Fall of Tazoon: The Explosion (Part 6)

Quest type:	Errand
From NPC(s):	Lieutenant Elderincus
Required adventure school:	Any (level: 50)
Locations:	Imperial Army Camp
Previous quest(s):	Fall of Tazoon: The Explosion (Part 5)
View this quest in the Quest Tree

Item(s) required to start, progress or finish the quest:
Fragment of The Chalice

Your investigation led you to a cultist camp on a ridge overlooking the Ruin where you recovered a fragment of an Artifact. The captured cultists claim it is part of what caused the explosion and told you and Lieutenant Elderincus their story.

Quest text

Elderincus tells you, <player>, we must learn more about the fragment you found, but there is no one here in the camp that knows about Artifacts of Power. I believe that In'athoi the Scholarly at the Tower of Healing may be able to help shed some light on what you have found.

---

In'athoi tells you, Welcome, <player>. Your reputation precedes you. What can I help you with?

• I recovered this artifact fragment from a cultist camp. Captured cultists said it was part of a larger collection or piece that was used to destroy the Gate of Tazoon.

In'athoi tells you, What?! This is awful news. May I examine it?

• Yes, here you are.

In'athoi tells you, Hm. Curious. Oh, this marking... A moment please, <player>.

In'athoi tells you, This is a fragment of a Greater Artifact known as The Chalice, <player>.

• A Greater Artifact?

In'athoi tells you, Yes, Artifacts of Power were collected and classified by my people over the millennia in an attempt to understand their uses and powers. It is too much to go into how and why they were classified, or even all of the classification types, but those given the Greater classification were often extremely powerful or volatile.

• Are there many of these still around?

In'athoi tells you, Fewer than you might think. A friend of mine, Meira Nylami, once collected and classified many artifacts including one that you have probably heard of... the Artifact that Ryson Stormbringer used to destroy the Undead Horde at the Battle of Tazoon.

• Meira Nylami? Was that artifact also a Greater Artifact?

In'athoi tells you, Meira was a member of the Protectorate alongside Ryson, so I surmise that he obtained the Artifact from her, and yes, given its destructive power, it too was likely a Greater Artifact. I'm sorry, but I digress. The Chalice is what we were speaking of. It was once owned by Niatha Moraven herself and was said to be a powerful conduit for magical energies.

• Niatha, the goddess of the Fiends?

In'athoi tells you, Well, I suppose that is how you know her, but my people know her as The Shrouded or The Vengeful for she was always volatile, powerful, and conniving long before the Fiends came into existence. I have more than one question about the situation.

• Such as?

In'athoi tells you, Well, for starters I wonder how this cult came into possession of the artifact, but I also wonder how it was shattered. Artifacts of Power typically do not react well to damage. Do you have answers to either of these questions?

• I'm afraid not. The cultists I spoke with said pieces of the artifact were used to destroy the Gate of Tazoon.

In'athoi tells you, Oh dear. If energy, such as that in a Gate, were channeled into fragments of this Artifact it could be quite explosive. I am unfamiliar with the inner workings of the Gate system, but I do know that they are powered by magical energy from one of the Realms. One of the Outer Realms perhaps? I should investigate that.

• I thank you for your insight.

In'athoi tells you, You are quite welcome, <player>. Please come back if you require further assistance. Don't forget this!

---

Elderincus tells you, Well, <player>, what did you discover? Anything of use?

• In'athoi recognized the fragment as part of a Greater Artifact known as The Chalice which was once owned by Niatha Moraven and confirmed that if Gate energy were channeled into it then the results could potentially be explosive.

Well, that is quite concerning. Let us hope that there are no additional fragments laying about anywhere.

Verantis tells you, Ahem!

Elderincus tells you, What can I do for you?

Verantis tells you, I could not help but overhear your conversation. It is true then that part of a Greater Artifact was affixed to the Gate of Tazoon and detonated causing the explosion?

Elderincus tells you, It is, I am afraid.

Verantis tells you, What is your opinion, <player>?

Verantis tells you, Do you agree with the Lieutenant that the explosion was the true motive? An act of terrorism and nothing more?

• I am unsure. The arrival of the Welger is a strange coincidence.

Verantis tells you, Exactly! How would the army of the Welger be prepared to cross over the moment of the explosion? Or more concerning, how did they cross over at all? There are no portals that I’m aware of on Eastern Aradoth so any army would have to cross the Wedge, the Great Barrier, and the Frontier.

• The Great Barrier?

Verantis tells you, Yes, the massive fortress the Withered Aegis constructed far to the east to prevent any potential counterattack by the Living Races. Under normal circumstances any invading army would have to cross it and then the Frontier, pass Aughundell or Feladan, before reaching Tazoon.

• The Welger didn't cross those lands, they were teleported directly into Tazoon.

Verantis tells you, Correct, <player>, and I do not know how. A gate that we aren't aware of in the east? Or something to do with the Gate's magic when combined with the Artifact's explosive magic? I do not know. Hah, one might say that this is all supposition unsupported by any facts, <player>.

• What facts do we know?

We know that there was a massive explosion that devastated the city of Tazoon. Thanks to you, we also now know that the cause of this explosion was fragments of a powerful artifact that had been affixed to the teleport gate. We also know that somehow, in the aftermath of the explosion, an army of Welger were transported into the ruin.

• Welger aren't from Western Aradoth.

Verantis tells you, Precisely. Which can only mean that they were teleported from beyond the Great Barrier. And finally, we know that the Cult of Nazderon took part in the execution of the deed.

• What does this tell us?

Verantis tells you, Nothing good, I am afraid. That somehow the Welger and this Cult coordinated across great distances to blow up Tazoon and transport an enemy army directly into the middle of the Living Races' seat of power! Let us hope that this event cannot be replicated or the enemy could quickly teleport hordes of undead or worse anywhere in the world... Kion, Mahagra, even the center of Dralk!

• That is a terrifying thought!

Verantis tells you, Indeed. Well, <player>, there is much to be done. I have research to do regarding this artifact and also the magic of the teleport gates. Until we have more answers, I fear there is nothing further to be done. Please, be sure and speak with the Lieutenant before you go.

---

Elderincus tells you, What Verantis says is certainly of grave concern, but he is right that there is little we can do for now. We have an army encamped within the ruins and cults conspiring all about us. We must deal with what lies in front of us for now. Please, take the fragment away from this camp. Perhaps you can find a use for it in your travels.

Steps

• Listen to Lieutenant Elderincus
• Go speak with In'athoi the Scholarly at the Tower of Healing about the Fragment of an Artifact
• Give In'athoi the Scholarly a moment
• Speak with In'athoi the Scholarly about what she found
• Return to Lieutenant Elderincus at the Imperial Army Camp
• Tell Lieutenant Elderincus what you have discovered
• Speak with Verantis Talwindle at the Imperial Army Camp
• Speak with Lieutenant Elderincus at the Imperial Army Camp

Rewards

• Adventure Experience: 20400
• Money: 500c
• Reward: Spell Tech Kit: Fragment of The Chalice