revamped... Camp Leeot no longer has any halflings for example.<BR> <BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Yeah the new revamped Nektulos forest made almost every owlbear extinct, so the SBH HQ is no longer doable either.

[SageGaspar]

<div><blockquote><hr>Emaleth2000 wrote:I don't think the quest is going anywhere, although the clues may be a bit outdated now that Nek has been revamped... Camp Leeot no longer has any halflings for example.<div></div><hr></blockquote>Camp Leeot... no longer any... [expletive haxx0red by Raijinn]?!Hehe that was such an awesome little corner of Nektropos.</div>

[Kelticdragon]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Cusashorn wrote:<BR><BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Emaleth2000 wrote:<BR>I don't think the quest is going anywhere, although the clues may be a bit outdated now that Nek has been revamped... Camp Leeot no longer has any halflings for example.<BR> <BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Yeah the new revamped Nektulos forest made almost every owlbear extinct, so the SBH HQ is no longer doable either.<BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P><BR>not true they just moved them. I got all 60 of them in under an hour.</P> <P> </P>

[KindredHeart]

<P>"Someday... it just may call to you." - The Great & Wonderful Vhalen <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></P> <P>I have a theory about the future of the reward....remember the quest "A Calling in the Forest"?  There you were minding your own business just crossing the bridge...and poof you heard the mysterious voice calling out to you.  Cursed objects behave in strange ways, I wouldn't be surprised if one day I entered my home and suddenly heard another distant voice.</P>

[RaphaNissi]

<div></div>I decided to come start reading up on some lore and came across this quest.  I had a lot of fun doing it and am looking forward to many more like this.<div></div>

[Themaginator]

ok maybe im dense but i dont get it how do i get this quest!!??<div></div>

[Lonissa]

If you had bothered to read the thread, you wouldn't have missed this: <a href="http://eqiiforums.station.sony.com/eq2/board/message?board.id=lore&message.id=11636#M11636" target=_blank>http://eqiiforums.station.sony.com/eq2/board/message?board.id=lore&message.id=11636#M11636</a><div></div>

[Themaginator]

<div></div>hey well sry i read it and didnt find anything the first time i ran through it  theres miles of text.  thanks for the link though atleast almighty dragon riddler who is so much wiser than me in all ways im humbled!...anyways yeah this seems like a cool quest <div></div><p>Message Edited by Themaginator on <span class=date_text>07-14-2006</span> <span class=time_text>08:43 PM</span>

[Bamfa_dexter]

<P><STRIKE>Sheila's I cant find.  I am in the Citadel, and the ghost pops crying about his lost love, but cant find the doll.</STRIKE></P> <P>Edit found.</P> <P> </P> <P><SPAN class=time_text></SPAN> </P> <P>Message Edited by Bamfa_dexter on <SPAN class=date_text>07-15-2006</SPAN> <SPAN class=time_text>09:52 PM</SPAN></P><p>Message Edited by Bamfa_dexter on <span class=date_text>07-16-2006</span> <span class=time_text>05:14 PM</span>

[Thax]

<DIV>Just curious....</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>When did the idol get a particle effect?  I didn't notice it until a couple of days ago.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>EDIT: Nevermind, just saw the thread about it.</DIV><p>Message Edited by Thax on <span class=date_text>07-15-2006</span> <span class=time_text>02:22 PM</span>

[Cusashorn]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Bamfa_dexter wrote:<BR> Sheila's I cant find.  I am in the Citadel, and the ghost pops crying about his lost love, but cant find the doll. <P>Message Edited by Bamfa_dexter on <SPAN class=date_text>07-15-2006</SPAN> <SPAN class=time_text>08:49 PM</SPAN><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>On at the top of one of the 4 ramparts there.

[Canlocu]

<div></div><div></div>Thx for the walkthru Cusashorn! Really enjoyed returning to Nek Castle and getting some more Lore on the family, to that I tip my hat to you<span><span></span></span><a href="../view_profile?user.id=17595" target="_blank"><span></span></a> Vhalen. Was fun.<div></div><p>Message Edited by Canlocu on <span class=date_text>07-16-2006</span> <span class=time_text>04:44 PM</span>

[Nainitsuj]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Cusashorn wrote:<BR> <BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Kindayr wrote:<BR> <P><IMG src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a291/Cusashorn/Idol.jpg"></P> <P> </P> <P>"Mor'Tael of Vul, Merchant of Oblivion"? Lol thought i'd take a stab at it. I though it was Oblivion also, Obelisk could fit also, hmm.</P><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Hmm. quite possible.<BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P>I don't think it's Mor'tael of Vul, Merchant of Oblivion.  And Obelisk doesn't fit either.  Unless someone has a very poor grasp on the english language.  It would read as "Mor'Tael ofVul Merchetof Oblivion"  Or "Mor'Tael ofVul Merchetof Obelisikn" Or "Mor'T el ofVul Merchetof Oblivion"  Or "Mor'T el ofVul Merchetof Obelisikn"  Now, using a crossword word finder.. No such word exists for Ob?li?i?n.  Only one world came up for Obli?i?n (Oblivion).  No words came up for Me?ch?t.  No words came up for Me?ch.  </P> <P>Using a word processor, Tae doesn't fit.  The gap seen in the word isn't big enough.  It could be "Te".  Using the most popular choices of font, "T" followed by "e" leaves a similar space as seen in the description.   Tae it's not.  (Unless the choice of font was very poor.)  </P> <P>"Obl" looks exactly as it does in the description.  I doubt there's a space between the B and the L.  Not unless someone was playing with the word space options.</P> <P>Anyways, we're left with the possibilities of Mor'Tael o?Vul Me?ch?t?f Oblivion / Mor'Tel?o Vul Me?ch?t?f Oblivion / Mor'T el?o Vul Me?ch?t?f Oblivion / Mor'Tael o?Vul Me?ch?t ?f Oblivion / Mor'Tael o?Vul Me?ch t?f Oblivion, etc.  One thing we can be clear on, it's not Merchant.  Two letters can't be crammed in to a single space.<BR></P>

[Cusashorn]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Nainitsuj wrote:<BR> <P>Two letters can't be crammed in to a single space.<BR></P> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Yes it can. The idol's message is faded away and barely readable. Just because there isn't two "spaces" anywhere in the message doesn't mean that only one letter is faded away.

[Thax]

<DIV>If you read earlier in this post, it is very possible that 1 space in the item description does not necessarily mean 1 space in what is supposed to be there.  For one thing, it's engraved, not typed, letters may not all take up the same amount of space.  Secondly, there might be some display coding requirement that we don't know about that doesn't allow consecutive spaces in a text string.  Notice there is only ever 1 space between sentences rather than two.  I believe it's supposed to give more of a feeling of, "Gee, this thing is really worn down, but here are some letters I can make out and the order they appear in, but there are indiscernable characters throughout."</DIV>

[Phylok]

You know while I was doing this quest, I looked at the walls in the basement.  I think everling is in league with the shadowmen.  The gliphs that are in the obelist of lost souls is all over the walls in the basement.

[Cusashorn]

<DIV>Well yes, it was revealed as part of the quest itself that Everling and one of his daughters took a huge interest in all things of the Occult.</DIV>

[Phylok]

<DIV>heh I see that now, but as I was doing the quest I found it odd at the time.  then again i've also been taking a look at the pictographs on the walls of the obelisk, there is some messed up things on those walls.</DIV>

[Nainitsuj]

I just got the idol for myself.  There's spaces all over in that description.  The font choice was poor (original game fonts).  With the font I use, there's 2 spaces between the words.  "Of" does fit.  "Merchant does fit".  "Oblivion" does not.  Which makes me think it's "Obelisk".  There's 2 spaces for the last space, not 1.

