Ruins Quests

You say, "Hail, Captain Arellius"

"Stand your ground! I will defend Freeport to my dying breath! Are you friend or foe?"

You say to Captain Arellius,"My name is Eiwyn. Inquisitor Thorson in the Sunken City sent me."

"Thorson informed me how you helped uncover Curfeld's plot to destroy Freeport. The help of true heroes of Freeport like you is needed if we are to defend our city against this attack."

You say to Captain Arellius,"What is going on here?"

"You have entered a war zone, citizen. The Freeport Militia is here in force to defend our city. Two orc clans seem to be working together in an attempt to take over the Ruins and use it as a staging ground to attack Freeport."

You say to Captain Arellius,"Where did the orcs come from?"

"Both tribes have been lurking in the Ruins for some time, but they've never been this aggressive before. They seem to have become much more organized and have obtained better weapons and armor."

You say to Captain Arellius,"What are these tribes called?"

"The weaker of the two tribes is called the Brokentusk. The stronger clan is known as the Lonetusk. I don't know much about their background personally, but my lieutenants stationed in the field may have more information."

You say to Captain Arellius,"Why is this place called the Ruins?"

"Take a few steps inside the archway and you'll see why. This is an old section of Freeport that has long been abandoned. Its once stately manors and exclusive boutiques are now burned-out shells and broken walls."

You say to Captain Arellius,"This place used to have grand houses and shops?"

"Oh yes. What we now call the Ruins was once known as Shoreside, an expensive and very exclusive residential district. It was favored by the wealthy for its ocean view and isolation from the hustle and bustle of the city, but the irony is that those very qualities led to its downfall."

You say to Captain Arellius,"What do you mean?"

"Freeport has come under attack many times, and our Militia maintains a strong presence in the Commonlands to fend off the Bloodskull orcs. During one particularly fierce battle, the bulk of our forces were committed to a frontal assault on the city gates."

You say to Captain Arellius,"What happened then?"

"In an unusually clandestine move, the Brokentusk and Lonetusk tribes seized the opportunity to sneak into the Shoreside docks by nightfall. The cowardly beasts overpowered the small garrison left to defend the district, then proceeded to burn and pillage everything they found. Many noble citizens of Freeport died in that conflict."

You say to Captain Arellius,"Couldn't the Militia save them?"

"As I said, most of our troops were busy fighting in the Commonlands. By the time reinforcements could be sent, the damage had been done. Since Shoreside was isolated and difficult to defend, it was decided that there was no sense in rebuilding it. The Sprawl serves as a buffer between the Ruins and the city proper, so Freeport remains secure. Still, there was a heavy price to be paid."

You say to Captain Arellius,"What do you mean?"

"Even though the invaders were defeated, War Duke Eutarius, the high-ranking Militia officer who had been charged with the city's defense, was executed in the West Freeport plaza for his incompetence and failure. The Overlord does not tolerate mistakes."

You say to Captain Arellius,"So what became of the Ruins?"

"The once exclusive Shoreside became the Ruins, a broken-down home to beggars and squatters. Some remnants of the orc tribes remained as well, but they were so weak and disorganized that they posed little threat. In fact, this was a relatively calm area until quite recently."

You say to Captain Arellius,"What caused this change?"

"I do not know, adventurer. Perhaps that is something you can help discover. But we must act quickly, lest these orcs rise up and do to the rest of Freeport what they once did to Shoreside."

You say to Captain Arellius,"How can I be of assistance?"

"I must remain here to give assignments to incoming troops. Go through the archway and report to one of my lieutenants, Argosian. He will instruct you in how you can best serve our cause."

You say to Captain Arellius,"I will do so."

"Good. Oh, be sure to pay homage to the statue of our beloved Overlord. It would prove most beneficial for you to bask in the wisdom of his visage."

You say to Captain Arellius,"Thank you for the advice."

"Lieutenant Argosian at the first outpost will be responsible for your initial training. Do not return to me until he has ordered you to do so."

You say to Captain Arellius,"I'll go see him."

You say, "Hail, Lieutenant Argosian"

"There's no time for chatter. I need to mobilize my forces to take care of these cursed orcs!"

You say to Lieutenant Argosian,"My name is Eiwyn. Captain Arellius ordered me to report here, lieutenant."

"Good, we can always use more recruits to help in the cause. Freeport must be defended."

