Something Wicked

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Something Wicked is a Main Quest given by Subira.

Description

“

The results from the Order's lab have arrived. Subira's asked you to meet her by the stables to go over what they found.

”

Objectives

Part 1

Meet Subira back at the Elderwood Stables.

Part 2

Check your pack and read through the documents from the Order.

Read the materials from the Order.

Part 3

You've finally learned what this infection is called: Echo. Discuss the Order's discoveries with Subira.

Discuss the logs with Subira.

Part 4

The lost boy has appeared again, and he's even got a name! Ulfe wants to help, but something's blocking his way. Follow him and see what it is.

Talk to Ulfe again.

Part 5

Hekla isn't answering Subira's calls and it's got her worried. Rush to the Temple of the Cosmos to check on the wayward watch duty!

Check on Jina and Hekla in the Temple of the Cosmos!

Part 6

Someone managed to knock Jina and Hekla out, and swipe the Staff while no one was looking. Whoever it is, they certainly have access to a lot of power, if they can break open a Flow shield like that.

Speak to Subira privately.

Part 7

Your adventure with Subira may be winding down for the moment, but the Elderwood is full of secrets still to be discovered.

Meet Subira back at the Elderwood Stables.
Optional: Check back in with Hekla and Jina.

Rewards

During Quest

Part 3

3 Sacred Flower

Part 7

At Quest Completion

Walkthrough

Meet Subira at the Central Stables (Elderwood).
Read the following quest items in your inventory:
Speak to Ulfe.
Return to Kilima Valley and head to the Night Sky Temple.
- Speak to Jina and Hekla.
Speak to Subira in private.
Return to Central Stables (Elderwood) and speak to Subira.
- Optional: Speak to Jina and Hekla before leaving.

Dialogue and Mail

Introduction

Upon speaking to Subira

Subira: Here are the materials I received from the Order.; There are lab results, a letter from the Illuminary himself, and what appears to be a diary recovered from an Order mission.; I've read them myself, but I'd appreciate your thoughts on them. Note: this line can be bugged and repeats.

Progression

Missing dialogue for Water

Upon speaking to Subira after reading the logs

Player: I read the logs.; Yes, your expression tells me as much. I wish the news were more pleasant.; The infectious substance we are dealing with is, at its core, semi-sentient negative emotions.; This Echo has the ability to change the very makeup of biological structures.; And it is all over the Elderwood. Apparently other places across Bahari Island as well.

Player: Where does this Echo come from?
Subira: (TBA)

Player: It doesn't matter. We'll take care of it!
Subira: Yes, we will. Failure is not an option

Player: What does someone gain from unleashing Echo?
Subira: Access to it. While I do not know what uses Echo might have at the current moment, I can think of many possibilities.; If there is a way to control it, perhaps one could even use it to infect enemies. Cast new spells and curses. Enhance their own physical ability.; And that is not counting the myriad alchemical properties the substance might have.; It is imperative we discover the source of the Echo in the Elderwood, and shut it off.

Player: It's never a fluffy hopalong invasion.
Subira: Actually, there was one mission with a biohacker who sought to unlock the hopalong's agility-; Which is a story for another day. Let's stay focused. Ahem.; It is imperative we discover the source of the Echo in the Elderwood, and shut it off.

Based on the diary, the source of the Echo is likely to come from an Ancient Human ruin. Have you seen anything that stood out as you explored the Wood?

Player: The big bridge thing in the south?

Player: There are some structures in the swamp...

Player: The cave we just left?

???: No.; (Before you can finish your sentence, the boy from the caves emerges out of the shadows surrounding the stables. He stops moving as Subira turns her gaze towards him.); ...!
Subira: I promise, I mean you no harm.; (Subira lifts her hands up in an appeasing gesture. After a moment, the boy reluctantly relaxes and comes closer.); My name is Subira, and this is (Player). You are?
Ulfe: ...Ulfe.
Subira: It is a pleasure to meet you, Ulfe. I'm glad to see you safe and sound.
Ulfe: (Ulfe tilts his head to the side, watching Subira blankly.); You... clean Echo?

Player: Call us the cleaning crew!

Player: Something like that.

Ulfe: I help. Forest is... sick.
Subira: Do you know something that can help?
Ulfe: Yes. This... Echo.; (He gestures at the stable, then the woods beyond, and spreads his arms out wide.)

Player: It's everywhere?

Player: It's really big?
Ulfe: ...
Subira: Do you mean it is everywhere?

