"Hail, Dartain"
Dartain "
There you are, Lest. It took long enough. We have much work to do."
"What is going on here, Dartain? I don't see you changing into Al'Kabor. Have you lost some of your power?"
Dartain "
No, nothing like that. As a matter of fact, this is an expression of our power. We have divided to attempt to cover as much research as possible. Al'Kabor has gone to Qeynos, and I am researching here in Freeport."
"You can separate? Why have you not done this before and spare us from all this shifting back and forth?"
Dartain "
It is temporary, I assure you. And I have indeed performed this task before in the past, when it was necessary to conduct research in Neriak for a brief period of time."
"Very well, then. So what is it that we need to do now?"
Dartain "
First, I have a question. Do you recall the events of Cobalt Scar?"
"Only rumors and ramblings. Nothing I would consider reliable."
Dartain "
Well, I will be brief, but the short of it is that we are worse off now than we were before we went there. The Overlord killed Vishra in a fit of rage, which seems to have been the beginning of the end for the Combine. Yelinak was killed by Kerafyrm, the Awakened have moved the Temple of Veeshan, and we have lost the Tear of Veeshan, which is the worst possible outcome."
"What could he do with one trinket? We can find a way to overcome him."
Dartain "
I don't believe you are thinking this through. We don't know exactly what the Tear can do in Kerafyrm's hands. He clearly has knowledge about it that we lack, and this unknown could prove to be our undoing. We need to tip the odds back in our favor."
"And how do you propose that we accomplish that?"
Dartain "
Well, there is much to be done, which is why I summoned you here. The Tear of Veeshan is to be your focus. We need to learn more about it so that we might counter Kerafyrm's plans."
"My focus? Then it is I that will carry out your research for you?"
Dartain "
Not my research, no. My research is another piece of the larger crisis here, and without the work I am doing, all will be lost. It is you that needs to speak with Lendiniara and find out what Kerafyrm might be planning with the Tear."
"And where might I find her?"
Dartain
"Simple. You will find Yelinak and see what he knows."
"The dragon is dead! Should I have a chat with his rotting corpse?"
Dartain "
In a manner of speaking, yes. Since he is dead, it stands to reason that he can be found in Ethernere. Since the veil between our existences has not yet closed, I believe you can travel there once more and find the information we seek."
"So it is back to the Ethernere for me, then? How will I find Yelinak? Should I just ask if anyone has seen an ancient dragon around lately?"
Dartain "
You'll need to enter Ethernere armed with information already, or you're likely to wander forever looking for him. Dragons appear to be absent from the realms of Ethernere that we have seen, but we know that many have been killed. We need to find where they are going."
"And who would know this?"
Dartain "
Find Elguka the Oracle. She is strong in matters regarding the spiritual realm, and might have better insight on how to reach the afterlife of the dragons. If I had more time, I would research it myself, but I do not. Now go - search for her near the Temple of War."
"All right, I'll see what she knows."
"Hail, Elguka the Oracle"
Elguka "
Greetings wanderer. I have been waiting for you."
"You have? You knew I was coming?"
Elguka "
Of course. I hear your name whispered by the spirits, and I know of your desire to pass beyond these realms and through the veil. I would warn you against such a journey, but I also know you would ignore my warnings." (可以的話我也很想不要去，真的)
"Then you also must know that my journey is an important one. I need to find a way to the realm of the dragons in Ethernere. Dartain says you might know."
Elguka"
I do. And it is only because the veil is already pierced that I will pass the knowledge onto you. The spirits cry out in rage and in fear, and it is up to you to calm them."
"What do you mean?"
Elguka "
You will find out. Here. Take this. It is attuned to the spiritual energy of the Overrealm. If you use this within the spiritual realm of Ethernere, it will allow you to journey to where the dragons rest. Be wary, though - your presence is an intrusion into Ethernere."
"I'll bear that in mind. Thank you, Elguka."
"Hail, Drinal's Steward"
Drinal's Steward "
Welcome to Ethernere, Lest. I admit I had not expected to see you here."
"Hello once again, Calum. I apologize for the sudden intrusion into Ethernere, but my path has once again led me here."
Drinal's Steward "So it seems."
"Where is this place?"
Drinal's Steward "
These are the Vesspyr Isles. And you are among the few non-draconic to see them."
"Oh! Then the spell worked! This is the resting place of the dragons?"
Drinal's Steward "
It is. Although they are still healing themselves after the invasion of the Horde, these islands have kept the spirits of dragons ready to move on to Veeshan's realm."