[Thax]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Nainitsuj wrote:<BR> I just got the idol for myself.  There's spaces all over in that description.  The font choice was poor (original game fonts).  With the font I use, there's 2 spaces between the words.  "Of" does fit.  "Merchant does fit".  "Oblivion" does not.  Which makes me think it's "Obelisk".  There's 2 spaces for the last space, not 1.<BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>See Cusa's and my posts earlier on this :smileytongue:

[Jackula]

<div></div>I just wanted to add my thanks, both for the quest and the efforts put into those first few who figured everything out the hard way.  When you're the pioneer, there are no hints to help you through a "I'm stumped" spot.  I had heard about this quest through a guildmate, wrote down the quest name and over time lost the note in my pile of miscellaneous notes and with it, any memory of this quest.  Surfing through the forums today I saw this thread and I remembered this was yet another of those quests I really should do.   It was well worth completing. I enjoyed the history and it indeed tied some different speculations together.  For one, it is nice to call the series of single portraits and the larger family picture in my home The Everling Portraits.  It was something I had wondered about, it seemed it could fit, but those pictures could just as easily have been pictures of the Ironforge family.  Instead I now have some artwork in my home that is an affirmed piece of history.  Gameshattering?  No, but it does add to flavor and I think dashes of flavor like this are great.  I like how the new quest fit into previously written dialogue hints from Alexa as well.  This quest was very well tailored to something already existing.  The more the game world is expanded the more connection I discover about the evil forces that live in it.  I really appreciate that.  It makes me feel I am actually fighting against something big, rather than simply killing "evil" mobs because they're just another form of xp, no different from any other creature in the lands of EQ2.<div></div><p>Message Edited by countjackula on <span class=date_text>07-31-2006</span> <span class=time_text>05:36 PM</span>

[Gobbwin]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Vhalen wrote:<BR> Sir Tatters has the knowledge you seek. He knows all about those pesky little Enchanted Lands moppets. Sir Tatters actually has a lot more usefull knowledge stuffed into his head. Unfortunately, he does not even know it's all up there. His master and creator gave him this dormant knowledge, to be released when the time is right. Dor now, Sir Tatters just keeps defending his little floral village as instructed by his creator before he went away.<BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P><BR>I'm suprised that more hasn't been investigated on this clue.  Perhaps it is a latent clue that will tie in with the idol when it 'activates'.  Now in my lack of sufficient caffene state, I read this as saying that the scare crows in RV will play a part more so than the moppets in RV.  Those moppets were created by halflings (or the goblin/boar guy, can't remember which at the moment), but Sir Tatters was created by another and was told to guard the flower patch he currently resides in.  Now the other scare crows wander in the field area and have had very little purpose in the game so far, perhaps they are guarding something other than rotting fields (or will be upon implimentation of the quest).  Note: there are other batches of scarecrows who may end up being related too (Antonica, in the middle of the map, and TS, near the antonica entrance).</P> <P>Now for an even bigger streach...who was Sir Tatters' creator?  In EQLive, all Scarecrows were beings of the God of Fear (Cazic Thule), hell come to think of it, the EQ2 scare crows all speak the Thulian language (see Lizardmen in the Temple of Cazic Thule).  If Sir Tatters was created by Cazic Thule prior to his departure, then perhaps that explains why the idol graphic was used.  As mentioned by others, the idol is the same graphic as the ones gathered in the Temple of Cazic Thule for the gnome on the Zek docks.  Perhaps the next lore quest will explain the RV and OOLS connection a bit more, as RV is the most affected zone by the extra dimensional creatures.  IIRC very little lore has been found so far to explain who they are, how they arrived on Norrath, or what they are doing here.  Several translations of the rewarded idol seem to indicate that OOLS is next as well.</P> <P>As a random other thought, Moorguard and Blackguard have both stated that events would be slipped into the game leading up to the next expansion this fall.  And what is comming with this expansion???  The return of some of the gods and will you look at who happens to be one of them...Cazic Thule himself!</P> <P> </P> <P>Edit: I thought of this question as I hit Submit Post.  Was the Billie sized ^^^ group X2 moppet deep in the Tower of Drafling actually used for a known quest?  I have seen him every time I was in there, but he was always many levels below the rest of the mobs in the zone.  And doesn't appear to do much of anything.</P> <P><SPAN class=time_text></SPAN> </P><p>Message Edited by Gobbwin on <span class=date_text>08-03-2006</span> <span class=time_text>05:07 AM</span>

[Cusashorn]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Gobbwin wrote:<BR> <BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Vhalen wrote:<BR> Sir Tatters has the knowledge you seek. He knows all about those pesky little Enchanted Lands moppets. Sir Tatters actually has a lot more usefull knowledge stuffed into his head. Unfortunately, he does not even know it's all up there. His master and creator gave him this dormant knowledge, to be released when the time is right. Dor now, Sir Tatters just keeps defending his little floral village as instructed by his creator before he went away.<BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P><BR>I'm suprised that more hasn't been investigated on this clue.  Perhaps it is a latent clue that will tie in with the idol when it 'activates'.  Now in my lack of sufficient caffene state, I read this as saying that the scare crows in RV will play a part more so than the moppets in RV.  Those moppets were created by halflings (or the goblin/boar guy, can't remember which at the moment), but Sir Tatters was created by another and was told to guard the flower patch he currently resides in.  Now the other scare crows wander in the field area and have had very little purpose in the game so far, perhaps they are guarding something other than rotting fields (or will be upon implimentation of the quest).  Note: there are other batches of scarecrows who may end up being related too (Antonica, in the middle of the map, and TS, near the antonica entrance).</P> <P>Now for an even bigger streach...who was Sir Tatters' creator?  In EQLive, all Scarecrows were beings of the God of Fear (Cazic Thule), hell come to think of it, the EQ2 scare crows all speak the Thulian language (see Lizardmen in the Temple of Cazic Thule).  If Sir Tatters was created by Cazic Thule prior to his departure, then perhaps that explains why the idol graphic was used.  As mentioned by others, the idol is the same graphic as the ones gathered in the Temple of Cazic Thule for the gnome on the Zek docks.  Perhaps the next lore quest will explain the RV and OOLS connection a bit more, as RV is the most affected zone by the extra dimensional creatures.  IIRC very little lore has been found so far to explain who they are, how they arrived on Norrath, or what they are doing here.  Several translations of the rewarded idol seem to indicate that OOLS is next as well.</P> <P> </P> <P>Edit: I thought of this question as I hit Submit Post.  Was the Billie sized ^^^ group X2 moppet deep in the Tower of Drafling actually used for a known quest?  I have seen him every time I was in there, but he was always many levels below the rest of the mobs in the zone.  And doesn't appear to do much of anything.</P> <P>Message Edited by Gobbwin on <SPAN class=date_text>08-03-2006</SPAN> <SPAN class=time_text>05:05 AM</SPAN><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Oh I assure you he has been investigated. Vhalen's post was not related to this topic. He was talking about something else entirely.

