Quest: The General’s Skull (Group Instance) Contact NPC: Rufus the Sorcerer Location: Rufus’s Laboratory, Cunae Township Completion: Acquire/Deliver the [Skull of General Argus] to Rufus the Sorcerer. Player Level: Mid-High Description: After speaking with Rufus the Sorcerer, the player and his/her group travel to the Island of Tripot Castus. Once they arrive, the party must enter the Great Labyrinth, an intricate maze of underground passages and ancient caverns located beneath the island. Players must battle numerous, increasingly powerful creatures as they delve deeper and deeper into the maze. Eventually, after defeating a large mini-boss, the group encounters a rather tiny NPC (possibly a female gnome), hobbling along, and nearing death. Gasping for air, she explains that she and her friends had already been sent by Rufus to acquire the skull. She tells them that she was successful in acquiring the skull; however, the rest of her group perished. As the NPC teeters near death, she asks the player (who initiated the conversation) to take the skull to Rufus. If the player accepts, each member of the group acquires a fake skull. If the player rejects the offer, the NPC suddenly transforms into a massive, high-level demon. The group must defeat the boss in order to obtain the real skull.
Contact Introduction: Do my eyes deceive me? Could it really be the Hero of Norgoroth – in my humble abode? Oh, thank heavens! You couldn’t have arrived at a more opportune time! Quest Introduction:
You see these artifacts, the cauldron, the tools there? For months now, I’ve tirelessly worked at concocting a potion capable of summoning the parted heroes of old. Do you understand—the kind Alucard described in The Annals of Mel-Tero Sorcery. Imagine—just a sip from this ladle and the power to raise Argus’s Legion up from the pages of history! Don’t doubt it, my friend. Such a feat was accomplished once before, and it will be achieved again. I only require one more ingredient—and I’m afraid it may not be easy to acquire. Quest Text: In order to complete my work, I need the severed skull of the legendary General Argus. It is said that Argus and his men met their demise in the Labyrinth of Tripot Castus. Alucard writes that the mighty general and his warriors slaughtered nearly a hundred demons, tremendous in power, size, and intellect, before they themselves were defeated. I do not know what lies in wait for you at Tripot Castus, but if you wish to aid me, I offer you this bit of wisdom: venture out with only your wisest, strongest, and most trusted allies. Player Accept/Reject: Don’t worry, Rufus. I’ll return with the General’s skull. I don’t think I can help you at this time. Not Finished: I will keep you in my thoughts, friend. Proceed with the greatest of caution. You follow in the footsteps of Argus. HUD Display Text: Travel to the Isle of Tripot Castus. Enter the Great Labyrinth. Acquire the Skull of General Argus. Quest Complete (Fake Skull): Fantastic! You’ve returned! Has the Hero of Norgoroth succeeded where the General failed? Let me look upon you. Fascinating. I was beginning to think that you too might be forever lost to us. It warms my heart to see you made it out alive. Few have entered the Great Labyrinth and lived to tell the tale. Ah, you have the skull! Wonderful. Allow me a moment to complete the concoction. (Scripted Event: Rufus walks toward fire, adds skull to cauldron, begins mixing, and starts to chant. Nothing happens.) Strange. All seems in order but nothing’s happening. Where did you find this skull? It is the General’s, isn’t it?
Wait! Can you feel that? I—I think something is afoul here. It’s getting warm—hot--burning! I’m feeling, I’m feeling—fire! AAAUUGGHH!!! (Scripted Event: Rufus bursts into flames) Quest Complete (Real Skull): Fantastic! You’ve returned! Has the Hero of Norgoroth succeeded where the General failed? Let me look upon you. Fascinating. I was beginning to think that you too might be forever lost to us. It warms my heart to see you made it out alive. Few have entered the Great Labyrinth and lived to tell the tale. Ah, you have the skull! Wonderful. Allow me a moment to complete the concoction. (Scripted Event: Rufus walks toward fire, adds skull to cauldron, begins mixing, and starts to chant. The boiling liquid changes colors several times and settles. Rufus takes a sip and attempts a wave of his hand. A ghostly band of armored warriors appear around him then fade away.) Success! Well done, my friend. You’ve accomplished more than you realize. Imagine what the Askhani Raiders will think when they see Argus’s Legion patrolling the town walls again. This will be a day long remembered—and I have you to thank. Here, take this coin for your trouble, and this sampling of the potion as your award. I’m sure it’ll come in handy on some adventure down the line. Reward: Fake Skull: [Rufus’s Ladle]: Slight crafting bonus to any related crafting profession. [Rufus’s Coin Purse]: Medium inventory bag along w/ a monetary reward. Real Skull: [Argus’s Summons]: A magical potion that allows a player to temporarily summon an elite squad of POWERFUL undead soldiers. Can be used THREE times by any class. [Rufus’s Coin Purse]: Medium inventory bag along w/ a monetary reward. Souvenir Clue: Fake Skull: You were fooled into taking a false skull to Rufus. In the end, the sorcerer paid for your error with his life. Acquired [Rufus’s Ladle] and [Rufus’s Coin Purse]. Real Skull: You were able to see through the Demon’s false guise and acquire the General’s actual skull. Rufus was successful in completing his magical concoction and rewarded you with a sample. Acquired [Argus’s Summons] and [Rufus’s Coin Purse].