The Nature of Shadows

Looks like this article or section is a stub and missing info. You can help out by expanding it.

The Nature of Shadows is a Main Quest given by Subira upon completion of The Elderwood.

Description

“

Subira has arrived in the Elderwod, and has some thoughts on how you can begin your investigation.

”

Objectives

Part 1

Speak to Subira about investigating the Elderwood.

Part 2

Subira wants to better understand whatever substance is infecting the Elderwood, and has asked your help in gathering samples. To start, she'd like some local minerals.

0/20 Stone
0/10 Whitestone
0/10 Palium Ore

↷

Deliver the minerals to Subira

Part 3

Quest Objective

Meet Subira outside the eastern stables exit.

Part 4

You and Subira have decided to accept Tamala's help in collecting more infected samples.

Return to the Elderwood Stables and speak to Tamala.

Part 5

Tamala will need some ingredients if she's to make a potion that will allow you to interact with the infected flora of the Elderwood.

↷ Deliver the ingredients to Tamala

Part 6

Now that you've helped Tamala complete the potion, it's time to collect some infected foragables.

0/5 Gather infected plants from the Elderwood.
Gather infected essence from the Elderwood.

↷ Return to Subira.

Rewards

During Quest

Part 4

20 Standard Smoke Bomb

Part 5

1 Elderwood Potion
Increased Friendship with Tamala

At Quest Completion

1 Sacred Flower
Increased Friendship with Subira
25 Renown

Walkthrough

Information Needed. Walkthrough coming soon.

Steps to take.
- Substep or more description.

Dialogue and Mail

Introduction

Upon speaking to Subira

Missing dialogue for Fire

Player: I'm ready to keep investigating.
Subira: Excellent. After all, you and I both have roles to play.; I am sure you have noticed the strange energy present in the Elderwood. That oily purple sheen that seems to be infecting even the air itself.; When I was investigating it, I accidentally brushed against it. Almost immediately I felt a deep aching sadness within me.; Even when I stepped away from the substance the effect lingered longer than I would have liked.; I have never seen anything like it.

Player: I touched some too!
Subira: (TBA)

Player: I had a similar experience.
Subira: I see. Then the effect is similar among Majiri and Humans.

Player: Did you try licking it?
Subira: ...No, I did not try licking it. And I am concerned that I need to say this, but please do not try eating the mysterious goop.

Player: Could it be related to the Protocol?
Subira: It is too early to make any assumptions. As likely as it seems.

Ahem. Allow me to recap what we know so far.

A mysterious stranger activates an ancient protocol, the nearest location of which is the Elderwood.

When we enter the Elderwood, we encounter a strange new substance everywhere. This substance has a strange affect on those who come into contact with it.

Before we come to any more conclusions, I would like to try and collect some local samples to send back to the Alchemy Lab.

Simple minerals should do first. We should know how the land itself has been affected by this substance.

I understand you're more skilled with a pickaxe than I am. If you could focus on the samples, I will focus on searching for our wayward child.

Player: Time to play fetch!
Subira: ...Thank you. And please, stay safe out there. I expect you back in one piece, (Player).

Player: You got it, partner!
Subira: (TBA)

Player: Stay safe, Subira.
Subira: Thank you. Should you run into any trouble, I will know and come find you.

Player: Fine.
Subira: Thank you. Should you run into any trouble, I will know and come find you.

Progression

Upon returning to Subira

Missing dialogue for Fire, Water

Subira: ...; Ah, (Player). I apologize, I did not see you there.

Subira: ...; (Player). Just the sight of you sets my heart at ease

The longer I spend in these woods, the worse I seem to feel. Yet I have not come in contact with infected organisms recently.

It's as if the very air itself has become tainted.

There is... a tugging at the back of my mind. Like I am desperately waiting for something, though I know not what.

I felt very alone, (Player). As if every moment in my life where I yearned secretly for someone by my side was amplified.

And then I saw you, and the feeling vanished. Almost instantly, I am embarrassed to admit.

In any case, if you are here, that must mean you have collected the samples, yes?

Player: Straight to business, huh?
Subira: Always.

Player: Yes, here they are.
Subira: Excellent. You are proving a rather competent partner.

Player: It was a piece of cake!
Subira: (TBA)

Player: Maybe I just missed you.
Subira: Well, as we just established, I quite missed you as well.; But I can still see the samples sticking out of your pack.

(Subira delicately takes the samples from you and studies them for a long moment.)

Nothing. Not even a trace of negative energy clings to them.

So the substance, at the very least, does not affect minerals.

While you were collecting the minerals I took the chance to gather some samples of my own while looking for the boy.