"Let me ask you another question, then. Would I be able to find Lord Yelinak here as well? It is urgent that I speak with him."
Drinal's Steward "
Mmm... yes. His spirit is not far. It is here, in the place known as the Daarspire."
"Thank you for your help! I should be able to find my way to him now."
"Hail, Yelinak the Ancient"
Yelinak "
And who are you?"
"Lord Yelinak, I have come on behalf of the Duality to seek your counsel."
Yelinak "
You should not have come to this place. This realm is not for the likes of mortals such as you."
"I know, but without your help, all that we have fought for may be lost. Your death marked the advance of the Awakened - they are winning this war now. The New Combine is all but disbanded, and worse, Kerafyrm has the Tear of Veeshan."
Yelinak "
Then I will not couch this in gentle terms: Ages End is at our doorstep. But do not misunderstand, my death was but a small part of the larger picture, and overdue. I was prepared to fall during my first encounter with Kerafyrm, but I did not. Dying in Cobalt Scar was merely fulfilling a destiny that should have come to pass long ago."
"But the Claws of Veeshan are leaderless without you! We need the dragons to combat the Awakened!"
Yelinak "
Although I have long looked over the Claws of Veeshan, I am not the only one capable of leading them against the Awakened. I may have taken up the mantle, but I was certainly not the best choice."
"What do you mean?"
Yelinak "
I have lived long and I know many, many secrets of Norrath. But among my kind, there is one who is wiser and just as capable of uniting the dragons on Norrath together to combat Kerafyrm. It is time for Lendiniara to take over in my place, and lead the dragons."
"That is the problem. Lendiniara is gone."
Yelinak "
What do you mean 'gone'? I sacrificed my life to ensure that would not happen!"
"We were able to keep Kerafyrm from claiming her, but in doing so, she was sent away... and we do not know where. We were hoping you might know where to find her, since we need her to find out more about the Tear of Veeshan."
Yelinak "
Ah yes... the Tear. Lendiniara seemed to be afraid of it – or at least, afraid of what Kerafyrm might do with it. Clearly he understands the Tear, and knows how to use it to its potential."
"Which is why we need your help. We must speak with her in order to find out what Kerafyrm plans to do with the Tear, and how we might counter it."
Yelinak "
Tell me how she was sent away. The last I recall, Jorlak, the chronomancer, had contacted her through the Tear of Veeshan before Kerafyrm attacked."
"Wait, why can't we just use Jorlak's power to undo what has happened? Why not harness chronomancy to serve us?"
Yelinak "
No, mortal, not even the gods themselves are able to use chronomancy in that manner. Doing so can have unintended consequences, including creating additional Threads. And even if that happened, you and I would still be in this reality, with this outcome. Nothing will change. Now, what happened to Lendiniara?"
"Awakened Legion chronomancers attacked when Kerafyrm did, and were attempting to pull her through the Tear. As a result of the chrono struggle, she was flung to an unknown time and place."
Yelinak "
I see. Then yes, she could be anywhere – even along any Thread."
"I'm sorry... what do you mean by Thread?"
Yelinak "
Threads are strands of reality. While these Threads are often similar, they will often have differences – some are small, some are significant. We have caught glimpses of these Threads before, but traveling between them is not something I have heard of happening."
"How will we find her, then?"
Yelinak "
Ethernere is a place where many Threads converge at the same point. Not all do, but it is likely that the one she went to would connect to our home Thread in the Age of Destiny. There are places of concentrated reality where those Threads meet, it may be that one of those connections is here in Vesspyr Isles."
"Good, then we have a starting point. Where should we begin looking?"
Yelinak "
I need time to think on this. I have not been here long, and so my familiarity with the Isles is limited. My reach however, is not. I'll find your answer. In the meantime, I have felt Kerafyrm's touch here. This should not be possible, but neither is your presence in the Isles. If he has found a way to cross the border of death..."
"And if Ethernere is a place of Threads then..."
Yelinak "
Yes. My kin have been here too long, and there are many of them that are embroiled in their own conflicts and troubles. They do not feel Ages End here, though it touches all of us even in death. I need them focused on the present danger, so please, while I find a location suitable for contacting Lendiniara, seek out my kin and eliminate what distracts them. "
"This I can do, we'll need every ounce of help we can get. I'll return when I'm done - that should be enough time to find what you're looking for?"
ounce "
I certainly hope so. If I haven't by then, we may have to come up with another solution."