You say to Lieutenant Argosian,"Defended from the orcs?"

"The Ruins are being overrun, and it is time for us to take a stand. We must ensure that the orcs don't infiltrate the rest of the city."

You say to Lieutenant Argosian,"What is behind the orcs' sudden uprising?"

"We haven't uncovered that yet, and frankly I don't have time to play detective. Are you willing to help the Freeport Militia turn back this tide of aggression?"

You say to Lieutenant Argosian,"Yes, I will help you."

"Excellent! It looks like the captain was wise to send you to me. Our outpost here is being beset on both sides by the Brokentusk clan of orcs. Once they were pathetically weak, but they seem to be training for a larger offensive."

You say to Lieutenant Argosian,"What would you have me do?"

"A large number of Brokentusk pawns have been seen gathering to the south. Go up the stairs and help my troops strike some fear into them."

You say to Lieutenant Argosian,"What do you mean by striking fear?"

"I mean make them DEAD! Look, if this is too much for you, move along, because I've got other recruits to train. Will you help us or not?"

You say to Lieutenant Argosian,"Yes, I'll do my part."

"Good! Let's test your mettle against the pawns. Kill at least ten of those beasts before you dare return to me. If you succeed, I'll gain some confidence in your abilities."

You say to Lieutenant Argosian,"Aye, lieutenant."

"Get to work, citizen. You have your orders, now carry them out."

You say to Lieutenant Argosian,"I will do so."

You say, "Hail, Lieutenant Argosian"

"Hello, recruit. Did you fulfill your duty to Freeport against the Brokentusk pawns?"

You say to Lieutenant Argosian,"I defeated ten of them, as you ordered."

"Well, nice work. It's almost as if you've killed orc pawns before! Maybe I can trust you with a more challenging task."

You say to Lieutenant Argosian,"I'm ready and willing."

"Those pawns were child's play, really. I just wanted to test your dedication to our cause. Now I need you to take on some tougher members of the Brokentusk clan."

You say to Lieutenant Argosian,"I will accept another assignment."

"To the north some more formidable Brokentusk orcs are gathering. They've taken up residence in some of the abandoned ruins there, and I've gotten reports that they have captured some of the vagrant squatters that used to reside there."

You say to Lieutenant Argosian,"What do you mean by vagrant squatters?"

"After Shoreside was abandoned and became known as the Ruins, groups of vagrant beggars moved in here and seemed to coexist with the orcs. Our patrols have discovered that the Brokentusk recently killed most of the squatters, however, and are keeping a few as captives."

You say to Lieutenant Argosian,"How horrible! Are we going to help them?"

"Even though the squatters are not citizens, the Overlord will not tolerate unsanctioned violence within his borders. I need you to head north and teach the Brokentusk a lesson, taking special care to rid the area of any overseers you notice holding prisoners."

You say to Lieutenant Argosian,"Consider it done."

"I knew I could count on you. Return to me when the orcs have paid for their crimes."

You say to Lieutenant Argosian,"I will."

You say, "Hail, Lieutenant Argosian"

"I see you're back. Have you taught the Brokentusk a lesson?"

You say to Lieutenant Argosian,"I defeated many of them in battle, and slew an overseer that was holding some squatters captive."

"My confidence in you is growing, adventurer! You're proving to be of use to the Freeport Militia. The time has come to see if we can find out what exactly is behind this orc uprising."

You say to Lieutenant Argosian,"You suspect some greater plot?"

"Based on the change that has come over these orcs, I think something is afoot."

You say to Lieutenant Argosian,"What do you mean?"

"The Militia didn't even pay much attention to the Brokentusk until very recently. They were a pathetically weak clan, made up mostly of outcasts of the Bloodskull orcs in the Commonlands. But it seems they have received new armor and stronger weapons, and seem to be on the move."

You say to Lieutenant Argosian,"Do you have any idea how they became more powerful?"

"Not yet. My scouts have reported overhearing the orcs say that their prophets are guarding some kind of shrine deeper in the Ruins. I'd like to rule out any sort of divine influence, so I need you to find out whether or not this shrine actually exists. Are you willing?"

You say to Lieutenant Argosian,"I'll look for the shrine."

"Glad to hear we can count on you, adventurer. Rumor has it that this shrine may be located past the ruins to the north, though I don't have a precise location. When you find it, be sure to get close and examine it carefully."