[RaphaNissi]

Idol inscription - Mor'Tael of Vul Merchant of Oblivion, Servant of Theer<div></div>

[Meniphisto]

<blockquote><hr>RaphaNissi wrote:Idol inscription - Mor'Tael of Vul Merchant of Oblivion, Servant of Theer<div></div><hr></blockquote>Was excited to find that myself. Of course, examining the idol gives no other help, nor does Mor'Tael in Maj'Dul. Perhaps something new shows up once you've finished Nek 3? Has anyone been able to do that yet?<div></div>

[Kyrsten]

<DIV><BR></DIV> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Meniphisto wrote:<BR><BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> RaphaNissi wrote:<BR>Idol inscription - <BR><BR>Mor'Tael of Vul Merchant of Oblivion, Servant of Theer<BR> <BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE>Was excited to find that myself. Of course, examining the idol gives no other help, nor does Mor'Tael in Maj'Dul. Perhaps something new shows up once you've finished Nek 3? Has anyone been able to do that yet?<BR> <BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <DIV>Any of you guys pick the idol up, and examine it from your inventory yet?</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><EM>"Within thickets of fiend and flesh, through a tunnel beyond death... I call to you."</EM></DIV> <DIV><BR> </DIV>

[Meniphisto]

Wow, can't believe I didn't do that as I picked it up to visit Mor'Tael. Very nice. Going to have to bring it with me when I do Nek 3 later today. Can't wait to see where this leads... <div></div>

[Cusashorn]

<DIV>I had a strong feeling the idol was going to be related to the new Nektropos Castle zone.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>I wish the Antiquitor said something about the idol now though.</DIV>

[ganng]

So far I have seen little more than fill in the blanks from the original

[Cusashorn]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> ganng wrote:<BR> So far I have seen little more than fill in the blanks from the original<BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Go complete the quests inside the new zone and see for yourself.

[Lodrelhai]

<div><blockquote><hr>Cusashorn wrote:<div></div>Go complete the quests inside the new zone and see for yourself.<hr></blockquote>I just completed the quest for the idol a few days ago (I love all the history in that castle!)  I was so excited when I saw the new Nek Castle zone!  Then I saw that it's lvl 70... ::sob::18 months and lvl 47... I need to level faster.</div>

[Lordsguard]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Gobbwin wrote:<BR> <BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Vhalen wrote:<BR> Sir Tatters has the knowledge you seek. He knows all about those pesky little Enchanted Lands moppets. Sir Tatters actually has a lot more usefull knowledge stuffed into his head. Unfortunately, he does not even know it's all up there. His master and creator gave him this dormant knowledge, to be released when the time is right. Dor now, Sir Tatters just keeps defending his little floral village as instructed by his creator before he went away.<BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P><BR>I'm suprised that more hasn't been investigated on this clue.  Perhaps it is a latent clue that will tie in with the idol when it 'activates'.  Now in my lack of sufficient caffene state, I read this as saying that the scare crows in RV will play a part more so than the moppets in RV.  Those moppets were created by halflings (or the goblin/boar guy, can't remember which at the moment), but Sir Tatters was created by another and was told to guard the flower patch he currently resides in.  Now the other scare crows wander in the field area and have had very little purpose in the game so far, perhaps they are guarding something other than rotting fields (or will be upon implimentation of the quest).  Note: there are other batches of scarecrows who may end up being related too (Antonica, in the middle of the map, and TS, near the antonica entrance).</P> <P>Now for an even bigger streach...who was Sir Tatters' creator?  In EQLive, all Scarecrows were beings of the God of Fear (Cazic Thule), hell come to think of it, the EQ2 scare crows all speak the Thulian language (see Lizardmen in the Temple of Cazic Thule).  If Sir Tatters was created by Cazic Thule prior to his departure, then perhaps that explains why the idol graphic was used.  As mentioned by others, the idol is the same graphic as the ones gathered in the Temple of Cazic Thule for the gnome on the Zek docks.  Perhaps the next lore quest will explain the RV and OOLS connection a bit more, as RV is the most affected zone by the extra dimensional creatures.  IIRC very little lore has been found so far to explain who they are, how they arrived on Norrath, or what they are doing here.  Several translations of the rewarded idol seem to indicate that OOLS is next as well.</P> <P>As a random other thought, Moorguard and Blackguard have both stated that events would be slipped into the game leading up to the next expansion this fall.  And what is comming with this expansion???  The return of some of the gods and will you look at who happens to be one of them...Cazic Thule himself!</P> <P> </P> <P>Edit: I thought of this question as I hit Submit Post.  Was the Billie sized ^^^ group X2 moppet deep in the Tower of Drafling actually used for a known quest?  I have seen him every time I was in there, but he was always many levels below the rest of the mobs in the zone.  And doesn't appear to do much of anything.</P> <P><SPAN class=time_text></SPAN> </P> <P>Message Edited by Gobbwin on <SPAN class=date_text>08-03-2006</SPAN><SPAN class=time_text>05:07 AM</SPAN><BR></P> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P><BR>Around the Gate of Fear in Feerrott, as per the new update, there are a few scarecrows. So think the scarecrows are more in league with Cahzic.</P> <P> </P> <P><BR><IMG src="http://us.a2.yahoofs.com/users/446cd4f6zc573d5fc/3a83re2/__sr_/68e2re2.jpg?phY302EBbTEuzg4_"><IMG src="http://us.a2.yahoofs.com/users/446cd4f6zc573d5fc/3a83re2/__sr_/e58are2.jpg?phY302EBUZHc8wCZ"></P>

[Shailen]

Apparently if you didn't do the quest for the idol earlier, you now get an identical one.  I did the quest and when i compared it to the one a buddy got last night upon entering they seem to be the same.Both give that same text when inspected from inventory.<div></div>

[Dystopya]

Hail AKM (antiquator)"Do I know you? Yes... the rune... the rune is key...""The rune of sunder?" "You! I know you! The mystery begins with sunder...""What is the mystery behind the rune? Where to I begin my quest?""Time is short... the rune is but one...I am divided.""No! Do not go!""Seek the seeker and your direction will be revealed.""Ill look for the seeker in majdul. Goodbye."Went to seeker abdeef at the zone in after this conversation and he said nothing but his usual good day schpeel to me. Any other seekrs in maj dul you guys can reccomend trying?<div></div>

[Cusashorn]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <P></P> <HR> <P>Dystopya wrote:<BR>Hail AKM (antiquator)<BR></P> <P>"Seek the seeker and your direction will be revealed."<BR><BR>"Ill look for the seeker in majdul. Goodbye."<BR><BR>Went to seeker abdeef at the zone in after this conversation and he said nothing but his usual good day schpeel to me. Any other seekrs in maj dul you guys can reccomend trying?<BR></P> <BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Those two lines are part of his normal dialogue for the Peacock line.

[Dystopya]

Was the bit about the rune of sunder in that speech as well? And how he's divided and waht not? I dont recall<div></div>

[Cusashorn]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <P></P> <HR> <P>"Do I know you? Yes... the rune... the rune is key..."<BR><BR>"The rune of sunder?"<BR> <BR>"You! I know you! The mystery begins with sunder..."<BR><BR>"What is the mystery behind the rune? Where to I begin my quest?"<BR><BR>"Time is short... the rune is but one...I am divided."<BR><BR>"No! Do not go!"<BR></P> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P>This is part of the Everling Idol. If you never get involved with this quest or the new Nektulos zone, you will never see it.</P> <BLOCKQUOTE> <P> </P> <P></P> <HR> <BR>"Seek the seeker and your direction will be revealed."<BR><BR>"Ill look for the seeker in majdul. Goodbye."<BR><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Peacock Line.