Unfortunately, I failed on both counts.

You may have noticed some forage is decidedly infected. Unfortunately when I attempted to gather it, I was repelled quite aggressively.

We will need to find some way to dispel the effects in order to collect samples.

Player: Is there anyone we can ask?
Subira: (TBA)

Player: Really thick gloves?
Tamala: If that's the sort of brilliant thinking you bring, I see why the Watcher's made you her partner.

Player: What about Dispel Arrows?
Tamala: Not a terrible idea, but unfortunately you'd only waste your arrows.

Player: It can never just be easy.
Tamala: Now now. That's because you didn't ask little me to help.

Subira: ...Tamala. How interesting to meet you here.
Tamala: Mm, I'm a free spirit, darling. I go where I please.
Subira: Like the Night Sky Temple, perhaps?
Tamala: Oh, that's cute. Well, if we're asking pointed questions, shall I respond with one of my own?; Someone's been haunting my humble abode in the Bahari Bay. They think they're being quite sly about it, too.; You wouldn't know anything about that, would you?
Subira: Perhaps they aren't trying to hide anything. I doubt you can say the same.

Player: Why are you here, Tamala?
Tamala: Well, if the Watcher here is done attacking me, I'd love to tell you, darling.
Subira: ...Of course. Please, speak freely.

Player: It's good to see you, Tamala!
Tamala: Now that's a proper greeting. At least one of you knows how to be polite.; Especially when I came here explicitly to help!
Subira: ...Of course. Please, speak freely.

Player: Are you two done bickering?
Tamala: I was just an innocent victim. It was your Watcher here who went on the offense the moment she saw me.; And when I came here explicitly to help you two.
Subira: Then please, speak freely.

Player: ...I kinda ship it.
Tamala: ...
Subira: ...
Tamala: Well, it seems there is at least one thing the Watcher and I can agree on.; In any case, I did not come here to bicker. In fact, I came to help.
Subira: Then please, speak freely.

Tamala: Perhaps you forgot, but my little house is located at the edge of the Bay. Quite close, in fact, to the Elderwood.; After that light show, I came to the Elderwood and discovered it had changed.; While these woods have always been a bit... off, it is the difference between a trickle and a flood.; So I have been doing my own experiments on the substance in hopes of understanding it.; And I believe I have formulated a potion that will let you gather infected forage without being repelled.
Subira: ...Why would you offer this to us instead of using it yourself?
Tamala: Why would I not? I'm simply trying to be helpful. So suspicious... who hurt you, I wonder?
Subira: ...(Player), would you meet me by the eastern cave exit? I'd like to discuss with you. Alone.
Tamala: Best decide quickly. My time is valuable, and the offer limited.

Optional: Upon speaking to Tamala

Tamala: Her brow wrinkles in such a fascinating way when she's displeased.; I can't imagine why. I've been nothing but helpful!

Upon meeting Subira by the cave exit

Missing dialogue for Earth

Subira: I must admit, I did not expect her to insert herself into our business so... brazenly.; It is rare but not unheard of for suspects to reappear at the scene of the crime. But to directly offer assistance?; What do you think, (Player)?

Player: We don't have much choice...
Subira: ...You're quite right, (Player). And while I wouldn't label Tamala an enemy...; She's certainly no friend.; Very well. We have much to gain and little to lose from accepting her offer. Being stubborn will only harm us.

Player: Keep your enemies close.
Subira: ...You're quite right, (Player). And while I wouldn't label Tamala an enemy...; She's certainly no friend.; Very well. We have much to gain and little to lose from accepting her offer. Being stubborn will only harm us.

Player: She could be telling the truth!
Subira: I wish I could maintain that same faith in others. Perhaps I am not as impartial as I would like to think when it comes to Tamala, however.; My instincts tell me she is hiding something, but it could very well be unconnected to her offer.; Very well. We have much to gain and little to lose from accepting her offer. Being stubborn will only harm us.; ...That doesn't mean I have to like it. Still, I can put up with a bit of annoyance for the investigation's sake.

Player: She probably wants something too.
Subira: Yes, I thought as much too. For some reason she is unwilling to use the potion herself.; However, she may have something to gain from having access to this strange substance.; Regardless of if we say yes or no, she will still have the potion.; Very well. We have much to gain and little to lose from accepting her offer. Being stubborn will only harm us.; ...That doesn't mean I have to like it. Still, I can put up with a bit of annoyance for the investigation's sake.

Let us return to the stable and inform her of our decision.

Upon returning to Tamala at the stables

Missing dialogue for Earth, Fire, Water

Tamala: You're both back. Have a lovely little chat without me?