You say to Lieutenant Argosian,"I'll find it and take a close look. Do you have any other orders?"

"Be sure to dispose of as many of those prophets as you can, and their warriors as well. If you find this shrine, try to determine if that is the source of their increased strength. Be careful though, there may be powerful forces protecting it."

You say to Lieutenant Argosian,"I will do so, lieutenant."

"Go now, and report back when your duty is done."

You say to Lieutenant Argosian,"Yes, sir."

You say, "Hail, Lieutenant Argosian"

"Hello again, orc slayer. Did you find the shrine I ordered you to look for?"

You say to Lieutenant Argosian,"I found a shrine, but it didn't seem to be strengthening the Brokentusk in any way."

"Well, good work in any case. What is the purpose of the shrine?"

You say to Lieutenant Argosian,"It seems to be a relic from the days of Shoreside, but I can't tell why the orcs are guarding it."

"I guess no one ever accused the Brokentusk of being overly bright. Unfortunately, that means we haven't uncovered any evidence that explains why they are rising up."

You say to Lieutenant Argosian,"No, it seems we have not."

"Thank you for your assistance. I have already informed Captain Arellius what you have done for the Militia. She will happily reward you for your efforts."

You say to Lieutenant Argosian,"Thank you. Any other assignments for me?"

"You are welcome to stay and help us clear out more of these Brokentusks, but you really should report back to the captain to see if she has new orders for you. It's been a pleasure working with you."

You say to Lieutenant Argosian,"I will report back to her."

"Travel safely, citizen of Freeport."

You say to Lieutenant Argosian,"I will."

You say, "Hail, Captain Arellius"

"Have you completed your assignments for Lieutenant Argosian at the first outpost?"

You say to Captain Arellius,"I completed a number of tasks for the lieutenant. He sent me back to you to receive further orders."

"Good work! Did you find out what's behind this increase in orc activity?"

You say to Captain Arellius,"No, we thought an ancient shrine might be behind it, but that turned out to be a dead end."

"At least we can rule that out, but clearly further investigation is required. Here, help yourself to your choice of equipment from our supply chests. You should find something that will be of use in our continued efforts against the orc uprising."

You say to Captain Arellius,"Thank you, Captain. Is there anything else I can do to aid the Militia?"

"The next step in our investigation will be an arduous one. Although to this point you could journey alone, some parts of the Ruins can be deadly for the lone adventurer."

You say to Captain Arellius,"I am willing to do what is necessary to serve Freeport."

"I knew you had a daring look about you! My advice is to gather some comrades and form a group. There is safety in numbers, especially in places like this. As you venture further out into the world, you will find groups to be extremely helpful in achieving your goals."

You say to Captain Arellius,"I will find some allies. What needs to be done?"

"To be honest, I could tell that the Brokentusk were too weak to be behind the recent attacks. They have always followed the lead of their more powerful brethren, the Lonetusk orcs."

You say to Captain Arellius,"So the Lonetusk are stronger?"

"Yes, the Lonetusk are much more deadly. They are more inclined to work together, and this will require a strong group of adventurers to stand against them."

You say to Captain Arellius,"I am not afraid. What are your orders, Captain?"

"I need you to report to Lieutenant Imperidus, who is stationed at the second Militia outpost deeper in the Ruins. It is located to the west of here, near the gate to the Sprawl. She is heading up the Lonetusk investigation."

You say to Captain Arellius,"I will report to her."

"Again, keep in mind that even travel to the second outpost will be dangerous. Travel with companions to ensure your safety. Do not report back to me until you have followed the lieutenant's orders."

You say to Captain Arellius,"I understand, Captain."

You say, "Hail, Lieutenant Imperidus"

"You've entered dangerous territory, traveler. Unless you have been ordered to report for duty, I recommend you go back from whence you came."

You say to Lieutenant Imperidus,"I am Eiwyn. I was ordered by Captain Arellius to report to you, lieutenant."

"Ah, you must be the one Argosian told me about. He says you have done some fine work in controlling the Brokentusk."

You say to Lieutenant Imperidus,"I did my best to lend a hand."

"Well, you can forget all that! The Lonetusk make the Brokentusk look like weak infants. My Militia officers must work in teams to defeat them, as too many have perished alone. You would do well to follow the same advice."

You say to Lieutenant Imperidus,"I won't be facing them alone. I will do so with companions."