Ulfe: Yes... everywhere. You... waste time, look everywhere.
Subira: Do you know how to find where it's coming from?
Ulfe: It... there is tree. Zendruu Tree. In village.; I go there. I...; (He gestures reaching out his hand, placing it on the nearest tree, and closing his eyes.); I find sick.
Subira: You are saying that if we take you to this Zendruu Tree, you will be able to find the source of the Echo.
Ulfe: Yes

Player: Let's go right now!
Subira: I imagine if it was that easy, you would have gone already, yes Ulfe?

Player: Got it. Touch tree, find Echo.
Subira: I imagine if it was that easy, you would have gone already, yes Ulfe?

Player: I doubt it's that easy.

Player: Where is the Zendruu Tree?
Ulfe: (TBA)

Ulfe: I try. I fall. Sick everywhere.
Subira: Where is the Zendruu Tree?
Ulfe: Come. Follow.

Missing dialogue for Water

Upon speaking to Ulfe

Ulfe: (Ulfe stands in front of a great wall of Echo, covering what appears to be some sort of entrance.); Trapped.
Subira: I see. If we want to gain access to the Zendruu Tree, we will need to find a way past this barrier.

Player: What about the Staff?
Subira: (TBA)

Player: The experiment log mentioned Flow.
Subira: Yes. If we were able to obtain a source of extremely concentrated Flow, we might be able to clear the blockade.; Fortunately, we know of where to obtain just that. If you recall, the Staff locked away in the Temple of the Cosmos is capable of emitting beams of Cosmoflow.; And Cosmoflow is simply Flow in its most hyperconcentrated form.

Player: Let's try running at it really fast.
Subira: I'd rather not. Especially when we already know where to find exactly what we need.; If you recall from the experiment logs, Echo is repelled by Flow. The larger the concentration, the stronger the effect.; And we have already discovered a source of hyperconcentrated Flow- the Staff in the Temple of the Cosmos.

Player: We always figure things out.
Subira: Thankfully, the answer is already at our fingertips.; If you recall from the experiment logs, Echo is repelled by Flow. The larger the concentration, the stronger the effect.; And we have already discovered a source of hyperconcentrated Flow- the Staff in the Temple of the Cosmos.

Ulfe: You help forest?
Subira: We shall certainly try.; Now, I suspect in order to gain access to the Staff there will be some manner of puzzle, challenge, or maze. The Ancient Humans did seem to love them.; Of course, I expect you'll make short work of anything blocking our way, (Player).; I will contact Jina and Hekla and let them know we are coming. I asked them to keep watch over the Temple while we were gone.; ...; ...........

Player: Line's busy?
Subira: That is not possible. I'm accessing Hekla's Flow network directly via Runestone.; And she is currently... offline.

Player: What's wrong?
Subira: I am able to access Hekla's Flow network directly. Until now there have been no issues with it...; But her Flow network is currently offline.

Player: How are you contacting them?
Subira: (TBA)

Player: Tell them I said hi!
Subira: I would... if Hekla's Flow network was not currently offline.

Something is wrong. We need to check on them.; ...Ulfe, will you be alright waiting here until we get back?
Ulfe: I go to trees. Watch.
Subira: As long as you're safe.

Player: We'll be back soon!

Player: Stay safe...

Player: Don't fall down any more wells.

Player: Let's go.

(Ulfe disappears up the nearest tree, climbing it as easily as if it was a ladder.)
Subira: Make haste, (Player).

Missing dialogue for Air, Fire, Water

Upon speaking to Jina and Hekla in the Night Sky Temple

Jina: Ugh... so sleepy...; (Player)...?
Hekla: SYSTEMS REBOOTING. Please stand by...; ...; ...! Who dares to touch my Jina? Activating defensive systems-
Jina: W-wait! I'm okay, Hekla, it's just (Player).
Hekla: I see. Then the assailant has already escaped. I have failed to keep my Jina safe...

Player: Are you okay?
Jina: I'm fine, I think. Hekla?; My systems have rebooted successfully. I am however experiencing a despondant emotional state.

Player: I'm glad you're alright.
Subira: As am I. What, exactly, happened?

Player: So, what happened?
Subira: An excellent question. Please, anything you are able to tell us.

Player: What happened?
Subira: An excellent question. Please, anything you are able to tell us.