[Dystopya]

I dont know if this is new or not, but the rune of ethernere is popping up alot. Might have always been there and we just didnt notice, but since weve been actively looking for it, weve found it in the following places:Obelisk of Lost souls all over the walls, glowing purple rune (this might have always been here, since floor twos overhead map is the rune iteself, never had complex shader up in the zone until today)In a couple rooms in Varsoon, the ones that kinda look like a storage space for golems, the rune is on the 'stall' walls taht the golems are in.In the chamber of immortality, the floor underneath varsoon the undying... Unforuntaely varsoon has no info about anything important yet<div></div>

[badgerch]

<P>found a better thread. sorry for not looking harder.</P><p>Message Edited by badgerchow on <span class=date_text>08-13-2006</span> <span class=time_text>10:41 AM</span>

[Mathias25]

<div></div><div></div><blockquote><hr>Cusashorn wrote:<div></div><blockquote><p></p><hr><p>"Do I know you? Yes... the rune... the rune is key...""The rune of sunder?" "You! I know you! The mystery begins with sunder...""What is the mystery behind the rune? Where to I begin my quest?""Time is short... the rune is but one...I am divided.""No! Do not go!"</p><hr></blockquote><p>This is part of the Everling Idol. If you never get involved with this quest or the new Nektulos zone, you will never see it.</p><hr></blockquote>I visited Rikantus in Antonica, between Blackburrow and the Thundering Steppes Griffin.  He had a new message to say as well:Rikantus says to you, "The rune's family awaits."You say to Rikantus, "What family?"Rikantus says to you, "It is a single key of a great ring."You say to Rikantus, "What do you mean?"Rikantus says to you, "My thoughts... they fade and focus.  Do not abandon the mystery.  Do...  not... abandon..."You say to Rikantus, "Stay with me Rikantus!"Then after that he goes into his usual dialogue, handing out his usual quests.<div></div><p>Message Edited by Mathias25 on <span class=date_text>08-13-2006</span> <span class=time_text>01:59 PM</span>

[Lordsguard]

Okay so after Nek 3, as it has been dubbed, and you get "his" book, everything from the text in the book points towards Varsson and his "half" of the puzzle. Curious as to where and when we start down this line till completion.

[Greavous]

K so we know that Everling studied under Vasoon to gain knowlage about access to Ethermere so he could save his daughters. Seems Varsoon mislead Everling and gained access with information gathered from the Rune in Varsoons possession. (The Antiquitor comfirms it as being the key).It appears that the Obelisk was/is a dimensional door that brings souls/spirits/entities? Through and infuses then into vessels both human and non (poss dolls. If you read the scroll cases down there they talk about not speaking as to not draw attention to them selves). Seems Everling was trying to accomplish this for his daughters as he had made new bodies for them. Everling did enter.Now we need to seek the seeker but he's not talking.We know there are 2 runes, possibly 1 and 2 halves (rune of sunder. Sunder meaning ripped in 2). We know that the rune is a key to a ring of families which sounds like more than 2. Everling must be one and it seems he has undergone some sort of multipllicity or division. I believe the Antiquator is ether channeling Everling or is Everling (ill leave you to find out why I think that for your self) So maybe we need to find a way to restore his body with his spirit and get him to shout the password. We are told to look for him in the court yard.

[K@z]

<b>Conversation without Quest from Nek1:</b>You say, "Hail, The Cauldron of Al'Kabor"The Cauldron of Al'Kabor/a says, "When the ghosts are away, the castle does play."The Cauldron of Al'Kabor/a says, "You don't look like an Everling. "The Cauldron of Al'Kabor/a says, "Don't even think of touching my ladle! I'll scream. I swear it, I'll scream."<b>Conversation in Nek1:</b>This cauldron is finely crafted and has been shaped to appear as some evil face. There is a viscous liquid filling the cauldron. A ladle rests within. A couple cauldron ladles can be seen in the basin. It has a magical aura about it. What do think you're up to? Do I appear as some gnomish trash compactor? First you stand there gawking at me, not saying a word, and then you off and toss rubbish in me! How dare you!You should be! It's not like I stand around your house ogling like a rathed evil eye. Let alone opening your maw and tossing in a few scraps. I am sure it's not often you have the privilege of meeting a cauldron that could carry on a conversation, although I can picture you speaking to pots and pans quite well.Never ever call me the Cauldron of Al'Kabor! I have a name you know. Orin. Plain and simple Orin. How about I call you the skin heap of silent gods?I think skin heap of the silent gods has a ring to it. Oh well. Now that we have been properly introduced I do believe I can allow you to assist me.You see skin heap, I was taken from Al'Kabor's sea tower ages ago. The orcs then got a hold of me and placed me in one of their massive citadels. The stench was unbearable!Pay attention skin heap of the silent gods. I detested the orcs. All I cared about was being left in peace and quiet. I have found that peace in quiet here in Nektropos. Everything is fine except for those dolls!Like you, they tend to toss rubbish into me! Do me a favor skin heap. Head out and slay some of these Dolls of Nyth. Return to me and toss in the husks and I will gladly spit out a reward for you.Skin heap do you always do things for a great reward. Isn't the satisfaction of assisting those in need enough? Great. I will be here waiting for you. My legs are not what they used to be.I hope that's all your throwing in there, skin heap. I appreciate the assist. I will put in a good word for you should I ever return to Al'Kabor's Sea Tower.A Cauldron's CallingI found the Cauldron of Al'Kabor and had a conversation with the magical cauldron. It rewarded me for assisting it.    I found a cauldron in a secret chamber in Nektropos Castle.        Inspected the cauldron.    I hunted down the dolls of Nyth that scurry about Nektropos Castle.        Slew some dolls of nyth.    I returned to speak to the Cauldron of Al'Kabor, or as he prefers, Orin.        Spoke to the cauldron. Sorry skin heap. I am too tired to chat. I am also sure your friends there are tired of seeing you talk to a cauldron, albeit, a cauldron supreme!<b>Conversation with Quest from Nek1:</b>The Cauldron of Al'Kabor/a says to you,"Hold it right there! You're no Everling I remember, and I've seen them all."-You say, "Hail, The Cauldron of Al'Kabor"-You say to The Cauldron of Al'Kabor,"I'm not an Everling. Don't you remember me? I'm Kazgoroth. Remember?"The Cauldron of Al'Kabor/a says to you,"Kazgoroth Everling? Nope. Never heard of you."-You say to The Cauldron of Al'Kabor,"No! I am the one who took care of those little dolls of Nyth for you."The Cauldron of Al'Kabor/a says to you,"Oh! Yes, yes, yes... skin heap! So very good to see you again. How have you been? Did you off and wed! I would hope so, you look like the lines of time are scrawling all over you face."-You say to The Cauldron of Al'Kabor,"What is going on here, Olin?"The Cauldron of Al'Kabor/a says to you,"Olin? Olin! You can't even recall my name? What? How many talking cauldrons do you know? My name is, O... R... I... N, Orin!"-You say to The Cauldron of Al'Kabor,"So very sorry. So, what is going on here Orin?"The Cauldron of Al'Kabor/a says to you,"That's right, the name is Orin. I see your memory is coming back now, skin heap."-You say to The Cauldron of Al'Kabor,"My name is Kazgoroth."The Cauldron of Al'Kabor/a says to you,"Right, right. Whatever you say, skin heap."-You say to The Cauldron of Al'Kabor,"Where are all the ghosts and golems and what are all these other creatures in here?"The Cauldron of Al'Kabor/a says to you,"I am not sure where the ghoulies went. I imagine these new guests of the castle have scared even the haunts away. It is a bit weird. That makes two odd occurrences lately."-You say to The Cauldron of Al'Kabor,"What do you mean? What else happened that was odd?"The Cauldron of Al'Kabor/a says to you,"The former master of the castle returned. He has not been here for a very, very long time. He visited this chamber and stepped away. I don't know where he is now."-You say to The Cauldron of Al'Kabor,"Who is the former master and where was he?"The Cauldron of Al'Kabor/a says to you,"Lord Rikantus Everling is the last master. He vanished from this place a very long time ago.  "-You say to The Cauldron of Al'Kabor,"Who is the master now?"The Cauldron of Al'Kabor/a says to you,"The castle is its own master now. You would know this if you read up on it. Oh, there are those that the castle tricks into visiting these dank halls... fills their head with delusions, I hear. "-You say to The Cauldron of Al'Kabor,"How does a castle do that?"The Cauldron of Al'Kabor/a says to you,"This castle is very special. I believe there may be a book about such things somewhere in the cellar. This castle is just one of the many curses in the House of Everling. Rikantus knows this.  "-System/Info message-There is a Book About Nektropos Castle-I heard about a book that tells of the origin of Nektropos Castle.The Cauldron of Al'Kabor/a says to you,"How rude he was! He barged in here and did not even say hello. After all those fabulous servings of egg nog I provided for him on every Frostfell Eve. Simply rude!"-You say to The Cauldron of Al'Kabor,"Okay, but what did he do in here?"The Cauldron of Al'Kabor/a says to you,"Not much. He waltzed in here looking to shatter that horrid little statue that used to sit next to me. He was mumbling something about, "You can't hold me back this time. I'll shatter that acursed idol!""-You say to The Cauldron of Al'Kabor,"Was there anything odd about him?"The Cauldron of Al'Kabor/a says to you,"Besides talking to himself? Well, he did look a lot younger, younger than I had ever seen him. After standing there shouting for a while he simply began to vanish. Before being completely sent to oblivion, he said "Oblivion has divided me, but it cannot keep me forever." Totally rathed, I say!"-You say to The Cauldron of Al'Kabor,"Orin, what is that heap of iron over there?"The Cauldron of Al'Kabor/a says to you,"They called it Tinmizer's Ominous Army, but it was not crafted solely by the legendary gnome tinkerer. "-You say to The Cauldron of Al'Kabor,"Where did it come from?"The Cauldron of Al'Kabor/a says to you,"The former master had Tinmizer craft the iron hulk from blueprints he had taken from a place he only referred to as, "The Obelisk." The plans looked like no other I had seen before, and I had seen outlandish things while living with the great Al'Kabor.  "-You say to The Cauldron of Al'Kabor,"Where are the blueprints?"The Cauldron of Al'Kabor/a says to you,"Some of those weird new guests of the castle came in here and snatched them, not too long ago I might add. They had a long battle with the army there, but they won, obviously."-You say to The Cauldron of Al'Kabor,"Thank you for all the help Orin. I will see you again." The Cauldron of Al'Kabor/a says to you,"Oh yes! You say you will visit, but do you ever? No! Very well, farewell again skin heap."-You say to The Cauldron of Al'Kabor,"Farewell."So Orin, We Meet AgainI talked to Orin, the cauldron of Al'Kabor. The Cauldron of Al'Kabor/a says, "You're still here?"

