Lighthouse Hermit

Lore & Dialog
The hermit's eyes grow wide as he begins to speak. The old hermit shifts his position, and begins to talk with a slow and deliberate voice. Lighthouse Hermit tells you, "Ah, I do remember now. I didn't think it would take this long, but no matter - you are here.  If you will but listen to my story, I will reveal a great secret to you." Lighthouse Hermit tells you, "I once was the greatest and most feared arbalister in all of Dereth. I once had everything a man could want from this life, and I have enjoyed all that I have experienced over the long years." Lighthouse Hermit tells you, "But decades of adventure and excitement have caught up finally, I'm afraid. I find myself unable to see the bull's-eye any longer, thanks to the slow dimming of my sight.  And more often than not I find the string to be too powerful for these feeble hands to draw or load." Lighthouse Hermit tells you, "However, a ghost of the past still stirs in this old body. And before death's final arrow tears through the dark night in search of this weary target, I must see to it that my secret becomes known -- it is with you I entrust this knowledge." Lighthouse Hermit tells you, "I have seen with my own eyes the devastating power of magic; how easily a burning fireball can send the most skilled archer to his demise!" Lighthouse Hermit tells you, "It has long been said: "The only way to combat magic is with stronger magic."  Before you sits an old man who has come to understand what this truly means." Lighthouse Hermit tells you, "I obtained certain artifacts and studied about old, forgotten magic. I devised for myself a way to empower my crossbow with a powerful, arcane device - a fetish, one might call it." Lighthouse Hermit tells you, "Any missile weapon may be empowered similarly. Be warned - the magic is strong, and thus irreversible by any process I know of.  I will tell you all I can remember soon enough.  But today I have talked long enough." Lighthouse Hermit tells you, "Travel now to Aerlinthe Island. Find the old ones, the ancient diamond behemoths roaming that enchanted, volcanic isle.  Retrieve the ancient diamond relic, and return to me.  I should more clearly see the past when I am again holding a piece of it."

You allow Lighthouse Hermit to examine your Ancient Diamond Idol. The hermit's eyes grow wide as he looks at the diamond relic. Lighthouse Hermit tells you, "So you found the golems then? I trust they did not give you too much trouble -- I see a stout and strong dead-eye when I look into your eyes!" Lighthouse Hermit tells you, "Do not lose this priceless artifact. You will need to harness the magical, protective power found within it -- eventually." Lighthouse Hermit tells you, "Ah, but you have so much to do yet. Let us not delay any longer!  You must venture to the Itheanc Cathedral, in the Veseyan Islands.  The horrible fleshless dead, the blood fiends, have a most precious treasure in their possession -- a bright, silvery ring." Lighthouse Hermit tells you, "You must find this ring, for it contains a most vital magical element."

You allow Lighthouse Hermit to examine your Warding Ring. The hermit rolls the ring back and forth in his hand slowly, thinking deeply about the past. Lighthouse Hermit tells you, "A warding ring..." Lighthouse Hermit tells you, "Long ago I took a ring identical to this one from the charred and burning hand of a fiend. That time seems unreal to me now, beyond my grasp in memory." Lighthouse Hermit tells you, "I do remember some of the important details, though. This ring conceals a small glass vial containing blood.  You will need this foul fluid." Lighthouse Hermit tells you, "There is no way for either of us to remove the vial from the ring, I'm afraid. But there is one who can -- one who knows of the darker magics." Lighthouse Hermit tells you, "You must locate the seer that calls the wild jungles of Aphus Lassel her home, and show this ring to her." Lighthouse Hermit tells you, "She will know what to do, and she will help you."

When you speak to him before handing him the Unfinished Fetish Lighthouse Hermit tells you, "Do you intend to linger? I suppose I could make some cinnamon tea if you'd like to stay a while longer...if only I could remember where I put the cinnamon."

You give Lighthouse Hermit Unfinished Fetish of the Dark Idols. Lighthouse Hermit tells you, "You are truly a hunter worthy of this powerful magic fetish. I have no doubt that you are excited to head out and t--" The hermit stutters, then begins to laugh loudly. Lighthouse Hermit tells you, "Aha! It's a good thing you showed this to me. You did not properly secure the idols to the cord!" The hermit rebinds the cord to both idols, using a method of tying you have never seen before. Lighthouse Hermit gives you Fetish of the Dark Idols. Lighthouse Hermit tells you, "There you are. It took some effort, but I have fixed it for you." Lighthouse Hermit tells you, "You have done well. I am very content in the knowledge that the secret will not die with me now." Lighthouse Hermit tells you, "One final request: Tell no one of what you have learned from me!"