Jina: Um, well. Hekla and I were keeping watch just like you asked us to. Then she just... shut down.
Hekla: A fatal error was introduced into my Runeworking through the Flow Network. It forced a reset loop on my cognitive functions.; Fortunately I keep backup systems safely partitioned, but the recovery takes time.
Jina: As soon as she went down, I saw some purple... smoke? or maybe an orb? out of the corner of my eye.; And then I passed out. I just... felt so sleepy all of a sudden I couldn't control it.
Subira: And while the two of you were indisposed, the assailant took the Staff.
Jina: I know, I'm so sorry- I let you down-
Subira: No. You could not have defended yourself against such an attack. It is my fault for not leaving more protections behind.; Whoever this is working in the shadows, they have consistently been one step ahead of us.; This is my failure. And I will make it up to all of you, I promise.
Hekla: I suggest we all take a moment to consume nourishment and readjust our emotions. I shall prepare some stew for us.
Subira: ...Thank you, Hekla. (Player), may I speak to you alone for a moment?

Optional: Upon speaking to Hekla and Jina

I am currently formulating nourishment. Please wait.

You don't think Subira's too disappointed in me, do you?

Thanks for checking in on me, (Player). You don't need to worry.

The only danger I'm in now is dying of embarrassment.

Missing dialogue for Water

Upon speaking to Subira privately

Subira: This is the last time something like this will happen. I have been too lax with myself.; Having a partner again, being in this place. I let myself get swept up in the moment.; I am sorry, (Player). Truly. My oversight has set us back too many steps.

Player: Hey bud, it's okay.
Subira: ...; That shouldn't make me feel better. I shouldn't even need comfort.; ...Thank you, (Player).; We are at a standstill. Our options are to find another source of Cosmoflow, or hunt down the Staff.; Both of those things will take time.

Player: So, what now?
Subira: ...I don't know. We need to find another source of Cosmoflow, or hunt down the Staff. Those will both take time.

Player: Blame whoever did this, not yourself!
Subira: Believe me, I am also blaming them. Yet if there were no villains in this world, I would be sorely out of a job.; The least I can do is protect innocents like Jina and Hekla.; We are at a standstill. Our options are to find another source of Cosmoflow, or hunt down the Staff.; Both of those things will take time.

Player: You can't predict the future.
Subira: (TBA)

I don't like it, but for now we must return empty-handed.

Do not let this feel like a failure. You saved Ulfe and gained us valuable information about the Echo.

This is only a small setback.

Meet me at the stables, would you? I had some things I wanted to give you, before all of... this.

Optional: Upon speaking to Hekla and Jina

Hekla: Here is your liquid nourishment. Please ensure you consume all of it for maximum emotional amelioration.
Jina: I don't know if soup is the right answer here...
Hekla: It will not be very efficient to spend energy on worries. It is better to spend that energy making yourself stronger.; (Player), I have prepared servings for you and Subira as well. Please ensure she accepts it as well.; If she refuses, as my Jina is wont[sic] to do, let me know. I have methods to get unruly wards to do what is best.

Optional: Upon speaking to Jina and Hekla again

Jina: ...It's good soup.
Hekla: Only the best for my Jina.

Conclusion

Missing dialogue for Fire, dialogue without bringing soup

Upon speaking to Subira back at the stables

Player: Soup delivery!
Subira: This is for me?; ...; How different life is outside the Order.; It's good to be reminded of what I'm fighting for. These small moments of kindness in the middle of such uncertainy[sic].; Thank you for bringing it to me. Perhaps I can give Hekla my congee recipe as thanks.

Player: (TBA)

Subira: Before you arrived I spoke to Ulfe. Or tried to at least.; The moment he heard that we couldn't help, he disappeared into the trees again.; I do not blame him for being so mistrustful... but even Order Initiates aren't left to fend for themselves like he has been.; As for why I asked you to trek out here a final time, it is not to witness my self-flagellation.; It is to thank you. You have done considerable work here for the good of Palia.; It would be remiss of me to let that go unpaid. I have been collecting quite a few useful things as we've explored the Elderwood.; And if you are interested in more resources, I am happy to provide what I've found in exchange for Echo.; It will be a long term task to clean the Elderwood of infection, even after we seal the source. It's best to start now.; I promise, we will not be at this standstill for long. I will dedicate all of my resources towards finding the Staff or another source of concentrated Flow.

Player: What about Tamala?
Subira: I think I'll visit her first.; In any case, I will keep you informed if anything changes.; I could not ask for someone better at my side. Whenever you need me, (Player), simply say the word.

Player: I'll help!
Subira: (TBA)

Player: Time to go loot grind.
Subira: I will keep you informed if anything changes. Until then...; I could not ask for someone better at my side. Whenever you need me, (Player), simply say the word.

Player: Keep me posted.
Subira: Of course. You're my partner, after all.; Do not be a stranger, (Player). I will be here, whenever you need me.