"That is good to hear. It would be beneficial for your companions to have received orders from Captain Arellius. That way I can assign you all the same duties and you can be rewarded for performing the same tasks."

You say to Lieutenant Imperidus,"That is an excellent suggestion."

"In the future, you should remember that your group mates can progress together most efficiently if you undertake the same quests at the same time."

You say to Lieutenant Imperidus,"Thank you for the advice, lieutenant."

"Now, on to the matter at hand. We must put the Lonetusk in their place and determine where their improved weapons and armor are coming from."

You say to Lieutenant Imperidus,"What do you propose we do?"

"The first thing we must do is demoralize them. We've noticed that the Lonetusk have brought in statues, either to worship or merely to inspire them. Even orcs need their morale boosted, it seems."

You say to Lieutenant Imperidus,"I am ready to take action."

"Our surest path to victory is to take the fight out of them. Go out there and face the Lonetusk, and deface any statues you see. Seek out their supplies of food and drink and spoil them. Without symbols of victory to inspire them and food in their bellies, their spirits will crumble and they will become easy pickings for us."

You say to Lieutenant Imperidus,"Do you really think wrecking statues and ruining food is going to ensure victory?"

"How dare you question an officer of the Freeport Militia! I have engineered a campaign of demoralization which cannot fail."

You say to Lieutenant Imperidus,"Okay, I'll give it a try."

You say, "Hail, Lieutenant Imperidus"

"So, our latest volunteer returns. Did you ruin the food and deface the statues of the Lonetusk as I commanded?"

You say to Lieutenant Imperidus,"Yes, lieutenant. I'm not sure it has taken much fight out of the orcs, though."

"These things take time to have their full effect. I'm confident that we've laid the groundwork for the Lonetusk's defeat. Now we must begin the second phase of our initiative. Are you prepared to undertake your next assignment?"

You say to Lieutenant Imperidus,"Yes, I am ready for action."

"The surest way to take the fight out of the orcs is to thin their numbers. We have to show we will not tolerate their presence anymore. I need you to make a serious dent in the Lonetusk population. The streets of Shoreside must swell with the blood of these brutes."

You say to Lieutenant Imperidus,"I like the sound of this plan."

"I'm confident this will strike a real blow to the Lonetusk offensive. While you carry out your orders, my interrogators are going to see if this orc we captured knows anything of use."

You say to Lieutenant Imperidus,"I'll return when I've taught the orcs a lesson."

You say, "Hail, Lieutenant Imperidus"

"Excellent, you're back! I hope you have done your duty, because I have another crucial assignment for you."

You say to Lieutenant Imperidus,"I dealt a blow to the orc offensive. What is this assignment?"

"Some days ago my soldiers took a Lonetusk prisoner. At first it was unresponsive to our attempts to obtain information and appeared to only speak orcish, but during our most recent attempts to persuade it to cooperate, it muttered something in our own Common tongue."

You say to Lieutenant Imperidus,"Have you been able to learn anything from it?"

"Not yet, though my guards may not be taking the right approach. I'd like you to take a crack at this prisoner. It's being held just over there, outside one of our supply depots. We don't have a proper stockade, as it is not our custom to take prisoners."

You say to Lieutenant Imperidus,"I will get the orc to talk."

"I knew we could rely on you! Take any measures necessary to get the beast to talk. ANY measures... got it?"

You say to Lieutenant Imperidus,"I'll return when I have the information you need, lieutenant."

You say, "Hail, A captured Lonetusk"

You say to a captured Lonetusk,"I am here to get some answers from you."

"Me no have answers. Me just am little orc!"

You say to a captured Lonetusk,"You speak the Common tongue, so you must not be as dumb as you're pretending to be."

"Me not smart. Me just want to go home. You let me go, me no fight no more. Deal?"

You say to a captured Lonetusk,"You're in no position to make deals. But I just might let you go if you tell me what I want to know."

"But me know nothing! Me swear!"

You say to a captured Lonetusk,"Then I might as well leave you in the hands of these fine Militia guards. I'm sure they'll take good care of you..."

"No! Me not want more beatings! What you want to know?"

You say to a captured Lonetusk,"Who is supplying your people with weapons and armor?"

"Me not know that! Me just am little orc!"

You say to a captured Lonetusk,"Fine, I'll leave you with your guards."

"Wait! Me really not know! But me do know something else."

You say to a captured Lonetusk,"Alright, I'm listening."