"Then farewell, Yelinak. Good luck."
"Hail, Yelinak the Ancient"
Yelinak "You have returned. Given the attention my kin have availed me, it seems you have done well in removing their... distractions."
"Yes, they should all be ready and able to follow your lead."
Yelinak "Good, then we can proceed."
"You've found a location where we can retrieve Lendiniara?"
Yelinak "My reach is long. There is place here, built on a locus of Etherturgy. It folds all the Threads that touch Ethernere into a single point in space - The Nexus Core. I do not know who built this place - it predates any of my kin who wait here - but its power should serve us well."
"Excellent! How can I find this place?"
Yelinak "One of my trusted drakes can help you. His name is Chymot, and I sent him on an errand to the island of Karak-ta not too long ago. Tell him I sent you to find him, and what it is that we need."
"Very well, thank you Lord Yelinak. I shall return soon."
- "Hail, Chymot"
Chymot "Help! You must free me! And quick!"
"What has happened? What are you doing in here?"
Chymot "I must tell Lord Yelinak what I have seen! Let me out before they come back!"
"Who is coming back?"
**Awakened skystalker attack!**
Chymot "Thank you, mortal. Without your help, they would likely have found a way to destroy me, and my news would have died with me."
"What has happened here? How did you get captured?"
Chymot "Those creatures overwhelmed and captured me. They did not want me to return to Lord Yelinak, and were doing all they could to stop me."
"What did you see?"
Chymot "Those drakes? They were not from Ethernere. They were alive. Just as you are."
"Wait... what? Living drakes here? How is that even possible?"
Chymot "Somehow Kerafyrm has breached the veil into Ethernere. The Temple of Veeshan is here."
"That's impossible! How could he accomplish such a thing?"
Chymot "I don't know, but Lord Yelinak must be informed. "
"Very well, I will meet you there to speak with him."
Yelinak "Welcome, mortal. Chymot has told me what he discovered."
"How could Kerafyrm open a portal to Ethernere? Why would he?"
Yelinak "I don't know right now, but I do know that the situation has become worse. I surmise that the portal is not very large or stable, since the only known living drakes who have come through are those that attacked Chymot. However, I doubt it will remain that way for long."
"Then we need to find Lendiniara as soon as possible!"
Yelinak "Indeed. Chymot will meet you at the Nexus Core. Go quickly."
"Farewell for now, Lord Yelinak."
Chymot "Welcome to the Nexus Core, mortal."
"Nexus Core? Is this like the Nexus in Odus? Is this the same place?"
Chymot "It could be, or it might not be. There is no way to be certain, but there are definitely some similarities."
"And we can contact Lendiniara from here?"
Chymot "In theory, yes. If the Thread she is in connects here, you should be able to find her. Enter the core and find the central spire down the hallway. From there, you should be able to activate the Nexus, and find her, wherever she might be."
"Alone? Are you not coming with me?"
Chymot "The place inside there does not exist in Ethernere. I cannot travel there. I will remain here and stay on guard in case the Awakened should return. Be wary though, mortal. That place is well-guarded, and you will not find yourself welcome there. If you are to have any hope of activating the Heart of the Nexus and speaking to Lendiniara, you will need to defeat the sentinel of that place, Luminox Prime."
"I see. Very well, I will do what I can. Farewell for now."
Yelinak "Welcome back, drakinvess. Were you able to find Lendiniara?"
"No... I don't know what happened. The Core seemed to shatter when I tried to interact with it! The whole thing shut down!"
Yelinak "That was... unexpected. And unfortunate. She has the answers we need, and without the Nexus, she might be lost."
"Can we repair it?"
Yelinak "I don't know of a way to repair the Core. We will need someone who understands the Nexus and how it operates."
"We're in Ethernere! There must be someone here who has studied the Nexus, or better yet, helped to construct it."
Yelinak "Hmm... perhaps you are right. But with the number of spirits here in Ethernere, I think you would have a hard time locating someone who can help."
"I might not be able to, but I will be willing to bet the Steward of Drinal can. Perhaps I will pay him another visit and see if he can help."
Yelinak "Good thinking, drakinvess. Best of luck in your search."
"Farewell, Lord Yelinak. I'll return when I can."
"Hail, Drinal's Steward"
Drinal's Steward "Hello again, Lest. I thought you might come back to speak to me."
"And hello to you. I should hope you have a few moments to speak with me, because I have need of your assistance."
Drinal's Steward "Oh? And what is it that you need?"