Post-Quest

Upon speaking to Subira

Subira: I wonder about Ulfe. The other Umbraans all left the Elderwood, yet they left a child behind. Why?; Of course the question is purely hypothetical, there's no way you could know.; I have a sense it might have something to do with the Zendruu tree, or Echo, or even the missing staff...

Player: You think Ulfe stole the staff?
Subira: No. That doesn't feel right.

Player: Sounds like conjecture.
Subira: You're right, but it's still odd.

Subira: The Order doesn't exactly have the best relationship with Umbraa, but I do know an ambassador through some official channels.; I'm going to see if the people who used to live here know anything about a missing child.

Literature

Hunter's Diary
Location	Given to the Player by Subira.
Contents	Hunter's Diary 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 (A note is scrawled on the first page: Recovered from Incident Site 62-B. No survivors recorded. We are calling the mysterious smoke "Echo" based on similar reports connected to other Human ruins.) DAY 1: Set up camp with the clients today. Guess the Order wants someone to guide these Watchers through the ruins. Strange to see Order folk want anything to do with old Human stuff. Usually see em putting up their little ropes and tryin to keep folks out. Still, can't beat pay when it comes to the Order. Specially when no one else wanted to take the job. Lotta local folks claim the ruins are cursed, which is why they had to hire a hunter like me. Someone who knows their way around a bow and ain't afraid of some shadows. Should be fine long as no one's stupid. I ain't one for all that superstitious crap anyways. ‹ 1 / 7 › DAY 2: Started real early today. The Head Watcher, some guy named Finnii, made a big fuss about early wols catching the worms. Swear I saw one of the other Watchers roll their eyes. Got a feeling he ain't exactly a popular leader. He talked my ear off the whole way down to the ruins about his theories on the Human disappearance. I asked him why it mattered and he acted all shocked. Just don't see how some old dead people from before our time have anything to do with us. I tuned out the answer he gave. We made camp in the ruins. Some of the other members are acting nervous. The youngest one, Simuu, says she heard voices in the shadows as we were traveling today. Didn't hear nothin' myself. Suggested to Finnii that he check in on her later. ‹ 2 / 7 › DAY 3: Had nightmares last night. Same one I used to get. Had to watch him fall, over and over again, while I'm frozen. Try to move or call for help or do anything but it's like I'm not even in my body anymore. Heard some of the other expedition members mention bad dreams too. Think those stories are getting to everyone. The worst was Simuu though. She had these dark shadows under her eyes and barely even reacted when I tried talking to her. Finnii wrote it off as nerves. Apparently it's her first mission since graduating. I'm not so sure though. She seemed nervous but normal yesterday. Today it's like she's a different person entirely. We go further into the depths today, then set up final camp. ‹ 3 / 7 › DAY 6: Found some kinda locked door mechanism in the ruins. Spent the whole day solving the puzzles to unlock it, and all we found on the other side was an empty hallway and some purple smoke. Thought it might be poison gas from a booby trap, but it dissipated real quick. DAY 7: Simuu disappeared. Spent all day looking for her but it's like she vanished without a trace. Tried bringing it up with Finnii, but he brushed it off. Seemed almost... angry at me? Swear he snarled at me like some kinda shadvaraak. Tried to write it off as stress but I ain't so sure anymore. Thinking soon as we find Simuu we might wanna cut this thing short. DAY 7: Same damn nightmares. Why can't I move? ‹ 4 / 7 › DAY 8: Finnii says it's business as usual. We'll start trying to open the doors in that hallway we unlocked, and if Simuu shows up then she shows up. He won't divert resources to look for her. Some of the others tried to argue and he nearly charged them with mutiny. Ain't my business, anyways. DAY 8: Ain't nothing behind any of the doors. Just more smoke. What's the point of hiring a hunter? Not like I can shoot the air. Nothing's been living here since the Humans sealed it up. DAY 9: The nightmares ain't stopped. Barely slept last night, so I just kept watch. Could've sworn I saw somethin' sneaking around in the dark but when I went to check it out it was gone. Day 10: We found Simuu. She was behind one of the sealed doors. No idea how she got in there, and she ain't saying anything. When we found her she was shakin' like a leaf, surrounded by that purple stuff. I told Finnii we should cut the expedition short and get outta here and he damn near pulled a sword on me. Think I'll stay up and keep watch tonight near Simuu's tent. ‹ 5 / 7 › (The next few pages are damaged and almost completely unsalvageable. You flip to the next legible page.) -- trapped. Must've been Finnii. He's locked us in here, says we're all infected. Can't see how he's the one changing. Damn paranoia's doomed us all. Gonna look for another way-- It's here. This is where it's all been coming from. That smoke, the damn smoke. Close my eyes and all I see is purple and that thing. Finnii was lying next to the pool as it swam under the surface. Singing to it. Need to get out of here. Taking Simuu with me. She took one look at the thing and just started shrieking. It ain't even leaving, but I'm not waiting for it to get hungry. ‹ 6 / 7 › (That is the last page of the journal. There is a note attached to the back cover written in a different hand.) This journal was discovered just inside the Painted Ruins. No traces of the expedition team were found despite extensive search. There are no known hallways or underground pools attached to the Painted Ruins. It is a relatively simple complex believed to be a Temple to the Phoenix. The only proof that the missing expedition reached these ruins is this account. All members have been marked Missing In Action. ‹ 7 / 7 ›
Gallery	Book Contents Book Contents Book Contents Book Contents Book Contents Book Contents Book Contents