Player: Not as lovely without you.
Tamala: Well, a little flattery will get you everywhere, darling.
Subira: We have decided to accept your help.
Tamala: I'm glad you realized just how much you need me, dear Watcher.

Player: We've decided to accept your help.
Tamala: I'm glad you didn't waste too much time admitting you needed me, darling.
Subira: As long as you're willing to truly help.

Player: About that potion...
Tamala: Now now, don't be coy, darling.; If you want something from me, you'll need to be direct.
Subira: We've decided to accept your help.
Tamala: I'm glad you realized just how much you need me, dear Watcher.

Player: We'd appreciate your help!
Tamala: "We"? How shocking! I didn't realize you liked me so much, dear Watcher.
Subira: I believe you have quite a bit of information I'd find useful, Tamala. I look forward to a fruitful partnership.
Tamala: My, those Order dogs trained you well, didn't they?
Subira: ...

Tamala: Now, I told you that I have formulated a potion that will enable you to interact with infected forage, yes?; Well, I may have told a teeny fib.
Subira: Tamala...
Tamala: Such venom! Don't look at me like that, Watcher. The formula exists, but I am lacking some rather difficult to obtain ingredients to finish it.; Now, I could waste my time collecting, or we can have our favorite Human do it for us.

Player: Am I really your favorite?
Tamala: You will be if you do me this little favor, darling.
Subira: (Player) is not a dog in need of praise.
Tamala: No? Oh dear, and I prepared treats.

Player: Fine, Give me the list.
Tamala: :: Straight to business. Mm, I do love your no-nonsense approach.
Subira: (Player) is not a dog in need of praise.
Tamala: No? Oh dear, and I prepared treats.

Player: No problem!
Tamala: For someone as talented as you? I should hope not.
Subira: (Player) is not a dog in need of praise.
Tamala: No? Oh dear, and I prepared treats.

Player: What if I break a nail?
Tamala: What about my nails? I just painted them last night, (Player).
Subira: Frankly, I am not concerned about the status of anyone's manicure.
Tamala: Well, that explains why your nails look like that.

Here's what I'll need. Everything is fairly standard, save for the Infected Essence.

Like begets like, after all. You need a little hair of the plumehound in the potion to break through the infection.

I've made some enchanted gloves that should allow you to collect the essence without coming to too much harm.

Player: So the key IS really thick gloves!
Tamala: Oh, (Player). You are cute.

Player: How much is too much?
Subira: If you are putting (Player) in the line of danger for your games, Tamala...
Tamala: Oh, relax. Unless you ingest raw essence you'll be perfectly fine. I wouldn't take a bath in the stuff, either.

Player: I'll do what I have to.
Tamala: (TBA)

Player: I can handle some goop!
Tamala: Yes, I'm sure you can.
Subira: If you notice any ill effects, be sure to take a break. Your health is more important.

Subira: I will continue to monitor the missing child's Flow signature, but I think it would be best I stay at the stables while our... guest is present.
Tamala: Oh, how wonderful. I'm sure we'll become just the best of friends.
Subira: ...I will be awaiting your return, (Player).

Optional: Upon speaking to Tamala before collecting all the ingredients

Tamala: Isn't this so much nicer than watching me from the shadows, Watcher?
Subira: Persons of interest rarely talk back during a stakeout.
Player: Where can I find the ingredients again?
Tamala: You are a needy little thing, aren't you?; Staircase Piksiis can be found living underneath Staircase Mushrooms.; For the Toadstool Floatfish, perhaps try fishing in the lakes without any bait.; As for the Elderwood Orchids, they're scattered all across the forest floor.

Upon returning to Tamala

Player: I have the potion ingredients.
Tamala: I knew I could rely on you, darling. Now, allow me a moment to synthesize the potion.; There you are. The first one's free, but if you need more, I'm afraid you'll need to bring me more essence.
Subira: A shame your charity only goes so far.
Tamala: A woman has to eat, Watcher. Not everyone has the government bankrolling them.; Besides, I'll show you just how nice I'm willing to be.; It seems like you'll need more of my help while you investigate the Elderwood, so I've graciously decided to open a little potion shop.; Please stop by whenever you'd like. I'm here to help after all.
Subira: I'm sure your shop wares all follow proper Order regulations as well.
Tamala: Naturally.
Subira: In any case, (Player), you should be able to collect the flora samples we need now.
Tamala: Yes, just drink that potion and off you go.; A warning, however. The effects will not last forever. Take care you don't stay out too long without a proper supply of them.