[RaphaNissi]

<div><blockquote><hr>K@z wrote:<b>Conversation without Quest from Nek1:</b>......Thank you soooo much for posting all that.  You have no idea how much that helped me with something.  <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></blockquote></div>

[K@z]

really? <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /><div></div>

[Fizwi]

I got all that text a few days ago, and was hoping it would lead somewhere exciting...all it did was allow me to pick up the book in the basement, which was disappointingly short, although somewhat informative (and a server disco).  <span>:smileysad:</span>Still nothing interesting after that; visited all the usual suspects.<div></div>

[Bigoo]

<DIV>Melanie Everling says to you,"My sister threw my dolls all around the room and mommy told me to clean my room or I'd be in trouble."<BR>You say to Melanie Everling,"I'll help you clean."<BR>Melanie Everling says to you,"Thanks, but be careful my sister put her fake dolls in with mine and they'll attack you when you try to pick them up. Just put my dolls back on the bed before my mom gets here and I'll let you take something from my toy chest."<BR>You say to Melanie Everling,"Don't worry I'll take care of it."</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Extended Chat log after you have done the doll event</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><U>Cleaning Melanie's Room</U></DIV> <DIV>I helped Melanie clean up her room before her mother returned.</DIV> <DIV>I helped Melanie pick up her dolls before her mother returns.</DIV> <DIV>I helped Melanie clean up her room.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#0033ff>I wonder who is Melanie's mother ?..</FONT></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV><U>Rikantus Everling's responses </U></DIV> <DIV>(after he gave you the book "Beyond the rune")</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>You say, "Hail, Rikantus Everling"</DIV> <DIV>Rikantus Everling says, "My beloved Theeral... you were but a vagabond, but you offered me more than any coin could."<BR>Rikantus Everling says, "How could I have not saved my beloved daughters? Their souls have been tormented by those fiends."</DIV> <DIV>Rikantus Everling says, "Curse this castle and curse the dark elves for offering it to me!"<BR>Rikantus Everling says, "My beloved families have all perished from the curses I introduced to them. I deserve my fate."<BR>Rikantus Everling says, "The world can perish, mine already has."<BR></DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#0033ff>I wonder who offers him this castle  ?..(dark elves?)</FONT></DIV>

[Fizwi]

<div></div>Melanie's mother is Theeral.  Everling was wed twice -- first to Alana, who gave him two sons, and second to Theeral, who gave him his bevy of daughters.  Alana and the sons died during the castle's construction (madness from the family curse), while the daughters were slain by their appointed-then-dismissed guardians.  Theeral's fate is...less clear, at least to me.  I can find no direct evidence of her demise, and Theeral the nomad certainly makes one suspicious, and it's been a long time since I've heard the Calling in the Forest.  But what brought her to such ends?As far as the construction of the castle, more is revealed in the three books in the castle.  The man in charge: Pazin Punox.<div></div><p>Message Edited by Fizwick on <span class=date_text>08-18-2006</span> <span class=time_text>11:59 AM</span>

[Bigoo]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Fizwick wrote:<BR>I got all that text a few days ago, and was hoping it would lead somewhere exciting...all it did was allow me to pick up the book in the basement, which was disappointingly short, although somewhat informative (and a server disco).  <SPAN>:smileysad:</SPAN><BR><BR>Still nothing interesting after that; visited all the usual suspects.<BR> <BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P><BR>-System/Info message<BR>-There is a Book About Nektropos Castle-I heard about a book that tells of the origin of Nektropos Castle.</P> <P>Have you find out that book ?...</P>

[RaphaNissi]

I love all you guys who are posting the lore of this zone for those of us not quite high enough for it.  The information is very much appreciated.<div></div>

[Fizwi]

<div><blockquote><hr>Bigoo wrote:<div></div><p>Have you find out that book ?...</p><hr></blockquote>Yep!  Check out the basement study -- the one where the door closed behind you.  You should be able to pick up the book on the floor there after talking to the Cauldron.</div>

[Bigoo]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Fizwick wrote:<BR> <DIV><BR>Yep!  Check out the basement study -- the one where the door closed behind you.  You should be able to pick up the book on the floor there after talking to the Cauldron.<BR></DIV><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P><BR>It happend so quickly ...guess you get another serverwide disco <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></P>

[Cusashorn]

<DIV><BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Fizwick wrote:<BR> Melanie's mother is Theeral.  Everling was wed twice -- first to Alana, who gave him two sons, and second to Theeral, who gave him his bevy of daughters.  Alana and the sons died during the castle's construction (madness from the family curse), while the daughters were slain by their appointed-then-dismissed guardians.  Theeral's fate is...less clear, at least to me.  I can find no direct evidence of her demise, and Theeral the nomad certainly makes one suspicious, and it's been a long time since I've heard the Calling in the Forest.  But what brought her to such ends?<BR><BR>As far as the construction of the castle, more is revealed in the three books in the castle.  The man in charge: Pazin Punox.<BR> <P>Message Edited by Fizwick on <SPAN class=date_text>08-18-2006</SPAN> <SPAN class=time_text>11:59 AM</SPAN><BR> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE><BR>Theeral the Nomad *IS* Theeral. She doesn't say anything new about the curse or the void or the castle or the rune or anything else if you hail her again after you completed Tribulation.</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Pazin Punox was a Guildmaster of the Dark Elf rogue guild in Neriak, the Hall of the Ebon Mask.</DIV>