Elderwood Lab Results
Location	Given to the Player by Subira.
Contents	Elderwood Lab Results « Lead Alchemist Jada » 1 2 3 4 (There are pages of introduction, methodology, and data. You flip to the section that has been earmarked.) RESULTS Preliminary material examination revealed physical differences between infected samples and control samples. Infected Sample A (Flora) emitted a purplish-black vapor even severed from its root system. This vapor persisted until the biological tissue completely expired. Examination of its circulatory Flow system revealed trace amounts of Substance X (Echo). Infected Sample B (Fauna) exhibited further deterioration and complete transmutation. The circulatory Flow system was entirely overwritten by Substance X. Physical changes were observed throughout the sample. Biological structure began to transform under further exposure to Substance X. Experiment B paused. ‹ 1 / 4 › ON THE NATURE OF FLOW AND ECHO It was noted while attempting to contain the infected samples that the standard Flow-based containment spells used by Order Protectors had an adverse effect on infected samples. Infected Sample A reacted by recoiling from the presence of Flow. When fully contained in a Flow shield the samples shriveled as if denied water or sunlight. Bombarding Sample A with concentrated Flow sufficiently burned infection from the biological structure, but resulted in termination of specimen. Attempts to contain pure Substance X Essence via Flow resulted in Substance X presence diminishing and eventually dissipating. It appears that the higher the concentration of Flow, the faster this dissipation process. Further experiments paused pending Ethics Committee approval. ‹ 2 / 4 › DISCUSSION It is my belief that the more "advanced" the cognitive and emotional capacity of the infected specimen, the higher the rate of Substance X within its system. There was a marked increase in Substance X between flora specimens and the varying fauna species, with insects containing the second lowest amount of Substance X and mammals containing the highest amounts. Furthermore the physical changes became more extreme the more advanced the sample and the longer the rate of exposure. On the nature of Substance X, it appears to react to the presence of emotion (or lack thereof). Coming into limited contact with the substance can induce an emotional state within subjects. Among the samples tested, fellow alchemists reported feelings of rage, grief, and despair. ‹ 3 / 4 › It is currently unclear how this transferrance happens, nor what mechanism currently determines the exact emotion transferred. The following is purely conjecture at this point, and must be taken as such. It is my belief, based on supplemental materials (Hunter's Diary) that the substance amplifies the emotions of subjects exposed to it. Moreover, it appears to have some sort of primitive reflex to seek out and attach to sources of emotion. This seeking behavior, if it can be called behavior, is influenced by the intensity of the emotion exhibited by the subject. When an artificial calm was induced in subjects via approved Runeworking, Substance X reduced to an inert state. This implies that emotional control and regulation could assist in rejecting Substance X influence. More data required. ‹ 4 / 4 ›
Gallery	Scroll Contents Scroll Contents Scroll Contents Scroll Contents

A Letter from Erwhin
Location	Given to the Player by Subira.
Contents	A Letter from Erwhin I have attached the preliminary lab results and a diary discovered within the Grand Archives. The reports coming from the Elderwood match those coming from our agents across Bahari. We have reason to believe the Flow surge that kicked off these events originated from Kilima Village, based on your discoveries within the Human ruins. On a personal note, I cannot emphasize enough how important it is we find the source of this infection and stop it before it spreads further. If this substance- this "Echo" were to spread to major population centers it could wreak havoc on our citizens. It attaches to emotions and twists them, turning anger to rage and sadness to despair. Remember your training. Shut off all emotion. Practice your control and stay level headed. And keep an eye on that Human you are working with. This whole thing stinks of Human hubris, and I will not have our people suffer for their peoples' mistakes. Erwhin Office of the Grand Luminary
Gallery	Scroll Contents

Notes

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Something Wicked

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