Conclusion

Upon returning to Subira

Missing dialogue for Earth, Fire; bug path

Player: I have the flora.
Subira: Ah, excellent.; ...; How... strange. Thought[sic] you've cleansed the surface of infection, it appears whatever overtook these plants has permeated their very core.; I can feel it pulse throughout every part of the samples.; Flow permeated all living things in small amounts, integrating naturally with one's self. This comprises your Flow signature.; Even a plant can have one, though typically it only allows you to differentiate between types of plants, not specific individuals like it can for people.; The Flow has been completely eradicated from these samples, and those pathways taken over by this new substance.; It is not just an infection... it is a domination of spirit. Of self.

Player: It's not hard to dominate plants.
Subira: You jest, but I agree that overtaking simple energy like this is relatively easy in the grand scheme of things.

Player: That sounds bad.
Subira: (TBA)

Player: We need more samples.
Subira: Always.

Player: Is the energy similar to Flow?
Subira: It is hard to describe. I cannot use my magic to sense it so much as I can use my magic to sense the absence of Flow.; Whatever this substance is, it rejects my magic. Quite vehemently, in fact.

I think we need to study fauna next. Fish, insects, larger creatures. Something more complex than a simple plant.
Player: Good thing we have the potion.
Tamala: Not so hasty, darling. My potion's quite a useful little concoction, but it doesn't work miracles.
Subira: I take it you've been eavesdropping for our entire conversation?
Tamala: These stables are a public area. I didn't realize you were looking to hide anything.; More importantly, if you try to use my potion to gather anything more than plants, you'll find yourself in for a nasty shock.; The way my potion works is simple: it tricks these infected plants into believing you are like them, and so they no longer reject you. You are, in essence, disguising yourself as one of the infected.; So anything you manipulate with your own hands, or directly with handheld tools, will not be rejected.; Fishing hooks, smoke bombs, and arrows will lose their disguise the moment they leave your side.; You'll need to find a way to directly incorporate infected energy into those items, or else you'll find them quite ineffective.; I am an expert in all things imbibed, but I can't help you when it comes to making new ammo and accessories, darling.
Subira: A surprisingly helpful explanation. It appears you'll need to speak to an expert in fishing, hunting, or insect catching to proceed.; I don't need samples of all of them, so it is up to you which you'd like to proceed with.

Player

I'll try hunting.

Subira

Then I suggest you speak to Hassian to proceed.

Tamala

Talking to Hassian, are we? Make sure you tell him hello for little ole me.

Leads to quest

Shot in the Dark

Player

Let's catch some bugs!

Subira

(TBA)

Leads to quest

Bugging Out

Player

Fishing sounds relaxing.

Subira

I believe the Galdur Einar is your fishing mentor, yes? I'm sure he'll be able to assist us.

Tamala

If he's actually willing to divulge some of those secrets he's keeping.

Leads to quest

Something Fishy

Subira: If you need any assistance I will be here, (Player).
Tamala: I'm quite a busy woman, but I suppose if you find you need me for anything, I'll try to fit you into my schedule.; It's hard being so important.

Notes

The dialogue option the player picks in the final part of this quest will determine the next quest the player gets.

I'll try hunting. Shot in the Dark
Let's catch some bugs! Bugging Out
Fishing sounds relaxing. Something Fishy

Update History

Build 0.191:

Introduced.

v · eQuests in Palia

Quests • Quest Items

Types	Main • Discovery • Found Items • Guide • Skill • Event • Villager • Friendship • Romance • Secret Puzzles

v · ePalia Wiki

Villagers	Ashura • Auni • Badruu • Caleri • Chayne • Delaila • Einar • Elouisa • Eshe • Hassian • Hekla • Hodari • Jel • Jina • Kenli • Kenyatta • Nai'o • Najuma • Reth • Sifuu • Subira • Tamala • Tau • Tish • Ulfe • Zeki

Skills	Bug Catching • Cooking • Fishing • Foraging • Furniture Making • Gardening • Hunting • Mining

Items	Gatherables • Bugs • Fish • Creatures • Crops • Decor • Outfits • Treasure Chests • Bundles • Materials • Dishes • Quest Items

Locations	Kilima Valley • Bahari Bay • Elderwood • Ancient Human Ruins • Stores

Game Mechanics	The Player • Guide:Game Controls • Player Menu • Inventory • Tools • Currency • Focus • Quests • Accomplishments • Social Panel • Housing Plot • Crafters • Gifting • Friendship • Romance • Emotes • Home Tours • Fast Travel

Navigation menu

Namespaces

Views

Navigation

Gameplay Guides

Help Edit

Tools

The Nature of Shadows

Description