"Me saw General Lonetusk get delivery of note. Me not see who it from, but he read it and say next shipment of weapons coming soon. Then he have his guard lock note away in safe place."

You say to a captured Lonetusk,"Where is this safe place?"

"Me not know exactly. General keeps important stuff locked away in underground bunker. Me only know it well guarded."

You say to a captured Lonetusk,"You'd better not be lying to me, orc."

"Me no lie to you! Now me tell you this, you let me go, yes?"

You say to a captured Lonetusk,"Not a chance. You are a prisoner of the Freeport Militia."

"You liar! You say you let me go if I tell you! You bad to poor little orc!"

You say to a captured Lonetusk,"Tell that to the people of Shoreside that your people butchered. I leave you to the mercy of these guards."

You say, "Hail, Lieutenant Imperidus"

"Have you found out anything of use from the Lonetusk prisoner?"

You say to Lieutenant Imperidus,"It revealed that the Lonetusk were recently visited by a courier from far away who delivered some documents to their general."

"Excellent work! Did it give you the location of these documents?"

You say to Lieutenant Imperidus,"Apparently the orcs have locked them away in some kind of underground bunker."

"Then your highest priority is to find these documents and bring them to me. Search the entire Lonetusk area for that underground bunker. We must have this information!"

You say to Lieutenant Imperidus,"I will undertake this mission for my Overlord and my city."

As you look more closely at the parchment, you can just make out some of the orcish scribbling written upon it.

"We send more weapons and armor to you from Clefts. Keep fighting to take Ruins. Soon Freeport will be named Rujark!"

You say, "Hail, Lieutenant Imperidus"

"Have you recovered the document I sent you to retrieve? Time is of the essence here!"

You say to Lieutenant Imperidus,"I found it, lieutenant. It mentions something about "Clefts." Here it is."

You give the parchment to Lieutenant Imperidus.

"Let me see this. Hmm... The Clefts. This must refer to the Clefts of Rujark, an orc stronghold in the Desert of Ro. This means the Lonetusk are being supplied by the Rujarkians!"

You say to Lieutenant Imperidus,"Now that you mention it, I thought I spotted a Rujarkian advisor of some kind in the area."

"It is dark news indeed! If the Rujarkians were to do the same for other tribes around Freeport, it could mean the rise of a new orc offensive. Captain Arellius must hear of this news right away!"

You say to Lieutenant Imperidus,"I will report back to her."

"Report back to the captain. She will take word of this discovery back to our superiors in the Militia. This is extremely valuable information, my friend. You just might have given Freeport the edge it needs to ensure its safety. You have earned my respect."

You say to Lieutenant Imperidus,"Thank you, lieutenant. You have earned mine as well."

"You must return to Captain Arellius on the docks, citizen. The information you have for her is vital for Freeport's safety!"

You say, "Hail, Captain Arellius"

"Have you finished your assignments given by Lieutenant Imperidus at the second outpost?"

You say to Captain Arellius,"I helped the lieutenant investigate the Lonetusk orcs."

"Well done. Did you discover the source of the orc uprising?"

You say to Captain Arellius,"It seems another tribe of orcs, the Rujarkians, are supplying them with weapons and training."

"By the Overlord! This is vital information that I will send back to the Militia House immediately. It threatens the very security of Freeport!"

You say to Captain Arellius,"Where are these Rujarkian orcs located?"

"The Rujarkian orcs are based out of the clefts in the Desert of Ro, a harsh region that lies to the south of our own continent of D'Lere. Perhaps when you are much more experienced than you are now, you will seek adventure there."

You say to Captain Arellius,"Why does this information pose such a danger to Freeport?"

"The Rujarkian orcs are an extremely powerful and well-organized tribe. If the Rujarkians are supplying smaller groups like the Brokentusk and Lonetusk, it is only a matter of time before they provide weapons and armor to the Bloodskull orcs in the Commonlands. For all we know, such an alliance may already be forming."

You say to Captain Arellius,"I am glad the information I obtained was useful."

"Indeed, your efforts have aided Freeport greatly. To show our thanks, you many choose an additional reward from our supply chests. These items will serve you well."

You say to Captain Arellius,"Thank you for your guidance, Captain Arellius."

"Once again, I thank you for your service to the Freeport Militia. Your efforts will not be forgotten, citizen. Travel safely."

You say to Captain Arellius,"Be well, Captain."