Mystery of the Black Pool

Quest Overview

 * The Black Pool seems to be Sentient. Obtain a sample for Asheron and be rewarded. (This quest was only active during Plans Within Plans and has since been retired.)

Walkthrough

 * 1) Stand at 4.3S, 14.8E, just outside Samsur, and use the Black Pool to emit a response from it.
 * 2) Go to Asheron's Castle via Eastham and talk to Asheron.  He will give you an empty Vial.  Note: The portal to get to Asheron's Island is at 17.9N, 64.3E.
 * 3) Go back to the Black Pool and use the pool again to fill the Vial.
 * 4) Return to Asheron with the Filled Vial - speak to Asheron and he will take it and give you an experience reward.
 * 5) Optional: Go and speak to the Archons near the Black Pool.
 * 6) Optional: Go back to Asheron one last time.

Images
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Lore & Dialog
Town Crier tells you, "Rumors have it a strange dark pool has been discovered. What does it mean? I do not know."

Town Crier tells you, "Out in the desert, around 4.3S 14.8E, a black substance has bubbled up into a mountain crevace. Whispers say that when the substance is touched it invades your mind. Tread lightly young adventurer, this seems like it is only the beginning."

Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "A dark pool out in the desert? I was pretty drunk last night so I apologize for the mess."

Ulgrim the Unpleasant tells you, "Ya I checked out the black pool. I wanted to see what it was like having thoughts in your head. The only thoughts that I heard were along the lines of "Go grab another stout." Seems like a smart pool to me."

Asheron tells you, "I have a bad feeling about the coming months, true danger may be in front of us."

Renselm tells you, "We are too busy to try to explain the truth to such pitiful beings."

Saelar tells you, "Do not disturb us while we research the proper magics we need."

Hahnain tells you, "If you know what is good for you then you will leave this place and ask no questions."

The strange matter feels cool to the touch and surprsingly not the least bit wet. As your fingers connect with the substance, murmors echo in your head. Geraine must be stopped. Almost as if it were your own voice, you find yourself thinking that Geraine has returned and is behind the troubles in Dereth. Geraine kidnapped Hoshino Kei and caused the destablization of portals.

Geraine must be stopped.

Hahnain tells you, "So you have heard the lies spread by that thing. I suggest you do not believe them. When the day comes forth that Geraine shall rule this land, he will have no mercy for those who did not stand by him."

You begin to tell Asheron of the Black Pool and the Archons of the Way. Asheron tells you, "A pool so black it reflects no light and the Archons of the Way seek to destroy it? Most intersting." You explain to Asheron the thoughts that filled your head when you touched the dark substance. Asheron mutters to himself for a moment Asheron tells you, "Geraine.... I should have known he would be the one to block my portal magic. He must be up to something quite despicable if he fears the return of the Empyreans." Asheron tells you, "This Black Pool troubles me. To have knowledge of events that even I have not seen and to give them so willingly to those who pass by." Asheron tells you, "I think I may know what this pool is connected to but I will need a sample to be sure. Bring me a sample as soon as you can, for if I am correct there is no time to waste." Asheron gives you Vial.

Asheron tells you, "I still need a sample from that pool to see if my assumption is correct. Let us hope it is not."

You take a sample of the substance which adheres to itself but nothing else. You hand over 1 of your Vials.

Do not let Geraine succeed with his plans.

Asheron tells you, "Ahh the sample I desired, I hope my thoughts on what this substance might mean are wrong." Asheron passes his hand over the vial causing it to glow. Asheron tells you, "It is as I feared. I must find a way to stop the Archons from destroying this pool. See if you can persuade them to halt their plans before they bring about a destruction they never imagined." You hand over 1 of your Filled Vials. You've earned 80,000,000 experience.

Asheron tells you, "I have no time to chat. If I do not find a way to stop those Archons from attempting their destruction of the Black Pool, terrible things will happen."

Hahnain tells you, "I care not what Asheron has to say on this matter, Geraine is the only true leader in this world. We shall not let his name be tarnished by an evil such as this." Hahnain tells you, "I always knew your kind was pathetic and weak. Leave us, for we have much work to do in finding the right magics to rid the world of this filth."

Asheron's Dialog during Hopes and Fears: Asheron says, "The Archons went through with their plan to rid themselves of the Black Pool." Asheron says, "I fear that the damage the caused to the land may have spread further down then they expected. If so than we must prepare for the fight that will come." Asheron says, "This is exactly why I urged them to stop their plan. I can only imagine how his power may have grown while imprisoned so deep within the world."

Update History

 * The quest was retired in Hopes and Fears and the pool is now gone.