[Fizwi]

<div></div>I call coincidence!  Her name is Theeral the Nomad, not Theeral!No wait...ok, so yes, she is Theeral.  But why is she in the forest, sending you to the castle?  If she is sending you to be victims, why is she working with the ghosts of <i>Alana's</i> sons? And how did she survive the tragedy that befell her daughters?  As for Pazin...dark elf rogue guildmaster, Shiela's love...I just find it curious that he also was the architect of Nektropos.  Not really much mystery, just fascinating.<div></div><p>Message Edited by Fizwick on <span class=date_text>08-18-2006</span> <span class=time_text>09:09 PM</span>

[Cusashorn]

<BR> <BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> Fizwick wrote:<BR> I call coincidence!  Her name is Theeral the Nomad, not Theeral!<BR><BR>No wait...ok, so yes, she is Theeral.  But why is she in the forest, sending you to the castle?  If she is sending you to be victims, why is she working with the ghosts of <I>Alana's</I> sons? And how did she survive the tragedy that befell her daughters? <BR><BR>As for Pazin...dark elf rogue guildmaster, Shiela's love...I just find it curious that he also was the architect of Nektropos.  Not really much mystery, just fascinating.<BR> <P>Message Edited by Fizwick on <SPAN class=date_text>08-18-2006</SPAN><SPAN class=time_text>09:09 PM</SPAN><BR></P> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> <P><BR>The daughters each had a personal guardian who had thier genitals chopped off as part of the job, and slaughtered them with that being one of the reasons that drove them insane.</P> <P> </P> <P>Theeral didn't have a guardian because she didn't need one.</P>

[Fizwi]

Yes, I realize she didn't have a guardian.  I suppose my query was not, how did she literally survive, but more along the lines of: how was she affected by the murder of her daughters, and what happened to her personally as a result?<div></div>

[Cusashorn]

<DIV>Well, obviously she became a nomad.</DIV>

[RaphaNissi]

<div><blockquote><hr>Fizwick wrote:Yes, I realize she didn't have a guardian.  I suppose my query was not, how did she literally survive, but more along the lines of: how was she affected by the murder of her daughters, and what happened to her personally as a result?<div></div><hr></blockquote>Did she follow her husband on the path he has taken?  Is she in the same state of being as Rikantus?  I have been wondering about some of the same things you have, Fizwick.  She is human yet still around after all these years.  She helps her husband lead you into the castle.  She has a story, but what is it?</div>

[Bigoo]

<P>Another finding in Xuxlaio's Roost </P> <P>The two blue ball behind Xuxlaio reads</P> <P>1.Theer from Beyond / Chronicles of the maiden apostles.</P> <P>2.Flock / Origin of our savior sky</P> <P>Theer in Xuxlaio's Roost / servant of Theer in Maj'Dul / Theer in PoA..</P> <P>I guess  all three Theer mentioned  is  the same one ...probably a goodness from the beyond..</P> <P>Theer's lore may play an important role to understand the mystery in NC..</P> <P>I haven't found any info about Theer in DoF expansion yet ..maybe peacock quest line gives some more info about her</P><p>Message Edited by Bigoo on <span class=date_text>08-19-2006</span> <span class=time_text>02:38 PM</span>

[Cusashorn]

<DIV>It has nothing to do with her.</DIV>

[Fizwi]

Oh, well, glad you have such outstanding <i>proof</i>.  Guess we're settled.<div></div>

[Bigoo]