"I need to find someone, but I don't know who. I need someone who has studied or worked on the Nexus, and might know how it works. It's urgent because..."
Drinal's Steward "No."
"Wait... excuse me?"
Drinal's Steward "No, I will not help."
"Why? Don't you understand what's at stake?"
Drinal's Steward "Of course I do. I have watched the events of your world closely, and I have seen the likely outcome of what has transpired. Still, even in the face of non-existence, I cannot continue to allow you to break the laws of this place. Ethernere must be protected."
"What do you mean? What have I done?"
Drinal's Steward "The barriers between Ethernere and the prime plane were never meant to be crossed. There is a reason that the veil exists - to separate the living from those who have passed. The two are not meant to mix. Death must have meaning, or life will not."
"Then why were we allowed to pass into here in the first place?"
Drinal's Steward "The circumstances warranted the help of the living at that time. Ethernere was in jeopardy, and without that help, it would have collapsed upon itself - however, that time has passed. Ethernere must once again close to the living."
"But it is still open for now! If I cannot contact Lendiniara, then there will be no living or dead! There will be nothing!"
Drinal's Steward "Still, I must abide by the laws that govern this place. I cannot help you."
"All right... hmmm... okay, Drinal has bent the laws in the past, correct? When he has entered bargains with mortals?"
Drinal's Steward "... Indeed. He has."
"Then I would like to enter a bargain for the right to complete my task here in Ethernere."
Drinal's Steward "..."
"Why not? It has happened before here! Make me a bargain!"
Drinal's Steward "Very well. I will bargain. If you succeed, then I will allow you to continue your quest here. If you fail, I will send your soul to be judged by Drinal himself for violating the laws of this place."
"What is it that I must do?"
Drinal's Steward "The holes in the veil have not only allowed you in, but have allowed some to escape out of Ethernere. This must not be allowed to happen."
"Where do I need to go?"
Drinal's Steward "A group of goblins has escaped into a Thread that is not their own. They have found someplace familiar to them, but not their proper reality. They are disrupting the natural order of that place, and must be stopped and returned here to face judgment."
"I can do that. I agree to the terms of the bargain."
Drinal's Steward "As do I. The miscreants have gone into a reality of High Keep, which was once their home. Find them, slay them, and use this phylactery to capture their fleeing spirits. The ringleaders are most important â I need you to find Raknag and Stompus most of all. They orchestrated the escape, and will need to be made an example of."
"Very well. I will return once it is done. Farewell for now."
"Hail, Drinal's Steward"
Drinal's Steward "You've returned. And I hope that you've upheld your end of the bargain."
"I have. Here is the phylactery with the souls that you requested."
Drinal's Steward "Hmm... you've done it. Very well. Then you have earned the right to continue your journey here. But be warned, this is not a place for the living. The veils must close, and when they do, you will not be allowed in here again."
"I know. In the meantime, though, I need some help. I am looking for someone, but I don't know who."
Drinal's Steward "Then it will be difficult to find them, I would wager."
"Perhaps you can help me. I need someone who understands the Nexus. Specifically, the Nexus in Odus, and I was hoping I could go to the Odus here in Ethernere to look."
Drinal's Steward "No, I cannot let you do that."
"But you said you would let me finish my quest!"
Drinal's Steward "I did, but I still cannot allow you free run of Ethernere. You need to remain within the places you have seen - this realm is not for you."
"So is there anyone in Eidolon Jungle or Obol Plains that might know something about the Nexus?"
Drinal's Steward "Perhaps. There is one man who has spent a good deal of time in Cardin Ward in study. I know that in his past he was involved in study within Erudin, so he might have information you can use."
"Thank you, Steward. "
Drinal's Steward "Now, Lest, this is the last I can do to help you. Do not disrupt the balance here in Ethernere, lest you find yourself hunted by the Horde. You are not meant to speak with the dead this way, and I must insist that you return to the prime plane when your task is completed."
"I will. Farewell to you for now."
"Hail, Zal'Urid"
Zal'Urid "... I should hope you have a reason for bothering me like this. I don't care for idle chat."
"I do have a question for you, if you can spare a moment."
Zal'Urid "My name is Zal'Urid, not "you"... and no, I can't, but I don't think you'll take that for your answer. Be succinct, and then be gone. What do you need?"
"I noticed that you were studying here, and heard that you might have done some studying in Erudin as well."
Zal'Urid "Yes I was, and yes I did. And there, I've answered you. Farewell."
