Chasing Zenmai

Overview

 * 1) Speak with Imperial Guardsman Linro in Kaineng Center.
 * 2) Find Zenmai in Bukdek Byway
 * 3) Travel to the Undercity. Zenmai must survive.
 * 4) Stop the Am Fah from creating new afflicted soldiers.
 * 5) Defeat the demons.
 * 6) Speak with Zenmai
 * 7) Return to Clerk Arlon in Kamadan with Zenmai.

Obtained from:
 * Dinja in Consulate Docks

Reward:
 * 1,500 XP
 * Zenmai joins your party

Dialogue:
 * "Linro, an imperial guardsman Kormir met during her trip to Cantha, sent a missive about an assassin named Zenmai. Apparently the spearmarshal had asked Linro to keep his eyes open for any potential recruits.
 * If you ask me, he's just trying to pawn his problems off on us. He saw the assassin in Kaineng Center, apparently looking "suspicious." But, we can't afford to be picky, so I need you to go check out this assassin. She might come in handy if things get any uglier round here."
 * Accept: "A cold, refreshing assassin? I sure could use one of those right about now!"
 * Decline: "Things are going to get uglier? I just remembered, I have an urgent meeting... under my bed."

Intermediate Dialogue 1 (Imperial Guardsman Linro):
 * "You're one of Kormir's Sunspears, aren't you? She mentioned some of you might come to Cantha. She wanted me to watch for any potential recruits to your cause. An assassin by the name of Zenmai recently got off the boat. Rumor has it she spent some time soul searching at Shing Jea Monastery. You should be able to catch up with her in Bukdek Byway. But be warned, she's not exactly a warm person."

Intermediate Dialogue 2 (Zenmai):
 * "Sunspears? Sorry. Never heard of you. However, it would seem you are of some use in a fight.
 * "As mo zing, a masterless assassin I move from employer to employer, like the wind. Unfortunately, my most recent employer was kidnapped by some former comrades, the Am Fah, along with several other civilians from Kaineng Center. They will force those poor souls to drink from their corrupted chalice, turning them into mindless, Afflicted monsters. I know the location of their hideout in the Undercity. If you can face the danger I would have you stand at my side."

Intermediate Dialogue 3:
 * Lale the Vindictive: "At last, at last. The ceremony could not begin without the most important player. Zenmai, my dear, you've kept me waiting a long time. Too long. But it is an auspicious day that brings us together again. Did you truly think you could escape?"
 * Xeng Lu: "Zenmai...? Have you come to rescue me from these... these madmen?"
 * Zenmai: "I shall free you from the Am Fah... and then free you of the coin you owe me for my last job, do not mistake that. Dealing with Lale is a bonus. I do that for free."
 * Lale the Vindictive: "Such bile! Such anger! You're as cold as ever, Zenmai. Maybe if you weren't so frigid you'd move a little faster... You see, you're already too late for that one. To pass the time while waiting for you, we had some funs, some laughs... and some drinks from the Chalice of Corruption. Just like old times, before you left us. Remember?"
 * Zenmai: "The past is a shadow that is behind us all, waiting to embrace you like the ground rushing up as you fall. I never forget the past, and today I shall settle it's debts."
 * Lale the Vindictive: "A poet now, are we? You play at many things Zenmai. First you run from your past, like a mole that cannot face the sun. Now you come before me, playing the part of a hero. Very well. Let your blades speak, and we shall know the truth of your heart!"

Intermediate Dialogue 4:
 * Canthan Costumer: "I can't promise I'll remember your name when my fashions hit the big time, but I'll try not to forget what you've done for me on this day! Um, what was your name again?"
 * Canthan Poet: "Such heroism!/You will be remembered well/In my poetry"
 * Canthan Tourist: "I think it's time I reconsidered my reasons for traveling. It appears the grass was only greener on the other side because it was plague infested!"

Intermediate Dialogue 5 (Zenmai):
 * "My blades have pierced the Shiro'ken as surely as they have cut down these creatures, these demons. Through my steel, I could feel the same evil. It can be no coincidence... there is something greater at work here. Come Sunspear. It would seem that my answers lie in Elona. Besides, I can't collect my pay from a dead afflicted can I? Perhaps I need a new employer...."

Reward Dialogue (Clerk Arlon):
 * "Let me just dot the 'I' on your friend's temporary Sunspear Visa and it will be complete. There! This document will allow her free access to our ports and services. Have a nice day!"

Walkthrough
From Kaineng Center (a likely start, though Marketplace is closer), travel South following the map marker. You will find Zenmai, and some Am Fah will appear for a brief fight. Continue with Zenmai almost to marketplace, then East across the bridge towards the entrance to the Undercity.

In the Undercity, head to the location of the marker (just south of the weaponsmith, the same cavern Mina Shatter Storm usually inhabits). The area's usual residents are replaced by the quest NPCs and mobs. A long conversation ensues, allowing plenty of trap laying time, buff casting, etc. Once the final lines are spoken, combat ensues.

Keeping Zenmai alive is one of the greatest challenges. It is possible for Zenmai to be nearly out of health just a few seconds into the combat, so keeping a buff on her through Hero skills or your own skills is very important.

Trivia

 * This quest may be named after the Kevin Smith film Chasing Amy.