<DIV>Text from first 2 Collection books in Nektropus Castle:Tribulation ..</DIV> <DIV>I know there is third Collection book.."From below to Castle"..</DIV> <DIV>But we may read this two first...:smileyhappy:</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>----------------------------------------------------------------</DIV> <DIV>My Treu Beloved(Please highlight if you want to read)<BR>Notes by Lord Rikantus Everling<BR>----------------------------------------------------------------</DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033>My one true beloved has long been gone,but I have loved no other like I loved Alana.<BR>Though I have loved again,I can never forget.<BR>Theeral knows of her, but enduress my emotions.<BR>She knows I have brought her wealth in coin and in offspring.<BR>She offers me much as well.<BR>This is why are one.<BR>But even a great love cannot bury another great love.<BR>I often pity myself for loving twice in a lifetime and<BR>it is at these times that I find my soul in pain and<BR>I must begin my march of solace to Alana's chabers.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033>At first Theeral could not accept the extent of my love.<BR>She learned this after one of my frequent boouts of extended melancholy.<BR>The first time she discovered the destination of my midnight walks in Freeport,she was terrified.<BR>As I walked the streets she and her servant Plimptos secretly followed me,darking and dashing in the shadows.<BR>I never liked that serverant child of hers.<BR>There was something evil about him.<BR>I would learn that at a later date and see that he was bestowed with one of my most cursed trinkets.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033>Along the streets and alley Theeral followed me to a simple graveyard that was soon to be removed by order of the current chief constable,a boisterous paladin that was beginning to stir up trouble in Freeport.<BR>Within the humble graveyard I walked to my personal mausoleum.<BR>It was like a grand palace at the center of a timber village.<BR>I have ordered the construction of this tomb for my future family,but even though my present family was still alive and well,the mausoleum was not vacant.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033>Peering out from behind a twisted tree,<BR>Theeral watched as I opened the tomb with a special key that I held around my neck at all times.<BR>A torch was lit along the walls and I kneeled to weep in both sadness and joyous reflections.<BR>Just then,Theeral entered.<BR>She was in shock as she saw me weeping before three caskets.<BR>Demanding to know whose caskets were placed within the personal resting place of the family of Lord Rikantus Everling,I told her.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033>In my youth,after I took the seat of master merchant for the House of Everling upon the disapperance of my father,<BR>I met my first love on the road to a haggling festival in Rivervale.<BR>She was standing beside the road,near her cart and tent.She was clearly a fortune teller of sorts.<BR>I ordered my carriage to stop.<BR>I dismounted and approached.<BR>Her named was Alana and her beauty was matched by none.<BR>I could do no more than to fall in love with her forever and after my long fortune was told,I did just that.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033>Along with Alana came her meager belongings,mostly tricks of her trade.<BR>So to,came a personal servant sworn to serve her as a child.<BR>The was the wretched Plimptos.<BR>I was happy to not only curse the man,but strike his name from my castle.<BR>The ancient word for whelp would do nicely,pelleas.<BR>For all the chaos that servant caused this house,Theeral's gifts to me made them all worth while.<BR>From my true love came my first born,Maltus.<BR>Soon after he,came Ollix.<BR>The joy my family brought me veiled the curses of Everling,but unfortunately,<BR>they would rear their head to make themselves known.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033>There came a time when a mysterious illness overtook my beloved family.<BR>A fever overtook them and mad delusions soon followed.<BR>Like madmen,my loved ones could be found wandering the streets screaming of invisible creatures all about,slowing torturing them.<BR>Neither doctor nor mage of the great trade city could find a remedy for the odd illness.<BR>Even journeying to the Temple of Life in Qeynos was futile.<BR>The madness grew and I was forced to confine my loved one or<BR>see them sentenced to the Freeport Asylum where they would never return from.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033>Confining my loved ones until I could free them from their insanity would not last.<BR>There came a day when their prison chambers were unlocked.<BR>Someone had unlocked the doors and untied their restraints whild I was away on business.<BR>Before I could return they had somehow flew into the sprawling maze of streets.<BR>One by one their madness led them into horrific accident I refuse to recall.<BR>My dreams of replacing a life of cursed curios with the joy of a family was tragically extinguished.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033>I could never prove it,but I felt the mischief of Plimptos.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033>The void created by the loss of my beloved family nearly sucked me into oblivion.<BR>I found myself incapacitated by sadness for many year.<BR>If not for the aid of a few friends within the Academy of Arcane Science,<BR>I too would be as lost as my family.<BR>When I was freed from my pit of despair I had the bodies of my family preserved and placed within my mausoleum.<BR>After this I swore to myself I would escape the curses that followed the House of Everling.<BR>Far from Freeport I would construct the most magnificent and impenetrable castle ever built.<BR>Not even an ancient curse would breach my walls.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033>I was a fool for thinking such things.<BR>No curse can be outrun or shielded,but perhaps it could be contained as the cursed curios had taught us over the ages.<BR>If a curse did follow me then it will stay with me and no more would I peddle such tradegy upon the world..<BR>once I was finished finacing my hidden fortress.<BR>Far from the great empires in the dense dark forestlands I will hide.<BR>Along with me shall come the evil trinkets,my severants and my beloved family.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033>When my refuge was complete,I placed my family within grand tombs inside the catacombs of my new manor.<BR>But,this was not enough.<BR>My house was theirs even after death,but if that were to be true they must have chambers just as I.<BR>I furnished three rooms,one for Marcus,one for Ollix and one for my Alana.<BR>When I wished to speak to them I would not face the sarcophagi in the cold depths of Nektropos Castle,NO!<BR>When I wish to console with my loved ones I would spend time within the chambers where their spirits played.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033>Here in Nektropos Castle I live with two loves, a family gone and family new.<BR>Theeral and my precious daughterss accept my madness.<BR>Though they rarely vist the chambers of my past the know never to disturb them.<BR>My servants are told to tend to these chambers as they would any other.<BR>Even bowls and goblets are taken to these rooms and removed when mysterious emptied.<BR>They are here ,I can feel them.<BR>These are the places where a cursed man goes to escape the prison he build for himself.</FONT></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>----------------------------------------------------------------</DIV> <DIV>Our Lady of Betrayal(Please highlight if you want to read)<BR>Notes by Lord Rikantus Everling</DIV> <DIV> <DIV>----------------------------------------------------------------</DIV></DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033>Long have I traveled Norrath in search of wonders others would avoid.<BR>Many years have I studied tomes of valor in search of deviant treasures that I could place within my cursed cache.<BR>It was in my youth that my father began this quest and<BR>it would be in my time as Lord of the House of Everling that the quest would terminate.<BR>Through tales told from my father's maw to stolen tomes from the vaults of truth and love.<BR>I have discovered the Lady of Betrayal- Ullkorruuk.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033>The House of Everling made it fortune within the great trade city of Freeport,<BR>a city always shielded from evil by the followers of Marr.<BR>Living amidst the paragons of valor and passion<BR>one could eventually see tears within the benevolent fabric of such benevolance.<BR>My father stove to discover an artifact of such faults,a trinket that no doubt would be cursed.<BR>Those things that are cursed are the fruit of my family.<BR>My father would never find the artifact he longed for,but his words would lead me on my quest long after his death.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033>Knighthoods and priesthoods are bound to faith,given their strength by their willing belief in things that cannot be proven as just.<BR>The blind faith of such religious societies will always have those few who falter.<BR>A fall from such wisdom leads even the greatest legends of chivalry in a forsaken pit,never to be graced by his god again.<BR>But hope persists.<BR>Whisper abound of a place where the forsaken have made safe haven.<BR>The hidden shrine is veiled within an island of vast thinkers.<BR>In my father's time,he would never know such a place,but his time is over.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033>Across the spine of Ro and through the great city,I found path across the sea.<BR>Within the land touched by the hand of decay I found my clues.<BR>Through dense jungle,across wounded lands and over frozen mountaintops-the land of eternal maelstrom exists.<BR>Within the inhospitable desolate land exists the forsaken city.<BR>Only in such natural hostility could such a place remain unseen.<BR>Employing the powers of curses I crossed the sea of rage and entered the halls of the fallen.<BR>Here slumbered the knowledge I sought,secrets hidden in the texts of valorous faiths.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033>The fallen were not pleased to meet me.<BR>A detachment of knights rode me out to meet my approach,<BR>riding atop armored beasts with lances that seemed to be forged of crude iron and were most likely heavier than beast and rider.<BR>These cavalier spoke no words save one phrase,"Follow and you shall live."<BR>Such words,accompanied with imposing weapons,cannot be argued.<BR>They led me beyond a massive marble gate that only the Krombral could have moved.<BR>I soon learned that this small detachment was but a drop of the cavalry that rest within the entry hall of the subterranean city.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033>I could see gates leading deeper into this marble fortress.<BR>One of the knights dismounted,I could tell from the cape and adornments upon his armor that he was the leader of this band of cavalry.<BR>The knigh ushered me forward through one of the gates and down a long descending stairwell.<BR>As we walked I could see faint images of pantheons barely illuminated by ornate sconces perched along the walls.<BR>At the end of the stairwell we met a towering,but thin,door.<BR>The knight grabbed the heavy knocker and pounded upon the door.<BR>It opened ever so slowly,light beaming forth blinding me from the majesty beyond.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033>My eyesight returned and my ears filled with layered chants.<BR>I found myself in a grand circular hall whose ceiling stretched great heights.<BR>The interior of the massive hall was adorned by statues and images of every deity known to Norrath,<BR>even a few from long dead civilizations.<BR>Each of these statues or images created a shrine to the god and around each shrine were placed gifts relative to the forsaken that prayed around it.<BR>My soul filled with joy as I came to realize that I had finally discovered the city of the forsaken,the secret city of the fallen,Zebuxor.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033>My elation was soon replaced with fear as all the chants ceased.<BR>The throngs of worshippers bowed their heads.<BR>In the distance I could see another towering door slowly swing wide.<BR>Within this doorway a figure entered,but so great were the masses that all I could see was the high elaborate crown of this royal figure.<BR>Amidst the sea of ragtag forsaken faithful,the grand figure cut a swathe towards me.<BR>My fear rose as I could see the daunting crown that peeked above the faithful slowly approach.<BR>Finally the figure was upon me as the final wall of people stepped back to allow my audience with the ruler of the forsaken city.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033>"What power have your fallen froms?"the ruler asked in a beautiful effeminate voice.<BR>I couild not see much of her face beneath the elaborate helm,if it was a female,but what I could see was as alluring as the voice.<BR>I must answer her in truth ,though a lie would seen more fitting.<BR>It was as if she cast a spell over me.<BR>"I am not forsaken.I seek knowledge of a dissident power."I repilied,sheepishly.<BR>Slowly she replied in a foreboding demeanor,"You are forsaken now."</FONT></DIV> <DIV><BR><FONT color=#000033>"I sense the aura of your betrayal."She said.<BR>"Your past has forsaken you for such actions.It is that has led you to our temple city."<BR>I could do nothing in more but listen within her hypnotic presence.<BR>"You quest for the unusual leads your house,but in your quest you should anchored your faith,unwittingly."<BR>She save a beguiling smirk and continued.<BR>"Though you seek cursed treasures of unorthodox faith,you will instead find your faith here among the fallen."<BR>She pointed to a dark corner of the titanic hall.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033>The masses of fallen worshippers parted to create a twisting path towards the dark recesses of a peculiar little shrine.<BR>Her voice commanded me,"Go!I began my slow,almost penitent,march towards the shrine.<BR>The walls of the fallen began to chant in whispers.<BR>As I drew closer to the shrine I noticed it was precariously placed between two other shrines,althought it seemed as though these shrines were not even adjacent to one another.<BR>To one side of the meager shrine was the shring of love and to the other side was the shrine of lover and to the other side a portion of the shrine of hate embraced it.<BR>I continued my march.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033>As I entered the shadows of the little shrine I began to make out the visage of a statue.<BR>The statue was that of a commanding,yet comforting female knight.<BR>Donned in the finest armor this visage stood atop the back of a knight.<BR>Protruding from knight's back,a lance breached the armor of the dead.<BR>My eyes slowly followed the lenght of the lance until it met the hands of the female knight.<BR>I could sense a great betrayal as bound to this shrine.<BR>What was this image I see before me and why do I feel as though I should pay homage here?</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033>"You belong to her."The ruler of Zebuxor was at my back.<BR>I did not even notice her approach.<BR>"She is the Lady of Betrayal.Like you,she sought the unknown.<BR>Her desire of the unknown was so great that she betrayed the power that gave her light."<BR>"Who is my goddess?" I begged.<BR>With another of her beguiling smirks,the ruler answered.<BR>"She is Ullkorruuk.Her betralal of love was so great that she was embraced by the powers of hate.<BR>Give new life among the stars,she now sits in the pantheon of hate,forever renamed and never to be graced by Marr again.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT color=#000033>I began to weep before the statue.<BR>My tears streamed as I fell to my knees.<BR>I crawled closer to the statue and reached out to it.<BR>"Do not forsake me maiden of betrayal.End the madness of my house.Ease the curses that haunts us."<BR>Although my house has long been indifferent towards the faiths,almost agnostic some would clam,I found myself praising before the statue.<BR>"What can I give you for my salvation,my lady?"I cried.<BR>"Your offering begins."said the ruler behind me.<BR>My fingertips finally reached the feet of the statue-all went black!</FONT></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <P><SPAN class=time_text></SPAN> </P> <P><SPAN class=time_text><FONT color=#ff0033><SPAN>Vhalen</SPAN> </FONT>wrote:</SPAN><SPAN class=time_text><A href="http://eqiiforums.station.sony.com/eq2/board/print?board.id=lore&message.id=10755&page=1&format=all" target=_blank>http://eqiiforums.station.sony.com/eq2/board/print?board.id=lore&message.id=10755&page=1&format=all</A><BR></P> <HR> <P>Not many have heard of Ullkorruuk. She is a relatively new sub deity whose tale might be told in the future. The events behind her ascension to sub deity have much to do with some of the major rumblings in the planar realms. Although, you cannot know all, here is a bit.<BR> <BR>Ullkorruuk Plane of Existence: Plane of Hate<BR>A.K.A.: The Archtraitor, Lady of Insurrection<BR>Related Deities: N/A<BR>Worshipers: Traitors, Vengeful Teir’Dal<BR>This little known and young deity resides on the Plane of Hate. She is often closely related to treason since most of her followers, what little there are, have dissented from the ranks of some organization or nation in order to strike back at that former organization for some deep-seated reason. She is allied with Innoruuk, the god of hate. Ullkorruuk appears as a female human paladin who has chosen to betray her native plane, the Plane of Love, for reasons as yet unexplained. She was once a member of Erollisi Marr’s elite guard. She betrayed the queen of love and later became a minion of hate. Her real name was abandoned and she took her new name, Ullkorruuk. She wears garb similar to Erollisi Marr, but it has a dark evil undertone.<BR></P></SPAN> <P>Message Edited by Bigoo on <SPAN class=date_text>08-29-2006</SPAN><SPAN class=time_text>12:06 AM</SPAN></P><p>Message Edited by Bigoo on <span class=date_text>08-29-2006</span> <span class=time_text>12:07 AM</span>