"That's not my question. I need to know if you did studies on the Nexus in Odus."
Zal'Urid "I should have figured it wouldn't have been that easy. Yes, yes I did. Quite a bit of study on it, as a matter of fact."
"Fantastic! I am in need of your expertise then. I need help repairing a damaged Nexus."
Zal'Urid "Repairing a Nexus? Did you ALSO blast a continent to another plane of existence or blow up a planet? Meddling with a Nexus always seems to end like that."
"No, nothing like that... the core just... shattered."
Zal'Urid "Hmm... well, I never did work on the Ulteran Nexus, so I don't know if I can help you to fix it. El'Arad was the real architect behind that monstrosity, so he'd be better suited to help you there. And then I could study in peace, so we'd all win."
"Time is of the essence. Can you just take a look at it and see if you can offer me any help?"
Zal'Urid "I don't suppose you will leave if I say no?"
"I wish I could, but no."
Zal'Urid "Then we are at an impasse. Very well, I will see this broken Nexus of yours. Where is it?"
"It is in the Vesspyr Isles, on the island called the Daarspire. You can come with me..."
Zal'Urid "No, I'd rather not. I'll find my own way there. You adventuring types often find yourself distracted on your way anywhere, and I'd rather not tag along for your exciting journey."
"Very well... then I will meet you there. Thank you Zal'Urid."
Zal'Urid "There you are. I figured you would take your time getting here."
"I came as soon as I could. I'm glad you have joined me here."
Zal'Urid "Truth be told, so am I. This is... interesting, to say the least."
"Oh?"
Zal'Urid "Well, this is not like the Combine Nexus on Luclin, nor is it like the Ulteran one on Odus. Although the construction seems similar, the energy pattern is completely different."
"Can you help me to fix it?"
Zal'Urid "Well, I'd prefer to see the Core to be sure, but I can't seem to enter there. Unless I can actually see it I can only theorize on how it functions."
"Do you know why the Core shattered?"
Zal'Urid "Likely a trap mechanism to keep it from falling into the wrong hands - clearly yours. Unless you knew specifically how to handle the Core, it would escape to prevent you from using the Nexus for your own ends. Whoever constructed it wanted this to work only for them."
"Can you fix it?"
Zal'Urid "I might be able to, but I'd need to see the pieces and the heart of the Core. While the heart isn't likely to be too far, the pieces look like they tore out of this reality, but you can see where they went if you follow the energy traces. You'll need a way to see those arcane traces, but you would need something very specific to accomplish that. It seems your quest is at an end."
"Well, don't count me out just yet. I think I can get some help finding the heart, and I'll find a way to see where those pieces went. Maybe then we can fix it. Farewell."
去外面找Chymot
Chymot "Hello again, drakinvess. Were you able to contact Lendiniara?"
"No, and I need some help before I can do so."
Chymot "What do you need?"
"The Nexus seems to have had a protection trap on it, which broke the Core when I attempted to work with it. Several of the pieces ended up in different realities, but the heart is still here on the islands. Can you find me the heart? I will find the shards if you can."
Chymot "Consider it done. I will begin near Veeshena Tol, and work my way up to Karak Peak from there. I'll return when I have it."
"Thank you, Chymot. Good luck, and farewell."
Vizzeren "I've been able to improve the arcanum vision elixir! It should last you a while longer now, Lest."
- 拿到開眼藥水回到Nexus Core門外使用，看到碎片在哪並去取回
Zal'Urid "Ah, look who it is! How went your search for the Core shards?"
"Actually, I was able to collect the missing shards, and I have them here for you."
Zal'Urid "Good, good. And the heart?"
" I sent Chymot out to get it. Did he not return?"
Zal'Urid "Not that I have seen, but then, I am not petsitting for you. If you want him, you'll need to go and find him."
"Hmm... he couldn't be too far. I'll return soon."
Chymot "Hello, drakinvess. I'm glad you have come."
"Here you are! You were not easy to find."
Chymot "No, and neither was the heart."
"Were you not able to find it?"
Chymot "I believe I found where it landed - it's there, near that tear in the veil. The problem is that the tear seems to have allowed something else to come through here."
"What happened?"
Chymot "The creatures that came through, bixies I believe, took the heart with them back through the tear, and into their hive. Unfortunately, I cannot follow them through into their reality, so I wasn't able to recover the heart."
"Well, I can follow them. Let me see if I can retrieve it and bring it back to Zal'Urid."
