Lore: Ganesh's Journal

Quest type:	Lore
From NPC(s):	Quintin the Wise
Locations:	Feladan
Previous quest(s):	Dralnok's Doom (Chapter 3): Ganesh's Journal
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Item(s) required to start, progress or finish the quest:
none.

Quintin translated the final journal of Ganesh, a member of the Protectorate.

Quest text

You wish me to read the translated journal of Ganesh again, do you? Very well, <player>, let me begin...

• • he clears his throat and begins speaking*

"This is the journal of Ganesh Hulgrath, Member of the Protectorate, Sentinel of Kirasanct, Husband and Father.

I have entered a series of caverns deep beneath the surface of Istaria in an attempt to locate Artifacts of power left behind by the Dryad, Meira. For many years she protected the Artifact that Ryson eventually detonated outside of Tazoon at the heart of the Undead Horde. But during the few short years that she was with the Protectorate she spoke of others that were also kept beneath the surface. The Dryad, it seems, were careless and scattered many about in these caverns nearly two centuries ago.

• (continue)

I had the questionable fortune to meet up with a force of Dwarves from Aughundell led by their King, Dralnok Hammerfist, before entering these caverns. They come here in pursuit of an army of the Withered Aegis and have foolishly chased it into the darkness. These Dwarves are fierce fighters, never giving up even when all is lost and hope is but a dim memory. That they survived so long besieged tells much of their strength and will. They are similar to my own people in many ways.

• (continue)

Despite their presence, their strength that surrounds me, this place saps one's fortitude, one's will to continue. The dark is absolute. The caverns are a maze, and filled with all manner of deadly creature. Many of the Iron Guard have fallen dead in their tracks, killed by a wasting sickness, a poison, that we have not encountered before. The cleansing spells of the healers have no effect upon the fallen and thus far none of those who have perished have returned. None are of the Gifted. Their fear swells around me.

• (continue)

Despite the environs and the death of so many of his guard, the King remains a blazing light in the center of the column. His voice carries strength to all who hear it. Even those near death find fire in the words of this great warrior. Few others that I have met have possessed such a quality. Latronicus perhaps. Ryson, certainly.

• (continue)

The King and I have stayed up many hours speaking of the Withered Aegis, the past, the future. He feels a great responsibility for his people and to the rest of Istaria to end this war and will allow no counsel to dissuade him. He will surely die here in this dark place if he continues. Fewer of his people remain each hour and the caverns are endless.

• (continue)

The King has been mortally wounded by a scorpion, the venom coursing through his veins will surely take him soon. He has given me an Artifact, a powerful axe he called the Thom'Dorogath, the Axe of Demons. It's power is evident and I feel uncertain bearing such a kingly gift. The king's guard have begun excavating a cave in which to bury him, for it must be in stone or so they say. We are under constant attack so there are few we can spare to do the work.

• (continue)

Dralnok Hammerfist, last of the Dwarven kings is dead and has been lain to rest in a shallow cave beneath a pile of rock. Many of the Iron Guard have fallen while defending the site and fewer than a score remain alive. They have chosen to follow me deeper into the caverns in the hopes of survival. We move onwards, out into the darkness.

• (continue)

More of the Iron Guard have fallen and we have encountered creatures that even I had not believed existed in all of Istaria! One of the scouts reported sighting Mylocs ahead so we setup camp not far away. All but two of the remaining Dwarves have been wounded and are near death. There is nothing more we three can do for the rest, so we will soon leave them to their fate.

• (continue)

The presence of the Mylocs worries me. I know the tales of their treachery and have fought against them many years ago during the invasion, but to see them here . . . They must be seeking the very same Artifacts that I am. If the Withered Aegis lay hands on of any, all could be lost! Despite the death of Torrin Macalir at Ryson's hands outside Tazoon, the cabal of the Withered Aegis remains strong and powerful.

• (continue)

We have continued onwards. The two Dwarves, all that remain to me, are wounded and will soon die. They slow my progress and their shuffling may warn the Myloc, for there are many more than I would have believed. Indeed, there are many hundreds at the least. It appears to be a colony! I have dispatched the last of the Dwarves. Their fate was to die here and so I have given them to Niatha the Shrouded as a gift in the hopes that she will give me the stealth I will need to win through the Myloc and find what I seek. Mother, hear me. Guide me!

• (continue)

I have discovered a travel gate of unknown origins in a small cave deep within the colony. This must be how both the Myloc and the Dryad gained access, but where does it lead? I must find out! I leave this journal as a marker of my presence should someone one day discover this."

• (continue)

That is all, <player>. What was his fate? We do not know. Perhaps one day we will find out, but that is a tale that has yet to be written.

Game Feedback: Quintin looks up at you and closes the book.