[Bigoo]

<P>The 3rd collection book..in Nektropus Castle :Tribulation</P> <P>Frow Below to Castle (Please highlight if you want to read)<BR>Notes by Lord Rikantus Everling <BR>-------------------------------------------<BR><FONT color=#000033>My pact with the Ebon Mask has brought much hatred my way. <BR>Although I keept it in whispers,the presence of Teir'Dal updon my estate is impossible to conceal. <BR>The villagers of my namesake are most unhappy. <BR>Thought I gave the village life,they cannot dismiss the alliance. <BR>The uneasiness that has overcome this place forces me to remove myself from their presence. <BR>No longer will they live in the shadow of their master. <BR>Although betrayl is often murmured, the dark elves are of great value and one of their gifts will be Nektropos Castle. <BR><BR>A new fortress is needed to house my loved ones and the cursed curios the family has been unable to peddle. <BR>I call updon my new friends of Neriak for aid. <BR>They tell me that they can supply me with the means to build an impenetrable manor. <BR>This manor would be bound to arcane powers that would protect me from any oppsing force. <BR>In exchange I shall continue to supply them safe haven and allow their king to establish patrolling forces within the forest. <BR>I shall keep my mouth shut about this arrangeemnt and pray to my goddess taht the villagers do not get wind of my new home or the increased presence of the Teir'Dal. <BR><BR>Lord Pazin Punox has displayed the designs the engineers shall follow. <BR>These plans exist within a very ancient tome. <BR>When he first removed the old tome from a special satchel,I could smell the stench of flesh. <BR>It was soon that my eyes revealed to me the source of the stench was the binder of the tome. <BR>It appeared as the stretched face of a Teir'Dal,stretched tight over the binder giving the appearance of leather at first glance. <BR>This was clearly no conventional design for a castle. <BR>Lord Punox assured me that with such designs I could repel any force and contain any evil if need be. <BR><BR>The fleshbound tome was not the only oddity that would creat the foundation for my castle,the very brickes of the structure would be just as unique. <BR>Lord Punox reached into his satchel again,removing a small dark block. <BR>This would be the stone of the castle. <BR>It was said to be from a cavern deep in Norrath that was carved by Brell. <BR>This cave exists near the mythical Black Sun Sea. <BR>These bricks are formed of magical forces of the Underfoot. <BR>Once removed from the cavern they would be tormented and shaped by special Teir'Dal crafters employing rituals long removed from history. <BR><BR>The bricks before me was not formed of any magic,but planar touched forces. <BR>As I brushed my fingertips across it coarse surface I could feel a sense of emotion,almost as if the stones had reflected my thoughts. <BR>The Teir'Dal lord assured me this was nothing more than one of the powerful wards he would have bound to each brick. <BR>Surely,such a castle made from such things must be impervious to all. <BR>With the animosity growing against my house and the powers that I must safeguard,Nektropos Castle will serve me and my family well.</FONT></P> <P><SPAN class=time_text></SPAN> </P><p>Message Edited by Bigoo on <span class=date_text>08-28-2006</span> <span class=time_text>11:54 PM</span>

[Wulfborne]

Anything new found thus far? I've gotten the new text from Rikantus, Orin (cauldron) and from Mortael... but nothing else new thus far outside of the aforementioned books. Just wondering if anyone else has found something or has some musings on where to go next.I spent most of the afternoon yesterday in OOLS and The Vestibule (couldn't go past the goblin room, since I didn't have that quest - chest drop quest starters ftl), but didn't find much there...~Sir Hawke Holyblayde, Hero of Maj'Dul<div></div>

[KindredHeart]

Goodness this thread certainly has been quiet for awhile now <img src="/smilies/8a80c6485cd926be453217d59a84a888.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />  Anyone have anymore theories or information?

[Cusashorn]

<DIV>Yeah it quieted down after the whole mystery was finally revealed when they added Nektropos Tribulations and this thread was removed from the sticky list at the top of the forum.</DIV>