My submission describes the first part of a 6-part quest series dedicated to the teachings of Alchemy. The finished series will provide an overview of alchemy as one of the many building blocks of modern-day Metin world. Let's see how the first part fares among players.
Starting level: 60
Pre-requisites: Alchemy unlocked by completing previous quests
1. Baubles and Trinkets
The Alchemist would be glad if you could assist him with an unusual task.
Ah- I was just looking for you. As a renowned hero in this town, I must further instruct you on the various mystical aspects of this land. If you remember my past teachings, the alchemical feats we perform today were considered the toys of charlatans mere decades ago. To harvest mana, the ever-present life force, and subsequently bind it to an element of nature - this is what lies at the heart of alchemy.
Player: Yes, yes, thank you for the tale. When do I get to go on an adventure?
Alchemist: I haven't finished! If you are so eager to refuse my wisdom, then I will cut to the chase. Soon's wife, Aranyo, has complained of experiencing terrible nightmares lately. Seeing as Uriel and Baek-Go have not concluded the source of her affliction, I have been tasked with solving the puzzle. Each day presents a new challenge, a possible breakthrough in the refinement of my fine craft. I do not have the time to see her, therefore I elect you as my representative.
Player: I'd be up for the task, but how will I be able to-
Alchemist: Not in a hurry anymore, eh? I trust you can do this. The knowledge is with you - you must only apply it. Off with you now!
2. They Come at Night
Talk to Aranyo about her recent nightmares.
Player: Mrs. Aranyo, I have arrived at the request of the Alchemist. I understand you have had trouble getting quality sleep recently.
Aranyo: Please, you must help me! I feel as if I'm slowly losing my sanity. My eyes feel heavy and tired. I don't think I will take this much longer...
Player: Do you recall when your nightmares first began?
Aranyo: My dreams were invaded a couple of weeks ago, though it feels like months have passed. As my weeks are uneventful, I don't have any idea what could have caused these mind tricks. I have even resorted to wearing protective jewels and ordering custom-crafted talismans from the local shamans. Nighttime is approaching ever faster with each passing day. I fear the night, adventurer, I'm scared. Each night I see the same imagery-
Player: What exactly do you see in your nightmares?
Aranyo: I hate to think about it. There it comes, surrounded by a pale, green aura. It has a weak glow, but it illuminates a demon. A terrible beast I tell you! Its hair hanging in long, sharp strands. There is some light reflecting from those locks and shining right into my eyes. Just thinking about it, I feel the sensation of it depriving me of my life force. As if I'm a fly caught in a spider's web. I cannot continue to talk about this. You have to help me!
Player: Your wrist! It looks inflamed. Your entire arm too just now!
Aranyo: There's no need to concern yourself with that - it's the jade working to preserve my health. It's how I know it works. Unfortunately, it's not enough to keep the nightmares at bay. Please go now, I need a moment of rest.
3. Spreading Influence
Return to the Alchemist with your tidings about Aranyo.
Alchemist: What did Aranyo tell you of her troubles?
Player: The more she spoke, the less it sounded like a physical ailment. I theorize her ailment could be supernatural. How do I provide salvation from an invisible creature? A demon, she described it, and then...
Alchemist: A demon, you say? It's no wonder our brightest minds couldn't reach a conclusion. We who deal with mana might yet uncover this blight. I see she has also taken some precautions by wearing a jade accessory. Though I doubt it can protect her indefinitely.
Player: I'm not sure. I have never seen a jade ward have such a detrimental effect on someone.
Alchemist: Of course! You just connected some important dots. Listen, I would like you to bring Aranyo's jade bracelet to me. There is something I would like to inspect.
4. Glimmer of Green
Retrieve the jade bracelet from Aranyo, then bring it to the Alchemist.
Aranyo: What? You would strip me of my prized jade ward? It's very expensive and I would not see it harmed in the wrong hands. On the other hand, as you are my only hope, I will oblige. Please, bring it back to me soon.
Player: I will return the bracelet to you as soon as time permits.
Item obtained:
Discolored bracelet
After retuning to Alchemist:
Discolored bracelet is removed from player's inventory.
Alchemist: Ha! As I suspected. The culprit is none other than an imposter of the magnificent jade mineral. Old age has dulled many of my senses, except for one. I can feel mana surging through this bracelet, and not the good kind. I'm interested in how Aranyo came into possession of such a trinket. Surely its previous owner must have experienced the same struggles as our dear patient.
Player: You would suggest us to?
Alchemist: -to craft a new ward for Aranyo. One made of pure jade. You see, inexperienced alchemists might have dismissed this as true jade. Mastery over currents of mana in the minerals and metals tells me this is but a sorry replica. Aranyo has been wearing green quartz, though this often happens to folks unititiated in the subtleties of materials. While I neutralize this bracelet, I ask that you bring me some raw jade and a crystal of earth. The earth elementals dwelling in the Snake Wastelands use such crystals to support their physical forms. Be warned - without a host, the crystals will turn to dust in no time. Make haste.
Player: I will set out at once.
Alchemist: Good. We shall prepare a suitable replacement for Aranyo. Afterwards, you can check on her condition.
